Speciliazed Roubaix Comp or Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1

jonny.w

Hi, looking at a new endurance bike for long sportives at the weekend and have shortlisted the above against my budget.

Comparing the two bikes there are of a similar price.

Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 appears to have better components but unsure of frame & wheelset.

Specialized Roubaix Comp components not as good but frame gets good reviews and I think I'd value the 20mm of the shock absorption.

Be good to hear what the forum would go for ....

ugo.santalucia

For 100 miles sportives you don't really need any of that... let's face it, we are talking about 5-7 hours depending on how hilly they are, which are perfectly doable with a basic race bike.

If you are talking about longer sportives, like > 200 km, then it makes sense to look for that extra comfort, so room for bigger tyres and maybe that Specialized front suspension just does the job of relieving a bit of pressure in your upper body.

If it comes to Giant Vs Specialized as a brand, I'd always go for the latter... great quality and trouble free frames and great after sale support too... only niggle is their unique dropout system which is incompatible with anything else on the market, as I understand

jdee84

ugo.santalucia wrote:

only niggle is their unique dropout system which is incompatible with anything else on the market, as I understand

I think they've changed again for these newer frames and went back to a standard dropout system.

chippyk

Didn't get in with the front suspension when I borrowed a Roubaix Comp, seated putting an effort in over say a bridge I could feel the front bouncing bit. That said I'm still tempted between the two you list.

Cyclinguphills

Go for the Specialised Roubaix I had one most comfortable bike I ever had for long distance rides!