help with a bike...

[swiftylee]

i am in transition from flat bar to racer...

i am stuck with choice...

giant defy 1 or 0

trek madone 2.3

or a ribble sportive carbon which has covered 200 miles which is carbon

rode the defy & trek today do like the feel of the trek even though i have had two previous giants

only problem with the ribble is that is 100 miles each way...

mind you i also save the carerra carbon at £900 in halfords or the new boardman for £1000

choices choices

 

[jp1970]

go for a test ride if possible... see which one put smile on your face !!!!!!!

 

[AndyRM]

The Giant 1 and Trek 2.3 both have very similar spec, mostly 105 with some other bits.

Then you've got the Ribble which is full 105 and has the added bling of being carbon.

The Defy 0 is the same frame but with a mostly Ultegra groupset.

Comes down to how they feel for you. Personally, I'd go with the Ribble, but it's a mission for something you might not end up buying!

 

[swiftylee]

The ribble has campag

 

[AndyRM]

Even nicer! Which groupset? I've had bikes with Mirage and Veloce in the past, now I have Centaur. Can't fault any of them really!

 

[swiftylee]

centaur not sure if that's good

 

[awfulquiet]

Try a KTM Strada 3500...

http://ktm-bikes.at/road/road/road-carbon/strada-3500.php?lang=EN

105 everywhere, the frame is fantastic (I have the 5000 version)

 

[swiftylee]

ktm hopefully better than the motorbike version

 

[awfulquiet]

Same name, same logo, not the same company anymore (seperated a while ago, in the 90s I think).

 

[AndyRM]

Centaur is excellent. But I'm a bit biased. The main difference is in ergonomics and shifting 'feel'.

As none of the bikes you are considering are Italian, go with what you prefer.

They are all good frames and can be upgraded with better components when you want.

However, bear in mind that if you ever get an Italian bicycle, Campagnolo is the only acceptable groupset.