Defy 1 or Madone 2.1?

[Mr_Grieve]

I've now got my grubby mitts on a £1000 voucher through C2W to buy my first road bike. Now my LBS sells Giant and Trek so I'll be restricted to these brands. I don't fancy the Domane because it's a triple and Tiagra groupset so this leaves the Defy or the Madone.

I suppose at this point a bit of background would be helpful. I'm in my mid 40s and started cycling last year after years of inactivity. I was a very overweight and unfit but I'm now 3 stones lighter (but still overweight) and a lot fitter. I'm currently doing 30-40 miles rides at weekends and and usually around 2 rides of 10-15 miles during the week. I'm hoping to increase my mileage and have already entered a couple of sportives for this summer (both almost twice as far as I've ridden so far ). I'm currently riding a Specialized Crosstrail, which is has been a very nice first bike, but as I'm now riding almost exclusively on the road, I need to get a road bike.

Given both bikes have very similar specs, I realise there's not a lot to chose between them and the usual advice to try both before buying will apply - which I intend to do.However I'm also worried that having not ridden a 'racing bike' since my teens, in the time I have available to test both, that I'll find both a bit strange. I'm aware the Madone has the more aggressive geometry and the Defy is probably a better bet as a first bike but quite like the look of the Madone.

I suspect in the end I'll be swayed by the advice of the LBS especially regarding fit, but I'd be interested in any opinions regarding both bikes. I'd also be interested in advice about what to look out for when testing the bikes.

Thanks

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I personally would take the Giant for no other reason that I don't like Trek as a brand.

 

[uclown2002]

Defy 1 seems to win Best £1K bike each year! Must be a good reason for that.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

I despise Trek as a brand.
Don't let that put you off tho

 

[vickster]

Ask to test ride them and see which you prefer

 

[themosquitoking]

Defy, love mine.

 

[SteCenturion]

Defy 1 seems to win Best £1K bike each year! Must be a good reason for that.

I second that.
Great bikes - had one myself not too many moons back.
I read a lot of cycling mags & it does come out top in most if not all tests year on year.
Madone is far more attractive, to me at least than the Domane - but I prefer a shorter head tube (apart from the Cube Peloton I am gonna buy).
Either way you wiil get a great bike for your money & save 25-40 % on tax & n.i contributions.

 

[Mr_Grieve]

Thanks all. I've contacted the LBS to arrange to test both but suspect I'll be going for the Defy unless the Domane feels noticeably better.

Edit - I meant Madone

 

[themosquitoking]

It won't.

 

[Kies]

You sound like me a couple of years ago. I started riding again at 45 and chose the Defy 1 - still no regrets with the 2012 version. Will upgrade the wheels, rear cassette and chain in the spring, after 3000 odd miles

 

[SteCenturion]

You sound like me a couple of years ago. I started riding again at 45 and chose the Defy 1 - still no regrets with the 2012 version. Will upgrade the wheels, rear cassette and chain in the spring, after 3000 odd miles

FWIW kies - I think your white/blue 2012 version is the best colour scheme with the best graphics.
Tried to get one myself early in 2013 - no chance - Giant couldn't keep up with the orders I think.

 

[Peter T]

Its simply a question of comfort over speed in my view. I bought a racing geometry for my first bike and it took a while to get used to because I of being overweight and uncomfortable on the drops. A less aggressive frame is also more comfortable if you have any back problems. However, once the weight came off a bit I found the more aggressive frame is definately more fun. Two excellent brands, I would recommend buying the one that feels the most comfortable especially if your planning long rides.

 

[Mr_Grieve]

Thanks for all the advice. I tried both Madone and Defy at the LBS today and have ordered the Defy. Glad I went to the LBS rather than ordering online as a bigger size fitted me better than simply looking at the size chart. I should be able to collect next week and I hope the weather's going to be good.

 

[Cuchilo]

Welcome to the Defy club

 

[themosquitoking]

Which one did you get?