Help me decide..

not yet

Right:

Defy Carbon with 105 group set or Defy Alu frame carbon fork with Ultegra Group set....

07Lapierre

Carbon with 105.

mirrormatrix

07Lapierre wrote: »

Carbon with 105.

+1. Tiagra/105/ultegra is all basically the same thing in my humble opinion.

Koobcam

not yet wrote: »

Right:

Defy Carbon with 105 group set or Defy Alu frame carbon fork with Ultegra Group set....

Depends what you want the bike for. Also, what are the wheelset options? Frame + wheels much more important that 105 vs Ultegra (both good)

not yet

Koobcam wrote: »

Depends what you want the bike for. Also, what are the wheelset options? Frame + wheels much more important that 105 vs Ultegra (both good)

Basically the same set up and frame from what I can make out..

Would love to go with carbon but terrified after spending 1500 I let it fall and damage frame, whereas the alu wouldn't cause me the same nightmares.

Koobcam

not yet wrote: »

Basically the same set up and frame from what I can make out..

Would love to go with carbon but terrified after spending 1500 I let it fall and damage frame, whereas the alu wouldn't cause me the same nightmares.

I think people worry too much about damaging carbon frames. They are pretty robust these days-all top-end mountain bikes and cyclocross bikes are made from carbon and think about the abuse they would get in those disciplines, plus the forks on the alu frame will still be made of carbon. Carbon is also easier to repair than aluminium, which will generally not have as high a tolerance level before it breaks. Up to you really, but I wouldn't let carbon angst be the deciding factor-best way is always just to take the chosen bike(s) for a spin and see what you think.

Chips Lovell

Frame is the most important component of the bike and should be the main consideration. And as Koobcam says, wheels are the next most important thing.

In most situations, I'd chose a carbon frame over aluminium. It usually makes for a nicer ride. Of course there are crap carbon frames out there, but Giant are decent brand.

The fragility of carbon is often over-estimated, particularly by people who haven't used it before. It is quite robust and will survive most knocks. All materials can fail, including aluminium. I know of several people who've had aluminium handlebars break on them mid-spin, for example.

not yet

Thanks Guys, Think I'll go with the Carbon. As said the difference between 105 and Ultegra is not as big as difference between Alu and carbon.

billyhead

Its similar to deciding between a top level aluminium road bike such as a cannondale caad10 and an entry level carbon bike for the same cost. I think most people would choose the best aluminium bike on the market