Giant PP vs Specialized SL8: Which Bike is Better for Your Ride?
As someone who owns both the PP and SL8, I have to admit that, at least for me, the PP offers a more enjoyable ride than the SL8. Now, SL8 enthusiasts might not agree—and that’s fair—but let me explain why I feel this way.
**Frame:** For this comparison, we’re looking at the PP SL and S-Works SL8 frames.
**Wheels:** To ensure fairness, both bikes were equipped with Shimano DA C50 wheels.
**Components:** In terms of drivetrain, both bikes featured Red 170 cranks, a DA34T cassette, and chain. It’s worth noting that budget constraints meant the PP used a Red electronic shifter and rear derailleur, but this didn’t influence the test results.
**Weight:** The complete bike weight came in at approximately 6.8 kg for the PP and 6.7 kg for the SL8.
Now, here are my personal impressions after putting both bikes through their paces:
**Flat Roads:** The PP shines when cruising on smooth terrain. Its stiffer road feel ensures every pedal stroke translates directly into power, making it an efficient choice for long stretches.
**Undulating Terrain:** Both bikes perform similarly here, though the PP edges out the SL8 in less steep conditions thanks to its responsiveness.
**Gentle Slopes:** On gradients ranging from 1% to 4%, the PP truly excels. Its stiffness allows for continuous power transfer, almost making these inclines feel like flat ground.
**Steep Climbs:** When it comes to power loss, there’s little difference between the two. However, the SL8 proves easier to handle, particularly in keeping the front end down during intense climbs.
**Descents:** If the descent involves tight turns, the SL8 takes the crown. Fewer turns? Advantage goes to the PP.
**Handling:** The SL8 frame offers superior handling and is more accommodating for riders with shorter legs. While the PP is agile, it doesn’t quite match the finesse of the SL8.
**Comfort:** Comfort largely depends on setup.
When configured correctly, there’s minimal difference between the two.
Overall, aside from a slight edge in handling favoring the SL8, the PP surpasses the SL8 in nearly every other category. On flat roads, the PP conserves slightly more energy compared to the SL8. Sure, quantifying this based solely on road data is tricky—it mostly boils down to personal preference. But if you’re searching for value for money, the PP is hard to beat.
You get premium performance at a fraction of the cost of a Specialized SP, and hey, the HC team rides the PP too! As for the SL8, if you’re considering one, go all-in with the S-Works model. After all, isn’t having a dream bike part of the cycling journey?
So, which would you choose?
Edward Grant 
Ada Stephens 
Bennett Schmidt
I totally get why you prefer the PP—it does feel more balanced and comfortable on long rides. But I think the SL8’s stiffness gives it an edge in races, especially if you’re into sprinting. It’s interesting how personal preference plays such a big role here. Have you tried mixing components from both bikes to see which combo works best?
Absolutely, mixing components could be a fun experiment! Personally, I lean toward the PP for comfort, but your point about the SL8’s stiffness is spot-on for racing scenarios. It really does come down to what you value most in your ride. Thanks for the insightful suggestion—I might just try that hybrid approach sometime!
I can see where you’re coming from with the PP feeling more enjoyable, especially since it’s lighter and has a slightly more aggressive geometry. But for long rides, the SL8’s comfort and smoother ride might be a better fit for some riders. It really depends on what you prioritize—performance or endurance. Great breakdown of the key differences!
I can see why you prefer the PP—its ride quality really does stand out, especially on longer rides. The SL8 has its strengths too, like maybe a slightly more aggressive geometry, but it sounds like the PP just feels more comfortable overall. It’s interesting how personal preference plays such a big role here; I’d love to test both again on different terrain.
Interesting comparison! I’ve been eyeing the SL8 but your point about the PP’s ride quality makes me reconsider. Did you notice any major differences in comfort on longer rides between the two?
Interesting comparison! I’ve been eyeing the PP for a while, and your take on the ride quality makes me lean even more toward it. The SL8 gets so much hype, but it’s refreshing to hear a real-world perspective from someone who’s ridden both. Maybe the PP’s underrated?
Interesting comparison! I’ve been eyeing the SL8 but your take on the PP’s ride quality makes me reconsider. Did you notice any major differences in comfort on longer rides, or was it more about handling?
Great question! The PP does offer slightly better vibration damping on rough roads, making it more comfortable for endurance rides, while the SL8 feels sharper in handling. Personally, I’d lean toward the PP if you prioritize comfort over aggressive racing. Thanks for your thoughtful comment—happy riding!
Interesting comparison! I’ve been eyeing the SL8 but your take on the PP’s ride quality makes me reconsider. Did you notice any major differences in comfort on longer rides, or was it more about handling?