General Cycling Discussion - need advice!!: first road bike

Hey guys, i'm looking to buy my first road bike this weekend. The two bikes I looked at and I did test ride is the 2012 Giant Defy 5 and 2012 Scott speedster s30. Imo, both were comfortable and good bikes. The defy 5 is $600 and s30 is $850. I will be riding 2-4x/week maybe 40/50 miles total. Mostly riding on flat roads and mainly for fun/fitness. i know the s30 has a lighter frame and better components/shifting. but is it worth the extra $200? or is the defy 5 good enough to start with? need some input. thanks!!

The components across the board on the Scott are two levels higher than the Giant. I think it's worth the extra $250. Not many people here recommend 2300 level components. Riding 40-50 miles a week is a lot of riding and the Tiagra components will hold up better than the 2300. The integrated shifters on Tiagra are better than the shifters on 2300 component set. I don't have any experience with 2300; perhaps someone who has can chime in with why it's terrible.

You should get years of quality riding with Tiagra components.

thanks for the advice. yeah, i've heard some bad and also good things about the shimano 2300. actually i might be exaggerating a bit on the miles per week. it's more so under 40 miles

thanks for the advice. yeah, i've heard some bad and also good things about the shimano 2300. actually i might be exaggerating a bit on the miles per week. it's more so under 40 miles

Go with the Scott for all of the reasons that A1Penguin has already explained!

Go with the Scott for all of the reasons that A1Penguin has already explained!

+1

thanks guys! appreciate it

Go with the brand sold and serviced by your favorite Local Bike Shop.

Go with the brand sold and serviced by your favorite Local Bike Shop.

Agree and if that shop is a Giant dealer- then look at the Defy4 or even the 3. The 5 is just too low a spec for any regular riding.

The appropriate bike to compare the Scott S30 to would be the Defy 4 (presumably but I couldn't find it on their website. But even the Defy 3 (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/defy.4/9014/48855/) is a 9 speed Sora and $1,020 msrp whereas the S30 is a 10 speed (newer tech) and Tiagra (which is one level above Sora) and has a carbon fork whereas the Defy 3 has a composite fork

Are you sure the S30 is 850? Quick look online indicates the price is closer to 1k+

S30 has a carbon fork whereas the Defy 3 has a composite fork

Could you explain the difference for me?

yeah the s30 is on sale at local bike shop... but i didn't pick it up . still undecided and shopping around.

found a 2011 trek 1.5 used for $700 is that a good deal?

If there's nothing wrong with it, and it hasn't been involved in an accident where it took a big hit, I'd offer $600, but I'd bring $700, just in case.

However, it must fit perfectly!

Could you explain the difference for me?

One breaks within the first year and the other won't go more than twelve months.

found a 2011 trek 1.5 used for $700 is that a good deal?

That bike won't last long at that price! It's a very good price. If it fits you well, it will be the equivalent of the Scott.

thanks guys for all the input!!