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@Chopsicle
Can you borrow a carbon/alu bike off friends to take for a proper test ride ie. not just round the block from the bike shop? It won't be true reflection of the bike material you will eventually end up owning (each manufacturer will utilise the materials in very different ways), but you'll get a feel for the difference in character of ALu/Carbon and whether you think this will suit your style of riding.
And groupsets, if you're looking for quality, entry-level components, 105 is faultless - but don't dip down into Tiagra if you can help it,
Have you got any bikes in mind? The '08 ranges are starting to come on sale now ...and '09 ranges being unveiled to further confuse things.