Quote Originally Posted by socaljewel View Post
I am scared I will have lots of flats with skinny tires, and I'm scared the integrated brake index shifters will break constantly.
Nope...I just had my first flat ever a week ago--after logging > 5k miles. My bikes have had 23 and 25mm wide tires. I don't have too much trouble keeping up with my hubby, either, though he doesn't try to drop me. He rides easy and I push myself...though the more I ride, the less I have to push and the less he has to pull back. Because he supports me, I am eager to improve and ride more. My first year on a road bike I logged 3500 miles (in addition to running 1k miles). If he were unsupportive (as it sounds your BF is), I doubt I would have pedaled even half that. He's my biggest cheerleader (it behooves him to be, since now I can't pick on him for all the bikes in the garage--because now a couple are mine. ).