Defy 5 2015 v Defy 3 2014

jamie678

Im looking to buy my first road bike for a 100 mile sportive i have later in the year.
I've narrowed it down too either a Giant Defy 5 2015 which i can get for £300, or a Giant defy 3 2014 for £399.

I'd love some opinions on which one I should get, is it worth me saving an extra £100 for last years defy 3?

Thanks!

AAddict

9 times outa 10 last years discounted bikes are the smart buy.

dj58

Those two bikes have similar specs apart from the forks, carbon/alloy steerer tube on the Defy 3 and Aluminium/Alloy Steerer tube on the Defy 5, that is where the extra £100 goes.

jonny_trousers

Without links I can't be arsed looking into it, but just jumping in on DJ58's kind work for you, a carbon fork will make a noticeable difference. At that price point, I'm afraid, you're not going to get anything great new.

jamie678

As someone that has lived of of budget sub £100 mountain bikes either of these is going to be a huge improvement. Are the carbon forks going to make so much difference that its worth the £100?

Been looking at the Triban 500SE which is only £330. My hesitation there is the 8-speed MICROSHIFT shifters, the reviews say they aren't the best but are liveable on a budget, any thoughts?

jonny_trousers

We all start somewhere before getting suckered in.

At your budget I'd go second hand. There are plenty of good deals out there. Especially at this time of year.

Spudboy

Bought a defy 3 2014 in a sale for my son and at £399 for what is a £699 rrp bike I think it's a great buy. As has been said the Defy 3 has carbon forks which is worth the extra alone. In addition you get 9spd sora over 8 spd Claris and a far better chainset than on the Defy 5. The defy frame is excellent for the money, you can't go wrong.

dj58

O.P. If you need convincing that a carbon fork is a good idea and therefore worth the extra money read this.
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