Felt Z85 vs Giant Defy 2

[BrynCP]

As in a previous post, I am looking for a more relaxed geometry road bike for longish rides.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z85-2014/
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.defy.2/14977/66545/

The Defy 2 is £799 at LBS, the Z85 is £820 after 12% discount and cashback which I assume makes it valid for the 30 day test ride offer, which would be useful. (One does wonder though why it's a product on Wiggle with no discount, except the loyalty discount, it's very unusual)

Which is the better bike? I had ruled out the Z85 previously as it was way above my £800 budget, but with that discount it's closer; I can't find much about the 2014 Z85 but previous years got good reviews, and there is at least a choice of colours unlike the black and grey defy 2. What is the benefit (or -ve) of a carbon seat post?

According to the size charts I'd want a L/55 for the Defy 2 and a 58.5 for the Z85 (no idea what that number means really) but the geometry other than that number seem similar.

 

[Kies]

Defy 2 - but then i would say that. A carbon seatpost is meant to give a comfortable ride compared to a standard aluminium seatpost, and it will be a few grams lighter

 

[Deleted member 35268]

I envy your choice. I have a 2009 Defy and it has been, and still is amazing. I have a medium 54 frame, i'm kind of average height.

They have a discounted all carbon Felt for £898 which looks sweet, 40% discount - I am quite tempted.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f6-apex-2013/

Although my loyalty is with the Giant brand, having had one, and wanting to try new things, I would personally choose the Felt.

You have a tough choice.

 

[BrynCP]

There are two additional things I thought of:

Warranty: Felt is 3 years frame, Giant is lifetime.

Service: LBS will include 6 week service in price; as I live nowhere near Wiggle I would have to pay approx £40 for this to an LBS with the Felt.

So the Giant wins on both those. Plus that 12% is the enhanced loyalty discount, so I would have to make my choice by Monday making it a bit rushed.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I think the Felt Z85 is an exclusive with Wiggle hence the lack of discount.

Even though I have a Felt hybrid that I bought from Wiggle years ago and think it is a great bike, I would be looking at the LBS, for the after care service if nothing else

 

[Cyclist33]

Having had both a Felt Z100 and a Giant Defy 3, I would echo the sentiment that it's a tough choice. I think the Felt I found slightly more comfortable, and faster, though strangely less exciting or satisfying to ride.

 

[NorvernRob]

There's 17% off at Wiggle until Monday, they're doing an extra 5% on the platinum discount. It's showing as £787.67 for me.

Edit: Sorry, just seen your post referring to it!

 

[BrynCP]

There's 17% off at Wiggle until Monday, they're doing an extra 5% on the platinum discount. It's showing as £787.67 for me.

Edit: Sorry, just seen your post referring to it!

Yeah, I a lowly gold customer! 5% enhanced to 12%.

 

[Cuchilo]

I love my two Giant road bikes . No complaints with either of them . Hope that helps you decide .

 

[BrynCP]

Thanks all. I think a trip to the LBS it is - just a shame Giant pricing seems so strict;y set and adhered to, not even a penny separates any of the giant dealers up here.

 

[Cuchilo]

Are you buying the best discount you can get or the bike you want ? I know its nice to get a good deal but Bike , Bum and Saddle are the three things I would bite the bullet on if I couldn't get a deal .

 

[BrynCP]

Are you buying the best discount you can get or the bike you want ? I know its nice to get a good deal but Bike , Bum and Saddle are the three things I would bite the bullet on if I couldn't get a deal .

I am just always looking out for some kind of deal because I am cheap! I am going to go look at the Defy, shame I have nowhere safe to store it, but I'll find somewhere.

 

[Cuchilo]

I am just always looking out for some kind of deal because I am cheap! I am going to go look at the Defy, shame I have nowhere safe to store it, but I'll find somewhere.

Mine are in the front room nailed to the tv

 

[the_mikey]

I envy your choice. I have a 2009 Defy and it has been, and still is amazing. I have a medium 54 frame, i'm kind of average height.

They have a discounted all carbon Felt for £898 which looks sweet, 40% discount - I am quite tempted.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f6-apex-2013/

Although my loyalty is with the Giant brand, having had one, and wanting to try new things, I would personally choose the Felt.

You have a tough choice.

I have recently returned to my 2010 defy 2 after spending winter on a Kinesis T2 and it feels great, such a light and fun bike to ride, the only way it could be better would be to spend a few hundred on a super light wheelset and tyres.

 

[vickster]

If happy to buy online, ashcycles for reduced giants