Originally Posted by
sced
Realistically, above a certain quality point one brand is going to be about the same as another. Ride characteristics might differ because of different geometries, but the materials and construction methods are going to be pretty much the same.
To answer the original poster's inquiry as he is experience with the I am assuming modern bikes of Litespeed, Cannondale, Trek, and I might have left one out, what does he think of those? And what size(s)?
I agree geometry is the bigger difference, and it is subtle, and top tube length can make a difference.
The Italian brands mentioned so far are all over the map as far as how they match top tube lengths to set tube sizes, and that can make or break an assessment of a bike.