Replacing a Giant Defy 3

[paulg1981]

I have recently had my 8 month old Giant Defy 3 stolen and getting a replacement through my insurance. I loved the bike and had really got into cycling albeit I had not managed to build up my mileage to anything remotely special.

Anyway, I need recommendations on what bikes similar to the Giant I could get. I have been offered a Specialized Sport 27 in white. Is this a similar bike or anywhere near the same standard. Are there any that could be recommended to make me as happy as the Giant did?

The only upgrade I made to the Giant was to get some SPD pedals, although I am not certain to what - they were neither the cheapest or the most expensive.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Garz]

You could try sale bikes online for that price bracket seeing as you should know the size of bike you were comfortable on. You could opt for a trial at a popular branch like Evans then use that as a way of testing what you prefer then offer your lbs a chance to compete with that.

Lastly you could go for somewhere like Decathlon and check out the B'twin range as they are good value. Good luck!

 

[2Loose]

What is stopping them replacing it with another Giant?

If you liked it, then get another. If you want to use the opportunity to change then do that instead.

 

[TheDoctor]

What is stopping them replacing it with another Giant?

If you liked it, then get another. If you want to use the opportunity to change then do that instead.

I bet the replacement will be supplied by Wheelies. That's what a lot of insurance companies do.
They don't stock everything, as I discovered when I waited ages for a replacement Brommie.

 

[TheBoyBilly]

There's something about Giant bikes that I really like (I was seriously looking at buying a TCR1 Compact) but given your circumstances, and the fact that a replacement Defy won't be forthcoming, you'd do well to consider an equivalent model Specialized Secteur.

Bill

 

[paulg1981]

As far as I can understand, they do not stock the Giant bikes, although I did not ask the question. Gonna ring them today and see what the score is.

Is the Specialized bike not as good then?

There is also the added problem that the bike was bought on a cycle to work scheme and therefore anything but a Giant bike might be unacceptable.

 

[youngoldbloke]

As far as I can understand, they do not stock the Giant bikes, although I did not ask the question. Gonna ring them today and see what the score is.

Is the Specialized bike not as good then?

There is also the added problem that the bike was bought on a cycle to work scheme and therefore anything but a Giant bike might be unacceptable.

I would ask the question. If it is Wheelies - see Defy 3 , otherwise the Specialized looks to be roughly equivalent. Must say I don't understand why we should accept a replacement which is a different brand - how can you find out if your insurance company does this.

 

[Banjo]

Specialized have a good name ,lots of happy owners on here. See if you can test ride one somewhere then if happy accept it as it will then probably come through quicker for you.

Can you be more specific as to which model specialized they are offering.

 

[raindog]

What's so special about Giant? I thought they were just mass produced bikes? Surely any decent make with similar spec and price will be fine?

 

[Banjo]

I tend to agree with you (Personally I would prefer the Specialized)but after paying the insurance premium for a Giant he should be allowed to have it replaced like with like IMHO .

 

[e-rider]

specialized are probably slightly better than Giant IMO but both are mass produced in the far east; like most other brands too at this price. I have seen good and bad examples from both companies with respect to welding, finishing/paint job/ tube alignment etc.

However, most people don't even notice these things and probably don't even care anyway - as long as you can ride it.......

 

[2Loose]

My insurance company suggested a replacement from Halfords rather than Wheelies, but when queried let me source my replacement from the lbs instead.

Geometry and size wise, the Secteur is very similiar to the Defy as already suggested. Personally I prefer the Giant, mainly down to the colours.


As far as Cyclescheme is concerned, as long as you pay the 12 months then all is well - you won't need to pay the 'final payment' to transfer ownership, as the bike was stolen, so you actually end up slightly better off if you end up with a bike you like. (Been there, done that

)

 

[paulg1981]

My insurance company suggested a replacement from Halfords rather than Wheelies, but when queried let me source my replacement from the lbs instead.

Geometry and size wise, the Secteur is very similiar to the Defy as already suggested. Personally I prefer the Giant, mainly down to the colours.


As far as Cyclescheme is concerned, as long as you pay the 12 months then all is well - you won't need to pay the 'final payment' to transfer ownership, as the bike was stolen, so you actually end up slightly better off if you end up with a bike you like. (Been there, done that

)

In light of this, am I best to ignore it until the end of payment period and then get a new one?

 

[2Loose]

In light of this, am I best to ignore it until the end of payment period and then get a new one?

I told the administrators at work and carried on paying the monthly amounts.
I was never asked for final payment because of this and then rejoined the scheme again once my 12 months had passed.

Sao I guess the answer would be Yes, but still run it past your administrators to make sure.

 

[killiekosmos]

I told the administrators at work and carried on paying the monthly amounts.
I was never asked for final payment because of this and then rejoined the scheme again once my 12 months had passed.

Sao I guess the answer would be Yes, but still run it past your administrators to make sure.

Does the bike not belong to your work? As such will they not want full payment for loss of their property? My scheme rules require I insure bike for these reasons.

Why not tell insurers to give you a like-for-like replacement? Surely at under a year old youn should get a new bike, just like if it was new car.