jlmg

Hello all

Long lime lurker here. I won a Specialized Sirrus that I like and use once in a while. I would like to buy a real road bike to help me go back in shape. I feel the Sirrus is not the best for road and even worst for gravel....and I find my hands and wrists hurt a lot when I ride it.
I have been my research and I like Giant bikes. I narrowed it down to the TCR or the Defy.
I know the Defy should be more confortable, but is the TCR that uncorfortable?
When I ride, I do about 50 milles ...... I can't decide which of those two bikes to get
Any help....

Thanks

JM

rob214

I've had both, I enjoyed the defy but love the tcr. that being said you really need to ride both and decide for yourself. it depends on your body and your comfort level and desire. I ride the same distances on both but really love the tcr. I am interested in the new carbon defy's but since my tcr is only 9 months old I'll just stick with it for now.
can't go wrong with either in my opinion.
good luck
rob

Bsgs87

Either one would be a great bike. Depends on whether you want a race (TCR) or endurance (Defy) style bike. TCR will put you in an aero position, while the Defy has you in a more upright (endurance) position. I'm waiting on a 2018 Defy which I have test rode and really like. I do more endurance rides and ride for fitness and social activity. I'm not racing or even to concerned about my speed.

Dean V

Unless it is very smooth gravel you are riding neither will take a big enough tyre.

bbbean 

They are both comfortable. But they handle and fit differently. Most Giant dealers should have both in stock so you can ride side by side.

kbarch

Heck, for 50 miles, even a Propel is comfortable (though I do get tired of it and long for something comfier after about 60-70).

Caliwild

Perhaps consider a TCX if you will be doing gravel...

Esthetic

TCR is one of the more comfortable bikes in the category, and despite being a bonafide race bike is considered a good all-arounder as a result. Pretty comfortable on it using it for metric centuries with lots of climbing too.

That's no knock on the Defy as i'm sure has its attributes, just dont go thinking TCR is out of the question on the subject of comfort. Its the kind of bike that fits like a glove and thus exudes confidence in and out of the saddle.

On my older rim brake TCR, i'm running 28c Schwalbe One folding clinchers on a 17c internal rim width measure 30c wide and ~ 27c high and i have plenty of clearance. I'd imagine the newer disc brake versions allow a decent sized tire. But if you are looking at realistically more air volume and more off road flexibility , look into the gravel bike offerings though expected a slightly heavier bike for those long outings.

bbbean 

"Even" a Propel? I love mine. Fits me like a glove and suits my purposes. Comfortable as my favorite shoes and jeans.

Grasschopper

Yeah if gravel is in the mix and you're set on Giant you may want to look more at the Anyroad or the Revolt rather than a pure road bike. That said I have the Defy Advanced from 2012 and it's a great bike. I've ridden everything from group rides to centuries on it and never wished for more from the bike. If you're not ever going to race IMO you'd be really happy with the Defy.

bbbean 

This is true o both counts. While the Defy will handle occasional gravel, it's certainly no gravel bike. On yoru second note, I did race my Defy for 2 seasons, but it wasn't anywhere close to the racer than my Propel is or a TCR would be.

If you really want an all around bike, a CX bike with extra wheelsets will get you from road to mud, and only come up short in extreme applications (i.e. racing, boulder hopping, etc.).

kbarch

I wouldn't recommend the TCX unless it was for primarily gravel and unpaved trails. It's OK for road use, but as road bikes go, it's slow: low gearing and the wheels are YUGE.

D.zo

I love my propel... been on it for 80+ mile rides with no issues.

I agree with others tho. Try both and see which suits you better.

rob214

isn't the revolt just an older version of the defy? nope it's the contend?

dgunay

What's your budget and weight?

For the gravel, go with the TCX, and get road wheel and tire set for the pavement. Best of both worlds. TCX SLR2 comes with 36/46, which is good for a beginner.

If you are looking to go back in shape, maybe you should start with Defy (or even aluminum Contend?). That doesn't mean TCR is not comfortable, but you may find upright riding position more comfortable and easier to get used to, if it is going to be your first road bike.

mercator

I occasionally ride my TCR on gravel, so it's not impossible.
I used to own an OCR, the precursor to the Defy, and it's pretty similar to the TCR in handling except for the longer head tube.
I also have a TCX, and while it does a good job as an all-round bike, I can't say I'm very enthusiastic about it. For one thing, the higher bottom bracket gives the bike a less stable feeling.
On the other hand, it's the only Giant I can put 35mm tires on.
If the decision is between the Defy and the TCR, the question is how flexible are you?
Can easily touch your toes: TCR.
Belly gets in the way: Defy.

jlmg

Thanks a lot everyone for the advice. Since I am @ 235lbs now, 6ft. I think the Defy would be the best bike for me.

Dean V

What has flexibility got to do with it?
I can have the same fit on a TCR as a Defy. The TCR just has an extra 20mm of spacers and a 10mm shorter stem.