Giant Defy 2 v Specialized Secteur Sport

[Jayne Raynor]

Hi all

I'm looking to purchase my first road bike after some time riding off road. Having read lots of advice on this forum my mantra has been 'Sora mechs, carbon forks' so with that in mind I've narrowed my search to the Giant Defy 2 and the Specialized Secteur Sport.

I think the secteur slightly beats the gaint on spec with a tiagra drive train (and mavic rims) but having never ridden a modern road bike I'm not sure I could tell the difference between a sora and tiagra drivetrain (or even the shimano 2300!). I preferred the giant to the specialized when I sat on it but I think that's because the chap in the shop took the time to fit the bike to me properly (something to be said for good customer service).

My riding ambitions are just beginning and currently limited to leisure/fitness riding with my local club up to 50km atm - I'm not intending to do any sportive riding etc. Does anyone have any particular views on either of these choices that will help me make a decision.

Many thanks

 

[BSRU]

When you have two similar bikes to choose from it will come down to your opinion on how it rides, the customer service and how it makes you feel when you look at it.

I have been contemplating buying a Specialized Secteur but believe you are paying a premium for the Specialized brand as similarly priced bikes seem to be better equipped.

 

[Moodyman]

Hi Janye,

I looked at both but only test rode the Defy. When I took it for a short test ride in the car park, I knew it was perfect for me. No need to test the Specialized.

Now that I've done a few long rides I can say that its a lovely bike - comfortable and responsive. I get instant feedback when I put power into the pedals and the frame is so stable at speed.

The heart of any bike is the frame and fork and the Defy is very good. Having said that, I've not heard any bad word about the Spesh.

The only downer about the Defy is the compact chainset ( two rings at the front). It's got enough gears to get me up and down the hills round here (and there's plenty), but the Compact chainset can be a pain as I find myself changing a little too often to maintain a good cadence.

The Secteur's triple is more appealing for me.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Just to add a bit more confusion for you, cus you need it when buying a new bike...

I had the same experience as Moodyman, but I tried the secteur first. The sales man did a mini-fitting to make sure I was in the ball park, then let loose on the large car park. For something so light it has a feeling of robustness about it, sort of like it wont let me down. From the off it just felt right, I got the 2010 Elite, and with £200 off it was bought there and then.


The bike is excellent, the gears set up to perfection and has been a pleasureable experince from day 1.

Im sure if I had tried others they would have felt just as good, but on the day the deal was the best. I think sometimes you can "Ummm and Ahhh" too long, find one that feels good and you will grow to love it.

 

[teletext45]

I can't really speak from experience as i've only been riding for 2 months, but i've got a Giant Defy 4 ( a couple of models down from the one your considering) for a beginner i'm really with it, also got a pretty good review in a magazine a couple of months back. But as i said i'm really happy with it, also the defy frace is the same throughout the range so there is opportunities to upgrade to components off the defy 1

andy

 

[Jayne Raynor]

Hi guys

Thanks all for your feedback, you are right I've got to stop pondering and get on with it. I am swaying towards the Secteur because of the triple chainset but I have arranged a proper 'test drive' for both at the weekend. I did look at the defy 4 & 3 and for my level of riding it's perfectly adequate but I really enjoy riding so hope to grow into the models I'm thinking of, and if I don't, second hand bikes with a good spec are really holding their price atm!!!

 

[Jayne Raynor]

Hi all, just a quick update - I chose the Specialized Secteur Sport which is sitting proudly in my dining room until I can make yet more space in my small shed for another bike. It won over the giant in the end because it had the triple chain set, the geometry for my kind of riding (not racing) and is strong enough to put some panniers on for lightweight touring. Thanks for all your advice.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Hi,

I dont think you will be disapointed.

Also, the rule is you need to put some photos up or no -one believes you have it!

 

[surfdude]

i brought a defy 2 a couple of months ago and love it . the only problem i had with it and a few others have had the same problem is you normal have to put a shorter stem on it as giant stems seem to be a bit long .

 

[Jayne Raynor]

Yes I had that with the Secteur, I had to have a shorter stem but also what's really neat is you can turn the stem up the other way and that has the effect of raising the bars slightly, bringing them closer to you. I'll put a picture up when I get home tonight!

 

[bennydorano]

Yes I had that with the Secteur, I had to have a shorter stem but also what's really neat is you can turn the stem up the other way and that has the effect of raising the bars slightly, bringing them closer to you. I'll put a picture up when I get home tonight!

I bought a Secteur Sport last Summer/Autumn and couldn't get used to it at all as I felt I was stretching all the time even though it was (allegedly) ideal for my height. After some messing with my LBS, I just put on a shorter stem myself flipped the bars and it's like a toatlly new bike, unreal difference.