I have a Giant Defy 1 and recently bought a Bianchi Sempre Pro. Both really good bikes in their own right.
Personally, I prefer the Bianchi as the CF frame means the power transfer is a lot smoother and the bike is quicker picking up than the Alu Defy.
This hasn't been mentioned so thought I would add that to the equation. I also love the Bianchi for other reasons already mentioned, so won't repeat.
As far as groupset a are concerned, the 11 speed Ultegra is head and shoulders above the 10 speed 105. So much smoother and quicker changing gears. Feels altogether more solid. If you're comparing to the latest 105 11 speed though, I would imagine the gap has closed somewhat.
The suggestion that there's no difference between 105 and Ultegra, but that Ultegra to Dura Ace is a huge step up is madness. Diminishing returns on groupsets suggests the complete opposite generally.
Personally, I prefer the Bianchi as the CF frame means the power transfer is a lot smoother and the bike is quicker picking up than the Alu Defy.
This hasn't been mentioned so thought I would add that to the equation. I also love the Bianchi for other reasons already mentioned, so won't repeat.
As far as groupset a are concerned, the 11 speed Ultegra is head and shoulders above the 10 speed 105. So much smoother and quicker changing gears. Feels altogether more solid. If you're comparing to the latest 105 11 speed though, I would imagine the gap has closed somewhat.
The suggestion that there's no difference between 105 and Ultegra, but that Ultegra to Dura Ace is a huge step up is madness. Diminishing returns on groupsets suggests the complete opposite generally.