Giant Conundrum

[Onthedrops]

I'm completely baffled now folks!

Initially looking for an alloy framed bike. Loved the look and spec of the Cube Peleton Race. Also fancied the look of the Giant Defy 1.
Spoke to a guy who told me that carbon was the way forward. This set me thinking and looking at alternatives, albeit at a larger price.
Had a look at the Defy Advanced which was lovely. Wasn't too sure about the 11/28 cassette but that could be upgraded.

Now seen the Giant Defy 0 with Some Ultegra components at a reduced price. This got me thinking, would I be good with alloy again?
Is there a great deal of difference between carbon and alloy?
Essentially I'm looking for comfort and long ride ability.

Please help!!!!!!!!

 

[mythste]

Hold out a few weeks, Giant usually have a pretty good sale on early sept!

 

[vickster]

Comfort and long ride ability come from the geometry and you as much as the material of the bike. I've done long rides on carbon, steel and all. I don't think I've noticed any great different due to what the bike was made of but more the saddle, gearing etc. as well as how my tatty body was behaving on the day

If you'll regret getting alu go for the carbon, if you won't then you have more bikes to choose from

Have you actually ridden each of them? On the road that is...

 

[MikeW-71]

I found that the alloy and carbon versions of the same Defy frame geometry ride differently. The carbon one is stiffer, even more responsive and feels more sprightly, yet without losing any comfort at all.

Having said that, I rode 110 miles on the alloy one no problem at all and also used it as a "sport tourer" with a rack on. OK, it's heavier and a bit slower up hills, but I'm not under time pressure

 

[outlash]

I have a relative who was told to 'get carbon & 105'. So, off he went and bought a Wilier Izoard XP which turns out to be noticeably heavier than my Cannondale CAAD8. I did a 13 hour ride on that bike recently, while the two mates I rode with, one had a CF framed bike and the other Steel. None of us complained about being uncomfortable.
If the bike fits properly and got a saddle that suits you, the frame material is almost irrelevant. It's the quality of the ride of said frame that matters. All that glitters and all that...

 

[Kevoffthetee]

I'm very very pleased with my defy 0 after nearly buying several other models including the caad8, synapse, felt z75 and cube peloton pro.

As with any of them I'm already looking at changing the stock wheels after the winter but the stock ones will remain as winter wheels

I paid £675 from tredz when they had the bike at £799 then £125 off TDF special

 

[Garry A]

I have an alloy Defy 3, can't complain at all. If I want to go lighter it will be much cheaper to lose the weight from myself....but more of a struggle

 

[Goobs]

+1 for the Defy 1 - Love it.

 

[Butty1972]

Chop down the beanstalk!!!!!!!!

(sorry)

 

[Butty1972]

'Carbon is the way forward'... Really? Well there is always another 'way forward' on the horizon, it'll be stretched diamond composite next, or something...

I would suggest, from my very limited experience, that the important factors, probably equally important, are:

Is it comfortable? I am hoping to ride it through glorious vistas for hours at a time, it'd be a shame to do that with a sore arse/neck/back/whatever.
Does it look good enough to make me think "I am going to get on you and ride you through glorious vistas for hours at a time"
Can I afford to buy it in terms of is it cheap enough to make my SO forget about it after a few months of grief :-) (the actual value of this varies enormously)

 

[bpsmith]

I have a 2014 Defy 1. Great bike technically, but I find it doesn't inspire me just looking at it. 2015 models look rather nicer though, I have to say.

As stated above, your shortlist needs to be of quality bikes that are of the spec you want. Then it boils down to the aesthetics and which one you prefer just by looking at it.

If this is carbon or not, depends on your price target. I would always choose an Alu frame over a Carbon frame at the same RRP. A top end Alu is far better than a bottom end Carbon, without question.

If you can find a significantly more expensive Carbon framed bike, on sale at knock down price, then that's fair enough.

Giant had 40% off in their stores last year. Then it would be a mid range quality Carbon frame for me.

 

[Cyclist33]

I have a 2014 Defy 1. Great bike technically, but I find it doesn't inspire me just looking at it. 2015 models look rather nicer though, I have to say.

As stated above, your shortlist needs to be of quality bikes that are of the spec you want. Then it boils down to the aesthetics and which one you prefer just by looking at it.

If this is carbon or not, depends on your price target. I would always choose an Alu frame over a Carbon frame at the same RRP. A top end Alu is far better than a bottom end Carbon, without question.

If you can find a significantly more expensive Carbon framed bike, on sale at knock down price, then that's fair enough.

Giant had 40% off in their stores last year. Then it would be a mid range quality Carbon frame for me.

Doesn't geometry and size come into it too?

 

[bpsmith]

Doesn't geometry and size come into it too?

I would class that within "the spec you want" part. Perhaps that's a big assumption, but I would assume that nobody would suggest buying a bike that doesn't fit, or suit the riders style?

If you feel this should be spelt out, then you are of course correct.

 

[Cyclist33]

I would class that within "the spec you want" part. Perhaps that's a big assumption, but I would assume that nobody would suggest buying a bike that doesn't fit, or suit the riders style?

If you feel this should be spelt out, then you are of course correct.

If giving advice it is worth mentioning sizing as we all know of people who didn't think to consider it properly and wound up buying the wrong size bike.

I don't class it as spec.

 

[ToTeEndBar]

Had a 2012 Defy 4 I bought second hand last year, and in June I upgraded to the 2015 Defy 1 and loving it. Smooth ride and gears, and for what I need, does the job perfectly.