Buying 2nd hand - advice needed

[Kevoffthetee]

What are your guys thoughts on a trek 1.2, sora throughout and bontrager wheels.

Have half a chance at £300

 

[Kevoffthetee]

Never mind, upon investigation it has odd wheels, and not branded ones

 

[SteCenturion]

For older 2012 & 2013 models you might want to check out www.paulscycles.co.uk or www.ashcycles.co.uk as well as www.winstaleysbikes.co.uk

It is possible to buy a bike normally beyond your budget with much better spec if you don't mind last years c olour scheme (in many cases this is the only change year to year).

Look towards the major players such as Giant, Trek, Canondale, Cube, Scott, Boardman & possibly Specialized (although as previously mentioned Specialized discounts are controlled).

 

[SteCenturion]

2013 Giant Defy 3 at www.ashcycles.co.uk £573.

A mate of mine has put 1000's of miles on his 2013 Defy 3 & loves it.

His is the red one & best colour imho.

 

[Kevoffthetee]

For older 2012 & 2013 models you might want to check out www.paulscycles.co.uk or www.ashcycles.co.uk as well as www.winstaleysbikes.co.uk

It is possible to buy a bike normally beyond your budget with much better spec if you don't mind last years c olour scheme (in many cases this is the only change year to year).

Look towards the major players such as Giant, Trek, Canondale, Cube, Scott, Boardman & possibly Specialized (although as previously mentioned Specialized discounts are controlled).

2013 Giant Defy 3 at www.ashcycles.co.uk £573.

A mate of mine has put 1000's of miles on his 2013 Defy 3 & loves it.

His is the red one & best colour imho.

Ooh these sites are good. I guess that narrows my list down, just a shame my budget doesn't stretch to tiagra

Cube peleton
Giant defy 3
Cannondale caad8
Cannondale synapse

 

[helston90]

just a shame my budget doesn't stretch to tiara

I think you could pick up a tiara off e-bay for the change, not sure whether it'd offer any protection in the event of an accident?!

 

[Kevoffthetee]

Hehehe anyone think I'd get a nod from other cyclists wearing baggies and a tiara

 

[SteCenturion]

Ooh these sites are good. I guess that narrows my list down, just a shame my budget doesn't stretch to tiara

Cube peleton
Giant defy 3
Cannondale caad8
Cannondale synapse

You could have a "tiara" if your budget extends to diamonds & you are a bit of a Princess

& the main thing is to buy a bike with a frame worth upgrading.

For example.
You could buy a good bike with a very good frame & Sora & after 18 months strip the gear set & sell that on & buy a 10 speed Tiagra or 105 group set to put on it.

Or start again with a newer higher spec model.

Either way if you buy at the right price & a desirable brand you will lose little when selling on if you look after it.

I lost around £150 total on my Giant after fitting new tyres & a new chain & cassette for selling.

 

[SteCenturion]

Quick google revealed a Giant Defy 2 at www.paulscycles.co.uk in size M/L only at £599.99 so top of your budget.
This has a Shimano Tiagra 10 speed groupset.

A M/L would fit me perfectly at 6ft 0 with 33" leg.

What size do you need ? What is your height & leg length so we can help you better. ??

 

[vickster]

Another £30 on your budget, you can have Tiagra - cost much more to upgrade

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-2-2013

 

[SteCenturion]

www.bikeradar.com/.../review-giant-defy

www.roadbikereview.com/.../review/giant/defy-...

For Giant Defy 3 reviews (Defy 2 is higher spec Tiagra)

 

[SteCenturion]

That's an oops then.

No good at links but a google will bring up both reviews

 

[Kevoffthetee]

I'm 5'9 with a 31" inside leg. Been measured at 54cm at Evans?

 

[SteCenturion]

A medium in the Giant range then & a 56 in the Cube range.

 

[Kevoffthetee]

dammit, decided on the defy 2 and its gone

you snooze you loose.