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purchase? I am looking to spend roughly $1,500.

My friend got herself a Dolce Vita Multi-Sport. She had Fuji Finest and it worked great for her.Try these stores:http://www.trailheadcyclery.comorhttp://...0&x=31&y=5

$1500 takes you well into the mid-range; you should be able to find a good entry-level road bike for around $500, maybe less. Of course, accessories (lights, pump, bottle/cage, lock, rack, trunk/panniers, tools, etc.) can easily double that.I bought an aluminum GT for $400 three years ago and have over 12,000 miles on it; other than normal wear and tear (3 broken spokes, worn-out chain, broken shifter cable, several tubes/tires), the only unusual problem was in the bottom bracket, which apparently was fairly cheap and needed maintenance at 3000 and 6000 miles and replacement at 10,000.I also still have a 1987 Schwinn, which is still largely trouble-free 18 years and 18,000 miles later. (Occasional loose spokes, but never a broken one; bottom bracket needs lubrication but has never been replaced; etc.)None of this is statistically significant, of course, but it's another data point.

That's great that you can budget that amount. Do you intend to use all for the bike alone, or will that also include accessories: helmet, gloves, clothing, shoes, etc? Keep in mind the earlier poster's comments about total cost of accessories -- they add up. I would budget about $200 for accessories if you don't have any.I would recommend the large manufacturers: Cdale, Specialized, Trek, Giant -- they are vol. makers so they have better stuff in the lower price ranges (crazy to think that $1500 is a lower range!). Without getting too technical, think also about the type of riding you want to do: rec, more serious, or just commuting. depending on which, i would spend time at a good LBS getting the best fit for your size and riding style. I can't stress enough, how important a good fit is to biking. you can always swap out for better components (derailluers, pedals, wheels...) at a later date, but swapping out a frame b/c it kills your back or neck, is a much bigger deal $$$.For $1500, you can get either alum or steel. nowadays, good steel tubing is much ligher and can match close to alum frames. i just switched from alum to steel, and the steel is even lighter (but I'm also going from $800 specialized to $3000 IF bike!). I'd recommend at least looking at steel frames b/c of comfort (soaks up vibration better), and repairability, altho they need a little more maintenance in moist environments.Good luck. Your best bet is to find a good LBS with salespeople who are willing to spend time with you in your decision, getting a good fit and outlining bike options. There are innumerable sites with recs on bikes but prolly the best ones are http://www.roadbikereview.com or http://www.bikeforums.comHappy riding!