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?