Defy 1 or Madone 2.1?
- Thread starter Mr_Grieve
- Start date
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themosquitoking
Guru
- Location
- Spain
Bloody nice looking that one in the photos, is it as good in the flesh?
Cyclist33
Guest
- Location
- Warrington
@themosquitoking I've not seen it it the flesh yet: I was on couple of other Defy models to get the right fit. Agreed it looks good in the photos although I'm not sure about the red handlebar tape but that can always be changed.
SteCenturion
I am your Father
- Location
- The Dark Side of the Moon.
Update:
I eventually picked up the new Defy last Saturday but due to weather/work haven't been able to have a proper ride until this weekend. First impressions are very good. I didn't have much time yesterday but managed a quick 20km loop I've done very frequently. I was 3mph faster than usual but was really pushing it. Today I had time for a longer 55km ride. Again I was a lot faster than usual - roughly 2.5mph, so just under 16 mph compared to 13.5 despite it being being really windy.
A few comments about the new bike:
I eventually picked up the new Defy last Saturday but due to weather/work haven't been able to have a proper ride until this weekend. First impressions are very good. I didn't have much time yesterday but managed a quick 20km loop I've done very frequently. I was 3mph faster than usual but was really pushing it. Today I had time for a longer 55km ride. Again I was a lot faster than usual - roughly 2.5mph, so just under 16 mph compared to 13.5 despite it being being really windy.
A few comments about the new bike:
- I've been pleasantly surprised by how comfortable I've found the Defy. I realise to an extent that it's Defy's raison d'etre but still expected more problems moving from an upright hybrid to a roadie. I had some minor muscular lower back twinges today but to counteract that I've had no tingling/numbness in my hands which was a major problem with my Spesh Crosstrail. The back pain wasn't a big problem and was improved by shifting position or standing up on the pedals for a minute or two. Overall the ride was probably more comfortable than my old bike. I might be speaking too soon (and have probably jinxed myself) but it was still a pleasant surprise.
- I was pleased I went to my LBS. The frame is one size up from what the Giant sizing chart suggests for my height due to my short stubby legs and long torso. If I'd bought online I suspect I'd I have ended up with a poorly fitting bike.
- For whatever reason I found it easier to push bigger gears. On my hybrid I spend most of my time in the middle chainring of the triple and had expected to be in the 34 chainring most of the time but was actually in the 50 most of the time. I'm worried this is a 'first ride phenomena' ie I was trying harder than normal
- I was surprised today about how much the crosswind affected me. As I said above it was windy, but I've been out in similar conditions on the hybrid. I don't ever remember being pushed to one side so much by gusts of wind. Is it simply due to the bike being lighter or does the fact I was going a bit faster also make a difference?
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