Giant Defy or Specialized Allez

[Kems]

Hi - I'm hoping to get some advice to help me decide which road bike to buy. I'm want to buy an entry level road bike. I have tried a 2014 Specialized Allez today but I want to try a Giant Defy 3. The trouble is a Defy 3 in XL is rare beast at the moment. So I can't find one to try.

The Defy 3 is available on the Internet but I'm a bit concerned with buying blind.

Can anyone give me some advice on how the Defy and Allez frame differ or are they similar?

Thank you

 

[musa]

Get. A trek 1.2. I'm not really into trek for entry level i alwaya offer trek. Thr allez is poorly equipped but nicer looking for the 2014 models

 

[Saluki]

The Defys are great. Having looked at the latest Defy 3, they are a nice bike.
I have a Defy 2 and love it to bits.

 

[vickster]

What's the budget and specs of the Allez? Personally, I'd go for the one with the carbon fork and preferably better groupset

 

[musa]

Basic the entry level allez is 600 with shimano claris

 

[vickster]

Defy then...Specialized frames may be good but their spec isn't and seems to get worse every year...spend too much money on marketing and sponsorship methinks!

 

[Kems]

I really like the Defy 3 in Black. It has Shimano Sora Groupsets. I've seen 2013 Defy 3 in Black for £579!

I'm really tempted, but as I said earlier I'm concerned about buying blind. But that being said the Defy has a much better spec. So it just comes down to frame and geometry I guess.

 

[vickster]

Have you tried the Giant stores if you have one close?

Ashcycles often have good deals on Defys

 

[Peteaud]

Cant really go wrong with a Defy.

Brilliant bikes imho

 

[samsbike]

I realise you only have given an option of 2 bikes, but I would also check out the decanthlon triban 3 or even 5 at that price range.

 

[Kems]

Vickster - I spoken to Giant Bristol and they said that the only Giant Defy 3 in XL was red. No blacks ones left!

Thanks for all the replies. Opinion seems to lean toward Giant. I will look on the Internet at the Triban 3 & 5

 

[vickster]

Black is boring. Get red

 

[2Loose]

I'd be concerned about buying blind too. Frame size is not consistent across models or brands and you really don't want a bike that doesn't fit you. Even a great one.
If you can try any model Defy for size (the D3 has the same frame as the others.) then do so, even if it means taking a trip to the next town.
Disclaimer, I also have a Defy :-)

 

[bbbean]

Don't buy blind. Take the time to ride what you are considering. Rides and fits vary considerably.

Fwiw, you might want to ride a Specialized Roubaix and a Trek Domane while you're at it. I love my Defy, but each bike has its own unique ride and fit.

BB

 

[Kems]

Black is cool