A great review. I'm an 81 year old rider who recently replaced my 12 year old Roubaix with the Defy Advanced 1 and am loving it. I immediately replaced the wheels with Shimano WH-RS710-C46-TL carbon wheels and the tires with Continental Grand Prix 5000 All Season tubeless tires for a significant weight saving without any reduction in comfort. I plan to use the stock alloy wheels and tires for some light gravel riding after putting tubes in the tires.
That is exactly what I have and what I did. Upgraded the bars, wheels, tires and saddle for a size small at 7.3 Kg with pedals, cages and computer mount. Not too bad for something with DI2 105 for an old guy. Great ride, looks good. All and all, pretty happy with how it turned out. Good review and good on you for presenting these alternatives to the much more expensive models.
My 2023 M weighs 8.6kg with Favero Assioma Duo, 1450g carbon wheels, wide Vittoria latex tubes and 32mm GP5000, and a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt mount. With the stock saddle that was, no idea how much it weighs with the Selle SMP and bottle cage now, or where the biggest weight chunk is.
@@JPGENARI A wheel builder here in Germany built up Farsports FS45-30GH "gravel" rims with a DT350, DT Aerolite and Aero Comp spokes, hidden alu nipples (I don't know the brand of those), and it received Schwalbe tubeless tape.
I really appreciate your no-nonsense, get-right-to-it reviews. You focus on the real issues & concerns of the Dedicated Cycling Enthusiast. This is all a great help in making our way to the right cycling product/technology decisions that aid in the physical active experience & enjoyment of our sport.....thank you.
I bought this model. I also considered the Advanced Pro. Beautiful bike, but I already had a set of carbon wheels and I’m not 100% confident of hookless wheels. Wrapped my carbon wheels in GP5000 STR and put the stock wheel and tire set away as a back-up/ winter set. I am absolutely thrilled. It feels so fast, nimble and comfortable.
I have new, high range DT Swiss alloy wheels, so I'll be buying this model as well. I don't want to pay extra for carbon hookless that I will not use...
Hi, I brought mine in February and nearly done 900km on it. Absolutely great bike, love it! Thankfully I had some other wheels and tyres that's the only downside. But would recommend to anyone¡
I've got a 2019 Giant Defy Advanced 2 with 105 groupset, and it's been a blast. It's gone through the ringer, and after easily 20k kilometers later, it is a beast.
I have this model and I did upgrade the wheels to Carbon & cranks to GRX for even easier gearing when you have COPD every breath is a struggle they say you can't fit GRX cranks 2mm+ offset over 105 but with some careful tweaking it does. and it works great with no issues at all.
I am beyond delighted - David nailed this review - this is one of the best bikes out there for the value and for health and safety as well - super race geometry is not appropriate for many - not comfortable and over time bad for the c-spine, resulting in risk of future neck surgery - the endurance sport geometry is totally correct. Also I totally agree only flaw of this bike (as a owner) are the wheels, easy corrected - I run 39V bontrager, and vittoria corsa pro control 34, will go down to 30
The Giant Approach saddle that comes stock: I am pleased to say I am getting along with it. I thought I would have to replace it right away with my new Defy. BUT, after 1500 miles, I have not complaints. There is no reason to replace it. Well done Giant.
I bought this model in Australia about a month ago for $4500 AUD. It's an awesome bike for the price. This video perfectly encapsulates how I feel about it. Highly reccomend.
This is the exact bike I’ve recently purchased. I’ve swapped out the wheelset for some light weight 50mm deep ones and some top spec tires. So it’s great to see my decision justified by someone who knows what they’re talking about. Cheers David
I have the advanced 2 and after swapping wheels to That aerodynamist 40s and tires to Goodyear eagle f1 32s it really improved the speed. Finally I changed the saddle to a Selle Italia Novus boost carbon. I love it and did a 70 mile sportive yesterday keeping up with thinner guys on expensive aero Bianchi's and specialised weapons. great review
I have exactly this bike and have Zipp 303S with 32mm GP5000s on it as well as Deda Superzero carbon bars and Ultegra compact chainset. Love it, really think it's the sweet spot in terms of marginal gains for more money from this point up. Mine is size L, weighs 8.1kg bare Review nails it.
I bought the previous model with 105 Di2, put giant carbon wheels and better tyres on it straight away….i love it, rides so well and plenty quick enough for my ability level. Giant do offer great value for the money
I bought this exact bike and had a set of carbon wheels already I swapped on to this and added nice tyres. Its an excellent summer climbing bike and very nice winter bike with full mudguards. Is it as fast as a full aerobike...nope, but its still pretty speedy for an endurance and the handling is great. Comfort is pretty good but not outstanding. I had the old defy and found it just a bit too upright so the new geometry is spot on for me. The saddle is comfy but heavy, you can save a lot of weight there. Basically I agree with what David said in his review.
