I'm a new rider (and new poster) starting on recreational road biking--I just did the Tahoe century with Team in Training and enjoyed it. I'm looking to upgrade to a true road bike. (I'm currently riding a 1992/93 Bianchi Main Street hybrid converted with road handlebars, which clocks in around 30#, and would like something better.) The problem is I don't have the money to buy new, and at least right now I don't even have 5-600 to buy a nice used bike. I found the following listing on ebay for a Silk Road 500:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BLACK-CANNONDALE...ayphotohosting

From a little bit of research, it looks like this is a 1997, I think a CAAD2 frame but I'm not sure. I think it's designed to be more of a touring bike, with the shock absorber, but it's still 8 pounds lighter than my current ride. From the description, it looks like all original components, which are pretty low end. Any opinions on:

1. Is the frame worth upgrading later with better components, or would i be better off buying another bike if I want something nicer?
2. Anybody have any experience with the headshok shock absorber? I'm a little leary of that, but don't know.
3. If I could get it for under $200, is it worth buying, or should I suck it up and keep saving for something better (which probably means no upgrade until next summer.)

Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated.