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.

Originally Posted by cyclehen

If your current bike is comfy and works ok, I'd also suggest waiting and riding for a while before you decide. You may find that your riding plans change (the bug bites hard, or not at all).

Originally Posted by JanMM

Quick, easy, cheap (compared to new bike) path to a zippier ride: Replace your 1.9" tires with 1.25" higher pressure tires, such as

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...00_20000_23014

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...00_20000_23014

http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/...sory=991765887 (1.5" but 100psi)

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_10000_201496