First Bike what do you think

[dannygt4]

Hi everyone,

Just joined and this is my first post.

I have decided to buy a bike for getting to and from work and also weekend rides, hopefully leading to me taking it up more seriously.
I have been and had a look at a bike which I am seriously considering about getting its a giant defy

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-2-2009-Road-Bike_20148.htm

Its from my local place and priced at £725 and I will be getting it through the cycle to work scheme. What are your thoughts on this bike? is it a good deal?
They will not do a discount or let me get a in the sale bike under the scheme. I do have the cash to buy a bike out right but have not seen any offers / bikes that match up to the discount of the cycle scheme unless anyone can point to a better deal?

Forgot to add if it helps I am only 5.6, will be riding along a and b roads and maybe the odd cycle / tow path.

And opinions or help gratefully received

Tia

Danny

 

[spandex]

Nice bike mate and well done for going to your local bike shop (LBS)

P.S. Welcome to cc you will find it a nice place

 

[mickle]

When I read your header I thought you meant one of these!

http://www.firstbike.com/

 

[Tynan]

looks good although I'd suggest considering the need or guards and pannier if its for work/commuting

 

[Steve Austin]

Yikes Is that an Orange bike!!!!



not bad i suppose, if you like orange

 

[Halfmanhalfbike]

OK for A and B roads. Not so good for off road. Nice bike though. I've got a Defy 2.5 and it's great.

 

[Randochap]

That is not in any sense a commuting bike. Completely inappropriate for riding to and from work, IMO.

 

[goo_mason]

That is not in any sense a commuting bike. Completely inappropriate for riding to and from work, IMO.

I disagree - if you're riding mainly on the roads, that would do nicely ! I commute on an SCR2 and have done since I got it in April, after 2 years doing it on a MTB. Give me the road bike any day for the journey.

 

[Randochap]

I disagree - if you're riding mainly on the roads, that would do nicely ! I commute on an SCR2 and have done since I got it in April, after 2 years doing it on a MTB. Give me the road bike any day for the journey.

You've gone from one extreme to the other.

The bike in question has no braze ons for racks that I can see and the geometry is all wrong, making the bike twitchy and leaving no room for mudguards.

Sure, you can use any bike to commute on, if you are willing to put up with its limitations, but to recommend to newcomers that a bike built for racing is correct for commuting is, IMHO, bad advice.

 

[goo_mason]

You've gone from one extreme to the other.

The bike in question has no braze ons for racks that I can see and the geometry is all wrong, making the bike twitchy and leaving no room for mudguards.

Sure, you can use any bike to commute on, if you are willing to put up with its limitations, but to recommend to newcomers that a bike built for racing is correct for commuting is, IMHO, bad advice.

OK then - he should get an SCR2 (if they're still being made in 2009), which has braze-ons and room for mud-guards. Mind you, I've been commuting so far this winter with no mud-guards, and I prefer a rucksack to a rack & panniers.

I wouldn't say I went from one extreme to another - I just went from a MTB to a roadie, and now wish I'd got a roadie sooner

 

[goo_mason]

Oh - and he did also say weekend rides, which sounded to me like road rides - but I may be reading too much into that. Perhaps the OP can elaborate on what kind of weekend rides he means - meanders on cyclepaths or putting in some miles on the road ?

 

[Randochap]

OK then - he should get an SCR2 (if they're still being made in 2009), which has braze-ons and room for mud-guards. Mind you, I've been commuting so far this winter with no mud-guards, and I prefer a rucksack to a rack & panniers.

I wouldn't say I went from one extreme to another - I just went from a MTB to a roadie, and now wish I'd got a roadie sooner

Each to his own, but we're giving advice to a beginner here.

To me, choosing to ride w/ a rucksack over a proper rack and bag(s) and riding in winter sans mudguards is pure neophyte action.

There is no reason why the OP can't find a sport tourer that would be more suited to both commuting and "weekend rides," if he feels he needs a road bike (and can't afford more than 1 machine). Buying a racing bike when all one ever does is poodle around the neighbourhood on weekends is just fooling oneself. I can't fathom why people willingly suffer the discomfort and frustration of inappropriate technology just to convince themselves they are something they aren't.

See my bike pages for bikes suitable for both commuting and fast road riding. The bike in question, I repeat, is not the correct choice for the OP.

 

[Steve Austin]

I would rather commute on that Giant than some heavy cumbersome tourer.

 

[gbb]

Hi Danny, and welcome.
If you're reading all this and have become concerned...dont worry (too much). Its not the best way to treat a roadbike (winter commuting), but its not going to fall apart either in the winter either, if you take the time to clean it regularly and get the salt and crud off.
As you dont have mudguard eyelets etc, you really should invest in some Raceblades for the wet and winter muck...otherwise all the componentry is going to get filthy, worn and maybe corroded.

I have a winter commuter (531 framed, mudguards etc) but as its an older bike, its geometry is longer and not so manoeverable in town traffic.
I also use my Bianchi which is infinately more responsive and a better ride...but i wouldnt want to use it right through the winter.

Its about choices...
Get the Giant, but look after it, cosset it, clean it. Put Raceblades on it.
Get a tourer, maybe a more sensible choice, but in the summer, you'll (maybe) wish you had a pure roadbike.
Get the Giant, and get a cheap Raleigh racer and use that in the winter.
I commute daily, but dont need (or want) a rack...that's down to choice. I prefer a rucksack, but then i'm not carrying that much.
FWIW, i'd get the Giant and put raceblades on...especially if you're getting it on a scheme and not paying full price yourself.

Choices choices....

 

[flat-pack]

If the roads in your area are anything like what I have to put up with I would never consider a racing machine like the Giant you are looking at. My commute at 8 miles each way involves single track B roads with very rough surfaces, A Roads with bumpy drain covers, cycle tracks and a bridleway, It would be very uncomfortable on an unsprung racer with high pressure tyres, plus the possibility of damaging a rim and getting a puncture.
I run a Giant Sedona with front suspension and seat post, very comfortable riding position, full guards keep me clean and quick release panniers take all my gear.
For £500 less than your choice, OK it is no speed machine but then, given my route, I would not want to [or be able to due to multiple junctions etc] get up a head of speed, plus the safety issue when riding on road, I want to be able to take avoidance measures when motorists cut me up.
Guess it is up to you, but I would give it some serious thought, consider your route, if you want a weekend ride surely it is more fun off rather than on road ?
Or maybe I just live in a bad area for cycling with heavy traffic on narrow roads.

Graham