🚀 go-pugleaf

i'm in need of a new bike.  i presently have a Nishiki regal-15 touring bike
which i use everyday for my 30-mile commute on rough, hilly, pittsburgh
terrain in whatever weather.  that's fine.  the problem is that it is my only
bike, and since i have become much more serious with cycling, i find it quite
lacking (like speed and agility, though it has plenty of weight-- ~30lbs) when
it comes to those fast weekend rides or doing a century.  i've spent some
money upgrading some components which has helped significantly, but i've
reached the point where i'll never be satisfied with what this bike can offer.

here's what i need:  i need speed, though i'm no professional racer.  i don't
have an endless supply of money, so i'm interested in a good buy.  i could
handle ~$700 to ~$1000 but that's not inflexible.  quick and responsive
would be a treat.  i'm not interested in spending an additional $x00 on some
marginal improvement that i'd hardly notice.  sometimes i go camping for the
weekend, so i meed to be able to haul all of my gear on my bike on a 100 mile
ride up into the mountains.  i want clipless pedals, a component group i can
count on, either an 8-speed with a double or a 7-speed with a triple crank (i
like my triple; it's nice to have a super high and a super low gear), and i'm
really turned on to the idea of STI or campy's ergopower.

ok, maybe i'll have to spend a bit over $1000.  given this tall order, what's
the net's best suggestion on what will satisfy me the best?  any leads would
be greatly appreciated--the local stores seem mostly interested in taking my
money and not finding the best bike for my needs.

please respond by e-mail to havey+@cmu.edu if possible.

thanks,

bob