I bought the previous model (2023) with 105 di2 and a nice discount. I changed the PR2 wheels and OEM tires, but as I did not want to go hookless (what Giant carbon rims are), I purchased Roval C38 carbon wheels and Sworks Turbo tires. So far really happy about this combo!
Spot on. My 2023 Defy Advanced 1 is so comfortable, but a bit slower than my old PX Pro Carbon. Many of us use Cycle scheme- so buying within the 3k limit, then later upgrading wheels, was my choice.
I bought the exact same model, put a set of 35mm carbon wheels, Conti GP5ks, a narrow handlebar and another saddle. The bike is a true little rocket like that, and the weight is quite good as well. Love mine to bits!
Great review. I'm still riding my 2009 version of this bike and loving it. Mine is probably a lot lighter with the upgrades I did. The Ican aero 40s wheels really made a difference. I have over 12k miles on this bike. Good you recommend replacing the wheels. Giant wheels aren't that good.
Picking mine up Monday 17th here in Sydney. I upgraded from a Merida Cyclocross which weighed a ton (>12kg). The group set on the Merida was SRAM Apex which was total rubbish and the breaks were equally cactus. Can't wait to get onto something decent that will LAST!
Great review. You have helped to decide that this is the bike that I want. As someone who would be coming off a heavy commuting bike, I think it'll be a while before the wheels bother me.
@@yialanliu No, the Pro and SL versions have d-shaped steerer that is thicker. The non-pro version has a round one with standard 1 1/8 inch diameter. I own this bike, this is not speculation.
Excellent, very informative review - just what I was looking for, and I suppose also for a lot of others who love cycling on nice bikes, but doesn't want/have at trillion to splash out on a bike (it won't make us any faster anyway). Thanks a lot 🙏
The new Defy looks smart. Although I bought 23 model TCR Advanced 1 in Jan in the sale with the same wheels as the Defy in your review. Recently picked up a pair of Scope carbon rims with pzero tyres the difference is amazing compared to the stock wheels/tyres. To make it better bike and wheels cost £300 less than RRP
Thanks David for the great review(s). I really enjoyed your down-to-earth / real world approach to analyzing the options and features, and I have just placed an order for this bike, can't wait for the end of the week!
I bought the 2022 version of this bike recently (NOS) and you are right about those wheels I am not a weight snob but they are hefty the rear reminds me of my commuter with hubs gears......
I got this bike at a discount and swapped out saddle, wheels and tyres just as you describe - in addition to weight reduction of c.1kg there is a major improvement in comfort on poor road surfaces.
A great upgrade to this bike would be Shimano Rs710-c32 wheels. Carbon rims with a modern design, only 1504g and part of the 105 series, so match the Di2 spec. With some nice Vittoria Corsa NeXT 32c tyres and latex tubes, or go tubeless. You’d be all in for under £4k and what a great bike you’d have. I still love my Roubaix SL8 though!
Obviously there are cheaper bikes if you want to spend less but this is currently what a carbon road bike with electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes will cost you, such features you won’t get in cheaper bikes
@@LifeCycle1978 so maybe it's just a perception, or just because I'm looking at my first carbon bike, and I look for the entry level models in every brand, entry level models that are never featured, it would be nice to see them.
I’ve a 2018/9 defy advanced where I replaced the wheels and tires with Hunt’s and it was like riding a new bike! A night and day difference for the better
So people do not understand what “budget” and “not a lot of money” is anymore? I can buy a car for that kind of money. A comfortable car that could get at least 100,000 miles out of. Do not tell me it’s raining while you’re pissing on my leg. Budget is less than a thousand…and before anyone says you can’t do that…look at Poseidon…I don’t think any of their bikes start at over a thousand and they’re good…no scratch that…they’re AMAZING bikes on a real budget.
Do you have any experience with the Cube Attain? I'd love a comparison. Cube offers crazy value for the money, yet I'm torn between the Attain SLT and this one.
It's like you read the dilemma in my mind. Been toying with going cheaper model and upgrade over more expensive. I think you convinced me to go cheaper though as I'd still end up upgrading stuff on the more expensive one and could be down at 7.8kg with a nice light weight set of carbon hoops and 28mm or 30mm GP 5000S TRs.
Great video, but you should definitely check your numbers before recording. The pro 1 has never been 4700 pounds, has always been 4600 full price, directly from Giant. Also important to mention that 10, 12 and 15% discounts happen every week - most often in smaller bike shops up North, they are already sold out in the South. You also get a better fork, lighter handlebars, seatpost, different saddle. So the undiscounted difference is 1400 pounds. Buying the wheels the Pro comes with from Giant is 1200 in itself, discounting all the other upgrades. Of course you can find cheaper good wheels, but that's not the point. And if both bikes are discounted by the same %, that brings the actual cost difference even closer. So going for this one over the pro might be a good shout if you know you want those upgrades later, but are strapped for cash right now. Meanwhile the Pro is positioned as a bike that has everything that you would want, and don't need to upgrade anything for a long while. Apart from the tyres if you are only riding on road, but they are the same on both bikes.
