Time to replace my Giant SCR 2.0 (2007)

sjf3

Hi all, can you give me some advice?

I have been happily riding my SCR 2.0 (purchased 2nd hand) for the last three years and time has come for a change.
So I went to look on Giants website for a new SCR but it seems to have been discontinued
So what should I go for instead?

I do not want to spend a fortune but I want something at least as good as my SCR 2.0 (easy to ride, lightweight, easy gear changing, easy hill climbing).

I have had a quick search around and I guess I am looking at a budget of between £450 and £850, the nearer £450 the better.
e.g. the Giant Defy 2 (2013) I found for £640 which is alu frame, carbon/alloy forks, Tiagra groupset and Giant Rims and Tyres or the Mekk Pinerolo, or Mekk Poggio 2g or Trek 1.2 H2 or......

Mad_Malx

The Defy 2 is pretty much same as what you are riding now.

Not really much point buying same unless the frame is bent. You could buy some better wheels (eg Aksiums), if the components are wearing out upgrade most of the groupset, and have a better bike for less money.

sjf3

Thanks very much for the fast reply :-)
Yeah the frame is no good , along with most of the components, hence the need to get a replacement.

I am going to go and have a look at the Defy 2.0 (2013) - to see how similar to the SCR 2.0 it is, just didnt want to simply opt for a straight swap if there was a better option out there.
Would you commend any bikes in particular for me to consider?

Thanks
Steve

Mad_Malx

In this price range I would look at stuff with Tiagra groupsets (updated version of what you have already), or equivalent. This time of the year is good for bargains. Specialised used to be competitive, but their entry level kit doesn't look great.

I've an SCR2 of similar vintage, which has done me well. A couple of years ago I went the route I suggested above, but I'm itching for something more flash now.

sjf3

Thanks , most of the rides I have found so far (other than the Defy which has Tiagr) seem to have Shimano Sora groupsets. Would you think that I would be disappointed with the Sora groupsets?

sjf3

Mad_Malx wrote:

... but I'm itching for something more flash now.

what bikes are you considering?

ovi

Have a look at chris bike
http://www.chrisbikes.co.uk/bikes/index ... 0445710730

Camcycle1974

ovi wrote:

Have a look at chris bike
http://www.chrisbikes.co.uk/bikes/index ... 0445710730

Fine if you want a bargain, not too sure about after care if you have a problem.

sjf3

ovi wrote:

Have a look at chris bike
http://www.chrisbikes.co.uk/bikes/index ... 0445710730

Thanks Ovi , what an odd little website - almost everything in the new bikes section is sold or in X large size :-)
I will keep an eye on it in case a medium sized bargain appears

Cheers
Steve

sjf3

Camcycle1974 wrote:

ovi wrote:

Have a look at chris bike

Fine if you want a bargain, not too sure about after care if you have a problem.

Yeah , although 'Chris' does seem to have a shop if I fancy a day out in Cambridge :-)
Are you speaking from personal experience Camcycle1974?

Thanks
Steve

simon_e

sjf3 wrote:

Thanks , most of the rides I have found so far (other than the Defy which has Tiagr) seem to have Shimano Sora groupsets. Would you think that I would be disappointed with the Sora groupsets?

Current Sora groupset is just like the 9 speed Tiagra on your SCR 2 (Tiagra is now 10 speed).

Defy is top notch and should suit you perfectly but, as you know, there are alternatives. Have a browse, choose the one you like most. 2014 bikes should be in stock now so some dealers may be offering good prices on 2013 models.

Camcycle1974

sjf3 wrote:

Camcycle1974 wrote:

ovi wrote:

Have a look at chris bike

Fine if you want a bargain, not too sure about after care if you have a problem.

Yeah , although 'Chris' does seem to have a shop if I fancy a day out in Cambridge :-)
Are you speaking from personal experience Camcycle1974?

Thanks
Steve

Yes. Don't want to put people off too much. He's very eccentric and it depends on what day of the week you catch him as to whether you get good service or not. Works on his own and shifts a lot of Giants at good prices. Purports to offer good after sales but that is debateable! I don't want to go into too much detail on a public forum.

He does know his stuff with Giants and has been selling them for years. He's good if you can put up with the unique sales patter!

Camcycle1974

sjf3 wrote:

ovi wrote:

Have a look at chris bike
http://www.chrisbikes.co.uk/bikes/index ... 0445710730

Thanks Ovi , what an odd little website - almost everything in the new bikes section is sold or in X large size :-)
I will keep an eye on it in case a medium sized bargain appears

Cheers
Steve

Best to give him a ring. He can usually source most things if it's available in the UK. Useful if you want to pick up a bargain.

gabriel959

Camcycle1974 wrote:

sjf3 wrote:

Camcycle1974 wrote:

ovi wrote:

Have a look at chris bike

Fine if you want a bargain, not too sure about after care if you have a problem.

Yeah , although 'Chris' does seem to have a shop if I fancy a day out in Cambridge :-)
Are you speaking from personal experience Camcycle1974?

Thanks
Steve

Yes. Don't want to put people off too much. He's very eccentric and it depends on what day of the week you catch him as to whether you get good service or not. Works on his own and shifts a lot of Giants at good prices. Purports to offer good after sales but that is debateable! I don't want to go into too much detail on a public forum.

He does know his stuff with Giants and has been selling them for years. He's good if you can put up with the unique sales patter!

From experience I would have to agree 100% with the statement above. I bought my Giant in 2008, excellent price and the service on the day was very good but I wouldn't not recommend it as a bike shop you can rely on for repairs, upgrades. In that sense there is no much difference in buying from him and any other online retailer. As Camcycle says he knows his Giants and has got excellent prices on them though!