Update:

I ended up getting a Felt F5C used for $1000 including shoes & pedals. I have had the bike for a year now with no complaints. I also put on some Aerobars recently which helps A LOT when you are riding alone.

Now that I know more about bikes; I think the next big investment would be in a set of wheels; but that might be while.

The best investment I made was in my goggles. I got a pair of these:

http://www.aquasphereswim.com/us/index.php/products/eye-prot...

and they are AWESOME.

tecmo
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