Keep it simple: While the well-known competitors from the USA equip their marathon bikes with suspension concepts - most recently Specialised the Roubaix revised - Giant remains true to itself with the new Defy. The latest generation is still an unpretentious long-distance model that promises a high level of riding comfort thanks to its frame construction and carbon components. Compared to its predecessor, the Defy has also been slimmed down. Thanks to greater tyre clearance, the new model is even better equipped for rougher terrain. Borrowings from the Competition bike Propel is also available.
More comfort, less weight
The Taiwanese industry giant describes the concept of the Defy as "functional simplicity" and emphasises the strengths of the predecessor. Even without suspension systems, the marathon bike aims to smooth out bumps better than the old model. New carbon add-on parts are responsible for this: the flattened seat post (D-Fuse SLR/SL), which tapers below the seat clamp, and the ergonomically shaped handlebars (Contact D-Fuse SLR/SL). According to the manufacturer, the Defy should therefore have ten per cent better suspension at the rear and as much as 40 per cent better suspension at the front. The standard tubeless tyres with 32 millimetres additionally support the comfort concept. Optionally, tyres up to 38 millimetres wide can be fitted, so that nothing stands in the way of off-road excursions.
Giant Defy: The most important facts at a glance
- Weight of complete wheel (size ML): 7.1 kg (SL)
- Weight frame set (size M): 1304 g (SL), 1379 g (Pro), 1415 g (Advanced)
- Frame weight (size M): 785 g (SL), 860 g (Pro/Advanced)
- Weight fork (size M): 345 g (SL/Pro), 381 g (Advanced)
- Stack/Reach/STR (size ML): 577/384 millimetres/1.50
- Maximum tyre clearance: 38 millimetres
- Prices: 2899 to 11999 Euro
- Sizes: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL
On the other hand, Giant is cutting back on weight and putting the new marathon all-rounder on a diet. Depending on the carbon quality, the three different frame sets from Taiwanese production are said to be between 117 and 228 grams lighter. The top frame of the Advanced SL in size M is said to weigh just 785 grams. An impressive value that even high-quality competition bikes cannot match. The fork, seat post and handlebars also contribute to the lower weight.
First test rides with the new Giant Defy
In the TOUR lab, the top model in frame size ML weighed in at 7.1 kilograms. This makes the Defy not only remarkably light for a marathon bike, but even lighter than the new Canyon Endurace CFR or the recently presented Specialised S-Works Roubaix. The Advanced SL is correspondingly agile, accelerates almost effortlessly and, paired with a sportier riding position than its predecessor, also makes a good competition bike. In contrast to the sometimes unyielding racers, the Giant also offers excellent suspension. Unpleasant vibrations or bumps are barely noticeable, especially in the saddle. The comfort gain on the handlebars is less pronounced. However, thanks to the comparatively wide tubeless tyres, which we rode with around 3 bar, there is hardly any bobbing at the front.
Overall, the new product has no weaknesses worth mentioning. If you want to find the fly in the ointment, you can criticise the somewhat bland design. But that is a matter of taste. Randonneurs might miss a storage compartment for a puncture repair kit or mounting points for a small frame bag. Giant only provides the Defy with eyelets for mounting optional mudguards.
Fancy a bit of aero?
In order to achieve the low overall weight, the Taiwanese have dispensed with the kind of aero optimisation that has sporadically arrived in the marathon segment. Only the handlebar/stem combination with integrated cable routing indicates that the new Giant is slightly faster than the old model. The stem (Contact Aerolight SLR/SL) is taken from the Advanced SL and Advanced Pro in a modified form from the Propel. This means that the height can be adjusted relatively easily with the help of two-part spacers without having to shorten the brake lines. Maintenance is even easier on the basic Advanced model, as the cables are located underneath the handlebars and are routed into the head tube under the stem, just like on the more expensive models.
Giant Defy: Equipment and prices
The Defy is being launched on the German market in five equipment variants. With the exception of the basic model, all models shift electronically with groupsets from SRAM or Shimano. The gear ratios are suitable for mountain biking and some even come with a gear reduction. The lightweight top model Advanced SL 0 is equipped with high-quality Red AXS and full carbon wheels from our own brand Cadex, but also has a proud price tag of 11,999 euros. The basic version Advanced 2 for 2899 euros is the only model that shifts mechanically with 105 and is equipped with a simple aluminium wheelset.
Defy Advanced SL 0
- Weight frame set: 1304 grammes (M)
- Frame weight: 785 grammes (M)
- Fork weight: 345 grammes (M)
- Switching group: SRAM Red AXS (2x12; 46/33, 10-36 t.)
- Impellers: Cadex 36 (Carbon)
- Tyres: Cadex Classic (32 millimetres)
- Price: 11,999 Euro
Defy Advanced Pro 0
- Weight frame set: 1379 grammes (M)
- Frame weight: 860 grammes (M)
- Fork weight: 345 grammes (M)
- Switching group: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Impellers: Giant SLR1 36 (Carbon)
- Tyres: Giant Gavia Fondo 0 (32 millimetres)
- Price: 6499 Euro
Defy Advanced Pro 1
- Weight frame set: 1379 grammes (M)
- Frame weight: 860 grammes (M)
- Fork weight: 345 grammes (M)
- Switching group: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-36 t.)
- Impellers: Giant SLR1 36 (Carbon)
- Tyres: Giant Gavia Fondo 0 (32 millimetres)
- Price: 4999 Euro
Defy Advanced 1
- Weight frame set: 1415 gram (M)
- Frame weight: 860 grammes (M)
- Fork weight: 381 gram (M)
- Switching group: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-36 t.)
- Impellers: Giant P-R2 (aluminium)
- Tyres: Giant Gavia Fondo 1 (32 millimetres)
- Price: 3699 Euro
Defy Advanced 2
- Weight frame set: 1415 gram (M)
- Frame weight: 860 grammes (M)
- Fork weight: 381 gram (M)
- Switching group: Shimano 105 (2x12; 50/34, 11-36 t.)
- Impellers: Giant P-R2 (aluminium)
- Tyres: Giant Gavia Fondo 1 (32 millimetres)
- Price: 2899 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
