Giant Defy 1

[david k]

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/defy.1/7842/45446/

I like this bike, it retails around £900, is that a good spec for that price? I like the look of the bike also, i know that shouldnt form your judgement but for that money you want something that looks good

Any alternatives?

 

[PaulSecteur]

Looks like a good bike with decent components.

Also worth a look at the allez with Tiagra...

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/Detail/11Allez/Allez/Allez Elite Compact

looks nicer in the metal that on the pics.

 

[amaferanga]

What about this Ribble or this Ribble?

£900 for an alloy frame and Tiagra isn't exactly a bargain.

 

[david k]

still like the bike, but your telling me 900 is too much, what would you expect to pay for that bike n groupset?

 

[Moodyman]

£900 seems a lot when you consider how much these bikes cost in previous years.

Bikes prices shot up in last couple of years due to raw materials and the recent Japanese tsunami.

But, £900 isn't a lot when you look at the 2011 prices. The Giant Defy is an excellent bike. Giant's aluminium frames are amongst the best - probably as good as many base-level carbon frames - that same frame is used on bikes costing twice as much. This is why Giant offer a lifetime warranty.

The carbon seatpost and forks increase the appeal.

Tiagra may be seen as mid-level, but it's very competent. The Mavic wheels are decent too.

I have the 2010 Defy 2 - same as 2011 in all but the name and can't fault it. I only changed the stock saddle and tyres. I changed the wheels for some handbuilt ones with a higher spoke count, but that's cause I'm big heavy rider. You could easily get away with the 28-spoke rear if you're of average size.

If you want to compare it to its' peers - look at Specialised Secteur Elite or Trek1.5.

 

[amaferanga]

£900 seems a lot when you consider how much these bikes cost in previous years.

Bikes prices shot up in last couple of years due to raw materials and the recent Japanese tsunami.

But, £900 isn't a lot when you look at the 2011 prices. The Giant Defy is an excellent bike. Giant's aluminium frames are amongst the best - probably as good as many base-level carbon frames - that same frame is used on bikes costing twice as much. This is why Giant offer a lifetime warranty.

The carbon seatpost and forks increase the appeal.

Tiagra may be seen as mid-level, but it's very competent. The Mavic wheels are decent too.

I have the 2010 Defy 2 - same as 2011 in all but the name and can't fault it. I only changed the stock saddle and tyres. I changed the wheels for some handbuilt ones with a higher spoke count, but that's cause I'm big heavy rider. You could easily get away with the 28-spoke rear if you're of average size.

If you want to compare it to its' peers - look at Specialised Secteur Elite or Trek1.5.

Are you sure? I thought the Defy 1 was the top of the alloy Defy range? The more expensive bikes have carbon frames.

While I agree entirely that bike prices have shot up of late (I bought a Giant SCR2.0 in 2007 with full Tiagra groupset for £500), I do think there are better bikes than the Defy 1 for £900.

Also, looks-wise the ultra-compact frame of the Defy isn't that appealing to a lot of folk, myself included.

 

[david k]

what do you mean by ultra compact frame?