Do you plan on racing it or just training and group rides? If you are doing short races you might not mind if the ride quality is harsh. If you are training and doing group rides comfort might matter to you.

One of my training partners bought a Specialized Roubix with 105 on it for under $2,000. I imagine for another grand you could have Ultregra or SRAM on it. He says that it is very comfortable and has problems with the performance of the bike.