Planet x, Forme Axe Edge Sport or Giant Defy Composite 3

Meerkat16
Meerkat16 Posts: 320
edited November 2013 in Road buying advice
I have narrowed my bike search with a budget of around £1000 to the following three. I am yet to ride any of them but would appreciate any feedback from anyone who owns one of the three
First is the Forme Axe Edge Sport 2013. Appears a very good price having being reduced from £1400 to £799
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/153509/pr ... -bike.aspx

Second is the Planet X Pro Carbon at £999
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBP ... _road_bike

Third is the Giant Defy Composite 3 2014 at £1099
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bik ... 976/66541/

Due to previous back issues i am not after a very aggressive bike. I also have secondhand Ultegra groupset

Comments

  • domgears
    domgears Posts: 135
    Hi MK,

    Giant are very good, however a little googling and you can save a some cash by buying the 2013 which is the same frame anyway.

    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p491 ... ITE-3-2013

    or even the 2012 if it is the correct size

    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b4s6p449 ... ITE-3-2012
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    Planet X Ultegra except crank and brakes, excellent bike, been riding one with Sram for a while now.
    Ideally ride them all and see which you like the best. :)
  • tim_wand
    tim_wand Posts: 2,552
    I m a massive advocate of all things Planet X. I m on my third Pro Carbon SL (All built from frame sets) and I ve always got a Kaffenbach and an on one 456 or inbred in the stable.

    The first incarnations of the Planet X used to be criticised for being flexy on the front end, I am 90 kg and I ve certainly never noticed this on the new model.

    A lot of your choice depends on what kind of riding your going to do. and if you can test the bike and get a feel for it.

    I don't know where you live. but Rutland Water cycles have the Giants to test and just near there (Oakham) there is a dealer that's got all the Formes's

    The Px is a different matter. Mines a 56 you can have a spin on that if you live near the area mentioned.

    I love mine but if it was my money I would probably be tempted by an older Year model Giant. It tends to win every test it touches and as an all round bike, and if you ve got the groupset to upgrade, even better, you could see some money back from selling components. Although most are decent stuff and it would probably be the wheels you would look to upgrade first.
  • tim wand wrote:
    I m a massive advocate of all things Planet X. I m on my third Pro Carbon SL (All built from frame sets) and I ve always got a Kaffenbach and an on one 456 or inbred in the stable.

    The first incarnations of the Planet X used to be criticised for being flexy on the front end, I am 90 kg and I ve certainly never noticed this on the new model.

    A lot of your choice depends on what kind of riding your going to do. and if you can test the bike and get a feel for it.

    I don't know where you live. but Rutland Water cycles have the Giants to test and just near there (Oakham) there is a dealer that's got all the Formes's

    The Px is a different matter. Mines a 56 you can have a spin on that if you live near the area mentioned.

    I love mine but if it was my money I would probably be tempted by an older Year model Giant. It tends to win every test it touches and as an all round bike, and if you ve got the groupset to upgrade, even better, you could see some money back from selling components. Although most are decent stuff and it would probably be the wheels you would look to upgrade first.

    Thanks for all advice/tips. I am 20 minutes from Rutland but unfortunately they have sold out of the Forme in store as i was going to take a drive over there. My last bike before it was stolen was the 2013 Giant Defy Composite 3. May get another one but fancied a change

    I have been looking on ebay etc and don't mind spending same sort of money of an 2-3 year old bike that was expensive when released as long as in good condition. I tend to go out for a few hours at a time but do entry sportives so i am trying to steer away from aggressive bikes. God there are so many to choose from :-)
  • domgears wrote:
    Hi MK,

    Giant are very good, however a little googling and you can save a some cash by buying the 2013 which is the same frame anyway.

    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p491 ... ITE-3-2013

    or even the 2012 if it is the correct size

    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b4s6p449 ... ITE-3-2012

    His prices are very good :-) Just having a loo at what else he has.
  • gimpl
    gimpl Posts: 269
    Meerkat16 wrote:
    domgears wrote:
    Hi MK,

    Giant are very good, however a little googling and you can save a some cash by buying the 2013 which is the same frame anyway.

    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p491 ... ITE-3-2013

    or even the 2012 if it is the correct size

    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b4s6p449 ... ITE-3-2012

    His prices are very good :-) Just having a loo at what else he has.

    He's very good - bought a bike from there about 18 months ago and no problems at all.

    I have a Defy Composite 1 and it is an amazing bike, great spec and a lovely ride (for me). I bought a previous year model in the sale so if your budget will stretch worth looking into.

    Good luck.