So I went to a couple locations in my neighborhood in search for some road bike type pricings and specs. I found that there are huge price differences amoungst the three that I had gone to.

First Bike:

Giant Defy 3 - $790 , $854 w/tax

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/....3/7307/44049/

Second Bike:

Jamis Ventura Sport - $650 , $703 w/tax

https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...asport_bk.html

Between the two bikes, what would be the better investment. I know just about nothing about road bikes except your where your hands, buttocks, and feet go and how to create velocity

So now im looking for all your professional opinions!

Thanks all in advance.

You would be better served (or disserviced ) by the road bike forum.

both are pretty similar. The Giant has a triple crank and the Jamis has a compact double. They both offer lower gears for climbing, the triple has lower gears with the smallest chainring but more overlapping gears / complicated shifting.

The one that fits you better and you'll ride more often is the better investment.

Very similar, but some of the components are a little better on the Jamis. Test ride both.

I agree that you should test ride both. The Jamis does have higher level components but an aluminum fork? Did I read that right? If so, that's a major reason to choose the Defy over the Jamis. A carbon fork is most likely going to make for a smoother ride, but again, try both if you can.

Thanks all!!! This is great info for a beginner rider. Thank you all and thank others that post after my post!

TJspiel is a carbon fork the same as a "Advanced-Grade Composite, Alloy OverDrive Steerer " since that is what the Gaint Defy has attached? Thanks again all.

I assume that what they mean by "Advanced-Grade Composite, Alloy OverDrive Steerer" is a carbon fork with an aluminum steerer. Aluminum frames with carbon forks are pretty common for entry level road bikes from major manufacturers.

So I'm a little surprised that Jamis has an aluminum fork on their bike and that probably explains the price difference. I can't imagine a straight bladed aluminum fork giving a very pleasant ride but that sort of thing is often a matter of personal preference.

You could always get a carbon fork from Nashbar for less than the difference in price between the bikes. It would be a charcoal or black color most likely and not match the frame but wouldn't clash either.

So Tjspiel, would you say that the Giant Defy would be the better buy?

Actually, from reading all the posts (so far) in this thread, the Jamis has the better specs- save for the fork. As tjspiel pointed out, you could get the Jamis, order a carbon fork from Nashbar, and still spend less than if getting the Giant...