Hey, I have been looking at this forum for a while now, but am a first time poster. I have been thinking for a while now that I want to get a road bike, but so far haven't decided what to go with.

I don't have any intention to race competitively, but I would like a fast bike. For a long time I thought I should get an endurance geometry bike, but I tried some more aggressive (not super aggressive) bikes and liked those too. I am looking to spend around $1000. I will use the bike mostly for fast rides for exercise, but will go on fast rides with friends as well, and would like to be able to keep up. I think I want either aluminum or steel, since I like the versatility (maybe take a rack for some very light cargo) and because carbon won't work with my bike rack.

So far I have tried:

Trek Domane 2.0
Trek Madone 2.1
Felt Z85
Cannondale CAAD8
Trek Emonda S4
Soma Stanyan (built with 105)


My problem is that I have liked all the bikes. I also don't notice a huge amount of difference in the geometry, though I do notice the steel is a little more apt to soak up the bumps. What should I be looking for when I try out different bikes? If it matters I am 25 years old and in fairly good shape.