Narrowed it down to two! I think!

Paulf1566

New to road bikes, head spinning with too many choices, but after long deliberations, think I am now down to two;-

1. Giant Defy 1 2013
2. Bianchi via nirone xenon 2013 - sad but it is the look of this bike which is really tempting me!

Looking for a more relaxed ride for longer races than out and out racing speed.

Any thoughts please? Have I missed anything obvious around the £1,000 mark. I've seen the recent reviews, best bike under £1k on the Internet. Is the look of the bianchi leading me to the wrong decision?

Thanks

t4tomo

Both good bikes, head analysis says defy has marginally better groupset (105) but Bianchi has better wheels. heart says Bianchi is a pretty as, the Defy is plain jane and very common. I know it won the best bike under £1k but how impartial is that award?

Have you see the Alu Carbon Via Nirone on offer at Epic:
http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/Bianchi_Via_Nirone_7.html
to me that's a better buy if you can get hold of one, but its Bianchi all the way (although i am slightly biased)

defycomp2

If you want comfort and easy riding it's got to be the Giant but also consider the Trek Domane.

nochekmate

I'd buy the Scott CR1 frameset from Westbrook Cycles @499 and spec it up with some wheels for £100+ which would be at least the equivalent of the Defy and Nirone wheelsets, which would then leave me with £400 for a groupset and some finishing kit. £300 on a secondhand groupset which should easily get you an option on 105, Rival, Veloce level, then £100 on finishing kit.

You'd then have a bike that would be better than both of the above options in my opinion. Bit of work involved but a bit of interest too.