Defy Advanced vs Ultimate CF SL 7

DrumcDub1

Looking to upgrade over the winter and both of these caught my eye! Will be solely riding on road, mix of both flat and climbing. Will be used for longer endurance sportives as well as weekly spins.

Any and all feedback/thoughts welcome in terms of which is better value/any first hand experience

Thanks all

https://www.giant-dublin.ie/ie/defy-advanced-1-2024

https://www.canyon.com/en-ie/road-bikes/race-bikes/ultimate/cf-sl/ultimate-cf-sl-7-di2/3556.html?dwvar_3556_pv_rahmenfarbe=R101_P03

at1withmyself

For looks alone I'd be going with the Giant.

CantGetNoSleep

Not quite a like for like comparison.

The equivalent of the Giant Defy would be the Canyon Endurace, whereas the Canyon Ultimate equivalent is the Giant TCR.

That will be the main difference - Defy is a slightly more relaxed riding position, it will take wider tires and possibly even mudguards. The Ultimate is a slightly racier bike. I think your first choice needs to be which geometry you are going for.

I've never ridden a Defy but my last bike was a Canyon Ultimate and my current one is a Giant TCR - there is very little difference to be fair. In the end for me it came down to value for money when I was upgrading - the Giant was almost cheaper given the spec and could be picked up from a local bike shop. Also found sizing a bit odd on the Canyon but that is probably because I am really in between two sizes.

nilhg

I bought a Defy Advanced 1 a year ago and I have to say I love it, it's very comfortable to ride even on ultra long days in the saddle. My other "good" bike is a Felt F1 which is a full on race bike (probably more comparable to the Canyon the OP is looking at) and I'd still say it is snappier and faster handling than the Giant but that's just down to the geometry and lower weight, you do feel every bump on the road on it compared to the Defy though.

The big issue I had with the Defy is the PR2 wheels, in my case the bearings were crap, totally failed after the first winter, I had a nice pair of carbon wheels got for the summer so it wasn't the end of the world, the shop I bought the bike from (Buckleys in Tullamore) replaced the bearings under warranty with no issues at all, they're going back on for the winter this weekend so we'll see how they last this year.

I fitted a set of Giant speedshield RGX mudguards to it this week and did 190km on them last weekend, not a rattle out of them so happy enough with them.

I'd recommend the Defy to anyone but keep an eye on the wheel bearings.

Macy0161

PR2 wheel bearings have been crap for years. Just to echo, I'm actively investigating n+1, and the ultimate is the canyon "not as aero" race bike. I have a 2016 Defy, and the only issue I've ever had with it is the wheel bearings, and that it was just before the trend for bigger clearances.

fat bloke

Both great bikes. I never liked the defy in the past but I think they're a crackin bike now. Unusual to see an A vs B choice with canyon being the more expensive! Doesn't look too be much of a spec differential either.

mamax

Just seen the new defy on display and it's very nice, would make a lot of sense if your a one bike person and have a few sets of wheels.

Mefistofelino

Have had a Defy Advanced Pro for about 10k km now. Lovely bike to ride but watch out for the following

1) Paint - particularly on the multi coloured versions - is prone to serious chipping.

2) It uses that poxy pressfit BB86 bottom bracket design. ( Mind you, so does the Ultimate)

3) Make sure you get a rear mudguard bridge for the stays. That way you can fit any third party normal mudguard

https://images.app.goo.gl/CzVCNB7NWhynt8t76

4) If you want to fit a dynamo or other lamp bracket to the fork crown, there's no forward facing mounting hole.

g0g

Cube Agree C:62 Race € 3,750

Did you consider this? I looked at Di2 options and preferred Ultegra for the bottoms on the hoods.

fat bloke

https://www.garyscycles.com/product/1667/trek-emonda-sl-6-disc-pro/

Some discounts going around on Treks at the moment that might be worth a look. This is not di2 but it's ultegra. I recently bought an SL5 and it's lovely. Mechanical 105 but it works wonderfully. It's as good as any groupset I've ever used.

ninoon

I am also considering the 2024 Defy advanced pro 2, looks good in pictures , has more clearance for wider tyres ,ie canal paths, On a negative point for me it looks like the stem is not reversible , maybe too low for me. Waiting to see it in the flesh and stem solution.

nilhg

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121327824#Comment_121327824

This says the stem is flippable, but a different headset spacer is required

https://escapecollective.com/2024-giant-defy-advanced-review/