Just to answer your question, I would definitely go with an option of Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 with carbon wheels right from the beginning and avoid the hassle of upgrading the wheels later with an option of Giant Defy Advanced 1. Anyway, you would end up spending the same amount of money later if you go with an option of Giant Defy Advanced 1. If someone decides to buy the carbon wheel set later, it is going to cost even more than than price of Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1. However, please do the math yourself.
I just bought the Advanced Pro 1 last week. Shop gave me a good deal and I wouldn't be able to buy a decent wheelset for the difference between Pro 1 and this one. Too bad it came with the same tyres. Anyway, managed to do more than 300km and loving it so far.
FWIW. I tried both. I wound up buying the Sram Rival version. Love it. The 105 had better front shifting. Rear shifting is a dead heat. I liked the new Sram gearing better. Cant go wrong either way.
David, are you sure of the bike weight you quoted of 8.6 kg before wheel and tyre upgrade ? I bought the defy 0 and it comes in around 9.2 kg. Only difference I can see is SRAM rival over 105 Di2.
Hello! Got the same issue with my 2023 model! Did not have any problem with my previous Giant Contend AR... Don't know what might be the reason... Would also appreciate some advice on this! :)
@@grege8420 sorry to hear you have the same problem. Mine is bad enough to drop the chain, mainly on the smallest cogs. Happened at 65kmh. Only thing I've been told is to potentially service the freehub but I haven't gotten around to that yet. Very disappointing on a brand new bike that's for sure.
@David Arthur, do you know if the Giant Advanced Pro 1 ready for Giant Ridesense 2.0 ? If so, would it make sense to install it and measure power (watts) thru the GPS ? Or would it make sense to invest into power meter pedals ?
I come from mountain biking and got a gravel bike about a year ago (I have a 2 year old and don’t have time to hit the trails). Anyways, I mainly been riding roads on my gravel bike and looking to get a road bike. My gravel bike has closer mtb geo…605 stack, etc. My question-how do I know if I want a defy or tcr? I don’t think propel is for me but I could be wrong.
Course not, it’s entry level in this specific range of bikes and yes there are cheaper models and of course there are even more entry level bikes. I know entry level is a triggering term for some people 😉 But of course I made that point in thr video
Hi David! Thank you always for great reviews! I am a big fan! If you would choose only one bike and don’t race, what’s your pick? An Aethos Expert with Rival AXS or a Defy Advanced Pro 1? I know they have different purposes, but what would bring you more smile? Cheers from Japan!
Defy gets bigger tyre clearance, mudguard mounts and slightly more relaxed geometry. Love how light the Aethos is but limited tyre clearance and it's race bike geometry
Caught the 2023 earlier this year for 2400€ I think, the list price was 3200€ I believe? Was a good steal. Got 24mm internal/30mm external carbon wheels with DT350 hubs built and put 32mm GP5000 with Vittoria Latex tubes and Schwalbe valve extenders on. And put Assioma Duo for power meter goodness on there. I think thats really decent value for money.
..."provided you upgrade the wheels and tyres"....sums up Giant bikes...great value, great bikes...but I wish I could order one without the stock Giant wheels
It should have carbon wheels and better tyres as standard for £3k plus. I have the equivalent of those on my Revolt, the px2 wheels which are over 2kg of landfill!
I'd looove a new Defy, but this model costs $5000 Australian and I'd still need/want to spend >$1500 on some better wheels. I had the stock PR2 wheels on my Giant Contend alloy road bike, and they were definitely >2kg tank wheels. Welcome to 2024, when dropping $5k gets you an "okay" bike 🙄 I think spending AUD$3800 on the Defy Advanced 2 with mech 105 is better value if you're going to upgrade the wheels anyway. The Adv 2 doesn't have a 105 crank but everything else looks identical.
Great review! I'm considering getting this bike. How do you think it compares to the Merida sculptura endurance 6000 wich also looks like great value for money?
I bought this bike in Feb. Put on my own Carbon wheels and gp5000 tl tires. It is excellent. Feels racy but comfortable. Buy one, you will no be disappointed.
Wanted to swap my Canyon Ultimate for a Defy becasuse i wanted to try a more relaxed geometry but the 2024 Defy geo is more stretched out from older models so now its not that far for the Ultimate geo. Waiting now for Canyon Endurace to stock up.
Weight isn't everything, but I'd be disappointed to pay over £3000 for a bike that still comes just over 9kg (especially when the Boardmand 8.9 SLR is lighter, good-enough Shimano 105, and £1200). Is that really great value?
