Mongoose = Evil!

Took the Schwinn into the shop Monday. Needed tires and such. So I rode the Mongoose today. Only 10 miles on the levee. Ouch! My thighs hurt. When I get the Schwinn back on Thurday, I'll officially have spent more on it than on buying the Mongoose in the first place. Isn't that special?

Now to find me a road bike. Been looking around. What is about cyclists and gaudy? Or worse? This one isn't so bad, though. This scares me. I could be a decent used car for that.

Any brands to look for? Any brands to avoid? I'd really like to keep it under $1,000, and I don't mind used.