Product Information
Giant Defy Composite 1 Road Bike
The Defy Composite 1 is on sale at $1999. The Defy Composite frame is a brand new model for 2012, having proven so successful in 2011 when introduced in the TCR range. The Composite has all the sleek lines and comfort characteristics of the upper end bikes but with a little more weight and a little less cost.
Assembled with Shimano Ultegra components the Defy Composite 1 is a great little road bike, for under 2k.
- Comfort geometry
- 100% composite frame and fork
- Shimano Ultegra and 105 components
- Great for the club racer or Beach Road blaster
Giant have really been "on a winner" with their Giant Defy range of bikes, catering to the performance and comfort needs of recreational and sportif riders alike.
The geometry of a Defy sees the rider sitting a little more upright than on a conventional race bike which alleviates the amount of discomfort felt in the lower back area for many people. This more upright seating position also means that the riders body weight is supported more by his backside rather than crotch and so pain or discomfort in this area is also reduced. Hand, arm and neck discomfort is also diminished as less of the riders weight is supported by his or her arms. This "comfort geometry" coupled with a reasonably high performance bike really is the best of both worlds for many people. Lots of people want a bike that is pretty sharp and snappy when the guys in the bunch start pretending they are at the Tour de France, but equally want or need a bike that won't aggravate them on a long Sunday morning tour down the Peninsula.
Who would have thought last year that you would be able to buy a full carbon framed "Brand Name" bike fitted with Shimano Ultegra running gear at less than $2,000? And yet here it is.
Giant keep on amazing us, they develop a frame, bring it out at say $4,000, then over the next few years get the price lower and lower, until they are sold at a fraction of the original cost. The Defy Composites are an example of this. The TCR Advanced SL frames have the same geometry, but Giant have been able to trim production costs, while retaining the main riding characteristics of the Advanced model. As it retains the same geometry, the ride quality is very similar. This is where it stands out from the cheaper bikes. Smaller companies cannot afford the level of research and development that Giant put into their carbon fibre frames. In flowing the technology down through the models they can utilize proven technology to produce less expensive bikes as they further develop the next generation. In the case of the Defy Composite, Giant retain features such as the press fit bottom bracket, the tapered steerer tube and asymmetrical chain stays. The cost saving comes with a painted finish, rather than the more expensive carbon weave, and a slightly lower grade of carbon, which both add a few grams of weight. Mind you the bike still only weighs about 8.5kgs depending upon size, so it is certainly no heavyweight. What it does mean is that a person on a limited budget (or with a tough spouse) no longer has to ride a poor performing bike. Sure the Advanced and Advanced SL’s will outperform it, but I guess you will just have to work a little harder until you can justify the added expense of the Advanced models.
Overall this bike is outstanding value for money. The added comfort of a carbon-fibre bike, together with excellent performance for such a low price set this bike apart. In addition it has decent quality wheels, built by Swiss DT, a Fi’zi:k Aliante saddle, lightweight bars, stem and seat pillar. Another advantage with this bike is that if you wish to upgrade the performance later, you can simply buy a better set of wheels and tyres – simple upgrade because you already have a decent frame and equipment.
Introduced for the first time into the 2011 range from Giant is this completely new Composite framed bike. In this price range over recent years, Giant have produced an Alliance model, a blend of Carbon Fibre and Aluminium, which has satisfied the needs of those wanting a light weight, comfortable road bike at a reasonably cheap price.
Amazingly, Giant through continuing research and development, are now able to further enhance these much sought after features with a fully Composite frame.
This all-new Composite-level frame shares many of the features of the Advanced and Advanced SL models further up the range. With the carbon fabric laid-up by hand, every TCR Composite adds road-smoothing comfort and aggressive racing performance to provide the perfect frame for many serious recreational and racing road cyclists.
The Defy Composite 1 will surprise many, considering the quality and features of the frame, combined with its outstanding level of componentry. Fitted with many of Shimano’s new Ultegra components, it is seriously good value for money.
There is no Ultegra equipped bike that compares with this at the special price, however if you were to consider $2499 you could buy a Wilier Izoard XP with Ultegra SL or
You could also consider the Defy Advanced 3 again on special for $1999, the difference is basically a higher quality (better peforming) frame with lower level gears and brakes. The equipment is Shimano 105. This bike is ideal if you are riding more at a recreational level, where you do not clock up thousands of kilometres, but would appreciate the better hill climbing, acceleration and handling.
FRAME
|
| Sizes |
XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL |
| Colors |
White/Black/Blue |
| Frame |
Giant Composite Technology |
| Fork |
Advanced-Grade Composite, Alloy OverDrive Steerer |
| Shock |
N / A |
COMPONENTS
|
| Handlebar |
Giant Connect SL, 31.8 |
| Stem |
Giant Connect SL |
| Seatpost |
Giant Vector Composite |
| Saddle |
Giant Performance Road, Men's |
| Pedals |
N/A |
DRIVETRAIN
|
| Shifters |
Shimano Ultegra |
| Front Derailleur |
Shimano Ultegra |
| Rear Derailleur |
Shimano Ultegra |
| Brakes |
Shimano 105 |
| Brake Levers |
Shimano Ultegra |
| Cassette |
Shimano 105 11x28, 10-Speed |
| Chain |
Shimano 105 |
| Crankset |
Shimano Ultegra, 34/50 |
| Bottom Bracket |
Shimano, Press Fit |
Price:
$2499.00 $1999.00
