civilizedirtbag

Hello all, I’m torn between these two as my first road bike. I’m upgrading from a steel gravel bike, primarily do solo and group rides around 17-18mph. I don’t plan to race, but I’d like to try to try to hang with the faster group rides. I’d also like to do more longer distance sportives/gran fondo/charity rides in the future.

The CAAD10 is priced at $850 and seems super light and fast, specced with ultegra 2x10 di2. However I realize may be harder to source parts for in the future if something happens and the rims may be older technology.

The Giant Defy is priced at $1000 seems like the reasonable choice since it’s more “future proof”, specced with 105 components, 2x11, disc brakes, thru axle, and enough wheel clearance for larger tires or an extra gravel wheelset.

What do you guys think?

eduskator

Agree on the Defy. More recent = better.

Iride01 

I think you first need to decide if you want the very aero position a Caad will give you or do you want the moderately aero position a Defy will give you.

You don't plan to ride, but you want to hang with the faster group?

Welcome to BF!

civilizedirtbag

Thanks for the welcome!

And typo! I meant that I don’t plan to “race” the bike. I’ve tried both the Giant Defy and a TCR, and I’m okay with the aero position. I have my stem fully slammed on my gravel bike.

civilizedirtbag

Gotcha. I think I’m trying to wrap my head around that too and not get oversold on the CAAD10 based on looks and di2, albeit an older group set.

Iride01 

If one is red, then pick it. Red bikes are faster.

Otherwise, you won't be wrong with either, unless there is more than a five pound difference, either is fine if you still like the position they give you when you finish a 60 or 100 mile ride. If you only rode it around the block, that's not really a great indicator of whether you like a bikes fit.

aliasfox

Disc bike with thru axle will make it easier to upgrade to deeper section carbon wheels in the future without being concerned about width (within reason) or braking on carbon rims (less optimal solution, especially in the wet). Lightweight carbon wheels with aero benefits will help you conserve energy on longer rides.

A CAAD10 with Ultegra would be great if you're trying to PR on that next climb - I assume a lighter bike, with a more aggressive position. But over longer rides, you're not likely to be that much faster on it, unless it's all steep uphill.