Can't make my mind up on new giant road bike.

[Grant_1967]

Can't make my mind up on these 3 bikes,

Defy Composite 3 2014 Tiagra components, carbon frame and fork
Or
Tcr composite 3 2014 Tiagra components ,carbon frame and fork
Or
Defy 1 2014 105 components apart from chain set ,with carbon fork

If I decide on the either on the bikes with the carbon frame I could upgrade the components myself.
I do have a mtb giant xtc to be honest I ride mainly on the roads that is why I have decided on a road bike .
Any ideas

Grant

 

[smokeysmoo]

Defy Composite 3 2014 Tiagra components, carbon frame and fork - LINKY
Or
Tcr composite 3 2014 Tiagra components ,carbon frame and fork - LINKY
Or
Defy 1 2014 105 components apart from chain set ,with carbon fork - LINKY

to CC.

As for the bikes you really need to try them all out TBH, personally I'm not a fan of Giant bikes, but it's nowt to do with me is it

The colours of those bikes leave a lot to be desired as well IMO, especially the TCR -

That said there are loads of happy Giant owners on here, and the Defy in particular has a strong fan base.

The reason I say try them is that IIRC the TCR is more race oriented compared to the Defy, ie: more bum in the air riding position. This may suit you, or it may not, hence you need to try them.

Don't get hung up on Tiagra v 105. 105 was always regarded as the first of the higher end groupsets, but IMO Tiagra has changed that since going to 10 speed, and in real terms you will not notice any difference in performance between the two.

So find a decent LBS who stocks the brand and arrange a few road test rides


PS: the reason I've edited your posts to include links is that it's good practice to include them for anything you want people to look at, as opposed to having them find it themselves, you usually find you get more response that way as well

 

[Cycleops]

If they have the same frame/forks I don't see the problem. If it's a matter of cash buy what you can afford. Regarding upgrades take Eddy Merckx advise who famously said " Don't buy upgrades, ride up grades".

 

[vickster]

One of these? Same as top ones but rather cheaper so could upgrade to 105 or ultegra more quickly

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4918/GIANT-DEFY-COMPOSITE-3-2013
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4908/GIANT-TCR-COMPOSITE-3-2013

2013 Defy 1 can be got for around £800 from Ash cycles too

But you need to go ride them due to the different frames which ultimately is the most important part

 

[jnrmczip]

I have recently purchased the giant defy 5 which is an entry level road bike from dales cycles in Glasgow which was only £500. The bike is excellent and so far cant fault anything. It is an alloy frame but it is quarter the weight of the old mtb I was commuting with. seems like you are an experienced rider already and you may want a higher spec bike but as its going to be your first road bike maybe its an option. I did have a look at all the other models and decided to get the entry level as I am a beginner and then I could upgrade components at a later stage. best advice i think could be given is go try the bikes at your local store and whatever feels rite get that.

 

[the_mikey]

Try them all and get the one that fits.

In my experience the frame geometry and fit will do more to the quality of the ride, followed by the wheelset and tyres. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits and consider a wheelset upgrade. The difference between tiagra and 105 isn't huge, they're both reliable, one has aesthetic advantages over the other by routing cables under the bar tape, this could be seen as a disadvantage if you don't want the extra work of replacing the bar tape at the same time as you replace the brake/gear cables.

 

[Big Nick]

If you can afford it get a carbon frame and you can upgrade the components if and when you need to

Get a tcr if you want a more extreme race riding position or the standard Defy for a more 'sportive' longer distance geometry

 

[jamin100]

I got the 2013 defy 3 composite from Paul's cycles recently

The tiagra gearing is fine, very light and responsive. The only small downside is u don't like the gear cables coming out the top of the leavers!

When the bike is serviced next year I will get them changed for 105 shifters when the white bar tape is changed. However that is purely cosmetic and not for improved function

The tektro brakes aren't the best, Im just upgrading them to 105 but that's only cost £20 (used)

Apart from that the only upgrade I'm going to make us the wheels. Going to get some zondas

I had the same decision to make regarding alu or carbon and I'm so glad I went carbon . The bike is very smooth and I have increased my speed quite a lot

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Tredz are doing the defy 2 for £639 and with a voucher code you can get another £75 off making it £564 with free delivery.

That is some bargain.

 

[tudor_77]

I have a Defy Comp 2 2014 and love it. The stock pictures do not do the Defy or TCR range any justice what so ever. They all look great in the flesh, much nicer than similar priced bikes from the main competitors imo but that's a personal preference. Got the chance to sit on the Defy 1 (black/red) and it was an awesome bike all round.

Like some say, you could get the carbon frame and then you have a better platform for upgrades later down the line.

The Defy has won so many 'best bike' tests in the cycling media that it is hard to keep track but from my experience the bike definitely lives up to the hype.

 

[bpsmith]

I have the 2014 Defy 1 and really impressed with it, especially at its price range. As said, it's all about geometry between your choices of Defy vs TCR.

The Defy 1 is a very good Alu frame, with the other 2 bikes being the lower end of the Carbon frames. The difference between them is not going to be absolutely huge as a result. You have to step up to the Advanced models with the higher quality carbon to see a massive gain.

Sit on each one in your size and see how they feel. Have a test ride and go with what naturally feels right.

 

[Dibs]

What are the main benefits of carbon frames? Is it mainly lightness?

How susceptible to breaking are they if you have an off?

 

[Big Nick]

Mainly weight but they also often provide a slightly more comfortable ride, my carbon bike is smoother on the road than my alu one and seems to soak up road vibration more

Don't know about the crash bit but I would imagine they are weaker structurally although it probably comes down to how you crash and what hits what

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Out of interest just how does the weight of a carbon frame compare to that of a similar aluminium frame?