It's time for a road bike... need some help

[Starfish]

When I rode horses, I looked at a fancy and very expensive horse. I asked the breeder the same question- should a lower level rider buy a really nice horse and she said "a nice horse makes it easier for anyone to ride- the upper level rider or the lower- you don't need to qualify."

Yep, in fact, the rule there is, never put a green rider on a green horse. Put the newer riders on the good quality, well trained horses.

Don't know if the theory really translates into bikes, but I like the justification it gives for getting a great bike early on!!!!

(Seriously, though, you're riding enough that you will want a great bike.)