Originally Posted by jppe

At first I didn't think there was much more that I could add that this enlightened group has not already said. However as I started typing I realized you made me ask myself again what it was about this riding stuff that got me so enthused. I apologize for the length of the reply and keep in mind it's just my thoughts. However, I was right where you are just a couple years ago asking my cycling brother the very same questions if that helps any.

I tend to subscribe to Cheeseflavor's comments. I've also been through multiple bikes over 4-5 years and would agree that is all about the experience. I started out on a Mtn Bike with slicks/inverts and never intended or really wanted to do group rides, centuries. mountain climbs, etc. It evolved over time and the different road bikes DO make a difference. I've got is so bad I'm now out shopping for a used Time Trial bike just to ride 9 times a year!!! I even spend $600 (and that was a deal!) on another set of wheels just to lighten the bike to do the mountain climbs easier.

If it helps any, there are the things that a roadie allows me to do that a Mtn Bike would not allow me to do at the level I want to do it. Here are some things that come to mind.

Organized group rides that are just to numerous to mention-from 30 miles to 117 miles.
Epic Century rides like The Assault on Mt Mitchell, Hilly Hellacious, Bridge to Bridge (Grandfather Mtn climb), Cheaha Challenge and on and on.
Two day bike trips covering over 200 miles.
Numerous solo rides of 60+ miles exploring the countryside-finding treasured spots I never knew existed.
Time Trials at Lowes Motor Speedway where some of the best riders in the Southeast test their cycling skills.
Social rides of 100 miles where you pedal along with 25 folks for 5-6 hours and enjoy each other's company.

Just my thoughts, but if you're satisfied with the miles, exercise regime and the types of things you're doing today then it's difficult to really justify investing in a different bike. However, there is a totally different experience out there waiting for you if you're interested.

It's much, much more than just the exercise and the amount of time on the bike. It's everything else that comes along with it. I'd love for you to have the feeling of doubt, accomplishment and exhiliration of doing a 100 plus mile ride with 1000 other riders and finish at the top of a mountain. I'd love for you to have the thrill of standing around with a group of other cyclists after doing a 10 mile time trial where everyone has given it all you had and you were the only one to set a new Personal Record. If only you could experience what it's like to zoom along in a pack of 100-200-300 riders with the draft sucking you along for so many miles you don't realize how far you've gone. And then there is the sheer feeling of relief when you've been dropped by a stronger group only to be picked up by another smaller group after struggling by yourself for a while.

I know you'd enjoy greatly increasing your circle of friends by meeting lots of people over time through rides and other cycling events. It's amazing the number of people and friends I've made over the last several years from seeing and riding with them at various rides. Hey, there are lots of very healthy females out there doing these events as well. And the best part of that is that I tend to ride at the same pace they do!!

So, for me I guess it comes down to the experience and what you're after. I didn't realize all this was out there until I put my toe into the pedal and began to experience it. You just need to determine what you want to get out of this cycling stuff and go from there.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the Blackberry Cobbler........