I am currently riding a Trek 1.2 with Sora stuff. A loaner from my uncle. I have tossed around the idea of buying from bikes direct for along time. I sat down to buy a Windsor Kennet a couple of weeks ago and they were out. A little over $1000 for a bike with full ultegra and Aksium Wheelset. That is a really good deal. Not the best looking frame, but you could replace the frame, saddle, amd bars with something else and have a dream bike. I can tool pretty decent but would feel more comfortable just taking it to a pro and saying "here, fix this for free". I really like the feel of the Allez. It just feels stiffer and faster than anything else I have tried, but also liked the trek too. Its down to the 2011 Trek 2.1 or the Allez Comp. If either of the LBS's will give me one of those for $1200 cash, I will buy it. If not, I will probably end up with the Allez Elite which I know this doesn't matter but the Elite comes in a cool new Navy Blue color.