Giant Defy...which one?

[defy21]

Decided on a Giant Defy as my first touring bike across Europe as have heard good reviews on the whole range but deciding which one to go for!

Defy 1 or the Defy 2 or even go for the Defy 3 version? Much difference?

Budget is around £800 but could be tempted with the Defy 1 if its worth the extra money?

 

[vickster]

Are you planning on fitting a rack and panniers? Double check on the 2013 models but the 1 didn't have rack bosses last year while the 2 did

Groupset is probably the main difference, perhaps the wheels (plus the colour scheme)

10 speed Tiagra on the 2 is 105 from a year or two back. Perhaps choose the 2 and put better wheels and tyres on if you want to spend the extra £200

 

[defy21]

Yeah going to fit a rack and panniers...I know the Defy 2 has rack bosses and pretty sure the Defy 1 does. Will have to check!

Would the Defy 3 also be good enough?

 

[mark st1]

With reference to your budget a 2012 defy 1 can be had for £850 online atm. Been looking at them myself.

 

[Kies]

Defy 1 - great bike for touring,but only has lower rack points. You can buy a saddle clamp with rack points or use P clips. Here is mine ....

 

[vickster]

With reference to your budget a 2012 defy 1 can be had for £850 online atm. Been looking at them myself.

Really? They seemed pretty hard to come by while they were the ciurrent model?! Must be limited sizes and retailers?

OK, CRC have for £800 but only in the 55.5cm - the L - quite a big bike (I sat on these before buying my Avail and at 5'9 even the M felt too big for me) http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=104488

Ref the Defy 3, it has the 9sp Sora gearing, which is basically the Tiagra from a few years ago. I think the frame is the same. Other components like wheels might vary. Go have a look at the range in store. Do you have a Giant shop nearby?

 

[Neil363]

Just bought a Defy 3 as my first road bike and more than happy with it.

Considered the 2 just for Tiagra but was happy enough with Sora on the 3. Also preferred the colour scheme of the 3 over the 2. Couldn't possibly own a bike that I don't like the look of!

Can't comment on the Defy 1 as that was a little out of my price range so didn't even get a look.

 

[mark st1]

Really? They seemed pretty hard to come by while they were the ciurrent model?! Must be limited sizes and retailers?

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-1-2012-15percent-worth-of-free-goods

This place is advertising a few frame sizes not sure how reliable there website is though ? Your a London gal though have you heard of them Vic ?

 

[vickster]

I'm in SW London, they are in deepest darkest East London, someone like subaqua ios out that way I think

Best to call them I would say