Well, I really don't have the experience to comment intelligently, so I will comment ignorantly. To me one of the best values out there in a very reasonably priced road bike is the Bianchi Veloce, full Campy Veloce gruppo, steel frame for about $1450. I don't know what kind of money you are thinking about, but that is what I plan to buy for my first. But then I am a sucker for that celeste color. :-)
Regards,
Raymond