Thanks Owlie.

So the scary reports I am reading about carbon fork failures are not commonplace? I will mostly be riding on sidewalks/paved bike trails that are not real smooth so the bike will be subject to some bumps every day. I am doing 30 miles about four times a week right now but I have to step it up and build my mileage up within a few months so I really need to get off the mountain bike.

I do not think I will be doing these really long rides a lot. This could be a one time occurrance though I have always enjoyed biking riding and typically do 12-15 miles at a time. The last time I bought myself a bike was 25 years ago and I hope that this bike will last the next 25 years!

You mentioned saving for a 'nicer flat bar road bike". What makes a bike 'nicer' - components? weight?

Thanks for your help.