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Defy Advanced 1 2015 or Cannondale Synapse Carbon 6 105 2014

by metalmonkey
Mon, Nov 17, 2014 14:26
3

So out of the two bike, I have decided I'd like to have one of them now its just a choice of which one...

I mainly use my bike for fitness, hopefully club rides and hopefully sportive events. I am not even thinking about racing in anyway I just can't commit to anything like that. The main thing for me is comfort being able to ride a good distance, hopefully around 60-80 then further (Once I get fit) a ride eventually. I won't be commuting to work just not possible for me.

Also in terms of buying a bike I can't buy on any cycle scheme i'm freelance so sucks for me 2

My old bike was Spesh Allez Elite Carbon folks & seat post that the bike isn't right for me, doesn't fit me properly it isn't very comfy for me either. If it helps I am 168cm, short legs (29") and a long body

The brake disk seem like a great idea, what are other people's experience of using them?

The Giant bike is a much better spec then the Cannodale, you get a lot more for the money too, if the Cannondale wasn't on sale they the price would be the same. Which bike has the better frame?

I found the bike Cannondale at Evans cycles, they aren't the greatest to buy a bike from as I have already found out, th Giant Concept store seem a lot better to me and know what they are doing.

Any thoughts, advice would be great thanks.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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3 comments

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davenportmb | 10 years ago
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I was in a similar predicament about six months ago, choosing between a 2014 Defy Advanced 2 from the Giant store in St. Paul's or the Cannondale from Evans Cycles (couldn't find anyone else in the London area who had stock for me to test ride).

Basically, the service at Evans was pretty bad. I called up and arranged the test ride but when I turned up the bike wasn't ready. I waited for them to get it sorted and they still gave it to me without pedals! No one wanted to talk to me about the bike or make any recommendations. Nothing. Shame really, as the Cannondale is a very capable bike.

Service at the Giant store was the polar opposite. Staff were super friendly and approachable and sat me on the Defy before my test ride to make sure it was set up correctly and talked me through all the features. The Defy is also a little cracker and the strength of the service was at the Giant store convinced me to buy it. When I bought the bike I had about an hour with a member of staff getting it fully fitted and plenty of cheerful chat throughout.

Both bikes are great bits of kit - you'll be very happy with either purchase provided the fit is OK. If you're worried about fit given your proportions then maybe the Giant would be the best way to go as they'll be sure to make sure the bike fits before you buy it.

TL;DR: Both bikes are great. Service at Giant infinitely better than Evans.

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le Bidon | 10 years ago
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I can't comment on the bikes, at least not helpfully, but don't buy from Evans. They can't bike fit and they can't set bikes up correctly. You'd be better finding an online deal.

When I first started cycling I took my new bike in for its 2 week "service" and the "mechanic" made it worse...

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hampstead_bandit | 10 years ago
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The Cannondale is made by Giant in their C-Tech plant in Taiwan so the quality of the frame is assured.

The Giant is better value because Giant build 6 million bikes a year (approx 1/3rd of this is for other "brands"), which translates to economy of scale, and unlike many brands, they pass this saving onto the consumer.

Giant also save their best manufacturing technology for their own framesets and use 100% Toray carbon fibre with a well balanced fibre/resin ratio, so generally you are getting a better frame when buying the Giant.

Really comes down to personal choice, and fit. Find good independent dealers (or brand stores) who sell Giant and Cannondale, and go investigate how each bike fits you.

I'd avoid buying from Evans Cycles because its rare to find any experienced bike fitting staff in Evans, and with a quality road bike its time/money well spent getting the right bike.

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