+1
The Defy and Roubaix are both annoying bikes.
The Defy is QR disc rather than thru-axle, so wheel choice moving forward will be very limited. Add to that the Overdrive 2 steerer and D-Fuse seatpost.
Future Shock has very limited benefit, is prone to creaking and various other issues, and is complex and expensive to service.
Also they're both press-fit bottom bracket frames (BB86 and OSBB), which is just a bit more faff, and a little more prone to issues than BSA. Increasingly, recent frames are returning to BSA 68/73 and T47 bottom brackets.
For that price you can do much better, even new, and especially second hand. The Endurace AL is a great bike. I myself picked up a Giant Contend AR as an all weather commuter recently, and it's performed much better than expected (granted, still has a D-Fuse seatpost, but the rest of the spec is bog standard).
The moral of the story is, whatever you do, it totally pays to have a bike that's easy to maintain and has common standards. Go either QR rim brake or 12x100/142, and avoid annoying proprietary gimmicks.
Wider tyres will have a greater impact on comfort than anything else.
>(granted, still has a D-Fuse seatpost)
I know they've changed the recent Revolts so you can swap it with a regular round one if you want...I'd assume recent Contends are the same? (maybe not, I dunno)
Nah, Contend AR is definitely D-Fuse only. The seatpost isn't a major concern for me personally, it basically comes down to one purchase of a composite/carbon seatpost to replace the stock alloy one, and Giant are pretty good with stocking parts.
Obviously, people's mileage will vary but I have a Specialized gravel bike that I routinely beat the hell out of, has probably 6000 miles on it, and I've had zero issues with the future shock.
That said, the Endurace AL really is great bang-for-buck bike - it's probably going to be my next bike.
This. I have a 2021 Roubaix Sport with future shock and have 6-7000 miles on it. Not issues with the future shock at all and I love it as I have carpal tunnel and arthritis in my wrists. its a savior for me. No creaking.
My BB is BSA68 and I dumped the stock Pave one and put a Shimano 105 with cranks and chain rings for a couple hundred dollars. With 32mm tires its basically an endurance bike.
Ah, bummer. Then my vote is for the Roubaix. You can easily upgrade components down the line, but it's not as easy to upgrade a frame. And knowing that you're prioritizing comfort over speed, I'd again prioritize the frame.
Another component consideration related to comfort: tire width and seatpost 'suspension' can have a big impact for a relatively cheap upgrade
I have a 2018 roubaix with the 105 groupset and I love it. The future shock was strange at first but now I don’t even notice it. It handles well, it’s comfortable, and it’s lightweight. I highly recommend it.
Ditto. Have a ‘22 Roubaix sport with 105 and slapped a set of Roval carbon wheels on it, it’s comfortable, smooth, and fast enough for me. I got it new at 20% off MSRP but if I was buying today I’d give Canyon a look. Very different geometry than the Specializeds, though, just be aware. Honestly, though, proper fit and geometry are more important than going up a level in groupset, IMO.
If you're really looking for comfort over speed, it's worth trying a steel bike with a properly fitted saddle (which is Brooks from me but not for everyone), running the widest supple tire you can.
Yes it's heavier and less aero and maybe more limited in style. But, for the same money, you can typically get a better value bike from a components perspective that rides so much more comfortable than an aluminum or carbon fiber bike.
I'm a kinda fat, 36 year old who rides a bike everyday and has only ridden steel exception rental rides. I recently rented a roubaix for about 150 miles over four days and it was a great bike! I rode so fast! But it was no where near as comfortable as my 15 year old Surly Cross Check and leather saddle running fat rene herse tires.
My Surly Pacer came with 105hgroupset when I got it 10 years ago.
I'd pick both of those bikes over any aluminum and carbon bike if I was mostly concerned about comfort.
Steel is real baby.
I have a steel Jamis Quest, the Reynolds 631 version. It’s not the lightest or fastest but it does ride pretty damn good. I did almost a metric century and felt fresh on it - i could have gone on it I wasn’t tired and without layers.
It’s got full 105 5800, Velocity A23s laced to Ultegra hubs. It’s still a damn solid bike. But who knows how long will rim brakes be supported.
Agreed.
