sounds like a bunch of bike parts.

how does it ride, feel? parts lists can't answer that, and are by far the most important thing.

The new 10 speed Tiagra is totally fine for your first road bike.

Good advice. I'm going ride one at the LBS this coming Tuesday. I just called and they have three different sizes in stock.

I'm trying to do as much research as I can. From what I can gather the Tiagra is suppose to be a pretty good set up. It's looking like the 1.5 is a pretty good starter for a road bike, I'm anxious to go test rise one!