Choices for a first road bike

[iwf]

I've been commuting for nearly a year on a Trek 7.5

I now have an opportunity to join the firm's cycle scheme and am thinking of getting a road bike.

Having tried the Trek 1.7, Spec Allez and Giant defy of which I prefer the Giant.
all have the 105 bits and all cost around £900. I note all companies seem to have reduced the component quality and upped the price

However there's a few Giant SCR 1 still available costing around £700 but i can't test drive one of those.

Anyone any view on whether the extra £200 is worth it for the newer models? Clearly given the £1000 limit I'll spend the rest on accessories so i guess the real question is whether as a novice road biker I'd see the difference between the 105 group set at £900 or the lesser models at around £700.

Thanks in advance

 

[Tynan]

sounds like loads of money for a first road bike for commuting to me

if you're going to commute year round I suggest you'll want rack, panniers and full mudguards

 

[iwf]

I wasn't thinking of getting rid of the Trek, and was was actually thinking of using it in bad weather letting Mrs IWF use it and perhaps attempting the C2C in the summer.

Also the 1.?? and Giant range all have eyes to take mudguards or a lightweight rack.

As for spending all the dosh on the bike, it's an interesting point. I quite fancy a Garmin 705 so buying a £700 bike plus the Garmin makes full use of the tax benefits of the cycle scheme. the SCR has the same 105s as the trek 1.7 or Giant Defy, but as I say costs only £700.

So it's a £700 bike plus Garmin (or other bits) or the more expensive Trek and very few bits. The other point is that the Trek or Giant would come from my local LBS, the SCR from Wiggle.

The main difference in bike specs is in the 105 vs Tiagra group sets, so another question might be to ask if I'd notice the difference.

I've been very happy with the Trek 7.5 so in moving to a road bike it's got to be both better and different.

 

[paul]

I have a Giant Road bike as one of my bikes. Very reliable, good on price and quick delivery of parts if needed. Covered miles and used 4 days a week commuting and training. If ordering on internet to save money, thats fine, but worth considering the LBS and which makes of bikes they deal with, not to buy from, but to use when you need the bike servicing and the odd parts you may need over the next few years. If not a local LBS to home, then LBS near to work for convenience.