Giant Defy 2 v Specialized Allez Elite

Jk_Eire

Hi all,

I've narrowed my search down for a new bike to these two.
Both are similarly priced in a few sales in a couple of Dublin LBSs with the Allez usually working out a little more expensive.

Defy 2 - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/defy.2/11498/55821/
Allez Elite http://www.specialized.com/ie/gb/bikes/road/allez/allezeliteintcompact

I'd considered a Rose or Canyon with better spec, but I'd like to use an LBS for the free servicing and I'll be buying some equipment too so I'll have a bit of space for haggling. Most importantly, I'll be able to test ride them.

The Allez wins hand down on paint job, and does have the edge on components. My main sticking point (after much over analysing) is that the Defy 2 might be a more comfortable ride over longer distances due to it's "relaxed geometry". The Allez supposedly has a more aggressive geometry which might be better suited for speed.

Bike will be mostly used for commuting 18km return to and from work, scalping work colleagues of their KOMs on Strava and 60km+ spins around the wicklow and dublin mountains.
I'd also be doing to the odd weekend cycling trip.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these bikes or could offer an insight on which bike might be better suited to me.

I've briefly test ridden both and the Giant felt a little closer to what I'm used to (Giant Rapid hybrid), while the Allez ride position felt aggressive, but the acceleration and speed felt great.

billyhead

Jk_Eire wrote: »

Hi all,

I've narrowed my search down for a new bike to these two.
Both are similarly priced in a few sales in a couple of Dublin LBSs with the Allez usually working out a little more expensive.

Defy 2 - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/defy.2/11498/55821/
Allez Elite http://www.specialized.com/ie/gb/bikes/road/allez/allezeliteintcompact

I'd considered a Rose or Canyon with better spec, but I'd like to use an LBS for the free servicing and I'll be buying some equipment too so I'll have a bit of space for haggling. Most importantly, I'll be able to test ride them.

The Allez wins hand down on paint job, and does have the edge on components. My main sticking point (after much over analysing) is that the Defy 2 might be a more comfortable ride over longer distances due to it's "relaxed geometry". The Allez supposedly has a more aggressive geometry which might be better suited for speed.

Bike will be mostly used for commuting 18km return to and from work, scalping work colleagues of their KOMs on Strava and 60km+ spins around the wicklow and dublin mountains.
I'd also be doing to the odd weekend cycling trip.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these bikes or could offer an insight on which bike might be better suited to me.

I've briefly test ridden both and the Giant felt a little closer to what I'm used to (Giant Rapid hybrid), while the Allez ride position felt aggressive, but the acceleration and speed felt great.

How much are they going for and where are they on sale at the moment?

Jk_Eire

Cycle Surgery Dundrum for the Allez and the Defy.
Giant Store itself had a few.

LennoxR

Bought Giant Defy back in May, can't say enough good things about it. Very fast on flat and downhill and nice and comfortable uphill too. Can't speak for the specialised one way or the other but you won't be disappointed in the Defy.

Inspector Coptoor

I got the Defy 2 3 months ago and I absolutely love it.

Did the Meath Hertitage 100km on it and found it great, especially on descents and it was brilliant on the flat.

have done 5-600km on it so far,no punctures, no problems.

A friend of mine got the Giant Defy 3 and loves it and if you have an extra 300 euro or so, you could even go for the Defy 1

billyhead

Jk_Eire wrote: »

Cycle Surgery Dundrum for the Allez and the Defy.
Giant Store itself had a few.

Cheers. How much are they on sale atm?

mackeminexile

Have the Defy 2 for 8 months now and love it. Admittedly I have upgraded the group set and wheels, stem, saddle, shifters and tyres. It's like Triggers broom. That being said, the only reason I've done all that is that I got addicted because in part the bike was very comfortable to begin as a cyclist.

Lemlin

For what it's worth I had narrowed my search down to both and my LBS recommended the Allez Sport, even though it was €50 cheaper.

