Hi all,
New to the board, and entering year 2 of my quickly-growing road bike addiction (I had a Norco rental last season for 3 months)...I decided to buy a bike this year as I really enjoyed getting out a couple of times a week last summer...I've researched this up and down until blue in the face, and suffering from a bit of decision-paralysis! I'm basically down to three options - all are around the same cost, with different pros & cons. I won't likely be racing, will be all about fitness & weekend warrior along with a few different charity rides each season. Based on last year I would estimate maybe 1500kms per year...
Option 1: NEW 2014 Giant Defy Composite 3 - full carbon, tiagra, $1200 CDN (roughly $950USD)
Option 2: NEW 2014 Giant Defy Composite 2 - full carbon, 105s, $1400 CDN (roughly $1100 USD)
Option 3: NEW 2013 Trek Madone 2.1 - aluminum, 105 setup, $1050 CDN (roughly $825 USD)
Option 4: USED 2012 Giant TCR Comp 2, $1200 CDN(roughly $950 USD)
Option 5: NEW (private sale) 2014 Scott Speedster 10, $1400 w/pedals (roughly$1100USD)
I'm leaning towards new, even if it's "less" bike - strictly a personal preference for the after sales service @ my LBS (4 free tuneups, free flat pack, and a 30% discount on pedals/shoes/accessories at time of purchase...)
Just looking for some opinions on value & longevity for money - I'm not looking to be itching to sell & upgrade within 2 years...I have ridden all but the Scott (should be doing that later today) - this is my shortlist after knocking some off the list where I didn't like the comfort/riding position etc...or where the used condition wasn't as advertised...
DISCLAIMER: I know that ALL of these are 'more' bike than I need for weekend warrior rides, but I'm pretty comfortable in this budget so just want to make a smart buy within this space...what's more important - spending on carbon frame or buying something with higher-end gearset etc? (Or both on Option 2 if I stretch my budget...)
Thanks all...
New to the board, and entering year 2 of my quickly-growing road bike addiction (I had a Norco rental last season for 3 months)...I decided to buy a bike this year as I really enjoyed getting out a couple of times a week last summer...I've researched this up and down until blue in the face, and suffering from a bit of decision-paralysis! I'm basically down to three options - all are around the same cost, with different pros & cons. I won't likely be racing, will be all about fitness & weekend warrior along with a few different charity rides each season. Based on last year I would estimate maybe 1500kms per year...
Option 1: NEW 2014 Giant Defy Composite 3 - full carbon, tiagra, $1200 CDN (roughly $950USD)
Option 2: NEW 2014 Giant Defy Composite 2 - full carbon, 105s, $1400 CDN (roughly $1100 USD)
Option 3: NEW 2013 Trek Madone 2.1 - aluminum, 105 setup, $1050 CDN (roughly $825 USD)
Option 4: USED 2012 Giant TCR Comp 2, $1200 CDN(roughly $950 USD)
Option 5: NEW (private sale) 2014 Scott Speedster 10, $1400 w/pedals (roughly$1100USD)
I'm leaning towards new, even if it's "less" bike - strictly a personal preference for the after sales service @ my LBS (4 free tuneups, free flat pack, and a 30% discount on pedals/shoes/accessories at time of purchase...)
Just looking for some opinions on value & longevity for money - I'm not looking to be itching to sell & upgrade within 2 years...I have ridden all but the Scott (should be doing that later today) - this is my shortlist after knocking some off the list where I didn't like the comfort/riding position etc...or where the used condition wasn't as advertised...
DISCLAIMER: I know that ALL of these are 'more' bike than I need for weekend warrior rides, but I'm pretty comfortable in this budget so just want to make a smart buy within this space...what's more important - spending on carbon frame or buying something with higher-end gearset etc? (Or both on Option 2 if I stretch my budget...)
Thanks all...