Help with new bike

[Highside33]

Hi,

These are the 2 bikes I've narrowed my search to the Malvern star c5 or giant advanced defy. My first carbon anything bike. Currently riding Merida extreme 900 with sora 9 speed.

Any comments appreciated. C5 slightly cheaper. Both 105

http://www.malvernstar.com.au/range/bike-2360.aspx

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bik ... 306/37460/

thanks

[brenton289]

"Ride Life, Ride Giant."

Edit: Seriously though, have you ridden either yet?

[BigVin]

Go the Giant

[GrumpySmurf]

They are both very nice bikes for their money. I chose the Defy out of those 2 simply because I felt the fit was better for me. You do need to try both of them, and see. Make sure you ride them for at least a few K's (Not just around the car park).

[Highside33]

Have ridden a alloy defy only sat on the Malvern star( felt ok). Have ridden a tcr advanced didnt like the feel but wasnt set up anywhere near enough for me.

[TheSkyMovesSideways]

I believe the Oppy has racing geometry, whereas the Defy has more endurance oriented geometry. So what do you see yourself wanting to do more of, go fast or go for very long distances?

[brenton289]

I believe the Oppy has racing geometry, whereas the Defy has more endurance oriented geometry. So what do you see yourself wanting to do more of, go fast or go for very long distances?

Yeah, if you do try them both out, and do prefer the Oppy; consider trying out the TCR Advanced 2 as well.

[Highside33]

Mainly want a bit of both leaning towards comfort for distance. As I age ungracefully my neck doesnt like craning a lot. The giant has a slightly larger head tube. I am taking a defy alliance for a ride tomorrow as the advanced wont be here until the end of the month.

Will be going to the Malvern Star shop tomorrow to see about a ride.

[AlMac]

I looked at both the Malvern Star and the Giant. I bought the Giant. Sounds like you should buy the Giant too.

I wanted more relaxed geometry and the Giant seemed to have that over the Malvern Star.

I preferred the handling on the Giant, smoother vs Malvern Star which is twitchier/racier. However, overall I didn't find there to be a great deal in it (although reviews I subsequently read said the Malvern Star is a very sharp turner).

The Giant has a slightly nicer frame, IMO. Also slightly lighter, although I didn't consider that smidgen of weight to be relevant in making a decision.

I read a number of reviews on both bikes and both were well reviewed.

I'd read lots of queries about the Malvern Star carbon frames and their quality. In the Oct/Nov/Dec issue of Ride their mechanic goes over each reviewed bike's frame and the Malvern Star Oppy Pro (same frame as the other Carbon Oppy's I understand) held its own on the build quality examination.