Product Information

Giant Defy 1 Road Bike 2012

What a great bike for under $1500! Currency fluctuations don't always work in our favour, but with a bike of this quality now costing less that what we would have paid for the frame and fork a few years ago, who's complaining?

With the fantastic ALUXX SL frame, carbon forks, Shimano 105 20 speed gears and compact crankset, the Defy 1 is an ideal bike for someone getting into road riding or who is perhaps tired of putting up with the discomfort or weight of their old road bike. Being a light-weight bike with the more upright riding position offered by the Defy geometry it is well suited to those who ride regularly, be it as a daily commuter, fitness rider or as a light tourer. If you would prefer something more competitive look at the Cube Attempt at $1399

Giant have enjoyed many years of success with their range of recreational road bikes, and have refined the concept even further in the current 2012 Defy range. With rider comfort as a priority, the Defy frame geometry allows for a more upright position than is available on purely competition bikes. This more relaxed position results in less back and neck fatique, easier handling and a less harsh ride,and the use of carbon fibre further enhances the ride quality,benefiting the regular long distance rider and the casual Sunday rider alike. We have heard of the saying "Built for comfort, not for speed", well this doesn't exactly apply to the Defy range. They are certainly comfortable, but are also as swift as most bikes on the market and are quite exhilerating to ride should you wish to push hard on the pedals. 

The Shimano 105 components are known for their ease of use and reliability and will last the average recreational rider for many years. While it may not be suitable for serious racing with the more upright rider position, it is more than capable of handling regular fast or long rides for those setting out on a fitness regime, or heading out to explore the open roads. With rider comfort as a priority, the frame geometry allows for a more upright riding position than is available on purely competition bikes. This more relaxed position results in less back and neck fatique, easier handling and a less harsh ride, benefiting the regular long distance rider and the casual sunday rider alike. We will all have heard of the saying "Built for comfort, not for speed", well this doesn't exactly apply to the Defy range. They are certainly comfortable, but are also as swift as most bikes on the market, however if you are intending to pin on a race number, then have a look at something from the TCR range from Giant, as they will have the lower, more aerodynamic rider position with higher ratio gearing for that competitive edge.

The Defy 1 has the most up to date features available in an aluminium frame. The Giant ALUXX SL alloy frame is extremely light and yet is stronger and laterally stiffer than any previous model thanks to the oversized bottom bracket (which features press fit bearings for reduced weight , increased stiffness and easier maintenance), the intricately shaped hydroformed tubing and the carbon fibre front forks with tapered steerer tube. The Defy 1 is great to ride, but those of us with an eye for detail or who appreciate the beauty in the results possible from modern engineering, there is also a certain satisfaction to be gained simply from looking at the frame and admiring what Giants engineers have accomplished. Compare a modern alloy frame such as the 2012 Defy from Giant with any older frame and you will instantly notice the difference in tubing shapes. The old frame will have round frame tubes, while the latest frames from Giant are anything but, with ovalisation, tapering and gussetting all being incorporated in the shape of the tubing. Two other differences are less noticeable from a visible inspection, lighter weight and increased strength, however they are benefits derived primarily from the Fluid Forming which is the technique used to control the tubing shapes. With a raw material 30% stiffer than traditional 6061 aluminium, and fluid forming technology, the 2012 Defy frames are the strongest, lightest aluminium frames Giant have ever produced! One feature that won't be of use to everyone, but which will be a huge benefit to those who do need it, is the incorporation of pannier rack mounts on the seat stays and dropouts. So the Defy can be used as a useful commuter or semi tourer simply by bolting on a rack.

 Defy 1 - 20 Speed

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Price: $1499.00 $1299.00

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