Decision TIme - First Road Bike!

[robertob]

Okay, so, finally want to get a road bike myself, ditching my old unfashionable mountain bike. Life long dream, following the sport for many years (since Jan Ullrich won his first and only Tour: he's from my home town) but always ducked away fro the transition.

Based in Dublin these days, I put together a list of bikes available here in shops near me and which look look good value for money from what I can see with my novice knowledge of road bikes. Was hoping for some advice on what would the best of the following:

Specialized Allez Sport 2015
Kona Zone 2014
Lapierre Audacio 400
Bianchi Via Nirone

Dream was always a Bianchi, even if this one is in read.... but I fail to see what makes this one worth 150 quid extra (bar that it's a Bianchi of course) to the Kona, which probably from the specs looks the best with S105 ? I like the Specialized though with the double BlackBelt protection (anyone experience with that - is it as good as it sounds?). What do you guys think? Thanks!

 

[Kestevan]

They're all decent enough bikes - not a bad one amongst them.
With the Specialized you're paying for the frame = the spec otherwise (Sora) is the low-end of the decent components.
The Kona and Lapierre are good all-rounders with a decent spec (Tiagra or 105) personally the 105 on the Kona is as good as you'll get at this price.
The Bianchi is a lovely bike but it's expensive (and the wrong colour, and not Campag).

Personally I think the Kona is the best bike there.... BUT not if it doesn't fit you. You need to ideally ride, or at least swing a leg over them all; you may find one or more that just don't suit. Conversely you may fall in love with one of them - if you do buy it, the spec then is irrelevant.

 

[robertob]

Many thanks Kestevan. I think I'm going to test the Kona and Lapierre then. Even though I always wanted a Bianchi... but if I understand you right, there would be nothing justifying the extra 150 quid as it isn't any better than the other two?!