fiat59

Hello fellow bikers. I'm planning on purchasing my 1st road endurance bike after a 30 year absence.
Not sure if I want to purchase new therefore I found 2 used bikes (fairly new). Both bikes will fit me well.


1st bike: 2014 Giant Defy 2 (purchased in 2015) with 10 speed Tiagra. Ridden +/- 500 km and asking price is 700$ cdn. Includes LOOK KEO easy pedals - wireless odometer & giant mini pump. It's in great shape.


2nd bike: 2017 Cannondale Synapse with 8 speed Claris. The bike is being ridden on a Trax system with +/- 300km and never been used outdoor. Asking price is 900$ cdn. Includes clipless pedals - Eyecat Starda wireless odometer - tool lit.


I need some guidance as to which is the better buy. Planning on riding on weekends +/- 50 - 75 km.


Any advise would be greatly appreciated.


Thx Fiat59

airforce1

Another choice: closeout bikes at your local dealer? Might get some good deals on newish bikes.

Craptacular8

Both are nice bikes, however, it will likely come down to which one feels the best. They are both endurance bikes, but the C'dale is a smidge less upright, and a little more reach. It may, or may not be noticeable to you. All things being equal, I'd probably go with the Tiagra equipped bike over the claris.

fiat59

Thanks for the advise guys.

On a different note, I came across another option with a LBS. I dropped in looking for a 2017 Cannondale Synapse in my size (56). They have one Tiagra (disk) in stock at a clear out price of -40% discount. The clearance price is 959$ + tx cdn. The deal is incredible however i hate the color (ugly light mat grey with black accents).

The sales rep noticed the disappointed look on my face & pointed to another bike. It's a CUBE ATTAIN SL in mat black & yellow accents. To top it off, it sports a complete 105 group set & Mavic Aksium Elite wheel set. What a gorgeous looking piece of machinery. It's also discounted -40% and the price tag is 1080$ + tx cdn.

The problem is I've never heard of CUBE and they're not that popular in my area.

Does anyone recognize the brand? Apparently it's a well known Germand manufacturer.
My question is do i choose the well known Cannondale with inferior components or a lesser known brand with great attributes for an additional 150$

I tried both bikes (indoor) on some sort of a roller and they both felt comfortable.

What's the better deal? I welcome any additional comment or advise

Thx

airforce1

That Cube is a nice looking bike. I like the bigger cage 105 rear derailleur and the 11-32T rear cassette which should help you in the hills. It was noted here that it was a nice bang for the buck bike (UK):

roadcyclinguk.com/gear/thirteen-best-road-bikes-1000.html#8SQFqYGGo8kCSMjt.97

FlMTNdude

I don’t know about Canada, but for a used bike in the US the prices seem awfully high. This time of year there are new bikes of the same model/quality for less than your used cost.

mcours2006

I'd go with the Cube. Great price from the LBS on both these bikes.

fiat59

Thx everyone.
mcours2006 - R U aware if the Cube Attain is as comfortable as the Synapse on a long ride? It appears the Synapse with aluminum frame seems to be the benchmark...

Steve B.

Nothing wrong with a used as long as it’s not carbon.

I’d take an LBS bike before used though as the LBS stands behind what they sell. Lots of folks make good aluminum frames these days and with 25mm tires at 90-100 psi, that’s 90% of the comfort battle.

The Cube would be my choice, nice looking frame and 105 group, which is the absolute sweet spot in Shimano components for function vs. value. The wheels will be OK as long as you don’t weigh 250.

For that price I’d grab it

mcours2006

I honestly don't think there's a whole lot different when you compare the geometry of the Synapse to the Cube. Both are endurance-type bikes. You'll pay a slight premium on the Cannondale because of the name. Here's the blurb from the Cube:

The Attain SL is the featherweight athlete of the Attain series - and probably the most versatile model, too. Featuring genuine race bike technology, it's the ideal choice for fast rides and long training sessions... and racing, of course. Expect to lead out the group on this bike, even into a head wind - it's that inspiring. But it's not just about performance. We also made sure that the Attain SL's comfort and ergonomics are spot on - and all this is offered in an extraordinarily lightweight package.

The Attain SL is a balanced and dynamic racing bike with an extremely efficient ride position that remains comfortable, even for long periods. Flawlessly smooth tube joints between the Superlite aluminium tubes are achieved with our Smooth Welding production process. A tapered head tube, PressFit bottom bracket and mechanically formed down tube all help to increase steering precision and drivetrain efficiency. The vibration-damping carbon fork and slender &ælig;ro Flex seat stays ensure long distance comfort, making the Attain SL the ideal choice on rough mountain passes - or anywhere where the road surface isn't perfectly smooth. Even cobbles are no problem, thanks to the fact that there's enough clearance for 28mm tyres. We've also routed all the cables internally, which means longer cable service intervals and a much cleaner appearance.

