Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Rookie clyde in the search of a new steed...

I've been riding my Giant FCR 3 for about seven months now and have gotten over the whole flat-bar road bike trend. As my first bike I have been happy with it, I just wish I would have gone for a full road bike and spent more $$$ from the get go. Now for a little background info; I'm 23, 6'2" 220 lbs, down from 250 when I bought my FCR in August. Rides ranging from 20mi to possibly a century, as well as some sprint duathlons for fun. My LBS carries Giant and Felt, and I really like the shop so I plan on staying with them. The two bikes I have in mind are the Giant Defy Advanced 3, http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/2264/32187/, and the Giant TCR Advanced 3, http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/2260/32179/. Both would end up costing the same, since I would end up swapping some parts out anyways. My main issue is if the TCR would be too much of a race bike for my first road bike and if the Defy would be too comfort oriented for my needs. I understand that I'm taking a huge leap in price, but I have caught the cycling bug and am ready to take the plunge, still cheaper than my previous ATV hobby. Any input is appreciated...

The components are pretty similar and there isn't a huge difference in geometry so try them both and see which feels better. From a gear-inch standpoint, the TCR is going to be tougher on hills but if it fits better than the Defy, you can always have them swap to a compact crank. Other than that, get the one that feels right and ride the heck out of it.

This was one of the reasons I went with a clearanced out Giant OCR2 instead of the FCR2. After three short rides I'm loving the drops.

BTW the Defy replaced the OCR so you know my answer. The only thing I did to my OCR was slap 32mm tires on it (due to the rough gravel I ride on). I will be replacing the adjustable stem next month. After 200 miles in two weeks, its creaky! No biggie though. Will be adding aero bars also after my next OT shift. After that, I don't see anything that I don't like about it. I ride mine on roguh gravel roads, "nice" roads, and everywhere inbetween.

Jerry

I like the TCR, looks cooler, better crank, racier. However ride both bikes, whatever bike feels better get it.

don't leave out the felts :)

cheapest "comfort" fit
http://www.feltracing.com/09-catalog/road/z-series/09-z35.aspx

cheapest carbon race fit - a bit more expensive than your other uptions but ultegra SL
http://www.feltracing.com/09-catalog/road/f-series/09-f4-sl.aspx

I would probably go TCR look and the brakes are 105, which is (from my understanding) much better than the R530s (I have R570s and hate their stopping power).

But I would consider the z35 too.

Which parts would you swap out? The Giants seem to come with 24/28 cxp22s and the felt with 28/32 cxp 22s... I would think those would hold up reasonably well.

I have checked checked out the Z35 and for some reason it just doesn't hit me well, even the 58 seems extremely compact and small. The F4 is surely a sexy beast, but, as you said, a bit out of my price range. The only things I would swap on the Defy would probably be saddle, bars, and other small items to make me happy (tires?, etc.?) The CXP22 wheels would stay on any of the bikes. The TCR is my top choice as of now, although I think I'll be shocked with how well any of these will perform compared to my current bike. Thank you all for the input so far.