Steel is indeed real. And titanium is even more real.
Why not get something that can actually do some dirt roads? You don't sacrifice that much on the pavement and get versatility. Unless you're an Armstrong wanna-be, going with carbon this, STI that is a waste imho.
I prefer barcon shifters. Totally bombproof. And a decent steel frame with stout wheelset and at least 28mm wide tires.
Here's what I've got for "road" (I bought the frame/fork and built it from old parts I had):
http://salsacycles.com/casserollComp08.html
Or if you are a little more old school:
http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/bicycle_models#product=50-700