Carbon Frame upgrade

andrewjsheldon

Hi all, Happy New Year to you.

Im after some advice on what road bike to purchase next. I have been riding a GIANT Defy 1 2013 now for two years and looking to step up to a carbon frame with ultegra set up preferably. Im more of a social / sportive cyclist and when in full swing average around 120 miles a week. Im consious that i only have the one bike so looking now to downgrade my current bike to a winter/indoor training bike and invest in a carbon frame. Ive only ever ridden a GIANT so dont know much else about how other bikes handle. Im looking to you guys to give me some advice on what you would suggest. My current frame size is 53cm Medium, height is 5ft 8, inside leg 29cm...if that all helps. Im not necessarlity looking for a 2015 model and would be more than happy with a 2013/2014 model.

Appreciate any help or advice you can give.

Many thanks,

Andrew

dj58

Hi Andrew,

What is your budget for the new bike, are you looking to stay with endurance geometry, what groupset Ultegra 10/11sp, rim or disc brakes?

yaya

One sensible option would be to find a 2nd hand a 2013/2014 Defy Advanced frame or bike get all the bits transferred. That way you'll stay with familiar geometry & handling in a lighter and comfier setup, maybe add some lighter wheels while you're at it?

andrewjsheldon

Hi DJ58. If i go new then im happy to spend around the £1200 - £1300 mark. I will probably purchase on cycle2work scheme. Everyone i have spoken to has said if im going to spend that amount then best go for Ultegra 11sp. Being in a cycling club there are not many people in favour of disc brakes so im open to suggestions.

andrewjsheldon

Hi Yaya, im hoping to use my current defy as my winter bike so i need to keep it intact. Can you suggest an equivalent to the Defy that has a similar geometry? Im open to a different makes so im looking for suggestions on what to test ride if possible. I purchased my current bike from Tredz and wasnt that impressed on their level of knowledge to be honest, so not too fussed on returning there to purchase my next bike.

yaya

andrewjsheldon wrote:

Hi Yaya, im hoping to use my current defy as my winter bike so i need to keep it intact. Can you suggest an equivalent to the Defy that has a similar geometry? Im open to a different makes so im looking for suggestions on what to test ride if possible. I purchased my current bike from Tredz and wasnt that impressed on their level of knowledge to be honest, so not too fussed on returning there to purchase my next bike.

to meet your budget perhaps a Defy composite from 2014 if you could still find one new can fit the bill? It's a little heavier than the advanced and reviews says it feels a bit "wordier" - whatever that means...if you look for 2015 then it'll be called Advanced as opposed to Advanced Pro...

mcvw

Hi Andrew, I have a Defy Composite 1 (2014 model), and words can't say how pleased I am with it. It's nigh on full Ultegra and 11speed - (the brakes are plain Shimano, non Ultegra). If you can still get one on sale you'll get a bargain Cheers, Mike

dj58

Bikes with a similar endurance geometry to the Defy, Cannodale Synapse, Specialised Roubaix, Trek Domane, Felt Z series, Canyon Edurance CF, Rose Xeon CGF there are more from other brands. I have left out the 2015 Defy range because they are all disc braked.

I thinks you will struggle to get a Ultegra 11sp bike new for your budget, more likely to be 105 11sp, however you may if you look at bikes from Planet-X, Ribble and Dolan.

yaya

Have a look at Paul's Cycles website they often have Giant and Cannondale models from 1-2-3 years ago with some good discounts.