Go with both carbon and aluminum combo frame, with carbon stays and fork. Equipment wise, Campagnolo Centaur, Veloce group or Shimano 105's. Can't say about SRAM, don't use it, yet. I think Fuji makes a fine carbon/aluminum frame with carbon stays and fork at an affordable price. The carbon stays help absorb most of the road shock and the aluminum adds stiffness. No mater what, you will miss the great ride of steel. If you can find a used titanium frame bike for the price of a good carbon/aluminum bike and it fits, buy it.