So what would you do...

First I'd ride the bike(s) of interest and confirm to myself that I like them better/they do something more than what I have. If I like what the Cosmic wheelset did for my Defy 2, then I'd demo the test bikes with my MCE wheelset to see apples to peaches what differences I could detect between the new frameset/components and my current ride.

On a financial basis, doing business with a local LBS has benefits for you and "them". $800 back on a $1,000 bike nets you a $200 rental fee for 3 months, or around $66/mo, which is a an inexpensive bike rental charge if you want to look at it that way. $100 off the new bike isn't a screaming deal, but it appears you have found a good shop willing to work with you and one that has your riding happiness as a goal. Sounds like a pretty good exchange for your hard-earned money.

What you'll have to decide is if the new ride (whatever it turns out to be) has $X,[censored] more net value (for you) than what you have. If you love it - for whatever reason - buy it and enjoy!

sitzmark said:

First I'd ride the bike(s) of interest and confirm to myself that I like them better/they do something more than what I have.  If I like what the Cosmic wheelset did for my Defy 2, then I'd demo the test bikes with my MCE wheelset to see apples to peaches what differences I could detect between the new frameset/components and my current ride. On a financial basis, doing business with a local LBS has benefits for you and "them".  $800 back on a $1,000 bike nets you a $200 rental fee for 3 months, or around $66/mo, which is a an inexpensive bike rental charge if you want to look at it that way.  $100 off the new bike isn't a screaming deal, but it appears you have found a good shop willing to work with you and one that has your riding happiness as a goal.  Sounds like a pretty good exchange for your hard-earned money.  What you'll have to decide is if the new ride (whatever it turns out to be) has $X,[censored] more net value (for you) than what you have.  If you love it - for whatever reason - buy it and enjoy!

Spot on. As a matter of fact, I'd suggest you test the CF Defy with your wheel set, seat, stem, and pedals (with the seat and stem set at the positions they are on your current bike) to get the best feel for the differences between the two. Be sure to inflate the tires on your wheels to the pressure you normally use. The LBS should be able to switch all that stuff over and set the correct positions in very short order.

That's a really good deal on that trade. If it were me and the bike was one I just had to have I'd be all over that deal.

Yeah going the bike route seems to the better deal. I have been pricing an Ultegra groupset for part of the night, so far looking to be $900 just for the groupset, then switching over what I can and having to pay the LBS to do any part I cant. I figure by the time I am done I will be around $1100 in just switching the groupset out on my bike.

As I sit right now I will be around $1450 with my trade in and selling my CF seatpost.

the composit version of my bike is exactly the same as my current bike so that means handling will be the same on the Defy Composite. The other bike on the bubble is a Giant TCR. So far it seems it is about 3/4" shorter wheelbase which means the bike will be a little more twitchy on the steering side.

I plan on calling the LBS I am dealing with and see if he has both bikes in stock and do like suggested and ride both and see which one I like better.

Sad thing is if I had done this right from the get go I would of have saved $600, but hindsight is alwasy 20/20 isnt it.

so deal was made yesterday after talking with another competing dealer. Got 10% off of the new bike and $800 trade in my bike. So not too bad, picked up a 2012 Giant TCR composite. Like it so far, did 16 miles on it last night before some storms moved in. Plan on putting some more miles on it tonight as well.

Congrats!!!