OK- I have another question, if anyone is still reading...

How long did it take you to feel confident/comfortable on a road bike? 100 miles? 100 hours? I am doing alright, but still not at all comfortable with signalling (bike gets all squirrelly when I try) or with getting out of the saddle while riding.

I went on a midnight ride on a paved bike trail last night (full moon, very bright) with my boyfriend, and scared myself a couple of times when there were bumps that I couldn't see due to shadows... I made it the whole 13-15 miles or so (not exactly sure) without wrecking, but I was a little freaked out at some moments. I am quite slow unless it's very flat and straight, and scared to go downhill too fast. I feel like the skinny tires are getting to my head, and I feel that even when I'm going at a pretty good clip, I'm still doing little balance checks from time to time.

I appreciate all your tips and advice!