DUHI4GOT

Hello fellow riders. I'm looking to add an endurance bike to my stable. I'm searching the used market and came across a 105 equipped 2020 Specialized Roubaix Sport listed in "good condition" and a 2016 Giant Defy Advanced SL1 with Ultegra in "excellent" condition. Price difference is $50 with one being 2.5 hours away from the other so riding them back to back is a challenge. What say you all?

Mojo31

Roubaix just to get away from the shift cables popping out the side of the grifters.

The Roubaix will also come with a very good 105 group that is as good or better than the older Ultegra.

Don't pay attention to sellers condition assessment. Be your own judge b

DUHI4GOT

Thank you for your informed reply. I wasn't factoring the older Ultegra vs the newer 105.

TiHabanero

Never heard of 11 speed Ultegra having shift wire/housing issues. I looked up both bikes and the Defy Advanced SL1 has "sort of" seat post. I recommend you thoroughly look into this before considering the bike.
As for the two bikes, my preference is for the Defy because it has 11 speed Ultegra and it does not have the Future Shock in the head tube. Not a fan of the Future Shock.
The big, big "IF" is the seat mast. You need to decide if that is something you can successfully deal with it.
Choosing the Roubaix is not a bad second choice should it come down to it.

Iride01 

I'd go for the bike with newer components. Modern 105 easily beats out older Ultegra and even DuraAce. The only thing in their favor might be if you look at the bike from a weight weenie viewpoint. But with those bikes you aren't going to be looking for light weight anyhow.

DUHI4GOT

That’s interesting to know about the 2020 105. Logistics wise, getting the Roubaix is more convenient. A 2 hour drive compared to 4.5. To be honest, the Defy’s total package just seems more appealing. It’s been a while since I’ve owned a Shimano equipped bike.

Iride01 

The other thing might be which really gives you the fit you want. I don't know what size you need, but a 56cm Roubaix is comparable in stack and reach to a size Large Giant Defy Advanced SL. But the other geometry is different enough that one might feel better to you than the other.

TiHabanero

Voicing and opinion here. the 2020 105 is not any better than the 2016 Ultegra since it is a descendant of that group set. Both work well.

DUHI4GOT

The Roubaix is indeed a 56cm and the Defy is a large. I'm leaning towards the 2020 Roubaix but feel I'll want to do some upgrades to it whereas I'm likely to leave the Defy as is.

cweb99

I just got a 2022 Roubaix 105. Love the future shock and ride so far

mstateglfr 

If you are wanting the purchase to be a ready to ride bike and the costs are basically the same(which they are)- prioritize
- fit is most important.
- best condition components is next most important.
- best condition cosmetics and paint/color is further down.
- distance to pick the bike up is least important(when they are both within 5 hours).

If you are happy with the fit and feel of both bikes, then absolutely go with the bike that has the least component wear. In general, Ultegra from 2016 is fantastic and 105 from 2020 is fantastic and both are hydraulic. Take the bike with the groupset that is in best condition and dont think twice.

choddo

My 2011 Cube with Ultegra 6700 does
not have cables popping out of the side of the shifters?

DUHI4GOT

Thanks for all your constructive advices. Deep down I wanted to get the Defy with Ultegra and the carbon wheels. Ultimately I went with the 105 Roubaix Sport. Logistically it made more sense. 4 hours vs 9 round trip. I'll put some mileage on it then decide if I want to upgrade the wheels. Thanks again.

eduskator

Good decision. The 2016 will be 10 years old in 2 years... I think it was a no brainer.

I owned Giant bikes for several years before buying my current one (Tarmac SL8) I can tell you that I absolutely love my Specialized. It's equivalent in terms of build quality.

cweb99

Great decision. You will love that roubaix.

specialized bikes are great