Giant Defy 1 or Trek 2.3 or Boardman Team

Hi, I did the same last year and plumped for a defy 1. I love the bike and am very happy with how it rides. My grump would be with the giant shop I bought it from who have little or no Aftersales service. I had a couple of problems with a rogue rear wheel breaking spokes. And some times it took them weeks to fix it.

Cycling plus have just rated the defy 1 best in test.

I think if I had my time again I'd have gone for a Ribble bianco Sportif, worth a look in your list.

Best of luck, whatever you choose it'll be great fun

I love my 2010 defy 2, despite it's plug ugly paint job, it's not it's looks that keep me coming back for more.

I was torn between the Giant and the Boardman. I loved both but was convinced by two friends who know a lot more about bikes than me that the Boardman was a lot of bike for the money.

I haven't regretted it - I'm having so much fun with it.

But I really loved the Defy 1 when I tested it and had I read the Cycling Plus article about sub £1000 bikes, I might have gone that way.

Don't think you can really lose out either way. I was told that the Giant had a more comfortable geometry.

I don't know much about the Trek bike - but they don't make bad bikes, do they? All three makes are excellent.

I guess being able to try a bike is the most important factor - and you might struggle there with Halfords, who I feel are the weak link in that particular chain.

But no regrets from me. Hope you have a lot of fun with your new bike.

Like you, I was torn between the Boardman and the Trek. I went for the Trek because of the pre- and post-sales service my LBS could (and did) provide. My LBS took detailed body measurements and fed all the data into a computer, which then worked out all the height settings, etc for bars, saddle and so on. I've had the bike for about 18 months now and have not touched the original settings - they were absolutely spot on. As for the bike itself - superb for the money. Having come from a touring background, getting a decent road bike has transformed my riding. I've never had any doubt at all that I made the right decision in buying the Trek. Great on the hills, corners superbly, a joy on the flat. What more do you want?

I'd buy from a LBS that will help you with the setup, so I'd go for whatever they stock at your most helpful LBS admittedly this is probably going to rule the Boardman out of the equation.

I haven't ridden any of them but I would imagine they are all good bikes for the money and if the shop will tweek the setup to fit you I'd buy the one they stock

Oh the Wilier laveredo was my choice 2 years ago when I had your current dilemma it's a good bike for similar money

Many thanks guys. I hadn't thought about the Ribble and I must say based on the reviews it certainly is a compelling alternative.

I am new to this but from what I can tell the Boardman Team has slightly better componentry overall on it than both the Trek and Giant. Is this right?

The Ribble when specced with 105 seems to be the knock out choice, do you know of anyone's experiences with the bike - customer service issues aside?

I'd say customer service issues are pretty important. IMHO it's not worth the hassle.

They're all excellent bikes with lots of R&D in them. It's a competitive market and they are all excellent. Buy the bike you prefer, even if it's down to the looks.

I have to agree with Simon E - customer service is very important. If something goes wrong with Ri(si)bble you are very much on your own.
Don't underestimate the value of buying from a good LBS - you will need their help in the years to come and they will take great care in putting your bike together which is something the chain stores and box shifters are very unlikely to do. It's well worth paying a little extra for the good care and attention of a quality LBS.

Have had the Defy 1 for the last 4 months and having a ball. The thing that I can't get over is the lack of wear and tear compared to MTB! I have only changed the tyres to Gatorskins in 2000km (as the glass in Canberra on the roads gave me 5 punctures in 4 days - went with the recommendations of the peleton!)
The main reasons I went with the Defy was the test ride, but more importantly the relationship that I already had with the LBS. Very useful for help in the future - if you have a good lbs they will look after you as they know it will only be a matter of time before you are back for a new bike for you (or your wife/son/daughter/friends…!)