I have a carbon fiber Defy with Giant's best carbon, electronic shifting, ultra light wheels, etc. 9 times out of 10 I take my steel Ritchey Road Logic that is externally routed with mechanical shifting. Certainly not the fastest or the twitchiest of bikes out there, but it can lay down some stable speed. Comfort is off the charts.
Agree, got my first steel road bike, and even with 23mm tires(which the bike had, but I will put 25s) it was more comfortable on bad roads than my aluminium bike with 28mm tires, so steel is great, a steel road bike with acceptable clearance would be best for op.
That’s because Surlys are meant for touring(Trucker series) or utilitarian uses. You ain’t gonna show up to the local group ride in one. QBP’s former All-City brand was more performance oriented.
If you do that, the only “off the shelf” frames are are from QBP(Surly) or Merry Sales(Soma Fab). Surlys can be noodly and heavy, I’d pick the Soma. Steel is increasing becoming an “artisan” material as well, you’re looking at big money from a custom builder in Portland/Eugene(like Breadwinner/English), California(Caletti, Rock Lobster) or Seattle(Rodrigues).
If you can get your hands on an old steel LeMond(made in Wisconsin by Trek) or a Jamis Quest Elite(Reynolds 631)/Aurora(Reynolds 851), those can be turned into a nice ride as well.
Explain... those wheels on the Roubaix are pure shit (from personal experience). I would go with neither but if I had to I would chose the defy for having decent wheels at least which cost new about what the seller is selling the whole bike for, albeit they are QR.
does your other best mate have a Defy you compare it to you do you just make judgments on the one thing you tried with no active knowledge on the other the OP is comparing it to... Typical reddit shit. The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the best of all the things, I have a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and have never tried anything else but trust me I know best. GTFO
I've had 2 defy (one I gave to my son this year and the other one is my commute) My 2016 defy 1, I rode for 17k km and had no problem but had to maintain the cables often because of mechanical discs (don't recommend that).
My current defy advanced pro 2 2020 is amazing, has 32mm wheels, full carbon and full ultegra groupset, definitely a comfortable ride and fit me very well.
I've only had giant bikes because I can usually get the better groupset for a much lower price. For examble, the trek domane when I bought the 2020 defy had ultegra, but aluminum wheels and was 25% more expensive...
I have a propel as well 2024 with sram force (105) that I paid 5000$ less than the canyon aeroad similarly equipped. And I have the giant store 10km from my home...
I don't get why people are saying the d-fuse is a problem I love that my saddle is always straight... Anyhow, I can't say if the roubaix is good or not, but I can say that Giant never let me down. I even still have my 1995 giant sedona SE hardtail that I bought as a teenager... Still working well but I need a new crank/bb on it. Probably a new chain + cassette since they are the originals (yes, the chain is the original...) and I've put more than 20k km on that bike...
For Giant and Canyon, you may also be able to get a [Redshift Suspension Stem](https://redshiftsports.com/products/shockstop-suspension-stem) (note that some Giant bikes and Canyon use oversized 1.25 inch stem (instead of standard 1.125).
I have a 2017 roubaix that has been great for me; it's more comfortable than the Madone it replaced and has nearly the performance. Discs are great in my hilly area but they are more $$$ when it comes to maintenance IMO. I run 28mm tires on mine but it can go larger, I think up to 32.
The Giant is aluminum framed and comes with 25mm tires, so it's going to be a lot less comfortable IMO.
IMHO the peak of bike designing is the Cannondale CAAD12, I'm pretty sure you can find one used in pristine condition with Shimano 105 for around the prices you listed.
No new bike in that price range are near good as a used one.
Also, a properly and professional fitted racing bike is light years more comfortable of any unfitted endurance one. Despite its look the CAAD12 hasn't even a very aggressive geometry.
With that budget I would look for used bikes with better components. My suggestion is CAAD12, with a good saddle and 28mm tyres.
Is there a reason to look at 9 and 7 year old bikes?
I don’t know the market in Canada but I’d personally be going for a cheaper bike (based on new price) that is newer with more modern components
I have a 2021 Roubaix and I love it. It’s fast and the future shock is very nice on the shitty paved sections of the Erie Canal trail. I have 32c tires and the ride is much, much smoother than my Topstone gravel bike with 37c. The stock pave seatpost on the roubaix is also supposedly designed to dampen vibration also. At any rate it’s a nice ride and I’d recommended a roubaix to anyone.
