Giant vs Pinarello...

[mattobrien]

Giant DO make their own bikes, and for a great many others too. I would doubt if there were any 'Italian made' bikes any more. But with a handle like 'Giuseppe' the choice I would think is obvious!

My Italian made / made in Italy Scapin is arriving next weekend, so there are a few still made there.

 

[Kies]

I have only owned a Giant Defy 1, but it always makes me smile

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

SL4 is even more $$

You stated that the Pinerello KOBH which you have an emotional desire for is 3 grand more, which takes you into SL4 world. You can buy a SL4 expert for 3 grand.
I'm not advising you to buy a SL4 although I personally think its even a better bike than the Think2 and its what I think is the best bike for what you describe in your original post.

My advise would be to ignore what I think, ignore what your mates think, find a decent LBS and test a few bikes in your budget and buy the one which is right for you.

 

[vickster]

I think the op may be talking dollars not pounds? $3000 is approx £2000

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I think the op may be talking dollars not pounds? $3000 is approx £2000

ahh never noticed that, don't know the going rate for SL4's in the US either
Anyway I still think trying a lot of bikes is the best idea, what's great to know person is not to another and the OP is not buying a bike for me (unfortunately) or his friends

 

[Peteaud]

The bike I would buy for hills personally would be the SL4 Tarmac. its pedigree and race results back this up, its a great all round bike IMHO.. its not exciting, its not complicated but it just does everything so so well, its hard to say a bad word about the bike.

Out of interest why would you go for a Tarmac over a Roubaix?

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Out of interest why would you go for a Tarmac over a Roubaix?

The tarmac is stiffer than the roubaix and the geometry towards the rear of the bike is more extreme and angular specially around the seat stays while the roubaix seat stays are a little more relaxed in terms of geometry, and when combined with the zerts you end with a rear end that is not as responsive as the Tarmac.
Its this which makes the Tarmac climb a little better, not much better but its an improvement

 

[ayceejay]

I am posting a link to Wrench Science, a US company that specializes in high end bikes, not your LBS but a good reference and run by enthusiasts.

 

[Giuseppe]

Actually, wrench science is just a bridge ride away from me. In the end I purchased the Giant. I felt as i am new to rad cycling, i will develop tastes and preferences with experience and that will probably be the time for a higher end bike. The LBS that sells them treated me well, and I returned to them. So far I think the Di2 is great, and I enjoy riding the bike though I don't admire it's appearance.

 

[DooDah]

I have owned both makes. No comparison, Giants are superior in every way - both TCRs and Defys are fantastic bikes and possibly the best of all makes at every price point.. Now that Pinarellos are mainstream they have also lost that certain something that comes with being exotic and exclusive - these intangible qualities now reside with the likes of Look and Time.

Why would french makes have intangible qualities? I would think it is the opposite.