New road bike recommendations

[Matt-g]

Hi

I've got a socialised crosstrail hydraulic disc hybrid, but was also thinking of a road bike to mix it up a bit.

There's a dealer not too far away that has a 2015 Giant Defy 5 for £329, a Specialised Allez for £400 and a Raleigh Gran Sport for £400(this one comes equipt with mudguards which I'd prefer the capability of if I'm honest)

I'm going to use the bike purely for the odd commute and mainly fitness purposes, if the weather ever improves!

Anyone have any ibservations/recommendations please?

 

[ianrauk]

I would go for the bike that YOU like best rather then what anyone else thinks.

Ask the bike shop for a test ride of each.

 

[vickster]

I would go for the bike that YOU like best rather then what anyone else thinks.

Ask the bike shop for a test ride of each.

+1

You can get mudguards for the defy too so that shouldn't rule out the bike and I'm sure an Allez would take crud guards if not something sturdier

 

[Matt-g]

Thanks guys,,,.im sure each one will feel usual for a bit, until I become familiar with it...I'm more interested in people's ownership experience and how the bikes are to live with...pros/cons etc

 

[vickster]

Giant and Specialized come with lifetime warranties on frame and forks if that gives you some peace of mind (not that roadbikes are fragile in any way). They are also very popular and thus a lot on tne roads. If you want something a little different then the Raleigh will be a less common sight on the road

How do you carry your stuff on the commute, a saddle bag, a rucksack or panniers? Wanting to use the latter may influence your choice potentially

Personally I like a carbon fork for lightness and, although others disagree, I think they absorb some road buzz and add comfort. I don't think the defy 5 has one (the 4 does, how much is that), don't know on the others as you don't specify the model

Go have a look, a feel and a test ride

It's Saturday, get off the web and go to the LBS
(Assuming you aren't surreptitiously surfing from work of course)

 

[Tin Pot]

Get the red one. It goes faster.

And a couple of bike locks.

 

[Tin Pot]

Thanks guys,,,.im sure each one will feel usual for a bit, until I become familiar with it...I'm more interested in people's ownership experience and how the bikes are to live with...pros/cons etc

Not many people will have owned the three models you have in turn, to give such a comparison.

My bike is none of those - I rode MTBs in my teens and twenties. Got a road bike 2.5yrs ago. For leisure I didn't need to do anything with it, had no problems at all apart from a bit of jiggery with the derailleur.
When I started commuting last November...tyres, tubes, field repairs, pumps, locks, more locks, more tubes, more tyres, it all became a huge hassle but by Jan 1st I had it all figured out.

My honest advice to you is;

1. Buy the one you like the look of
2. Budget for all the extras you'll need
3. Consider where you'll be locking it, and the impact of its theft

BTW Rutland cycles have the better model Giant Defy 4 for that price.

 

[vickster]

It's good to support your independent LBS especially when new to road bikes, see if they'll do a deal against the Rutland defy assuming you are looking at the same size

 

[Racing roadkill]

Have a try / ride of a few bikes. If you're only planning on the odd social / commute / bimble, I personally wouldn't go for anything too flash. There are plenty of very good bikes which don't cost much, but are very acceptable for social / commute type riding. Something like this

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-black-id_8306187.html

The ones I saw in store yesterday had been upgraded to Claris spec group sets as well.