I went to two LBS, one sells mostly Trek, the other mostly Giant. Went to the Trek place first, after asking some questions about what I'm currently riding and what kind of riding I do/ would like to do, the owner recommended a Gary Fisher Monona, which is what he called a "fitness" bike. It's a pavement bike, not a mtn bike. More upright than a road bike, but I definitely am hunched over a bit more than on my Trek 7100. Tires are smaller than I have, not road bike skinny though. He said "you can try a road bike if you like, but I don't think you would be happy with it". I had to get to a hair appt, so didn't have time for a longer ride. I plan to go back on Monday for a longer ride on the bike path adjacent to the shop.

After said hair appt, got to LBS 2 about 15 minutes before closing time. Went through the same types of questions, they recommended a Giant FCR 2 W. Also a "fitness bike", which I've never heard of before. I plan to go there Wednesday after work for a test ride on that bike and the entry-level Giant road bike.

I want to ride longer/faster and not struggle so much with hills. What's your opinion of these two "fitness bikes"? Any chance they'll meet my needs?