one thing to keep in mind also is to check out any old stock or clearance at your LBS. in that price range, you should be able to hold out for Ultegra if you don't mind a frame that is a year or two old. especially if you want to stick with an aluminum frame. i was able to choose between a CF frame with 105 (Scott CR1 Team or Quintana Roo Split) or aluminum with Ultegra (Orbea Mitis). i went with the Orbea. that was a couple years ago and i was more in the $1300 range, but you should still be able to find similar deals.