Giant releases updated Defy endurance range

Giant has refreshed its Defy endurance road bike range for 2024, with a lighter frame delivering a bike "free of cumbersome gimmickry".

The Taiwanese brand has added a top-level Defy Advanced SL version to its range that already includes the Defy Advanced Pro and Defy Advanced.

The top-of-the-range model boasts greater lateral stiffness and a superlight 785g frame, making it the most efficient Defy ever. Weight savings have also been made to the fork and handlebar, helping the bike to achieve 28% greater pedalling efficiency.

Now in its fifth generation, Giant has followed a "less is more" mantra in a bid to make the Defy as close to "functional simplicity" as possible thanks to improved durability and a reduced need for maintenance.

Giant sees the new Defy as the ideal riding companion for most rides, from an all-day sportive to a solo adventure on testing terrain.

Improved compliance with D-Fuse technology

Originally used by cyclocross racers, Giant's D-Fuse seatpost drastically reduces the impact of the road surface's bumps and knocks felt by the rider. The Defy Advanced SL frameset and seatpost give 42% improved compliance compared to the previous generation Defy Advanced Pro.

© Giant

The D-shaped composite shaft absorbs shocks whilst providing some flex.

Giant have also used this technology on the Defy's updated handlebars. The D-Fuse SLR handlebar, available on the Defy Advanced SL and some of the Defy Advanced Pro models, has improved shock absorption whilst still offering that stiffness which is vital for out-of-the-saddle efforts.

Giant is keen to state that its new Defy range is unlike many others in its class, with the bike not featuring add-ons like shock absorbers or bushings.

Instead, the manufacturer has aimed to balance performance and comfort for a "modern endurance road riding" experience. As such, the frameset has lost 195g in weight from its predecessor, with the Defy Advanced SL now weighing in at 785g (size medium). This is combined with a 350g updated fork and a lighter handlebar too.

© Giant

The Defy Advanced SL frameset weighs 19.9% less than its predecessor.

These advances have been made possible through the choice of two levels of carbon layup to pick between. The Advanced SL composite is the backbone of its lightest, stiffest and highest quality frames whilst the Advanced composite also offers a high stiffness-to-weight ratio.

Improved comfort for those all-day epics

Alongside the D-Fuse components providing reduced vibrations on the road, Giant's new handlebar is ergonomically shaped with an 8-degree flare - ideal on long days in the saddle.

The Defy range also makes the step up to 38mm tyre clearance, increasing from 35mm, to make itself an ideal machine for all types of tyres and thus, terrain.

This increase allows for better handling and stability on tougher surfaces such as cobbles or less-trodden country lanes.

© Giant

The new D-Fuse handlebar features an 8-degree flare for added comfort.

Pricing

For the flagship Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 model, fitted with SRAM RED eTap AXS and other top-end components, it'll set you back £11,499. Meanwhile, its Shimano Ultegra Di2 stablemate comes in at £8,499.

The Defy Advanced Pro is available in three different models, spanning Shimano's Ultegra Di2, 105 Di2 and 105 mechanical groupsets, priced between £5,999 and £3,499.

Lastly, the lower-end Defy Advanced is available in both SRAM and Shimano groupset options. The Defy Advanced 0 comes fitted with SRAM Rival eTap AXS with a price tag of £3,299, whilst the Defy Advanced 1 is running Shimano 105 Di2 and costs £100 less. The Defy Advanced 2 is fitted with Shimano 105 and the Defy Advanced 3 uses Shimano Tiagra, they are priced at £2,699 and £2,299 respectively.

© Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images

Jayco AlUla are currently riding Giant bikes at the Vuelta a España