GIANT unveils new DEFY endurance road bikes
Improved comfort and no compromises on award-winning ride quality – the 2019 Defy models come with D-Fuse technology and lots of small improvements. We’ve summarised the details for you.
The 2019 Defy family includes two lines – Defy Advanced Pro and Defy Advanced. The frames of both are handmade using GIANT’s AdvancedGrade carbon. The geometry of both has been updated to be optimally suited for the use of larger volume tyres.
“The Defy has long been the favourite of many long-distance road cyclists, but it is also very popular with test riders around the world,” says Nixon Huang, GIANT’s Senior Global Road Category Manager. “So we started the development of the new Defy from a very strong position. We have focused on new ways to reduce the rider’s fatigue by providing even smoother riding characteristics without compromising efficiency and performance on the road”.
Both the new carbon Contact SLR D-Fuse and the aluminium Contact SL D-Fuse handlebars make use of the same unique D-shape as featured on the seat post. Tests show that the D-fuse shaped carbon handlebar is 10 per cent more forgiving to shocks and bumps from the road while being 30 per cent stiffer under pull forces than GIANT’s well-known Contact SLR carbon handlebar. The Defy Advanced Pro also features a new stem: the Contact SL Stealth improves aerodynamics and offers a clean, streamlined look.
The geometry of the new Defy models has been slightly adapted to allow for up to 32 mm wide tyres. To compensate for the larger tyre volume, the bottom bracket has been lowered by 5 mm, offering the rider more comfort on rough roads or mixed terrain with wider tyres. Furthermore, all Defy models now feature flatmount disc brakes and removable axles as well as GIANT’s own tubeless system. Every Defy comes with tubeless wheels and tyres and can be converted out of the box.
Apart from all these innovations, the top-end Defy Advanced Pro 0 celebrates the debut of the new GIANT Power Pro System. The integrated power meter measures rider performance on both cranks and provides precise data to help riders record and analyse their training to improve their performance. The multiaxial sensors on the left and right crank arms connect wirelessly to GIANT’s NeosTrack GPS computer, which displays all the important data such as power, balance (left/right leg force distribution), power phase angle and cadence. Of course, Power Pro can also be connected to other common ANT+ displays.
The two lines of the new Defy family at a glance
Defy Advanced Pro: The new high-performance frame is handmade with GIANT’s Advanced Composite material and completed with a carbon fork made for endurance riding. The perfect blend of flexibility and stiffness delivers smooth but fast riding characteristics, perfect for long, hard rides. Technical innovations include the GIANT D-Fuse SL carbon seat post, the Contact SLR D-Fuse carbon handlebar and the new Contact SL Stealth stem for improved aerodynamics. These cockpit components work as a system and provide more comfort by reducing road buzz and impacts. The frame features flatmount disc brakes and 12 mm thru axles at the front and rear. Also, the tyre clearance has been increased to 32c. The OverDrive2 oversized tapered fork shaft provides precise steering while the PowerCore bottom bracket offers precise handling and the best efficiency in its category.
Defy Advanced: The frame of the Defy Advanced is made of AdvancedGrade carbon, whose particular tube shapes optimally reduce road impacts and vibrations. Using a special process, the carbon fibres are arranged in such a way that the frame offers a degree of flexibility but still combines high stiffness and efficiency. The Defy Advanced features flatmount disc brakes and 12 mm thru axles. The D-Fuse SL composite seat post, together with the Contact SL D-Fuse aluminium handlebars, helps reduce road buzz while the OverDrive full carbon fork shaft provides precise steering. The clearance of frame and fork has been increased so that riders can now fit up to 32 mm wide tyres.
2019 Giant Defy Endurance Geometry
| Size | XS | S | M | ML | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 515 mm | 530 mm | 545 mm | 560 mm | 575 mm | 595 mm |
| Chainstay | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm |
| Head angle | 70,5° | 71,8° | 72,5° | 72,5° | 72,5° | 72,5° |
| Head tube length | 120 mm | 140 mm | 160 mm | 185 mm | 205 mm | 225 mm |
| Seat tube angle | 74,5° | 74° | 73,5° | 73° | 73° | 72,5° |
| Reach | 370 mm | 374 mm | 377 mm | 381 mm | 390 mm | 398 mm |
| Stack | 522 mm | 546 mm | 567 mm | 586 mm | 605 mm | 624 mm |
With the new Giant Defy, the Taiwanese cycling brand is taking an important step in terms of integration and comfort. The wide choice of builds and the introduction of an in-house power meter should also appeal to race-oriented riders. We’re looking forward to a taking it out on a test ride!
For more information on the new Defy visit: giant-bicycles.com
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Words: Photos: GIANT
