I've tried SRAM before and thought it was rough compared to Shimano. So I'm a Shimano girl forever. Just love it. Know how it works. Performs well. However, I would not get the electronic shifting. I haven't tried it. But it just seems things that are electronic in general have glitches that randomly go wrong without reason. The old school is simplier to figure out the obvious. And I like simple.

I had an ill fitting sickening waste of money first road bike. That was stock. But sold to me two frame sizes too large from the LBS. Thus, I really took my time getting my next bike. It's stock. But not a stock size that is common. My lbs told me that my size is about 1 in 1000 customers that walk thru their doors. I had to drive 5hrs round trip to get her. And actually ordered her sight unseen from out of the country. But still a stock brand bike.

The key is finding a good fitter that will give you your ideal geometry to start your search. It will not matter how nice the components, paint job is, etc. if the bikes fit sucks. Out of upgrades I can say that wheels, and the type do make a difference I notice. But that's easy enough to do later. And extra wheels are always a nice thing to have.

Now girlfriend, about that pantry upgrade addtion thing... you should really get that if you want it... most people eat a lot more than they have time to ride their bikes... the bike upgrade dream is always there and waiting.

GOOD LUCK!