Thanks for all the great advice everyone, seems like a super helpful group you all have here!

Sfa- I added Bella Bikes to my list. It is a little bit of a commute for me, but I do make it out towards that area once in a while so I'll have to check it out.

fidl- Phew! Great idea about the notebook. I know it will be tough for me to stretch my budget past $1k, but I'll consider waiting a bit if it appears to be worth it. The $1k was primarily the budget for the bike and I am willing to add on the necessities. I already have the cycling shorts from the spin classes I do. I think you lost me a bit at the triple/compact, but I'll do a bit more reading up on that.

Bleecker- I know I'll be just that person that goes back to the same bike shop several times, I'm unbelievably indecisive! I hope the bike shopping thing gets more exciting rather than overwhelming! I figure at the rate I'm going, I'll have a bike by oh, next December.