Which is the better choice for an entry level road bike?

[PistolSlap]

Looking to get an entry level road bike. Out of these, which do you think would be the best product? I don't know about tech specs so I have a hard time choosing. These are the only choices I have:


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1)Excellent value and super warranty, has good clearance for fenders.

http://www.mec.ca/product/5031-880/mec-nineteen-seventy-one-bicycle-unisex/?Ns=p_min_sale_price&h=10+50002+50013+50208&f=10+50002+50208





2)Lower end parts racier geometry, lighter frame.

http://store.trekbikesvictoria.com/product/13trek-1.2-t-173380-1.htm



3)Very similar to the Trek above.

http://www.norco.com/bikes/road/road-endurance/valence-alloy/valence-a3/





4) Relaxed geo but lower end parts for more money nice frame.

http://bspbikes.com/product/13cannondale-synapse-7-sora-178229-1.htm


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[RBurrelli]

The specs are very similar among all of them. All have Shimano Sora components mostly. Hard to make a choice of a bike for another person. If you can't sit on it and try it out before purchasing then it would be up to your taste and and other factors.

I have a preference for Cannondales....

[RBurrelli]

The specs are very similar among all of them. All have Shimano Sora components mostly. Hard to make a choice of a bike for another person. If you can't sit on it and try it out before purchasing then it would be up to your taste and and other factors.

I have a preference for Cannondales....

[nfmisso]

The specific bike does not matter of the choices you provided.

First consideration should be the dealer (unless you can do all the service work yourself).

Next is how does the bike fit you - a good dealer will make sure that the bike they sell you matches your desires, and is adjust to fit you well.

Personally, if the budget is anything under $2K; I'll be looking on Craigs List and eBay.

[DaveM]

The MEC is more of a cyclocross bike, more suitable for foul weather, bags, comfort over distance. The others look to be more purely "racers". I'd say your first decision is whether you want a more pure racer that will be as fast as possible, but which you'll likely only ride on nice sunny days for recreation or a bike that is a bit more versatile. After that, the decision comes down to fit and shop support. You should try to test ride a few aggressive racers. Of course you will get more used to this riding position as you spend time on the bike, but not everyone will ever be comfortable on this kind of geometry. Any bike like this is going to need some adjustments and tweaking, especially at first as it breaks in.