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When Giant announced earlier in the year that they would be introducing 3 new bikes to their already excellent road line-up staff rider Adam instantly pre-ordered The Giant Defy 0, which is now the top spec bike in the best-selling Defy range, Read on for his review of this bike...
Giant Defy 0 Product Review
Why choose the Giant Defy 0?
I had been looking to replace my Specialized Secteur for some time; not because I didn't enjoy the bike, because I did. I'm sure many of you eager cyclists can understand to the 'need' to buy new cycling products on a regular basis (Unfortunately, for some reason my wife can't relate to this).
The Giant Defy 0 has recently been introduced to the best-selling Giant sportive road bike range. It could be considered Giants equivalent to the Secteur due to it's relaxed geometry. Suiting the long distance cyclist. The bike comes equipped with a majority of Shimano Ultegra components mixed with a bit of Shimano 105 as well as a very light-weight Aluxx SL frame.
The technology and research that Giant have put into their aluminium frames means that they can ensure a lighter, thinner tubed frame without compromising on the strength of the bike.
The wheels on the Giant Defy 0 are a combination of Giant Sealed Bearing hubs and Giant PR-2 rims; although unable to compete in weight with some high priced road wheels, they are far from heavy and seem to roll for ages thanks to the sealed bearings.
How does the Defy 0 ride?
I found that the Giant Defy 0 is very comfortable. Whether riding on the hoods or the drops you be sure of a comfortable ride due to the geometry that comes with the Defy range. This bike shares it's geometry with the recently awarded Cycling Plus Bike of the Year; the Giant Defy Advanced 2.
As for the groupset; the Ultegra shifters are very smooth and comfortable to rest on. My previous bike had Shimano Sora shifters which were great and very reliable. The jump up to Ultegra was clearly evident throughout the ride.
The carbon fibre front fork and seatpost meant that the majority of road noise was soaked up, making this bike ideal for those long spring and summer rides.
This bike seemed to climb like only a carbon fibre bike normally would; when out of the saddle, the bike feels incredibly well balanced and stable.
Who's it for?
The Giant Defy range is tailored to benefit the sportive market. If you want a really aggressive bike that is suited to short rides or races then this isn't the bike for you. If you, like me are interested in covering many miles without suffering from the usual aches and pains that can accompany road cycling then this bike is ideal. The geometry of the frame means your posture is naturally more upright then it would be on the Giant TCR range which is more aggressive and suited to short fast bursts of speed.
Geometry
Specification
- Sizes - S, M, M/L, L, XL
- Frame - Aluxx SL-Grade Aluminium
- Fork - Advanced-Grade Composite, Alloy OverDrive Steerer
- Handlebar - Giant Connect
- Stem - Giant Connect
- Seatpost - Giant Connect Composite
- Saddle - Giant Defy Saddle
- Shifters - Shimano Ultegra
- Front Derailleur - Shimano 105
- Rear Derailleur - Shimano Ultegra
- Brakes - Shimano BR-561
- Brake Levers - Shimano Ultegra
- Cassette - Shimano Tiagra 12x28
- Crankset - Shimano R565, 34/50
- Bottom Bracket - Shimano Press fit
- Rims - Giant P-R2
- Hubs - Giant Sealed Bearings 24/28h
- Spokes - Sapim race 14/15g
- Tyres - Giant P-R3 700x23c
Summary
I bought this bike as an upgrade to my Specialized Secteur and I'm certainly not disappointed. Priced at a shade under £1200 the Defy 0 represents great value for money.
The Ultegra level Groupset is more than enough for most cyclists. If you're fairly new to the sport it may be worth considering the Giant Defy 1; it comes equipped with Shimano 105 and comes in at under £1000 making it slightly more affordable.
If you'd like more information about this bike please call our Giant store on 01780 720 888