xzebra

Looking at the 2 for a entry level bike as I am just starting out.

I would like to know which would be better and why would you select one over the other?

Defy 3:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/...ad/2172/31843/


Trek 1.2:

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/1_series/12/

n00bL35

I didn't realise that they downgraded to 2200 shifters and derailleurs for the Defy model. My OCR 3 that I purchased last year has Sora. If that's the case, then I would buy the Trek. It has a 9-speed drivetrain with the new Sora shifters, instead of an old 8-speed w/2200. Now, Sora is nothing to write home about, but it's better than 2200. Actually, if I were you I would save up more money and buy something with 10-speed right off the bat rather than messing with a 8 or 9 speed.

Kmccleary9

I tried both of those bikes out at local shops and ended up buying from Bikes Direct with good results. (I'm sure I will be flamed)

https://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/knight9.htm

xzebra

I understand that buying now saves a ton later but I can't afford much more. I do see that the Trek has the Sora so I was thinking it may be a better bike for the money, especially seeing how it is a 9 speed vs the 8 by Giant.

Also I will most likely be going only about 20-30 miles 3 -4 days a week on this bike. I don't know if that makes a big difference but I thought that I should mention it!

dsellinger

You might do better finding a deal with a brand that is a little less "big"
I'm thinking Raleigh, Felt, Diamondback, Redline, maybe even the BD bikes or Scattante.

Also it's important to list price and budget since this is a new thread.

MissKristen 

I was looking at the Trek 1.2 and ended up with a Fuji Newest 3.0. Pretty much the same exact componentry, but it was the difference between $7XX and $450 (on big-time, end-of-year clearance). This is my first road bike and is a 'test' of sorts to (1) make sure I like cycling enough to keep going and (2) find out what I want in a bike.