Uhh.. there's no comparison. If you can spend the coin, spend it. If you can't, don't bother buying a road bike. I did the latter and I sold it quickly as it wasn't what I wanted. I lost $20 on the purchase but

Go to a bike shop, get fitted, get it done right the first time to save you money and hassle. Take it from someone who did it the opposite way and was completely unhappy.

 

espelirS2K, what's your take on the refurbbed/ fixed up-used bikes that they often have at bike shops?

 

Getting fitted is important. If the bike is uncomfortable you won't ride it.

 

buying a road bike is a pretty detailed process depending on the level of commitment you want and how much $ you plan to spend.
if you plan to spend less than $1000, the best advice is to get properly fitted by a reputable good shop.
the best way to find out is to go on roadbikereview.com and ask the people in your area where a good shop is.
beyond this, there are actually a lot of variables and there are as many opinions as there are in car buying.

frame materials (CF, Ti, Al, Cromo)
frame brand
frame geometry (compact vs standard, pro fit vs up right)
groupo
wheels
pedals (fix, rotate)
seats
etc...
a good shop will listen to you and fit you with what you need, instead of trying to sell you the most expensive stuff.

 

Listen to this man. He knows his shit. What I told you in the beginning OP was based off of me NOT listening to him almost a year ago, and regretting it

 

I'm looking at the Specialized Allez Triple... I'm planning on visiting a bike shop near me soon.

How is this bike?

 

So far I have ridden the following...

Specialized Allez Triple
Specialized Langster (just for kicks.... i don't really want a single speed for $700)

I would like to try out the Trek 1.2, and the Specialized sport models.

Can someone enlighten me on the weight of the wheels of any of these bikes?(also the whole bike, that would be nice)
Thanks