Product Information

Giant Defy 3 2012

Ease of use and rider comfort are two of the most noticeable features of the 2012 Giant Defy 3. The price is also worth noting, but in a positive way as the extremely modest amount should not be seen as indicating that the Defy 3 is a cheap bike. It is simply great value for money, making this Giant extremely beginner friendly. The bike offers a wide range of easy to use gears thanks to the Shimano Sora gear system, featuring a triple chainring crankset and a 9 speed rear cassette, meaning the lucky rider has 27 gears available to tackle every obstacle the weather and terrain may throw up. Some new riders may be daunted by the prospect of 27 gears, but after some brief instruction from our knowledgable staff and a short test ride your confidence will already have grown.

The new 2012 Defy frame has a number of improved features from previous years with 3 main advantages resulting. These being lighter weight which makes riding that bit easier, increased lateral rigidity for better power transfer and increased front end stiffness for improved handling and stability. These three improvements are due to a larger bottom-bracket shell which allows for bigger diameter, thinner walled frame tubes and front forks with a tapered steerer tube resulting in a stiffer, more responsive ride for performance-minded cyclists, or simply for those of us who need every bit of assistance we can get and don't have excess energy that can afford to be wasted.

The carbon-composite fork with its tapered aluminum steerer helps dampen road vibrations and fine-tunes the bike's feel, which is quite beneficial particularly where the road conditions are a little harsher. Following many years of success with their range of recreational model road bikes, Giant has refined the concept even further, 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 weekend warrior 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, but the shorter top tube and more relaxed geometry delivers the kind of comfortable and upright ride not found on those race-oriented bikes.

I know appearance relates to personal preference, but I think the Defy 3 looks outstanding. What isn't disputable is the fact that it is excellent value for money and would be an ideal entry into the road bike market for someone wanting to give the open road a try after having grown tired of the weight and lack of speed they experience currently on a hybrid or mountain bike.

Another similar bike we have that might take your fancy is the 2011 GT GTR Series 3 Road Bike. or the Cube Aerial at $899

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Price: $999.00 $799.00

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