Cube, Giant or Trek

Robertd_07

So, after spending the last year commuting 125km per week on my mountain bike, I’ve decided to get a road bike on the cycle to work scheme. (Will be looking to up my mileage over spring/summer)

Before visiting the shops at the weekend I had the Giant Defy range in my head, as one of my colleagues has one since last year and hasn’t had any problems with it.

When I visited shops over the weekend, I though that my decision would be fairly straightforward (had been leaning towards the Defy), but now I’m even more confused.

Basically, where I am right now is trying to decide between 3 bikes, all around the same price.
1. Giant Defy 2
2. Trek 1.5
3. Cube Peleton

All the bikes have Tiagra shifters and derailleurs, but other components vary, and I’m not too familiar with their relative merits.
I know the Defy can take mudguards, the Trek has even more clearance but the Cube looks very tight, so don’t know what the options are with regards to mudguards. (Or should that even be a consideration)
The Cube seems the best kitted bike, more for racing than commuting, but for what will primarily be a commuter, is it overkill?

If anyone could offer me some thoughts on the above 3 bikes I’d be very grateful.
Robert

garlad

Specialized !

blorg

I don't think any of those bikes will take traditional full length mudguards. They won't have clearance under the brakes even if they did under the frame (which is unlikely.) Giant have special mudguards that taper in a bit for the Defy I believe which look like a nice option, they may well fit other bikes. Race blades are also "fine" although not as good as full length.

If the price is the same I would probably lean towards the Trek, they are very nice bikes. Specialized Allez would be a good option too. In terms of component differences the main one is probably the Tiagra crankset on the Giant which has an integreated spindle and is a fair bit better than the cranksets on the Trek or Cube. So +1 there for the Giant. Wheels on the Giant look good too. Second Cube, last Trek.

Best test ride them and see which fits you best, they are pretty similar otherwise.

Robertd_07

To be honest wasn't too worried about the mudguard thing. It's not a deal breaker.
Not interested in Specialized.

blorg wrote: »

Best test ride them and see which fits you best, they are pretty similar otherwise.

That's what I was thinking.
Giant is most expensive (960) then trek (900 but get an €80 voucher) then Cube (€850), and was advised that for the money I could run the Trek wheels into the ground, and replace them in 2 years, which would have to be done at some point anyway.
Starting to lean towards the trek, for no good reason other than everyone has a Giant defy. (Silly I know)
Thank for the resonse.

lukester

I have a Cube Streamer. Apart from the fact that I now lust after something more exotic, and will eventually relegate it to a winter training bike, I like it. Also like the fact that they're not as common as Giant/Trek.

Peloton gets good reviews here

Ultimately I'd go for the one you like the look and feel of, as blorg says, not much between them in terms of componentry.

jag con

My personal preferance would be Giant, they are a very good bike also the Planet X is getting great reviews on here

Con

boomdocker

in have an '08 Cube Peloton.

Excellent bike, however the spec of the 08 is better than the 09/10 as it has 105 shifters/brakes and mechs.

Very comfy bike to ride, position is definitely not racy though, quite upright so aimed more at the touring end.

i have done up to 180k spins on it and can't fault.

and finally, most important, it looks great

Biologic

Of those 3 I'd go for the Cube. It's the best looking and best equipped (bar the carbon seatpost but you'd pick one up for less than the price difference). As others said, I'd check out Ribble or Planet X before you buy. How about this one on ribble with mudguards and a shimano 105 groupset delivered and all for 946.