New to CF!

If your first bike is going to be one that is expensive and one you believe you will keep for some time, then get a local bike shop (LBS) to check you out for size...

Some go on height and inseem etc, and some have a new fitting service, but don't spend thousands just to find out the bike is 1 inch too big/small.

Frame types add to the confusion with sloping tubes and compact frames. Gone are the days where a 5'7" person was automatically sold a medium sized bike...

I made the mistake of buying a bike that people said would fit, but didn't. Only lasted 4 weeks before I had to buy another one...

Most people can get away with a frame a tiny bit too small as seat position and stem sizes can be changed, but too big = bad...

After you've worked out what size you are, then you gotta work out how much you wanna spend and what ya can get for the price... Frames are frames... most important thing about frames is size... Aesthetics are up to you and unless its an el cheapo bike, there really are no lemon frames from name brand bikes... So components are what you pay the real bucks for...

Reflect the amount of money you are willing to spend on retail prices of bikes and their respective groupsets... I dunno about about the campagnolo stuff, but shimano stuff goes;

(Top - Bottom)

Dura-Ace (as used by pro teams in the tours)
Ultegra
105
Tiagra
Sora

I believe the 105 is the minimum you want if you wanna start racing... Having 105 kit on your bike you won't be laughed at...

So buy the frame to suit your taste and size and the best components you can get...