defy advanced 3, caad10, or scott cr1 elite

gonzalez gomez
gonzalez gomez Posts: 61
edited March 2012 in Road buying advice
My insurers have allowed me £2300, to replace my stolen Guerciotti, the new bike will be supplied by Wheelies as their approved supplier. I fancied a Cube but they don't supply them. From their range I've narrowed it down to the Giant Defy Advanced 3(105) or possibly TCR, Cannondale CAAD 10(Ultegra), or Scott CR1 Elite(ultegra). I don't want an out and out racer all of these get good reviews for comfort as well as performance. I do most of my riding around the hilly Forest of Dean an Wye Valley area with a few sportives in South Wales. The moneys burning a hole in my pocket and I'm confused. On spec alone the Scott wins but I don't know to much about it. I know it's all down to personal preference at the end of the day but would appreciate any advice.

Comments

  • Mr Dog
    Mr Dog Posts: 643
    Try and get a demo. Giant stores are will allow you ride the the Defy and Advanced. Its a lot dosh. I love my TCR 3 but all the bikes are great. I really can't see you ending up with a bad frame and the rest you can change. Don't let it stress you out, enjoy the process. Many would love to be in your position. Happy days! :D
    Why tidy the house when you can clean your bike?
  • karldh
    karldh Posts: 34
    I have a Scott CR1 elite with SRAM rival 2011. Got it at a bargain price and have seen it at £1599 recently at a certain bike shop in Ambleside I think, a bit more than i paid, I have no experience of the other bikes. What I can say about the Scott is, it is very light and for me felt just right as soon as I sat on it, I have ridden it albeit not hundreds of miles and can say it is comfortable for me despite me suffering in the past lower back pain, I have no pain on it so far and no aches between my shoulders like my last Alu bike. I believe I got a bargain bike which is comfortable, quick with top quality wheels and components, I even find saddle ok after initial first ride.You need to ride or at least sit on the bikes first, For info I am 1.80 m tall with shortish legs and longer trunk, the geometry and controls are great for me contrary to a Cannondale Synapse which I wanted originally which just did not feel right for me as soon as I sat on it. Hope this helps
    kdh
  • gonzalez gomez
    gonzalez gomez Posts: 61
    Thanks for your comments I'm off to Giant Bristol tomorrow to try out the Defy and TCR Advanced I think I'll end with one of those two. But it's like you say you can't tell until you sit on the bike so I will try to test the others before deciding. I've got £2.3k to spend the Advanced 3's are £2k the 2's are £2.5k, will try to get them to do a deal on the 2 as I'm allso having a new mtb from the same shop, (2011 specialized stumpjumper fsr comp £1.5k).
  • anto164
    anto164 Posts: 3,500
    BTW, just thought you'd like to know, there's a 3 month wait on the advanced 2.

    I ordered a TCR advanced 2 10 weeks ago, and it's due in the next two weeks. Last time i looked, the estimated delivery was week 22, and we're on week 11 now.

    Obviously it depends on the size you ordered. I ordered an ML.
  • gonzalez gomez
    gonzalez gomez Posts: 61
    Well I decided on the Giant TCR 3 Advanced after trying one on the rollers at the Bristol Giant store. Didn't get to try out any of the others as the Giant felt right. I opted for the M/L size rather than M, as the slightly longer top tube seemed a better fit than the M size. The bike arrives tomorrow, so far I can't fault the service I've had from my insurers Santander/axa or bike suppliers Wheelies.

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