First road bike help

[Jinger]

I tried to ask on the buying a bike board, but I wasn't able to get a proper answer there, as everybody thinks that we down here have the same range of bikes that they get to choose from up there. I think it would be also better to ask people here who are much more familiar with the bike shops here.
So I am trying to get my first road bike maybe around mid December and have narrowed my choice down to a few bikes. I want to spend up to maybe around $1700 and want 105 componentry. Here are my options
2012 Giant Defy 1 (incl. pedals) - $1499 from Mcbains
2012 Trek 2.1 - $1599 from Ken Self
I also found in Ray Appleby a Scott Speedster S30 for $1599 and an Orbea upstairs for I think $1299. All of these bikes have mainly 105 groupset I believe. as I am completely new to road biking, could someone here who has experience help me make a decision? Thanks

[skull]

also specialised, cannondale and cevelo bikes are available at Bike Ride on liverpool street.

And I noticed some good value bikes from the bike shed at Derwent Park. But if I was to suggest them I would feel like I am being unloyal to Bike Ride.

[bazsand]

I usually get my bikes fom Cyclingo.
But I think as long as you are fitted properly it probably doesn't matter which brand or bike shop you get it from
After sales service helps too I think.
At the moment their should be some good deals on 2011 model bikes too.

[Jinger]

But out of the Trek and the Giant, would you guys be keen to guide me towards one of them. I still can't decide between the two

[johnm_oz]

I can't help you choose because I've got no basis for comparison, but I bought a Trek Madone 3.1 with Shimano 105 fittings from Ken Self a couple of months ago and I'm blissfully happy with both the bike and the service I've got from, not only Chris, but everyone else I've dealt with at Ken Self. My budget was a little higher than yours at 2k +/-, but I bought a few more bits.

I went to a good few bike shops, and got service ranging from sh1th0use to top notch. I won't mention the first option, but it was on the eastern shore, a couple more I went to in town were goodish, but a mate of mine had dealt with Ken Self and recommended their service and I can only agree with his recommendation. Chris looked after me when I bought the bike and his advice was carefully considered and honest.

Love my new bike!

Cheers
JM

[Jinger]

Yeah the guys at Ken Self are really nice and seem to know their stuff quite well. I'm only wondering if I should spend the extra $100 on the 2.1. Still got a little while to decide though.

[skull]

My personal opinion experiences lead me to a different shop.

However if you can afford the higher model do it. Otherwise you will only be wanting to upgrade sooner anyway.

[Giant Pete]

I recently bought my first road bike (4 weeks ago).
It was a 2011 Giant Defy 3 and came standard with a Sora group set and pedals. It's the same setup as 2012 Defy 2.
The 105 is a solid set, but the Sora just seems that little bit sweeter.
I think all the brands are pretty much on par with their lower end models, so go for value with the extras. See if they'll throw in a light, or other accessory.

All the bike shops in town are good, but you may get better value if you head out of town a little.
I live in Kingston, so Treadlies works well for me. They are reasonable, and gave me the Defy 3 for $1030 (retailed for $1299).
They also offer 12 months of free servicing. As bazsand said, after-sales service helps.
Supporting a local shop makes me feel better too

[skull]

The 105 is a solid set, but the Sora just seems that little bit sweeter.

I wouldn't go below 105 personally as in my opinion 105 is the bottom of the line for decent groupsets from shimano and sora ia more aimed at a recreational level.

But that is just my 2c

[Jinger]

In the end I went with the Trek. I decided to take Chris' advice since he seemed to know what he was on about. They do group rides as well so thats a bonus. I think I made the right decision and can't wait to get the money to pay it all off in about 3 weeks!

[johnm_oz]

In the end I went with the Trek. I decided to take Chris' advice since he seemed to know what he was on about. They do group rides as well so thats a bonus. I think I made the right decision and can't wait to get the money to pay it all off in about 3 weeks!

Hope you get as much enjoyment from yours as I'm beginning to get from mine...

Cheers
JM