1st century (maybe), new roadie on a budget

[Minx]

Hi, I also replied earlier this morning but am waiting for an admin to approve my post - maybe it was because I had a quote in it? Anyway, maybe this one won't be posted right away, either, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am reading and appreciating all of the suggestions - especially because I know a lot of what I am asking is not new to you.

A friend of mine has done a 300 mile 4 day charity ride for the last six summers and is doing her seventh this year - she has done each and every one on a hybrid. So I started my shopping thinking I'd look at both, but after starting to test road bikes I don't think a hybrid would make me happy now. They brought out a Vita when I tried the Dolce and the Ruby, and I didn't even bother with it after testing the road bikes. I do think I am going to have to see if I can take a longer ride on some road bikes before I make a purchase instead of 5-10 minute tests. It just feels so different from a hybrid that much of this is hard for me to judge, I think. I do know that I was awfully reluctant to leave the Dolce and the Ruby behind - I want a road bike NOW!

It sure does sound like you get a lot more bike for your money with the Giants, and so I am no longer ruling those out. My ole hybrid is a 12 year old basic Giant Cypress and it's been good to me, though I have not been so good to it. That Tiagra disc model looks like a really great deal! I'm not sure I'd go up to 1200 for disc brakes, because I know I will want some basic accessories as the summer goes on (cheap computer, bottle holder, gloves, bento, etc.) and quite possibly a different saddle and/or different bike shorts. Luckily I already have a good helmet, good padded shorts and some technical running shirts I can use in place of a jersey. But it certainly looks like it is worth considering.

If I do end up with lower end components (Sora or lower), do you think they will get me through the summer?