Giant Defy3 or Orbea Fleche
08-29-09, 01:52 PM
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Giant Defy3 or Orbea Fleche
I am getting back in to road riding after about 15 years off road. These are two bikes I am considering. I can get the Giant for $750 and the Orbea for $800. Both are new and from a LBS with warranty and proper fitting. Any opinions?
08-29-09, 02:17 PM
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I am obviously biased, as I ride Orbea Aqua frame right now (Fleche), but it is a great frame. I've never ridden Giant Defy, but Aqua has a more race-y geometry.
Also, I believe Orbea makes their aluminum bikes in house (i.e. in Spain).
Also, I believe Orbea makes their aluminum bikes in house (i.e. in Spain).
08-29-09, 05:27 PM
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As someone with a defy 2, please consider the defy 3. the frame is super comfortable and will encourage you to spend more time on it. It's an amazing bike and you won't have a lot of trouble keeping up with the cervelo crowd. I love mine and have put over 1300 miles on it since april. Including 100 today. the ride is nice and smooth, not stiff like I was expecting from aluminum. It also does well at sprints. Great frame.
08-29-09, 07:59 PM
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I am sure Giant makes a great bike, but I have never had one. I do have an Orbea, aluminum frame, and it is just a joy to ride. So I'm on the Orbea side.
But really, test ride them both and you decide which is best for you. Both are great, and will give you years of service.
But
....... Orbea also has a plus in my opinion because you will not see many of them. That is my biggest problem with Specialized and Trek.... I would say 90% of the bikes in my area are one of those two brands, and the majority are specialized. They are great bikes, but are so common.....
But really, test ride them both and you decide which is best for you. Both are great, and will give you years of service.
But
....... Orbea also has a plus in my opinion because you will not see many of them. That is my biggest problem with Specialized and Trek.... I would say 90% of the bikes in my area are one of those two brands, and the majority are specialized. They are great bikes, but are so common.....
08-30-09, 07:49 PM
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I own the Fletche and have put about 1300 miles since March. I replaced the handle bar because I found the stock anatomic handlebar very uncomfortable, but that is just a personal preference. I put black handlebar tape and I think it looks even better than with the red one.
Do not let the component set turn you away. Like you this is my first road in a long time and I have not had any issues with the stock shifters or derailleurs, brakes, etc. They have always been responsive and ****s smooths. If the bike fits you can always upgrade components.
I second all the comments above. Great ride, not so common bike.
Do not let the component set turn you away. Like you this is my first road in a long time and I have not had any issues with the stock shifters or derailleurs, brakes, etc. They have always been responsive and ****s smooths. If the bike fits you can always upgrade components.
I second all the comments above. Great ride, not so common bike.
08-30-09, 07:54 PM
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The defy is more for multipurpose.
It's more upright position for cyclists for more uses rather than built solely to maximize speed.
Very comfortable.
It's more upright position for cyclists for more uses rather than built solely to maximize speed.
Very comfortable.
08-30-09, 08:22 PM
#7
I pedal in my sleep...
Defy 3 gets my vote since it also got my money. Love mine!
08-31-09, 01:03 AM
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I ride Giants because I like them but if I had the chance to get an Orbea at that price, I would at least give it a test ride.
Then I would decide.
Then I would decide.
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08-31-09, 07:25 AM
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Thanks for the input. Sounds like either would be a good bike to get me back on the road. I need to go test ride both in the same day. My only concern is that the feel of a road bike will be so different that I won't know what would feel best in the long run.
08-31-09, 07:40 AM
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You'll notice the difference in the comfort vs. agressive geometry.
Go fast on it, and get in a few miles if you can. Riding it in circles at 8 mph in a parking lot is really not a good way to know what will feel best over 30 miles at 18mph.
It's good that you are buying a cheaper bike, because over time you will learn what you do and don't like. Truth be told, this bike will be the one that helps you understand what you want in your next bike.
They're both good bikes. Buy the one that feels best and enjoy it!
Go fast on it, and get in a few miles if you can. Riding it in circles at 8 mph in a parking lot is really not a good way to know what will feel best over 30 miles at 18mph.
It's good that you are buying a cheaper bike, because over time you will learn what you do and don't like. Truth be told, this bike will be the one that helps you understand what you want in your next bike.
They're both good bikes. Buy the one that feels best and enjoy it!
