I would really like to find something that I can keep up with my husband on his road bike. His mountain bike is a about 10 years old and not very well fitted, but he has to ride it when I ride the SC40. It works for family rildes around the neighborhood, but that's it. If I can get a bent, I want to do some significant distances with him...perhaps RAGBRAI.

Hill climbing ability is key for me as I live in a pretty hilly area and almost all of the organized rides in the area are hills. I also would like to test ride a tadpole style bent trike. They are pricey but look so fun! I hear that they do quite well on hills and make stops much easier. I'm a little concerned about coming to a stop and flopping over on a two wheeled bent ! Unfortunately, this style trike is hard to find in bike shops so the biggest market is over the net. This is unfortunate because it makes test driving almost impossible. WizWheelz sells online and has a money back gaurantee. If I get out there and can't find a bent that I'm comfortable on, I may end up ording one from them. They are very adjustable so they fit a wide range of sizes. Fortunately for me, I am 5'8" so the fact that they are "unisex" (read male) design doesn't hinder me too much. My local bike shop has even offered to try and order one for me, assemble it, and set it up for fairly minimal fees. They may start carrying some before I get in the market for it. The one from Wiz Wheelz beats many others in price by almost $1000 and has had good reviews, so the bike shop is hoping to talk them into letting them sell them. I think WizWheelz does mostly internet sales.

Thanks for the input! As I start testdriving, I will certainly be drawing on your wisdom! Your bike is on my list, too! I still have some serious sweet talking before my husband is going to go along with the purchase!!!