Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Need your advice on a new bike!

Hi, I'm new to this board and new to biking all together actually. I sort of fell in love with biking all over again early this summer. I hadn't been on a bike in about 10 years due to an old knee injury which miraculously stopped bothering me a few years ago. I at the time bought a 2008 Trek7200 women's hybrid. A heavy comfy bike that I thought would be nice for short bikerides around Chicago.
I realized way too late that I made the wrong decision. I found that I LOVE long rides. I've started to do 35 miles a day on this bike and it's just not made for this in my opinion. I'm 5'7 and 102lbs and I'm hauling my butt to get this thing moving. I'm very interested in doing centuries one day and some light touring also. I want a bike that I can easily do a century on and not feel like I'm trucking along, but also something that I could maybe do a 3-4 night tour on. I was looking at the Salsa Casseroll, but because I'm so new to this I figured that you guys would probably have more insight and hopefully more suggestions? I'm willing to go up to $1800 USD.
Sorry for such a long post!

There are a dizzying number of bikes that would meet your needs, but the Salsa Casseroll is a fine choice. In fact, I've been looking long and hard at it myself (but may buy something different in an attempt to stay under a much lower budget than yours).

Before you go out and buy anything, get a professional bike fitting. The cost is well worth it because it'll help you avoid buying the wrong size for your particular body frame.

I was looking at the Salsa Casseroll, but because I'm so new to this I figured that you guys would probably have more insight and hopefully more suggestions? I'm willing to go up to $1800 USD. Your best advice may come from some one you meet on or at an event. Why not make it a point to show up at some bike rides - even if you don't think you will go on the ride. Find someone like yourself that has a good bike and see what they think of their purchase.

I've ridden a hybrid nearly 5,000 miles this year. (all over southern IL)

You may be surprised what a high pressure tire can do for a bike........

My advice...forget the "light touring" for the moment, find a bike that's lots of fun and works well for what you're doing right now...then, a couple of years down the road, if light touring sounds like fun, go grab a different bike for that.

If you like long rides, check into randonneuring, too- lots of fun to be had there.

Hey,
I, too, started out on a Trek hybrid. Mine was a 7300 so probably not too different from yours. After switching to a road bike I discovered something about the hybrid I did not expect. Even though it was the most comfortable at the beginning of the ride because of the natural, upright seating, it was not the most comfortable after a lengthy time in the saddle. I found, that for me, the pressure on my rear seemed much greater on the hybrid and therefore not very comfortable after a long ride. In contrast, the road bike, because of the more aggressive seating seems to distribute my body weight more evenly. Even though pressure builds on these points, (arms, hands, and seat) on long rides it is less intense and more easy to manage. So, I can ride longer. Plus the lighter bike makes a big difference. Just some things to consider. Good luck in finding your perfect bike. I love long rides. Hope you will too.

http://pedalmybike.com/userTrackies/myTrackie3964.jpg (http://www.pedalMyBike.com)

There are a dizzying number of bikes that would meet your needs, but the Salsa Casseroll is a fine choice. In fact, I've been looking long and hard at it myself (but may buy something different in an attempt to stay under a much lower budget than yours).

Before you go out and buy anything, get a professional bike fitting. The cost is well worth it because it'll help you avoid buying the wrong size for your particular body frame.

Get-a-Grip Cycles in Chicago is an award winning fitter. I've had several bikes fitted and I have always been pleased with the results.

I have a Cervelo RS. If you are more interested in comfort than speed, it will take 28 wheels. But, it may be more than your budget. I would suggest the Surly Cross Check, but since I only have one on order, I can't speak from experience. But, can that many reviews be wrong? I certainly hope not. I am getting the S&S couplers also.