I'm a bit unorthodox but if it's your first road bike, I suggest you buy a bike or two off of craigslist and learn what fits and doesn't fit your body. start with vintage, tinker around (because it is easy and cheap) and get an idea of what you like. THEN you can look for a good road bike. don't buy into the hype, you can have a really nice road bike for under $1000, but you have to know how to fit yourself and wrench a bit. take it slow. a few misfits is par for the course. have fun and good luck!