Originally Posted by RJM

Quite frankly, if I was the op I would travel around to two or three local bike shops, test ride a bunch of bikes, talk with the salesguys about warranty, brands they sell, what services they offer beyond the sell and then pick the best bike shop with a bike I fit and enjoyed. I certainly wouldn't waste my time thinking about frame material beyond that.

For example, my local shop that I have a good relationship sells Trek, Raleigh and Cannondale. I can guarantee I can find a great roadbike from those three brands but the main reason I would buy from that shop is because of the test rides and service I find there and not what frame material it just happens to be made of.