Making the transition from my hybrid Giant Roam 2, to a road bike. I'm looking at staying with Giant (most bang for the buck?) and considering the 2016 Defy 2 Disc. Is this my best option for the $$$? Are there better bikes, with the same or better components for about the same price? What would you suggest?

Also, I'll be riding primarily greenways where it will probably benefit me to have some slightly wider tires to adequately handle the terrain they present (wooden bridges, rough asphalt, etc..). Is that possible with this bike?

I'd very much appreciate any/all recommendations and advice. Thanks!

Frame
Sizes XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
Colors Black/Silver/Red
Frame ALUXX SL-grade aluminum
Fork Composite, with alloy OverDrive steerer
Shock N/A
Components
Handlebar Giant Connect, 31.8mm
Stem Giant Sport
Seatpost Giant D-Fuse, Composite
Saddle Giant Performance Road
Pedals N/A
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Tiagra
Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Brakes TRP Spyre-C, Mechanical disc, 160mm
Brake Levers Shimano Tiagra
Cassette Shimano HG-500 11x32, 10-speed
Chain KMC X10
Crankset Shimano Tiagra, 34/50
Bottom Bracket Shimano, Press Fit
Wheels
Rims Giant SR-2 Disc
Hubs Giant Sport Tracker Road Disc, 32h
Spokes Stainless Steel, 14g
Tires Giant S-R4, 700x25

I think you will like a road bike better. To save some coin and possibly get a better bike for the money I would look for something that is a year or two old on Craigslist or New old stock at your LBS that you can save money on. Rim brakes are a bit lighter if you are not set on disc.

If you do buy on Craigslist its important to know your size. No bike is a good deal if it doesn't fit you

I would look for a used Caad 10, Spec. Allez or a Defy if you are set on Aluminum.

Hope that helps!

Anyone else have any suggestions??

I like the Defy, and it was on the short list when I bought my Synapse. The other leading contender was a closeout '14 BMC GranFondo, similarly specced and priced with Tiagra. It rode marvelously!

Shop around, though. It's the season for the red tags. My Synapse was $1,000 off and I've seen a carbon Defy with 105 (but 10-spd) at the same price.

Where is the best place to find a deal? Ordering one from my LBS won't save me any.

Most brands won't allow shipping, so you'll have to use your phone or your feet. goride | Close-Outs is local to me and the only place I've seen the closeouts posted on the internet.

I'm a refugee from the Classic and Vintage subforum, but steel road bicycles soak up the road like your old hybrid. (We like steel over there) There are many new steel road bikes available with modern shifting. I have a used Jamis that rides very nicely and looks sharp as hell .(it's done up in brushed steel -- trying to cop a titanium vibe)

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/1045627-modern-steel-road-bike-appreciation-thread.html

Check that thread out. Steel soaks up rail trail and mup riding.

If you are newish to cycling and your bike shop is a good one, it is worth the extra fifty - hundred bucks to buy a good entry level road bike from your shop. They will offer advice and maintenance and a sort of social support that adds to the experience. Once you ride a ton and start working on the bike, then maybe start venturing into getting slick with finding deals.