Originally Posted by
12strings
Aim higher for $2000. Either Carbon with 105, or Aluminum with ultegra. Or both. Last fall my brother got a last year model Carbon Synapse with ultegra for $2000.
Depending on the brands your shops carry you'll want to the Cannondale Synapse, Giant Defy, Specialized Rubauix (or maybe Diverge), or the Trek Domane.
You can get a good aluminum / 105 bike for $1,500-$1,600 retail. I'd leave a few bucks to get pedals, shoes, road clothing, helmet, cages, tubes, etc.