Best Sportive/Audax Bike for sub £1k

[Bugner]

I am getting a 1k Cycle Scheme voucher and want to get a road bike that has a slightly relaxed geomotry for sportive/audax rides up to 200k.

Shortlist so far is Giant Defy, Bianchi Via Nerone, Caonnondale Synapse or Specialized Allez. The models that I would like in the Bianchi & Cannondale exceed the 1k, so as far as I can see, Spesh seems best value for under 1k.

Are there any other makes/models that anybody would recommend?

Thanks

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I know a man who swears his aravis audax bike from byercycle's is better than the allez he had that got nicked. dunno if they are cyclescheme though. http://www.byercycles.co.uk/index.htm

 

[garrilla]

I think some of the bikes the OP lists can't take mudgaurds, which is required on some audax events. Anyway, The Dawes Audax Sportive is a good bike, fits your bill, http://www.bicycledoctor.co.uk/p_dawesaudaxsportif.html

I have the Audax Sport 2008 and it does have that 'in between' feel, not quite road bike, not quite a tourer.

 

[marinyork]

The nirone's can't take mudguards and are not audax bikes in anycase. It is different geometry though.