Giant 2014 v 2015

[Grgic]

So I'm in the market for something a little friendlier on my back instead of rocking my current 2011 Scott CR1 Comp.

I'm looking at different sportive bikes but seem to keep coming back to the Giant.

My options at the moment are:

A 2014 Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 (approx $5300); or

A 2015 Giant Defy Advanced SL 1 ($4800); or

A 2015 Giant Defy Advanced Pro 0 ($4500)

The pros and cons seem to be (correct me if I'm wrong):

SL 0 - Pros: Dura Ace, Di2 Cons: Cantilever brakes, now older frame?

SL 1 - Pros: Hydraulic disc brakes, Better frame Cons: No Di2, Ultegra

Pro 0 - Pros: Hydraulic disc brakes, Di2 Cons: Lower end frame, Ultegra

Now if everything were free of course I'd go top end frame, disc brakes, dura Ace and Di2.

So what I need help with is peoples opinions about what compromises are worthwhile making. Eg. Is a higher quality/lighter frame a better option than having Di2, etc.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[cyclotaur]

If you like 'new' and discs get the 2015 AP0 and spend the savings on a spare set of disc wheels with bigger tyres (28/32s) on board for when you decide to go off-tarmac.


Sent from my iPhinger ...

[Duck!]

The '15 frame is a much more forgiving ride than the '14, thanks in large part to ditching the aero-profile seatpost.

[Grgic]

Thanks for the feedback cyclotaur. After having issues on this mornings ride where my gear changes were not quite happening nicely for me, I'm pretty certain Di2 is the way to go. Also some nice brakes for coming down the big hill I rode up this morning would have been handy.

Thanks Duck! that's very useful info, I think I know where my decision is heading.

[Duck!]

Another thing, the Giant frames are fully mechanical/Di2 two-way compatible, so it's easy to do the upgrade down the track.

[gffg]

The SL 1 also has carbon rims ~ 1555g for the wheel set + carbon bars & stem

The pro 0 whilst di2 has ~1775g alloy rim wheel set.

Personally unless you were against an ISP I would get the SL 1 and shop around for a di2 upgrade kit over the next 6-12 months.

No doubt the pro 0 would be great. But the choice to price ration for disc brake carbons wheel sets are high price / low choice ATM.

SL 1 is better value IMO.