Hi all,
I'm new to cycling (beyond riding cheap and nasty mountain bikes as a child which I suspect turned me off cycling altogether), and I'm looking at an entry level road bike. I don't wish to spend too much money at this point, at least until the bug bites.
I'm finding it a little difficult to find good reviews on bikes, particularly lower end. At this point, I'm thinking a Giant Defy 4 (2016) on clearance. I haven't come across any real reviews yet, at least for the 2016 model. I'm thinking I could possibly stretch my budget to a Defy 3 (2016) model -- my LBS also has this on clearance.
My question is -- would either of these two bikes be okay for a cycling beginner/noob? I just intend on riding casually. I won't be commuting, just cycling on weekends along roads and pathways for fitness. It would be nice if the bike lasts a while (12 or so months?) and I can grow with it a little.
Would there be much benefit spending the extra ~$200 price jump to go from a Defy 3 to a Defy 4? Beyond these two models, I'm a little uncertain what else to consider. I've checked out the tips thread which seems to contain some great info, but I'm having a little difficulty narrowing the choices down. Initially I was sold on the idea of a hybrid bike, but at the very least I've refined down to just a road bike.
Thanks!
Entry Level Road Bike
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Re: Entry Level Road Bike
Postby fergy1987 » Wed Aug 17, 2016 11:57 am
As a first bike, just get the cheapest thing you can afford. You don't want to spend a bunch of money only to find you don't like cycling. The Defy 4 would be a great bike if that is what you are willing to spend. I am sure you could get something cheaper, but I think the Defy 4 would be quite reliable. Just find something that fits and feels comfortable. The difference between the 3 and the 4 as a beginner I don't believe you would notice any difference.
So buy something cheap now and if you love it you can always upgrade later
So buy something cheap now and if you love it you can always upgrade later
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Re: Entry Level Road Bike
Postby Calvin27 » Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:08 pm
Get the cheaper one. For entry bikes, I usually say minimum sora components. There is not much point spending another $200 for tiagra, especially for a first time bike. If you like it, you will gravitate towards 105/ultegra, if you don't, $200 saved.
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Cushy dirt bike
Very cushy dirt bike
Bike crushed by car (RIP)
No brakes bike
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Re: Entry Level Road Bike
Postby Duck! » Wed Aug 17, 2016 1:48 pm
The Defy is a good, solid frame; both models use the same frame & fork, just different bits bolted on. Although neither the Claris (Defy 4) nor Sora (Defy 3) are the slickest kit out there, both will be a revelation compared to your memories of clunky dungers, and both are good, reliable component sets. Both offer much the same overall gear range, but the Sora with its 9-sp. vs the 8-sp. Claris uses its extra gear in the mid-range to smooth out the progression through the gears, which is more noticeable on the wider-range cassettes generally specced at this level.
I had a thought, but it got run over as it crossed my mind.
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Re: Entry Level Road Bike
Postby thatmdee » Thu Sep 22, 2016 7:44 am
Excellent, thank you for the responses. I ended up with the Defy 4 and so far I'm reasonably happy with how it's going (apart from learning to shift gears smoothly and properly!). Now to look at some new tyres and front lights!
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