Giant Defy Composite 2 - 2014

[JackReacher]

I'd appreciate some help from those in the know. A friend has offered this bike to me for £500, he bought it new, cycled it home and never used it since. So it is practically as new. Seems like a decent price for a full carbon frame and 105 set, providing it fits me well from a size perspective.

I currently have a reasonably well used 2015 Specialized Allez with Sora gear set, I only use this for a once a week 10-15 mile fitness cycle through the warmer months of the year and I am not a hard core cyclist.

Spec wise, the Defy seems a good step up, and assuming I can sell the Allez for £150, its only going to cost me £350 to change. Is this a no-brainer or will this bike offer little to me over the Allez for my useage?

Thanks

[JackReacher]

GOATever said:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-520-road-bike-s...

This is more bike, and a lifetime frame and forks warranty, for the same money. And you’ll know this one’s history ( as it’s brand new ).

Thanks, that does get great reviews on the website and in some press articles. But, can you explain to me why its "more" bike?

[JackReacher]

rastapasta said:

Im going to recommend the Giant. 105 is a decent group and the carbon frame would make it worth it. Just do a thorough inspection to make sure she hasnt been abused and then cleaned up. check the cogs on the gears, the chain, the wheels tyres etc and see that there is no knocking in the bearings of the wheels or the crank or headset or cracks in the frame. Its not like you are buying a never used 1998 fiat however. Bikes are repairable for the most part except for any frame serious cracks so just do a thorough investigation and you'll be fine. enjoy it

Yes would do a thorough inspection, but the guy is very honest and pretty confident it's never really been used, so should be fairly obvious looking over it. Will pay attention to the frame for cracks

[JackReacher]

Gareth79 said:

If it's never been used then it should be obvious on inspection - the chainrings/brake pads/tyres should be the easiest places to check for wear.

I had been shopping for a Defy Advanced (eventually I got a Felt) and this is a good price for that model.

Yes should be obvious I agree, so you'd say £500 is a decent price to pay? I am thinking that worst case I don't get on with it, then I could probably sell in Spring for similar money to what I pay for it, and look for something else.

[JackReacher]

Thanks all, going to look at it this weekend. It's a medium, and at 5'8 it should just about fit. I agree I think new tyres and inner tubes will be needed.