New kid on the block

[Lau1545]

Hi guys

I'm the new kid on the block. I had a giant MTB a few years ago that I used to commute but I've sold it. Now I am looking to invest in a bike for my second triathlon, last year I used a rented bike and I realised it's worth investing in a road bike.

My budget is of a £600+ and based on my research I came across Giant Contend SL 2 Road Bike 2019 and Cube Attain SL 2019. I like the specks more for Cube and the design, plus it's a bit lighter. I read good reviews about the giant (the disc version https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/giant-contend-sl-2-disc-review/) but also some bad ones about cube attain, especially about their wheels (https://www.evanscycles.com/cube-attain-sl-2019-road-bike-EV355527).

I am in two minds and would appreciate some advice especially from those who might have used these bikes.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Cycleops]

Looks like the problem may have been solved for you, the Cube has been discontinued.
Dont know anything about the bikes but there are no bad choices at this price point so could just be down to the colour .

 

[vickster]

Paul's have some decent discounts on Giant and Cube including the Attain disc

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/1592/products/cube-attain-pro-disc-road-bike-2019-whitered.aspx (available in 53sm or 56cm)

or the Giant in small or medium (suit up to around 5'11) https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/3627/products/giant-contend-sl-2-disc-road-bike-2019-blackorange.aspx

The Giant comes with its own disc brake system, personally I'd stick to Shimano or SRAM hydraulics or TRP Spyres for mechanical

Wheels are often a weak point on stock bikes, rarely really an issue unless you are a very heavy riders and like to crash off kerbs and across pot holes - they can always be re-trued, rebuilt or replaced

 

[carlosfandangus]

I used to own a Cube attain SL disc, all that I can say is that I had no problems, the brifters were the larger shimmano hydraulic (105) this may be an issue, it wasn't for me, large hands, I kept it for 2 years and commuted on it every day ( i still have the cube mudguards) i only sold it as I built myself a new bike.
I had no problems, the wheels, Fulcrum DB 7 were not an issue.

 

[Lau1545]

Thanks so much guys for the tips.

I managed to find my size the cube attain SL for the same price as the giant, and given that attain has shimmano 105 gears and not tiagra, as the giant, I am tempted for the attain as I get better vfm. Especially that I like the all black look/colour @Cycleops

so true @vickster, I can always change the wheels or upgrade them if I want to.

 

[Lau1545]

I used to own a Cube attain SL disc, all that I can say is that I had no problems, the brifters were the larger shimmano hydraulic (105) this may be an issue, it wasn't for me, large hands, I kept it for 2 years and commuted on it every day ( i still have the cube mudguards) i only sold it as I built myself a new bike.
I had no problems, the wheels, Fulcrum DB 7 were not an issue.

Thanks, that's helpful to know you didn't have any problems.