One of the other TE members had mentioned there are bike fitters that can suggest bikes based on your body/neck problems (obviously, you would have to pay them for their time). But this way, you might even be able to figure out the best bike for you, then you can buy used (make sure to conduct the sale at your LBS and pay your LBS to inspect the bike prior to the exchange of money) or last year's model.

Also, a lot of the bike shops will be having a bike sale around September-December to get rid of this year's models, so you might want to look into that too.

If you know you love biking and are serious about biking, I would recommend a carbon frame with Shimano 105 components or better. Save up for a better bike rather than getting severe regret later and then needing to upgrade sooner than you expected. But, just to warn you, we all get bike upgraditis...very contagious on the TE discussion forums.

Also, we all love seeing pictures/stories of your bike when you finally make a decision.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle
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