Giant Defy Advanced: comfort without compromise
Giant is the world's largest bicycle manufacturer, and the Defy Advanced is their endurance road proposition. The goal: ride long, ride comfortably, without sacrificing performance. Mission accomplished?
The frame and comfort
The Defy uses Giant's Advanced-Grade Composite carbon (or Advanced SL on the top end). The real star is the D-Fuse seatpost, a D-shaped post that flexes to absorb vertical vibrations. Combined with the D-Fuse handlebar (on some models), you get remarkable vibration filtering without added weight.
The geometry is more upright than a race bike: the stack is taller, the reach slightly shorter. The result: a naturally more upright position that's easier on your back and neck during long rides.
Generous tyre clearance
The Defy accepts tyres up to 32 mm — a real advantage for comfort and versatility. You can run tubeless tyres like the Schwalbe Pro One 30 mm for an excellent rolling efficiency/comfort compromise, or go 32 mm for rough roads.
Available groupsets
| Model | Groupset | Wheels | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defy Advanced Pro 0 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | Cadex 42 | ~$5,500 |
| Defy Advanced 1 | Shimano 105 Di2 | Giant SLR 1 42 | ~$3,200 |
| Defy Advanced 2 | Shimano Tiagra | Giant S-R2 | ~$2,000 |
Value for money is excellent, especially on the Advanced 1 model with Shimano 105 Di2.
