R12k New road bike??

[T-girl]

Making the transition from mtb to road (do NOT plan on giving up mtbing!! just for variety and training advantages)...

 

Have a R12k budget; any bike suggestions? I'd like to buy new!

 

So far have looked at the Merida race lite 904 and Cannondale Synapse (Al frame and 105 components). Apparently the Cannondale's BB is a lot better than Merida, and the frame is better (??).

 

Am also very keen on Scott bikes generally and Cube so going to try find out if there are any in my budget; I think we get very few Cube bikes in SA but I stand to be corrected.

 

Any top tips?