Thats it, Im going to buy a bike

[Son]

Let me ask you this... presuming you have two equally well fitting bikes, one has a carbon frame and lower quality components and the other is aluminum but better components which do you take? To me it would seem that the components are easier to upgrade piece by piece.

I would go with an aluminum frame, if it's not a really cheap and badly designed one. Alu frames are just slightly heavier than carbon, that's all. (OK, carbon also takes much higher forces before breaking and can be repaired, if it gets a hit, but I don't think you need to worry about that.) Also, I'd spend more than $1,200. Don't get a bike that will make you want a new bike after a year.

[Martinus]

There is some bad info on here ...

Have an LBS fit you, then go online to buy... is dumb.
The 1 exeption if you are screwing over Prformance Bike... Chances are they didn't fit you right either...

+ the jig is up, when you have a problem and bring your BD bike in for work @ LBS.

Waiting for last years bikes to go on sale, and then buy only works for "little people" and basketball players.

To answer "the which is better ?" The alu with "better" comp, vs. the CF with "good" copmponents ... Which ever ( frame or group ) you think is easy-er to upgrade down the road.