Fit on the bike is more important than the brand of bike. I'd go with the cube--11-speed, lighter, better looking, and don't look back.

veganbikes

I would certainly check out my local shop first but if my choice was only between the two it would be the Giant all day. I wouldn't buy a bike with Claris for any reason unless the frame was something magical which it would never be. Tiagra isn't that great but compared to Claris it is way way better even the old 10 speed version.

Buying from a shop means you can usually get service you can know the bike is new and under warranty or used but likely at least looked over by a professional mechanic and hopefully the shop is decent and the bike isn't stolen which you cannot get from Craigslist and places like that.

grayEZrider

3+ options on it: LBS, wide range gearing and 105. Claris is 3x8 and good, (I have it on a KHS) but 105 is way better.
And good looks never hurt anything.

fiat59

I truly appreciate everyone's feedback.

Cube it is!
My goal is to complete a Gran Fondo in the near future.....

I'm simply hoping I'm not going to regret my decision as I've read so many great reviews with the synapse.

Happy riding!

scott967

Whatever you chose the tires make a big difference. Doesn't indicate the max tire width you can get in the CUBE. Personally, I like having a bike that you don't see on the road that often.

scott s.
.

McBTC

For a first road bike, good picks but the price on the Synapse sounds like what it goes for new... and, according to Google a Giant Defy 3 2016 Road can be purchased at WalMart for <$800.

fiat59

Should I be concerned with the fact that there's simply 2 bike shops offering CUBE in my area as oppose to C'dale which have plenty?


More so, CUBE warranty on alum frame is 5 yr. Funny how they don't mention warranty on their website.
Cdale warranty is lifetime.


Assuming both bikes are comfortable & ride equally well - should I lean toward C'dale with better representation - renowned brand - lifetime warranty (frame) - benchmark for ride comfort yet inferior group set (Tiagra)? Or, CUBE with less recognition -2 LBS in my area, limited warranty (5yr) but superior group set (105) & wheels (Mavic Aksium Elite)?
As you may have noticed - I'm a beginner with not much bike knowledge.

P.S. I'm speculating the LBS I'm dealing with is going out of business which explains such great deals. If this happens it leaves me with 1 BS only to deal with for warranty purpose.


What are your thoughts?

mcours2006

I am certainly not going to say that warranty on the frame isn't important as I have read enough threads about owners who discover some kind of manufacturer's defect and had the frame replaced. However, five years is a long time, and a lot of miles and stress can be put on the frame during that time. If there is a manufacture defect you would have discovered it by then. The point is, five years is a long time, and if you're going to be all in on this chances are that you'll have moved on from the Cube in five years into something better, maybe a carbon frame, electronic shifting, custom frame, etc.

Having said all this, if you are still unsure about buying a less-known brand, at least in North America, then go with the Cannondale. You'll sleep better at night.

fiat59

I appreciate the great advise!


Thx

shelbyfv

105 and the ability to run 28s is a good combo, would be my choice of the bikes mentioned. I don't see a point in buying something with low end components unless you are compelled to by budget. Even then I would look for used with better stuff. The press fit bb is a disappointing cost cutting measure in a metal frame, but some folks say they can get them to work OK for awhile.

KaisoArt

In 2014 I took a longtime rider friend looking for a new bike. (She had no car.) We hit every nearby LBS and she tested every available brand. The last dealer had a Synapse in her size. I made no attempt to convince her on a bike, but I did tell her "I've never heard anyone say anything bad about a synapse." She decided to test it, and disappeared riding around LA for 35 minutes. The sales guy and I ran out of bicycle conversation while waiting! Her response to the test, "I am one with this bike". Buy what you like, but remember the ride is more than the price, and components can always be changed.

airforce1

I concur.

OP, you will be getting better components and yet have a warranty to guard against defects.

Personally, I have never had any issues with bikes regardless of brand so I would press ahead with a Cube.

Post pics once you've bought your ride.

Good luck!

D-Fuzz

My first road bike was a Giant Defy 2 and it was a great bike. Tiagra is decent stuff, the frame and fork are the nice and the bike was plenty comfortable for me. I would certainly pick it over the Synapse with Claris.

That said, after the cycling bug bit me and I started riding more and longer distances, I decided I wanted to upgrade and have now bought a Cervelo R3. I managed to sell the Giant to another new rider for a bit less than I paid, but given the number of kms I had ridden it, I got value for my money.

I bring this up because depending how much you end up riding, you may decide to upgrade in the future. Of all the bikes you mention, which one would be easiest to resell and get the closest to your purchase price? Personally, I think it would be the Giant. You may be saying to yourself that you will keep whatever you buy, but I think most people who get even semi-serious about cycling, rarely stay with an entry-level bike, which all 3 of those are.

Just my 2 cents.