Road bike recommendations

I may still go for Ribble as they represent crazy value for money... and upgrade the frame in a couple of years time when I can afford it. The fact that you can fully tailor the set up of the bike at very little extra cost is appealing too.

Being able to spec cheapo wheels to get the bike you want under budget, then buying some race/event wheels later is a massive bonus.

Most LBS's should do this too, as do Fudge. They'll even let you add a 11-32 cassette, with the rival grouppo on the recomendation below.

A bit off budget, but a lovely frameset, with rival groupset.
http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=116893

I'm going to see what scherrit and corinne say when I go to see them early February though— seems the most sensible solution. I don't mind sacrificing a bit on the components if its a frame I'll keep for a long time.

This is definitely the right chioce. I seem to remember reading, for example, that the ribble sportive had a funny fit, although a quick glance at the geo dosent reveal why. There are three frames on this thread alone that simply would'nt fit me, regardless of size.