I'm trying to narrow down my choices. Budget is around $1200 or less. Plan is to ride it to get back in shape and to do some group and charity rides. My days of racing are probably in the past, but I still like to spin.

So far, I've seen the following:
Trek 1500 ~$1000
Felt ???
MB Le Champion SL $1095 (and several others around this price point)
Scattante R-660 $1027 (figuring double points back at Performance this weekend plus tax)
Tirreno Razza 1000 $1112 (same deal with points)

From what I've found, if I forgo the brand recognition of Trek I can get better components for a similar price. I like the components that are included in the bikesdirect bikes. I'm not worried about assembling or maintaining the bike on my own, I've done my own maintenance for years. However, I am a bit hesitant to buy something I can't try first. I live 10 miles South of Chapel Hill, NC, so even though I do most of my own maintenance, the convenience of free lifetime tuneups from Performance is appealing. I'll probably head up there in the morning to give a couple of their bikes a ride. Any thoughts on the above bikes and which could be a better choice?