UKC

As the title suggests?  Using the cycle to work scheme so 40% off or thereabouts which seems like a no brainer?

It's my first road bike, using it for commuting (circa 30km) and looking at starting triathlons.

I have seen some good Specialized Allez and Ribble options but I really do know nothing about road bikes!

Any suggestions?

I'm sure you'll get some helpful replies too, but I'd like to be the first to suggest that 'if only you could increase your budget to £1500...' etc.

Hasn't the c2w scheme limit just been raised to over 1k?

I have a specialised allez on c2w and it's fine but I only use it for commuting, the components are noticeably shitter than my wifes fancy bike, the gears a a bit clunky and the bottom bracket looks a bit flimsy but you get what you pay for.

Maybe have a look at what Planet X or Triban (or van Rysel or B'Twin) have on offer? Especially Triban (former known as B'Twin) has a nice range of affordable road bikes ideal for commuting. 

Is your cycle to work scheme limited to a particular retailer, some are?  This may limit your choice.

The 1st 2nd and 3rd rule of buying a road bike is to make sure it fits, a brilliant deal that is a little too small or too large will be a waste of money.  Don't just rely on a simple height guide as given by some suppliers, if you google there are some good on-line guides  - the most critical measurement from this will be length of top tube.  If you sit on the bike with hands on the hoods and the front wheel hub is hidden behind the handle bars (ie your eyes, bar and hub align in a straight line) that is a good starting point.

Price wise I would recommend Shimano 105 as optimum standard for group-set (gears etc) for £1,000 that will probably mean a light(ish) aluminium rather than carbon frame which will be fine .

If you can get a good deal on 105 and carbon frame for £1,000 even better, if it fits of course

When you get your bike invest in some bib shorts - will make cycling much more enjoyable, you wil probably want to buy clip in pedals and shoes too after a little while

Enjoy

Thanks for this, after some research today it looks as though I have to go with Evan's Cycles.  Technically no limit but I probably  don't really want to spend more than £1000 anyway, maybe a touch more for a mega deal but that seems like a fair budget for now.

Any more ideas??

https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale-caad-optimo-105-2020-road-bike-EV360...

Looks good.  Thoughts regarding rim vs disc brakes?  My mtb has a disc at the front and v brake at the rear and the disc is far superior!

For commuting I bought a bike wirh

Aluminium frame and carbon forks 

Sportiv rather than race geometry 

105

Hydraulic Disk brakes for wet weather consistent braking in the wet

Mudguards 

28mm tyre compatible 

I ended up with a vitus on sale. Not perfect.. The mudguard fitment was a pain, and the frame is plain gauge rather than triple butted, but it get me to work and back fine.. 29k each way. You want something that will cope with a bit of rough treatment.. Meaning I'd avoid carbon frames myself. 

To put it in perspective. My fastest time is about 55mins on a race bike. The vitus dies it in about 60-65when pressing on, or today 75 as I have been ill. 

I have always found rim brakes on my road bike to be fine, I  have discs on my mountain bike.  If you are on a budget I would suggest that disc brakes are not worth the extra cost and weight on a road bike

https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/cannondale-caad-optimo-1...

I've have rim brakes on my race bike, for my commute the disks are nice to have, especially when wet. Cable/hydraulic mix if not full hydraulic. Not most cable ones. Prob rim brakes instead of bad cable disks.

If you can find one with disc brakes it's a good idea because your rims won't wear out due to pad wear, and braking won't be as affected by the rain. 

These days just about all, if not all cable discs you'll find on a bike for approx £1000 will be better than rim brakes, and commuting puts a lot of wear on rims due to the grit and grime and 'bits and pieces' from the urban road network finding it's way onto your rims and pads, winter weather isn't helpful too.