Which Bike

[Skipton2014]

After much research and a lot of help & advice on this site I am now down to a choice of 3 bikes:
http://www.chevincycles.com/bikes/road-bicycles/road-race-bikes/trek-2014-domane-2-0.php
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.defy.1.black.red/14977/66543/
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.defy.composite.3/14976/66541/
Which is most suitable for the roads here in the Yorkshire Dales ?
Once again thank you for your help !

 

[simon.r]

Assuming you're a new cyclist and that it's fairly hilly where you are, I'd be tempted by the Trek, simply on the basis that it has a triple chainset and will be easier to pedal up hill

Having said that, I've only skimmed the specifications, no doubt someone will be along soon to offer a more detailed critique.

N.B. As always, make sure whatever you buy suits you from a size / geometry perspective.

 

[Skipton2014]

Yes I am new to cycling and certainly pedalling uphill will be a major factor so thanks for the advice. The Trek is also available in Skipton which is much easier for fitting.

 

[vickster]

Go test ride it, you'll know if it's the one. Not not, then you can pursue the giant route

The defy 1 has a better groupset than the others, no biggie but hidden cables, smoother, a bit lighter, but only a double chainset

Can you push the budget, carbon frame, 105 , although you lose the triple

http://www.chevincycles.com/bikes/trek-2014-domane-2-3.php

 

[Saluki]

Test ride them all if you can. My preference would be either of the Giants but then I like Giants. When I bought a CF bike, I didn't get the Giant though, I got a PX. They are all good bikes but a triple chainset, if you are a new cyclist, might be the sensible option. I'd want a triple if I was cycling in your neck of the woods.
to CC

 

[Deleted member 35268]

The Defy Composite is lurvly....

 

[Cycleops]

The Defy Composite is lurvly....

But it's not so lurvly when you can't get up the hills. I would go with simon.r and go for something with a triple chainset, you will find it much more versatile.

 

[Cyclist33]

To be honest I don't dig Treks but if I did have to get one it would be a Domane, I do like their outrageously fat downtube for one thing.

Main reason I suggested the Trek is that your local shop sells them, that is far more important than slight differences in spec in my humble opinion.

 

[Pale Rider]

To be honest I don't dig Treks but if I did have to get one it would be a Domane, I do like their outrageously fat downtube for one thing.

Main reason I suggested the Trek is that your local shop sells them, that is far more important than slight differences in spec in my humble opinion.

Agree about buying locally, particularly for a new cyclist.

Another advantage is tinkering with the gearing will be easier, should that be required.

 

[simon.r]

Go test ride it, you'll know if it's the one. Not not, then you can pursue the giant route

The defy 1 has a better groupset than the others, no biggie but hidden cables, smoother, a bit lighter, but only a double chainset

Can you push the budget, carbon frame, 105 , although you lose the triple

http://www.chevincycles.com/bikes/trek-2014-domane-2-3.php

I've only had one bike with hidden cables, so I don't know if this is a general issue, but the rattling of the cables against the inside of the tubes on anything other than very smooth roads was incredibly annoying. I'd definitely want a test ride on any bike with internal cable routing before buying.

 

[vickster]

I meant from the shifters rather than the frame. Tiagra doesn't run under the tape

 

[Skipton2014]

Thanks everyone your comments are really appreciated ! I think the Trek looks like the way to go for two reasons 1) Chevin Cycles is 5 minutes from where I live 2) Triple Chain Set - I've seen too many people really struggling to get up the hills around here and they don't look as if they are enjoying the experience !

 

[Cyclist33]

You forgot the third reason - it's really good! (apparently)

Good luck - I really hope you like it if you go to have a play with it.

Stu

 

[Skipton2014]

Yes and thanks for your help along the way !

 

[Cyclist33]

No worries! Have they got one in your size(s) to try out??