beginnerbiker1

OK I thought this warranted a new topic from my last thread. So I rode a Giant Defy and loved it! I'm going to buy it tomorrow, question is though if I should get the 2012 Large or 2011 XL model they have.

I am 6'1.5" and like a more upright position with my prior lower back injury and everything.

I tried the 2012 Large frame first (which is usually too small for a guy my size and I have about 4 inches of clearance from the top tube...). Mostly the same components but the frame looks a lot different. The top tube is flat and wide and the down tube is pretty angular. The bottom bracket is also external but sort of recessed into the frame and they call it press fitted? The LBS guy said these changes make the frame lighter, stronger and stiffer than the older one (can someone attest to this stuff being generally true?). I tested it and it felt quick, snappy and responsive, felt like I was in a racier bike.
The guy had to raise up my seat post a lot though. I felt a little more comfortable in the Large since he couldn't change the stem on the 2011 XL to fit me at the time and without the shorter stem I felt a little bit stretched out. The guy said I looked more comfortable in the Large but could possibly be fine in the XL bike with the stem swap.

Then I tried the XL frame in the 2011 model and it felt slower through all the different gearings but it also had 700x25 tires instead of the 700x23 tires on the 2012 model. Do you think (assuming I could get comfortable after adjustments and stem swap) that it will feel a lot snappier and quicker like the 2011 if I put thinner tires on? Is it my positioning not being as powerful on the XL?
The guy did say the frame would be stiffer but is what I am feeling a result of mostly the tires or the frame? I wasn't sure if a newbie road biker like me would feel such a drastic difference based on frame along so I thought it was the tires...? I know he pumped the 25mm tires not as high as the 23mm tires but he says that's normal. The 2011 also has a better Shimano 105 vs FSA crank too.

I do get a 10% discount off the 2011 xl model which will save me a decent chunk of change but I'm not sure which one to go for...I'd go for the 2011 model if I knew it could feel faster with adjustments but I can't be sure...I'd have to pick before getting fitted I think.

BS87

I wasn't even aware that the 2012 models were in stores yet. I thought they had just been announced.

beginnerbiker1

Yeah this is the 2012 and here are the specs
https://www.bicyclehq.com.au/bikes/ro...prod_1211.html

Strange though, the dealer I went to said that the bikes he's getting aren't supplied with clipless pedals like some international retailers have been showing in spec sheets and like some other people on this forum have gotten

That top tube is really skinny from the side in the pic but is flat and ride when looking down from above it. The down tube is kind of angled/rectangular.

Creakyknees

The difference you are feeling is most likely to position, weight distribution, and wheelbase. (Assuming that both bikes had correct tire pressure of course).

Buy the one you like most.

Christobevii3

The 2011 giant defy 1 has a 11-28 cassette. The stock tires on the defy 1 in 2011 were garbage, mine bulged out and failed 3rd ride and they had a few other people with same issues. See if you can switch the wheels between both to try. That way you can see if it is the tire/cassette.

beginnerbiker1

So would it be a big difference between the 12-28 and 11-28?
Hmm I'm not sure if they are any better, but I'll ask about the wheels. Would it be too much to ask for them to do all of that?

DRietz

As someone who works in a Giant shop, I can attest to what the OP is talking about. I definitely prefer the 2012 frames, and the new Defy Advanced we have is an ISP. woot!

JaceK

Bikes are not faster than each other.
Frames feel different, respond differently, thus ride differently. Set up the fit identically on each, they will feel pretty close. If the fit is wrong on the Large, it would be wise to fix it before you purchase it, then ride it.

jbholcom

I personally think the 2011 Giant Defy 1 is a much better looking bike.

beginnerbiker1

Yeah it definitely looks better but could you ever go with a not as good feeling bike for the paint job?

jbholcom

The real question is, can they get you a 2011 model in the size you want. They are pushing what is in their store inventory.

beginnerbiker1

Well I mean that's sort of my question too. Look sort of absurd with a super high post and smaller bike or go for the bigger bike and need to do a stem swap? If anything I think he told me the 2012 was better.

ddimick

23 versus 25 tire width has a negligible impact. As previously suggested you can have them swap the wheels for you, but I doubt you'd notice a difference unless the rims are a bump up. The head/fork setup on the new Defy is quite different than before, and that may be what you're feeling.

For me the frame sizing on the Defy is one size smaller than most other bikes, but I have not bought one as the 2012s aren't available in the US yet.

Palomar01

I believe the 2011 Defy 1 come with a 12-26 cassette and a 50-42-30 Triple Crank.

When I brought home my Defy 1 it felt sluggish (more sluggish than the test ride). I later found out the tire pressure was down to 75 psi (dealer did not inflate properly after the bike sat for two weeks). I inflated the 700x25c tires to 115 psi and the "speedy" feeling came right back.

ColinL

This.

You need an XL frame. I ride an XL frame. A ton of people go with the smallest frame they think they can ride, and that might work out for racers but it's not a great idea for hobby/fitness enthusiasts.

beginnerbiker1

Took home the 2011 XL!
Thanks for the help guys, can't wait to go ride!
I'll put some pics up later