Shimano SPD-SL pedals are a good choice available in a range of prices and for GPS well Garmin and Wahoo offer plenty of good choices, the latter wins for simplicity
Could you please recommend few models for Garmin GPS ? Also would it make sense to install shimano 105 pedals or go for ultegra on giant defy advanced pro 1 ?
Nice bike for sure. 👍 However, with my budget, I would be more interested in the bikes in the price range between 1000 and 2000 euros. Hence, this would be rather alloy-frame or sometimes steel-frame bikes. I would also target all-road or gravel bikes. Just saying. 😉
Awesome video as always Dave. 👌 Looking forward to the new TCR advanced pro 0 video when you get your hands on it over here, having just pre ordered one.
Will go for the adv 2 and get 2 sets of light bicycle wheels (45's gravel and 56's for road/allroad).Will sets me back 4400 euros, so up to the pro 2 a proper holiday Budget saving😅
Dave... unless simething has changed your description of giant levels doesnt match what i have experienced: the advanced and the pro cannot be the same frame because the steerer on the pro and sl has a different size to the advanced. The steerer is thicker uses bigger bearings and is the reason you cannot swap out a normal stem on an advanced or pro bike. I belive giant calls the system overdrive 2. The idea is similar to a tapered steerer on a mountain bike (in that it is a tapered steerer) but they also run a bigger bearing up top 1.25 instead of 1.125. Hence the need for special stem... my tcr is running a zip stem which comes with set .125 shims to let you adjust stem angle. I am running it without a shim.
A great review. I'm an 81 year old rider who recently replaced my 12 year old Roubaix with the Defy Advanced 1 and am loving it. I immediately replaced the wheels with Shimano WH-RS710-C46-TL carbon wheels and the tires with Continental Grand Prix 5000 All Season tubeless tires for a significant weight saving without any reduction in comfort. I plan to use the stock alloy wheels and tires for some light gravel riding after putting tubes in the tires.
That is exactly what I have and what I did. Upgraded the bars, wheels, tires and saddle for a size small at 7.3 Kg with pedals, cages and computer mount. Not too bad for something with DI2 105 for an old guy. Great ride, looks good. All and all, pretty happy with how it turned out. Good review and good on you for presenting these alternatives to the much more expensive models.
My 2023 M weighs 8.6kg with Favero Assioma Duo, 1450g carbon wheels, wide Vittoria latex tubes and 32mm GP5000, and a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt mount.
With the stock saddle that was, no idea how much it weighs with the Selle SMP and bottle cage now, or where the biggest weight chunk is.
That's like Triggers broom
@@JulianAndresKlode which carbon wheels did you go with?
@@JPGENARI A wheel builder here in Germany built up Farsports FS45-30GH "gravel" rims with a DT350, DT Aerolite and Aero Comp spokes, hidden alu nipples (I don't know the brand of those), and it received Schwalbe tubeless tape.
I really appreciate your no-nonsense, get-right-to-it reviews. You focus on the real issues & concerns of the Dedicated Cycling Enthusiast. This is all a great help in making our way to the right cycling product/technology decisions that aid in the physical active experience & enjoyment of our sport.....thank you.
👍
I bought this model. I also considered the Advanced Pro. Beautiful bike, but I already had a set of carbon wheels and I’m not 100% confident of hookless wheels. Wrapped my carbon wheels in GP5000 STR and put the stock wheel and tire set away as a back-up/ winter set. I am absolutely thrilled. It feels so fast, nimble and comfortable.
I have new, high range DT Swiss alloy wheels, so I'll be buying this model as well. I don't want to pay extra for carbon hookless that I will not use...
Hi, I brought mine in February and nearly done 900km on it. Absolutely great bike, love it!
Thankfully I had some other wheels and tyres that's the only downside. But would recommend to anyone¡
I've got a 2019 Giant Defy Advanced 2 with 105 groupset, and it's been a blast. It's gone through the ringer, and after easily 20k kilometers later, it is a beast.
I have this model and I did upgrade the wheels to Carbon & cranks to GRX for even easier gearing when you have COPD every breath is a struggle they say you can't fit GRX cranks 2mm+ offset over 105 but with some careful tweaking it does. and it works great with no issues at all.
I am beyond delighted - David nailed this review - this is one of the best bikes out there for the value and for health and safety as well - super race geometry is not appropriate for many - not comfortable and over time bad for the c-spine, resulting in risk of future neck surgery - the endurance sport geometry is totally correct. Also I totally agree only flaw of this bike (as a owner) are the wheels, easy corrected - I run 39V bontrager, and vittoria corsa pro control 34, will go down to 30
The Giant Approach saddle that comes stock: I am pleased to say I am getting along with it. I thought I would have to replace it right away with my new Defy. BUT, after 1500 miles, I have not complaints. There is no reason to replace it. Well done Giant.
