Which new carbon bike? Cube vs. Giant

scotthunter

Hi,

I'm looking for some buying advice please.

Looking to buy a carbon bike up to £1.5-2k (I can get a 10% discount at my local bike shop).

I have shortlisted the following from Cube and Giant as they seem to offer good value and quality and I quite like the look of the frames.

Giant TCR Advanced 2 (2018):

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/tcr-advanced-2-2018

Giant Defy Advanced 1 (2018):

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/defy-advanced-1-2018

Cube Attain GTC Pro (2018):

https://www.cube.eu/en/2018/bikes/road/road-cyclocross/attain-gtc/cube-attain-gtc-pro-carbonnblue-2018/

Cube Attain GTC SL (2018):

https://www.cube.eu/en/2018/bikes/road/road-cyclocross/attain-gtc/cube-attain-gtc-sl-carbonnwhite-2018/

Cube Attain GTC SLT Disc (2018):

https://www.cube.eu/en/2018/bikes/road/road-cyclocross/attain-gtc/cube-attain-gtc-slt-disc-carbonnflashyellow-2018/

Cube Agree C:62 Pro (2018):

https://www.cube.eu/uk/2018/bikes/road/road-cyclocross/agree/cube-agree-c62-pro-carbonnblue-2018/

The bike will be used for long and hilly club rides of 50-60 miles, 100 mile sportives and the occasional duathlon. I want something fast and agile, but with enough comfort to handle 8 hr rides over rough Dartmoor roads. I also want a frame that will withstand daily life. My current bike has an anodised aluminium frame which has brilliant resistance to scuffs, but I have not owned a carbon bike before so I am not sure what to expect in terms of durability.

A couple of main points - are Giant frames better than Cube frames, or are they equally as good? Is full Ultegra work paying for, i.e. brakes as well as gear components? And should I go for discs? I don't ride in the rain, if I can help it.

I would welcome some opinions please.

Thanks!

supermurph09

The TCR advanced 2 was recently voted bike of the year, you can get it cheaper here:

https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/road-bik ... 018-p19026

The Ultegra version: https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/road-bik ... 018-p19025

Might be worth a look in the latest cycling plus for other models in you price range too.

scotthunter

Supermurph09 wrote:

The TCR advanced 2 was recently voted bike of the year, you can get it cheaper here:

https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/road-bik ... 018-p19026

The Ultegra version: https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/road-bik ... 018-p19025

Might be worth a look in the latest cycling plus for other models in you price range too.

Thank you, that TCR advanced 2 looks like a bargain. I have seen it in a couple of local stores and it feels very light, lighter than the Cube Attain GTC SL, however it seems designed more for racing than endurance? Do you know if the seatpost and handlebars are comfortable enough for 100+ mile rides?

supermurph09

I would highly doubt you’d have any issue comfort wise. I don’t have personal experience but I ride with lots of people who ride bikes with supposed race geometry (myself included) and have no issues doing longer rides.

meursault

Cannondale Synapse

scotthunter

oxoman wrote:

Was buying the cube attain last year but decided I preferred the Giant Defy advanced pro 2 and got ex demo for a steal from rutland cycles. Found giant more comfortable after test rides. I wouldn't go back to rim brakes, but won't be getting rid of mine anytime soon. Just make sure hydraulic brakes not cable. Seem to remember better tyre clearance on the defy as well, currently running 28s.

You think its worth paying extra for disc brakes then?

maddog 2

I'd see if you can pick up a 2017 TCR Advanced disc in a sale.

It depends if there is anything about in your size obviously, like this one:
http://www.swinnertoncycles.co.uk/bikes ... 84/s146067

There are also some rim brake versions - not my thing but some people can stomach them :shock:
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/ro ... ack_379725

drlodge

I'd compare the geometries, it might be that one has a slightly sorter top tube or longer head tube for example in the same "size". Compare against your current bike and what you're comfortable with.

scotthunter

maddog 2 wrote:

I'd see if you can pick up a 2017 TCR Advanced disc in a sale.

