I am posting this here because mostly I am a commuter, and even though I want to buy a road bike, I don't necessarily want to get deeply into road cycling. I want something faster than my upright commuter to do the STP on this year, and for occasional long weekend rides.

That said, I am watching several bikes on eBay and perusing Craigslist daily. I think I want a Surly Pacer or a Salsa Casseroll if one comes up in the right size. I've test ridden some Surlys and Salsas. I didn't like the Vaya, but loved the Casseroll. The sales person suggested it might have been the tire size on the Vaya, maybe, I don't know. The Casseroll was a little too small, and new it was more than I am willing to pay (trying to keep it below $1000), so I am trying to find a good bike used.

Which brings me to... this one looks pretty nice, but I don't know all that much about the components: http://www.ebay.com/itm/52-CM-SOMA-S...item1e76f6dcbc

Opinions? Also, any other bikes that maybe I should try to ride and keep a look out for used? Or good starter road bikes under $1000? That limit is very firm; I probably risk divorce if I try to spend over that on another bike in the next year...