It's usually awe :-)

One thing you can do that's a lot cheaper than a new bike is switching tgo smaller tires.

There are a lot of new styles for bikes; you know you're hooked on going distances so find something that is honestly comfortable. Are you looking to go a lot faster and get out and really work up a sweat? Or are you looking for lots of miles and time out riding...and chatting... and pausing at that interesting shoppe... I fit the latter and really like my 7500FX - which now I think are numbered 7.5 . (However, if money were no object I just might sink the dollars into a carbon frame or fork which I *think* the top of the line 7.whatever has - oh, MY!!! comfortable and light and FAST!!! ... I rode one last week )