Having sat patiently in the Giant’s product line-up for four years without an update, the Defy endurance road bike range has finally seen an overhaul. Evolving with current industry trends and tech is a main feature of the new range, with the Taiwanese company also boasting its all-day comfort steed has a more lively ride and supreme pedalling stiffness compared to its popular predecessor.
With a range of refinements and improvements made to comfort and handling, as well as an all-new powermeter, we take you through ten things to know about the all-new Defy Advanced Pro endurance road bike.
1. Less is More
Erring on the side of simplicity, the 2019 Defy range sees a range of refinements made to its strong points, culminating in what Giant claim is no longer a toned down, muted racer, but rather a high-performance all-around road bike.
Arguably Giant’s best selling road bike range, the previous edition of the Defy made headlines in 2014 for being the first dedicated road bike lineup from a major company to go all-in on disc brakes. This trend continues for 2019, with no rim brake models to be seen.
2. Expanded D-Fuse
First unveiled back in 2014, the flat-edged D-Fuse seatpost was designed to aid comfort by flexing in a specific direction. For 2019, the technology remains, with tuned flex further enhanced.
This proven tech not only carries over in the new Defy’s seatpost, it’s also integrated into an all-new handlebar system, too. The all-new D-Fuse handlebar is claimed to provide up to 12mm of movement at the end of the drops, sure to smooth out road imperfections and all but the largest bumps.
3. Trickle Down Integration
Taking some design cues from its racier Propel Disc stablemate, the Defy is the latest bike in Giant’s line-up to make use of the new Contact Stealth SL stem. Derailleur and brake lines are routed underneath a removable cap and down the back of the stem for a clean aesthetic. Split headset spacers first seen on the Propel Disc also feature.
4. Increased Tyre Clearance
Adding to the upgraded comfort of the Defy is increased tyre clearance. Tyre clearance across the range is also increased to 32mm, largely thanks to an all-new front fork and redesigned, curved seat stays. The entire Defy range will now ship with wider 28mm tubeless tyres as standard, previously 25mm.
5. Geometry Tweaks
The Defy’s geometry has evolved with Giant claiming its engineered in more stability and comfort. The bottom bracket drop has increased from 70-75mm, whilst lengthened chainstays and a wide wheelbase carry over to provide confidence-inspiring stability at speed. To liven up the handling, Giant has decreased the trail by 2mm, said to provide more agility when tackling tight and twisty corners.
6. Stiffness Gains
With the D-Fuse seatpost and new handlebar design taking care of comfort duties, Giant’s engineers were able to build in increased frame stiffness. Fitted with Giant’s “PowerCore” bottom bracket, “OverDrive 2” head tube and a bulbous downtube, the new Defy is said to provide just as much pedalling stiffness as the race-bred Propel Disc aero bike.
7. No SL Option...For Now
Interestingly, the Advanced Pro 0 represents the top of the range offering in the 2019 Defy range, with no plans mentioned to introduce a flagship SL version as per its racing based, TCR and Propel stablemates. Making use of Giant’s second-tier advanced grade composite material for the frame, the new Defy frame is said to weigh in at a respectable 920 grams for a painted medium.
8. Fender Provisions
Those looking for that one bike to rule them all, rain hail or shine, Giant have outfitted the Defy with provisions for both front and rear fender mounts. These fender mounts are said to be compatible with a wide range of aftermarket guards, perfect for those riding all-year round.
9. Powered up Power Pro
Unveiled in conjunction with the Defy is Giant’s all-new in-house powermeter, the Power Pro. Boasting +/- 2% accuracy, 150 hours or 2,000kms of battery life and IPX7 weather-proofing, the Power Pro will be included as standard on a handful of 2019 Giant road bikes. Whilst there are no official dates for aftermarket availability, we expect to see the Power Pro available as a stand-alone option in 12-months time.
10. Pricing and Availability
The all-new Defy will be available in Australia in the coming weeks with three build options hitting local shores. Check with your local bike store for in-store availability.
The Australian Defy range includes;
- Defy Advanced Pro 0: – AUD$6,699
Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 disc brake groupset, Giant Power Pro powermeter, Contact Stealth SL stem, SLR D-Fuse handlebar, Giant SLR 0 30mm WheelSystem, Giant Gavia AC 0 28c tubeless tyres.
- Defy Advanced Pro 1: – AUD$4,999
Shimano Ultegra R8050 disc brake groupset, Contact SL Stealth stem, SLR D-Fuse handlebar, Giant SLR 1 30mm WheelSystem, Giant Gavia AC 1 28c tubeless tyres
- Defy Advanced 2: – AUD$2,999
Shimano 105 groupset, Conduct SL semi-hydraulic disc brakes, SL D-Fuse handlebar, Giant PR2 WheelSystem, Giant Gavia AC 1 28c tubeless tyres.
Confused by the differences between Endurance, Aero and Lightweight road bikes? Check out our in depth comparison for all you need to know
