Honestly, I haven't ridden a road bike, ever, or even touched one. Well, not until my friend showed up with a new Specialized Allez. I know it's a low end model and all, but when I picked it up...holy crap! The difference was in-credible. I've been going XC on my hardtail so far, and I thought that was really light, but compared to this, it was a lead weight.

Okay. I NEED ONE!!! Aaah! I don't care what brand, I need one of those ultra-lightweight beauties, I need to ride it, and I need it now! (Need = really, really want) So now I have a question: I've known about cyclocross for a while, and sounded kind of appealing, but I don't know if getting one will be a compromise. If I had one, it would be really great for me because then I could take it on light trails and such. But if the benefits of a cyclocross bike aren't too great, then I'd just rather get a road bike.

So...

Does anyone have a cyclocross bike? Is it as light as a road bike? Does it ride as smooth as a road bike on the road (if I put slicks on it)? Anyone know the specific differences between a cyclocross bike and a road bike?

I don't even know if I want to get another bike, but if I do, I guess I'd spend around $1,000. I know that's not a lot (in the roadie world), so would it be worth it to get a new, lower-end road bike, or an old used one? Any suggestions?

Will my road bike really break if I hit deep ruts or potholes on the road?

If I get a cyclocross bike, to what extent can I go off-road on it? How heavy are they? They seem to be kinda expensive...will $1K get me a decent one?

Am I wasting my time here and should just go test-ride them at an LBS?

Should I stop asking questions?

Thanks for your time, guys and gals.