Giant Advanced 1 (standard 105 2x11) vs Advanced 2 (modified to 1x11) vs Advanced 2 (standard Tiagra 2x10)

[Grant Fondo]

I suppose that any carbon, modern bike, be it 1x or 2x will feel infinitely faster, lighter and easier up hills

You have nailed it on the head there! Just comparing my lightest road bike (7.5kg) to the gravel bike (9.5kg) on big hills and i really notice it. Have to go down a couple of extra cogs on the gravel. Not just weight at play here, also carbon frame stiffness/geometry etc ... narrower tyres (although that will open a can of worms).
So no surprise they put lower gears on the heavier Giant Escapes etc, compared to the Fastroads.
It's not so clear-cut dismissing aluminium frames either ... a Canyon Roadlite 5 gets you to Fastroad 1 weight for 950 quid and has 1x11sp

 

[Sloth]

You have nailed it on the head there! Just comparing my lightest road bike (7.5kg) to the gravel bike (9.5kg) on big hills and i really notice it. Have to go down a couple of extra cogs on the gravel. Not just weight at play here, also carbon frame stiffness/geometry etc ... narrower tyres (although that will open a can of worms).
So no surprise they put lower gears on the heavier Giant Escapes etc, compared to the Fastroads.
It's not so clear-cut dismissing aluminium frames either ... a Canyon Roadlite 5 gets you to Fastroad 1 weight for 950 quid and has 1x11sp
View attachment 660308

Thanks, that Canyon looks very nice and it is light.
However I fear the geometry may be a little too aggressive for me.
Also, it has an SRAM set up (not keen on the shifting action) and it’s only a 46 lowest gear at the back.

 

[Sloth]

I tried the Trek FX 4 Sport today, in medium.
The standover was too high, pushing into my bits.
The small was too small in other ways, so that bike is now out the running.
I have decided to get a Giant Fastroad Advanced 1. I’ll order it Monday.
I may look into putting a 11/40 cassette on the back, this video seems to suggest it is easily done
View: https://youtu.be/P5G_KtK3LVk

Apparently no road link needed , just a new chain and adjust the B screw on the derailleur.
The guy on the video is running the same 105 set up of a 34/51 front, although with a smaller 11/32 cassette on the rear as opposed to the 11/34 on the new Giant Fastroad Advanced 1.
Another option is to swap out to a sub compact GRX front 2x (either 46/30 or 48/31)
Anyway, I’m going for the Advanced 1, regardless.

 

[Cycleops]

Praise the lord 🙏

 

[Sloth]

….I just hope I don’t regret making such a rash and spur of the moment decision? 🤔

 

[Jenkins]

<Snip>
I have decided to get a Giant Fastroad Advanced 1. I’ll order it Monday.
I may look into putting a 11/40 cassette on the back, this video seems to suggest it is easily done
View: https://youtu.be/P5G_KtK3LVk

Apparently no road link needed , just a new chain and adjust the B screw on the derailleur.
The guy on the video is running the same 105 set up of a 34/51 front, although with a smaller 11/32 cassette on the rear as opposed to the 11/34 on the new Giant Fastroad Advanced 1.
Another option is to swap out to a sub compact GRX front 2x (either 46/30 or 48/31)
Anyway, I’m going for the Advanced 1, regardless.

 

[Grant Fondo]

I have decided to get a Giant Fastroad Advanced 1

Hey, great news, its a cool bike, you might find that low gear is fine for you anyway. Show us a piccy when it lands

 

[Jameshow]

View attachment 660619

He might change his mind by Monday!!

 

[Jameshow]

yeah 34 for long cage

You can use 36t - I do to 34/36.

 

[kingrollo]

You won't go far wrong with a giant. Looks a nice bike

Just hope they have stock on Monday !!!!

 

[Sloth]

You can use 36t - I do to 34/36.

Without any other mods?
Just swap the 34 for a 36 cassette?

 

[Grant Fondo]

Without any other mods?
Just swap the 34 for a 36 cassette?

maybe 36 stays within tolerance for R7000 105 medium cage BUT Shimano state 34 max cog so I would stick with that.

 

[Sloth]

The LBS is getting back to me with options, including swapping the rear cassette and derailllier, or as an alternative, swapping the front end to a GRX 46/30 chain and crank set.

 

[Sloth]

Now ordered.
Should be around 5-6 weeks.

 

[Grant Fondo]

Now ordered.
Should be around 5-6 weeks.

After riding that MTB I think you will be impressed, a proper fast steed