New to road bikes (and bikes in general) – what to get!?

Hi all,

I have recently decided I’d like to take up cycling as a hobby and so would like to buy a road bike.

I’ve set a rough budget of £600-700 and have come up with a couple of options that look reasonable.

Here are the two I’ve been looking at:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-road-comp-bike-2014

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/allez-sport/27405/newbury-road-bike-sale

As I have literally zero knowledge of road bikes I was wondering if anyone could tell me if they think either of these would be a good choice and what would be best. If anyone has other suggestions they would be most welcome!

Thanks!

Jamie