I think you should try to get at least a 105 group or the new Tiagra 10-sp at the very least. I wanted a CF bike but just couldn't swing it. I ended up finding a previous year Felt Z85 with 105 group for under $1K. Has over 1,600 miles on it now and I love it.

The first bike I looked at last year was an Orbea with 2300 group, and I hated it. They didn't have the size I needed and the little thumb levers felt like junk.