This is one of those theoretical questions that I know no one can really answer for me, but I'd appreciate your input and experience.

I have a hybrid, and I've been riding a lot in the past year (I've had the bike for 8 years, but I used it for about the first 3 years only to commute to work, and then didn't ride much until last year). I started riding with my local club last April, and by the fall was riding about 100 miles a week. So I decided it was time to get a road bike (by the end of the season, the beginners group I rode with was doing 50 mile hilly rides, and I was the only one with a hybrid) and to go clipless, which I've done.

I'm a little concerned about switching over, because I have back issues, and I like the upright position of the hybrid, but everyone keeps telling me it will help me keep up with the pack. I tend to ride about 3 people from the end, no matter who I'm riding with, for some reason! Hills kill me, and we got lots of 'em in No. Cal. I'm also going on a bike tour in Italy in May, and the company I'm going with gives you a choice of a Bianchi road bike, or a hybrid, so if I switch over, I definitely want to do it in the next couple of months.

I'm not thinking so much that a lighter bike (my hybrid weights 26 lbs) will make that much difference- I'm a very big girl, so a few pounds difference on the bike shouldn't theoretically make a difference, right? But the tires should help.

Anyway, what do you think-should I buy what I can afford (around $3000 tops), or get an entry level bike? I'm thinking I'll grow out of an entry level bike pretty fast, given the level of obsession I've developed. I love my local lbs, and I know they'll make sure I get a good fit. They've helped me enormously adjusting my shoes/pedals so my knees don't kill me since I went clipless (yah, got knee issues too), I think they're certified Serotta fitters, if that means anything.

Any input would be appreciated.

-Amy