Which bike..!

[markbt]

Currently riding Giant Defy 4 triple, looking to upgrade to carbon compact in the coming months. I've been doing ALOT of research and narrowed it down to a possible three but now i'm totally confused at which one I should go for and why! The 3 i'm looking at are as follows;

Eddy Merckx EMX1
Specialized Tarmac Sport (or possibly Elite)
Charlie Boardman pro carbon bike

All are around the same cost of between £1500-£1800, all are full carbon, the spec is slightly different on each obviously and this is what is confusing me... a little help is appreciated!

[Darth Weasel]

If you are happy with your Defy, why not go for a Defy Advanced?

You can get a 2012 Advanced 3 with 105 for about 1500, a 2012 Advanced 2 with Ultegra for 1900, or a 2013 Advanced 3 with 105 for under 2k.

I'd go for 2012 Advanced 2 . . .

[Pete Appleby 3]

The bikes you mention are in theory more race oreintated than the Defy, but as I have said on may occasions a better allrounder you will not find, if you are doing long rides and sportives I would go with a Defy Advanced, lovely smooth ride,sharp handling, climbs well and all day comfy.
Can you ytry the bikes you mention?

[markbt]

Got a really good bloke at a bike shop near me that's really helpful. I could have a ride on the Specialized Vs Merckx I think but obviously the Boardman is sold only through Halfords and I can't see them letting me take the bike for a ride. I hadn't thought about the Giant Defy Advanced to be honest with you guys, I might have a look at it.

[Fevmeister]

I would mark

[Alberto Balsam]

LOL who's Charlie Boardman ?

[Fevmeister]

Hahah oh yes can't believe we let that one slip!

[markbt]

Haha well spotted guys, not sure how I managed that but in fairness it was half 10 at night haha Will have a look at the Giant and see if I can have a ride on the Merckx and Specialized too.

Just for further laughs I was spelling Eddy Merckx as "eddie" for sometime before I realised my mistake :P

[Mike the bike]

Charlie Boardman? An amazing bloke who lived somewhat in the shadow of his second cousin Chris. A rather troubled child, he was introduced to cycling by his exasperated father, who stuck him on a bike, pushed a jam sandwich in his pocket and pointed him towards Edinburgh. Which is quite a long way from Wembley.

When he eventually returned home, by now about a foot taller, he commenced his racing career, winning a number of Prestige events. And not many races are sponsored by a saucepan manufacturer. He still holds the King of the Mountains title for the Tour of Romney Marsh, for which he won a gold watch, and despite the disability of having one leg both alike he continues to ride at the highest amateur level.

No cycling club annual celebration is complete without Charlie's after-dinner speech, partly because he is extremely cheap, in fact he would do it for the meal alone, and partly because of his claim to be best friends with Lance Armstrong. But the invitations seem to be drying up just lately and I have heard he is contemplating an assault on the 58 minute record. That watch was always a little fast.

Oh yes, we need characters like Charlie.

[andyt916]

I expect Charlie'll be out to defend his title...

Tour of Romney Marsh is running on Sunday 14th October of the following route

http://gb.mapometer.com/running/route_2381373.html

Triple chain rings and and long rear mechs only need apply!