Just ordered iainc junior a Defy 5, in S, at 40% off, for his birthday in December 😀
Seems to get great reviews, so hoping wheelies follow through OK.
It has 16 speed Claris drivetrain (2x8) - any experiences of them ? and what quicklink ? I am used to 10 and 11 speed KMC ones..
Claris works just fine, the Mrs has it on her bike (3x8). You'll be needing an 8 speed link, the chain looks proper bulky compared to modern skinny ones!
Shifting is fine, it just needs a little more positivity than your Ultegra or 105. Seems robust enough.
Thanks scotroutes. He's been wanting a road bike for ages, so we're hopefully getting him into Glasgow Riderz for 2016, when he'll be 13...
Dithered over sizing between XS and S and went for latter, which will last him longer although he'll be on the limit initially, depending how much he grows over winter 🙂
Shove a shorter stem on it for now? Back to the stock when the bike fits better?
Legend, yes, that's the plan, cheers
My wife's bike has 16 speed Claris, it works well, a little more clunky than my 105, but works really well.
Currently have 3x8 Claris on my CX bike. Had originally intended to swap it out pretty quickly but now I'm not bothered as it works fine. Has the dual lever controls and works without any problems.
It changes gears smoothly and reliably what more needs to be said.
@ianc
Switch the stock bar to zipp service course 70. Makes a big difference to reach on hoods, and shortens reach to brake lever when in drops; even with rubber shims fitted many riders with smaller hands find the reach too far with stock bar.
Prevents having to fit very short stem (less than 80mm) which typically does unpleasant things to bike handling
Esher, thanks for the tip, will have a look at that, cheers
It's fine. Have 2012 8 speed and shifting is crisp. You may want to change the cassette though for lower gears. A 13-26 will help with the 50/34 chainset. [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-sora-hg50-8-speed-road-cassette/rp-prod1864 ]Cheap too.[/url]
TiRed, thanks, but it comes with an 11-32, so should be quite low.
My sister just got a Med Avail 5 from Rutland (female Defy). Great for £300!
Weirdly though, it came with chicken aux brake levers. Ripping those off needed new brake outers, so bar tape unwrapped then carefully re-wrapped.
Claris is absolutely fine.
the secondary brake levers completely ruin the primary brake feel! Too stiff at secondary lever, too sloppy at primary lever (STI).
The "in-line" design of the secondary lever introduces an unwanted element (flexure) to the brake system, and the lever pull on that lever is often incorrect for road caliper or mechanical disc brakes.
I recommend removing them to any customers who buy a bike with them installed.
You can then install the primary brake properly setting lever reach and modulation to suit the rider
Yeah that's what I did. Was gobsmacked to find them on there tbh.