The bike shop near me has a new 2014 Giant Defy 1 that they're offering at essentially the same price as the new 2016 Defy 3, which is the bike I had been leaning towards getting. The 2014 Defy 1 has Shimano 105 components, which is an upgrade over the 2016 Defy 3's Sora components. That has me giving the 2014 Defy 1 serious consideration. Is there anything else I'm overlooking that might make me want to stick with the 2016 Defy 3?

It's a newer bike? I assume the 2014 is brand new as well. I'd take the 2014 for the same price as the 2016. You get an extra gear with the 105's, cleaner handlebar with the hidden cables, and a carbon seatpost.

... and a (much) better frame. This one is, as they say, a no-brainer: '14 Defy 1.

Looking at the Giant website, the frames appear to be the same, would go with the '14 model as well though, as it's a better overall spec.

+1 for the 2014 Defy 1

The only thing I dislike about the Defy 1 would be the press fit bottom bracket. Its gonna need an extra set of tools if you'd like to replace the bearings.

They do look similar, and have the same geometry, but there is a substantial difference: the '14 Defy 1's frame is Giant's 'SL' aluminum + 'smooth' welds; lighter, stronger, and with much more tube-forming/shaping than the '16 Defy 3's standard-grade 'Aluxx' frame.

That alone, to my mind, determines the wise choice here. Add in previous-generation 105, and sealed-bearing/lighter wheelset ... no-brainer.

Edit - I think the Giant website might be in error about the 2014 Defy 1 being a pressfit BB. AFAIK, all Aluxx frames are the same, and my 2014 Defy 5 frame is threaded 68mm English; I just replaced its factory 2x8 Claris with a 68mm 105-5800. It might bear a closer investigation by the OP before deciding which to buy.

Edit to the edit - Well its looking like the Defy 5,4,3, and 2 all share the same frame while the Defy 1 does not, so yeah, probably press fit on the 1.

Keith

Thanks for the feedback, everyone, especially about the differences between the frames. I'll give them both test rides first, of course, but now I'll put the 2014 Defy 1 at the top of my list.

Good choice - you still get the better bike IMHO.