Move or improve...

[Dan Ferris]

In January this year I purchased a 2014 giant defy 2. I love the bike, the only modifications I've made are the obligatory pedal replacement.

I'm now on the hunt for upgrades having completed a number of 60 milers. I have been searching wiggle for a wheel and tyre set, new saddle, and so on. However I have today found out that my new employer are enrolled in the cycle to work scheme.

A quick look on cycles uk website which are the closest to where I love and they have...

http://www.cyclesuk.com/10587066/pr...015-road-bike-aluminiuim-black-and-green.aspx


http://www.cyclesuk.com/10502013/products/cannondale-super-6-evo5-105-team-replica-white-green.aspx

I'm wondering, with this type of budget that I'm looking at am I really going to see any difference? Is it worth the purchase of a new standard bike against my current bike with some new components on (can you use the scheme for new components!?)

P.s - a pipe dream...?
http://www.cyclesuk.com/10587067/pr...ace-2015-road-bike-satin-black-and-white.aspx

 

[mattobrien]

The majority of employers on Cyclescheme have a £1k limit and I don't this you will see the benefit of swapping the Defy 2 for a £1k bike.

Personally I would get some better components for the Defy as I think you would end up with a better bike.

First on the list would be Campag Zondas and some tyres, possibly Conti 4000 S or Pro4 Service Course.

If you really wanted 105 gruppo, which most of the bikes had, the latest version can be had for around £300.

So for around £600 you could get new wheels, tyres and gruppo, almost a new bike, just the same frame.

I went down a similar route myself.

 

[fossyant]

You can't use it for components that aren't for the bike you are buying (you can get some flexibility if you get the bike from a Local Bike Shop, where you know them - I went over budget on my deal so added cash).

I would look at getting a specific commuting bike - mudguards etc etc.

 

[ayceejay]

I would be wary of a company called cyclesuk

 

[mattobrien]

I would be wary of a company called cyclesuk

Why? Is there some personal experience or story that goes with that statement? Just asking out of curiosity really

 

[winjim]

Why? Is there some personal experience or story that goes with that statement? Just asking out of curiosity really

Well their proof reading is lousy.

 

[ianrauk]

I would be wary of a company called cyclesuk

A very good company who put a lot of emphasise on shop based customer satisfaction.

Wary because of a spelling mistake.. wow!

 

[ayceejay]

Oh! sorry guys I forgot the LOL - sheesh

 

[bpsmith]

I have the Defy 1 and upgraded the wheels to Zonda's with GP4000S tyres. The first version of the tyres as the second version get ever so slightly less favourable reviews in the wet.

The wheel and tyre combo has transformed it and well worth the spend!

 

[Dan Ferris]

Hi I wondered how these are going? Still enjoying the transformation? @bpsmith

 

[bpsmith]

Hi I wondered how these are going? Still enjoying the transformation? @bpsmith

I have since bought n+1, so the Zonda's are now on my Bianchi. Still loving them though!

The Defy now has a brand new set of Fulcrum 7's fitted, as they came with the Bianchi. Keep meaning to try them out, but not ridden the Defy since my Sempre Pro arrived.

 

[Dan Ferris]

I purchased the zondas and some schwable tyres - well worth the spend.

 

[bpsmith]

Glad you're liking them. Made the bike feel totally different?

Did for me.

 

[Dan Ferris]

They have indeed - when i finally got the cassette off the old wheels. I must have used nearly a tube of WD-40.

The way they roll is a huge improvement - a lot of strava PR's on the first ride out.

 

[huwsparky]

Mmmm, may treat myself to new wheels/tires for next year (also have a Defy).

Zonda's do seem the wheel of choice. Great VFM.