Gethix

Thanks for the replies yesterday! I made my two hour journey to my local bike shop (well, two hours away local).

These guys were a great help, and let me test multiple bikes ranging from the Escape 1, to the Defy's, and even a mountain bike to see what was right. Probably drove them nuts as I was there for a good three hours. Since the Raleigh was a 2014, it was marked on sale from $1600 to $1350. The guy that was working with me knew it was a bit out of my price range ($1,100), so he called the owner and is offering my another $100 off. This puts the Raleigh only $150 more than the Anyroad, but that $150 could really go far on Amazon for bike accessories. He noticed that the Anyroad was a bit too big of a size, and will have a medium built for me tomorrow. Anyways, these just both seem like great bikes after riding them and I wonder if the extra $150 for the Tamland will be worth it in the long run.

Giant - 2016 Anyroad 2
AnyRoad 2 (2016) | Giant Bicycles | United States
Notes:
- Love the look
- A bit more comfortable than the Tamland (I would imagine the medium would be even more comfortable)
- Having break levers in two different positions was pretty awesome.
- I believe this has weaker components than the Tamland. Don't know the extent.
- I wonder if this will make me want more on the road later on.

Raleigh - 2014 Tamland 1
Raleigh Bicycles - 2014 Tamland 1
- Looks a bit bland
- Not as comfortable as the Anyroad, but wasn't by any means bad.
- Just a bit heavier than the Anyroad due to the steel frame. However the frame did seem to help absorb bumps in the pavement.
- Really feels like I could blaze through trails with confidence, just hope it won't lack on the roads long-term due to the weight.
- Slower than the Anyroad. I believe this is due to the 40c tire. They would probably swap that tire out for a 35 if I asked after purchasing.
- $150 over budget, but could manage if its worth it.
- Really wish I could try this with smaller tires, the employee told me that I would feel a big change just by swapping to something smaller.
- I REALLY did not like the sound the back wheel of the Tamland made when I wasn't pedaling. I know all bikes have it and there is a proper word for it, but this was a very loud ticking. Silly, but I wonder if this will seriously annoy me. Is this adjustable?


Bottom line is that I wanted to do some dirt trails here and there, but also be able to have some fun on the road with good speed and decent mile runs (starting at 10 and going up as much as I can!). The Defy didn't really do that for me, and I could just feel the speed difference comparing the Escape to my two top picks.

mawashi

Have you considered cyclocross bikes or are your trails too rough?

The 'Under $1000' Cyclocross Bike Showdown: 3 of the Best Options

vatdim

Out of these two bikes, the Raleigh is the much better choice. It has a solid Reynolds 631 steel frame that will last you a very long time. Steel does indeed make the ride smoother. The bike also features Shimano 105 derailleurs and brifters which are higher quality than the Sora components found on the Giant. I'm not sure, but I believe the Raleigh will make it easier to mount a rear rack and some fenders as well, if you decide to go for that.

All in all, as long as you can get a good fit, the extra $150 will be money well spent.

AlmostTrick

Changing to lower resistance tires will make a big difference, way more than a pound or two of overall weight will.

The free hub can be set up with a heavier lube, which will make it quieter.

Some people think the thiner straight tubes of a nice steel frame (along with subdued paint/graphics) are more tasteful. If you prefer the modern swoopy tube / heavy logo look, that's ok too.

JonathanGennick 

I would tend to favor the bike you felt most comfortable on. Sounds like that's the Giant.

The Raleigh does have a higher parts spec, and hence the slightly higher price. It is probably "worth it" in that sense.

It looks from the photos that the Raleigh bends you over further. Could that be why you found the Giant a better fit?

I would still favor the bike on which you feel the most comfortable. Buy the one that fits best. Ride it for a while. You can always upgrade down the road if you end up wanting some better or different parts.

obed7

I like the "classic" look of the Raleigh, I much prefer that to the look of the giant... but... being comfortable is more important than looks...and yes the components on the Raleigh are better...but with todays bikes, even the low end components work well and hold up pretty good too....so which bike makes you want to get out and ride...besides this is just your first bike... there will be others.

Trailroaster

I have a Anyroad 1 and just LOVE it!. Until now the bike remained completely stock (with all Tiagra 10sp stuff) except tires that I switched to 28mm Contis.

What I love about it:
- Very comfortable and relaxed driving position.
- Looks. Is really nice and the sloped downtube gives it a quite different look. Many people would say that's a MTB frame but not... quite quite different.
- Is quick and noble and nimble to drive. Is NOT a Road bike, but 28mm tires make wonders and is much more road worthy. I use it for hangin out with my friends and their 'skinny road bikes (we have too MTB's).

