$1500 will buy you a decent road bike. It's getting towards the end of the year, the shops will a want to start moving the bikes. Bikes are negotiable. If you see an $1800 bike at a shop you like, when they try to sell it to you, let them know it's out of your price range and you only have $1500 in your budget. It doesn't hurt to try.

I'd check used stuff (craigslist). You'll save a butt load of money by getting a bike that's a few years old, and you'll be able to get a nicer bike than you'll ever be able to get at an LBS. There's definitely something to be said for buying from a shop and stuff, but I bought used, and I've never regretted it (even when my frame cracked).

$1,500 will get you an entry-level bike for a competitive cyclist, if that makes sense. Depending on what you ride now, you'll be really happy with what manufacturers are putting out in that price point. As others have said, as the season ends, prices go down. You could also buy used, but I only recommend that if you know exactly what you are looking for: What size do you need (57 vs 59)? What groupo do you want (6700 or 7700)?; Braze-on or clamp front derailleur? English or Italian bottom bracket threading? 1" or 1 1/8" steerer tube? Crank-arm length (170, 175, 180?). Stem length and rise/drop angle? Anyways, my point is there is a bunch of technical crap you need to know before you buy used, especially if you are trying to build it up yourself. If you buy new you can usually get parts swapped out at the point of purchase.

Nothing to add really on the bike thing...well except that you should not be too shy about getting slightly more bike than you think you need at this point. Save yourself the agony of upgrade-itis later on. Either that or you could do what I do and just keep collecting bikes. :)

But really had to comment on the signature for...durf32...your signature is hilarious! I haven't heard that in a while! HA HA HA!