beginner in need of impartial advice

[simmi]

My only bit of advice is to take your time and test as many bikes as you can, what you may not be aware of (I wasn't) is that "racing bikes" come in several different styles for instants the Giant Defy is not an out and out racer but a more upright ride, so when you are comparing it to a cannondale caad 8 you are comparing 2 completely different beasts, I now own 2 road bikes and I have a cannondale synapse which I love and this bikes shares a similar geometry to the giant defy. In short do your homework and decide which style of bike suits you best before narrowing it down to a particular model.

 

[SWSteve]

My only bit of advice is to take your time and test as many bikes as you can, what you may not be aware of (I wasn't) is that "racing bikes" come in several different styles for instants the Giant Defy is not an out and out racer but a more upright ride, so when you are comparing it to a cannondale caad 8 you are comparing 2 completely different beasts, I now own 2 road bikes and I have a cannondale synapse which I love and this bikes shares a similar geometry to the giant defy. In short do your homework and decide which style of bike suits you best before narrowing it down to a particular model.

I would note this, I bought a Specialized Secteur as I felt more comfortable on that than the racier bike I tried, you will probably find there's a difference in preference as well

 

[Seph]

My only bit of advice is to take your time and test as many bikes as you can, what you may not be aware of (I wasn't) is that "racing bikes" come in several different styles for instants the Giant Defy is not an out and out racer but a more upright ride, so when you are comparing it to a cannondale caad 8 you are comparing 2 completely different beasts, I now own 2 road bikes and I have a cannondale synapse which I love and this bikes shares a similar geometry to the giant defy. In short do your homework and decide which style of bike suits you best before narrowing it down to a particular model.

thanks for the advice, i think i'm going to have to go back and try these out.

I had a look at the synapse and the guy said it was more comfortable for longer distances!?

 

[MaxInc]

I had a look at the synapse and the guy said it was more comfortable for longer distances!?

The Synapse's frame was designed toward scomfort indeed and longer trips, it has a slighly more upright position and the rear part of the frame has some bends that are meant to absorb some of the road vibrations, a feature they call "save". t is still a harsh ride compared to a MTB on large tyres and front suspension but I can't get enough of it.

 

[Nosaj]

thanks for the advice, i think i'm going to have to go back and try these out.

I had a look at the synapse and the guy said it was more comfortable for longer distances!?

About 3 years ago I was told exactly that as well but chose the CAAD 8 as it felt better for me. I have been very impressed by the Cannondales, previously had a specialised secteur and after the Cannondale a Focus CX bike (over the Cannondale CX) both lacked the "je ne sais quoi" that the Dale had, so I bought another CAAD 8, my next one will be the super six.

However what works for me may not work the same for you and I would reiterate the other posters advice above try as many as you can and one bike will get you and that is the one you choose.

I also tried a very top end full Carbon & Sram Red Btwin (2.5k) on a Open day sort of thing at our local Decathlon and they offer a hell of a lot of bike for not so much money, if you can get over other peoples perceptions of the Btwin branding do not rule it out. The T3s have a bit of a cult followng.

 

[malcermie]

I love my triban 3 best investment in a bike i ever made

 

[Seph]

I love my triban 3 best investment in a bike i ever made

Is it your first road bike? Did you try any others?

 

[Phoenix Lincs]

A

realistically i could probably spend £100-£150 of my own money on accessories

Also have some stuff in at the minute if they've still got stock (sorry, just logged on after a few days offline)

 

[vickster]

Don't forget to budget £60-100 for locks. And insure it. You'll still need to make the payments if it gets nicked. Home insurance is usually a good way but check the t and Cs .
The caad is more aggressive than the defy. I have an avail, same as defy as a commuter and laden with pannier and guards its not especially exciting for me but it is pretty comfy. You may also want to budget a few quid for a replacement saddle

 

[Fubar]

I have a triban 3 and love it as my first road bike, @Col5632 has a T7 so will no doubt be along shortly to tell you all about it! My only thought is that I don't think my local decathlon does the C2W scheme?!? Otherwise I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a triban, just comes down to personal preference. Regards, Mark

 

[Col5632]

I have a triban 3 and love it as my first road bike, @Col5632 has a T7 so will no doubt be along shortly to tell you all about it! My only thought is that I don't think my local decathlon does the C2W scheme?!? Otherwise I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a triban, just comes down to personal preference. Regards, Mark

I've got the T5 @Fubar

Highly recommed it

 

[Fubar]

I've got the T5 @Fubar

Highly recommed it

Ha ha, sorry - don't know why I thought you had the T7?!?

 

[Col5632]

Ha ha, sorry - don't know why I thought you had the T7?!?

It's because you think my bike is carbon

 

[camtheman]

Given that you're looking at spending a lot of time on the bike with a commute like yours, I'd seriously consider something with a Tiagra groupset. The 2300 groupset is OK but the shifting can be a bit hit and miss. People tend to look at frame first and components second but your interaction with the shifters is still an important one. FWIW, I never had an issue with the button shifters I had when I ran 2300, you get used to them, but missing shifts can drive you nuts.

You can get Tiagra equipped bikes in your price range.

 

[Seph]

I have a triban 3 and love it as my first road bike, @Col5632 has a T7 so will no doubt be along shortly to tell you all about it! My only thought is that I don't think my local decathlon does the C2W scheme?!? Otherwise I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a triban, just comes down to personal preference. Regards, Mark

I have been to check and I already have a quote from decathlon. I'm planning on finishing work early tomorrow, going to see the Defy and deliberating over the weekend!!