Hi everyone, I'm new to this site, just found it the other day. I'm totally excited to have found such a great resource of information!

I know you see these questions all the time, so I hope you don't mind another repeat. I am looking to get into the world of biking once again, previously I was on a mountain bike, although that was some years ago. I am looking to purchase a new road bike for my re-entry into the sport.

Of course my question is, what do I look for in a road bike for beginners like myself? I went to my LBS today and they were very helpful in loading my brain up with lots of information on road bikes.

My budget is around $1300, and I want something I can put alot of miles on, as my plan is to use this bike for fitness. The bikes they had me looking at were the Gary Fisher Ion super GS and the Trek 1.5 and Trek 2.1. I originally went in looking at the Trek 1.2, simply because I am not sure whether I should put that much money into my first bike. Are there other bikes I should be considering in this price range, obviously I would like to get the most out of the money I will be spending.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!