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Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyver74 (Post 12782299)

What do you all think about Giant as a brand?

I did a full review of the Giant Defy 3 here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-Defy-3-Review

You don't need 105. Trust me, you don't.

A 105 bike will always be over $1k.

All three of these bikes are similarly equipped with very similar frame designs. The Giant Defy however was $200 less at my LBS.

Giant Defy 3 - $750
Specialized Secteur Triple - $980
Cannondale Synapse 7 - $950

All three rode similarly. All three has some combination of Sora/2200 with the Specialized having all 2200/2300. All three have AL frames with compact geometries. The Cannondale was more of a semi-compact.

I also test rode their 105 5700 equivalent models (same frames fitted with 105). Trust me when I say you don’t need the 105 as the Sora/2200 shifted just as crisply and quickly. Also, don’t shy away from the triple crankset. For a newbie a triple is a nice thing to have. Despite what some people will tell you, the triple crank is a very useful tool and it won’t slow you down. It adds some weight but it won’t make the difference all that much until you are competing against much stronger riders on higher end bikes. How fast a bike goes is mostly rider.

I liked the Defy 3 because of its looks, stout frame, & price. But you won’t go wrong with any of these three.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gus6464 (Post 12771563)

These 2 would be a good place to start.

GT GTR Series 2 SRAM Apex - $899
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400306
http://www.performancebike.com/image...62-WB-SIDE.jpg

GT GTR Series 1 SRAM Rival - $1079
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400306
http://www.performancebike.com/image...0-BBK-SIDE.jpg

Pretty damn good bang for the buck with those two bikes and you can't go wrong with either of them. Main difference between the Rival and Apex will be the lighter components on the Rival equipped one and also I think the black and blue frame looks cooler.

well, looks like the bargain days on the GT's are gone... Series 2 is now $1300 and the Series 1 is now $1600... glad I got my S2 a month ago for $849 (and 200 bucks of pts to buy shoes/pedals with)...