Road Bike recommendations - budget c.€1,200

bbari

I am looking to upgrade my current bike

I have Giant Defy 2, Have it for 5/6 years, only did 2k km on it and bike looks as good as new obviously because it wasn't used as much!

I'm thinking to buy Canyon Endurace AL 7.0 which has better gear set (105) than my current one (Tiagra)

https://tinyurl.com/ychurjos

Next step up from endurance AL 7.0 is to either get disc break or go CF and spent extra €400 - €500 which imho not worth for what the bike will be used for.

It will be used for 50 to 100km spin over the weekend only. I don't have any aspiration to win race etc but I will use it more than i used the current one (hopefully).

Questions...

is that a reasonable bike or should i look at something else?

Does the bike come without pedals? I'm looking for flat pedals (not the clip on) but their flat pedals have pins which are for MTB? Any recommendation?

I'm 177cm, Canyon suggests to go for S. Their M starts at 178cm. Chatted with someone on their site and they suggested to go S as I'm at the top end of their S and bottom end of their M. If i go M, I'll be little stretched all the time. I think I've same issue with Defy, their ML starts at 5.11 which is my height and I always felt that I'm little stretched.

TIA

bilbot79

Check out ash cycles in the UK. I bought from there off the web a few years ago and it worked out. Good value

Tony04

Specialized allez always gets good reviews.
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Specialized/Allez-Elite-Road-Bike-2020/NVB8

Merida scultura 400 might be another option.

This isn't the best time of year as next years models hasn't been released and there arent much in terms of sales.

If your not using bike to work scheme look at the second hand market.

What's wrong with your current bike that it needs replacing?

In terms of pedals I'd reccomend clipless mtb pedals as you can walk in mtb shoes. Flat pedals with pens are not nice when they end up in your shins + clipless pedals will allow you to cover more distance in the same time.

bbari

Tony04 wrote: »

Specialized allez always gets good reviews.
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Specialized/Allez-Elite-Road-Bike-2020/NVB8

Merida scultura 400 might be another option.

This isn't the best time of year as next years models hasn't been released and there arent much in terms of sales.

If your not using bike to work scheme look at the second hand market.

What's wrong with your current bike that it needs replacing?

In terms of pedals I'd reccomend clipless mtb pedals as you can walk in mtb shoes. Flat pedals with pens are not nice when they end up in your shins + clipless pedals will allow you to cover more distance in the same time.

I will be using B2W and thats the main reason of buying a new one. I am hoping that by putting a couple of hundred, I can get a better bike (nothing wrong with the current one).

Thank you for the recommendations, I didn't think you could put MTB pedals on a road bike.

nilhg

OP, you say your Defy is like new, I'd suggest you consider spending half your budget on a new set of wheels, and see how you get on, it will feel like a new bike, if you want then spend the rest on upgrading the groupset.

The problem with buying a new bike at that budget is you'll end up with a frame and wheels which are not significantly better than what you have and a slightly nicer groupset.

If you like the defy and are comfortable on it already, keep it.

AmberGold

1200 wont get you more than your Defy offers. If you’re mileage is so low why change, Defy is a great bike.

bbari

nilhg wrote: »

OP, you say your Defy is like new, I'd suggest you consider spending half your budget on a new set of wheels, and see how you get on, it will feel like a new bike, if you want then spend the rest on upgrading the groupset.

The problem with buying a new bike at that budget is you'll end up with a frame and wheels which are not significantly better than what you have and a slightly nicer groupset.

If you like the defy and are comfortable on it already, keep it.

I get what you are saying but in net I will spend €200 (not 1,200) to buy a new bike.

magicbastarder

Have you bought on the bike to work scheme before? A €1,200 bike will cost about €700 - not €200 - on the scheme. You'll pay about half on the first thousand quid, and everything that's over one thousand quid.

bbari

magicbastarder wrote: »

Have you bought on the bike to work scheme before? A €1,200 bike will cost about €700 - not €200 - on the scheme. You'll pay about half on the first thousand quid, and everything that's over one thousand quid.

Thats' right, and I'll sell my current one for c. €500 (hopefully) thats'y why i said for €200 net I could get a new one which could be with a better gear set and right size.

Tony04

Imo I dont see the point in buying a similar spec bike to the one you have already have unless its worn out.

I suggest either you use the b2w scheme to spend on parts clothing or accessories that make you ride more.

Or add to your budget and get a carbon or disc bike

magicbastarder

Tony04 wrote: »

I suggest either you use the b2w scheme to spend on parts clothing or accessories that make you ride more.

