Home Forums Bike Forum Winter bike advice (Defy 2, Tifosi CX7, Dolan Preffisio or Canyon Roadlite)

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  • Winter bike advice (Defy 2, Tifosi CX7, Dolan Preffisio or Canyon Roadlite)
  • limeybloke
    Free Member

    Hello folks, so yeah I know it’s another “winter road bike” post and I’m sorry! But I really need some help and advice.

    I’m looking at a Defy 2, Tifosi CX2, Dolan Preffisio or a Canyon Roadlite.

    I’ve got around 800-1000 notes.

    My lbs have a Deft in stock but I’m not keen on the wheels, tyres or saddle. The cost of buying it and then immediately upgrading doe seem a little strange. But I’m 100% sure I want Conti Gators and a better wheel than the standard Giant. I’ve been looking at Mavic or Fulcrum.

    The alternative is a custom build on a Tifosi CX7 frame set or a Dolan Preffisio.

    Finally, to throw everything up in the air I’ve also considered a Canyon Roadlite. Cost wise I can’t beat this as its got full Shimano 105 where as the other options would only ever be Tiagra at best. The Defy also saves money by changing out the brakes and bottom bracket.

    Two things are crucial to be. Tyre and mudguard clearance for at least 25mm tyres and wheels built to last.

    What does everyone think?

    brooess
    Free Member

    I have a Tifosi and very happy with it. Considering the price difference between it and my carbon summer bike it’s comparably a far better ride than you would expect… if it was all I had I think I’d be pretty happy.

    A few things to consider:
    1. Carbon seatpost for comfort
    2. It’s an audax bike so depending on where you live, the gears may be quite low. If you have lots of steep hills you’ll be fine but if you’re in a flat area, you might want to think about non-compact
    3. As per 2, it’s relatively high at the front end. Not a problem but noticeable when you come off your summer bike in terms of getting low over the front
    4. Mine had Miche brakes on it which needed better brake blocks from the off but could still be better on the power front… but if you’re custom building you can get round that

    MoreCashThanDash
    Full Member

    Consider tyre clearance with mudguards – I like 25mm tyres for the extra comfort and grip, but a surprising number of winter/audax bikes will only take 23mm with guards

    Jase
    Free Member

    Presumably of those only the Dolan and Tifosi take prper guards and I’d therefore choose one of those for that reason.

    rocket
    Free Member

    Roadlite looks great value tbh. Will it have clearance for guards and 25mm tyres? A couple of friends have the defy, and they are also really good value – watch for the shonky groupsets on the cheapest ones though. Have you looked at ribble winter trainers?

    I have / had a Tifosi CK7. My first ‘proper’ road bike. Its been great – solid and comfy (although I put a carbon post on it) Mine had a mix of sora / miche groupset which was a bit pants – replaced with tiagra (which made huge difference – more noticeable change than going from Tiagra to Ultegra on the new bike). I’m pretty sure it will still take 28mm tyres with reasonable clearance in the mudguards. Wheels are solid but I put Aksiums on it which made a big difference (now moved them on to the new bike).

    The tifosi is now for sale CHEEKY LINK TO FS THREAD – ITS A 58cm 🙂 as I promised myself I’d sell it to go towards the new bike. I’d love to keep it with the weather as it is, and the amount of grief I got last week on a rainy club run for not having guards, and I just love the colour 🙂 but can’t justify having such a good second bike for the amount of use it would get.

    mattsccm
    Free Member

    C+ put the Tifosi on top last month.

    mboy
    Free Member

    Selling a Defy 2 right now, in medium if you were interested. It’s been a great bike, I just fancy an upgrade.

    25’s fit inside full guards no problem, I think you could get 28’s in there possibly but I’ve not tried.

    The Tiagra kit has been absolutely faultless too, it definitely feels nearly as good as 105 or even Ultegra, and a massive improvement over Sora.

    mboy
    Free Member

    Also worth checking out would be the Merida Ride Lite 93 at £850. Similar design to the Giant Defy, comes with 25’s and clearance for full guards, and has a full Tiagra 10spd group on it too.

    MrTall
    Free Member

    I have a Roadlite and although i love it and think it’s fantastic value, you won’t be getting mudguards on it with 25mm tyres.

    With a 23mm tyre on the clearance with Crud raceguards is incredibly tight, couldn’t see how it would fit with bigger tyres.

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