It depends if there is anything about in your size obviously, like this one:
http://www.swinnertoncycles.co.uk/bikes ... 84/s146067

There are also some rim brake versions - not my thing but some people can stomach them :shock:
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/ro ... ack_379725

I found this one in a size M/L for £1599 (I am 5'11 and normally ride a 58 - will this fit me?). Looks like a nice bike with the aero wheels and disc brakes - what are your thoughts on the lime green paint job?

https://www.solent-cycles.co.uk/77727/products/2017-giant-tcr-adv-1-disc-carbon-road-bike.aspx?currency=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjwlIvXBRBjEiwATWAQIt0cXQEZRFPN8nyHmp4arF4kLPU8nlTqAMbv8tSr7ZTVDoj4IT-WBhoCfrEQAvD_BwE

maddog 2

I'd put you on a M/L, yes. TCRs are long.

The green looks okay in the flesh.

scotthunter

maddog 2 wrote:

I'd put you on a M/L, yes. TCRs are long.

The green looks okay in the flesh.

How does the 2017 Giant TRC Advanced 1 compare with the 2017 Cube Litening C:62 Pro? It's a £3000 bike reduced to £1899, and I can get a further 10% off, making it only £100 more than the Giant. It's seriously light for a £1700 bike at only 7.5kg and has Ultegra Di2 electronic shifters.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube-litening-c-62-pro-road-bike-2017/rp-prod163867

I prefer the bright paint job of the Giant, but the Cube has an awesome spec for the money.

scotthunter

I can't seem to find the advertised weights of any of the Giant bikes.

I am now leaning towards disc brakes but don't want the weight to be over 8.5kg (without pedals), hence why I am looking at a higher price point.

I am now torn between these two:

https://www.solent-cycles.co.uk/80505/p ... -bike.aspx

https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/cube-att ... olour=3651

I know the Cube is 8.4kg, but I'm not sure about the Giant. I want the bike to climb fast and slow quickly, but maybe I am asking too much!

Also I am not sure about the geometry. I want the comfort to be similar to my old bike, which seemed to have a good combination of comfort/race feel, and don't really know enough about bike geometry to interpret what the numbers translate to. My old bike is here:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube ... prod111954

Thanks!

wahla21

scotthunter wrote:

I can't seem to find the advertised weights of any of the Giant bikes.

I am now leaning towards disc brakes but don't want the weight to be over 8.5kg (without pedals), hence why I am looking at a higher price point.

I am now torn between these two:

https://www.solent-cycles.co.uk/80505/p ... -bike.aspx

https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/cube-att ... olour=3651

I know the Cube is 8.4kg, but I'm not sure about the Giant. I want the bike to climb fast and slow quickly, but maybe I am asking too much!

Also I am not sure about the geometry. I want the comfort to be similar to my old bike, which seemed to have a good combination of comfort/race feel, and don't really know enough about bike geometry to interpret what the numbers translate to. My old bike is here:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube ... prod111954

Thanks!

I own a Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc. Best bike I've had, really comfy over long rides but also very agile. I'm very tall though so the TCR fits me as it's very long.
I have also owned a Cube Agree GTC SLT and it was good but nowhere near the comfort of the Giant, for me.

Also, since moving to discs I would never go back, but that's personal preference only.

Weights for the Giants are on their Japanese website, found here: https://www.giant.co.jp/giant18/bike_select.php?c_code=CA01&f_code=FD01&s_code=SR02

scotthunter

[/quote]

I own a Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc. Best bike I've had, really comfy over long rides but also very agile. I'm very tall though so the TCR fits me as it's very long.
I have also owned a Cube Agree GTC SLT and it was good but nowhere near the comfort of the Giant, for me.

Also, since moving to discs I would never go back, but that's personal preference only.

Weights for the Giants are on their Japanese website, found here: https://www.giant.co.jp/giant18/bike_select.php?c_code=CA01&f_code=FD01&s_code=SR02[/quote]

Useful to know. I am now seriously considering the Giant TCR Advanced Disc. I can get 15% off at Cycle Surgery. Think the grey and orange colour scheme is cool too. Is the wheel set any good? What’s the comfort like for 100 mile rides?

https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/giant-tc ... olour=3657

scotthunter

I own a Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc. Best bike I've had, really comfy over long rides but also very agile. I'm very tall though so the TCR fits me as it's very long.
I have also owned a Cube Agree GTC SLT and it was good but nowhere near the comfort of the Giant, for me.

Also, since moving to discs I would never go back, but that's personal preference only.