I bought this model in Australia about a month ago for $4500 AUD. It's an awesome bike for the price. This video perfectly encapsulates how I feel about it. Highly reccomend.
and now they can be had for $3600 at Giant stores. An absolute steal!!!
@@energylab6277hi where did you get this price? i went to a giant in south yarra it said 4k. thanks
@@energylab6277Hi where did you get this price? yesterday i went to giant south yarra and they give me $4k. I’m planning to buy one of this. Thanks!
@@energylab6277Hi where did you get this price? yesterday I went to Giant south yarra and they gave me $4k for this. Thanks
@@energylab6277Which Giant store? Lowest I can find online is 4000.
This is the exact bike I’ve recently purchased. I’ve swapped out the wheelset for some light weight 50mm deep ones and some top spec tires. So it’s great to see my decision justified by someone who knows what they’re talking about. Cheers David
Ditto. I did same as you. ❤ my new Defy.
which 50mm wheels did you get?
I have the advanced 2 and after swapping wheels to That aerodynamist 40s and tires to Goodyear eagle f1 32s it really improved the speed. Finally I changed the saddle to a Selle Italia Novus boost carbon. I love it and did a 70 mile sportive yesterday keeping up with thinner guys on expensive aero Bianchi's and specialised weapons. great review
I have exactly this bike and have Zipp 303S with 32mm GP5000s on it as well as Deda Superzero carbon bars and Ultegra compact chainset. Love it, really think it's the sweet spot in terms of marginal gains for more money from this point up.
Mine is size L, weighs 8.1kg bare
Review nails it.
I bought the previous model with 105 Di2, put giant carbon wheels and better tyres on it straight away….i love it, rides so well and plenty quick enough for my ability level. Giant do offer great value for the money
Wich weeks and tires did you bought
I bought this exact bike and had a set of carbon wheels already I swapped on to this and added nice tyres. Its an excellent summer climbing bike and very nice winter bike with full mudguards. Is it as fast as a full aerobike...nope, but its still pretty speedy for an endurance and the handling is great. Comfort is pretty good but not outstanding. I had the old defy and found it just a bit too upright so the new geometry is spot on for me. The saddle is comfy but heavy, you can save a lot of weight there. Basically I agree with what David said in his review.
Totally agree in terms of the new vs. old geometry. Giant absolutely nailed it!
I bought the previous model (2023) with 105 di2 and a nice discount. I changed the PR2 wheels and OEM tires, but as I did not want to go hookless (what Giant carbon rims are), I purchased Roval C38 carbon wheels and Sworks Turbo tires. So far really happy about this combo!
😍
Spot on. My 2023 Defy Advanced 1 is so comfortable, but a bit slower than my old PX Pro Carbon. Many of us use Cycle scheme- so buying within the 3k limit, then later upgrading wheels, was my choice.
I bought the exact same model, put a set of 35mm carbon wheels, Conti GP5ks, a narrow handlebar and another saddle. The bike is a true little rocket like that, and the weight is quite good as well. Love mine to bits!
I've just ordered one. IMHO very good value. It's gonna be my first bike with disc brakes.
Just bought a near mint condition, 2nd hand 2020 TCR Adv Pro Compact and a pair of Hunt Superdura Aero wheels for less than £1500 all in.
I have the 2022 model and it checks all the boxes
Great review. I'm still riding my 2009 version of this bike and loving it. Mine is probably a lot lighter with the upgrades I did. The Ican aero 40s wheels really made a difference. I have over 12k miles on this bike. Good you recommend replacing the wheels. Giant wheels aren't that good.
Picking mine up Monday 17th here in Sydney. I upgraded from a Merida Cyclocross which weighed a ton (>12kg). The group set on the Merida was SRAM Apex which was total rubbish and the breaks were equally cactus. Can't wait to get onto something decent that will LAST!
Great review. You have helped to decide that this is the bike that I want. As someone who would be coming off a heavy commuting bike, I think it'll be a while before the wheels bother me.
3:28 There isn't a d-shaped steerer, it is normal round profile. Another plus compared to the more expensive models.
it is d shaped to allow room for the oil lines
@@yialanliu No, the Pro and SL versions have d-shaped steerer that is thicker. The non-pro version has a round one with standard 1 1/8 inch diameter. I own this bike, this is not speculation.
Excellent, very informative review - just what I was looking for, and I suppose also for a lot of others who love cycling on nice bikes, but doesn't want/have at trillion to splash out on a bike (it won't make us any faster anyway). Thanks a lot 🙏
I ended up going a step (or two) above and getting the advanced pro 0. Its so comfy and I use it for bikepacking trips with tailfin gear.
