Road bike recommendations

Is it really necessary to be subjected to endless internet window shopping and associated consumer daydreaming? Just sort something out, and post about it when it's finished/you've ridden it, if you want to share something.

Well, yeah... kinda. It's certainly helping me. I'm looking for a geared road bike right now and this thread is being immensely helpful, without me having to ask daft questions.

It's pretty much helped me decide on searching for a second hand, quality aluminium/alloy frame with a shimano groupset of around 105 level. And with a top tube of around 55cm... If anybody has anything!