albireo13

I've been looking at either the Spec. Roubaix 2017 or a Trek Domane SL6 (demo). I've tried both and they both give nice rides. I'm looking for a smooth, fast endurance ride. They are both at my budget pain threshold, unfortunately.

I've heard good things about the Defy Advanced bikes. They seem to offer a lot for the price. I don't have any local Giant dealers so I'll have to take a trip to try one out.
Before I do that, is the Defy Advanced have good road vibration suppression? I want a smoother ride, which the Roubaix and Domane gave me.

Thanks,
Rob

WhyFi

Supposedly. A few things to keep in mind:

• CF frame and seat post
• compact geometry means more seat post extension vs a lot of other frames and more post = more compliance. They also use a proprietary D-shaped post that flexes a little more than a typical round one (per their claims, at least).
• All of the 2017 models use discs and have pretty good tire clearance which will probably go further towards muting vibrations than anything else.

FWIW, I have no first-hand experience - I was looking to buy one, so I researched quite a bit, but the proprietary post, and the inability to install a zero-offset post, kept me from buying.

vinuneuro

If you are looking for compliance, nothing really comes close to the Specialized and Trek.

gsa103

Giant makes excellent bikes, and the value is very good especially if you want disc brakes and wide tires. Giant frames are every bit as good as Trek or Specialized, but the new Domane & Roubiax are really an entirely different class of bike (without any real peers). The Trek and Specialized are both advanced suspension designs, while Giant is a much more conventional CF endurance bike.

bbbean 

Both are great bikes. You need to ride both and determine which fits and suits you best. If they're coming from different shops, I'd also look at which shop offers the best service.

KenR

When I bought my Defy Advanced Pro I also demo'd the Domane and the Roubaix. I could have easily gone for the Domane, very enjoyable machine. My preference for the Defy was by a matter of degrees. The Roubaix just didn't do it for me. It's a YMMV call. But I would say that the Defy is worth a test ride.

Canuk1w1

+1. I tested both these bikes last November (2016 models). I would have picked the Giant over the Roubaix but like @KenR, rated the Giant just ahead of the Roubaix. The only thing I did not like about it was the back end felt "floaty" - hit a small stone/pebble at the apex of a turn, could've sworn the back wheel was off the ground for a half second or so. Otherwise they're both very nice bikes, I doubt you'd be disappointed with either.

2wheellurker

I test rode all 3 too. Loved the Defy and that's what I bought last week.

anotherbrian

Also consider an Ergon CF3/Canyon style springy seatpost. I now have one (a Chinese knock-off) and it works way better than the CG-R seatpost the bike originally came with. No idea how close it approaches the feel of a Domane flexing seattube, but similar idea but localized to the seatpost.

See https://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/gear/article/best-soft-riding-rigid-seatposts-for-road-dirt-and-gravel-46208/
for some reviews.

albireo13

The Defy has their proprietary D-shaped seat posts so swapping in a different post is not an option.

albireo13

Darn. So far I haven't found a Defy Advanced anywhere in my area that I can look at or ride.
I'd have to order one.
The specs and components look great for the price.
Hmmm ...

WhyFi

Did you check on the Giant website? If you pop in your zip, you can see stock at nearby shops for a given color/size.

albireo13

Well, what do you know!!!
I found a small LBS near my work which I had overlooked and gave them a call and they had a few Defy Advanced bikes in stock.

So, I ran out on my lunch break and did some test riding of a Defy Advanced 3. It is the low priced version. I would be considering the Advanced 1 or 2.
Anyway, I tried the bike and was very impressed! It felt great and handled great. It was clearly not as cushy a ride as the Roubaix or Domane but, I liked everything else about it.

albireo13

Well I did it.
I ordered a Giant Defy Advanced 1. It should be in next week. My LBS gave me a nice deal.
I am very pumped !!
I'll post pics once I get it home.

Thanks all for your help.

WhyFi

Very cool - enjoy!

albireo13

Well, I finally picked up my bike 2 days ago. The blizzard 2 weeks ago delayed shipment and I've been busy at work.
Weather has been crummy so I haven't gotten it out yet but it looks good standing still!! LOL

NYMXer

Congrats on your new bike!
I have been ogling the Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 for over a year now, but just never pulled the trigger. So, I would be very interested in your evaluation of the new bike albireo13.
Does anyone have first hand experience with the Pro 1? I am just looking for a great club ride bike to ride at an A level for about 5,000 miles a year.
I would gladly sacrifice some comfort for performance since I feel comfortable on all the bikes I have ridden, or at least, I don't think about it much, I just focus on the ride.

San Pedro

If you're not focused on comfort you could look at the TCR Advanced Pro as well.

NJAgent020

In 2015- I was in the exact same position you are: Specialized or Trek- Trek or Specialized. Over and over - test rode each multiple times... could not make up my mind. Then I saw the Cannondale Synapse and I fell in love. Search over. If you can't make up your mind, the best advice I ever got was go with the one with your favorite color. If you like the color - you'll ride it more. Giant, Specialized, Trek Cannondale - they are all terrific bikes. Pick the one with the color you like the best.

scwowgph

What is a good price for a 2011 Specialized Roubaix with approximately 2000 miles on it? Brand-new SRAM rear derailer and new chain.

Need to negotiate with insurance adjuster. Yes, my bicycle was stolen

WhyFi

Might be worth a new thread, but are they not willing to go with replacement cost (ie a new Spec Roubaix)? Depreciated value is BS.

scwowgph

After I posted, I called a second phone number thinking I would have to haggle with an adjuster. But instead, it was someone they had farmed me out to.

Lo and behold, they were talking replacement!!!

Clearly you know more about this process than do I. Anyway, after I pay my $500 deductible maybe I will get lucky.

Thank you very much for your wise post.

scwowgph

To update my previous post,the kind fellow with whom I spoke about replacement, sent this link:

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/me...x-elite/115487



https://www.specialized.com/us/en/me...x-elite/115487

WhyFi

Fett2oo5

Congrats on your new bike!
It looks great!
I'm quite curious to know your opinion of it.