yeah I've heard from several people now to expect a "harsh" ride. I've only sat on it, but didn't have time for a test ride. I'm planning on doing that tonight. I've also heard from some that the "friction shifting" will be tough in the city. I'm a newbie to any road bikes (always been on a newer mountain bike), so what exactly does that mean and tranlate to? Used to ride my dad's old Fuji racing bike and it had the shifters on the drop bar. Is that about the same do you think??

thanks for the advice though!