Apologies if this is in the correct forum, but since these are mostly viewed as commuter bikes...

I am a total noob to the biking scene, and in trying to do my research, I am only becoming more confused. A trip to the local bikestore did not help too much.

The sales associate told me that the 2011 7.5FX was "spec'ed" better than the 2012 version and I would be effectively buying down if I purchased the new model. I am not sure if he is correct, or was just trying to move old inventory.

For reference, 2011 model:

Colors - Platinum, Metallic Black
Sizes - 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25
Frame - FX Alpha Black Aluminum
Fork - Bontrager Nebula, carbon, SpeedTrap compatible
Wheels - Bontrager SSR wheelset
Tires - Bontrager Race All Weather Hard-Case, 700x32c
Shifters - Shimano Deore, 9-speed trigger
Front Derailleur - Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore LX
Crank - Shimano M443 Octalink, 48/36/26
Cassette - SRAM PG-950 11-26, 9 speed
Pedals - Alloy body w/alloy cage
Saddle - Bontrager H2 Flex Form
Seat Post - Bontrager Nebula
Handlebars - Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone OS, 25mm rise
Stem - Bontrager SSR, 10 degree
Headset - Slimstak, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset - Avid SD-3 brakes w/Tektro adjustable-reach levers

2012 Model:
Frameset

Frame

FX Alpha Gold Aluminum

Fork

Bontrager Nebula, carbon, SpeedTrap compatible

Sizes

15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25"
Wheels

Wheels

Bontrager Approved, 24-hole wheelset

Tires

Bontrager Race All-Weather Hard-Case, 700x28c
Drivetrain

Shifters

Shimano R440, 9-speed trigger

Front derailleur

Shimano Sora

Rear derailleur

Shimano Deore

Crank

FSA Vero, 50/34 compact road gearing

Cassette

SRAM PG-950 11-34, 9 speed

Pedals

Nylon body w/alloy cage
Components

Saddle

Bontrager H2 Flex Form

Seatpost

Bontrager Nebula

Handlebar

Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone OS, 25mm rise

Stem

Bontrager SSR, OS, 10 degree

Headset

Slimstak, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed

Brakeset

Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes w/Tektro adjustable-reach alloy levers
Accessories

Grips

Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Elite, lock-on, ergonomic

Any insight would be very much appreciated.