tlxxxsracer

Hi everyone. So I've practically gone through almost every single type of bike. I was first interested in a mtb then realized I wont be doing ANY off-road riding at all. So I tried a hybrid and it was quite easy to pedal compared to the mtb.

Then I tried a cannondale quick 4(too small) and a Giant rapid 3(already sold). I liked them because they were more of the aggressive sportier side of the hybrids- and those two were even easier to pedal than a normal hybrid (giant seek, crosstrail, etc).

My main purpose is to get more in shape and get in extra cardio while I train for running: marathon, 5ks, 10ks, etc.

So I've come across the Giant Rapid 3, Defy 3 and a used/like new 2011 Jamis ventura sport at my local shop. I didnt ride the Defy 3 as they didnt have them but ordered one for me to try.

I want to get some feedback on the Ventura. Is $500 a good price? They cleaned the bike up, replaced any work out parts, etc. It looks brand new IMO. It ran nicely and I liked it, but I wanted to try the Defy 3 to compare.

Defy 3 is $720. https://bikeworks.com/product/giant-defy-3-72339-1.htm
Rapid 3 is $620.https://bikeworks.com/product/giant-rapid-3-72380-1.htm
Ventura brand new is $624 https://bikeworks.com/product/jamis-v...rt-74678-1.htm

I'd like to get your feedback as far as what I need to look for, and which would be the best buy and if the ventura is worth the price, even though its used. I need to find out if theyll still honor a warranty as if it were a new bike.

Would appreciate the help and if any can give more advice I'd surely appreciate it!

tenglish3

I would go with the Defy 3.....that is just my two cents.
I am a newbie as well, trying to get in shape.
I ended up with a Specialized Comapact Sport.

I would go with who you feel will give you the best customer service.

tlxxxsracer

All three of those bikes can be bought at one shop. Another shop has specialized and cannondale but they are quite expensive. Then another local place has trek.

matroskin

When buying Sora shifters see if you can reach small shifter from the drops. It's the only thing I dislike about entry level road bikes. If you cannot upshift from the drops then it become PITA in a few months and you will have to upgrade.

tlxxxsracer

Yup, my thumbs were able to reach the small little up shift lever while in the drop down position

Verbose

A bit offtopic but have you worked with that shop before? They had some pretty terrible reviews on google maps so I've always avoided them.

tlxxxsracer

Verbose- first off, this is the "east" location. I dont really trust reviews because it seems sometimes people dont give the full story.

I've had a previous MTB serviced there a few years back (before it got stolen). People there have been nothing but helpful. The shop has been there ever since I can remember (I've lived in Orlando my whole life 21years). From my experience so far, theyve explained things to me regarding components. On top of that? Theyve been patient with me over the past month almost of me deciding what bike to choose (kept a bike on hold for me with no payment).

They havent appeared annoyed with me coming in almost every week with more questions, to try another bike, re-ride one I've ridden already. I havent even said Im buying this bike, but rather "let me think about it and do more searching". And every time I come back, theyre friendly welcoming me and asking how my decision have been going (even after going to orangecycle, locomotion, davids world cycle).

Also, it really helps when bikeworks is so close to my house (instead of having to drive 30min+ across town if I wanted cables adjusted within the first month of use/break-in).

hhnngg1

All similar bikes - although I'd stick to the road bikes with drop bars (the U-shaped bends) rather than straight bars - even if you rarely ride in the drops, they do allow for more hand positions and if you do need to hide from the wind, they will be there for you.

All will be good choices. You will not even come close to exceeding the capabilities of any of these bikes. The Sora shifters are a non-issue unless you've been spoiled by the high-end stuff and are very particular about your shifting. I have Sora on my Defy3 and high-end DA shifters on my race bike, and I'm definitely not losing any speed by using the Sora. To me, it's definitely NOT worth paying over $100 for slightly crisper shifting, but to many on these forums, they're more than willing to drop $1000 to get a hi-end groupset. The Sora shifts accurately and well, and the thumbshifter is a nonissue if you haven't used the other stuff - I actually really like the thumbshifter button now that I've had it for 2 years and would miss it if it was gone.

It'll be subjective what you get, but the main issues will be:
- How much you trust the store
- If the bike is even available in your size in a timely manner, and if you can get some deal on it
- *** How it looks. *** Probably the most important factor between these 3 choices, since performance will be similar.

Enjoy the hammering on the bike, and for real, with those bikes, you will be able to ride against the most competitive roadies (pro) without mechanical handicap if you're strong enough.

tlxxxsracer

Hhnngg- Im not looking to ride with roadies in my area, not looking to compete in any sort of race. Im just wanting to get some extra workout for my running as I train.

I was told itll be a week till they get the Defy 3 (that they ordered for me). I'll then be able to compare the Defy and the ventura. Once I figure out which I feel more comfortable on, then ill talk about a deal with them. Im not worried one bit about service from them, as ive had great experiences with them.
The Mtb they tuned and replaced the chain and gears (bought it used from CL), the guy let me go in their repair area and showed the difference in a worn chain and the affects it has. He let me watch as he replaced everything. It was a very casual environment.

But thank you for the insight. I like the U-bars because there are at least 3 locations to grip.

tlxxxsracer

Well, the used Jamis was sold. They are unable to order the Defy 3 because the 12' models are almost out. So theyre ordering a 2012 Specialized Allez compact.
Are there any other bikes I should look at? Trek, cannondale? Im afraid that the 2012 models will be more expensive