I'm looking to upgrade to a nicer road cycle. I've been riding a Fuji Absolute 4.0 which has been fine as a commuter but I want to start getting more distance and speed. My budget is going to fall at $1500 dollars for the bike itself, not including pedals or anything else. I've been looking at Trek, Felt, and Orbea. I've found dealers that can let me test drive them, but as far as really knowing the difference in the assorted components I'm hoping you guys can help. I'm really digging the Orbea alloy line, the specs of which I'm listing below. What I'm really concerned with here is the Shimano shifters, I don't know what benefits are offered in them. Any help you guys can give is much appreciated!

San Remo
$1,229
Frameset: 2009 Orbea Aqua
Frame Material: Double-Butted AL7005 Alloy
Bar: Orbea Anatomic
Bar Tape: Orbea Cork
Stem: Orbea OS
Shifters: Shimano Tiagra
Crankset: Shimano Tiagra (34/50)
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
Brakes: Zeus Pro
Chain: Shimano HG-53
Cassette: Shimano Tiagra 9S (12-25T)
Wheels: Shimano R-500
Tires: Vittoria Zafiro
Saddle: Selle Italia X2
Seatpost: Carbon



Gavia
$1,449
Frameset: 2009 Orbea Aqua
Frame Material: Double-Butted AL7005 Alloy
Bar: Orbea Anatomic
Bar Tape: Orbea Cork
Stem: Orbea OS
Shifters: Shimano 105
Crankset: Shimano FC-600 (34/50)
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Brakes: Zeus Pro
Chain: KMC 10
Cassette: Shimano 105 (12-25T)
Wheels: Shimano R-500
Tires: Vittoria Zafiro
Saddle: Selle Italia X2
Seatpost: Carbon

Caad9 5

$1250, full shimano 105.......................

CAAD 9 is not the answer to every question....jeez.

S-

I say it's worth the extra $220 for the better crank, shifters, both derailers, and 10 speeds.

Buy a gently used quality bike with D/A, Red or Record...

I love my bike I got for under $1g with FULL Ultegra. I added some parts to it, nevertheless a great buy.
Determine what you need/want and go from there..a word of advice...first and foremost get the sizing right and then a good pair of bibs, shoes and saddle, and then ride, ride, ride!

I've been riding since January and commuting by bike whenever possible, I participated in an MS Society ride and found it really enjoyable. I want to be able to work my way up to century rides, nothing competitive. I'm having a hard time locating many used bikes that are what I'm looking for.

I'll test one of those Caad 9s, there's a cannondale dealer relatively close by.
Thanks for the input.