The new Defy looks smart. Although I bought 23 model TCR Advanced 1 in Jan in the sale with the same wheels as the Defy in your review. Recently picked up a pair of Scope carbon rims with pzero tyres the difference is amazing compared to the stock wheels/tyres. To make it better bike and wheels cost £300 less than RRP
Thanks David for the great review(s). I really enjoyed your down-to-earth / real world approach to analyzing the options and features, and I have just placed an order for this bike, can't wait for the end of the week!
thanks so much, that means a lot! :)
I bought the 2022 version of this bike recently (NOS) and you are right about those wheels I am not a weight snob but they are hefty the rear reminds me of my commuter with hubs gears......
I got this bike at a discount and swapped out saddle, wheels and tyres just as you describe - in addition to weight reduction of c.1kg there is a major improvement in comfort on poor road surfaces.
Which do you think is a better bike/spec the Defy Adv Pro 1 or Domane SL7 Gen 4?
A great upgrade to this bike would be Shimano Rs710-c32 wheels. Carbon rims with a modern design, only 1504g and part of the 105 series, so match the Di2 spec. With some nice Vittoria Corsa NeXT 32c tyres and latex tubes, or go tubeless. You’d be all in for under £4k and what a great bike you’d have. I still love my Roubaix SL8 though!
But even that bike is spending big, it's still alot of money
Obviously there are cheaper bikes if you want to spend less but this is currently what a carbon road bike with electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes will cost you, such features you won’t get in cheaper bikes
Why not try from time to time the entry level bike of the range? The one that actually more people are interested in buying
@@Sr.Dbased on what information? This is the exact bike most people are buying.
@@LifeCycle1978 so maybe it's just a perception, or just because I'm looking at my first carbon bike, and I look for the entry level models in every brand, entry level models that are never featured, it would be nice to see them.
Relatively speaking…. And or comparing to the higher models in the same range.
Are you a tip builder or Facebook market kind of guy?
I’ve a 2018/9 defy advanced where I replaced the wheels and tires with Hunt’s and it was like riding a new bike! A night and day difference for the better
So people do not understand what “budget” and “not a lot of money” is anymore? I can buy a car for that kind of money. A comfortable car that could get at least 100,000 miles out of. Do not tell me it’s raining while you’re pissing on my leg. Budget is less than a thousand…and before anyone says you can’t do that…look at Poseidon…I don’t think any of their bikes start at over a thousand and they’re good…no scratch that…they’re AMAZING bikes on a real budget.
It is a budget bike for a decent carbon frame, electronic shifter etc. It is not junk like Poseidon.
Do you have any experience with the Cube Attain? I'd love a comparison. Cube offers crazy value for the money, yet I'm torn between the Attain SLT and this one.
I have the Deft Advance Pro 1 and it’s an awesome bike! Only change I made was to the tires to GP5000
I want a bike for my 25km (50 round trip) commute. The elevation gain on the return is 400m. I am considering this specific model. Thanks for posting!
Looked at this but opted for Merida Scultura 4000. Thought $3000 Aussie was enough to spend. Mech 12 speed 105, tubeless. Works for me.
Sorry, must have been the 2 model as mech not Di2
Has Giant finally resolved cracking seat post with d-fuse ?
It's like you read the dilemma in my mind. Been toying with going cheaper model and upgrade over more expensive. I think you convinced me to go cheaper though as I'd still end up upgrading stuff on the more expensive one and could be down at 7.8kg with a nice light weight set of carbon hoops and 28mm or 30mm GP 5000S TRs.
I have the 2024 advanced pro. Nice bike but that dfuse handlebar is just marketing bs. Alu bars don't flex.
Great video, but you should definitely check your numbers before recording. The pro 1 has never been 4700 pounds, has always been 4600 full price, directly from Giant.
Also important to mention that 10, 12 and 15% discounts happen every week - most often in smaller bike shops up North, they are already sold out in the South.
You also get a better fork, lighter handlebars, seatpost, different saddle.
So the undiscounted difference is 1400 pounds. Buying the wheels the Pro comes with from Giant is 1200 in itself, discounting all the other upgrades.
Of course you can find cheaper good wheels, but that's not the point.
And if both bikes are discounted by the same %, that brings the actual cost difference even closer.
So going for this one over the pro might be a good shout if you know you want those upgrades later, but are strapped for cash right now. Meanwhile the Pro is positioned as a bike that has everything that you would want, and don't need to upgrade anything for a long while. Apart from the tyres if you are only riding on road, but they are the same on both bikes.
Saw one yesterday on an audax ride. Seriously tempted but Giants are everywhere
Giant is basically the Toyota of bikes. Reliable and good value but nothing spectacular about it.
They are the biggest bike brand in the UK
Just to answer your question, I would definitely go with an option of Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 with carbon wheels right from the beginning and avoid the hassle of upgrading the wheels later with an option of Giant Defy Advanced 1. Anyway, you would end up spending the same amount of money later if you go with an option of Giant Defy Advanced 1. If someone decides to buy the carbon wheel set later, it is going to cost even more than than price of Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1. However, please do the math yourself.
