Giant or Specialized

slowrun

Hi,

I've been doing a bit more cycling of late. Training for a triathlon and surprised how much i've enjoyed the cycling part so I've decided that I would like to upgrade from my current hybrid to a road bike.
Cycle in and out to work so I need something that's suitable for that too. Don't have huge amount to spend and hopefully will be able to go through Bike to Work scheme.
Have been looking around and it seems like it's really between 2 bikes for me.
The Giant Defy 4/Avail 4 (ladies version) http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=35&idproduct=31181

or the Specialized Allez 24.
http://www.cycleways.com/store/product/45791/2010-Specialized-Allez-24-49cm/

The Specialized is approx 100 euro more expensive but it has carbon forks and it seems way lighter and I loved the feel of it when I sat up on it.
The Giant was fine but the Specialized really just felt nice.

Is it worth paying the extra for the Specialized? The guy in the shop was really recommending the Specialized, even over the next model up in the Giant range.
Also, the tyres on the Specialized were really slick and to my mind looked like they'd puncture really easy (bear in mind that I'm used to a hybrid). He said he could put on puncture resistant Armadillos for me for the same price even though they're twice the price. Does this sound right?

I looked at the Carrera's in Halfords but I really didn't like the look/feel of them - even though they seem to be better value!

So basically, should I bite the bullet and go for the Specialized? Would it be ok for my work commute? Should I sell my hybrid?

Thanks in advance for any advice
SR
:-)

manwithaplan

I have a Specialized Allez Comp and I love it. The geometry is fairly relaxed for a road bike but it's still nice and quick. Have never ridden a Defy so I can't help you there.

It's really all about how the bike feels. If you are more comfortable on the Allez, it's probably worth the extra money.

I still use my hybrid for my work commute but it's pretty short. I have clipless pedals on the Allez and it's not worth the hassle of wearing road bike shoes etc. There would be no problem commuting on the road bike, although it might be handier to have the hybrid for the winter.

neris

have an allez and love it. though i didnt look at any other bikes when I was buying it. nice and lite and comfortable to ride. have found the tyres tough enough. did have 1 puncture when a piece of glass got at the tyre but have been cycling some very bad roads around north county dublin and they have held up fine. the replacement tube is only about a fiver and the tyre 20 quid

slowrun

Thanks for the replies!
This may seem like a stupid question,
but why would the hybrid be needed for winter?
Extra grip on ice?
I've not been 100% happy with my hybrid-problems
with chain regularly coming off(&breaking chain guard in d process!)
,even after getting it fixed in the shop I bought it from - so don't
feel too bad about leaving it to the side!
Have a very short commute so shouldn't
be too much of an issue anyway!
Hoping I'll manage the transition to road bike comfortably enough:-o
Do carbon forks really make a huge difference?

DinaElla

I have a GiantSCR2 and Specialized Allez Comp and I find both of them excellent bikes but do prefer the Specialized and ride it a lot more - I find the riding position more comfortable (no aches or pains on long rides .. apart from legs ) - I went in to buy another Giant and after test riding the Specialized I knew I wanted it but the key is to test ride them and see what suits you.

I tend to use the Giant for climbing routes as it has a triple and I'm not a strong climber ... the Specialized came with a compact

Personally, I think they are both good bike makes so its just what you find suits you best ... ride both and see

neris

You can get the specialised with a triple for a few extra quid. got it for mine and well worth the little extra

slowrun

Thanks for that!
The guy in the shop said he would put a triple on it for me from the start!
It's 30euro more expensive but he was recommending it for someone not so experienced!
Another question-if I want to get one of those things to tell me how fast/how far I've gone etc.-would I better to buy it online? Are they handy enough to put on?

blobbie

neris wrote: »

You can get the specialised with a triple for a few extra quid. got it for mine and well worth the little extra

Be prepared to be burned at the stake.

Not by I might I add. Also have a triple but to some people it is heresy

Donie75

I bought a Specialized Secteur Elite Triple a few months ago and I really like it. It's very well specc'ed and very comfortable. It's designed to have a more relaxed geometry so the handlebars are a bit higher. I can't fault it after about 600km but it is my first road bike.

monkeypants

I might be buying a new bike shortly as the GT Agressor 3 is a wee bit heavy for longer cycles. Was looking at a Giant Defy 3.5 or a Specialized Allez as they're both in the €600 - €700 range. Any others that I should look at for similar spec and price?

Also, what's this carry on regarding triples?