Originally Posted by
MongoosePaver
I think if you are not racing, a 2k bike isn't really going to serve it's purpose. The 2k and up realm is mostly for racers and weight weenies where every pound counts. There are plenty of nice road bikes out there in the $800 range at your local LBS. Find a good deal, research the bike, ask for feedback on the bike here, etc. You can get a nice cannondale for that price.
If you do plan to race, then I suppose a 1.5k and up bike is warranted. Also road bikes have a really aggressive position about them. You might not be comfortable on a road bike, especially since you are use to a hybrid.
This sounds like reasonable advice. I did find the position of the CAAD 9 radically different from my hybrid. OTOH, I'm not totally convinced I was fitted correctly either. One thing is certain: I really LOVED the power of the CAAD even though I was only spinning on it in the bike shop. Why would I not just buy another hybrid if I was going to buy an $800 road bike? Or upgrade my present hybrid?