aicabsolut- Thanks for a bit more insight on what to look for if racing is in my future. I will keep this in mind (hopefully I'll be out at one of the LBS tomorrow!) I just have that fear that I will be absolutely lousy at cycling . I know if I decide to stick below my budget now, either way, I should be much more able to upgrade in a few years.

My school does have a cycling club, however it is only open to full time undergrads and I'm a part time grad student. Oops! I know once I do start considering racing, I'll be looking around for more advice then on where to start.