Hookless rims are a deal breaker.
Got offered this bike for £2.120 in Denmark from the local Giant Store. Brand new. Reckon thats a good deal?
Fantastic video!
I am thinking of buying this exact bike in the near future
I just bought the Advanced Pro 1 last week. Shop gave me a good deal and I wouldn't be able to buy a decent wheelset for the difference between Pro 1 and this one. Too bad it came with the same tyres. Anyway, managed to do more than 300km and loving it so far.
How tall are you? I see your using frame size ML
David, this review coupled with your 105 di2 v sram rival group set, is the defy 0 worth the extra couple of hundred quid ?
FWIW. I tried both. I wound up buying the Sram Rival version. Love it.
The 105 had better front shifting. Rear shifting is a dead heat. I liked the new Sram gearing better. Cant go wrong either way.
I own this bike as well and absolutely love it!!!!
David, are you sure of the bike weight you quoted of 8.6 kg before wheel and tyre upgrade ? I bought the defy 0 and it comes in around 9.2 kg. Only difference I can see is SRAM rival over 105 Di2.
How about the older gen compare? I’m considering getting a used one.
very keen to get one of these. Bought the revolt advanced 0 but don't think it will realistically double as a road bike for racing
you re a big fan of Giant 🥰
Great review keep it up!
I've found that mine has an awful amount of chain slap. Any tips from others?
Hello! Got the same issue with my 2023 model! Did not have any problem with my previous Giant Contend AR... Don't know what might be the reason... Would also appreciate some advice on this! :)
@@grege8420 sorry to hear you have the same problem. Mine is bad enough to drop the chain, mainly on the smallest cogs. Happened at 65kmh. Only thing I've been told is to potentially service the freehub but I haven't gotten around to that yet. Very disappointing on a brand new bike that's for sure.
@David Arthur, do you know if the Giant Advanced Pro 1 ready for Giant Ridesense 2.0 ? If so, would it make sense to install it and measure power (watts) thru the GPS ? Or would it make sense to invest into power meter pedals ?
Would love to a giant road bike comparison tcr, propel, defy. And bring back the wind tunnel test.
Same with Trek - Emonda, Domane and Madone group test
I come from mountain biking and got a gravel bike about a year ago (I have a 2 year old and don’t have time to hit the trails).
Anyways, I mainly been riding roads on my gravel bike and looking to get a road bike.
My gravel bike has closer mtb geo…605 stack, etc.
My question-how do I know if I want a defy or tcr? I don’t think propel is for me but I could be wrong.
We are normalizing 3000 pounds as entry lvl now?
Was £1k pre covid!
Course not, it’s entry level in this specific range of bikes and yes there are cheaper models and of course there are even more entry level bikes. I know entry level is a triggering term for some people 😉 But of course I made that point in thr video
Yes it’s the low end cheap affordable $3k 😂
They wonder why normal people are giving AliExpress a shot and missing the western brands altogether. And there’s some diamonds in that rough ngl.
Sadly it’s true, for Di-2 this is the emtry level price 😅😢
Good review, so hard to find Giant 105 di2 endurance bikes in stock here in Canada.
Hi David! Thank you always for great reviews! I am a big fan!
If you would choose only one bike and don’t race, what’s your pick? An Aethos Expert with Rival AXS or a Defy Advanced Pro 1? I know they have different purposes, but what would bring you more smile?
Cheers from Japan!
Defy gets bigger tyre clearance, mudguard mounts and slightly more relaxed geometry. Love how light the Aethos is but limited tyre clearance and it's race bike geometry
Caught the 2023 earlier this year for 2400€ I think, the list price was 3200€ I believe? Was a good steal.
Got 24mm internal/30mm external carbon wheels with DT350 hubs built and put 32mm GP5000 with Vittoria Latex tubes and Schwalbe valve extenders on.
And put Assioma Duo for power meter goodness on there.
I think thats really decent value for money.
Thank you. A great and detailed review
Defy advanced Di2 2023 ✅
Great presentation, awesome. How tall are you and what frame size do you have on the bike?
Thanks. I'm 181cm tall and riding a size ML Giant
Entry level? Isn’t my Canyon Endurace 8 AL Disc entry level?
..."provided you upgrade the wheels and tyres"....sums up Giant bikes...great value, great bikes...but I wish I could order one without the stock Giant wheels
Whats up david all the way from Bakersfield ca..
Can we get an update on your Giant TCR Bike build
Coming soon I promise
It should have carbon wheels and better tyres as standard for £3k plus. I have the equivalent of those on my Revolt, the px2 wheels which are over 2kg of landfill!
