Giant defy 0 vs defy 1

peyroux

I recently crashed my Defy 1 which has now been written off and so I'm looking for a new bike. When I went into the shop I was told about the defy 0 which came with an Ultegra groupset and an 'SL' frame - the guy was really extolling the virtues of the frame. After coming home and having a look at the specs on the website, it seems that the defy 0 has the same frame as the defy 1, or rather are at least made out of the same material.

Unfortunately because they are a fairly small LBS, they can't get the bike in to ride unless I put a deposit down/buy it. So I'm wondering is the 0 worth the extra. From having a look online it seems as though you could by the upgraded parts for just over £200, which is how much more the defy 0 is. Will I notice the Ultegra parts?
Thanks in advance,
Tom

dwanes

I would go with the colour that you like the best.
As for the upgraded shifters/derailuers it will be more about having the Ultegra name on them, than a noticeable difference in performance.
If it came with an Ultegra crankset that would be a different matter.

Camcycle1974

Agree with dwanes. I had exact the same dilemma. I didn't want a white bike so went for the 0. Debateable whether a rear mech,brake levers and slightly better brakes are worth £200. Frame is the same as the 1.if you can travel to Cambridge then Chris's bikes will do you a new 1 for £899. Tell him Jim sent you!

alihisgreat

I'd go for the Defy 1 and use the £200 for other bits that you'll notice more

for the bike:
-tyres
-saddle

for you:
-new clothing, helmet, shoes etc. ?
-garmin?


Unlike the Defy 2 to 1 jump, there isn't really much difference.. especially when you're still lumbered with a non-series chainset which is apparently a Tiagra equivalent.

Camcycle1974

I agree it's not worth the upgrade money I spent but you'd be doing well to get that lot for £200! In time I will upgrade wheels/chainset/brakes. Already done the saddle. The Giant saddle is fugly and not very comfortable so I bought a Charge Spoon for £13. Much more comfy and looks better on the bike. Also changed the tyres which are puncture magnets and put my trusty ols Luganos on for now; in blue of course!

peyroux

Hi guys, thanks for the feedback. Your comments seem to reflect what I was thinking, that it's not really worth the extra. I'm certainly not bothered about the white frame, so I wouldn't pay for the paint job. One thing I forgot to mention though, was the guy was quite keen to sell the 0 (surprise surprise) and hinted he would throw in peddles and a helmet (mine got smashed up in the crash) I figure that if I got a £100 helmet and a £50 set of peddles it might be worth it? If the discount isn't there though I'll got for the 1, it just feels a bit lame getting a new bike that's the same as your old bike! The defy 1 just seems SO good for the price. I was just doing a bit of shopping about and the Spec's (the other brand that's easy for me to try) has woeful spec at the same pricepoint.

alihisgreat

Camcycle1974 wrote:

I agree it's not worth the upgrade money I spent but you'd be doing well to get that lot for £200! In time I will upgrade wheels/chainset/brakes. Already done the saddle. The Giant saddle is fugly and not very comfortable so I bought a Charge Spoon for £13. Much more comfy and looks better on the bike. Also changed the tyres which are puncture magnets and put my trusty ols Luganos on for now; in blue of course!

Yeah I wasn't implying you could get all that kit for £200!

Just a few options for the OP to consider.

peyroux wrote:

Hi guys, thanks for the feedback. Your comments seem to reflect what I was thinking, that it's not really worth the extra. I'm certainly not bothered about the white frame, so I wouldn't pay for the paint job. One thing I forgot to mention though, was the guy was quite keen to sell the 0 (surprise surprise) and hinted he would throw in peddles and a helmet (mine got smashed up in the crash) I figure that if I got a £100 helmet and a £50 set of peddles it might be worth it? If the discount isn't there though I'll got for the 1, it just feels a bit lame getting a new bike that's the same as your old bike! The defy 1 just seems SO good for the price. I was just doing a bit of shopping about and the Spec's (the other brand that's easy for me to try) has woeful spec at the same pricepoint.

With a helmet and pedals thrown in at those prices its worth a look.

Don't get suckered into getting a cheap helmet and pedals thrown in though. Lbs prices can also be a bit off so check online for the 'actual' value of the stuff being thrown in.

dwanes

The shop Should throw in a £100 helmet and a £50 set of pedals without hesitation, as most shops will give 10% discount on a bike at that price. Don't move from you request and he will stop you before you walk out of the shop.

Let us all know how you get on whatever you decide.

Camcycle1974

Good advice. A lot of shops avoid giving discount by doing 0% finance now though. I got a hundred quid off and some deep discounts of a helmet/ shoes but I paid cash. I agree though,he should barter. Its easy in Cambridge, one shop does deals and the other ( big shop) does not so the choice is easy. Depends on the nature of the businesspeople I suppose. Its hard to find anyone doing discount on current model giants though what with the reviews they get.

peyroux

Just thought I'd resurrect this post for a moment to say that I went for the defy 0 in the end and so far have found it better than the 1. The main difference I actually NOTICE on rides, is braking. I would seriously recommend anyone still riding their defy 1 with the stock brakes to get those upgraded to some shimano 105's asap, this difference is phenomenal, and for someone who's just bought a new bike after a big crash, it's very comforting. It's definitely lighter too, which I have to say i'm not that much of a fan of at the moment, because it's blowing about a fair bit in wind and with me not being super confident at the moment, it's a bit offputting, but i'm sure i'll appreciate it further down the line. The ultegra shifters also have a lot less of a reach to get to the breaks and gears, but this could be more to do with how they're set up as I'm not sure what the range is in terms of bringing them closer. But overall, another great bike from giant

Camcycle1974

Good choice that man! Shame Giant did not upgrade the brakes on the Defy 0 to 105. The ones on there (5061 I think) are a step up from the ones on the Defy1 but still generic Shimano which are functional at best. Wheels on mine getting upgraded soon too. Love the frame though and the Smooth shifting from the Ultegra