Which of these bikes is better?

[InjuredAthlete]

I'm just purchasing my first road bike and have a budget of about £1000 maximum. I think i've narrowed my decision down to these two bikes, which of these is the better buy as I can't decide. The Giant seems good value but it looks old and poorly styled (possibly 2007 model and is equipped with old 105 groupset) where as the GT is newer and has the SRAM. I also found another GT with 105 (3rd option). These seem to be the best value bikes I have been able to find- which is the better buy, please help me decide?

Giant Alliance TCR:http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=84317

GT GTR Series 1 2010: http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m7b0s6p2513

3rd option: GT GTR Series 2 2011 : http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m7b0s6p3333

 

[doctornige]

I don't know those bikes, but my gut feeling it to go with the best groupset you can get if the geometry is right and the bike feels OK. You really need to try them though. .

 

[InjuredAthlete]

I did find a Giant with Ultegra groupset for £1039 but it comes with heavier wheels and the frame is Alloy as opposed to alloy/carbon blend, looks nice though but I reckon the cheap Giant with the 105 groupset is better value even though it looks terrible. Hmmm the decision is soo hard! I've already bought all my equipment (shoes, helmet, pedals, Jersey, shorts etc) but can't decide on the bike.I'm tempted but the giant as they have a better reputation too with GT being relatively unknown road bikes?

Here is the Giant with Ultegra: http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m7b0s6p4258 but unless you guys can persuade me its worth the extra 300 I think my decision is really out of the first two links: The Giant Alliance TCR or the GT GTR Series 1.. both seem excellent value.

I don't know those bikes, but my gut feeling it to go with the best groupset you can get if the geometry is right and the bike feels OK. You really need to try them though. .

 

[John_c]

Why not go for a carbon? Halfords have some great deals on at the moment.
Carrera Virago Limited Edition Carbon Road Bike 2012 - £999.99

• Approximate Weight (KG): 8.6kg
• Brake Type: Dual Pivot Caliper Brake
• Chainset: FSA Gossamer Compact BB30
• Exact Frame Size: 56cm
• Forks: UCM Full Monocoque carbon fibre with tapered steerer
• Frame Colour: Carbon/Red/White
• Frame Material: Carbon
• Frame Size (cm): 55 - 56
• Frame-: UCM Full Monocoque carbon fibre
• Front Brake: Tektro R540 dual-pivot calliper brake
• Front Mech: Shimano RD-5700 105
• Gear Shifters: Shimano ST-5700 105
• Gender: Mens
• Handle Bars: Alloy
• Headset: FSA tapered integrated headset
• Hubs: Formula Alloy Hubs with QR
• Number of Gears: 20
• Pedals: N/A
• Rear Brake: Tektro R540 dual-pivot calliper brake
• Rear Mech: Shimano RD-5700 105
• Rims: Mavic CXP-22S rims
• Saddle: CC Race Lite
• Seatpost: CC forged lightweight alloy
• Stem: CC 3D forged lightweight alloy
• Suspension: Rigid
• Tyres: Continental
• Cassette: Shimano 10 speed 12-28T

 

[Sittingduck]

Out of the 3 you linked, I'd be going for the Giant - looks pretty solid for the £ and I don't like GT bikes. Giants are good! Shame about the 'old skool' 105 but I can tell you that 5600 is very decent. Also noticed an Ultegra chainset - a nice touch. I have Rival on one of my bikes and it's nice and responsive and lightweight. Doesn't feel quite as solid as 5600 though... not much in it, really. Aksiums are good wheels at this price point too. Are you a 50cm size, or planning on buying it from elsewhere?

 

[InjuredAthlete]

Thank you for the response, I thought the Giant might be the better buy- that was my gut instinct I just don't like how it looks!

The Giant is actually a compact and the 50cm frame is a medium for this manufacturer so it would fit someone of average height I believe (i'm just under at about 5'8''). It is however also available in 53.5 but that would be too big for me in a compact.

I also found this bike which does the newer 105 groupset but a worse frame and unknown rims: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=71824

Would you still say the Giant is the better all round purchase? I also found this Forme with the newer 105 and carbon frame: http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=12207

Out of the 3 you linked, I'd be going for the Giant - looks pretty solid for the £ and I don't like GT bikes. Giants are good! Shame about the 'old skool' 105 but I can tell you that 5600 is very decent. Also noticed an Ultegra chainset - a nice touch. I have Rival on one of my bikes and it's nice and responsive and lightweight. Doesn't feel quite as solid as 5600 though... not much in it, really. Aksiums are good wheels at this price point too. Are you a 50cm size, or planning on buying it from elsewhere?

