Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2 (2015)

New design, same geometry on the 2015 Defy

Pros

* Lightweight, compliant frame design
* Plenty of stiffness for efforts and climbing

Cons

* Internal cables may rattle (fixable)

Review

The new endurance orientated Defy is, apart from the geometry, a complete redesign from the old model. This model is the Advanced Pro 2 and sits in the middle of the range. There are lower tier carbon versions also available as well as the basic alloy Defy.

Like many brands, the 'endurance' tag denotes an attempt to make a comfortable, compliant bike without sacrificing power transfer and stiffness. Giant accomplishes this with pure design and carbon layup - not by adding elastomers or other idiosyncratic devices like other manufacturers.

First glance of the frame reveals some of what is going on here. The incredibly thin seatstays - made possible by using disc brakes, thereby negating the need to beef up the bridge - allow a large amount of flex in the seatpost and henceforth saddle. This makes for a very comfortable ride in even the roughest road conditions. At the front things are a bit different, with a chunky headtube and direct fork limiting flex in the controls. The danger here is creating imbalance between the front and rear, something only a test ride at your local bike shop will reveal.

Overall, the Defy does make for a supremely comfortable ride while retaining stiffness where it matters: in the front end, bottom bracket, and drivetrain. Some issues, (hardly specific to this model at all), remain regarding internal cable routing rattling in the tubes. Fortunately it is a fixable issue - just sort it out before it drives you and your riding buddies crazy!

As is becoming custom with endurance road bikes, all Defy models come equipped with disc brakes. The light frame means the weight penalty isn't a deal breaker, although this model is equipped with a standard set of mechanical brakes, not the hydraulic versions of more expensive models. Other equipment is a solid collection of 11speed 105 parts, rounded off with various in house Giant brand goodies.

This bike is a great fit for an enthusiast road cyclist. It is becoming more widely accepted that we should all be riding endurance bikes and, with models like this out there, why not? The Defy Advanced Pro 2 is a brilliant all-day ride making it not only perfect for weekend warriors tackling a gran fondo, but also more serious riders looking for an edge.