Originally Posted by
gcottay
I'd suggest riding your present bike at least three times a week, distances as long as you can handle, on routes you find most pleasant. With a month or three of that experience and fitness under your belt you know much better what you want in a new bike.
I'll sure 2nd this sound advice.
It's really hard to tell another person how they will feel on 'such and such' a product.
You sound like you're on the right track, in that you are both trying and thinking.
GOOD LUCK to you.