Quote Originally Posted by redrhodie View Post
If you buy a cheaper bike, you'll end up buying the one you really love later, which will cost you more money in the long run.
This is how I feel about it, too. I don't advocate anyone spending more than is in their budget, but with the riding you're doing, I'll bet that as soon as you get a great road bike that really fits you, you'll find you're doing more and more.

I had a bike shop guy say to me the other day, and it made sense to me:

Frame/Fit first, then wheels, then components...in terms of his priorities. I would edit that a little to say something like:

Frame/Fit first, then wheels, then components (as long as you're starting with a base level of decent components that won't hold you back).

Go for a great bike! And, the only way to know is to go out and test ride a gazillion of them, and also be testing the LBS people as you go, to find who you feel are trustworthy, etc.