Giant Defy Advanced 2 vs Specialized Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra
Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Giant Defy Advanced 2 comes out ahead (77% against 74%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Giant Defy Advanced 2 is £200 cheaper — £2,299 against £2,499.
- Weight
- The Giant Defy Advanced 2 is 0.4kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Specialized Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra sits you more upright (1.56 stack-to-reach against 1.50). The Giant Defy Advanced 2 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Mudguards
- Only the Specialized Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.
Side by side
| Spec | Defy Advanced 2 | Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,299 | £2,499 |
| Weight | 9.0 kg | 9.4 kg |
| Frame | carbon | carbon |
| Groupset | Shimano 105 R7100 12-speed | Shimano Tiagra R4000 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.50 | 1.56 |
| Tyre clearance | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Lowest gear | 26 in | 26 in |
| Mudguard mounts | No | Yes |
| Comfort | 64 | 73 |
| Speed | 49 | 37 |
| Climbing | 63 | 58 |
| Value | 37 | 25 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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