I also thought of getting a road bike, so I could go faster on long trail rides. Last saturday I rode 48 miles on a charity ride, and quite a few riders older than I went right by me on mountain bikes. So much for that idea, so I'll just keep on riding and see what comes in another six months. I've only been riding six months now, and I've gone from 15 minute rides, to 3hr rides. From what I've read from the more experienced riders here, I just need more time in the saddle, so I'll keep enjoying my rides, and not care about speed for now.