Bike Buying

I want to upgrade from my cheap as chips road bike, for next season.

Been researching, and have my eye on either the Specialised Amira Comp, or Liv Envie Advanced 1 (I haven't tried either yet).

To my uneducated eyes, they look similar, Carbon, Ultegra, but there is a £500 price difference. What does the Amira (£2100) have that the Envie (£1599) doesn't? And is it worth the difference in price?

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/envie.advanced.1/24970/90585/

https://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/road/amira-comp/115696

 

Comments

  • Giant bikes are often better value as they use their own finishing kit to keep the price lower, usually the stem, bars, wheels etc.



    There is a thought that if you buy a Spesh, trek etc you also pay a bit more for the name/known brand.



    As for which is better, simple answer is the one that fits you and is the best to ride, sounds a bit obvious but your going to be on it for a far few hours so get it right
  • The red one. ( if it fits properly) 

  • IslandIsland ✭✭✭
    Flat Footed wrote (see)
    Giant bikes are often better value as they use their own finishing kit to keep the price lower, usually the stem, bars, wheels etc.

    There is a thought that if you buy a Spesh, trek etc you also pay a bit more for the name/known brand.

    As for which is better, simple answer is the one that fits you and is the best to ride, sounds a bit obvious but your going to be on it for a far few hours so get it right

    Thanks. There is a bike shop near me that stocks both brands, so will try both. Just wanted to know if there was a technical difference in the bikes to justify the price difference (should both suit me).

    Dave The Iron Ex- Spartan wrote (see)

    The red one. ( if it fits properly) 

    Oh it's all about the paint job... but red ain't my colour  image

  • Some may argue the DT wheels on the specialized are better than the Giant own brand, but other than that I can't see where the extra money is.

    Id save £300 and go for the advanced 2, only difference being colour and 105 rather than Ultegra. I have 105 11 and it's great, can't see the benefit of going for Ultegra 

  • IslandIsland ✭✭✭
    What is the difference between 105 and Ultegra? Just weight? Or mechanical performance?
  • Mainly weight, there will be some minor advantages but I doubt anyone bar pros will be able to tell. I have tried Dura ace, Ultegra and 105 and couldn't tell much difference, if any. If you aren't paying then go for the best image Also depends if you like the colour of the advanced 2, as we all know colour makes a big difference

  • Simo429Simo429 ✭✭✭

    Planet x seem to be great value

  • IslandIsland ✭✭✭
    Rocco. wrote (see)

     If you aren't paying then go for the best image 

    I wish I wasn't paying... but I haven't managed to persuade Santa that it is a suitable Christmas pressie  image

  • I must be  a pro then as I can tell the difference between my Dura ace and Ultegra!!

    But don't forget, the gears/wheels/brake etc - which appear to be the main difference between the two bikes you have mentioned - can, or will have to, be replaced in the future - so you can always upgrade later on.

    So as the others say, get the one that you feel most comfortable on/with.

  • RicFRicF ✭✭✭

    You might find that the Giant bike model you are after in the size you want isn't available.

    The company (Giant) make a number of bikes and then distribute them.

    Once sold they are gone.

    Then it about waiting for the new models to arrive.

    I bought a Giant TCR and it seems the one in my size was about the only one left anywhere.

    The gears were Shimano Ultegra which means on the scale of what is the best, they are in second place.

    Shimano: Dura ace = 1st, Ultegra = 2nd, 105 = 3rd.

    Makes sense names like this, doesn't it.

    🙂

  • https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-shipping-OG-EVKIN-T700-3K-Weave-BB386-Racing-Carbon-Bike-Road-Frame-Bicycle-Road-Frame/513273_32675804792.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.74adaq
  • https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-shipping-OG-EVKIN-T700-3K-Weave-BB386-Racing-Carbon-Bike-Road-Frame-Bicycle-Road-Frame/513273_32674702610.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.74adaq
  • https://orge.aliexpress.com/store/513273
  • Pink PiratePink Pirate ✭✭✭
    I bought a Liv Envie Advanced Tri at the beginning of this year. I absolutely love it. Rather random tip from me though - be EXTREMELY careful fitting the seat post into the frame. If you get a small frame the seat post will need to be cut down before you can insert it to anywhere near rideable level. There is a long, almost very costly, story linked to this. But in short - I love my Liv! Giant are remarkably good value - you get a lot of bike and a high spec for your money.
Sign In or Register to comment.