You might want to see if any of your local shops have left over 2006 1200s. The frame is the same as the 1000, but the jump to Tiagra and 105 (r.d.) and 9 speed might be worth the extra money (and you might be able to find an 06 at close to what an 07 1000 will cost). If they don't have a 1200, it might be worth trying the Pilot 1.2.

The 1200 was my first road bike and it is a great first bike.