I've never ridden a road bike before but I am thinking about buying one. The riding position puts me off slightly. With the drop handle bars are you always in a low crouching forwards position? It just looks uncomfortable to me to be in that position all the time but I see lots of people on them so it can't be that bad? Is it possible to ride it in an upright position (leisurely cruising) while still being in control and have the brake levers within reach?

Which one of the Carrera bikes priced at £350 has the better spec?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...5710_langId_-1

Is this one any better?
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html