dates

^^Thread title should say Toughroad SLR 1 2017 not Toughroad 2.

I have shoulder/upperback issues that can flare up with aggressive riding positions. The Giant Anyroad caught my eye because it has an upright geometry along with 105 components.

I also like the look of the Giant Toughroad SLR 2017. The big tyres look fun although I wouldn't be doing heavy off road riding. The brakes appear to have more stopping power on the Toughroad.

Is there a massive gap in quality between these two bikes? WHich one do you think I should go for? I don't have any preference for drop or flat bars.

coominya

I'd say you answered your own question, the anyroad is more agressive

king_boru

They are both nice bikes. When on the hoods of the AnyRoad it would be similar to the ToughRoad in comfort with the added benefit of a drop bar and various hand positions. Saying that the ToughRoad is equally comfortable and if you were to add some Ergon grips would make for a decent do anything bike. As you mentioned that you would primarily be riding road the new Rapid might be worth looking at. It appears to be a very nice bike indeed.

Roamer2

The Toughroad has lower dirt-oriented gears, which would be great if you have a lot of steep hills or are going to be doing loaded touring & such.

A lot of flat-ground street miles would probably be better on the Anyroad.

What really matters with your physical limitations is how the bikes fit YOU. IMO, that's much more important than a small difference in specs.

Go ride them both at least a few miles. I'm betting a favorite will make itself readily apparent.

gsa103

There's no difference in quality. The Toughroad has hydraulic discs, which are very nice. I'm sure the brakes on the AnyRoad are also very good.

I find drop bars more comfortable for road riding. Even with Ergon bars ends, the hood position is a little more comfortable for extended cruising. The problem with bars ends is that they wind up being a bit too wide.

ksywa

There is always sawzall to shorten the bars, or find a narrow aftermarket bars - that is one of easiest upgrades.

/ksywa

gsa103

The hand grips are in a comfortable position, the problem is that the bar ends go wider. What I'd like is a position that more closely replicated the hoods, ie narrower and more forward.

ksywa

There are bar "ends" which can be put inside grips.. or look at triathlon style extenders.

/ksywa

dates

Thanks or the replies. I'm going to go with the Toughroad. More upright, cheaper and I don't want a carbon bike.

king_boru

Don't forget to post pictures. And good choice.

coominya

Good choice. Don't forget to read the Toughroad SLR-1 and 2 threads for opinions on mods and setup. It's rare a bike will be perfect for you straight off the bike shop floor.