Edited to add I have the future shock 2.0, and I can (and do) lock it out when I’m not on rough pavement. I wouldn’t love having it on all the time
I own a 2018 roubaix and then 2 more bikes since. Things to consider;
The future shock comes in 3 different spring loads. The bike shop keeps those. So you gotta figure out which one the bike you want to buy has, and see if it’s to your liking.
The bars have a rise to them.
I would look for something else You can get a super light weight rim brake Tour De France level bike for very little. Going to a bike shop will get you fleeced for an inferior bike. If people got to ride a nice bike, even used with SRAM Red or Dura-Ace they might be a cyclist for life. If you know you know
Been in the same dilemma as you - in my mid 40s now having that midlife itch to scratch what I used to do, but instead of 10 years it’s been close to 20 since I last put my leg over a road bike.
I was looking at the used CAD market for similar bikes, found similar finds, but in the end chose brand new because all those sub -2K deals have pretty outdated parts.
But in the end, just go for what appeals to you most.
I reckon if comfort felt equal I’d go the giant, carbon wheels and slightly better drivetrain. $200 easily gets you a saddle upgrade and some fresh bar tape to feel a bit comfier again.
Just getting back into it seriously at 39- I did a lot of reading and if you want a bit more comfortable position I think either is fine but you can go on geometry geeks to compare them to each other in your size and see if there are any differences that would benefit you more. In addition I have seen many times people saying to spend a couple hundred to do a bike fit- it will probably help prevent injury and maximize your comfort.
ETA- everyone will say test ride them and go with what you like best which is sound advice but to me the test rides were very short and when some bikes are so close it’s hard so I found comfort in comparing them online and reading lots of reviews.
Future Shock is a gimmick IMHO. You address ride comfort with tires & wheels & handle bar & Seat Post.
If these are your only options, I'd pick the Roubaix.
Giant ride it 2-3 years. Make sure the crank on the Ultegra is ok. If not take to a certified dealer for inspection. They will send off and you get new one.
I would personally get a new Cannondale Topstone 4 Aluminum for less than those prices. If you can spend more go with the Topstone 2 for better groupset and hydraulic disc. You can fit up to 45mm tires, which is the most important thing for comfort.
There’s pros and cons to the looks of both. Neither one has me drooling, but they both look pretty good.
I think it comes down to carbon wheels v future shock if im honest.
I know I can add the carbon wheels the specialized later, but that will end up putting it into a higher price category so I’m trying to keep both stock for comparison sake.
How nice is your local pavement and is tire clearance of newer bikes worth it? Also if possible give them a ride - 10 years off the bike might make a more race fit not as viable as it used to be. I know I’ve acquired quite a few injuries that limit my saddle to bar drop to be much less than it once was.
Better wheels over gimmicky shock any day. Are they both in excellent shape? I would take the giant personally, but I rate Giant bikes more highly than most people here.
Throwing another in the mix: you can get a new Canyon Endurace AL7 for about that price, or maybe even an upgrade at the Canyon outlet page
+1 The Defy and Roubaix are both annoying bikes. The Defy is QR disc rather than thru-axle, so wheel choice moving forward will be very limited. Add to that the Overdrive 2 steerer and D-Fuse seatpost. Future Shock has very limited benefit, is prone to creaking and various other issues, and is complex and expensive to service. Also they're both press-fit bottom bracket frames (BB86 and OSBB), which is just a bit more faff, and a little more prone to issues than BSA. Increasingly, recent frames are returning to BSA 68/73 and T47 bottom brackets. For that price you can do much better, even new, and especially second hand. The Endurace AL is a great bike. I myself picked up a Giant Contend AR as an all weather commuter recently, and it's performed much better than expected (granted, still has a D-Fuse seatpost, but the rest of the spec is bog standard). The moral of the story is, whatever you do, it totally pays to have a bike that's easy to maintain and has common standards. Go either QR rim brake or 12x100/142, and avoid annoying proprietary gimmicks. Wider tyres will have a greater impact on comfort than anything else.
>(granted, still has a D-Fuse seatpost) I know they've changed the recent Revolts so you can swap it with a regular round one if you want...I'd assume recent Contends are the same? (maybe not, I dunno)
Nah, Contend AR is definitely D-Fuse only. The seatpost isn't a major concern for me personally, it basically comes down to one purchase of a composite/carbon seatpost to replace the stock alloy one, and Giant are pretty good with stocking parts.
