I don't think you have to worry about wearing through your components too quickly! I doubt you will ever ride enough to kill them. The key is regular maintenance. I put about 15-16k miles a year on my bike, racing, training and fun... I had Ultegra components on my previous bike and they are just as durable as Dura Ace I have now. Maybe their only week point is the plastic in the shifter body-but we mortals very rarely will wear them out. Again, get a bike that fits, and you are comfortable with. Nothing will ruin your self esteem more than riding a $2K bike and getting trounced by a guy riding a low end, 10 year old Trek with touring wheels!!!