Originally Posted by WoW!

I can't emphasize enough that it's important to go to a GOOD bike shop and ask questions because you will want to get the correct frame size and get the bike "fitted" to your body size.

If you buy one online, you should have your local shop put it together so you can get setup correctly. If the bike is a really bad fit for you, it could make your cycling experience a bad one.

Also I have found, at least locally, that retail bike shop prices are just as good as you can find online; plus your bike shop may give you a discount if you belong to a local club.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm