New bike choice

[John Robbins]

Hi, Ive been looking around for a road bike for fitness training and triathlon competing and came across this one
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-zenium-vr-road-bike-2014/rp-prod107032
It seems to be a great spec for the price.
or...
Another few options i was looking at;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f85-tiagra-wiggle-exclusive/
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b67s6p5268/CUBE-PELOTON-PRO-COMPACT-2013
http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-2-2013

My choices are based on looking up reviews, value for money and what i have seen reccommended looking through the forum.
I like the look of them all, maybe a slight preference towards the cube but although I dont really have a clue about frames or wheels etc. To help me finally make a decision... which one would you choose??

 

[SteCenturion]

Hi John.

If it were my cash I would go for the 2013 Cube.
It will have a higher spec for the cash & there is almost a sub forum on here for very Happy Cube owners.

The Giant Defy is a great bike too (I owned one for a year but bought wrong size 2nd hand).

With Cube the frame sizing comes up a little small & Giant frames come up a little large by comparison to many brands so check your sizing for both (best to try one in store).

As an example, I am 6ft tall & need a 58 Cube (tried it) although shop guy suggests a 60.

My Giant was a Large but really needed a M/L which they didn't do back then.

My current bike is a 56/57 ish.

Hope tgis helps a little.

Best of British.

 

[John Robbins]

Thanks for your reply. Ive actually just got the winning bid on a second hand Defy 2. (2013) Just about to leave to pick it up now. I looked at a size chart specific to giant bikes and it said i am bang in the middle for a large frame (6.2 with 34 inside leg) so im hoping i dont get the same problem you did.
Previous bike was a 58 XL and was a tad small. anyway, Ill check in again once ive got it and had a quick test ride this afternoon.

 

[Cyclist33]

Thanks for your reply. Ive actually just got the winning bid on a second hand Defy 2. (2013) Just about to leave to pick it up now. I looked at a size chart specific to giant bikes and it said i am bang in the middle for a large frame (6.2 with 34 inside leg) so im hoping i dont get the same problem you did.
Previous bike was a 58 XL and was a tad small. anyway, Ill check in again once ive got it and had a quick test ride this afternoon.

I've got the 2013 Defy 3 (identical frame) and am 5'11" and 33 leg - and mine's the M/L size and fits fine so I imagine Large will be good for you.

Enjoy - Defy is a fantastic ride!

 

[SteCenturion]

Thanks for your reply. Ive actually just got the winning bid on a second hand Defy 2. (2013) Just about to leave to pick it up now. I looked at a size chart specific to giant bikes and it said i am bang in the middle for a large frame (6.2 with 34 inside leg) so im hoping i dont get the same problem you did.
Previous bike was a 58 XL and was a tad small. anyway, Ill check in again once ive got it and had a quick test ride this afternoon.

That should fit you bob on that large pal.

I have a 33" leg & your height & leg length should be perfect for that.

 

[John Robbins]

Well, ive got the bike. I had to re-align the handlebars, fit my pedals and seat, learn how to adjust gears and brakes and pretty much tighten up every bolt on it (it was a late night!) ...but im very happy with it now.

The condition of the frame and components is 'as new' condition. the chap said he bought it online for £780, expecting it to be fully assembled and didnt know how to sort it out. He apparently never even rode it! I got it for £350 !

I took it for a 10 mile test ride this morning and despite the wind and rain improved my time by 30 secs compared to my previous carrera bike. I found it was much easier on the hills, handles better, accelerates quicker and in general much smoother and more enjoyable to ride. Oh. and the size is perfect too!

Im quite proud of myself for eventually sorting the gears. I was going to take it to the bike shop but they were booked up for a week, then i thought youtube can teach me how to do this! Seems ok so far!
Roll on Sunday for the first Triathlon!

 

[SteCenturion]

I love it when a plan comes together.

Good fortune favours the brave.

That's my plagiarism's done for the day.

All good news, glad it worked out perfectly for you & enjoy your new bike.