GmanUK65
Über Member
- Location
- Wallsend, Newcastleupon Tyne
In 2012 I bought a Merida Race Lite 904 as my first road bike and really enjoyed riding it over the past few years but, just after Christmas 2015 but before this year I rode a full carbon bike (Specialized) and enjoyed the quickness and more comfortable ride. I decided I would like an upgrade and go full carbon myself. I checked online for second hand bikes and came across a Giant Defy Composite 1 for £900 s/hand. Apparently it had only been ridden for about 500 miles.
I checked the specs of a new one after I bought it and seen that the wheels were a bit heavy and the brakes were not Ultegra, I don't think even Shimano. I have noticed that the bike I have has Shimano brakes on so the last owner may have changed them though I don't if they are Ultegra. A few months ago I bought a pair of Ultegra wheels so I put these on the Giant with the 11sp cassette, so it now has lighter and better wheels.
Today I checked out some reviews for the Merida and the Giant. The weight of the Merida (according to Start Cycles) is 8.8kg and the weight of the Giant is slightly heavier at 8.9kg (cannot remember where I seen this). Eh! my full carbon bike is heavier than my alluminium Merida. It's making me wonder whether the giant is a better bike. Have I wasted my money on the Giant or is it a better bike?
I checked the specs of a new one after I bought it and seen that the wheels were a bit heavy and the brakes were not Ultegra, I don't think even Shimano. I have noticed that the bike I have has Shimano brakes on so the last owner may have changed them though I don't if they are Ultegra. A few months ago I bought a pair of Ultegra wheels so I put these on the Giant with the 11sp cassette, so it now has lighter and better wheels.
Today I checked out some reviews for the Merida and the Giant. The weight of the Merida (according to Start Cycles) is 8.8kg and the weight of the Giant is slightly heavier at 8.9kg (cannot remember where I seen this). Eh! my full carbon bike is heavier than my alluminium Merida. It's making me wonder whether the giant is a better bike. Have I wasted my money on the Giant or is it a better bike?