Giant Defy 1 or Canyon Inflite AL 8.0S

electriclinux

I am trying to decide between two bikes.
I have broken it down into advantages and disadvantages:

Giant Defy 1
http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant ... -blue.html
Adv:
Slightly lighter
Cheaper
Lifetime warranty for the frame
Very well reviewed
Might be more suitable as I plan to cycle on the road

Dis:
Mudguard doesn't seem very rugged
Not sure if 25mm tyres fits with mudguard

Canyon Inflite AL 8.0S
https://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3201
Adv:
Disc brakes
Can take larger tyres and seems to have a more solid mudguard option
More future proof?
Cool design
More versatile so I could take it off road

Dis:
Slightly Heavier
Lower scoring in reviews
More expensive


I am leaning towards the Defy 1 but I am just not sure about the mudguard situation with it. I plan to cycle in most conditions so I want a mudguard but I am afraid that the mudguard for the Defy isn't very good and if it actually accepts 25mm tyres. I would love other peoples opinion on it, I have only cycled on 28mm tyres before and I was wondering would 25mm or 23mm tyres be comfortable for long distances on relatively bad roads (Belfast roads) ?

dj58

Hello,

I can't tell anything about the Canyon bike, however I have a Defy 0 and have a set of the Giant specific mudguards for it, though have not fitted them yet. There are a few posts on BR about these prematurely failing at the rear metal brake bridge mounting bracket, so there may be a design/material/manufacturing fault with them.

They are designed for use with 23/25mm tyres, I've trial fitted the rear guard and the clearance is tight adjacent the brake bridge cut-out metal mounting bracket, but it did fit. I don't know whether you could fit a 28mm tyre and I can't remember if anyone has posted saying they are running with them without problems. The front guard is also short in length compared to some other brands and only has a single stay.

Have a read through this post:

viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=12937711&p=18502102&hilit=defy+mudguards#p18502102

Also this:

viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=12907787&p=18169075&hilit=defy+mudguards#p18169075

duckson

Why not look at a Dolan Dual or Ribble Sportive 365, designed to take mudguards and 25c (at least) fit?
Carbon frames and highly speccable.

electriclinux

Cheers I will look at those threads and the other bikes mentioned. It seems the Canyon Infllite is a no go anyway as they apparently sold out for the year :shock:

the_fuggler

I wouldn't get too hung up on lifetime warranties - by this time next year you'll be looking to upgrade anyway!

The Giant specific guards are tight on a 25mm tyre. Very nice bikes though (I am biased as I ride one). 23mm or 25mm tyres should be fine on the road in terms of comfort.

The other option you might want to consider is a Trek as they tend to have guard mounts, which make them more flexible for UK conditions.

electriclinux

I think I might go with http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/canno ... -2014.html

As it can fit normal mudguards, has disc brakes and isn't that much heavier.