Slim is a salesman, he's always pushing this or that bike. He can be helpful, but take those bikes with a grain of salt. Might just be my opinion, but he makes me a bit skeptical. Pretty sure he was pushing that jamis on a guy wanting a bike similar to a $4000 full CF bike.

Anyways, I had a Specialized Allez with 2200 level components. It didnt shift very well at all. I would try to get into the big ring at the front for up to 30 seconds sometimes. The rear derailer seemed to shift only when it wanted to. This was back when I knew nothing about maintenance though. I have a feeling you're in the same boat now. If you can, spring for Sora at least. It'll do at least a little better than 2300. I now have a bike with full Tiagra level components, and it has treated me beautifully. I do have to tweak the RD now and then, but thats it. If you know you love biking, I'd say save up and get Tiagra if it's possible. It really was a huge difference.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../liberty_1.htm

This bike has Microshift/sora. I've never used microshift, but Im sure some people around here have. Might be worth asking them. The only problem with bikes direct is you have to know what size you need, and they dont come fully assembled, so you'll need some help from a shop or a friend.

There is nothing wrong with old schwinns, but they are heavy. Then schwinn was bought out and started putting out cheap crap bikes. DONT get a new schwinn.

Looking back I noticed that you may not currently have a beater bike that you're starting out on...If you dont, then CL really is your best friend. search new listings 2x a day. maybe get a $100 bike to start out on. then jump to a much better bike when you can afford it.

Hope it helps