Here's mine (opinion, that is). I mostly agree w/poppaspoke's initial response. Go for a good quality, entry to mid-range bike. IMO, your first serious road bike is for really finding out about fit, feel, and what works for you. If all goes well, you may ride it for years. In any case, you can upgrade in a year or two with a lot less guesswork. And you'll already have shoes, helmet, shorts, and other gear that add to the initial investment. Regardless of what you buy initially, you'll do well to get even 1/2 what you paid trade in (except, maybe, Ti frames)... don't use that reasoning to rationalize dumping a lot of money into a top-line bike.