which of these as a winter bike

chatlow
chatlow Posts: 850
edited October 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi I am trying to decide between a Giant Defy 4 with some upgrades and a David Hinde L-Etap Sport.

Google and this forum suggest to stay away from David Hinde but the spec is better than the Defy so thought I'd post here for advice. I am being offered both bikes for £250

Descriptions taken from adverts:

2012 Giant Defy 4 - done 1000 miles - standard shimano 2300 setup with shimano 105 triple crankset, hollowtech II BB, durano plus tyres, giant mudguards. Crankset and BB done about 50 miles.

Dave Hinde - 3 years old. fitted with ultegra 9 spd shifters & rear mech. 105 front mech. ultegra brakes .stronglight 50 34 chainset. )all a few years old with scuffs not immaculate but work perfectly .
ultegra hubs( smooth) open 4 rims well used but still life in them. millenium bars and stem .pro race carbon seat post flite special edition euro in blue

I was set on the defy until I saw the David Hinde, but some reviews are putting me off.

Would really appreciate any comments.

thanks

Comments

  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    The concern I would have is the reputation that the later bikes retailer has gained over the years. Since you are buying it second hand for £250 this is less of a problem as you can have a look to confirm all is OK.

    Giant bikes have had good reviews for a long time now so again you are looking at how well maintained / worn the bike is.

    I would just give both a test ride and see which you like the best. If either has any signs of impact damage or excessive wear just walk away.
  • DeVlaeminck
    DeVlaeminck Posts: 9,104
    9 speed is quite old now - older than the bike is supposed to be - my concern would be the condition - well in truth my concern would be that it has that rip off artists name on the frame but other than that a bike with kit of that age needs looking at quite closely.
    [Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]
  • chatlow
    chatlow Posts: 850
    thanks. To be honest the DH did feel quite old. Drive chain was smooth (indexing was out, but hopefully just a cable tension issue) Size felt OK. (if not too small, as I am used to riding a M/L giant which at 5'9 was a bit big)

    Also looking at a Scott Speedster s40 later on.

    Cheers
  • chatlow
    chatlow Posts: 850
    9 speed doesn't bother me in the slightest. Just has to be reliable throughout the winter. components are good just the frame i dont like. Have made a more reasonable offer for it so will see what happens.
  • ViperS15
    ViperS15 Posts: 61
    It wouldn't surprise me if last year's 105 was similar to a 3 year old Ultegra anyway. They always pass the tech down the line as they progress.

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