Hello everyone,

I'm in the process of purchasing my first "real" road bike. I currently have a 1981 steel bike that is indestructible and solid yet too tall for me and limited gears. I went around to 6 local bike shops and REI in the last few days, and I don't know what to choose!!! I've been leading towards buying slighter end components than what I need. Right now I want something smooth and light (preferably carbon) that can do long rides and a good bike for racing. I really wanted to stay under 2000$.

I liked the Cannondale Synapse fine, it wasn't the most or least comfortable but the reach felt good, components were lesser quality. One local bike shop recommended the Scott Contessa Solace 35, but they're a small independent shop and don't have it in stock. I'd have to order it and pay to be able to try it and no one else carries the bike in the area I live in (San Francisco Bay Area). Then I went to a larger local shop and I tried out the Specialized Amira and Ruby. I am in LOVE with the Ruby Comp with disc breaks and it's carbon and so smooth and perfect reach and everything. It's so comfortable and fast and fun. Yum. The Amira is great but a more aggressive and aero seat position, which is nice for racing but less so for touring and casual rides. The problem is, the Ruby I want is 400 dollars over the maximum I was prepared to spend. It's actually 800 dollars on sale right now and will be for another week. What would you do? Are the better components and disc breaks worth the money? And do you have any suggestions on other bikes to try out?