Discussion
I intend to return to some form of cycling in order to regain a moderate level of fitness. I have never been a fan of the upright style of mountain bikes and have always hankered after a traditional drop handlebar "racer". (In the 1970s my main mode of transport was a Raleigh Carlton 12 Speed).
I popped into my local bike shop today and they had a Giant racing bike on special offer and it does look the business.
Does anyone have any advice on whether it would be a good buy at 450? I did sit on it and everything is kust right size wise.
I popped into my local bike shop today and they had a Giant racing bike on special offer and it does look the business.
Does anyone have any advice on whether it would be a good buy at 450? I did sit on it and everything is kust right size wise.
assume its a 2011 or 2012 Giant Defy 4 or 5 from the price, a perfect entry level bike and from a very reputable manufacturer.
The major difference from the Raleigh will be the integrated brake/gear shifters which may take some time to get use to, also being aluminium framed rather than the Steel Raleigh, the ride may seem harsh but it will feel much, much faster!....
The major difference from the Raleigh will be the integrated brake/gear shifters which may take some time to get use to, also being aluminium framed rather than the Steel Raleigh, the ride may seem harsh but it will feel much, much faster!....
Giant are a reputable, well built brand (and biggest bike manufacturer on earth), ridden by thousands - think of them as the Merc or BMW of the bike world. Well respected, well built but if you go for the entry level models you will get the same body but windy windows, steel wheels and a cassette player! Does the same job as the top of the ranger, but in a different way.....
You defo need to ride before you buy, sitting on it in the LBS might feel OK, but 20 mins on the hoods and you might find that your back/shoulders etc will be killing you. You would not buy a car without driving it!!
You defo need to ride before you buy, sitting on it in the LBS might feel OK, but 20 mins on the hoods and you might find that your back/shoulders etc will be killing you. You would not buy a car without driving it!!
Ive got a Giant Defy 3 and love it. I was swayed by the carbon forks and paint job on my model and the fact that i just didn't fit the trek or specialized. I think mine was £600ish and there was a fairly big jump to the next model which had a better groupset and a carbon stem. I also wanted a triple chain ring to help me up the hills! the model up only had a double and was more speed focused.
The only mods i have done are changed the tyres to kevlar reinforced as i had a spate of punctures and i shortened the stem. I use SPD pedals as i didn't want to buy extra shoes either.
gets me to work and back on nice days (27 mile round trip) and the odd longer morning ride too.
The only mods i have done are changed the tyres to kevlar reinforced as i had a spate of punctures and i shortened the stem. I use SPD pedals as i didn't want to buy extra shoes either.
gets me to work and back on nice days (27 mile round trip) and the odd longer morning ride too.
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