Originally Posted by njschmidt

Others have mentioned going with the Defy. This is what I did (went with the Defy 3). I'd like to add that the guy at my LBS said that the frames on the Defy's are pretty much identical (all high-quality), and that you're paying for upgraded components if you go with a higher-end model vs. lower-end Defy (e.g., I think the Defy 2 has Tiagra, compared to the Defy 3's Sora components). The take-away message I got was that I could get the Defy 3 as my entry-level bike, become acclimated to road cycling and, if I really get into it, can always upgrade the components later (that is, if I don't go for an all new bike). Regardless, I'm very happy with my Defy 3.

My $0.02