Newbie question on "fit" for those with experience (advice sought)

[Roar]

Thanks, aicabsolut. That's helpful.

It's good to hear that carbon is not *that* fragile. I have had a few bike stores tell me not to get one because they'll break, but it could be because they don't have one to sell me. (Not to be cynical.... really, though, that's why I am on here trying to learn what's what.)

I just got back from a 44 mile bike ride and at my pokey rate of 10mph or so, that's a good 4+ hours on the bike. I actually feel OK, but a bit stiff. I really like these long rides. I think I could stay out longer if I were more comfortable. That's why I was interested in carbon...people seem to talk about their comfort. Right now, I am doing all these miles on a Stumpjumper and I think I could really step it up with a bike with some speed / comfort. (Plus, I want to do this triathlon in the spring, so I had better get this road bike thing figured out over the winter....)

Do you think carbon is the most comfortable? (I suspect people have all sorts of opinions on this...)

I don't want to whack out a pile of money on an unknown ---a first road bike in general---who knows if I'll take to it--- but I really think I need to upgrade and I definitely want it to be as comfortable as possible....To your point, I want to give myself as good a shot at liking this as possible.

Oh, and re Zia's point about components, I have a hard time wrapping my small hands around the hoods and getting a good grip on the brakes (I think they've all been Shimanos of various sorts.)

Someone else has mentioned t look at SRAM / Campagnolo. Any thoughts on that?