 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I may be pressing button on a new road bike soon, to replace my 2012 Defy Composite 1.
I have my heart set on a 2016 Defy Advanced Pro 2, but the Genesis datum 20 is sneaking into my thinking as well. Defy is Ultegra and I know will be comfy as same geometry as my current one. Datum is 105 which I like as I have it on my gravel bike. I have a 2015 CDF30 so would expect the Datum geometry to fit and be comfy and I like the brand and styling.
I suspect the Datum may be a bit too similar to my Croix De Fer , whereas the Defy would have a bit more separation in feel....
Uses - mainly summer road riding, anything from back road local 25 mile blasts to 100 milers. No touring or winter riding as that's what I have the Croix De Fer for .
Anyone ridden both, thoughts ?
Dunno, numbers on the two look very similar. Genesis probably has a bit more clearance if you want to run fat rubber and guards. I'd probably take both for a spin and get the one I preferred.
Sorry, not much help 🙂
thanks, pretty much my thinking also. There is also a Datum 30 available locally with a huge discount which is playing on my mind a bit too 🙂
I have the Defy Advanced with 5800 105 and I think off the peg it's the best bike I've ever owned, the only change I've made to it is to add winter tyres. The stock tyres though are light enough and good enough to go back on when the weather improves. The 105 gearing really is good so I wouldn't let that put you off the Genesis and the overall ride is excellent. I've no experience with the Datum but I also have a Croix de Fer which is my general getting around on bike. It simply doesn't get anywhere near the Defy for speed handling or comfort. The only thing it does better is lug stuff around. The Defy with 25mm tyres is far more comfortable than the Croix de Fer with 35mm tyres. Just get the Advanced with 105 and save a bit of money and ride it all year round. Once you ride the Defy I can't see you wanting to ride the Croix de Fer unless you need to carry stuff or you want to take it off road.
I really like the look of the Genesis. Haven't ridden the Datum but had a steel CDF and now an equilibrium, enjoyed them both.
Just putting this out there....as you already have a CDF and have lots of bases covered, why not go for something racier to really enjoy?
I got a Bianchi Oltre to compliment my CDF, they make out its a race bike but I've done many 80-90 milers without issue and love it. I've also had a defy so know what good bikes they are but would choose the ride of my Bianchi any day.
useful thoughts, thanks. Think will stick with the known comfort of the Giant and go with the new Defy. Too old and stiff for anything racy 🙂
Hmmm, a company that began by making steel frames as a USP and has come to carbon lately for expansion (and to make their road race team competitive) vs. the World's largest producer of carbon fibre bikes with 30 years of experience.
The Advanced is a better frame than your Composite, and has disks of course, but the fundamentals of geometry means that handling will not differ greatly. It will be a little stiffer and a half water bottle lighter. But don't hope for too much.
Head angle on the Datum is half a degree slacker and they appear to size up bigger - hence a Small Datum id the same size as a Medium Defy. Head tube is proportionately longer on the Defy if you want to lose spacers.
You know which one I'd choose already. The steeper head angle nails it for me.
TiRed - ours posts crossed, but you confirmed what I was thinking deep down anyway 🙂
If I were you, I'd test ride a TCR as well. Since you have a Defy you know what you will be getting. Try a TCR set up the same as your Defy. you might be surprised. I've ridden several 100-mile rides on my Propel, it is faster than my Defy(s), but The Defy SL is my favourite "Pick just one bike" bike.