This isn't allowed under the b2w scheme, a full, new bike must be bought.

shaveAbullock

I tend to agree, after doing this you will have a bike that is on par and no better than the Giant Defy 2.
Why bother?
A Defy 2 is probably higher spec than someone who does 2k km in 5 years needs anyway.

magicbastarder

my tuppence worth - go out and start using the bike you have to learn what you like or don't like about it, then decide what sort of bike you want.
it's not beyond the bounds of possibility that you might realise you want a gravel bike, for example, and you would want to learn that before you use up the B2W scheme.

bbari

I appreciate your opinion. I think my current one is also a one size up than what i should be on. Quick Google tells that i should move the seat forward. I'll try that and see if that makes any difference.

shaveAbullock

There's an optional position for the seat. I wouldn't change it if it's in a comfortable position. You can use a shorter stem but if you go too short it can make the steering twitchy.

Unfortunately it's much easier to make a frame thats too small fit than it is to get a frame that's to large to fit.

Does it feel uncomfortable? Those guides are only a guideline and won't be correct for everyone.

Tony04

bbari wrote: »

I appreciate your opinion. I think my current one is also a one size up than what i should be on. Quick Google tells that i should move the seat forward. I'll try that and see if that makes any difference.

What feels to big about. Do you feel stretch in your legs or do you feel stretch in your arms and torso.

If its your legs your saddles to high.

If it's your arms it's to long from the saddle to the handlebars.

bbari

Arms are too stretched that's why i thought perhaps moving the saddle a bit forward will help..

shaveAbullock

A shorter stem could fix that. Is the current one 100mm? You can get a 90 or 80mm stem for €10 - €20. I wouldn't got any shorter than that though.

bbari

shaveAbullock wrote:

A shorter stem could fix that. Is the current one 100mm? You can get a 90 or 80mm stem for €10 - €20. I wouldn't got any shorter than that though.

The current one says 9-10N.m and E:100. I guess its 100mm.

magicbastarder

saddle is an easier fix and won't affect the steering (though a stem that's only slightly shorter shouldn't either)

shaveAbullock

magicbastarder wrote: »

saddle is an easier fix and won't affect the steering (though a stem that's only slightly shorter shouldn't either)

I believe pushing the saddle forward if it is currently in the correct position is a bad idea.
A slightly shorter stem is a much better solution.

If a slightly shorter stem does not solve it then selling the current bike and buying a smaller frame is the way to go.

magicbastarder

yeah, if the bike is too big, replacing it becomes much more sensible.
bbari - might be an idea to post a photo of the current saddle position; if it's already reasonably far forward and you feel overstretched, you don't have much wiggle room; it's usually said that it's easy to make a small bike larger than a large bike smaller.

shaveAbullock

magicbastarder wrote: »

it's usually said that it's easy to make a small bike larger than a large bike smaller.

Exactly and this is because of stem length. A short stem is perfect for a mountain bike but is twitchy so dangerous on a road bike when speeds are much faster. People often prefer a long stem on a road bike as it can help stabilise it but a short one will feel dangerous. 80mm is considered about as short as most are happy to go but it may be enough as 20mm difference will considerably shorten reach.

Tony04

If your legs arent stretched I'd imagine the frame isnt to small, unless the seatpost barely comes out of the frame.
Stupid suggestion but make sure your saddle isnt tilted upward also dont go past the max on the saddle rail.

If you reduced your stem from 100mm to 80mm your effectively going down a frame size as frames go up in 2cm sizes.

bbari

Saddle pic attached.

FWIW. I'm 176cm, Defy ML starts from 180cm.

shaveAbullock

That saddle is lower than I like to have it on my bikes. So I'm going to agree that the frame is one size too big.

Edit: I'm 182cm and that's the size frame(M/lL in giant sizing) I would choose for myself. It also looks like you have the saddle angled forward to help reach the bars and that's very bad for your posture.

Tony04

Definitely a size to big. You could remove the stem spacers but that would mean cutting the fork steerer tube. So you are probably better selling it and getting a new bike.

magicbastarder

Also worth noting though that the saddle is positioned fully back on the rails. An easy fix for now to push it forward, there's probably 4cm to play with there. Maybe the saddle is set low precisely because it's pushed fully back.

@OP, there are quite a few videos online about choosing the right saddle height. Maybe worth a watch and experimenting with the bike you have - not that it might affect your decision to change, but you'll go into a new purchase better informed.

bbari

Thanks guys.
@magicbastarder - that's right that there is 4cm to play with there.
shaveAbullock - I wonder why I always had pain in my back after every spin, I only notice now that the saddle is on an angle.

Given that everyone agrees that its not the right size for me, i'll go ahead with selling. I have €500 offered for the current one and I wasn't accepting it as you had my mind changed to keep the current bike

shaveAbullock

Sounds like the way to go. The bike looks like new so €500 will be a great deal for the new owner but that's also the most you could expect to get for a second hand bike like this. So a good outcome for both seller and buyer.

