Originally Posted by
ptle
Cannondale CAAD9-5 is also another bike you may want to look at. Felt, Giant, Raleigh also makes bikes in that price range...
Really going by feel is the best way. Most bikes if they come with the same components aren't going to be much different from the other. Only difference is the frame.
Many recommend the CAAD9 because it's a stiff aluminum frame... and the new one comes with the BB30 bottom bracket.
I love my CAAD9-4, but I think a Cannondale Synapse would be a better reccomendation in this case, as the OP is looking for a more comfortable bike that he/she could also ride fast. Not that a CAAD is unfomfortable (mine is my first road bike and it is not uncomfortable to ride at all...), but the Synapse has more relaxed geometry.