The beauty of gravel bikes lies in their versatility. Looking at Giant Defy and Trek Domane, which of the two bikes do you think will meet your expectations?
To this day, I still have memories of my first gravel bike back in the 90s when I get on my new and technologically-savvy gravel bike for a ride.
When I think about it, there are almost no comparisons between the traditional gravel bikes and the ones we have today. Apart from the fact that we are still conquering some rough and rugged terrain.
My latest version of the gravel bike has me feeling almost like a pro when I consider all the embedded technology and the improved components designed to increase the levels of comfort that I enjoy.
Enough about me, let’s dive into these two bikes and see which one could serve you best. With one of these bikes by your side, you can traverse many different terrains trouble-free.
What is the difference between Giant Defy and Trek Domane?
Model |
Giant Defy |
Trek Domane |
Stem |
Contact SL Stealth |
Bontrager Blendr |
Brakes |
Shimano Ultegra hydraulic with RT800 Ice Tech rotors |
Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors |
Saddle |
Contact SL |
Bontrager Arvada Comp |
Crankset |
Shimano Ultegra 34/50 |
Shimano Ultegra 50/34 |
Shifters |
Shimano Ultegra |
Shimano Ultegra |
Tires |
GaviaFondo 1 tubeless |
Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite |
Seatpost |
Giant D-Fuse SL, composite |
Domane Carbon |
Fork |
Advanced Grade Composite |
OCLV 500 carbon |
Frame |
Advanced Grade Composite |
OCLV 500 carbon |
Wheels |
Giant SLR-1 Disc tubeless-ready carbon |
Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 |
Availability |
Giant Defy vs Trek Domane: How do they compare?
Frame
Giant Defy has created a stiff and strong junction for top and down tubes while Trek has diamond-shaped geometry that decouples the set tube from the top tube allowing it to flex as the road demands.
This is an advanced carbon frame with a complicated mix of tubing options that are dependent on the job it is designed to do.
This frame is also done in this was to allow for internal cabling that enters through the stem.Defy has a middle-ground setup striking a balance between a road bike and a gravel bike,
The head angle rests at 72.5 degrees to maintain the bikes racing speed and work well with the longer wheelbase and lengthy chainstay.
To keep the cabling out of the way, the defy has routed the brake hoses through the stem and the gear cables go through the side of the headtube.
For Trek Domane, it comes with an IsoSpeed decoupler that maintains the next race.
Cables have been neatly tucked away giving the bike more aerodynamic appeal. The front of the bike routes cables under the bar and stem going around the steerer tube and entering the frame through the head tube.
The down-tube bottle bosses have under them compartments with quick-release levers and enough storage space for a spare tube, multi-tool, and CO2 cartridge. A tool wrap is also included to eliminate any rattling.
Components
The Defy is fitted with Giant P-R2 tubeless wheels but Domane spots the lesser GavioFondo rims that are not tubeless.
Tires on the bike are the Gavia Fondo 1 in a width of 32mm which enables them to roll fast and offer good traction in corners and descents.
On either side of the stem, the clamp is the handlebars that are designed to reduce vibration and add to the comfort of this bike.
The saddle is D-shaped and many might find they need to replace it after a while they just can’t get used to it.
Trek Domane features 32mm thick R2 tires that are all-weather and they are hard-case protected giving them amazing resilience against the hardest and toughest terrain.This add to the bike’s weight but this is not noticeable while you are out riding.
These tires are placed and fit perfectly in the Paradigm Comp 25 wheels which feature an alloy rim that helps shape the tires into a smooth and consistent radius that is reliable in corners.
The drawback to the Domane tires is that they are not tubeless which means they are prone to puncture pinching.
For control, Trek employs the use of Ultegra groupset with the 50/34 gearing matched to an 11-34 cassette. This setup empowers you to maneuver steep inclines with very low gears.
Riding Experience
The Giant Defy runs smoothly downhill with the use of Ultegra disc brakes with the 160mm IceTech rotors while Domane uses IsoSpeed chassis.
The head angle’s degree makes the bike nimble and helps the steering inputs which when combined with the long wheelbase, adds to the balance and speed of response to the bike.
Trek Domane is even more impressive in descents due to the IsoSpeed chassis that grips hard even on the most slippery surfaces possible.
Also equipped with Ultegra brakes and Ice-tech rotors, it proves to be an invaluable companion on the trail and encourages you to cycle longer.
Giant Defy vs Trek Domane: A Comparison Overview
Giant Defy Review
[amazon box=”B00C0R11L8″ template=”horizontal” ]This is a quality road race bike built into a light and stiff carbon frame with a slimmer color scheme. It features the Shimano Ultegra drivetrain providing a wireless capacity to shift and an intuitive control mechanism.
The bike works with hydraulic disc brakes and Ice-Tech rotors that powers it to ascend and descend as good as the other top-quality alternatives.
Giant Defy runs smoothly downhill with the use of Ultegra disc brakes with the 160mm IceTech rotors.
Its disc-designed wheelset has ace carbon rims that are tubeless-ready and very resistant to damage and provide a smooth rolling experience.
Pros
- Composed Ride
- Comfort
- Versatility
Cons
- Clumsy cable routing
- Average Saddle
Trek Domane Review
[amazon box=”B00NINVK3M” template=”horizontal” ]This is an all-road bike that sprints beautifully and is built into an aggressive geometry and driven by a fast-shifting Shimano drivetrain.
Trek Domane is built with the IsoSpeed decouplers positioned at the cluster, broad and steerer to make this bike an easy climber which is built into a strong, lightweight carbon frame.
It also features a descender with slim-rim wheels on a stable cockpit. Trek Domane also comes with an Isocare bar and Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes to control speeds making it an all-round road bike.
The bike is even more impressive in descents due to the IsoSpeed chassis that grips hard even on the most slippery surfaces possible.
Pros
- Smooth Ride Quality
- Assured handling
Cons
- Weightier than rivals
Verdict: So, which is better – Giant Defy or Trek Domane?
Trek Domane is far better than the Giant Defy. This is proven by the sleek design and frame that it is built into which is durable, safe, comfortable, and clean without the cables showing. Its ability to maneuver steep climbs, sharp descents on a fast-roll give it a leg up over the Giant Defy.
FAQ
What is the range possible on a Trek Domane bike?
This relies heavily on the terrain you are riding over and your style of riding. While on Eco Mode, you may reach 50-60 miles, and while on Turbo, the range may go up to 30 miles. By switching up the modes during your ride, you can maximize your bike’s range.
Why the D-Fuse Seatpost on the Giant Defy?
It was designed in 2014 with comfort in mind. It enables the saddle and more recently, the handlebars as well to flex in a certain direction. This flexing provides up to 12mm of movement at drops that in turn helps to smooth out most road imperfections.