2011 Trek 2.1 or Giant Defy 1 or ....
 

Hey Everyone !

How's it going ? I've never used a road bike before and am planning to get one. I've tried out the following 4 bikes and was wondering which one of these to get:

(1) 2011 Trek 2.1 CH2 ($1100). Specs: here
(2) Giant Defy 1 ($1300). Specs: here
(3) 2010 Specialized Sectuer ($1300). Specs: here
(4) 2011 Scattante R-670 ($1200). Specs: here

- When I started, my budget was around $1000.
- For the first three, the respective shops agreed to work towards trying to fit it in my budget. So I'm guessing, I should be able to fetch an additional discount of about 10%.
- The Giant Defy 1, for some reason, felt great. I loved it. But the Trek 2.1 is what fits my budget. Can I ask if they can give the Giant Defy for $1000 or $1100, or am I asking for too much of a discount ?
- All are shimano 105, except the Scattante which is Ultegra. But I wasn't the most comfortable in it. Dunno why.

Suggestions ?

Thanks in advance! I am so excited..!

If you can, hold off for a couple months. The 2012 models will be out soon and you may be able to get a better deal on the 2011 models.

That's a good point ddimick. But I really don't want to wait a couple of months more. The weather here in San Francisco is just great now, and I don't think I can wait any longer to start biking :-).

This.

I'm in the same boat as you - I'd love to spend $1000 or under, but for just a little bit more I could upgrade to 105 components. So, I'm thinking of waiting for the 2012 Giant Defy 2.
The Giant Defy 2 will be Tiagra 10 speed, and AFAIK will come with clipless pedals too. It shouldn't be any more expensive than last year's model, as the 10-speed Tiagra will allegedly cost less than the 9-speed. So, hold out for the new Tiagra, or a discount on clearing out the old ones.

I like the Defy 1. Got mine for $999. The thing I don't like about Trek is the sloppy welding. You might want to add the Felt Z85 to your list. The Scattante is a great value. Don't know anything about Specialized. They are all great bikes and you won't go wrong picking any of them. Get the one that speaks to your heart and don't over-think the decision.

If the Defy 1 speaks to you, then get it! Often, when buying a bike, it is less about the componentry and hard measurements of the bike than how you 'feel' when test riding. Since you felt great on the Defy 1, I say go for it. I personally have a Defy 2 and love it, very good long distance bike. The shop I got it at was having a sale, down to $900 from $1100, so your shop should be able to lower the price for you no problem.

Of those choices, I like the Trek, but the most important thing is to get the one that you love and want to ride.

Was in the the exact same situation as you. I ended up getting the Defy 1 2012 Model, great bike. I would just go for 105 because if you get tiagra you will be kicking yourself in a months time :p

Thanks everyone. All great responses.

@pgjackson: $999 seems like a great price for the defy-1, how'd you manage to get that for such a low price. And I like what you have to say about "Don't over-think your decision"

@DP Roberts: The giant defy-2 was quoted at $1100. I'm sure they can get it down to $1000 and you won't have to wait until 2012 is out.

I think if I can get Defy-1 for $1100 that's great, or else I'll settle for Trek 2.1. Both seem great bikes.

Thanks tiredone and Brimstone_

I just got a 2011 Trek 2.1 and love it so far. The Trek fit me the best. I would say go for whatever fits you best and fits your budget.

+1 on the Trek. I was in exactly the same dilemma as you - trying to decide on the best relaxed fit "entry" level road bike. I live in a pretty hilly area and my Giant Roam 1 was too heavy for the amount of road riding I am doing. Pulled the trigger on the 2.1 primarily because I liked the LBS and the owner took the time to fit me before I did a test ride. He had the Felt Z and the 2.1 and there was a marked difference in favor of the Trek. I picked it up Friday and just finished my first "long" ride. I absolutely love it.

I liked the Defy and Secteur as well, but the LBS owner and the prospect of comfortable future service swung it for me.

Roger

sounds like you should really spring the extra money and get the Defy. What is your background in cycling? do you already have shorts, helmet, gloves, etc? If not, you really need to factor all of those things into your decision. Also, check your local craigslist, you just may find someone selling one in like new condition that you could get for a lot less.

Two months ago I was in the same boat as you, it came down between the Giant Defy1 and the Trek 2.1. Biggest disadvantage between the two was the price. The Giant dealer was unwilling to come down even a little bit off the Defy1. I liked the ride on both equally and while the Defy had a 105 Crank the Trek only had a rd600 crank and tektro brakes. I loved the Trek paint scheme better and since I was able to get a bigger discount on the Trek I wound up going with the rd/black 2.1. I love the bike and it gets me out riding! Which is the most important thing. I already had shoes, helmet etc from my MTB so really there was nothing else to get other than the bike, bottle cages, and went with the Bontrager node 2 computer with cadence/heart rate monitor. Really love the bike. If the Defy 1 is what catches your eye then go with that. Trek just had a big sale where the 2.1 was 1149.00 but that is over now. I would stick with the 105 component group over the Tiagra though. Good luck on your selection you will be happy with either one you select.

I have a defy 1 and love it! I did just upgrade the crank to a 53/39 but the stock rear gearing of 11-28 with the compact is great for most.

i wished you lived closer. i have a 2011 2.1 for sale. i put a better saddle on it and some ultremo ZX tires on it for less than your bike shop is charging.

I just walked into a local store for a look...they had one last Defy 1 in the store. It was a "last one" sale...$999. I had been shopping around because about two weeks earlier someone stole my Felt Z85. The Defy 1 was the only bike in that price range that had 105 cranks. Bought it that day. That Z85 was a great bike as well with a beautiful frame. My buddy who rides a $6000 Specialized thought the Felt was a CF frame because the welds were so smooth.

Thanks everyone for your help. I got the Defy-1. And I got a sweet deal too. The guy gave me 20% off, so I got it for $1050.

I just came back from an approx 9 mile ride. It's not much I know, but I was feeling just a bit uncomfortable in my lower neck region. I hope it's just a matter of getting used to it, since this was my first time riding a road bike.

That's a great price! You said you have never ridden a road bike before...it's uncomfortable for a while. You will get used to it.

If the Giant felt better to you than the other bikes, then stick with Giant. You will regret it later if you didn't get what you wanted only to save a few hundred dollars.

You can probably flip the stem on the handlebars to get more height up front so you aren't looking up as much in your neck till you get used to it.