Current bike - 2015 Giant Defy Advanced 2 with Boyd 44mm disc brake carbon clinchers. Size small and 105 setup.

Available Bike - 2016 Giant Propel Advanced SL-0 with Giant SLR wheels. Size small with DI2 setup. $3500!

Although I love my Defy, there is no way my wife will agree to having both. I know if I sell it, I am going to wish I hadn't. But, I've wanted a Propel for awhile now. What to do....

Anybody have experience with both a Defy and Propel that can offer insight?

Thanks

I've got an Advanced Pro Propel with the same wheels and etap. Don't have a Defy so can't help with that. I my other bikes include a Trek Domane which is likely similar to the Defy. The Propel feels faster. It, however, also feels much harsher. Anything over 60 miles & I pick another bike.

Say you're trying to sell, but somehow you just can't make the sale.

RSHantz your response really hit on what I was thinking. Fast shorter rides, grab the Propel. Longer rides jump on the Defy. Just wish I could have both.

How much do you want a wife, really?

How much can you get a TCR Advanced Pro for? I would choose that over the Propel SL0. Lighter, stiffer, cheaper, better handling, better brakes. Just more enjoyable to ride. Also you don't get blown around as much in the wind. Only thing going for the Propel is the aero which doesn't make much difference unless you are riding time trials or racing where you think the last little bit of speed might help. And it is only a small amount. I haven't had a Defy but do have Propel SL0 and a TCR SL0 and TCR SLR.
Also remember the Propel is now an old model with the completely new one is on the verge of coming out. Obviously the reason they are trying to do a deal on it.

Um...but seriously....you need your wife's permission to buy a bike?

How many pairs of shoes does she have? How many purses? Did she ask for your approval to buy any of them?

Not even joking here. If you can afford to own both go for it....don't use your wife as an excuse that only breeds resentment.

Lol, I definitely need permission. I'm also probably much lower on the socioeconomic scale than most here, and my wife's spending on herself is so little that I lament the fact that she doesn't seem to need to buy anything for herself.

On the other hand I have three bikes, and she won't let me sell my Allez for cheap to a friend.

Anyway, let's keep significant others out of it, we can the fun sucked out of things in other places.

Weak to criticize. Every relationship has its own setup, goals, and challenges.. What works for some doesnt for others and vice versa for various reasons.

Get the Propel and keep the Defy at the girlfriend's house. If g/f is cool with it, then she maybe a better upgrade than the Propel.

Exactly correct. I have it on good authority that the OP that wants a Propel and yet his kid's go barefoot. Most here say he should still get the Propel because that is the right priority and no shoes will only make his kids tougher to face life's challenges. By contrast, some who want a new bike, they can afford shoes for their kids. So it isn't an even playing field as you say.

Yes. I sold my 2014 Defy to help pay for my 2016 Propel. While I wish i still had the Defy for a backup/winter bike, I haven't regretted buying the Propel for a second. It is light, fast, responsive, comfortable, and it's hard for me to imagine how I could possibly improve on it, even after 10,000+ miles.

I also have a CX bike that I enjoy, and I do enough CX racing and gravel riding to justify the second bike, but the fact of the matter is that for 95% of the year, I'd rather be riding my Propel.

FWIW, I disagree with the previous posters about the harsh ride. I routinely ride 50-100 miles on weekends, and am completely comfortable on the Propel. A good fit is essential, but the Propel is compliant where it needs to be.

Sell the Defy, buy the Propel, and don't look back. There is aero speed in your future.

See but that's why I said "if he can afford to own both". Hey I've bought 14 bikes for myself since 2003 (i.e. not counting 4 for kids, and 4 for significant others)...not one house, car, utility, daycare or any other payment missed. No one's ever gone hungry or without light or clothes. So I could afford to buy these bikes. Heck I still even own 6 of them.

Maybe I should have just said: it's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to ask permission.

Living the dream. Well done!

14. Thats only 1 a year. Not excessive at all.

I know right....let's just ignore the fact that I was off the bike for 3 of those years. And haven't bought a road bike since 2012. Man....I'm due. lol









Oh wait...I totally forgot about that Motobecane Euro Pro...yeah we're up to 15 now. Yikes...I may have a problem.

Before you sell the Defy, you'd better check on the availability of the user name PropelMe.

Love that user name! LOL.

I think I am going to have to pass on the Propel for now. Can't believe I am saying these words. It's been my summer as far as getting new things...I am out of birthday, fathers day, Christmas presents for now.

A Propel is in my future, just don't know when that will be. Ideally, I will get to keep both my Defy and have the Propel for faster club rides.