Help me choose a new bike

Hi there! I'm planning on buying a new bike through the Ride to Work scheme, meaning that I'll have to buy the bike from Evans Cycles. I had a look on their website and there are a couple of bikes I'm interested in, mainly the Trek Lexa 2015 and the Pinnacle Dolomite Two 2015. Does anyone have any experience or opinions in any of these? The Specialized Dolce 2015 would be in my (ridiculously minimal) price range as well. I've been happy with my SS Trek that I've had for a few years now but I'm looking for a sturdy companion with gears for my new hilly commute and the occasional weekend ride, nothing too fancy or shiny. Any tips appreciated!

Sorry I can't help as I ride titch bikes. Have read good things about the Lexa though. The best thing is to get Evans to order them in for you to test ride them. They'll need a deposit or credit card or summink as security. Ensure the test ride is a 'proper' one: more than 5/10 minutes!

Good luck.

The Pinnacle has slightly better spec but the Trek is a way more refined frame and comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and forks.

I'm a 6'2" bloke so can't offer any user points of view but I'd say the Trek is a far better buy.

One thing to consider adding to C2W would be a new pair of tyres as both come with pretty low end ones. Something like Conti 4seasons that have good grip, puncture resistance and low weight.

Thanks @cafewanda and @furious_tiles! I'll give Evans a ring and take the Lexa for a test ride. So excited!
I'm trying to find a good route to work, East Finchley - Angel. I absolutely hate the Holloway Road-Archway-Highgate stretch and I'm trying to find an alternative route to avoid it. I have cycled via Parkland Walk to Finsbury park but it's too rocky for a road bike and I don't want to end up squashing someone's poodle.

What, out of interest, don't you like about Holloway-Archway-Highgate? It's my daily commute and I find it really pleasant on the way in at least. Slightly downhill pretty much the whole way and can pick up some pretty good speed.

Agreed on the Parkland Walk - made that mistake when I was trying to find routes. If you wanted to take a nicer route try going down Bishops Ave and through the heath. I did that once but then got horribly lost from there and ended up joining Holloway again...

It's just too busy and stressful for my liking. I agree with you, it's not so bad in the morning but it's a bit of a nightmare in the evening. Too many buses, traffic standing still in Highgate and people on bicycles and motorbikes filtering through from left and right. Maybe I just need to toughen up a little :)