I don't have much to add outside of figure out your budget, ride a bunch of bikes in that range (and a few outside your range-- so you can feel the difference in components mostly-- compare), and get a good fitting.

I went in thinking I'd buy a Lexa or Dolce, but ended up with a Ruby which I thought was WAY out of my range. I enjoyed the upgraded 105 shifters/brakes so much compaired to the Tiagra the dolce came with. After the test ride I reevaluated and came to the decision to plunge all in with the Ruby.

Remember if you outgrow your bike (which I've done-- twice) you'll likely only get 40-50% of that back by selling the used bike. With what I've lost in bikes I could have bought a Madone/Ruby right off the bat.

Good luck and please know that new bike "adoptions" must be announced here with pictures (with you AND the bike preferred) so all the gals staring thru the nursery windows can see/drool.

Shannon