I’ve got two drop barred bikes – a MY-2013 Giant Defy 1 – 10 speed 105 but with Hope/Pacenti wheels. I love this bike, but don’t use it in the winter/wet.
I also have a 2016 Pinnacle Arkose 3 – which I bought in December.
I wanted a ‘winter’ road bike, and was sucked in by the good reviews and hydraulic 105 group set.
I was very close to buying a Defy Disc (same money) but liked the idea of a multi-role bike, etc.
7 months on I’ve done almost a 1000 miles on the Arkose, including a few ‘off-road’ rides, which to be honest – I hated, and would have rather been on my Hardtail.
The Arkose is a competent winter road bike, but it feels stiff, dead and heavy compared to my Defy.
If I’m not going to use it off-road, do I quit whilst it is still worth a reasonable amount, and buy a disc-braked road bike instead?
The new Giant Contend (alu Defy replacement) should be out in a couple of months, which will have Hydro-discs, and be mudguard friendly + in budget (£999)
I guess if I don’t love the Arkose – I should move it on??