I bought my Cannondale CAAD10 with all Shimano Ultegra components for $1200. I think it's more aggressive geometry as compared to the Synapse or Defy, but it's one of the better aluminum frames you can get and comes loaded with an Ultegra group. I really think they are a great deal. If $1000 isn't a hard limit for you, it might be something to consider. Plus there is like a 200 page thread in the road forum devoted to the awesomeness of CAAD!