2015 Giant Defy

mcvw

Hi,

I've been lusting over the 2015 Defy Advanced models and they all look superb

I can only but dream of owning a Defy Advanced SL 0
http://www.giant-stpauls.co.uk/en-gb/bi ... 190/77285/

as the more practical (cheaper!) Advanced 1, 2 or 3 are more in my price range

http://www.giant-stpauls.co.uk/en-gb/bi ... 188/77290/

I actually prefer the colour scheme of the 3 (blue), but would prefer to have at least 105 group set, rather than Tiagra. However, does opting for 105 (on the Defy 2) warrant the extra £200 increase over staying with Tiagra and are there any differences/improvements to the new Tiagra groupset (20speed) vs the the 2014 (18speed)?

Q: Does anybody know how the frames on the 2015 Advanced range compare with the previous 2014 Defy Advanced/Composite frames?

Thanks,


Mike

dj58

As you are aware the carbon frames have been redesigned for 2015, supposedly to be more comfortable with the rear D fuse seat tube and rear stay configuration, no seat stay bridge. Also disc brakes replace the caliper brakes that were fitted to the 2014 models.

Read the following page links.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bik ... chnologies

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/tec ... nology/55/

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/sho ... chnologies

If you can live with the colour scheme, I'd say The Defy Advanced comp 2 5800 11sp is worth the extra £200

mcvw

Hi,

Yes, I am aware the frames are redesigned - but I was hoping to determine where the new defy advanced sits in comparison to last years composite and advanced models. The reason for asking is that the store has a defy composite 2 2014 model on sale for just over £1000 (in my size) and it's 105 (but not completely). So I could potentially have a similar bike for a great price?

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bik ... /#overview

Thanks,


Mike

dj58

Hi Mike,

The 2014 Composite 2 IIRC is made of Toray T600 grade carbon fibre, Giant have discontinued this range for 2015 and the Advanced Composite bikes, Toray T700 are now the entry level carbon bikes.

I don't own and have not ridden a carbon framed Defy, so can't advise you how the two different grades of carbon frames ride, someone will be along to tell you that, hopefully.

That is a good saving on the 2014 Comp 2 105 10sp with caliper brakes, though as you say not full 105, you could always upgrade the crankset and brakes with the money saved. It will ride differently to the 2015 bike I would imagine due to the differences in the new frame I pointed out in my first post.

If you are not particularly bothered about having 11sp 105 and the new frame configuration with disc brakes on the 2015 Advance Comp 2, then go for the 2014 bike, however I don't think they are a direct comparison in terms of ride quality because of the differences in material specs. and design features. Whether you would perceive the difference between the two only you can decide by trying them, not always possible I know.

mcvw

I agree totally - the 2014 bike does look very tempting - but if I were to adhere to the "get the best frame" rule, then I guess I should wait for the 2015 105 bike - even though it would be £350 dearer than the 2014 bike.

I guess that's the comparison I should be making i.e would spending £350 - or less - on the 2014 bike (composite 2) on brakes, cranks etc yield me a better ride than the 2015 defy (advanced 2)?

mcvw

Some quick googling by me...

- Seems that upgrading the 2014 models cranks to 105 would only save a little weight so not really worth the extra £90.
- The same seems true regarding upgrading the 2014 models brakes - only really weight saving, so not worth the £

So, other than comparing the wheels - which are both gonna be different due to the 2015 being a disc version, I can only really see the benefits of 2015 being 11speed 105 (along with the 2015 frame).

Is 11speed 105 really that different? It will still have the same top/bottom gearing as 10speed 105 won't it?

dj58

5800 105 11sp is supposedly the same improvement that 6800 Ultegra 11sp is over 6700 10sp i.e. not just the addition of the extra gear ratio, a complete redesign.

http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/con ... w_105.html

As I see it you can either go with the 2014 Comp 2 and have a proven bike for a good saving, or wait for the 2015 Advance Comp 2, new frame design, new groupset design and disc brakes and maybe an improved ride quality if Giant's claims are to be believed.

