In this comparison, I’ll dissect two popular bike models; the Cervelo Caledonia vs Giant Defy Advanced.
I’ll compare their lineups, bike specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD, then discuss the carbon fiber technology ( and Giant Advanced Composite) and frameset technologies.
The goal is to give you a better understanding of Cervelo Caledonia and Giant Defy Advanced to help in your decision-making.
| Cervelo Caledonia | Giant Defy Advanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Endurance | Endurance |
| Frame material | Cervelo carbon | Advanced carbon |
| Frame sizes | 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | XS, S, M, ML, L, XL |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal (Caledonia 5) External (Caledonia) | External |
| Price (USD) | $4,700 to $11,500 | $2,800 to $6,500 |
Cervelo Caledonia
The Cervélo Caledonia is an endurance bike for comfort and long-distance riding over tarmac, backroads, and smooth, hardpacked gravels.
Compared to the Cervélo R5 and S5, the Cervélo Caledonia has a much more relaxed geometry with a higher stack and shorter reach. This puts the rider in a more upright position for comfort rather than aero. Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia share the same carbon fiber and frame geometry and can take tires up to 34mm wide.
The major difference between the Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia is in aerodynamics.
- Cervélo Caledonia 5 has a better aerodynamics profile with a slimmer head tube, cleaner front end with internal cable routing, and a D-shaped seatpost.
- Cervélo Caledonia has a more traditional look with a rounder head tube with external cabling and round (27.2mm) seatpost.
Here are all the available Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia models and builds.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB | $6,000 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $5,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $4,700 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra (R8000) | DT Swiss E1850 | $3,600 |
Giant Defy Advanced
The Giant Defy Advanced is an endurance bike.
Unlike the Giant Propel Advanced and TCR Advanced, the Giant Defy is designed for you to go longer distances and be comfortable.
To achieve this, the Giant Defy has a more relaxed geometry with a shorter reach and higher stack than a similar size Giant TCR Advanced. The frame can take up to 700x35c tires.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 | Advanced carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,500 |
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2 AXS | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant SLR 2 36 | $5,200 |
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro Di2 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Giant SLR 2 36 | $4,800 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 0 | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant P-R2 | $4,100 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 1 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Giant P-R2 | $3,900 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 2 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Giant P-R2 | $2,800 |
Giant Defy Advanced vs others
Cervelo vs Giant carbon fiber
Cervelo Carbon
Cervelo doesn’t publicly release information about the types of carbon fiber used on their road bikes.
From my observation of the current Cervelo bikes lineups, there are at least two carbon fiber grades used.
- Highest grade. Cervelo R5 and S5 could be using the highest carbon fiber grade of all the models. These are pure race bikes used by the pros and would likely have the best carbon fiber available at Cervelo.
- Mid-grade. Cervelo Caledonia and Soloist could be using a mid-level carbon and heavier fiber grade of all the models. These are endurance bikes that prioritize comfort over stiffness. So it’s not a surprise to see a lower-grade carbon fiber being used here.
Giant Advanced Composite Carbon
Giant’s Advanced Composite Carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber technology used in constructing bicycle frames. It’s a high-quality composite material with carbon fibers embedded in a resin matrix.
Using Advanced Composite Carbon, Giant can design frames with specific performance characteristics tailored to different riding disciplines. The material offers excellent vibration-damping properties, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue on long rides. It also provides efficient power transfer, enabling riders to maximize their pedaling efficiency and accelerate easily.
The Giant Advanced Composite Carbon is available in standard and SL (Super Light) versions.
- Advanced SL represents the pinnacle of Giant’s carbon fiber engineering and construction. Advanced SL frames undergo additional optimization, utilizing a higher grade of carbon fiber and meticulous layup techniques. It’s found in Giant’s top-of-the-line bikes.
- Advanced is a step down from the top-tier Advanced SL carbon fiber, but it still offers an impressive balance of performance and value for money.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cervelo Caledonia and Giant Defy Advanced framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Cervelo Caledonia
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Aero Cable Management | The Aero Cable Management feature on the Cervélo Caledonia 5 enhances the bike’s aerodynamics without compromising usability or performance. The frame, fork, ST31 (carbon) or ST32 (alloy) stem, and AB09 handlebars are meticulously designed to conceal brake hoses and shifter cables from the wind. The Cervélo Caledonia doesn’t have the Aero Cable Management and has external cable routing. |
| Performance Fit | The beauty of the Cervélo Caledonia 5 lies in Cervélo’s Performance Fit. The stem and two bearing caps allow a choice between a more aggressive 7mm or relaxed 22mm stack without needing any spacers. |
| 34mm tire clearance | The 34mm tire clearance makes the Cervélo Caledonia a versatile endurance bike, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
| Integrated mounts | The 34mm tire clearance increases Caledonia’s versatility, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
Giant Defy Advanced
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Composite Technology | Utilizes Giant’s High Performance Grade raw carbon material and Modified Monocoque Construction technique to create a custom frame material. This carbon composite offers a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, balancing lightweight performance and strength. |
| OverDrive 2 | Features advanced steerer tube technology with oversized headset bearings and a tapered steerer tube (1 1/2″ lower, 1 1/4″ upper). This design optimizes the front-end steering performance, resulting in superior steering stiffness, enhanced control, and precise handling. |
| Compact Road Design | Originating with the professional Team ONCE in the 1990s, Compact Road Design revolutionized high-performance road bikes. It involves a downward-sloping top tube, creating smaller front and rear triangles for a lighter, stiffer bike. The design also enables riders of all sizes to find a perfect fit and maintain optimal power transfer. |
Where to buy
Cervelo retailers
- Cervelo retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cervelo retailers.
Giant retailers
- Giant retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Giant retailers.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.