Giant?

[ouv3rt]

My local bike shop has the Defy 3 on offer at £469 with the 4 at £499 - no mistake I promise.
My dilemma comes from which would be best to use for commuting but also in the back of my mind is possible triathlons and long rides at the weekend and possible touring in hols (so a bit of an all-rounder)... This review points directly at the 4 but then I can't find many on the 3 - http://www.bikeradar...riple-11-40890/
Helpful man in shop suggests both would work and I can fit the relevant accessories on either.

Any help appreciated

 

[david1701]

is one comfier?

 

[ouv3rt]

Not had chance to try as yet so theoretical up to now, the Defy 3 would be shipped in for me to buy, 4 is in stock though.

is one comfier?

 

[david1701]

get the one in stock then you can play sooner?

 

[ouv3rt]

That's a fair point! I'm fairly patient though and this being my first bike I'm keen to find out as much as I can before I get in there, ride the thing and want to make a decision

get the one in stock then you can play sooner?

 

[david1701]

I am shockingly impatient, made worse by having to wait a month for my tricross (not allowed it until my birthday)

 

[2Loose]

Are they both 2011 models, or is the Defy 3 a 2010 model (or any alternative combination)?

The Defy models get better components the LOWER the number. The 2010 models were slightly better spec'd for the money than the 2011 models, but at that price the #3 screams buy me.

They are however sized identically, so you could get fitted on whatever they have in the shop and then wait for the Defy 3, totally confident it will fit.

I would order the #3, get a better spec bike and save a few beer tokens at the same time...unless you desperately want a triple.

 

[mcshroom]

Are they both 2011 models, or is the Defy 3 a 2010 model (or any alternative combination)?

The Defy models get better components the LOWER the number. The 2010 models were slightly better spec'd for the money than the 2011 models, but at that price the #3 screams buy me.

They are however sized identically, so you could get fitted on whatever they have in the shop and then wait for the Defy 3, totally confident it will fit.

I would order the #3, get a better spec bike and save a few beer tokens at the same time...unless you desperately want a triple.

+1

 

[DaveyB1981]

Are they both 2011 models, or is the Defy 3 a 2010 model (or any alternative combination)?

The Defy models get better components the LOWER the number. The 2010 models were slightly better spec'd for the money than the 2011 models, but at that price the #3 screams buy me.

They are however sized identically, so you could get fitted on whatever they have in the shop and then wait for the Defy 3, totally confident it will fit.

I would order the #3, get a better spec bike and save a few beer tokens at the same time...unless you desperately want a triple.

+2 from a v happy 2010 Defy 3.5 owner.

Dave

 

[ouv3rt]

They are both 2011 models...
Thank you all for your help - I would like to get a 2010 3 but I think they are few and far between so the 3 2011 is probably the one - is it worth getting the better spec for about £75 more? Best price I've seen on the net for a large 2010 is £543.
Nothing ever simple.

 

[2Loose]

Shame about the 2010 #3, was a great price.

The differences between the '11 #3 and the '11 #4 are;

Colour. White for the 3, black for the 4.
Brakes. Tektro TK-R 350 for the 3, Tektro TK-R 310 for the 4.
Forks. Carbon on the 3, Cromo steel on the 4.


So the price is really an extra £75 if you want a carbon fork over a steel one and also prefer white over black, also about a pound of weight.

The carbon fork should be slightly more buzz absorbent than cromoly...but there wouldn't be much in it tbh, steel has far more springiness than Alu, but a little less than carbon.

If you are planning on upgrading the bits over time then get the 3, although I prefer the black of the 4

 

[uphillstruggler]

My local bike shop has the Defy 3 on offer at £469 with the 4 at £499 - no mistake I promise.
My dilemma comes from which would be best to use for commuting but also in the back of my mind is possible triathlons and long rides at the weekend and possible touring in hols (so a bit of an all-rounder)... This review points directly at the 4 but then I can't find many on the 3 - http://www.bikeradar...riple-11-40890/
Helpful man in shop suggests both would work and I can fit the relevant accessories on either.

Any help appreciated

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/giant-defy-4-2010-bike/76972570

not sure where you are but you could have a look at this once you make your choice - i would if i had the cash available.

the ad is a little old and the spec doesnt match the advertised bike but it may be worth a view.

good luck anyway