Yup, in my shop we call them "landfill wheels"
can you do a comparison of a 2014 TCR vs like an SL7? I think its close to 70-100 watt difference with the same components in a strong headwind.
I'd looove a new Defy, but this model costs $5000 Australian and I'd still need/want to spend >$1500 on some better wheels. I had the stock PR2 wheels on my Giant Contend alloy road bike, and they were definitely >2kg tank wheels.
Welcome to 2024, when dropping $5k gets you an "okay" bike 🙄 I think spending AUD$3800 on the Defy Advanced 2 with mech 105 is better value if you're going to upgrade the wheels anyway. The Adv 2 doesn't have a 105 crank but everything else looks identical.
Shame you can't buy it as a frameset
Great review! I'm considering getting this bike.
How do you think it compares to the Merida sculptura endurance 6000 wich also looks like great value for money?
I bought this bike in Feb. Put on my own Carbon wheels and gp5000 tl tires. It is excellent. Feels racy but comfortable. Buy one, you will no be disappointed.
@@chrisscott8362 you mean you have the Defy or Merida?
Chris you mean you have the Defy or Merida?
Would have been better to fit mechanical 105 with better wheels and tyres.
MY24 Defy Advanced 2 has mechanical 105.......All we need is the option to exclude wheels and tyres from the purchase 🙂
@@damo5219A good bike shop will do you a deal for that upgrade.
@@damo5219 it what I did. Went for the advanced 2 and upgraded the wheels to Hunt aerodynamicist 44s & good year eagle f1 tires. Brill bike.
Put a 1x with a mullet set up on it and she will be a real sweet bike.
Nice slim looks. Giant makes better looking frames nowadays. Indeed my price range❤
That’s a ml model. Just wondering what height are you
Yeah £3k is still big money, you can pay a lot less and still get a good bike that most people would still be happy with.
I have this bike and I love it
David good and fair analysis but Giant either just raised prices or will in near future. It still may be an affordable package.though.
Giant haven’t raised their prices though and what inside knowledge do you have on their future pricing plans?
Wanted to swap my Canyon Ultimate for a Defy becasuse i wanted to try a more relaxed geometry but the 2024 Defy geo is more stretched out from older models so now its not that far for the Ultimate geo. Waiting now for Canyon Endurace to stock up.
Very tempting 👍
"I'm looking at you, Trek" 😄
Weight isn't everything, but I'd be disappointed to pay over £3000 for a bike that still comes just over 9kg (especially when the Boardmand 8.9 SLR is lighter, good-enough Shimano 105, and £1200). Is that really great value?
Does weight really make much difference?
@David Arthur, wondering if you can recommend the best pedals and GPS for GIANT DEFY ADVANCED PRO 1 bike 2024 (uni corn color)
Shimano SPD-SL pedals are a good choice available in a range of prices and for GPS well Garmin and Wahoo offer plenty of good choices, the latter wins for simplicity
Could you please recommend few models for Garmin GPS ? Also would it make sense to install shimano 105 pedals or go for ultegra on giant defy advanced pro 1 ?
Nice bike for sure. 👍 However, with my budget, I would be more interested in the bikes in the price range between 1000 and 2000 euros. Hence, this would be rather alloy-frame or sometimes steel-frame bikes. I would also target all-road or gravel bikes. Just saying. 😉
So for around 5 grand, you can have a really nice bike with the wheels you want that cost around 1800 bucks.
No I reckon you could do it for 3600 if you buy the discounted one I flagged up
How tall are you?
181cm
@@davidarthur Thanks.
Awesome video as always Dave. 👌 Looking forward to the new TCR advanced pro 0 video when you get your hands on it over here, having just pre ordered one.
With a tire and wheel upgrade you made it an 8kg bike. You really have to want to spend more to justify Ultegra or Dura-Ace Di2.
I just want the frameset
Take a look at the new Propain Terrel CF!
When have we started to consider a 3.599€ bike + 1.200€ wheel upgrade a cheap bike!! 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Will go for the adv 2 and get 2 sets of light bicycle wheels (45's gravel and 56's for road/allroad).Will sets me back 4400 euros, so up to the pro 2 a proper holiday Budget saving😅
But the seat pin sliding problem….
Dave... unless simething has changed your description of giant levels doesnt match what i have experienced: the advanced and the pro cannot be the same frame because the steerer on the pro and sl has a different size to the advanced.
The steerer is thicker uses bigger bearings and is the reason you cannot swap out a normal stem on an advanced or pro bike. I belive giant calls the system overdrive 2. The idea is similar to a tapered steerer on a mountain bike (in that it is a tapered steerer) but they also run a bigger bearing up top 1.25 instead of 1.125. Hence the need for special stem... my tcr is running a zip stem which comes with set .125 shims to let you adjust stem angle. I am running it without a shim.
The wheels are absolutely horrific and shouldnt be part of a £3000+ package.