I'd contact Giant and ask them when and if one of the 2015 Advanced Comp bike is going in to be available in their test ride. At present they are only showing 2014 bikes.

http://www.test-ride.co.uk/

Your dilemma is if you wait to long the 2014 bike may be sold. I'm surprised no one has come back to you with an assessment of the Defy Composite/Advanced Composite 2013/2014 frame.

mcvw

Due to the availability of the advanced defy models I'm considering the defy aluxx 0 (11speed 105 + ultegra). So its actually better specced than the defy advanced 2 (105 11spd) but the obvious difference is the frame.

However, the defy aluxx 0 is nearly £400 cheaper!!

Will I really notice that much difference between the two frames (in terms of weight/comfort)?

dj58

Mike,

The Aluxx SL 2015 Defy 0 has also had a frame redesign, D-Fuse seat tube/carbon seatpost plus rear seat stays.
It is £200 pounds cheaper than last years model, which makes it more competitive.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/sho ... chnologies

It will not ride the same as the carbon framed Defy, but for a aluminium framed bike the defy has always been considered to be a comfortable ride, and the redesign is supposed to make the rear of the bike more compliant.

Weight wise the carbon framed bikes are generally lighter than the aluminium framed carbon forked bikes, though not always, it depends on carbon fibre spec. and lay up, and component and wheel choice. The addition of discs brakes is going to add weight to the carbon bikes though, I suspect this is why Giant have not fitted them to the Aluxx range as they probably think it would make the bike uncompetitive. Hard to compare as Giant don't publish bike weights.

I have a 2013 Aluxx SL Defy 0 6700 10sp Ultegra, I upgraded the crankset and brakes to 6700 after the components started to be discounted due to the introduction of the 11sp 6800 groupset. I really like mine and am not disappointed with the way it rides and handles. As I said before, I can't tell you how it compares with a carbon framed Defy as I've never owned one.

As said many times, make sure you get one which is the correct size.

bikingjohn

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bik ... /#geometry

Giant finally put Reach/Stack figures on their geometries table. That make things easier when comparing geometries to other brands.
Go to USA Giant site if the above link doesn't work.

amack

According to Giant their Alu Defy 1 is 8.84kg and their Advanced 2 105 is 9kg. Not sure that helps as I'm sure you wouldn't notice the difference though it does show the Defy 1 is a good Alu frame. If only giant did a Defy Alu Disc brake with nice tidy internal cabling. I'm actually tempted with the Defy Advanced 1 2014 as it can be had for £1800 or so, super bike by all accounts. btw the Advanced Pro and Advanced share the same carbon frame(sorry if someone has already said that), just the Pro has better wheels and a few other bits.

Time.to.ride

I own a Defy Advanced 1 2015 have upgraded the Disc wheels to a pair of Novatec JetFly's and have gained a decent weight loss combining them with the ever brilliant Continental Grand Prix 4000s tyres.

Is there anything else anyone can suggest as upgrades for me?

Thanks
Gary

stavgold

Some great deals direct from giant stores at moment. I've just picked up a 2015 Giant defy advanced 2 from Giant store in liverpool with 40% off, so cost me £840. I'm putting hydraulic disc brakes on (£300 from merlin) and a 105 5800 crank (£70). Will sell the parts I replace for about £150-175. So total bike will be about £1000.

The giant store in liverpool had some 2015 Defys in size large and m/l left last week including a couple of pro models all with 40% off. I was very tempted by the defy advanced pro 1 for £1560 but it was over my budget.

dj58

Your bike is 8kg in standard trim, you have saved weight at the most beneficial place by swopping the wheels and tyres for lighter items. The rest of the components are a reasonable weight already, you may save some weight by swopping the O.E. saddle if you don't get on with it.

Time.to.ride

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19760979#p19760979]DJ58[/url] wrote:

Your bike is 8kg in standard trim, you have saved weight at the most beneficial place by swopping the wheels and tyres for lighter items. The rest of the components are a reasonable weight already, you may save some weight by swopping the O.E. saddle if you don't get on with it.

Already ahead of you there lol i have put my Fizi'k Saddle on there instead as i find them a really comfortable choice

Time.to.ride

20151216_152606_001.jpg

This is so light and responsive and exceptional as a Full carbon bike