I work in a bike shop, so i have some pretty good deals heading my way. When it comes to getting a new rig, i face a dilemma: an 08 Fuji Pro (carbon with ultegra), or a lapierre S-tec 400 (aluminum with tiagra).
While this may not seem like a comparable measurment, there are a couple other variables. First off, the lapierre is 2/3 or so the cost of the fuji. This would mean money for new kit, helmet, gas money, etc. Also the lapierre is a solid frame that would be fit for upgrading parts (i would probably toss an ultegra front/rear derailleur on there soon as i got it). The Fuji is perfectly set up for racing (albeit not dura ace), but would pretty much drain my summer income (i am still in high school).

any thoughts?

I'm in exactly the same position as you- high school, work in a bike shop, two completely different bikes, etc. A couple things- have you ridden road for a while, meaning you have things like pedals, shoes, clothes, etc., or are you new? Do you race, or just ride for fun? I ended up getting the CF one with full ultegra for whatever it's worth, but I was already on a team and have been racing for a while.

Nobody needs dura ace (except for pro's). Ultegra is just fine for racing on. I prefer the feel of carbon over aluminum in frames, but if I was still growing (are you?) I would get a cheaper frame then carry the components across as I grew.

I would also like to point out that while I have some dura ace (the rest is Ultegra) parts on my bike, I don't think they make me measurably faster.

I just graduated from high school, and I also happen to be in a similar situation, however I've raced and have had a road bike before. So in a day or two I'm ordering a PF frame and getting Campy Chorus.

yeah i have ridden road for about 2 1/2 years or so- focused on tris last season and meant to hit the local road circuit this spring but got too busy. I currently have an old cannondale R900 (caad 3). I could sell it to try to ease into the fuji, but it would be nice to have a crit bike or swap it back to a tri setup for tt's. I am not terribly concerned about Dura ace, just dont know if the tiagra would be a drag for racing at all. btw, I am pushing 6'3" 170, and with that old cannondale im more inclined to a stiffer ride (and hopefully topping out soon b/c i cant afford a new bike every 12 months ha)

I'd say a minimum of 105 for racing. And personally, for a high schooler with a low income, I wouldn't worry about having a spare bike. I'd much rather have one nice one than two decent ones. And I just sold my R900 that's older than yours for $500.

would utlegra in the back compensate? im leaning towards the fuji, but lets throw a cat in the bag... fuji pro ultegra or orbea onix mirage?

More of it's in the shifters than the derailleurs. And I'd still say the Fuji.

yeah, thanks guys... wonder what pcad would say, but this is probably beneath him