Great first post with excellent questions. If you are not able to secure a new road bike inside somewhere, I would buy a cheaper bike. You could always still get a $50 mountain bike for commuting and get a Trek 1.1 or other entry level road bike. The only thing you really need to get going is a bike (tube, patch kit, pump, tire levers) and helmet. The things you can always buy later are but not limited to padded bike shorts, gloves, jersey, computer, clipless pedals, shoes etc. Take a look at the other brands your LBS has to offer. I think Trek makes great bikes, but I also think that they are pricier (and use their house brand of Bontrager on everythng...)than most other brands.