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First Sportive bike

by rodsquad
Mon, Oct 18, 2010 19:58
6

Hello,
Just joined and am looking to get myself a road bike for weekend blasts and sportives. I have signed up for a 81 mile sportive early next year so now i am looking for recommendations for a good steed so i can get training!
I was eyeing up 2010 bikes that are currently in the sales and am drawn to two bikes in particular:

Charge Juicer Mid

Giant Defy 2

Both seem to be designed to take distance at speed comfortably but not sure which would be the best long term choice?

My heart says Charge but my head says Giant...

Thanks 1

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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6 comments

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demoff | 14 years ago
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The Defy is a great frame, I love mine. Its plenty comfortable for tapping out the miles all day. The overdrive headtube gives it a super planted feeling and its rock solid on the descents in fact it encourages you to push it into the corners. Its a great all round bike and I would take it over the Secteur, Allez and the Charge.

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dave atkinson | 14 years ago
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http://road.cc/content/review/13016-charge-juicer-mid

At £650 it's great value.

you're not likely to find many deals on the Equilibrium - they're not made in huge numbers and they pretty much sell themselves. I can guarantee you it's worth the money though.

The Secteur is definitely worth looking at. It's designed for comfort and though i haven't ridden one i've only heard good things.

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Super Domestique | 14 years ago
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Have you also considered the Spesh Secteur? They come higly recommended.

If you would consider one look at either Freeborn or Edinburgh Bicycle as they has good deals on them recently.

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rodsquad | 14 years ago
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A fast sportive bike would be my ideal machine. I suffered a nasty mountain bike crash years ago so i don't think my neck could take the "horizontal spine" race bike position.

Ideally i would love a Genesis Equilibrium but can't find any bargains for love nor money.

I really don't think that 3lb would make that much difference as i have read the comfort offered by steel more than makes up for the weight penalty. I reckon that will come to pay dividends when it comes to long distance sportives. Keep you fresher for longer i reckon.

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Fish_n_Chips replied to rodsquad | 14 years ago
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rodsquad wrote:

I really don't think that 3lb would make that much difference as i have read the comfort offered by steel more than makes up for the weight penalty. I reckon that will come to pay dividends when it comes to long distance sportives. Keep you fresher for longer i reckon.

You've just answered your question!

Post pics of your new Charge once its home 3

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Fish_n_Chips | 14 years ago
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Giant Vs Charge 19

I enjoy aluminum although it might be harsh for some but the steel would be nice.

Also you can fit fender/mudguards to the Giant too.
The Charger would be something different I guess and the
Steel frame will give you a very nice ride.

The Charge has a steel frame -heavy but will ride so nice! only 3lbs heavier overall.

What are you after? racing bike and fast sportive time or a nice ride road bike with a triple chainset for hills? Will you buy something faster next year?

Match the bike to your needs!
Some reviews:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/juicer-mid-10-... £650 from Wiggle?

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/defy-2-10-35307 £615 from Treadz

I think after using an aluminum winter roadbike I think the Charge with a reduced price could be the one!
You could buy a faster summer bike later.

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