Some advice?
 

I went to a LBS today and looked at a few bikes and really liked the Giant Contend SL 2 Disc, but wanted to know what everyone thought about it? I am still really new and have a baby on the way, so don't really want to spend over 1k (should spend less!). Has anyone seen one of them or have any thoughts or suggestions on other bikes to look at that are similarly priced? One other bike that I have had my eye on is the Motobecane Turino COMP... that one is from Bikes Direct and $500. I know you get what you pay for though...

I still can't post links to them to share. Sorry!

I would suggest against buying a bike from an online retailer. A bricks and mortar store will set your bike up properly before you get it and will toss in a free tune up (usually) after riding a few hundred km. I know some others in this forum will disagree with this. But if you enjoy the bike you looked at ride it and be happy.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/contend-sl-disc-2

Road Bikes | MOTOBECANE TURINO COMP DISC | TURINO COMP DISC | SHIMANO, ALUMINUM w/ DISC BRAKES, CARBON FORK | BikeShopWarehouse.com | <b>Dominate the Road</b> <br><br> The <b>Motobecane Turino Comp</b> road bike can do it all.

It is twice the price but if at all possible, I would go with the Giant.

Said it many times before... you get the most bang for your buck with Giant.

How much experience do you have with bikes, both fixing and riding them? If you know the size you need and you know how to put together parts of a bike then you're probably okay to buy online. Otherwise I'd suggest that you go to your LBS for a proper fitting. You can rely on them for future service and support.

As far as the Contend is concerned, it looks like a very good entry level endurance bike. Disc brakes are nice.

How is Craigslist selection in your area? Have you tried those?

I've been looking. Nothing so far. I'd like to find a used one because I figure I'd get more value. Most of them are too small, so far

I just recently started riding. Right now I have a cheap mountain bike. About 100 miles over the past two weeks. I've really been enjoying riding it though. I know I don't know enough about fixing to do that on my own, but hope to learn!

Thank you for linking those! Do you think the giant could handle gravel? I see I can put up to 32 mm tires...

Yeah, those bikes aren't really analogous. If you are looking at a bike spec'd like the Motobecane, there are likely cheaper options available at your dealer.

The correct answer. The only caveat I'd add: how mechanically inclined are you, and how many tools do you already own? If you are fairly mechanically apt, and already own tools, it isn't hard to learn the basics and you likely have the essential tools you'd need off the bat. If either of those two things don't describe you, go to the store, you'll save time, money and frustration in the long run.

I'd suggest if someone isn't ready for BD, they certainly aren't ready for CL. Quite a few more potential minefields waiting on CL if you aren't comfortable really looking them over.

Everyone has given you such great advice, go through a LBS for this purchase. I also agree with Jefnvk about using CL that is sage advice.

In that case, buy from your LBS. Giant Contend would be a great starter bike.

I'd use the LBS for the first bike purchase. Second one, give it a shot off CL if you're ready. At the very least you'll have a backup bike (the one from the LBS) if the new-to-you bike has issues or takes a while to get set up properly.

Thanks for all the advise guys! I am definitely leaning towards the Giant, but will still be going to a few more stores. We have at least 4 within 5 miles of me. I want to buy from the place that I feel most comfortable (like the people/feel their honest and fair) since I know they will become my main go to shop. You guys have been awesome and so helpful both times I have posted. I hope I can learn the ropes from everyone here and be one of the people to help the new people in the future. Thanks so much again!

I second this and everyone else who also agrees ... is correct. :)

Seriously, the Contend looks like a great bike. I did some examination a while back into the Defy (the Contend's predecessor) and the Contend also. Getting the SL frame is the important bit, so you are covered there.

If I were you I might go to a few bike shops, ask around, see how they treat you. The benefit of buying at a shop is they Should set you up on a bike which fits, and would fine-tune the bike to your needs, and would give you free follow-ups to re-tune the shifters and anything else that needed adjustment.

But--------some shops will sell you whatever is on the showroom floor and try to convince you it fits, and will not set it up right, and will not tune it up for you later.

If you are going to pay the extra money to buy through a shop, get your money's worth.

As for gravel---it ought to work. If you plan to ride a Lot of gravel and might want wider tires, you might need to keep shopping. Otherwise, it ought to be able to handle almost anything. The taller head tube might help you keep your weight back for more stability on gravel, in fact.