Yeah, several bikes will do nicely for you. $1,500 is an interesting price point; it聮s right where bike makers seem to realize they might win a customer for life, and for a more-expensive bike in a few years, if they get it right. So there are some excellent buys.
Bianchi Veloce
VeloceOne bike that聮s sort of a Subaru WRX of bikes聴fast, but doesn聮t really look it聴is the Fuji Roubaix Pro (www.fujibikes.com). In its current iteration it has a well designed aluminum frame with vibration-damping carbon in the seatstays, plus an excellent mix of Shimano 105 and Ultegra parts. A few minor corners cut on the wheels and crankset, but nothing serious. And the price rocks: $1,500.
Giant is another company that offers a great value in bicycles, in part because they make frames in sizes (s/m/l) rather than in centimeter increments. So they have lower inventory costs. The Giant TCR A1 ($1,400; www.giant-bicycle.com), for instance, has Giant聮s signature compact aluminum frame, mostly Shimano 105 parts that go click-click just fine, and light Xero wheels. It聮s a very nice bike.
I also like Bianchi聮s Veloce (www.bianchiusa.com), just because, well, it聮s Italian. Its spiffy aluminum frame is decked out with carbon forks and lots of Campagnolo Veloce parts, and it even comes with a decent set of Wellgo clipless pedals. It also has a compact 34/50 crankset for a bit more lift on the hills without the weight and complexity of a triple crank. Price is just above your sweet spot at $1,700, but if you walk into a shop that has one and make sad puppy eyes, maybe they聮ll knock $100 off, or give you some goodies such as a cycle computer and seat bag. And remember, it聮s Italian. Buon viaggio!
Get more advice from the Gear Guy as he picks this season聮s top gifts in You聮ll probably find a few things to put on your own wish list, too.