Apart from a slightly better gearset your new bike will be of much the same standard of quality as the defy 2. That's why I was against the exchange.

But of course now that I know the frame is the wrong size there is no question that you need a new bike.

bbari

Just sold the old bike. Canyon shipping time goes as far as July which isn't good!

bilbot79 suggest Ash Bikes in the UK who has previous years of Giant models, I have narrowed down to 5.

1 - Giant Defy 2 Disc 2016 - £655
Tiagra with disc breaks

2 - Giant Contend SL 1 Disc 2017 - £900
105 with disc breaks

3 - Giant Contend SL 1 Disc 2019 - £1,030
105 with disc breaks, better tyres than the above, not sure about the colour

4 - Giant Defy 0 2014 - £840 Ultegra without disc

5 - Giant Defy Advanced 3 2018
- £1,200
Tiagra + Disc + Carbon (do i need carbon?)

No.2 Look reasonable and is middle of the range

What do you guys think about this selection and which one would you recommend to someone who will be using it for spin over the weekend? or should i be considering something else?
I know they are preious years models, thankfully unlike the cars bikes don't have the reg plates. is it just the colour scheme which is different? to me specs look the same year on year?

deconduo

https://www.decathlon.ie/ie_en/ultra-920-af-road-bike-black-en-s178371.html

I got this on the BTW last year and its been great for me. Has plenty of good reviews.

bbari

bilbot79 wrote: »

Check out ash cycles in the UK. I bought from there off the web a few years ago and it worked out. Good value

As per their phone message they are shipping orders but they aren't replying their emails so not sure how to get hold of 'em.

Any other suggestion guys ?

bbari

deconduo wrote: »

https://www.decathlon.ie/ie_en/ultra-920-af-road-bike-black-en-s178371.html

I got this on the BTW last year and its been great for me. Has plenty of good reviews.

Yes, reviews looks good.
The only -ve they have is weight, perhaps that applies to racers. Some -ve reviews about tyres which you can change easily, did you get many punctures?

Did you buy that from that site? Does it come with pedals ?

Tony04

The higher end decathlon often get good reviews, often are good value for money and you can use b2w scheme with them, which might be a diffuculty with other online retailers.
Although the specalized allez which would have a similar spec retails for a similar price and youd have the advantage of buying that from a bike shop, that might be more knowledgeable than decathlon.
Your looking for a rim brake bike with 11 speeds?

deconduo

bbari wrote: »

Yes, reviews looks good.
The only -ve they have is weight, perhaps that applies to racers. Some -ve reviews about tyres which you can change easily, did you get many punctures?

Did you buy that from that site? Does it come with pedals ?

• I've no problems with the weight, the last bike I had was something like 15kg so 8kg feels like a feather in comparison.
• No issues with punctures so far.
• Bought from Decathlon, but was through email/phone calls rather than on the website to get the bike to work stuff sorted
• Came with simple pedals.
• They delivered it my door assembled and ready to go, was a great service

bbari

Tony04 wrote: »

The higher end decathlon often get good reviews, often are good value for money and you can use b2w scheme with them, which might be a diffuculty with other online retailers.
Although the specalized allez which would have a similar spec retails for a similar price and youd have the advantage of buying that from a bike shop, that might be more knowledgeable than decathlon.
Your looking for a rim brake bike with 11 speeds?

Allez comes with Tiagra/105 when the B'Twin is Ultegra.

B2W won't be a problem as I can use company card to pay for the full price and pay back the company the amoune over 1k.

Yes, I'm ok with rim breaks. Not sure what 11 speed means but something like whats on Giant Defy bikes is fine.

bbari

deconduo wrote: »

• I've no problems with the weight, the last bike I had was something like 15kg so 8kg feels like a feather in comparison.
• No issues with punctures so far.
• Bought from Decathlon, but was through email/phone calls rather than on the website to get the bike to work stuff sorted
• Came with simple pedals.
• They delivered it my door assembled and ready to go, was a great service

Thanks for that, I've sent 'em a message from their web form but haven't heard back yet.
Was the price always €1,200?

shaveAbullock

I always hear good thing about decathlon and I don't think they use proprietary parts which is is great. It means if you ever have a problem any bike shop can fix it.

Tony04

I'm just reccomending the allez because I see it around alot and has got good reviews. While it may not have ultegra 105 and the other parts it has offers all the same functions but it is slightly heavier, it is 11 speeds meaning there are 11 gears on the cassette on the wheel. While the components mighnt be as good the frame might have a better warranty and is probably better made than the decathlon one and that's why it does well in the reviews.

You should also take a look at ribble cycles the British version of canyon and they offer even better value for money.

