Upgrades for a Giant Defy 5

[the_mikey]

The biggest easy to achieve improvements will come from a change of wheels and tyres, the cost of making any significant improvements to the rest of the components may be better saved and put towards a new bike.

 

[Cuchilo]

Thanks for the input . I have already changed the tyres to continental gatorskin for puncture protection . Should I be looking at another tyre for my weekend use or are these tyres good ?
My normal use of the bike is to go to the allotment so the puncture protection is needed and bike shoes probably not the best kit for going in to feed the chickens ! The pedals seem easy enough to change over so I may get the DMR v8s recommended for the week and then when the cash is spare buy some clipless for the longer rides .
I know I shouldn't really be going to the allotment on the bike but I cant wait to take it out as soon as I wake up and as soon as I finish work .

 

[Pedal Bob]

Have you had the bike for long?

 

[Cuchilo]

About a month now so no . The bike is fine and I love it , its a new toy so chucking a few quid at it is fun . Just little things for now until I know what I want . Making a spec for hand made wheels is a bit beyond me

 

[Cuchilo]

Clipless pedals now fitted . I bought SPD-SL R540 and a pair of Shimano dynalast shoes in a fetching shiney black . I was dying to try them out last night but Id had a couple of pints and have never riden a bike clipless before so thought better of it Im still not sure if this is a very good idea

 

[vickster]

Have them on loosest setting, practice in living room, then quiet roads. SPD-sl do not try to walk, especially shiny surfaces! You'll break your neck or at the least wear the cleats out!

 

[Cuchilo]

Ive already met the cross bar
Im impressed with them already ! I couldn't believe how fast I got up to cruising speed and even that was a couple of mph over what I normally do . They also shaved 1min 12 secs off my 3 mile trip to feed the chickens . Im looking forward to going on a longer ride with them .

 

[Cuchilo]

Hmmmm they are starting to hurt my feet a bit . Maybe its best not to go for a long ride in them until they are broken in . Or go for a long ride and break them in but have hurty feet tonight

 

[phil_hg_uk]

They also shaved 1min 12 secs off my 3 mile trip to feed the chickens . Im looking forward to going on a longer ride with them .

What with the chickens

 

[Cuchilo]

My feet hurt !

 

[Kies]

I have bought some ergo (flat sections to place hands) dropped bars for my Defy 1. Will advise if they improve my times
The Giant bars will go on the Triban or possibly cut them to make bull horns for the Sirrus ????

 

[Cuchilo]

Regarding wheels . What should I be looking for in a set of these ? I guess round ones would be a good idea
I weigh about 9 stone and want them for speed . I do ride on the bad roads around here but can be careful .
What would you spec for some sexy wheels ?

 

[HLaB]

How much are you wanting to spend ? Planet X, Mavic Askiums and Fulcrums (forget which model) offer good upgrades and the market exponential increases; a friend just bought a pair of Zipp wheels for a bargain knockdown £1200