thanks that helps a lot!!! i recently spoke with someone about looking into a ocr1 or trek 1200 since they are both upgradeable. i will have a lot of time actually to ride. right now i have a lot of free time bc work is going slow and i get out of school a lot earlier than my friends do. please tell me what you think and help me with training tips. i would love to be able to participate in a race soon. you guys make it sound extremely exciting.