Defy or Rapid (another one!)

[Richard Woodrow]

Having never cycled very far before I decided to start cycling a couple of months ago. My LBS was great and I ended up buying a Giant Rapid 3. Since then I've really enjoyed the cycling , plotting circular routes on quiet roads and have now increased the distance up to 30 miles. I'm 44 and overweight, and this new found hobby is giving me a great deal of pleasure.

Over the last couple of months, I've found this forum (my wife tells me I'm always fanatical about new hobby's and finding the relevant forum) and wifey has been joining me on some shorter rides, during which we take turns on the nice bike and the harder work mountain bike.

So now I'm going to get another bike via the cycle scheme, technically for me but practically for her.
We are thinking of getting another Rapid or I could go for the Defy. I've read on here that once you start to go for longer distances a road bike is the better bet. But given the Rapid has the little angle bar thingys, would I be gaining anything?

Thanks for reading.

 

[defy-one]

I have the giant rock mtb,and opted for a Defy. Very different bikes for different riding. The rock gets used for shorter rides with the kids or popping down the shops. The Defy is all mine and used for fitness and touring. I love both my giant bikes

 

[jowwy]

I have a defy 4 from c2w scheme, my mate opted for the rapid. The bikes are exactly the same except for the bars.amd gears.

Is one more comfortable over distance than the other, thats upto individual prefernce. Some will say drops, some will say flats.

But ask how many of them use flat bars on their touring and commuter bikes and a lot of them will say i have flat bars.

Each to their own preference.

 

[Berties]

I have the rapid for the commute and love it ,but for my wife I got a marin fairfax because of its fit,remember the rapid is a male bike,so when choosing a bike for a lady make sure it fits their build ,so unless the rapid fits her and you are sure of what ride you require next,I would seek plenty of advice,my wife preferred the carbon forks and slightly wider wheel,and she upgraded the seat and post,the seat is a must unless she is a seasoned rider,have a trip to a few shops get her sat on a few,take your time get a short list and let the cycle chat massive help you out on the final choice

 

[Richard Woodrow]

I've been advised that under Cycle Scheme they've tightened up and hence would know if I'd purchased a ladies bike. With this in mind its a perfect excuse to get a new man's bike, especially as the Rapid suits wifey just fine.
At the moment I'm leaning towards a 2011 model rapid 2, providing the darned certificate turns up before they are all gone. Wifey prefers the red coloured rapid 3 so everybody's happy.

 

[marshmella]

I have the giant rock mtb,and opted for a Defy. Very different bikes for different riding. The rock gets used for shorter rides with the kids or popping down the shops. The Defy is all mine and used for fitness and touring. I love both my giant bikes

I've had my Giant Rock for commuting for the last 3 years and its been great, but now i'm looking to get something a tad quicker with flat bars, i just can't decide between the Escape, Rapid or even the Roam with lockout.

 

[festival]

Sounds like your kinda riding would suit the rapid.
Put a deposit on the bike to secure it and the shop will refund it when you turn up with the paperwork.
Its been suggested above, that flat bar bikes are the same as the drop bar version, except it has different bars and while that is true in many brands, not Giant.
They adjust the frame geometry of the rapid to take into account the flat bars and ensure the position gives the best performance.

 

[wisdom]

I have a new defy 3 and use it for longer commutes and pleasure riding.I have found it an excellent bike and although messed around with the seat adjustment a fair bit to just get it right have enjoyed every minute of it.

 

[Cyclist33]

Please consider other brands too, so that you don't end up looking like one of those irritating couple going round on matching his n hers bikes!

Stu

 

[defy-one]

Please consider other brands too, so that you don't end up looking like one of those irritating couple going round on matching his n hers bikes!

Stu

With matching clothes helmet shoes!!!! Lol

 

[Richard Woodrow]

Please consider other brands too, so that you don't end up looking like one of those irritating couple going round on matching his n hers bikes!

Stu

Couldn't care less what others think on that score.
I've been very pleased with the Giant so have no reason to differ on a second bike just for the sake of it.
I will draw the line at the pink cycling shirt though