I agree with what Biker Z is saying. I started out with a steel bike- Jamis Quest- which has been a wonderful bike for me. I had a mtn bike derailleur put on as I wanted lower gears to climb steep mountains.

This last fall (2005) I had the opportunity to get a carbon bike on sale (Scott CR 1) and I bought it! Had I purchased this bike 3 years ago, I wouldn't have been ready for it as it is a very fast bike.

I would highly recommend that you find a good road bike in the $1000-2000 range before you commit to something more expensive. You'll discover what kind of riding you like to do, how far you want to go, and what kind of gears you like. Ride lots of different types of frames- aluminum, steel, carbon (if you can find one for the price)- get the best wheels you can for the money, as well as components. If you ride enough bikes, you will discover which one feels the best. None of us can tell you that part, we can only tell you what we like. If the shoe fits, wear it!!!!