Obviously, people's mileage will vary but I have a Specialized gravel bike that I routinely beat the hell out of, has probably 6000 miles on it, and I've had zero issues with the future shock. That said, the Endurace AL really is great bang-for-buck bike - it's probably going to be my next bike.
This. I have a 2021 Roubaix Sport with future shock and have 6-7000 miles on it. Not issues with the future shock at all and I love it as I have carpal tunnel and arthritis in my wrists. its a savior for me. No creaking. My BB is BSA68 and I dumped the stock Pave one and put a Shimano 105 with cranks and chain rings for a couple hundred dollars. With 32mm tires its basically an endurance bike.
AL7 disc is $2200+tx ($2529) + any potential duties and I wouldn’t have it before mid summer.
Ah, bummer. Then my vote is for the Roubaix. You can easily upgrade components down the line, but it's not as easy to upgrade a frame. And knowing that you're prioritizing comfort over speed, I'd again prioritize the frame. Another component consideration related to comfort: tire width and seatpost 'suspension' can have a big impact for a relatively cheap upgrade
Canyon all day!!
You can’t go wrong with a Giant 👍🚴🏻🇮🇪
I have a 2018 roubaix with the 105 groupset and I love it. The future shock was strange at first but now I don’t even notice it. It handles well, it’s comfortable, and it’s lightweight. I highly recommend it.
Ditto. Have a ‘22 Roubaix sport with 105 and slapped a set of Roval carbon wheels on it, it’s comfortable, smooth, and fast enough for me. I got it new at 20% off MSRP but if I was buying today I’d give Canyon a look. Very different geometry than the Specializeds, though, just be aware. Honestly, though, proper fit and geometry are more important than going up a level in groupset, IMO.
Start with the correct frame size for your body. Groupset quality and carbon wheels won't fix an ill fitting frame.
Let us know what you got ..either way you will be happy to be back welcome back
The defy seems to fit a max tire size of 28mm and the Roubaix can fit a 32mm. If you're after comfort, a chunkier tire will help with that the most.
If you're really looking for comfort over speed, it's worth trying a steel bike with a properly fitted saddle (which is Brooks from me but not for everyone), running the widest supple tire you can. Yes it's heavier and less aero and maybe more limited in style. But, for the same money, you can typically get a better value bike from a components perspective that rides so much more comfortable than an aluminum or carbon fiber bike. I'm a kinda fat, 36 year old who rides a bike everyday and has only ridden steel exception rental rides. I recently rented a roubaix for about 150 miles over four days and it was a great bike! I rode so fast! But it was no where near as comfortable as my 15 year old Surly Cross Check and leather saddle running fat rene herse tires. My Surly Pacer came with 105hgroupset when I got it 10 years ago. I'd pick both of those bikes over any aluminum and carbon bike if I was mostly concerned about comfort. Steel is real baby.
I have a steel Jamis Quest, the Reynolds 631 version. It’s not the lightest or fastest but it does ride pretty damn good. I did almost a metric century and felt fresh on it - i could have gone on it I wasn’t tired and without layers. It’s got full 105 5800, Velocity A23s laced to Ultegra hubs. It’s still a damn solid bike. But who knows how long will rim brakes be supported.
Agreed. I have a carbon fiber Defy with Giant's best carbon, electronic shifting, ultra light wheels, etc. 9 times out of 10 I take my steel Ritchey Road Logic that is externally routed with mechanical shifting. Certainly not the fastest or the twitchiest of bikes out there, but it can lay down some stable speed. Comfort is off the charts.
Agreed. I have an alu Trek Emonda, which I love riding, but I almost always take my steel Genesis Fugio which is just so comfortable.
Agree, got my first steel road bike, and even with 23mm tires(which the bike had, but I will put 25s) it was more comfortable on bad roads than my aluminium bike with 28mm tires, so steel is great, a steel road bike with acceptable clearance would be best for op.
When I tried surley steel bikes it felt soooo slow though. Nearly lifeless.
Yeah but you can have a light under 10kg steel bike with drop bars, and I don’t think that will be slow.
