Looking to buy one of these bikes. Giant TCR vs Defy available for the same price. Advice needed

[Stefan_97]

 

[Jameshow]

How much road bike riding experience have you.

The TCR will be a more racy position whilst the defy is an endurance orientated road bike.

If your used to a road bike the. Get the TCR if not the defy.

The tcr has a slightly better spec in 9 spd tiagra.

 

[the_mikey]

Not sure what the spec of the TCR is, it seems to have a mish mash of components, tiagra chainset, 105 derailleur, who knows what the shifters are but I'm guessing it's 4600 series 10 speed tiagra. The TCR will be lighter and racier than the Defy, the Defy looks like it's an alloy frame, and 9 speed Sora, it'll be heavier, but perhaps more comfortable as the ride position won't require the rider to be quite as flexible as needed for the TCR,. Not sure what material the TCR frame is made with, Giant have produced TCRs in alloy and carbon fibre, but in general I think they stopped producing alloy TCR's for the UK market for quite some while. Potentially the TCR might be a fun purchase IF it's one of the lighter frames.

 

[Cycleops]

Hello and .

Don't know about the riding experience but I'd say they've both had a fair bit of use, the Defy particularly. Both need new big chainrings so check what else might be worn like BB, wheel bearings, head bearings and rims. Cassette will need replacing too and chain.
None of which is a deal breaker but you can use it as a bargaining chip to reduce the price, probably by a good amount. You don't mention the asking price.

 

[vickster]

Not sure what the spec of the TCR is, it seems to have a mish mash of components, tiagra chainset, 105 derailleur, who knows what the shifters are but I'm guessing it's 4600 series 10 speed tiagra. The TCR will be lighter and racier than the Defy, the Defy looks like it's an alloy frame, and 9 speed Sora, it'll be heavier, but perhaps more comfortable as the ride position won't require the rider to be quite as flexible as needed for the TCR,. Not sure what material the TCR frame is made with, Giant have produced TCRs in alloy and carbon fibre, but in general I think they stopped producing alloy TCR's for the UK market for quite some while. Potentially the TCR might be a fun purchase IF it's one of the lighter frames.

The OPs profile says he’s in Cape Town rather than UK

 

[13 rider]

Aren't they both Tcrs ,frame with red on has TCR on the fork ,black white one has TCR on top tube .
Looks like both are from around 2015 and have a mix of components changed over the years . If you can't notice any issues with either bike . The one that feels like it fits you best.
If the red one says Defy on the top tube it's definitely had a fork change which suggests an accident be wary of frame damage

 

[Peter Salt]

The first bike seems to have a mis-matched fork. That always sets off my BS alarm. Could have been involved in an accident.

 

[kingrollo]

Ive know a few older guys struggle with the geometry of the TCR - They are quite different bikes. I loved my Alu defy a few years back.

 

[mustang1]

I'm not referring to the two bikes in the photo, but TCR and Defy frames in general.

The most important thing on a bike is that you get the right size. If you see two bikes and one has full Dura Ace but the other has full Sora, they are both the same price but the DA bike does not fit you, then you should buy the Sora bike.

The Defy frame will make you sit on the bike in a more upright position thus giving more comfort. I think the frame is more compliant too.

For TCR, think stiff frame, think slouched over position for yourself on that bike.

My guess, since you're asking, is that you are not too experienced in drop bar road bikes and for that I would suggest Defy.

But of course it's your call.

 

[Red17]

I believe that the Defy has a bigger spread of gears than the TCR, which may matter if you are in a hilly area.