Last week asked for a full swap to Ultegra 11sp stuff on my Anyroad along new wheels (Pro-Line Revo A21W). Expect to cut some nice weight but not obsessed into Ww.

What I didn't liked for the use I intended:

- Gearing: It came with a 11-34 and 36/48 chainrings (weird weird combo) sometimes I was very tempted to bring a 12-30 or 11-28 cassette to lose a granny cog (or two) that I didn't used.
- SRAM mechanical brakes. Sometimes were quite noisy and needed more attention that hydraulic brake disks that self-adjust.

spdracr39

Don't know much about either bike but it sounds like you like the Giant better which would be the deciding factor for me.

Little Darwin

First, sometimes a bike will feel slower, but it is just as quick. That feeling definitely would improve with narrower tires.

Second, the sound of the rear wheel when freewheeling shouldn't be an issue, since you spend a very small portion of your riding time coasting.

You will get used to a more aggressive riding position, so I strongly suggest the Raleigh!!!


So, when you read that, did you think. "Great, that's what I wanted to hear." or were you disappointed and in your mind ask, "Do I want to chance not buying the Giant?" or something in between? That should guide your decision. You will be happy with whatever you decide, since any bike that is within range can be tweaked to ride wonderfully.

bmthom.gis

I wouldn't hesitate to get that Raleigh. I would choose Reynolds 631 steel any day over alloy. There is nothing wrong with alloy, I just happen to like quality steel tubing more. It has a more classic look to it. Also the rest of the bike is higher speced. The LBS is really doing you a huge favor dropping the price even further. When they lower their prices to make room for new models, they really end up not making any money on the bike. If you ever decide to sell it, you will get a much better value for the Raleigh than the Giant.

As for a 2nd set of brake levers, it is very easy to install them on any bike.

That "buzz" from the rear wheel are the pawls and in general, high quality wheels make that sound. I doubt they are as loud as Chris Kings, but you learn to appreciate the sound of quality.

As for comfort, if you have never been on a drop bar bike, it takes a little getting used to. Your body stretches itself though and adapts.

My advice is always buy as much bike as you can afford to - because things like the components are a lot cheaper to buy already on the bike than separately. For $150 bucks you are going up 2 levels.

09box

I'd honestly look at the Nashbar cx bike mentioned in the $1k or less article.

Gethix

Thanks for the replies! I think I will buy the Tamland now. Still plan on testing both again.
My only concern is how many "test" miles the Tamland went through along with any misuse along those runs. Or should I not worry about this?

AlmostTrick

I wouldn't worry about "test" miles. You will inspect the bike over closely, the shop will also go through and check everything before you take delivery, and you will still be getting a new bike warranty should anything turn up later.

coupster

My vote is for the Raleigh. But in the end, buy what ever makes your face & heart smile.

Doctor Morbius

Test miles are a non-issue. Of those two, I'd lean toward the Raleigh. If you were asking about the AnyRoad 1 I'd have a harder time making a decision.

As far as the Raleigh not being as comfortable, an adjustment here and a tweak there will yield good results in how a bike feels.

VegasTriker

The Raleigh has mid level Shimano 105 components versus the entry level Sora on the Anyroad. That would be enough for me to choose the Raleigh. BTW, what is wrong with a straight diamond frame? It has been tested through the decades and rarely fails. I watched a kid ride a fairly expensive bike (with an exotic looking frame) just a few feet out of a campsite and end up in a heap with the frame in two parts. That would be very unlikely had the bike been built with a diamond frame.

Onuris

My son has a Giant Anyroad 1, he loves it. I have rode it a bit, is very nice. I agree with other posters that the Shimano 105 components are better on the Raleigh. Also, personally, I love steel frame bikes, and would pick the Raleigh for that reason alone. As far as comfort goes, your LBS should be able to get you the proper frame size and make the correct adjustments for it to fit you comfortably, no matter what bike you choose.

scott967

What I see: The Raleigh has a more trad look. It is set up pretty much like a standard road bike (10 spd compact crank) with upgrade 105 mech. The only thing kind of off about it is the clunky tires (and I guess the rims aren't all that light/aero either). But you could get another wheelset later that you could use when you want efficiency on the road.

The Giant is more relaxed/upright with a more modern look. The Sora mech isn't as nice, but it has a triple crank and a wide 9 spd cassette so if you are doing a bunch of off-road (thinking of trail more than graded path) that would be ideal.

So overall if you want mostly road I think Raleigh but if more trail running, or you want more relaxed position the Giant. But that's just my .02.

scott s.
.