Sorry!!(New Bike-Darkside Question)

Hi, I have got a budget of £650 and have narrowed my choice down to either a Cannondale Caad 8 or Giant Defy 3. Both use Sora. Is the Cannondale a slighty better frame than the Giant or vice versa,would possibly end up upgrading components as you do so which inital bike am I best going for? Any help appreciated.

Cheers

Giant make good frames, they ain't boutique but they pour millions into R&D for your benefit.
However I don't know much about Cannondale road frames. Though without looking I bet the Dale is more race specific than the Defy.

The CAAD bikes are always well regarded, or so it seems. Last year's CAAD9 particularly so. However, the "better" frame for you is the one that fits you best, as position is *crucial* on a road bike and any shortcomings will soon make themselves known! Try them both, buy whichever feels the best.

Might be worth looking at what Planet-x could do you a deal for on on eof their Alu frames – they're cracking bikes and you'd probably get more than sora for that price too – they do full ultegra builds for £999.

Cheers for the replies guys

I looked!
The CAAD8 looks nice, the image I've seen suggests it's more race than sportive and no mudguard eyes unlike the Defy.
I'm a big Giant fan, but going on a quick look at each I'd buy the Dale.

Planet X team alu, ultegra 10spd little bit more though £799

http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/SL_Team_Alu.html

I'd think you can safely assume that neither is objectively "better" than the other if you're talking about quality, so as Jimbo says the best one will be the one that feels best and suits what you think you'll be doing on it.

If you ride a large Defy, theres one on Bike radar classifieds for £480…..only ridden 80miles!

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12652310