Bonny, You sound a lot like me. Being as competitive and athletic as you are, you will outgrow a low or even mid-range bike quickly. Buy quality and you will never regret it. I was where you are 18 months ago. I bought a 2008 Cannondale Synapse Fem 1 Dura-Ace bike on an end of the year clearance. The bike shop talked me up from the Ultegra bike by making me an offer I couldn't refuse. I was breaking out in a cold sweat when I wrote the check, but I'm so glad I went for it. 18 months and almost 9000 miles later, I still love my bike "Lucille". She ROCKS and can keep up with the men on "A" rides. Occasionally, she makes them cry. ;-)