Defy 1 or Specialized Allez Elite...you choose?!

Ok lets get this CTW scheme sorted!! finally got my choice down to defy 1 or allez elite and i need some help before making the final decision....here's what i think..
Both have a similar spec but for shear appearance ( yes i know we are all vain
) and feel the allez seems to be ahead, it also had a brilliant write up in C+ some time ago. Unfortunately it only takes clip on mudguards, and I suppose i should expect this if i want an out and out fast racing/sportive bike. If i go for the allez I will need to add clip ons for purely dry and practical reasons....in a word or clip ons any good? and if this is my only gripe should i take the allez and live with the clip ons? On a lighter note the allez is much more noticeable fantastic red and black finish....but this could cause it's own problems...ie nice bike to nick!
The Defy 1, can't find a write up for it but have had a ride and fleels good and comfy. The colours a bit bland, but may not be nicked so easily. The real + is it takes it's own dedicated giant mudguards which look a lot better than the clip ons?
I supposed in essence both bikes are great machines but I only get to acquire a bike once on the BTW scheme and i want it to be the best....at present i commute/train on a genesis day 01 and to be really honest it has been somewhat disappointing clunky gearing...back wheel needed rebuilt as spokes kept breaking....I plan to keep both bikes and use the genesis on really bad days and keep the good road bike all wrapped up and comfy in bed

So there it is guys.....prob just a question of mudguards....what do you think....i know these bikes have been compared before but i would like some fresh views...thanks for looking
Both have a similar spec but for shear appearance ( yes i know we are all vain

The Defy 1, can't find a write up for it but have had a ride and fleels good and comfy. The colours a bit bland, but may not be nicked so easily. The real + is it takes it's own dedicated giant mudguards which look a lot better than the clip ons?
I supposed in essence both bikes are great machines but I only get to acquire a bike once on the BTW scheme and i want it to be the best....at present i commute/train on a genesis day 01 and to be really honest it has been somewhat disappointing clunky gearing...back wheel needed rebuilt as spokes kept breaking....I plan to keep both bikes and use the genesis on really bad days and keep the good road bike all wrapped up and comfy in bed


So there it is guys.....prob just a question of mudguards....what do you think....i know these bikes have been compared before but i would like some fresh views...thanks for looking
"Cycling is like a church - many attend, but few understand."
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevtherev ... 338579801/
www.runningfree.co.uk
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You've already made your decision though and just want it justifying.
http://www.visiontrack.com
After seeing the reviews and comments about the Boardman bikes I decided to take a look and ended up the with the Team. For me it fitted better and has a better spec for the cash, £799.99.
If you've got your heart set on the Defy or Allez though out of the two I preferred the Allez. The Defy just didn't 'do' it for me when I compared the two in the flesh.
"Cycling is like a church - many attend, but few understand."
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevtherev ... 338579801/
www.runningfree.co.uk
I haven't purchased as yet
Here is a write up with comparison:
http://www.birdiebikes.co.uk/defy2VS.htm
MTB - Santa Cruz TallBoy
I couldn't find any reviews prior to purchase and so went on instinct, but 220 Triathlon compared the Defy 2 and Allez Sport recently and the Defy came out on top.
Either would be a great bike, trust your instinct!
http://www.chrisbikes.co.uk/bike_special_offers/
Can't exactly put my finger on what exactly it was but when i was riding it it just felt like we were meant to be together. The fit, feel and handling just suited me perfectly. As most of my riding is commute and long distance charity rides & centuries (Miles not KM) fit and feel were more important to me than looks and out and out speed.
Horses for Courses i supose.
Can't wait for it to arive now though.
The only problem I've found during the winter is that the rear brake (Shimano Tiagra) gets clogged up and seizes a lot. I have the Giant Defy/Avail mudguards fitted but their design means that the brakes are not protected from the elements, as you mentioned earlier the clearance on the Defy is not sufficient for standard full mudguards.
The front brake has not suffered with the same problem and has a consistantly good performance in all conditions.
I think that the Defy 1 has Shimano 105 Brakes fitted and wonder if these will perform better than the Tiagra's? If so I may need to upgrade.
Pinarello Dogma 2 (ex Team SKY) 2012
Cube Agree GTC Ultegra 2012
Giant Defy 105 2009
to the rats in the basement,
its not that far '
sincere apologies to Tobyker - but this says it all to me - go for the allez
I agree with the review that it is quite an 'upright' position as I had to take all the spacers out to get the top of the bars to the same height as the flat bar on my old hybrid but it is a comfortable position and you've got the drops to go to as well.
TBH it comes down to the same advice that is dished out on here all the time, the spec of the Elite & 1 looks pretty similar so give them a try and see which one you prefer. If there is no noticeable difference buy from the shop that will give you the best customer service.
You'll notice on the cassette side they are cross spoked and the other side is radial which is the side that has caused the problems. I've learnt that this problem is not uncommon and is not isolated to Giant bikes.
My LBS have just rebuilt the wheel for me using cross spoking both sides. Maybe I was just unlucky and got one from a dodgy batch, except for that the bike is great in my opinion.
Hey Graham - little bit harsh on Defy owners, but I'll take it on the chin - lol.
Pinarello Dogma 2 (ex Team SKY) 2012
Cube Agree GTC Ultegra 2012
Giant Defy 105 2009
It's not really the defy model as such, I'm just not keen on the Giant brand - but then I am a specialized fan and I appreciate that they have their fair share of 'knockers' too.
Giant Defy 2
Typical Boys Bedroom
to the rats in the basement,
its not that far '
I have only had one problem. I replaced the original Jalco Dynamics rims after only 5 months because they had worn dangerously. However the manufacturers admitted it was a defect and refunded me so I don't think this is anything to worry about. On the '09 model, I believe the rims are Mavics which should be better anyway.
To the OP: no-one can decide this for you. Choosing a bike is a personal thing, like a car, mayo vs sauce on chips or anything else that matters. I don't understand why people expect strangers on a cycling forum to give them the answer. It isn't a case of one being a duffer and the other great. You ought to ride - or at least sit on - both models to get a feel for the differences. If that doesn't do it then pick the colour you like best.
And if you're worrying about it being nicked then buy a D-lock! :roll:
I have only had one problem. I replaced the original Jalco Dynamics rims after only 5 months because they had worn dangerously. However the manufacturers admitted it was a defect and refunded me so I don't think this is anything to worry about. On the '09 model, I believe the rims are Mavics which should be better anyway.
"Cycling is like a church - many attend, but few understand."
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevtherev ... 338579801/
www.runningfree.co.uk
"Cycling is like a church - many attend, but few understand."
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevtherev ... 338579801/
www.runningfree.co.uk
I don't need to go to a shop, the bike is in my dining room*
(*while I wait for a ground anchor to turn up, insurance requirements for a £750 bike :shock: )