Need opinions on bikes

[runningteach]

Hi Ladies,

I am interested in buying a new road bike because I have been riding more and feel it is time for an upgrade. I ride a Specialized Dolce Sport and when I bought it I didn't know much about bikes. It is bottom level components and when riding the shifting is not very smooth. My bike shop carriesGiant, Cannondale, Trek, Bianchi, Scott, Jamis and Specialized. My frame size is 48 so I am looking for a WSD. Currently my goals are riding at least an hour each day and longer rides on the weekends. My usual form of exercise is running but I have been sidelined from it due to lupus and not sure if I will be able to do that again so biking is my main exercise at this time. I ride mostly on flat roads. My mountain bike is a Trek.

It seems a lot of the new bikes out there have white handlebars and saddles and the WSD bikes are very pastelly (however you would say it). My bikeshop had Cannondale come in but they didn't bring WSD bikes. I like the look of the Cannondale Six but not sure if that would be a good road bike for me. I know the best bike to buy is the one that fits best but I want to like the look too. My price range is around $3000 or under and I would love to spend less than $3000. Most bikes I have seen that are around $2000 have 105 components and I am not sure if I should bite the bullet and spend more for the Ultegra components.

Thanks for help!
Jeannie