Hey Everyone, I am on the market for a Road Bike.. I have decided to go with Giant Avail 1, BUT the LBS has some 2011 models available for a little less money..the components seem slightly different. Any advice?




https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...specifications

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...specifications

I don't see any major differences with shifters and derailleur. The Cassette on the 13 has a wider spread. I like the Bottom Bracket better on the left over better so if the price is better go with the 2011.

What do you mean by wider spread?

He means the range of the rear cassette gears 11-28 on the '11 model and 12-30 on the '13 model. Both have 34/50 fronts. 11-28 to 12-30 isn't much. In my world this really wouldn't matter much and cassettes ratios can often be swapped out no charge if you know you'd rather have a different one. Or you can wait X thusand miles when you need a new cassette anyway.

The 2011 model has higher level cassette and crank. This is typical where they down grade a couple of components and keep the MSRP$ about the same. I agree the external BB on the '11 is more user servicable than the pressed in BB on the '13.
For my money I'd get the 2011 model.

Wider spread in gearing means there's more difference between the highest (small) and lowest (large) cogs on the cassette. For example, one might have a 12-26 spread and the other a 13-30. The latter has a wider spread and would give you lower gearing for hills, but there would be some loss of efficiency because you might not have the exact gear you need for some situation.
Just my opinion, but I think many bikes are geared too high for average riders. I'd go with the wider option.

Thank you VeloDog and dedhed I have A LOT to learn. Right now I have a Cannondale CAADX 105 and I love it but in local riding groups most have road bikes( and experience)...I have a harder time keeping up I can comfortably ride at 15mph, but my 15mph seems like nothing when Im next to a road bike..I know I can change out tires/rims but Im not inclined to tinker with those components until I know how (i.e be shown by someone who knows).....I was drawn to the avail but am also interested in Cannondale's, Synapse, CAAD 8 or 10 with 105 compenents.....Should I just ride them all and decide?

+1 My 11 tooth is pristine and shiny and the 25 is worn and grey.

I can't keep up with those guys either and it's not my bike it's the engine.

But that's no excuse not to get yourself a new bike

Have you never had to fix a flat tire? Same principle, but you aren't actually patching or swapping out the inner tube.

Assuming they have it in the right size for you and the price is reasonably less, I'd definitely go with the '11. I personally like the 11-28 cassette more than the 12-30, unless you plan on tackling some seriously steep and/or long hills.

cali-axela, I would like to have the ability to tackle long hills...I like to ride all over. But it's not necessity..

The geometry changed between the '11 and the '13, it looks like. Not by much, but you should at least test ride both. The '11 looks a hair more aggressive (I think? Shorter headtube, steeper angles, shorter wheelbase)

I did that today and I loved the 13' its a awesome.