niksguj

Hello,

I am new to road biking and planning to buy new beginner level road bike. I looked at some bike at LBS and kind of narrowed to 3 bikes.

1. Specialized Secteur Double around $790
2. Giant Defy 5 around $640
3. Trek 1.1c around $770

I am more leaning towards Specialized Secteur as it has carbon forks compared to giant defy 5 and trek 1.1c.

Need some advice. Being beginner I don't want to spend more than $1K but something better than hybrid for longer rides.

Thank you.

PepeM

The Trek 1.1 also has a carbon fork.

niksguj

Hi PepeM,

Yes..i missed those details...But yes even Trek 1.1.c has carbon fork. So i have two choices either trek or specialized...Not sure which one is better....i am 5 feet and 4" tall and weight is around 140 pounds...

ColaJacket

You didn't say where you're from (or inseam). If there is a Performance Bike Store near you, then you might want to check out the Fuji Sportif. I have a Fuji Sportif 1.3 C - 2014, and it is only $799, which is in your budget. And it has the Tiagra groupset, which is better than the other bikes that you are looking at, and it also has a carbon fork. Also, this weekend at Performance is a triple points weekend, which means if you buy this bike this weekend (or order it, if they don't have your exact size in stock), then by joining their "Team Performance", you'll get $240 in free gear. Helmets, gloves, water cage(s)/bottle(s), shorts, etc. cost money, also.

Have you road tested these bikes? Each bike may have a slightly different ride, and riding them may make a difference. Make sure you road test all the bikes for a while so you find out which bike(s) best fit you, and then buy the one that is the best deal in the ones that fit.

I'm 5'5" with a 28" inseam, and I took a 49cm in the Fuji, but a 52cm on the Specialized/Trek bikes.

GH

niksguj

Hello ColaJacket ,

I dont have performance bike store near me. I am at Minneapolis, Minnesota.

PepeM

Did you get a chance to test ride the bikes? If not, do so, that will help you in making your decision. The Specialized and the Trek are essentially the same spec-wise, but one might fit you better.

obed7

yep, ride them both... and then pick the one that feels best to you...we can not decide that for you.
quality wise they are about the same....
I had a secteur and it was a nice bike, I enjoyed riding it... the guy I sold it too still loves it...
The carbon fork works pretty good on road buzz, but in truth, as a total noob, I am not sure you would be able to tell much difference.