Defy or Secteur

[Moodyman]

All good advice.

Like Norm, I wittled my list down to these two bikes and went for the Defy because it felt right.

It's hard to describe the feeling. That's why it's a must that you test ride both bikes.

All else being equal, I'd lean towards the Defy as it's frame is highly regarded. Everything else can be upgraded or replaced, a frame will stay with you forever.

 

[roadrash]

I bought mine in January of this year, it was a 2010 model so I got a bit of a deal on it. I had read tons of reviews and was tossing up between the Defy and the Boardman. I spoke to my LBS and voiced my concerns, but he reassured me that they had sorted the issues, so wanting to support my local shop I went for it.
It was a regular occurance that i would hear a dead spot when I got the bike down the step from my shed and on two occasions whilst I was out on rides I had spokes loosen to such a degree that the wheel went well out of true. But the LBS sorted it with a set of Aksiums and I've had no issues since.
I may well have had the last rogue, but the important thing was the speed in which it was sorted, I'm not sure I would have got that from either an online retailer or, had I gone for the Boardman, from Halfords.
Great machine otherwise though

ahh maybe i missed out on the dodgy wheels mines a 2011 model ,your right though ,it is a great machine

 

[Thomk]

I'm back. Didn't get to ride anything but managed to sit on a Defy. LBS was not helpful though and certainly wouldn't let me ride it. What size are you guys with the Defy 2 and what size bike have you got? I did manage to get to Evans and they are ordering a Secteur in for next week for me to try. I'm 6' and about 32.5 inside leg. The 56 Secteur is probably best for me but not sure about the Defy. Not at all sure where I'll be able to try a Defy?? The world is conspiring to deny me a Defy.

Edit: Got my head turned by the Evans lad by this:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/dolomite-two-road-bike-ec027479

Great spec for the price and has the bits and pieces I need for my commute. Unusual retro look but fits in with my retro looking Charge Mixer. Funny colour though.

 

[PaulSecteur]

The pinacle looks good for the money, especially with the front gaurd mounting eye - if commuting is your thing it may be the best bet as it looks a little more "ruffty tuffty" with its larger tyres.
If you want to have a go on a secteur and can make it over to the specialized concept store in birmingham (at the Fort) they usually have let me have a go on the bikes I was interested in, phone first to make sure they have it in your size and if you need to leave something as security (Nothing needed when I tried the Secteur, left my car keys when trying the Roubaix)

 

[xxmimixx]

I'm back. Didn't get to ride anything but managed to sit on a Defy. LBS was not helpful though and certainly wouldn't let me ride it.

Doesnt sound like a very nice bike shop, dont be deterred just because of one shop poor customer service.

Giant are very popular you are bound to have more dealers around your area that you can try??
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/dealers/

or Email them and ask why their dealers dont allow test rides?

Good luck!

 

[roadrash]

hi thomk im about 5ft 8" and my defy2 is 52cm frame but dont forget they do bigger size and you can play around with saddle and bars . I looked at several different bikes but reckon i made the right choice ,but that doesnt mean its right for everybody ,
take your time and make sure your happy before parting with your hard earned cash whatever you decide

 

[vickster]

The Pinnacle looks really nice, and the Tiagra gearing is the next level up from the Sora on the other bikes. I am a sucker for white saddles and tape. Probably less common *err ubiquitous* than a Giant and certainly a Specialized

 

[Alembicbassman]

I'm 6ft 1 32 inch inside leg (long torso) and the 55.5cm (L) frame is just right. The Defy has a more upright riding position than an out and out racing bike like my Avanti alu-carbon.

I bought a Defy 4 triple for light touring as it can take a rack and mudguards. Price paid for a 2010 model £330

 

[Moodyman]

I'm 6ft 1 32 inch inside leg (long torso) and the 55.5cm (L) frame is just right. The Defy has a more upright riding position than an out and out racing bike like my Avanti alu-carbon.

I bought a Defy 4 triple for light touring as it can take a rack and mudguards. Price paid for a 2010 model £330

So you keep saying. Bloody show off.

 

[Thomk]

Oh and just to throw another spanner in the mix one of the LBS's I visited showed me this:

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=258&products_id=12419

A bit more expensive than the others but a fantastic spec for that price.

 

[Norm]

LBS was not helpful though and certainly wouldn't let me ride it.

That makes it easy then, don't give them your money and find a new LBS. The main advantage of an LBS over internet buying is that you can touch and poke and ride. Without that, there's little left.

That was, coincidentally, one of the reasons I went with the Secteur. My nearest Giant retailer wouldn't allow a test ride, my nearest Spesh chap asked me to come back in 30 mins so he could pump the tyres and do the PDI, then he let me take it for as long as I wanted.

 

[Alembicbassman]

So you keep saying. Bloody show off.

If I'd have got it on C2W it would have been over £500, makes a mockery of C2W as you don't save anything really as all bikes are sold at almost RRP. My full 105 Raleigh Avanti I got for £494, RRP for that was over £1000.

I'm a keen bargain spotter.

Just sold a bike that cost me £100 for £165

 

[PaulSecteur]

Oh and just to throw another spanner in the mix one of the LBS's I visited showed me this:

http://www.discountc...oducts_id=12419

A bit more expensive than the others but a fantastic spec for that price.

Never heard of that one before, but hte specs do look good for the money.

 

[Thomk]

Thanks for everyone's help. My head has been spinning for the last week or so but eventually I thought f***it and plumped for the Defy 2, mainly because I could get a better deal on it (£499).