Which Bike Giant TCR or Defy

Keirfergie84

Hi Folks

New to the forum so go easy! (and apologies if I have missed similar questions)

Just looking for a bit of buying advice re the 2017 Giant TCR advanced 2 and 2017 Giant Defy 2. Specifically on whether the Geometry on the TCR is too aggressive for someone like me that will not be racing but just doing the odd 60 mile sportive, and the "I can go faster than you" club run at the weekends in the summer. The Defy is the safer choice as it is billed as a more comfortable bike but like many folk, I would rather have a slightly faster bike underneath me!

I currently have a 2014 Boardman Team carbon which will be relegated to winter bike status, as my olg Giant SCR2 has bit the bullet. I appreciate that bike fit/feel is everything but ill be struggling to get to the bike shop to try the TCR as I work away and the C2W voucher needs to be used this month.

I appreciate im asking how long a piece of string is, and everyone is different but in the first instance I thought I would put the question out there to any TCR owners willing to share their thoughts on how comfortable the bike is. Alternatively if someone understands Bike Geometry, does the TCR look to be a lot more aggressive than my Team Carbon?

Cheers Folks!

wotnoshoeseh

Why don't you just compare the geometry of your Boardman Team Carbon (or SCR) to the Defy and the TCR and see which is best suited? Then buy the one best suited geometry wise.

e17blade

When I was choosing between a TCR and a Propel I went to my nearest Giant store and ride them both. They let me take each one out for about an hour. I can thoroughly recommend this is as a way of choosing.

I chose the TCR by the way - then had it fitted - and find it extremely comfortable.

chippyk

I spent ages on the decision and bought a Synapse.

blueshorts

The extra reach on an all out racing bike is just to offer the option of getting into a more aggressive position. It's a nice option to have when cycling endlessly into a headwind. But as long as you're bike fit, then with a race bike, and your hands on the bars you will be in the most comfortable position possible for cycling over distance. If you're just looking to get out and about for some fun, then you would be better off with a more relaxed geometry. But if you desire to become a decent cyclist over time, go for the extra reach and you will become bike fit over time.

timothyw

Do you have your stem slammed? If so, get the TCR.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, get the Defy.

There's very little actual difference, they're both good bikes, and the likelihood is that you can achieve the same fit with either of them.

Keirfergie84

Thanks all, appreciate the replies. Stem is slammed on the boardman to answer your question TimW. A friend who knows his stuff looked at the geometries of the TCR and Boardman and came to the conclusion they are not a million miles away from each other, certainly considering the boardman spacers are gone.

So feeling a bit more assured the TCR is the better one to go for, and you've nailed it on the head Blueshorts, the TCR will likely allow a greater improvement as a cyclist. Im sure ill find other excuses to explain the lack of speed going forward.... the bike will need new wheels ofcourse!