Noob looking for new bike.

[huwsparky]

Giant Defys are an extremely good beginner choice, I started on a 2012 Defy 2 which I can't fault at all. I found it very responsive and also very stable and comfortable which is possibly where the "dull and heavy" comparison is coming from. When they say an 8.8Kg bike is "heavy" it's only relatively speaking. Bear in mind that it's lightest rival may only be 200g lighter, which is nothing. Giant have a lifetime frame warranty.

If you're thinking Giant, then the 2 or the 1 are the ones to go for IMO. Only go for the 0 if you really want the 22 speed drivetrain, otherwise Tiagra and 105 are both excellent groupsets.

Quite a few on here have Planet X bikes and they are well happy with them, I've never ridden one personally so we'll need to see if an owner comes along for a better review. Carbon frames usually have better power transfer and can feel more nimble and responsive, but they can also have a harsher ride. That all depends on how the carbon has been laid up in the frame, some do it better than others.

Once the sales start you'll usually see 10%-20% off. I ended up with £400 off a £2k bike last year and I had nearly £200 off the Defy 2 the year before.

Thanks for your input.

The main reason I was considering the 0 was the discount that Trends are offering on it. £1200 down to £960. Not saying I need the Ultegra but if I did decide to upgrade in the future to a better bike it would give me more options as I'd already have a very good gear system thus allowing me the option of buying a separate frame and building it up from there.

Kind of wondering weather this c2w scheme is worth the hassle, may be better off finding a good bike with discount avoid the hassle of having the middle man and having to pay a admin fee, buy it off employer etc.

I think I'm just going to have to go and see bikes that I like and buy one, the choice and options available on the internet just makes me look for better value etc and I'm ending up going round in circles.

 

[vickster]

There are plenty of retailers offering interest free credit or there's interest free credit cards. If you do buy on C2W, finance, make sure the bike is fully and properly insured

 

[the_mikey]

I do most of my summer riding on a Giant Defy 2 it's relatively light and comfortable, great for the long ride, like a club run, sportive or audax , not agile enough for racing though. I also use a Kinesis T2 in the winter, a much heavier bike but it's no slouch, I've ridden a few 100km + rides on it with no complaints.

 

[huwsparky]

Just an update. Been and taken a defy 1 and a defy composite 3 out and decided to go for the composite.

My lbs (giant agents) couldn't get me a bike from giant in my size so I presume they are starting to run out of stock due to the new model. They offered me the composite 3 I tested for full price minus £50 so I promptly turned down that offer!

Managed to source a defy composite 2 (preferred choice) about 60 miles away so with a bit of luck the deal will be done this weekend. Not had the c2w scheme set up but with 20% off and the bike I like in stock has forced my hands a little but hey ho!!

 

[huwsparky]

Well this is what I ended up with to anyone who may be interested.

Giant Defy Composite 1 (2014)

 

[BAtoo]

Nice choice - at about 50% more than your original #800 budget......
It's a slippery slope this biking lark

 

[huwsparky]

Nice choice - at about 50% more than your original #800 budget......
It's a slippery slope this biking lark

Well there a nice story behind the price. I went to tredz and they offered me a Defy Composite 2 for £1035 which is 20% of list (the bike I'd decided to buy). They called me the day after and said that the bike they had sold me had been sold earlier in the day but the computer system had not been updated to compensate for this. So as compensation they offered me the Defy Composite 1 for £1099 which I thought was a total bargain. Basically a £300 list price increase for £65!!

Missus is out for the day so I'm looking at it in the lounge but can't ride it as I have the kids, so painful!!!

 

[BAtoo]

OK, so only #300 or 40% ish over budget

(and no pedals, or any other accessories ...... )

 

[huwsparky]

OK, so only #300 or 40% ish over budget

(and no pedals, or any other accessories ...... )

These things happen!!

Managed to get helmet, pedals, shoes, cage, bottle, saddle bag and a pump for about £130. These should have been about £50 more.

I'm always the same, end up spending more than I'd planned

I'm still smiling so all's good