Take a look at this review also https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-road-bike-under-1000/

byrnem31

The defy advanced 3 will be a very comfortable bike compared to pure racers, carbon to dampen road vibrations and with hydraulic disk brakes for better stopping. 32cc tires also.

The pedals you need are spd pedals with mountain bike shoes. I have a shimano pair that I got new for €60. Very comfortable and you can walk around in them. I got shimano double sided pedals too,I think they were €60 also. One side has the spd clip in and the other is a normal pedal. Dead handy and can go on any bike.

The difference in cycling clipped in to normal pedals is night and day. My feet would slip on standard pedals in the wet. Not an issue any more.

shaveAbullock

Tony04 wrote: »

You should also take a look at ribble cycles the British version of canyon and they offer even better value for money.

Take a look at this review also https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-road-bike-under-1000/

Ribble are very different from Canyon.
Ribble find frames in China that they like and pay for exclusive rights to that frame. Canyon design their own frame.

Not saying one company is better than the other just they are very different.

bbari

I got hold of Ash Cycles who won't ship to Ireland. The advantage of buying from those guys was to buy couple of yrs old model at discounted price so that option is gone. Canyon delivery time goes up to the end of July, so this rules out what I'd originally planned to buy.

I managed to speak with a very helpful person in Decathlon and have two options

1 - B'Twin - BLACK - €1,200

2 - VAN RYSEL - WHITE/BLACK - €1,300

The only difference I can see is the wheels, 1st one has Mavic and the 2nd one has Falcrum. Both are in stock and ready to be shipped fully assembled.

Decision time!

Tony04

The btwin has a nicer frameset with internal cable routing that's the only major difference I can see they're similar weight and same spec even wheels are different brands.

bbari

Yes, I noticed afterwards that on B'Twin the cabling is internal plus saddle, wheels and tyres are different. it is B'Twin so! Thank you

magicbastarder

you may end up cursing the internal routing if you've plans to do your own maintenance.

bbari

Just logged on to order and they are sold out. Grrrrr!

bbari

How do you decide the size if you are in the middle or two sizes?

Canyon asks two questions to recommend the size
Height: 177cm
inseam: 86cm

Endurace AL 7.0

I am right in the middle point of S (172-177cm) and M (177-182cm). Their online calculator suggests S for 177cm and M for 178cm so 1cm changes the size.

Not something I'd want to get wrong as i been there before. one of their chat agents suggested S and other one suggested M! is either of the sizes ok?

Tony04

bbari wrote: »

How do you decide the size if you are in the middle or two sizes?

Canyon asks two questions to recommend the size
Height: 177cm
inseam: 86cm

Endurace AL 7.0

I am right in the middle point of S (172-177cm) and M (177-182cm). Their online calculator suggests S for 177cm and M for 178cm so 1cm changes the size.

Not something I'd want to get wrong as i been there before. one of their chat agents suggested S and other one suggested M! is either of the sizes ok?

Consider your arm length if your arms are relatively long the larger frame would suit and vice versa.

Also while your at it have a look at merlin cycles not sure if they're eligible for b2w scheme, but have some really good value bikes around your budget and it's worth the shot.
https://www.merlincycles.com/wilier-gtr-team-105-mix-road-bike-170331.html

CantGetNoSleep

bbari wrote: »

How do you decide the size if you are in the middle or two sizes?

Canyon asks two questions to recommend the size
Height: 177cm
inseam: 86cm

Endurace AL 7.0

I am right in the middle point of S (172-177cm) and M (177-182cm). Their online calculator suggests S for 177cm and M for 178cm so 1cm changes the size.

Not something I'd want to get wrong as i been there before. one of their chat agents suggested S and other one suggested M! is either of the sizes ok?

I'm 1cm taller than you but have a shorter inseam so also right between the two. I spoke to them by phone as I was considering ordering a new bike and they said go for the M. I've ridden the Ultimate in M before for a few weeks and had no issues with the fit - never had a professional bike fit done on it though

bbari

Tony04 wrote: »

Consider your arm length if your arms are relatively long the larger frame would suit and vice versa.

Also while your at it have a look at merlin cycles not sure if they're eligible for b2w scheme, but have some really good value bikes around your budget and it's worth the shot.
https://www.merlincycles.com/wilier-gtr-team-105-mix-road-bike-170331.html

I think my arm length would be normal, just going by shirt shopping, never bought extra long sleeve

Thank you re the bike suggestion, I saw that yesterday. Would you consider this better than the Canyon? Although its carbon, Canyon alloy is lighter than this. I was also considering Endurance 6.0 as i'm not how much difference 105 will make compared to Tiagra and 6.0 is available 4 wks earlier. I don't want to rush either and want to get something which I'ld like the looks of as well. I really like that Willer bike in the red colour, pity its not in stock. Bikes are hot ticket stuff these days.