I'm not a big fan of businesses that attempt to denigrate competing products with generic and largely unfounded claims.

Having said that, if your budget is around $1200-1300, you've got a lot more options than you think. The '09 models are coming out soon...this means you've got a bit of haggling room. What used to retail for $1500-1600 may very well be allowed to fit within your budget (I found this to be true).

If you can fit an average-sized frame (say, 54 or 56cm), you may even be able to round up a GREAT deal on a leftover '07.

Having said that, if you're pretty well dead-set on the Trek or Giant, I vote for the OCR in this matchup. You're talking Sora/Tiagra versus full 105. At about the same price, unless that Trek fits you like custom-tailored suit and the Giant makes your back hurt, you'd be crazy not to take advantage of the upgraded componentry.

And speaking of frames, that Cannondale is in the top tier. I really like the geometry of the Synapse series, and their frames have a great reputation. If you're lucky, you might even find an older CAAD9 that has fallen into reach. A 105/Ultegra mix is certainly something to ponder over a Sora/Tiagra.

If you have a Fuji dealer nearby, check those out at as well. The Roubaix Pro is 105/Ultegra, and I'm picking mine up (hopefully--if it comes in) next week for $1200.

You have a lot of options...certainly a lot more than the internet MSRP listings make you believe. I figured a good frame with anything higher than 105 or Tiagra was out of my range. Turns out, not so much. Keep your eyes open and test ride everything.