Specialized Allez. Is this the best road bike for £400?

[Rusty-C]

Since moving to London, I've been cycling a soft-tail mountain bike with a two-ring chainset... but, I'm tired of being overtaken by women carrying two kids - it's embarrassing - so what £400 bike would best save my blushes?

This has caught my eye: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/al...

[Rusty-C]

Mr Will said:

That's not your size unfortunately, and the 2011 bike is a lot more money

Are you sure you want gears, or could you be tempted by a single-speed?

I like the idea of a single speed for two reasons: It's simple so it shouldn't break; likewise it'll be less attractive to thieves.

But, my main worry with the single-speed is I'm going to spend a lot of time wishing I had the gears to go faster. This has been half the problem with the mountain bike. And, you can't throw a road bike down a mountain so if fun's to be had, speed seems like the obvious door to chap...

Having read a few reviews and the word on the street from the PH faithful - thanks guys - I'm kinda talking myself into an Allez.

But, what's caught your eye in the way of single-speeds? Turns out my tax is literally nothing and I'm thinking the car's not really financially viable, so I might to be doing some test rides this week...