Defy vs TCR questions

Once upon a time, I was considering a TCR but thinking that I’d rather like discs, through axles, mud guards and 28mm tyres, I started to wonder if a Defy might be a better fit.

For one reason or another, it didn’t happen but I’m now looking again.

But, now the TCR is disc and through axle, is it back on the cards?  Do the TCR now have 28mm clearance since switching to discs?

Am I remembering correctly, that the Defy specific guards were breaking frames and have been withdrawn?  If so, are both the Defy and TCR a case of bodging on a third party guard?

Given that I’m not a fan of Trek or Specialized and I’m reluctant to consider Canyon due to first hand experience of their lack of customer service (although they do look like great bikes), what else should I consider?

I got a Defy advanced 2017 after my TCR got nicked. I thought the TCR was a great bike, very comfy and fast. Cant comment on the tyre clearance on the new disc TCR, but I am very happy with the defy. Recently put 28mm tyres on and it rolls brilliantly. No regrets, and its just as fast!

Unless they’ve opened up the frame clearence now it’s disc specific I doubt you’ll get 28s on one. 25s are bad enough on the old one. Back wheel is a bugger to remove with tyre inflated.

<span style=”color: #444444; font-size: 12px; background-color: #eeeeee;”>Am I remembering correctly, that the Defy specific guards were breaking frames and have been withdrawn?</span>

Yes, cut right through the seat stays on my Defy. Left a hole in both you could get the end of a pencil in. I fitted the the newer Raceblade XL’s to the new frame and they work very well, easy to set up on it and can be taken off or fitted in under a minute.

Not sure what your budget is,but have a look at KTM’s.

Apparently out of the same factory as Giant.

Very impressed with my non disc version.

Either will be great and neither will take guards easily. My Defy SL is non-disk, but it does run raceblade XL occasionally. I also had a TCR and have two propels. If I had to keep just one bike, it would be the Defy. Excellent geometry, good clearances.

And i like the KTMs too

I was in a similar quandary a few months back. Having seen very favourable reviews I’m now a proud owner of a Supersix Evo.
Very comfortable for a race bike. A little more stretched out but surprisingly good at filtering out road chatter.
I also have an older Defy Advanced.

Cube attain = defy

Cube agree/litening = TCR