Road Bike Noob

[Al U]

snotrag said:

Looks like a great buy that, the Defy frames are very nice (same frame throughout the range for the Alloy version). Giant, like Cannondale, have long been masters of alloy.


Its hard to tell without a side on view but the nose of the saddle looks to be pointing up a touch - start by getting it dead flat, and from there try a TINY amount of nose down. It is also pushed quite far back on a layback seatpost - so as an alternative to a shorter stem (which will change the steering feel of the bike) you also have the option of sliding the saddle forward or a straight seatpost, effectively steepening the seat tube.

Edited by snotrag on Monday 11th January 09:07

Thanks, I'm really happy with it. A nice looking bike to my eyes for the price for sure.

I think you may be right about the saddle. Also great point on the seat post, I think a straight seat post would make a lot of sense and make it so my arms have more of a bend in them rather than being nearly straight when I am holding the top of the drop bars.

[echazfraz]

Great tips snotrag, and thanks for the pointers on fit testing AI U.

[DE1975]

Al U said:

So managed to get this for £430 in the end, I believe it's a Giant Defy 2. Has tiagra groupset and is in nice condition as previous owner apparently only used it once for a charity ride. The condition definitely seems to support that.

Did a 40 mile ride on it on Saturday and I think it's just what I was looking for. Planning to get a bike fit and new seat next.

Nice. I bought the same bike on Ebay for my first road bike 2 years ago. Cost me £330, the increase is the sign of the times and the strong demand I guess.

If I can make a recommendation for an upgrade, change the brake calipers... those standard tekro ones are rubbish. I bought a set of ultegra calipers which are much better, I would imagine 105 calipers would be a good but slightly cheaper upgrade as well.

Incidentally, when I got mine, I got it on the scales when I got home and registered at 8.4Kg which I thought was pretty good for a entry level aluminium road bike (that was a small frame size)