2.5 miles today, avg speed 9 mph. I had two little critter bugs with me, Erik (6) on a 20" Trek and Magnus (4) on a 16" Specialized or I could have gone faster if not further. I think that as long as I get out 1/2 hour each day I will be making progress.

if you ask my husband, he would say Specialized, if you ask me, I would stay Trek. granted, HE is 6ft 6in and 177 lbs so he doesnt put much strain on his bike (8% body fat) I on the other hand am making my Trek 4100 haul a BMI of 43.1 so I would say that this bike is pretty sturdy, both on road and off. I did change out the tires and got something that was less 'mountain - knobby' and more multiuse which gives me less 'rolling resistance' on paved trails.

I pop a shake in my 'basket' and drink it down, if you freeze them first, they are thawed but cold for the ride home.

My husband last year bought a chainless bicycle made by Dynamic Bicycles out of MA. It has a rear wheel drive shaft that takes the place of the chain. It is a heavy bike, but very smooth. You can shift gears while pedaling or standing still at a traffic signal. He had to have the latest "toy". Here is their web site. http://www.dynamicbicycle.com/

I feel ya! My Felt was over $1,700. And triathlon gear is like most other, you can buy as much crap as your heart desires at all different prices. I love all those gadgets. It's addictive. Are you mainly a biker? I highly recommend branching out into multisport (duathlons/triathlons). So satisfying. I'm signed up for an Ironman distance triathlon in November. It will be a real stretch for me, as I'm painfully aware that God did not intend me to be very successful in any of the three sports - I'm 5'3" and have short legs! But, that kind of race is not about winning, it's about finishing within the time limits. I've got a real passion to be able to call myself an Ironman. It's like what my mom said about a college education, it's something no one can take away from me. I do wish you health and happinessl. Susan