Spec me a second Road Bike

[uniQ]

I'm looking to pick up a second road bike soon preferably for under £800.

I currently have a 2010 Trek 1.1 Compact which has been a superb first road bike. I use it for everything from riding to the shops, the daily commute, training and 100+ milers.

I plan on stepping up my cycling even more in 2012 and would like to purchase a second road bike for training and longer rides keeping the Trek for the daily commute and winter riding.

The bikes I'm looking at so far are:

Specialized Allez Elite 2011
Giant Defy 2
Ribble 7005 Audax
Cube Peloton

Any feedback on these models or suggestions for others? Preferably 2011 models as there are some hefty discounts to be had ie the Allez Elite RRP £919 I have seen for £640-£700 in various online stores.

 

[uniQ]

I can certainly see your point, I suppose the bikes I'm looking at aren't the hugest of step ups the biggest difference is the groupset going from S2300 to Tiagra or 105 at a push.

My initial reasoning for the second bike was the Trek has taken an absolute battering in all weathers and it shows so would like something for more serious riding and for the daily commute that I don't need to worry about as much.

I popped into a couple of the LBS today as well as the nearest Specialized store. I still really like the Specialized Elite especially at the above price but do wonder if I'll just end up pining for something else lighter/faster in another year.

After talking to a chap in the Specialized store for a while he told me they were doing 20% off all bikes over £600 until the New Year which seemed like a pretty good offer going to have a look through their range in a bit.

Also grabbed some brochures for Genesis, Orbea and Wilier not particularly familiar with any of those 3 brands the LBS that sells them seemed knowledgable and they also offer free services for the life of the bike 4 a year.

I love that Cube Murf, they seem to make some of the best looking bikes imo.