JHS57

Has anyone ridden the 2015 Giant defy? Trying to figure out if it's worth the money to get a 2015 Advanced 1 or 2 over a left over 2014 Composite 1 for a 15% discount. Are disk brakes that much better (or different) than rim brakes? Does anyone know if the 2015 105 group set is upgraded over the 2013?

Pedalocity

I can't speak to the 2015 models, but have you looked around for a 2014 Defy Advanced 1 with a similar discount? My experience with the Defy series is that there is a fairly significant difference between the entry-level composite bikes and the intermediate-level advanced series bikes (lighter, stiffer, etc.), so I would definitely look around for a 2014 Advanced with an end of year discount before making a decision.

Hornplayer

2015 105 groupset is 11 speed vs 10.

warpdrive

The 2015 Giants are quite a different bike, 11 speed 105, new DFuse suspension system, disc brakes. It should feel like quite a different bike than the 2014. The one thing I like about my Trek is the ISOSPEED suspension and the new Giant version is supposed to be quite comparable.

T800CF

I will go with 2015 Defy Advanced because it's T700 CF, and Composite is T600.

MisterP

I just got the 2015 Defy Advanced 2. Honestly, I don't think the disk brakes are significantly better than good rim brakes but this bike really does fly! The Advanced 2 has 105 components and the shifting feels pretty snappy to me. I'm 6'2" and 205 lbs. so I have the XL frame. Being a larger rider, I'm still hauling a lot up the hills, lol- but this bike really wants to go on any road that's close to flat: the acceleration is impressive.
I had to wait a couple of weeks to get it; I went it to get a 2014 model but they didn't have my size. The owner told me the 2015's frames were a real upgrade and worth waiting for- plus he sold me the bike at the 2014 price.

Seattle43

Purchased Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 and I'm not disappointed. I've owned S Works Roubaix and this bike is more comfortable, yet has race characteristics of the Tarmac. Front end is stiff and you do feel the road, yet the seat stays work and they work well. Component group of Di2 is proven and when you can shift while standing and never miss a beat or worry about chain drop - this is a winner. Disc brakes work and if you ride mountain bikes these help when coming into corners to fast and disc brakes work best when the weather turns nasty. I've been on century rides when its rained hard and been one of those who rode rim brakes and prayed I stay on the road! The industry is going the direction of disc brakes and Shimano's are one of the best. Yes, aesthetically disc brakes are not "classic looking," yet I'm at a stage in life where I prefer comfort and safety over looks. My only concern was the integrated seat mast, yet my LBS cut it perfectly and with micro adjustments available, if I need to sell the bike - there should be no issue. I'm 6' /180 lbs and purchased a ML, which fits like a glove.

abby4000

Seattle43, nice rig!!
I ordered the advance pro 0 model and am waiting for it to come in. Nice write up

gaffer

couple of questions.

1.. Can you measure the amount of spacers that came under the stem, and the height of the headset please, trying to work out how much above "stack" height there is.

2.. how is the SMP saddle with the side clamping of the clamp, i had heard that SMP saddle rails don't particularly work with some side clamp mechanisms. i need sn SMP for the longer rails

lovely bike