I did post a similar question a couple days ago but here we go again after further research.

Ok, so after getting my bike totaled in a crash a couple weeks ago and going on a 60 mile ride exposing the shortcomings of my 6 speed 70s road bike in such situations, I have been shopping around for a replacement.

I still plan on getting a used, vintage 10 speed type road bike at some point for commuting but have recently ridden the following and would like some thoughts and input. Starting with the most expensive at about $1400:

Specialized Allez:
Pro:Good handling, responsive, Smooth
Con: Didn't really like the Sram ergo shifters as much as the Shimano 105 and Ultegra. Its also the most expensive due to being the newest model. Everyone seems to have one of these...Which could be in the pro or con column

Bianchi Imola:
Pro: Steel frame, great Bianchi color, Carbon fork for smoother ride. If I got this one, I may eliminate the need for a road bike though this would probably be a fairly big target for thieves so leaving it under the El might not be a good idea.
Con: If I am going to buy a steel frame bike for getting around anyway, I may want something slightly lighter and suited for longer hauls up and down hills and speed, Also has the lower end Shimano components

Bianchi Via Nirone
Pro: Beautiful to look at and is only slightly cheaper than the Imola but has better Shimano 105 Components (aside from brakes), Very bright color scheme should be easy for drivers to see
Con: Screams "Steal me!", All Aluminum, even fork which is a harsher ride and really isn't as responsive as Bianchis more expensive models or Cannondale and Specialized

Cannondale Synapse 6
Pro: Handles like a dream and better than any of the others. Responsive and smooth. Year end model so it is cheap. They would include pedals and shoes
Con: Lower end Tiagra components again but no other set backs..The Synapse 5 come with better components but that raises the price about $300 which is starting to get out of my price range and that one comes in shittier darker colors.

Felt Z85
Pro: Really comfortable to just sit on and can be easily shifted for more of a racing stance if so desired. Cheaper than all the others with the better Shimano 105 Components and will even upgrade to 105 brakes and still come in cheaper than the others due to year end close out. Would also provide a discount on pedals. It would list at about the same as the Cannondale under normal circumstances.
Con: Really didn't handle quite as well as the Specialized or Synapse but wouldn't say it handled poorly or anything, just not quite as good as some of the others. It's also black which is harder to see on the road.

After getting hit by a car, the brake upgrade on the Z85 is very appealing. With better brakes that accident may have never happened. Not that I couldn't do that with the other bikes but at this price point, it's more appealing

Thoughts? Ideas? Experiences?

Note: there is only about a $400 difference between the top and bottom one.