I have an appointment tomorrow at my LBS for a bike fitting and have been looking at the following bikes. I was trying to keep my total purchase for this first bike to around $1,500. Unless otherwise noted, all bikes have carbon forks and tubes.
2006 Felt F-80, Alum. frame, Shimano 105 9 speed, A class(?) wheels, $800
2006 Cannondale Synapse, Tiagra Shifter 9 speed, 105 rear, Alum. frame, mavic rims, $940
2007 Specialized Elite Allez, Carbon rear end, Tiagra Shifters, 105 rear 10 speed, A class aero wheels, $1,050.
2006 Specialized Elite Allez, 105 components, alum. frame, A class aero wheels, $1,000
2006 Cannondale R700, 105 Shifters, Ultegra rear, All alum. frame (just over 2 lbs.), Shimano 550 wheels, $1,125
2006 Croix de Feer, Steel frame, 105 10-speed drive train, Bantager paired spoke rims, $1,150
And for a recommended all carbon frame,
2007 Specialized Roubaix elite, 105 components, Mavic open sport wheels, $1,700
I have been driving my wife crazy with this and she would appreciate any and all comments. The all carbon frame is affordable, if it makes sense to spend the extra money. I have been training for about 6 months now. I am down to a svelte 218 ( from a less than svelte 269 a year ago) and am 6'.