new road bike - 3 choices

[1234567]

hi there.
as some of you may be aware, i posted on here a couple of weeks ago seeking advice re a first road bike, coming from commuting on a hybrid.

after doing a bit of research (budget no more than £800), LBSs have recommended the 08 cannondale caad9 tiagra, the trek 1.7, and the specialized allez elite.
if presented with this choice, what would you choose? any glaring ommsions?

secondly, in the long term, i plan on doing some quite long cycles. (Maybe 6/7 hours a day) Ive heard conflicting reports on road bikes in terms of comfort. some people explain that they are designed purely for speed, while others say this is nonsense and that 7 hours a day on a road bike would not be an issue.
whats the general consensus on this? with this in mind, should that affect my choice from the 3 bikes above? ive been told by a local bike store that the specialized allez has 'compromised' geometry providing the est of both worlds. is that true of the other 2?

many thanks

 

[Noodley]

what about Focus Variado from wiggle?

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

I have the Allez Elite... love it! Can't comment on the other two though, sorry!

 

[vernon]

any glaring ommsions?

secondly, in the long term, i plan on doing some quite long cycles. (Maybe 6/7 hours a day) Ive heard conflicting reports on road bikes in terms of comfort. some people explain that they are designed purely for speed, while others say this is nonsense and that 7 hours a day on a road bike would not be an issue.
whats the general consensus on this? with this in mind, should that affect my choice from the 3 bikes above? ive been told by a local bike store that the specialized allez has 'compromised' geometry providing the est of both worlds. is that true of the other 2?

many thanks

Dawes Audax? Sporty/fast tourer

Have a look at the keen pricing at www.spacycles.co.uk

 

[In trouble]

Had a real pain trying to choose between the Allez Elite and the Trek 1.7 just three weeks ago. Mainly because the Allez looks nice but the Trek has the 105 group set.

Had a test ride of both bikes at the LBS, and the Allez blew the 1.7 out of the water. Its smoother, and quieter and a slightly smoother ride due to the zertz inserts. Absolutely love it and I'm confident I made the right choice. Try a test ride of both if you can, that'll help.

Mine currently lives in the lounge as its tooooooo nice to live in the utility room......until the wife gets her way :0)