mmorrison22

Hi everyone, I am a new user looking for advice on a bike upgrade. I currently have a 2016 Giant Defy 3 and have no real issues with it. I have found it to be a good beginner bike and have raced with it with no problems. Since I've gotten more into racing, I think it's time to invest in a decent bike. Some things I would like are:

- Lighter bike (compared to what I have)
- Better wheels
- Ultegra or 105 groupset
- Under or around $2000

Some bikes that I like are the CAAD12 Ultegra, Fuji Roubaix, and Defy Advanced 1. If you all have any advice about these or other bikes, I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

mattleegee

If you like the Giant there is a sale now, only for a few more days

You can get Defy advanced with Ultegra for $2016 or Defy with 105 for $1680

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes-defy-advanced

I bought a bike on Friday and i almost bought the Deft Advanced 2 with 105, test rode it for about 30mins and it was pretty good and price point was awesome, i think it was over 21 pounds with throw away pedals on for test riding, but i didnt really like the Giant braking system, im sure its ok but did not like it. Ended up with a Roubaix

Sy Reene

If it fits (size and budget), I'd be jumping on one of these.
https://www.excelsports.com/main.asp...jor=1&minor=35

maartendc

For around $2000 you can certainly buy a new bike that is a decent upgrade over your current entry level bike, though it will still not be super lightweight. The likes of a CAAD 12 will be 8.2 kg without pedals, a lot lighter than the 9.3 kg of your current bike, but still no featherweight. Entry level carbon frames will be roughly the same weight class. The Giant Defy Advances 1 is about 8.0 kg as well I found online.

Wheels will still be disappointing if sticking with stock wheels at this price range. You would need to invest in some aftermarket wheels if you want a light or good aero wheelset unfortunately. This is an area where manufacturers always try to save money.

Might I recommend a used carbon bike? For about $1250 I bought myself a used BMC SLC01 that is Sram Force and an older (2009) top-of-the line frameset, weighing about 7.4 kg total with pedals. You simply cannot beat that value in a new bike I don't think. I think with a budget of $2000 you can find some really really nice used carbon bikes. Let's say a 4-5 year old bike that used to be a $8,000 top of the line model.

Obviously buying used has its own set of challenges, so if you are after a new bike, I believe the Giant Defy Advanced 1 is really good value for the money. You already like the Giant Defy geometry, so that seems like a no-brainer.

Good luck!

cloud5

The Giant TCR advanced 2 has a more race oriented geometry than the Defy, it retails for about $1950, I looked around and found a brand new 2017 Giant Advanced Disc for $1900 with Ultegra components and hydraulic disc brakes.

mmorrison22

Thanks! Do you have any advice about buying older models? Has bike technology changed in the last decade to the point that I should worry about buying bikes with certain parts? I know older bikes will have more miles on them, but are the 2009 ultegra components the same as 2019 ones?

Also, if I can get a 2017 CAAD12 ultegra for ~$1000 and use the extra budget for upgrades, would you recommend it?

maartendc

Sure thing. The major change that has happened in the last 10 years in bike tech is probably the shift from 10-speed to 11 speed drivetrains. If I bought a used bike now, I would look for an 11-speed for sure. 10 speed cassettes, chains, cranksets/chainrings, etc. will start to become more scarce as time goes on. 11-speed Ultegra from 8 years ago is fully compatible with newest Ultegra brand new now. Even Sram/Shimano parts are mostly interchangeable.

Other than that, bike tech has not really evolved that much. There has been the adoption of disc brakes, electronic groupsets, tubeless tires, etc. but all of that should not matter. They still sell new bikes with rim brakes, mechanical 11-speed groupsets and clincher tires at the moment, and all those parts are interchangeable.

The CAAD12 is considered one of the best, if not the best, aluminium road racing bike out there. If you can score a new 2017 one with Ultegra for $1000 I'd say that is a great deal. You could spend the extra money on some nice carbon deep section wheels (the CAAD12 stock wheels will be OK at best) and some nice finishing kit (saddle, handlebars, etc.). If you don't mind having an aluminium frame, I'd say this is an excellent way to spend your money.

If you want a carbon bike, I would say a high-end used bike with 11-speed 105 or ultegra from 2012 or newer would suit you well. It will probably be lighter than a low-range carbon bike new. Just for example something like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-BMC-Te...temCondition=4
That is a BMC SLR01 top of the line frameset from 2014 with Campagnolo Chorus really good groupset, probably weighs under 7.5kg total for $1750. You will not find a brand new bike in that weight for that price. Just make sure the bike is your size, and test ride if possible locally.

Good luck!

Mr_Crankypants

+1 for the TCR Advanced 2. I have a 2018 model. I think the Advanced 2 is the sweet spot for value - if I remember correctly, the Advanced 1 had Ultegra, but other than that was identical in component specs. For an extra $600 I decided it wasn't worth it. I recently upgraded to wheels to carbon rims and shaved about a pound off. Out of the box it's already under 20 lbs already for the rim brake version (which I'd take over that stupid conduct system). I'd get the TCR if you're interested in racing - the 2019 Defy is practically a gravel bike. Find some nice carbon wheels (if you look for used sets you can get a decent price) and you'll have a great racing setup. Even the stock wheels won't hold you back, I'd say.