OP, I got back into road cycling last year after 14 years on a Cannondale CAAD H300 hybrid. (awesome bike btw!). I rode many different models and decided on a 2010 Specialized Secteur Elite with SRAM Apex gruppo. Aluminum frame with CF fork. I've put 2000 miles on it and LOVE IT!!! I've upgraded the saddle and tires (not wheels, tires) and that's it. Sure, I'd like a full CF bike just for the kewl factor and the easy acceleration everyone tells me about (Pinarello Rohk on my wishlist). But for $1150 I got a really good bike that can hang with the CF'ers for 20 miles at 22-24mph pace. I'm regularly doing 45-50 mile rides with comfort. I'm planning to do my first century ever on this bike. Someday I'll upgrade to the Pinarello but until then I'll continue to be very happy with my Specialized.