I'm not into the technical side of biking but he said something about the Defy 2 having Tiagra but not proper Tiagra and it only being a half measure so Giant could stick the Tiagra name on it.

jackstaff

I've got a specialized allez sport and absolutely love it has caused me no bother at all have been toying with the idea of upgrading it but even the 2000e bikes aren't jumping at me unless I wanna brag I've ultegra on my bike....

My brother in law bought a defy 3 and I can't count how many punctures he has had plus a wheel rebuild in same time

Inspector Coptoor

mackeminexile wrote: »

Have the Defy 2 for 8 months now and love it. Admittedly I have upgraded the group set and wheels, stem, saddle, shifters and tyres. It's like Triggers broom. That being said, the only reason I've done all that is that I got addicted because in part the bike was very comfortable to begin as a cyclist.

So how much extra did you put into it?

I don't know a whole lot about bikes yet, have a lot of learning to do.

Jk_Eire

Sounds like the Defy 2 is a sure bet. Just wish the colour was nicer. Fickle, I know. Going to test ride tonight to see how it feels.

Has anybody any experience of the Allez Elite or Cube Peleton Pro?

mackeminexile

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

So how much extra did you put into it?

I don't know a whole lot about bikes yet, have a lot of learning to do.

In total I reckon I've spent €1000 but to be fair that was mainly personal choice. The bike is great to begin with for the price, I just got really into it all and was firmly bitten by the upgrade/tinkering bug! Make sure whichever bike you go for to get a proper fitting. The best money spent has to be initially on the saddle and pedals if you choose to go down that route. I know that the new wheels I got are amazing compared to the stock wheels but if I hadn't got the experience in first I wouldn't know the difference. Same with the groupset change. It all becam a bit of a personal project in learning the mechanics of the bike too.

Jk_Eire

Quick update.
Decided to go with the Giant Defy 2 2013. For commuting, touring, bad roads, it just felt like the most comfortable bike. The paint job grew on me a bit too.

Very smooth ride and feels fast.

Reckon I got a bargain too.
Down from €999 to €779 in Cycle Surgery, Dundrum. I'll also get to pick out 10% of the bike's value in accessories. So that's €79 towards shoe, pedals and cleats.

They've about 7 more in stocks in their warehouse in the UK so if anyone is considering buying one, better move fast.

Quality staff too. Really know there stuff.
Picking her up on Saturday

JMcL

Jk_Eire wrote: »

Quick update.
Reckon I got a bargain too.
Down from €999 to €779 in Cycle Surgery, Dundrum. I'll also get to pick out 10% of the bike's value in accessories. So that's €79 towards shoe, pedals and cleats.

Sounds like a very good deal, enjoy!

Inspector Coptoor

Jk_Eire wrote: »

Quick update.
Decided to go with the Giant Defy 2 2013. For commuting, touring, bad roads, it just felt like the most comfortable bike. The paint job grew on me a bit too.

Very smooth ride and feels fast.

Reckon I got a bargain too.
Down from €999 to €779 in Cycle Surgery, Dundrum. I'll also get to pick out 10% of the bike's value in accessories. So that's €79 towards shoe, pedals and cleats.

They've about 7 more in stocks in their warehouse in the UK so if anyone is considering buying one, better move fast.

Quality staff too. Really know there stuff.
Picking her up on Saturday

Savage deal.
I feel ripped off on my one now!
I paid €995

Jk_Eire

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

Savage deal.
I feel ripped off on my one now!
I paid €995

I was holding out for the end of season sales and got lucky they had stock in my size 56cm or M/L in Giant which usually sell out before the sales.

I'd been keeping my eye out on the Cycle Surgery website since they usually have great sales since they are part of a chain and have a good bit of buying power and can offer larger sale discounts.

The Giants are renowned for lasting forever so paying full retail price won't seem so bad in the long term.