Road bike purchase advise

martinm4
martinm4 Posts: 11
edited January 2012 in Road buying advice
Hi
I've decided to take the plunge and get a road bike for my work commute and a bit of fitness training.

I've got £500 to spend, I've been looking at the Maven from Merlin, seems a really good price, well under budget. I know the mtn. bikes from Merlin are usually pretty good. Anyone know much about their road bikes?

My local bike shop has Giant Envy 2 (2011) for £499 the reviews for this bike are good on the net.

Do I take a leap into the unknown or go for the Giant?