[Probably Another] What Bike Thread

[Dan Ferris]

Good Evening,
I am sure this has been asked a thousand times and i have been through some other posts but i need some assistance.
I bought a triban 3 last year as my first dip into road cycling. Thinking was if i did not enjoy it i have not spent a massive amount of money and i could get some of the costs back by selling second hand.
Turns out i loved it. So much so that my brother is now buying my Triban 3 as his entry and i am on the look out for something else.
My particulars are..
Budget of £650 for the bike. This could stretch but absolute top limit is £670.
I have clipless pedals which i will be taking off the triban when i hand it over
I am 5"5 in height and of relative good fitness (1/2 marathon time around 1hr 40minutes) so would be looking to compete in 100 mile races at the back of the summer after some training
still getting used to the road cycling scene so a really aggresive stance on the bike may not be for me
A few moderate hills where i am

At the moment i have looked at:

2014 Trek 1.1. 2014 model has the carbon forks
http://www.evanscycles.com/products...match__plid_&gclid=CNfGs4HPobwCFUj4wgodp2wA0g

2013 Trek 1.5
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/15-t-h2-2013-road-bike-ec040344

2014 Fuji Sportif 2.1
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/sportif-21-compact-2014-road-bike-ec053265

2014 Fuji Sportif 1.5
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/sportif-15-2014-road-bike-ec055667

I have tried to steer clear of the Allez. I have nothing against them but there are a lot of friends and people locally who them so was looking for something a bit different.

This is a bike that i will keep for a couple of years. I'm not overly worried about winter riding capabilities.

My trouble comes with looking through the facts and figures and seeing which one is the best for the money. I appreciate that i am not going to get anything super for this price, it is still an entry level for me. I would also prefer new from a piece of mind perspective.

So, i bow to your better judgement and request your assistance.

Many Thanks
Dan

 

[Cyclist33]

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/merckx-amx-1-tiagra-13

 

[Dan Ferris]

Hi Cyclist33,

Thank You, but that is over my budget.

 

[Cyclist33]

Yeah but it's unusual and cool, and I figured only 30 quid more which isn't a lot if you're up for £670..!

 

[vickster]

Giant Defy 2, 2013 Tiagra bargain at £630, sub 10kg, carbon fork. So better specced than your choices (£800 RRP)

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-2-2013

Out your way East too if you prefer to buy in store. At 5'5 I think you'll want a 50cm but double check the fit

If you do decide buy from Evans, join Quidco and order online for 4% cashback

 

[Dan Ferris]

Cyclist33 - Agreed but i would prefer to go in store and get a 'feel' for it.

Vickster - Liking that a lot and like you say not far from where i am. Also, thanks for the tip for the Quidco, appreciated.

Dan

 

[Doyleyburger]

Totally agree on the defy ! Amazing bike for the money

 

[Peteaud]

Another for the Defy, my old one was fantastic.

 

[simon the viking]

Go for the Defy2 if you can I've got 2014 model...... cracking bike

 

[Dan Ferris]

Thanks All,

I have emailed the company to check stock

 

[Dave 123]

Dan,

My commute bike is a Trek 1.5
I can't fault it. Through the winter it gets a lot of abuse on a daily basis. It has proved itself to me.

 

[SteCenturion]

Check out the 2013 Cube Peloton Race Dan.

Theres a chance there is still heavily discounted stock somewhere & it has almost complete 105 groupset.

Very highly regarded by many on CC.
(Sorry to all you regulars for 'banging on about it').

Can highly recommend the Giant Defy range too.
My old one was a great bike but for the fact I got the size wrong (bought 2nd hand).
Giant use a compact frame geometry & so my usual Large was wrong - the medium was too small.
At the time there wasn't a ML but there is now.

Great bikes anyway - easily good enough for 100 miles - probably 200.

Best of British.

 

[Dan Ferris]

Thanks All,

I have managed to haggle and have been offered the 2014 Defy 2 for £669.99. I think that is a lot of bike for the money..?

 

[vickster]

Yes or the 2013. Check the specs

 

[SteCenturion]

Thanks All,

I have managed to haggle and have been offered the 2014 Defy 2 for £669.99. I think that is a lot of bike for the money..?

That's a big from me at least.