Hey just an update, i made a webpage with links to all the bikes i'm currently considering.
http://webuser.bus.umich.edu/tle/bike.html
Links to the page at the local bike shop are there too, I went to the Trek shop yesterday, but I haven't gotten to the Giant/Specialized/Cannondale yet.
Pricewise i really can't go over $800 and that's really pushing it, but I think i want the step up from entry level (carbon fork perhaps), since i do want this bike to last me for a long time without upgrading.
Not leaning towards anything until i can go to the other shop and see most of the bikes on the list and see if they have anything better then list prices on stuff.
Thanks again for the suggestions and recommendations and help, I feel like i need to do so much research on this so i don't screw it up!