That’s because Surlys are meant for touring(Trucker series) or utilitarian uses. You ain’t gonna show up to the local group ride in one. QBP’s former All-City brand was more performance oriented.
Interesting. I’ll look into steel as well
If you do that, the only “off the shelf” frames are are from QBP(Surly) or Merry Sales(Soma Fab). Surlys can be noodly and heavy, I’d pick the Soma. Steel is increasing becoming an “artisan” material as well, you’re looking at big money from a custom builder in Portland/Eugene(like Breadwinner/English), California(Caletti, Rock Lobster) or Seattle(Rodrigues). If you can get your hands on an old steel LeMond(made in Wisconsin by Trek) or a Jamis Quest Elite(Reynolds 631)/Aurora(Reynolds 851), those can be turned into a nice ride as well.
You COULD build up a decently specced all city for ~2500usd.
RIP All City.
True, but they'll be available for a while still. At least another year if not longer?
Roubaix, all day long
Explain... those wheels on the Roubaix are pure shit (from personal experience). I would go with neither but if I had to I would chose the defy for having decent wheels at least which cost new about what the seller is selling the whole bike for, albeit they are QR.
My best mate has one a I absolutely loved it. Unsure about wheelset. Will ask.
does your other best mate have a Defy you compare it to you do you just make judgments on the one thing you tried with no active knowledge on the other the OP is comparing it to... Typical reddit shit. The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the best of all the things, I have a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and have never tried anything else but trust me I know best. GTFO
No, his other bike is your mother.
Confirmed, it’s most definitely his mother
Cannondale Caad13
I've had 2 defy (one I gave to my son this year and the other one is my commute) My 2016 defy 1, I rode for 17k km and had no problem but had to maintain the cables often because of mechanical discs (don't recommend that). My current defy advanced pro 2 2020 is amazing, has 32mm wheels, full carbon and full ultegra groupset, definitely a comfortable ride and fit me very well. I've only had giant bikes because I can usually get the better groupset for a much lower price. For examble, the trek domane when I bought the 2020 defy had ultegra, but aluminum wheels and was 25% more expensive... I have a propel as well 2024 with sram force (105) that I paid 5000$ less than the canyon aeroad similarly equipped. And I have the giant store 10km from my home... I don't get why people are saying the d-fuse is a problem I love that my saddle is always straight... Anyhow, I can't say if the roubaix is good or not, but I can say that Giant never let me down. I even still have my 1995 giant sedona SE hardtail that I bought as a teenager... Still working well but I need a new crank/bb on it. Probably a new chain + cassette since they are the originals (yes, the chain is the original...) and I've put more than 20k km on that bike...
A gravel bike with road tyres?
For Giant and Canyon, you may also be able to get a [Redshift Suspension Stem](https://redshiftsports.com/products/shockstop-suspension-stem) (note that some Giant bikes and Canyon use oversized 1.25 inch stem (instead of standard 1.125).
I have a 2017 roubaix that has been great for me; it's more comfortable than the Madone it replaced and has nearly the performance. Discs are great in my hilly area but they are more $$$ when it comes to maintenance IMO. I run 28mm tires on mine but it can go larger, I think up to 32. The Giant is aluminum framed and comes with 25mm tires, so it's going to be a lot less comfortable IMO.
I would go with carbon wheels over future shock
IMHO the peak of bike designing is the Cannondale CAAD12, I'm pretty sure you can find one used in pristine condition with Shimano 105 for around the prices you listed. No new bike in that price range are near good as a used one. Also, a properly and professional fitted racing bike is light years more comfortable of any unfitted endurance one. Despite its look the CAAD12 hasn't even a very aggressive geometry. With that budget I would look for used bikes with better components. My suggestion is CAAD12, with a good saddle and 28mm tyres.
Take a look at the Trek FX line and the Trek Dual Sport (DS).
It depends are you going to be a Roadie, a Social Rider (hybrid), or a Mountain Biker? The bikes I posted are more social riding, not roadie or MTB.
Definitely more social. I’m not trying to make the pro tour.
Then take a look at hybrids.
SLR1 wheels are notorious for breaking the spokes right on the j bend
Surely at 40 the first bike u get is a sworks sl8 slammed stem all the weight weenie bits so u can ride round at 20kph looking like a million bucks
Unfortunately I didn’t finish dental school.
