How do I know when it's time for a different bike?

[rapid cycler]

Hi, LTD. Just a couple of things to add since you've already received good answers to your questions

- How much of a mph increase can I reasonably expect?

Honestly, your mph on a hybrid impresses me immensely! I think I was only averaging 11-12 mph on mine before I switched. Now my average is closer to 15. With the strength you've developed already, you could be doing 17-18 in no time!

- How much of an adjustment is the change in riding position -- hybrid to road?

I'd say this is the most challenging part of switching, because you'll likely feel soreness in muscles you may not normally use. Get into the habit of stretching before and, especially, after a ride (while your muscles are still warm). It can also be helpful to do some cross-training to build core strength (Pilates or yoga) and upper-body strength (rowing, push-ups, or light weights). No need to go join a gym and go nuts over it—there's a lot you can do at home with a couple of free weights and maybe a balance ball, or even with nothing at all—but your time on the bike will be more pleasant for any thought you put into riding while off of it.

- Those skinny tires look fragile! Do they hold up to bumpy roads well? Are road bikes higher maintenance?

I've had far more flats occur on my hybrid and my mountain, simply because all that tread traps and holds glass, nails, etc. If you happen to ride through glass or anything else pokey, stop as soon as it's safe to spot inspect your wheels and carefully remove anything sharp from the tread before it gets a chance to penetrate your tube. In this way, even if you've picked up a sharp, you can often avert a flat. That being said, once you start seeing a whole lot of slits in your tire where grit and glass have entered, the tire may need replacement, because those slits are weak spots that are now primed to introduce all manner of street flotsam to your tube. Finally, it never hurts and sometimes helps to use Mr. Tuffy, a thick plastic liner that sits between your inner tube and tire to provide an extra barrier of resistance. (Some people like Slime, a sort of liquid, spray form of Mr. Tuffy, but it's messy and in extreme temps it can shift within your tire, making it roll unevenly.)

- I'd like to stay under $1000. Any advice on some brands to start my research? I'm 5'8" and not petite by a long shot!

Nicole happened to mention two makes that would be high on my list were I in the market. The Jamis Ventura was Bicycling magazine's editors' pick for best entry-level road bike this year, unseating the winner of the past (three years running, I think), the Trek 1000! Each start at $700. I was trying to find an online version of their annual buyers' guide and couldn't, but here's a link to their online reviews in general (both the Jamis and the Trek are in there): http://www.bicycling.com/topic/0,661...83-0-0,00.html
Also, for consumer reviews, in addition to what you read here, you might check out Road Bike Review: http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/la...S_5668crx.aspx

Now to think about how to approach this with DH. I'm thinking the MOTORcycle he bought last year is a starting place for negotiations!

Um, he bought a motorcycle? Forget about that $1,000 ceiling and get yourself the sweetest ride you can find!