My first suggestion is going to be to get yourself set as to what your budget REALLY is.

Then shop for the LBS in your area (I do not advocate in the least the notion of mail ordering a bike. Too may fit issues) That has someone in their employ that not only knows how to fit you to a bike, but who will also be patient enough to listen to you when you tell them what feels right.

If you're going to do tri's, your fit will be different than if you are going to tour. Both positions can be comfortable, but are at the opposite end of the spectrum and purpose specific You'll notice that I didn't state the bikes were usage specific).

If you were to just walk in an announce that you've got 4000 dollars to spend, help! You may not walk out with what you needed.

You'll not find many clinkers at 4000. Nor will you at 1000. You just have to shop more carefully. LeMond is nice, Trek is generic, Bianci is a traditional name, Felt I've seen and seem to offer a lot of bang for the buck, but are a bit of an unkown.

take a look at this years Raleigh, Jamis and especially this years Giants. I'm not the biggest fan of "Compact Geometry", but I cannot argue with the quality of build from that company.

You can easily purchase a bike ftom any of these companies or a number of others and have a great bike. Without spending 4000, or 3000 or even 2000.