The Trek Alpha White Frameset is the same as used on the Trek 1.1 model, but the fork is upgraded from aluminium to carbon to deliver a smoother ride quality.

The Shimano Sora STI levers are 9 speed shifters, which combined with compact chainset delivers a range of 18 gears, with a wide spread of ratios on two chainrings. The chainset used is an FSA Vero, with a Shimano Sora front mech and Shimano Tiagra rear mech. The next model in the range, the 1.5 Compact, uses Tiagra shifters and mechs.

The finishing touches are provided by Trek's in house componentry brand Bontrager: bars, stem, saddle, seatpost and tyres.

The 1.2 Compact has some significant upgrades over the 1.1 and is good value for money with a carbon fork, and 9 speed shifters.