Ok. it just so happens that my dealer is both a Cannondale and Giant dealer. I can't afford to spend more than the approx $1700 range at ABSOLUTE maximum.
That means that I can't go FULL carbon in a Giant, but it does break me into the range of the TCRAlliance1.

It's definitely food for thought. How would we say a CAAD9 would compare to a TCR A1 in weight, comfort over a century, and performance overall for a solidly good rider who is nowhere near "pro" nor does he ever intend to race. However I am going to be leader of group rides from the bike shop so i need a light fast bike to help me do my best to stay ahead of the pack.

Edit to add:
I just read a biek review online (by an amateur, not a bike rag or anything) that said the stock TCR-A1 weighs in around 20lbs. Seriously? I feel like that just can't be accurate.