What do you think of this bike?
 

Giant Defy 2

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=475292

Very nice:)

interesting

That is the bike I've been lusting after. My lbs is out of 2015 models my size and doesn't have any 2016 models. I need an xl. It sucks that I can't test ride it before I buy it, if I buy it. Would you buy a bike without riding it?

yes

No. No I would NOT. The differences in ride and personal preferences are huge. The only way to know what your getting is to ride it first.

My size too, and hard to find. If and when I upgrade from my Roam 2, I do believe this will be the bike.

I ride a 2013 Defy and I suspect you will like it. The Giant product line is a great value. You can always ride a Defy 1 or 5 (same frame) to get a feel for whether you like it.

Before I got my TCR, I had a Defy for a couple of years. Great bike, try it out! The geometry is geared for longer rides. You can't really go wrong with anything in the Defy line.

Might as well wait for a 2016 since you are getting discs and new 4700 Tiagra

Some shops only let you ride around the parking lot or dont even stock many bikes. Having one ordered generally requires a deposit. Personally I have never been on a test ride that meant anything. Once I owned the bike I dialed it in. I think it would be great to really get a good ride in to help make the decision and if thats available to you, yes do it but I cant say a trip around the lot gives much info on a bike.

While I agree tests rides are rather meaningless, it's good to sit on the bike and get a general idea of fit. Any Giant shop should have at least one Defy in stock in any size. Every Defy from alum Claris to hi mod Advanced SL has the same geometry so testing any model Defy in the right size will tell you how it fits But yes, I have 100 miles on my recent build and still tweaking and dialing in fit. A parking lot ride doesn't tell much and even if a shop lets you take the bike on a 20 mile test ride there is only so much you can tell from that

Your right. I've even heard (read) of large city shops not allowing for test rides. I am glad I don't have to deal with that.

The disc brakes have capillaries on both sides? SOLD!