SkepticCyclist

All:

My first bike was a 2014 Trek 1.5, which has served me well. I am now looking to purchase another bike and am thinking about something with a carbon frame and better components.

I want something that is comfortable during long rides (my daughter and I do at least 1-2 century rides per year and routinely take long weekend rides as well), but I'd also like something with some "zip" that handles well when I choose to be competitive during fast group rides.

I'm considering a Giant Defy. I have taken some test rides and like the feel of it. I've also been told this is a great all around bike that would fit the aforementioned criteria.

First, for those who have a Giant Defy, I'd like to hear your feedback on the bike. Otherwise, does anyone have suggestions for other bikes I should be considering?

raria

If it's around gravel/single tracks or fire roads consider getting something that can handle 32mm tires.

​​​​​​I've found my riding time has gone up as I can now ride roads or when bored ride some trails.

gettingold

Consider a sport frame with fairly wide wheel clearance. My Lynskey fits 32 mm's and is comfortable on mild gravel or roads.

WhyFi

The Defy seems like a nice choice for what you've indicated. I'd add the Trek Domane to that list, too; a disc equipped model has clearance for 35mm tires, which will give you quite a bit of flexibility in terms of road surfaces.

shafter

I have the 2013 Defy 1 Alu/105. I really like it- the geometry is comfortable enough for long distance or rough roads without sacrificing sportiness. It doesn't handle gravel well though, more of a road only bike IMO.

OBoile

I have a 2017 Defy. I've only had it for a few months, but so far I like it a lot. The one issue, and this really is only an issue if you're planning to do a lot of gravel riding, is that the tire clearance isn't great. It will definitely handle 28s, but may not be able to handle much larger tires than that.

SkepticCyclist

All good suggestions. Thank you for the feedback.

Brad Bike

Before I stumbled on a great deal on a used bike, I was a heartbeat away from buying a Fuji Gran Fondo Classico 1.1 from Performance Bike. A lot of bike for the money, it rode really well, and I really liked the color scheme. :-)

wipekitty

I'd second the Trek Domane. I don't have one, but a few of my riding buddies do - it's a fast, light bike, but the option for wider tires is nice to have.

SkepticCyclist

After looking into some of these suggestions, I really like the idea of the Domane and its 35 mm clearance. That offers a lot of options.

Lewis99

Currently own Defy Disc and TCR Disc. If I had to only choose one, I would def pick Defy.
Slightly more comfy and surprisingly stiff for an endurance bike.

Harumph

If cost isn't a concern look at the BMC Roadmachine 02. Incredible bike for around 5K. Super comfy yet aggressive.