- Aero shaped frames.
- The heart of the difference of these bikes is the geometry: 2cm longer chain stays make the Defy series a more stable bike on descents and more comfortable over poor road conditions.
- Includes a slightly taller head tube for a more comfortable riding position over long distances.
- The “classics” type racing or long distance riding design.
The Defy series bikes were designed with the same concepts as the Advanced. The carbon schedule is the same, but the geometry changes to suit longer rides over rougher roads and long descents. While still using Giant’s compact geometry in the main triangle, the rest of the bike is targeted at being a classical Euro-inspired distance racing traveler. At a price span ranging from $1,900-to-$5,400, they are not by any means a “lower level” offering. Rather, for the discerning rider who knows what to expect from varying bicycle geometries, this is a seasoned riders choice when knowing the short, stiff, twitchy crit-inspired designs stink for long rides out into the mountains.
Defy Advanced 1
An Ultegra packed with Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheel set (see a trend here? Giant makes such excellent package bikes with this same grouppo…we tend to lean on these as our favorites). Uses their Advanced carbon lay up and is a favorite among our friends who are looking for a very well rounded road bike.
Price: $3,200
Defy Advanced 2
All the same as the Defy Advanced 1, only tuned with Shimano 105 and components to bring the price down by almost a grand. This bike has been extremely popular amongst our entry level road racers and performance day-long riders who want to get a frame that they can grow with mated with components that will not break the bank while they are getting started.
Price: $2,350
Defy Alliance 0
The Alliance series bikes dip into Giant’s hybrid use of carbon fiber and aluminum. This is a technique that when done right is of great value and makes a great riding bike. Some of the most snobbish opinion leaders on the internet forums will still tell you that they think, of all the hybrid ideas that have come and gone over the years, the proper blend of carbon and aluminum is still the best kept secret. Giant “keeps it real” by melding a carbon top tube into the seat stays built on the same long distance – comfortable on bad roads and stable at high speeds – geometry of the Defy line up. At $1,800 with Shimano 105, this is an entry level performance road bike. Planning your first STP? Supported tour across Oregon? R.S.V.P. north? Take this bike for a test ride if this is your budget. Giant pays good attention to this level of rider.
Price: $1,800.00
Defy 1
Notice that we dropped the word “Alliance” from this Defy series model. That is because the word “Alliance” refers to Giant’s hybrid use of aluminum and carbon. Now, at the “Defy 1” model bike, we use what Giant calls their “Alluxx” technology. What is “Allux”? Simple: it’s their all aluminum tube set. The Defy 1 is adorned with Shimano 10 speed 105 components – and built to be a budget conscious bike for someone looking to get into a “real” road bike. It uses the same foundry of stable, smooth and comfortable long distance riding road geometry as the rest of the “Defy” line up. Additionally, Giant has re-engineered their aluminum frames to come in over ½ lb lighter than before.
Price: $1,250
