[ntan]

Consulting revscene wisdom! I'm planning to making the plunge into road bikes, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed as to which bike ( and how much $$ ) to get. I've checked out several bike shops in town, and the ones I've been recommended are

1) 2016 Felt Z3 disc - priciest of the bunch, but ultegra groupset + shimano hydraulic disc
2) 2016 Felt Z4 disc - sram rival groupset + hydraulic disc
3) 2015 Specialized roubaix SL4 comp - ultegra components, 105 brakes, praxis crank
4) 2016 Trek Emonda S5 / SL5 / S6 / SL6 - $400 for 105 -> ultegra, $600 for improved carbon frame ( stiffer )

The cheapest of the bunch would be the 2016 Trek Emonda S5, which comes with 105 groupset + carbon frame.

I'm not using the bike as a daily commuter, but I do plan on riding it to and from work in the summer when it's not raining. Otherwise, riding with friends, myself around town on the weekends and etc. No plans on joining races etc.

Should I pay extra for disc or is it not worth it at my level? Should I start with the entry level bike ( Emonda S5 ), or should I pay extra to get a better bike ( Felt Z3 disc )? I'm open to suggestions as well.

And for pedals, 105 or ultegra ( going clipless ) ? Does it matter? And shoes? Helmets? Man, this bike business is information overload!