2016 Defy or 2020 Roubaix Sport
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
2016 Defy or 2020 Roubaix Sport
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?
#2
-------
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Tejas
Posts: 12,797
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9656 Post(s)
Liked 6,366 Times
in
3,506 Posts
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
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
#3
Full Member
Thread Starter
Thank you for your informed reply. I wasn't factoring the older Ultegra vs the newer 105.
#4
Senior Member
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.
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.
#5
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 15,001
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6197 Post(s)
Liked 4,814 Times
in
3,321 Posts
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.
#6
Full Member
Thread Starter
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.
#7
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 15,001
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6197 Post(s)
Liked 4,814 Times
in
3,321 Posts
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.
#8
Senior Member
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.
Likes For TiHabanero:
#9
Full Member
Thread Starter
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.
#11
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,617
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10970 Post(s)
Liked 7,496 Times
in
4,192 Posts
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.
- 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.
#13
Full Member
Thread Starter
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.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Québec, Canada
Posts: 2,114
Bikes: SL8 Pro, TCR beater
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 989 Post(s)
Liked 586 Times
in
440 Posts
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.
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.