Advice please - New road bike

paralysisbyanalysis

Hi all

I'm looking to get a road bike, budget £500, using the cycle to work scheme. So far I'm considering the Giant Defy 5 or the Boardman Road sport.

The bike would be used for commuting (not far) and training for a few longer charity rides etc.

Which would be the best option? Is there anything else in this price range that I should look at?

dj58

Both those bikes are good beginners bikes, use the search box to access other threads on the subject as this topic comes up regularly. Also read this if you haven't already done so.

viewtopic.php?f=40042&t=12577960

hoypolloi

Thanks for the reply. I have been to a few bike shops and nobody has the Defy 5 in the right size for me to test ride. I have test ridden a Defy 4, but that has a carbon fork. Is it a significant difference? Every shop seems to be pushing me towards a bike with a carbon fork. I do like the Defy 4, it's just outside my budget. Should I try to find a kike with a carbon fork at this price?

Surprisingly enough, Halfords won't let me test ride a Boardman bike. I'm reluctant to buy a bike without test riding it.

ElliesDad

I'm looking for a new road bike on Cycle2Work as well, I'm a complete novice although I have been MTBing for a couple of years so still learning about roadie specs. As far as I understand a carbon fork will smooth out the bumps a bit more giving you a more comfy compliant ride. Personally I'm looking at the Defy 2 (£800) but the Defy 4 is £100 more than the Defy 5 which would only increase your monthly payments on C2W by about £6, I would go for the Defy 4 if I was in your position unless your scheme caps you to £500 but most are up to £1000.