Giant entry level?

ouv3rt

My local bike shop has the Defy 3 on offer at £469 with the 4 at £499 - no mistake I promise.
My dilemma comes from which would be best to use for commuting but also in the back of my mind is possible triathlons and long rides at the weekend and possible touring in hols (so a bit of an all-rounder)...
This review points directly at the 4 but then I can't find many on the 3 - http://www.bikeradar...riple-11-40890/
Helpful man in shop suggests both would work and I can fit the relevant accessories on either.

Any help appreciated

StuBradley

I have a defy 4 that I use for commuting and am more than happy with it, however if you can get the 3 at a cheaper price I would go for that as the spec is slightly better.

Stu

topdude

Looks like the "3" has alloy forks and a compact double chainset.
The "4" has steel forks ans a triple chainset.
Other than that the spec looks much the same.

So do you need a compact or triple ?

ouv3rt

I think the gearings are basically the same - both are triples on the UK spec, a triple would mean greater versatility no?
My problem comes from virtually having my mind made up then going in and him telling me the 3 is on offer but there are no articles singing the virtues of this model for exactly what I want to use it for...

ouv3rt

PS. cheers Stu - have you found any difficulty fitting accessories? Mudguards etc?

pauldavid

I have just bought a 2010 Defy 3.5 from my LBS.

This is I beleive a better spec that this years 3 & 4 as it also has carbon forks, I am really very happy with it and would highly recommend it.

As it's last years model they are being sold off at reduced prices and Ash Cycles have them on offer at £415 fully built and delivered.

I paid a little more than this but the LBS threw in a Giant cycle computer and some bottl holders to sweeten things a bit.

Hope this helps

TanukiRider

I just became the proud owner of a Defy 3.5, and love it. I paid £425 for it, but it had better wheels, Sora front at rear mechs and chainset, Sora brakes, and a few other bits and pieces so it was worth the extra to save me upgrading later.

Cracking bike, and Im really enjoying being out on the road again, last time I was about 19!! :shock:

StuBradley

The bikes are an excellent entry level bike either the 3 or the 4, virtually identical, however if you look on the internet you can probably pick up a 2010 model defy 3 which is better spec'd and you will probably find it cheaper than your LBS, also I have not got round to fitting mudgaurds yet. Also if you are interested you can get a 2010 defy 4 for £375 from

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/produ ... 4QodE14mHA

ouv3rt

Thank you all for your help - I would like to get a 2010 3 but I think they are few and far between so the 3 2011 is probably the one - is it worth getting the better spec for about £75 more? Best price I've seen on the net for a large 2010 is £543.
Or would you negotiate on parts and pay a bit more?
Nothing ever simple...

pauldavid

Have a look at Ash Cycles on the net, Defy 3.5 carbon fork version for £415 built and delivered

esudfu

The defy 3 2011 also has carbon forks I believe...

guy.spartacus

the 3 will be better specced than the 4 or 3.5

I got a 3.5 a few months back - the 2010 3 was still nearly £100 more than it at that time

iainvr46

Hi all you people out there, new to the site and read this thread.
I bought a defy 3.5 last year from Tredz £440, good service and deal. It is my first road bike as I've been MTB for years. IThe bike is exellent and fullfills all I need it for including sportiff training and triathlons, triple chainset is good (very hilly in Swansea) and would recommend this bike to anyone.

wasi1984

I must admit I also love my defy