I live in the same area (between chicago/mke on the border), believe me, there is absolutely zero need for a triple crank. I would indeed skip the trek 1.1, the AL fork, in my eyes, takes it out of the running. go to your dealer and test ride the Allez and Sectuer and see which you prefer.

here's a couple in your price range also (and a local chicago dealer as well)

Cannondale Synapse 7 (similar to the Sectuer, its an Endurance geometry bike)
http://kozy.com/product/13cannondale...8-178229-1.htm

Cannondale CAAD8 7 (closer to a race geometry bike)
http://kozy.com/product/13cannondale...6-178704-1.htm

I would be more inclined to buy either of these two at this price range because of the higher spec components, 9spd Sora vs 8spd 2300 on the Specialized. another $177 gets you to 10spd Tiagra components in the Cannondale line which is probably their best value AL bike imho.

also, if you are in the northern/north west burbs check out Wheel Werks in Crystal Lake, EXCELLENT shop, you can just feel that they are excited about what they do. it is a LONG way for me to go but I'll be buying my next bike from them. http://www.wheelwerksbikes.com/