Upgrade from low-end mtb to a mid-range road bike - suggestions?

[KnottedYet]

The Jamis Aurora I rode had handlebars about 1 inch higher than the seat. It was sooooo comfy! I was seriously tempted! Went back and test-rode that critter 3 times.

MicheleM- If you order a bike, make sure your bike shop knows you don't want them trimming the steerer until you're sure where you want the bars. The impression I've had lately is that most shops are leaving the tubes alone until the bike is purchased.

I was trying to decide between the Jamis Aurora and a Surly Long Haul Trucker (or Soma copy of the LHT), then Flossie the Waterford X-12 came into my life... and the rest is history! (BTW her bars are also about 1 inch higher than the seat thanks to the miracle of quilled stems)

This is the stem riser Uforgot mentioned. http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Alloy-Bi.../dp/B000FHBED0 It will add back steerer tube length without you having to buy a new fork with a longer steerer tube. If you have the option of a quilled stem, talk to your LBS. They are awfully convenient for adjustments.

[uforgot]

Well, that's what I get for buying used! I would have loved it if my Jamis had had those high bars. Glad to know I can look for the long steerer tubes if I ever have that new bike feeling again. At any rate, our dialogue will help Michelem know a little bit more about the fit she wants!

[michelem]

So much great information! Thanks!

Yesterday, I brought my bike in to my physical therapy appointment and got a bike fit. He adjusted my new cleats and I could feel a difference right away (I've been practicing with them on the fluid trainer, but haven't yet gone on the road with them). Interestingly enough, he said he couldn't get the right-side alignment just right because of the triple chainring. With all the hills we have around here, I was really leaning toward getting a triple on whatever new bike I purchase. Anyone else have leg/knee/foot alignment problems with a triple?

Also, he raised the saddle and said I need to get a seatpost that is about two inches longer so we can raise it about another inch. The LBS had lowered the seat when I was fitted there (this was before I got the clipless pedals. Their reasoning was that I wasn't pedaling with the heels down. P/T says that this is a mistake some bike fitters make, as they expect everyone to use the heel-down style of pedal stroke. He would have liked to lower the handlebars more, but they are as low as this bike allows and he's trying to keep the cost down since I probably won't be sticking with this bike for too much longer. Oh, he also said I need a skinnier saddle as my existing saddle is too wide.

Last but not least he pointed out that I was keeping my back too rigid and almost swayed when pedaling, which puts more pressure on the neck. He showed me how to hold my back correctly and what a world of difference!

This weekend my mother is in town for Easter, so I am hoping to start bike shopping next weekend. None of the bike shops in our area carry Cannondale anymore and I really want to try one out! I hear it's because Cannondale got into some financial trouble. Seems the closest shop to carry Cannondale is about 2 hours away. Anyway, one LBS carries Specialized and Trek and the other carries Giant and Bianchi, so I guess that should keep me busy to start out. No Jamis dealers in the area either. Closest is about 45 minutes away (without traffic). I guess that's not too too far.

I'm really enjoying reading all of your suggestions. Thanks again!

[michelem]

How funny. I just came across the specs for my current bike. No wonder it's so hard to ride!

Novara M-1000 1997

BB Shell Width: 68mm English

BB Spindle Length: 122.5 mm

Bicycle Type: mountain bike, non-suspension

Bottom Bracket: 122.5 mm spindle

Brake Levers: Shimano Altus

Brakeset: Tektro 860AG brakes, Shimano Altus levers

Chain: KMC HG-50, 1/2 x 3/32"

Chain Size: 1/2 x 3/32"

Chainrings: 28/38/48

Chainstay Length: 16.9"

Colors: Bay City Blue

Component Group: Shimano Tourney TY-30

Crankset: Tracer, 28/38/48 teeth

Fork Brand & Model: Spinner

Fork Crown: unicrown

Fork Material: hi-tensile steel, unicrown crown

Fork Rake: 1.90"

Fork Travel:

Frame Angles: 72.0 head, 72.0 seat

Frame Construction: TIG-welded

Frame Tubing Material: hi-tensile steel

Front Brake: Tektro 860AG

Front Brake Lever: Shimano Altus

Front Derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY-30

Front Derailleur Type: Unspecified

Handlebar: Alico YC-211

Handlebar Extensions: Not included

Handlebar Stem: Alico YC-401

Head Tube Angle: 72.0

Headset: 1" Chin Haur steel

Headset Diameter: 1"

Hub Front: Formula FM 31

Hub Rear: Formula FM 31

Hubs: Formula FM 31

Largest Rear Cog: 28

Num Rear Cogs: 7-speed

Pedals: Victor VP-893

Rear Brake: Tektro 860AG

Rear Brake Lever: Shimano Altus

Rear Cogs: 7-speed, 14 - 28 teeth

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY-30

Rear Shock: Not applicable

Rear Shock Travel: Not applicable

Rim Front: Alex MP-19

Rim Rear: Alex MP-19

Rims: Alex MP-19, 36-hole

Saddle: Viscount 9710

Seat Post Diameter: 26.0 mm

Seat Tube Angle: 72.0

Seatpost: steel, 26.0 mm diameter

Shift Levers: Shimano Altus EZ Fire

Sizes: large, medium, small, xlarge

Smallest Rear Cog: 14

Spoke Brand: Shuhn Lih steel, 2.0mm straight gauge

Spoke Gauge: 2.0mm

Spoke Holes: 36-hole

Spoke Material: steel

Spoke Nipples: brass nipples

Spoke Type: straight gauge

Sugg Retail: 295.00

Tire Front: Maxxis

Tire Rear: Maxxis

Tire Size Front: 26 x 1.95"

Tire Size Rear: 26 x 1.95"

Tires: 26 x 1.95" Maxxis

Top Tube Length: 22.2"

Weight: 29.0

Wheelbase: 41.4"