Thinking about a road bike

[emily_in_nc]

No way is it "gilding the lily"! The nicest, lightest, best-equipped bike you can afford is going to perform better and make riding all the more pleasant and rewarding for you. Go for it!

[arielmoon]

I second Emily. Of you feel good on it and the price is right for you get it!

[stella2]

I have this variation on the Pashley Princess http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co....iss-1412-p.asp Strictly a hybrid, but this style was the original road, tow path, bike and is used a lot as a road bike in Holland where nearly everyone cycles on the road. This is my first bike and it is exceptionally comfortable and balanced. I must say, I don't know how it differs from a bike specifically designed as a road bike.

[out_spokin']

Another vote for buying the nicest you can afford, with two caveats:

• make sure in the "afford" equation you include at least some gear to get you riding safely and comfortably right away (do you have a newer helmet? padded shorts? gloves?) and

• most importantly, take some time with a few bikes and really get a sense of how road bikes fit, and how you fit on different road bikes.

A higher end bike that doesn't fit is worse than a 15-year old mountain bike that does! (speaking as someone who rides an 18 y.o. mtb with slicks as my daily commuter, as well as a FANTASTIC custom road bike that took a while to save for!) Good luck!