Weights for the Giants are on their Japanese website, found here: https://www.giant.co.jp/giant18/bike_select.php?c_code=CA01&f_code=FD01&s_code=SR02

Useful to know. I am now seriously considering the Giant TCR Advanced Disc. I can get 15% off at Cycle Surgery. Think the grey and orange colour scheme is cool too. Is the wheel set any good? What’s the comfort like for 100 mile rides?

https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/giant-tc ... olour=3657[/quote]

scotthunter

I own a Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc. Best bike I've had, really comfy over long rides but also very agile. I'm very tall though so the TCR fits me as it's very long.
I have also owned a Cube Agree GTC SLT and it was good but nowhere near the comfort of the Giant, for me.

Also, since moving to discs I would never go back, but that's personal preference only.

Weights for the Giants are on their Japanese website, found here: https://www.giant.co.jp/giant18/bike_select.php?c_code=CA01&f_code=FD01&s_code=SR02

Useful to know. I am now seriously considering the Giant TCR Advanced Disc. I can get 15% off at Cycle Surgery. Think the grey and orange colour scheme is cool too. Is the wheel set any good? What’s the comfort like for 100 mile rides?

https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/giant-tc ... olour=3657[/quote][/quote]

scotthunter

scotthunter wrote:

I own a Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc. Best bike I've had, really comfy over long rides but also very agile. I'm very tall though so the TCR fits me as it's very long.
I have also owned a Cube Agree GTC SLT and it was good but nowhere near the comfort of the Giant, for me.

Also, since moving to discs I would never go back, but that's personal preference only.

Weights for the Giants are on their Japanese website, found here: https://www.giant.co.jp/giant18/bike_select.php?c_code=CA01&f_code=FD01&s_code=SR02

Useful to know. I am now seriously considering the Giant TCR Advanced Disc. I can get 15% off at Cycle Surgery. Think the grey and orange colour scheme is cool too. Is the wheel set any good? What’s the comfort like for 100 mile rides?

https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/giant-tcr-advanced-1-disc-Q2315120.html?colour=3657

wahla21

scotthunter wrote:

I own a Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc. Best bike I've had, really comfy over long rides but also very agile. I'm very tall though so the TCR fits me as it's very long.
I have also owned a Cube Agree GTC SLT and it was good but nowhere near the comfort of the Giant, for me.

Also, since moving to discs I would never go back, but that's personal preference only.

Weights for the Giants are on their Japanese website, found here: https://www.giant.co.jp/giant18/bike_select.php?c_code=CA01&f_code=FD01&s_code=SR02[/quote]

Useful to know. I am now seriously considering the Giant TCR Advanced Disc. I can get 15% off at Cycle Surgery. Think the grey and orange colour scheme is cool too. Is the wheel set any good? What’s the comfort like for 100 mile rides?

https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/giant-tc ... olour=3657[/quote]

I got the 2017 model but same spec as the 2018 one.
Be aware, it comes with the hideous 505 levers, not the one pictured on the page you linked to.
Unless it now comes with the latest Ultegra?

The wheel set is ok, DT Swiss hubs but they are heavy. I'd upgrade if I were you.
Might be worth checking out the Pro version which comes with the SLR carbon wheels. If your budget allows that is.

Comfort is fine for me, I've always struggled with saddles but this one on the Giant fits me perfect.
I'm doing a 300KM ride in June so it better be good! :-)

scotthunter

I looked at the Orange TCR Advacnced 2 in my local store and the one thing I didn’t like was the handle bar. It feels too small and rounded. I wish Giant could make it more ergonomic and use thicker bar tape like Cube bikes. Other than that it felt like a feather.

Do you think the disc brakes make the bike noticeably slower when climbing?

wahla21

scotthunter wrote:

I looked at the Orange TCR Advacnced 2 in my local store and the one thing I didn’t like was the handle bar. It feels too small and rounded. I wish Giant could make it more ergonomic and use thicker bar tape like Cube bikes. Other than that it felt like a feather.

Do you think the disc brakes make the bike noticeably slower when climbing?

Hard for me to say as I haven't ridden the rim brake version. But compared to my 6.9kg SuperSix Evo previously I am faster now! But that could also be down to fitness of course.
I don't feel that the bike feels heavy, it feels solid and stable which I like being a big guy.

Discs are very personal but for me they outweigh the weight penalty with superior braking.
Some other brands are however better at keeping the weight down on their disc brake bikes than Giant. There is almost a 1.5kg difference between the Advanced 1 and Advanced 1 Disc.

