Before you buy, at least try out or rent a road bike and see the difference. I have a Trek 7500 Multitrack as well as a Cannondale road bike. The ride is vastly different due to weight, geometry, component quality, etc. My 7500 is my truck for hauling and bad weather...my C'dale is my sports car for speed and fun. I had my 7500 before I got my C'dale. If I was doing it over, I would get a nice road bike first then find a beater for a truck.