If you're interested in learning how to do your own wrenching, and take a more independent (of the LBS) approach to your cycling, then you might want to look around at the used market.

I paid 1350 for a VERY slightly used '05 Trek in mid '06, and it came with full ultegra 10. Compared to the prices for equivalent bikes that my friends found used, I paid a couple hundred more than they did.

The things you'll be forfeiting by buying used is the warranty on the components/frame/fork, free tuneups, and the shops "rough" fitting that they do for new buyers. As long as you shop smart and critically, you should be able to find a solid bike for a much better price than new, and you hopefully won't have to worry about warranty issues anyway. My bike would be out of it's warranty window by now anyway, and if the amount of savings is greater than the price of a 'randomly failed rear derailleur' than you're still ahead in the end. I've since been in to see an 'actual' pro fitter to have my bike properly set up, which only cost me $65.

Buying used isn't for everyone. I enjoy wrenching and learning how to do my own repairs, so for me it made good sense. I won't try to convince you to buy used, but nobody had mentioned it and it's another option if you're having a hard time finding the components that you want in your price-range.

Something to think about.

-Jeremy