As a reference, I have the XL one with Ultegra and SLR 0 wheels and it weighs about 8.2KG

scotthunter

How does the TCR disc compare against the Defy Advanced 1 Disc 2018 weight-wise? I assume the wheels are the same?

wahla21

scotthunter wrote:

How does the TCR disc compare against the Defy Advanced 1 Disc 2018 weight-wise? I assume the wheels are the same?

Not sure about the weight difference.
Completely different geometry though.
Think the wheels are the same, Giant PR2

scotthunter

How about this one?

https://www.certini.co.uk/38983/products/2018-giant-defy-advanced-pro-1-road-bike-carbon-smoke-green.aspx?currency=GBP&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2pXXBRD5ARIsAIYoEbdxUspgf0ub-7l8v3yxej7TQKEp4qVzKhkESttIfLrMmzgseNh78lMaAoQiEALw_wcB

Might be more suitable for 100 mile sportives / 8 hours in the saddle. It's also only 7.9kg with carbon wheels so it will climb better than the TCR. It also has a higher quality handlebar and stem.

keef66

You're in danger of over-thinking this, and you could end up with a massive spreadsheet and still no bike.

The Defy is a very different beast from the TCR. It's less stretched out with a taller front end and more seatpost showing. But a properly fitted TCR can be just as comfortable as a Defy for day long rides, and give a more involving ride.

Stop obsessing about bike weight; the only thing that makes a bike go uphill quickly is the rider (or EPO / hanging on to the team car)

My advice would be to visit some proper bike shops, try a few different bikes, then buy the one that felt best, and most importantly, which you like the look of.

lostboysaint

Big fan of my Agree C62 disc. Full 105, hydraulic. Good geometry for all day comfort and yet quick and sharp handling enough. Standard saddle is shit (for me) so that got changed and I also put some different wheels in it, simply because I'm a big guy and wanted more spokes. Through axle frame is stiff laterally.

scotthunter

keef66 wrote:

You're in danger of over-thinking this, and you could end up with a massive spreadsheet and still no bike.

The Defy is a very different beast from the TCR. It's less stretched out with a taller front end and more seatpost showing. But a properly fitted TCR can be just as comfortable as a Defy for day long rides, and give a more involving ride.

Stop obsessing about bike weight; the only thing that makes a bike go uphill quickly is the rider (or EPO / hanging on to the team car)

My advice would be to visit some proper bike shops, try a few different bikes, then buy the one that felt best, and most importantly, which you like the look of.

The hard part, without test riding all of them, is trying to work out which bike best matches my current bike's geometry (Cube Peloton Pro). It's not the lightest of bikes, but I know I can sit on it for 10 hours across Dartmoor without too much back pain. I guess that means it has endurance geometry. Some people have said that out of the Giant range the Defy is closest to it in terms of riding position.

I'm tempted by the Defy Advanced Pro 1 as it has lighter SLR composite wheels and I think the Carbon Smoke/Green/Charcoal paint job looks quite cool - but I suppose that is subjective.

scotthunter

lostboysaint wrote:

Big fan of my Agree C62 disc. Full 105, hydraulic. Good geometry for all day comfort and yet quick and sharp handling enough. Standard saddle is shoot (for me) so that got changed and I also put some different wheels in it, simply because I'm a big guy and wanted more spokes. Through axle frame is stiff laterally.

Do you mean this one:

https://www.cube.eu/en/2018/bikes/road/road-cyclocross/agree/cube-agree-c62-race-disc-carbonnwhite-2018/

Was looking at it. Seems similar on paper to the Defy Advanced Pro 1 but with more aggressive geometry.

lostboysaint

That's the Ultegra version rather than my 105 but yes. And it really isn't that aggressive. It's took quite a bit of stack reduction to get it even close to being as low as my Wilier.

keef66

Cube Attain is more akin to the Defy geometry. The Agree is somewhere between the Attain and the Litening

My son just bought a 2017 Attain GTC with virtually full Ultegra 6800 for £1k from Paul's Cycles, which seems an utter bargain. 10 years ago I paid more than that for an alu framed bike with 105...

keef66

Or Rutland are doing the 105 hydro disc version for just over a grand, if you're the right size and can live with the hideous shifters...

scotthunter

Why are 105 shifters hideous?