If you're using a road bike every day & in all weather then it will need washing & oiling every week minimum.
Obviously the chain & cassette will need regular de-greasing, cleaning & re-lubricating. The pivot points on the deraillers & brake calipers will also need a regular splash of WD40 to prevent them binding.
In the medium / long term it's the headset that takes the most abuse. Being so exposed they quickly fill up with water & road crud and start rusting. I take the headset apart on any new bike and make sure it's packed with grease. If using in the rain then this needs to be repeated regularly otherwise budget for a new headset each year. Water ingress into the brake & gear cable liners can also cause binding in the longer term.
Water will also find it's way inside the frame, usually down the back of the seatpost. Not a huge problem with a carbon frame but they sometimes have a metal collar to hold a metal seatpost so this needs to be lubed too. The water will accumulate around the bottom bracket unless there's a drain hole, not a problem because these are sealed but it's a good idea to tip the bike up periodically so that any water drains out of the frame holes at the bottom of the seat stays.
Wheels & especially tyres will take a beating. Keep the QRs lubed to stop them rusting. Road race tyres are typically 23mm width and depending upon the tyre have limited puncture protection, especially in the wet when glass seems to magically pass through the tread. They can also be dangerous on wet manhole covers, painted surfaces, etc. Riding in town the main risk is probably pinch flats from hitting a pothole. Keep tyres pumped up hard and consider swapping to a 25mm Continental Gatorskin or similar for winter commuting, a fraction heavier but much more protection.
Always carry a spare inner tube, adhesive patches, tyre levers & mini pump or CO2 canister. You'll need lights for winter and a very good loch for security (which will be heavy!). Spray off the rear wheel will soak your bum, consider getting a set of SKS Raceblade mudguards which clip to any road bike. Shoe covers or waterproof shoes are a must together with a pair of clear glasses to keep the spray out of your eyes even in the dark.
At the end of the day these are light weight race bikes designed to go fast & hard over long distances. Like any bike they need regular maintenance but just expect them to need more if ridden in poor weather, left outside, not cleaned for days, etc, etc.
Of course after a few days commuting you might say 'bugger this' and get back in the car!
In that case find a local group and go cycling at the weekends, much more enjoyable!
Cheers, Mark
was not impressed with Halfolds or Toys R us offerings at all so went to a proper bike shop to have a look. About £150 each which was a little more then my original budget but i am much much much happier with the end product 