I just made the switch from hard tail mountain bike to road bike myself. And I got the s20 version of the exact bike you're looking at after testing every damn thing available. I rode Trek, Scott, Cannondale, Giant, Brodie, Cervelo and Opus. I chose Scott mainly on gut. After riding all the bikes, this one just agreed with me. It was stable and responsive when I rode, and I found it comfy. You certainly wouldn't be trading off any quality going with them. The bike is every bit as good as an equivalently priced CAAD, Trek or Giant.

Personally I'd see if you're budget would at least let you get to the Taigra level of components. You'll be happier with the shifters and 20 gears.