Differences between Secteur and Defy

[jamieb456]

Hi all,

I have a Specialized Secteur 2010, which I use for commuting in London and the odd longer bike ride. I also have (don't ask how) a Giant Defy 3, which I use for long rides (100km +) in the south of France. If you didn't know it already, these bikes are - on paper - nearly identical: aluminium frames, carbon forks, neither has any suspension/absorbers. Both are (to within 5mm) the same size and I can't see any noticeable differences in geometry.

But the Giant, for me, is a much better bike, and I can't explain why! Can you?

I use the same saddle on both. The Shimano Sora + FSA chainrings on the Giant are better than the Shimano 2300 set on the Secteur, but ignoring that, the frame on the Giant feels so much more secure and responsive than the Specialized. How can this be?

I'm curious to know because when the time comes to upgrade, I want to know how to express what I like! Or is it the case of small differences adding up to a big change in feel?

Jamie

 

[Cyclist33]

In my completely amateurish opinion, I reckon it is that the Secteur has a longer head tube and curved forks, so it makes you sit back and pootle. Whereas the Defy has straight(ish) forks and a short head tube, thrusting you forward and down and giving the steering a direct feel.

It would be horses for courses as some peeps prefer the relaxed position, others like to feel as if they're urgeing onward. You probably fit into the second camp.

Or it might be gears are better

 

[Banjo]

Wheels and tyres make a huge difference to the ride , maybe you have better tyres opn the Giant?

More likely is that you feel more relaxed in the South of France than commuting through London.

 

[YahudaMoon]

Material of the frame ? I have 3 Aluminum frames 7005 frame a 6006 ? frame and a A6N frame. They all feel different with the same wheel sets on. One thing I do know is the A6N is fantastic, Though it should be at £650 for a frame & fork

 

[jamieb456]

Thanks for the replies, guys,

Interesting about the head tube and forks. I feel pushed forward a bit more on the Defy. How does the head tube length and fork length/wheelbase change the handling? (I'm assuming shorter = more direct, but...) And the gears are much better on the Defy, but it's really the frame that feels better.

Certainly cycling around on holiday is a lot nicer - I'm trying to forget that

Changing the Secteur's tyres to Gatorskins made the ride smoother. I have the standard Kenda Kriteriums on the Defy - which feel fine.

 

[Norm]

I understand that the Secteur is intended to be a more relaxed ride, it's designed as a day-long road bike whereas the Defy is for faster work.

The longer head tube means you sit up a little more which is more comfortable over distance but also (all other things being equal, which they aren't of course!) means there is a bit less weight on the front tyre, which may reduce the feel and feedback from the tyre at the extreme.

Being lower also (apparently) means that you use your core muscles more on the Defy, you are using more of your abdominal muscles to power your legs rather than just the muscles around the hips and thighs.

Whether one is better, of course, depends on what you are doing on any particular ride, as well as personal preference, individual shape, fitness and agility. The sun in Southern France will also add at least 25% to your speed and happiness.