Giant Defy vs Caad9 Good fit with race performance

Bozabyka
Bozabyka Posts: 252
edited November 2014 in Road buying advice
I have been looking at changing my Caad9 it quite simply does not fit.
I have tried the Giant Defy it was a great fit, however it did feel a little sluggish.
What caused the Defy to be sluggish?
Longer chain stays and a frame made for rough roads?
Could I be right thinking the frame is good and 28mm tyres with puncture protection and Giant Wheels with spokes with little tension could be the real issue?
My usual training wheels are Fulcrum 5s with Continental Four Seasons.
So with a bad back a race bike is not practical. The Giant appears not to have the grunt to take a good thrashing.
Do I stick with race bikes and los of spacers?
Any suggestions?

Comments

  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    From my experience of a Trek road bike in the same price range changing the tyres to 23mm 4 seasons made a big difference. Due to being heavier than most road bikers I kept the stock wheels as they have proven to be very sturdy. Maybe it's just you would prefer another bike from a different manufacturer. Try some more test rides.
  • dj58
    dj58 Posts: 2,223
    The Defy has endurance geometry and is probably heavier overall so won't match the ride feel of your CAAD9.
    What model Defy did your try aluxx or carbon?

    Some Defy owners fit Campag Zonda wheels in place of the stock wheels and report a livier ride so a change of wheels and 25mm tyres may improve things. Have you considered a synapse.
  • bobmcstuff
    bobmcstuff Posts: 11,435
    DJ58 wrote:
    The Defy has endurance geometry and is probably heavier overall so won't match the ride feel of your CAAD9.
    What model Defy did your try aluxx or carbon?

    Some Defy owners fit Campag Zonda wheels in place of the stock wheels and report a livier ride so a change of wheels and 25mm tyres may improve things. Have you considered a synapse.

    I have done exactly that and the difference is very noticeable (same tyres). The stock Giant wheels are quite heavy and the Zondas are a lot stiffer. It's a pretty stark difference - when I go to put the stock wheel back on for the turbo I'm always surprised how much heavier it is than the zonda.

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