 

[accountantpete]

You could also consider taking a slightly different approach and getting Tiagra base components and a slightly better frame like the Felt http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/44797/Felt_Z6_Bike_2012

Personally I don't think there is a tremendous difference between Tiagra and 105

 

[Cyclist33]

Seems like you're getting fixated on finding the highest %age discount to get you in under a grand - whereas there are plenty of great newer (2011 or 2012) models for a £1000 or less - check out this for instance http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/.

Stu

 

[lejogger]

There's not a huge amount of point buying on the quality of groupset alone. You would expect any decent frame to outlive its components so I'd advise buying the bike with the best frame you can in your budget, bearing in mind that components have a shelf life and will need replacing at some point anyway. You can upgrade your groupset as and when components wear or you can afford to, and that will be more satisfying on a good quality frame.

I haven't read the bikeradar article above yet but I'd be very surprised if the Boardman Team wasn't right up there in the reckoning. That's a very good bike for the money. There's big discounts on the Boardman bikes knocking around as well - I know of someone who got the £1300 Team Carbon for £999, so do a bit of research and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Don't rush into the Giant if you don't like the way it looks. For that money you'll be able to find something that ticks all your boxes.

 

[InjuredAthlete]

In the bike radar article it reckons the Giant Defy 1 is the best value under £1000- I have found a 2012 model in my size for £850, but component wise it still looks lower spec than the bikes I posted above, but has amazing reviews. Is this the bike to go for for £850:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-giant-defy-1-12-45849

 

[lejogger]

Spec is not as simple as looking at whether it's 105 or Ultegra... if the Ultegra is 5 years old, then the modern 105 will be its equivilent, if not better/lighter. The 2012 frame looks much nicer IMO as well.
Most importantly though why don't you see if you can try either or both to see which one fits you best and feels the best value. Buying a bike can be very subjective. It has to be your decision, not just what someone on here thinks is best.
Have you looked at the Cannondale CAAD8 btw?

 

[InjuredAthlete]

Thank you. Yes I have looked at a Cannondale CAAD8 and also a CAAD10, very nice bikes and I have also ridden one around the mountain range in Majorca last year. I thought the Giant's represented slightly better value for money- but i'll try and ride both.

I have also taken on board what everyone has said, and I think maybe I should spend £150 more and get the Ribble Evo Pro Carbon for £999 with full 105 group set and brakes, plus for the extra money I get a bike that weighs only 8.19kg and I think it looks alot nicer (I'd order in black bar tape and seat so it would be all black). Plus I have the benefit of custom building it to my own spec, does it seem like a good buy to you: http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/speci...nstructor&part=SE12SSEVOPROSHIM&sub=conf_SERC

Spec is not as simple as looking at whether it's 105 or Ultegra... if the Ultegra is 5 years old, then the modern 105 will be its equivilent, if not better/lighter. The 2012 frame looks much nicer IMO as well.
Most importantly though why don't you see if you can try either or both to see which one fits you best and feels the best value. Buying a bike can be very subjective. It has to be your decision, not just what someone on here thinks is best.
Have you looked at the Cannondale CAAD8 btw?

 

[MattHB]

Go for frame, then you can upgrade as stuff wears out.

 

[InjuredAthlete]

Ribble Evo Pro Carbon it is then!?

Go for frame, then you can upgrade as stuff wears out.

 

[John_c]

Thank you. Yes I have looked at a Cannondale CAAD8 and also a CAAD10, very nice bikes and I have also ridden one around the mountain range in Majorca last year. I thought the Giant's represented slightly better value for money- but i'll try and ride both.

I have also taken on board what everyone has said, and I think maybe I should spend £150 more and get the Ribble Evo Pro Carbon for £999 with full 105 group set and brakes, plus for the extra money I get a bike that weighs only 8.19kg and I think it looks alot nicer (I'd order in black bar tape and seat so it would be all black). Plus I have the benefit of custom building it to my own spec, does it seem like a good buy to you: http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/speci...nstructor&part=SE12SSEVOPROSHIM&sub=conf_SERC

It's a great bike, and fab to ride, I've had mine a couple of weeks now. For £999.99 with full 105 groupset and mavic wheels it a bargain. Just be prepared to wait several weeks for delivery.

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