It looks like I'm moving towards upgrading from my entry-level 09 fuji finest 2.0 and would love some advice on my LBS options for women's road bikes.

I'm looking to spend around $1000, so I know I'm still looking at a relatively entry-level bike (but definitely an upgrade from what I have now). I'd hope for something lighter than the fuji, but know my budget won't allow for a full carbon bike either. I'm 5'2", so I'm looking for a x-small, small or 44 - which makes my options limited for trying out in the stores.

What I've seen so far in the area:
12 giant women's avail 2 (sale price $900)
12 specialized dolce sport triple (sale price ($1000)
12 cannondale women's synapse 7 triple (sale price $750)
2012 GT GTR Series 3.0 women's (sale price $800)
Scattante w-579 (sales price $900)

I know the best thing to do is to take all the bikes out for test rides, but since they're located at stores across Chicago-land, I'd love some advice to narrow down the list before I go track them down for test rides.

I ride 2-4 times a week on bike paths, 6-20 miles at a time usually, and am training for a sprint tri.