Lots of good bikes to choose from. Do you have any local shops to check out? FWIW, I recently tried a 2009 Scott Speedster S20 that I really liked. With discount it was $1350.00 Just a hair out of your range, but a lot of bike for the $$. Others will tell you to look used to get more for your money. Just make sure you get the proper size bike is the main thing. Read a lot, and ride a lot before you buy. You are starting to get into the price range where you can get a lot of bike. But do realize you will need additional funds for accesories.