Eddie Merckx EMX 3 or Giant Defy Advanced 3 - Opinions

rando

Today I have been to LBS and had a ride on the Merckx EMX 3 and a Defy Advanced 3.
Thought both were very nice and am slightly drawn to the Merckx EMX 3 purely on the basis that you don't see many on the roads. In fact in my area I have never seen one at all but this maybe for a good reason as in they are not highly rated compared to the other bikes available. So does anyone have any first hand experience of a Merckx EMX bike ? Is there any reason not to buy one ? Are they as good as other makes ?
I have until next Saturday to decide on the Defy or EMX 3 as the LBS have ordered both in for next week.

Price wise is as follows : (ignore prices in links)
EMX 3 - £1799 with Campagnolo Athena and Fulcrum Racing 5
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/edd ... 0#features

EMX 3 - £1500 with Campagnolo Centaur and Fulcrum Racing 7
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/edd ... 1#features

Defy Advanced 3 - £1600 - with Shimano 105 and own wheelset
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bik ... 315/49817/

Never had Campagnolo (as current bike is Shimano Tiagra) but having tried them today I have no problem switching to them or staying with Shimano as per the Defy.
So does one of the above shout out as being better value overall ?

letap73

You've answered your own question - you personally prefer the Merckx - they haven't the marketing power of Giant, Specialized,Trek et al so you won't see many around. Your ride experience is the most important experience, other people's opinions shouldn't be the primary rationale behind what you buy.

rando

letap73 wrote:

You've answered your own question - you personally prefer the Merckx - they haven't the marketing power of Giant, Specialized,Trek et al so you won't see many around. Your ride experience is the most important experience, other people's opinions shouldn't be the primary rationale behind what you buy.

Appreciate that it's the ride that counts but just wanted to make sure that Merckx bikes are of sound quality and nothing that would stop people buying one like them having unique parts that are exclusive to Merckx.

smidsy

If you do get a Campag shod steed remember that the tools are often different and things like cassette spacing are not always consistent.

kleinstroker

The EMX looks like another R838 frame. Have you looked at the New Sportive at Ribble? Heck of a lot cheaper!!

ctc

I've got an EMX-3 and I love it. on the other hand I've never ridden the giant so I can't compare.
It's not an 838, but I thought the rumours were for the stealth not the new sportive?
one thing about tthe Merckx frame is you get a limited lifetime warranty

letap73

rando wrote:

letap73 wrote:

You've answered your own question - you personally prefer the Merckx - they haven't the marketing power of Giant, Specialized,Trek et al so you won't see many around. Your ride experience is the most important experience, other people's opinions shouldn't be the primary rationale behind what you buy.

Appreciate that it's the ride that counts but just wanted to make sure that Merckx bikes are of sound quality and nothing that would stop people buying one like them having unique parts that are exclusive to Merckx.

What I have heard about Merckx is all good - the goat cycling wise wouldn't put his name on crap bicycles. If you do get one enjoy the fact its fairly rare. FWIW I have a Giant advanced defy 3 and it is a great bike.

rando

smidsy wrote:

If you do get a Campag shod steed remember that the tools are often different and things like cassette spacing are not always consistent.

Does this mean a LBS repair or service would be more costly. Have to hold my hands up and say I am not at all mechanically minded so repairs would mean paying someone.

letap73

rando wrote:

smidsy wrote:

If you do get a Campag shod steed remember that the tools are often different and things like cassette spacing are not always consistent.

Does this mean a LBS repair or service would be more costly. Have to hold my hands up and say I am not at all mechanically minded so repairs would mean paying someone.

No it doesn't - a decent LBS should be able to service SRAM/SHIMANO/CAMPAG with no difficulties.

bigpikle

ride partner has an EMX 3 built with Ultegra and really rates it. Its a cracking bike to look at as well and seems very solid although not the lightest.