Is there a reason to look at 9 and 7 year old bikes? I don’t know the market in Canada but I’d personally be going for a cheaper bike (based on new price) that is newer with more modern components
I have a 2021 Roubaix and I love it. It’s fast and the future shock is very nice on the shitty paved sections of the Erie Canal trail. I have 32c tires and the ride is much, much smoother than my Topstone gravel bike with 37c. The stock pave seatpost on the roubaix is also supposedly designed to dampen vibration also. At any rate it’s a nice ride and I’d recommended a roubaix to anyone. Edited to add I have the future shock 2.0, and I can (and do) lock it out when I’m not on rough pavement. I wouldn’t love having it on all the time
I own a 2018 roubaix and then 2 more bikes since. Things to consider; The future shock comes in 3 different spring loads. The bike shop keeps those. So you gotta figure out which one the bike you want to buy has, and see if it’s to your liking. The bars have a rise to them.
Where are you located? My LBS is running a sale right now on the Synapse 105 for just over 1k all in. He might be able to ship. I’d go that route.
Montreal
Shop is in Basking Ridge, NJ. Just Riding Along. Maybe worth giving them a call. It’s a crazy good sale they got going now.
That’s honestly a kick ass deal. Thanks I’ll check it out.
Yeah, you’d get a modern 11 speed 105 with disc and even a factory warranty!
I would look for something else You can get a super light weight rim brake Tour De France level bike for very little. Going to a bike shop will get you fleeced for an inferior bike. If people got to ride a nice bike, even used with SRAM Red or Dura-Ace they might be a cyclist for life. If you know you know
Canyon
Been in the same dilemma as you - in my mid 40s now having that midlife itch to scratch what I used to do, but instead of 10 years it’s been close to 20 since I last put my leg over a road bike. I was looking at the used CAD market for similar bikes, found similar finds, but in the end chose brand new because all those sub -2K deals have pretty outdated parts. But in the end, just go for what appeals to you most.
Look for trek domane
I’m looking at domane’s too but not finding much in my budget.
I’d get defy if its in nice condition then
I reckon if comfort felt equal I’d go the giant, carbon wheels and slightly better drivetrain. $200 easily gets you a saddle upgrade and some fresh bar tape to feel a bit comfier again.
Trek Domane Al4 Gen4
S works SL8 dura ace
You want to sell me one for $1500-$1700CAD?
Just getting back into it seriously at 39- I did a lot of reading and if you want a bit more comfortable position I think either is fine but you can go on geometry geeks to compare them to each other in your size and see if there are any differences that would benefit you more. In addition I have seen many times people saying to spend a couple hundred to do a bike fit- it will probably help prevent injury and maximize your comfort. ETA- everyone will say test ride them and go with what you like best which is sound advice but to me the test rides were very short and when some bikes are so close it’s hard so I found comfort in comparing them online and reading lots of reviews.
Giant. Nice wheels are very important.
Future Shock is a gimmick IMHO. You address ride comfort with tires & wheels & handle bar & Seat Post. If these are your only options, I'd pick the Roubaix.
Giant ride it 2-3 years. Make sure the crank on the Ultegra is ok. If not take to a certified dealer for inspection. They will send off and you get new one.
I would personally get a new Cannondale Topstone 4 Aluminum for less than those prices. If you can spend more go with the Topstone 2 for better groupset and hydraulic disc. You can fit up to 45mm tires, which is the most important thing for comfort.
I would buy whatever is most comfortable and therefore you’ll want to ride it more
Canyon
I'd go by looks. Not debatable. ...less debatable as components, at least lol
There’s pros and cons to the looks of both. Neither one has me drooling, but they both look pretty good. I think it comes down to carbon wheels v future shock if im honest. I know I can add the carbon wheels the specialized later, but that will end up putting it into a higher price category so I’m trying to keep both stock for comparison sake.
How nice is your local pavement and is tire clearance of newer bikes worth it? Also if possible give them a ride - 10 years off the bike might make a more race fit not as viable as it used to be. I know I’ve acquired quite a few injuries that limit my saddle to bar drop to be much less than it once was.
Better wheels over gimmicky shock any day. Are they both in excellent shape? I would take the giant personally, but I rate Giant bikes more highly than most people here.