hi all! thank you for your replies!

I think that's mainly what I was wondering: whether a 10 year difference would be a significant upgrade, or whether I should up my budget and go for a more dramatic upgrade, i.e. the Jamis Quest. More bang, for my buck, so to speak!

As for the tires, yes, that's an important clarification! HA! My thought is that with 700s, I'll have a wider range of choices in terms of getting something sturdier.

That rough asphalt is EATING ME UP!

And don't worry! I don't even OWN credit cards any more. I messed up and I worked hard to get myself free, and I have DEFINITELY learned my lesson! HA!! It's all cash, all day, every day!

Thank you so much!