Giant Defy 1 or Trek 2.3 or Boardman Team

Simon:

I can understand the desire not to want 'leftovers', but in June???

Apologies, but the Condor link doesn't work for me.

My regular dealer advised today that Peugot may be introducing a new range. Anyone know anything about that?

Maybe take a look at Trek? From what I remember when I was buying mine most models come in a 62 with occasional ones coming in a 64. For what it's worth I've got a 64 cm Trek 1.5 which I reckon is a tad too big for me on reflection (I'm 6' 4")

I've got a boardman just now and its awesome (can't recommend it enough). I also know people who have Giant bikes and they are well happy with them too. Always had good service at Halfords, can't knock the guys. Some of my local bike shops are good too (some are not - bit of a mith that the LBS is always good in my opinion).

Not taller, but Axel Merckx and Ale Ballan are quite tall.

Not to mention Magnus B.

Feel a new thread coming on ....

Stijn is 199cm and Van Summeren is 198cm. (source: Wikipedia ...and that never lies )

Does anyone know of a taller pro rider?!

vandenbergh is 6'6" too, big lad...

How tall is Vandeburgh? Tallest pro I seem to remember?

Although Pozzovivo is 4'4!!

I have a Boardman as my winter hack. The front wheel's spokes were not under any tension so needed a rebuild to stop them touching both brake blocks when I put the power down. Really good bike now!

I have a boardman and the initial setup was not perfect but I did learn how to setup my Rival gears change break cables etc etc.

I have taken it into the store recently as I couldnt get my rear derailleur to shift properly and they changed the cable and sorted it for me. Seems to be running smooth.

I guess I'm saying it's good to learn how to repair and setup your bike but also that some of the folks at halfords know their stuff.

But anyway, had my boardman for 18 months and i'm still happy with it.

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…!)

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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