urshurak776

Hi everyone! I just visited my LBS to introduce myself. Great group of folks! They sold me a GIANT Defy 5 for $500 out the door. I love the looks and seems really solid. They even threw in a bunch of goodies. I can't wait to get it!!!!

seymour1910

Congrats on the new bike.

care to elaborate.....

urshurak776

Sure, upgraded pedals, a shirt, saddle bag, 2 cages and 2 water bottles. Overall, I think it was a great deal. I met some super nice people also.

LowCel 

Sounds great, enjoy it. When will you be picking it up?

atallen223

WOOOOOO!

But don't worry though you'll always find more stuff to buy. It's really easy to spend a lot of money with this hobby

Do you have a helmet to go with it?

urshurak776

Thanks Everyone. I am getting my bonus at work in February. Hopefully in just a couple of weeks. I also need some bike shorts (bibs?) I am joining the local bike club and get a jersey with my membership. I do have a bike helmet (I bought one with my mountain bike.) THis is a noobish thing to say but can I use that one for road biking as well? Thanks again. I can't wait

bassjones

you can, but you'll probably want one to match your jersey... kidding... Unless you do, which is fine too. As long as the helmet fits, use it.

LowCel 

That helmet will be fine, you may want to remove the visor if it has one though. For shorts I certainly recommend bibs. Check out hammer nutritions site, their clothing is very hard to beat for the price. Shameless plug, if you decide to order drop me a pm and I'll give you a code, you will get a discount and I will get some store credit. There are others on here than can do the same for you if you so decide.

urshurak776

Awesome! Thanks. I will go check them out. Thanks to all for the helmet advice.

qcpmsame 

Welcome to the roadie world, hope you enjoy the new bike, we need pics too. Good for you Lowcel, that is a stand up thing to do, you deserve points for helping him out.

Bill

seymour1910

All good info, and as someone said above no matter how you slice it, you will find yourself buying goodies often as you get into this sport. Some of it will be needs but a lot of it will simply be "cuz i want it". Shorts and bibs will be important, and will become more important if you start riding more. I personally have both and they both serve a purpose. If all I have time for is a 15-25 mile quick ride I have basic cycling shorts that I wear and they do fine. If I plan on being in the saddle for a long period of time I have bibs. You can get deals on shorts/bibs if you shop around. Get on everyone's email list, the deals will come flying through. Lowcel gave you a place to go, also try nashbar, performance bike, competitive cyclist, aerotechdesigns, and the list goes on.

HigherGround

baj32161

Welcome to the forums. Congrats on the new ride. It is cool to hear the enthusiasm of a new rider with a new road bike. Have fun with your new Giant. They make nice bikes at good values.

It sounds like you like your LBS and that is good. Use them when you need something. I have always supported my local bike shop and have never regretted doing so.

We look forward to seeing you out here and remember....you MUST post a pic of te bike when you get it .

Cheers,

Brian J.

eja_ bottecchia

Pics, we need pics....

adrien

welcome.

A quick thought -- I'm a huge fan of bibs. Shorts rely on your waist to stay up, and the motion of cycling is such that they either will fall down over time (fine if you're a plumber ), or end up being so tight they dig in. Bibs are a better reflection of the way your body moves when cycling, and hold everything in place much better. IMHO, highly worth the extra 10-20%.

Christobevii3

That's a really good price. Looks like the 2011 Defy frame style I have on my Defy 1. Should last you a good while.

mbbiker

Same frame on the 5,3,2 and 1.

Is the Defy 5 you got a 2012 or 2013? Just asking because they replaced the decent riding but heavier steel fork with a stiffer/ rough riding but lighter aluminum fork for 2013. Other than that and paint color they're the same. Congrats on the road bike can't wait to see pictures and hear a ride report.

CenturionIM

this. especially for a defy 5

Cowboy905

congrats! ride the heck out of it and enjoy

Dudelsack 

Yes, lots if pics. Nothing like some good wholesome bike pron to get you through the cold winter nights.

urshurak776

Sorry I am late on posting. Work has been crazy. Anyway, the bike is a 2013 Giant Defy 5. I almost got a left over 2012 Jamis, but the one he had was too big for me. He reached up and grabbed the Giant and did some measurements. He said, "I told you $500 and you are getting this one for $500." Awesome guy. As soon as I get it I will post some pics. I can't wait. Thanks for the advice on the Bibs, I think that is the direction I will go. I must admit though, I was shocked when I saw the prices! Thinking about it, I see that it is worth it. You guys are amazing! Thanks for all the help

baj32161

You`re obviously new

seymour1910

caloso

Yay for new bikes! Yay for new riders!

wrote4luck

A Giant was my first road bike too, a 2004 TCR I bought used for $500. I ended up winning 5 races on it. I miss that bike, sold it when I went into the army.