The way I look at this is Giant is functional and engineering led whereas Spesh & Trek are much more about bling and marketing. They want all those mechanical decouplers and stuff because they're proprietary and make the bikes stand out. Also tend to rock more exciting paintjobs. Giant just build simple bikes, don't market them very well, and tend to have uninspiring finishes. In the current range it's pretty much blue, grey, or black with just one red bike at the bottom of the Defy Advanced range. Probably the best looking bike they have at the moment is the Jayco Team TCR replica. If Trek are an Alfa Romeo Spider then Giant are a Mazda Miata/MX5. The fact they use the same frame from the Defy Advanced 3 all the way up to an Advanced Pro 0 (OK, just a beefier HT on the Pro) means that the lower end bikes are great value and a brilliant base for upgrades. Ditching the stock wheels and tyres will cut about 1.5kgs/6lbs off that bike's weight.

Very thorough review without hype or bias. Especially like the comparison section at the end of the video. Nice , clean work.

Awesome bro love your all videos thankyou for beautiful Review s,❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🙌👍

FINALLY!!!! I've had this ordered for so long. Told week 32 then 39 now 44. Been waiting for a review for just as long. Thanks James. I can't wait to dissappear on this thing.

I have the 2018 model. I upgraded it with 45mm carbon wheels and 28mm schwalbe pro one. I love it!!!!

@TheSendakite

Жыл бұрын

Luv mine too bro.

What’s overlooked is that the Giant Defy is still a race bike used on special stages such as Paris Roubaix where extra compliance is needed to handle the cobblestones.

Love it.

I own a 2021 advanced 2 105, and I think it’s a great bike at a good price. I would’ve appreciate Giant to make a factory cable housing silencer in the down tube. There’s aftermarket solutions but always great to sit on a bike that has nothing to complain about. You’ll most likely need carbon grease to prevent the seat post to rotate on itself after a few kilometres! Very comfy and fast. I have a second wheelset with Panaracer Gravel King SS 35mm for dirt road rides!! So far I have no need for a true gravel bike since I don’t bike pack or ride single tracks, I have a mountain bike for mountain biking!! Again, great bike and I didn’t felt like upgrading parts yet, even the saddle fits my behind fine!

@paulb9769

Жыл бұрын

Pity they look so horrible.

Have this bike, totally agree. The only thing I changed was the seat with a carbon Fabric, much more comfortable for me.

@raymondwebby2441

Жыл бұрын

Which seat did to get?

@cdnmember

Жыл бұрын

@@raymondwebby2441 Fabric line pro shallow, carbon rails. Great for endurance riding.

Nice comparison add to the vids. I had the 2016 Advanced Pro 2 and definitely minor changes but worth the value price.

@minhuang8848

Жыл бұрын

Got myself an Advanced Pro 2 recently, first full carbon setup. Really fun, I had no idea what I was missing out on.

Thanks for the review, I am planning to get a Giant Defy 2019 Advance 3 ,, what do you think about the Conduct brake system?

I have a 2019 Advanced 1 awesome bike!

I purchased the 2022 Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2. I changed my 700x32c tubeless with schwable pro one 700x25c (due to hookless rims). Since you can’t purchase them here in the bike stores, I purchased mine from Britain saving around $600.00. I will definitely purchase my next bike this same way

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

What country are you in that you need to buy a bike outside of where you live?

I LUV MY OLD ONE ! SUPER AND DI2 NICE

Just got into road bikes last year and got myself a Domane and love it.

@TheSendakite

Жыл бұрын

lucky guy - how is the domane? do the moving parts make any noise?

Own a adv 3, changed the wheel to zipp 404, and I realize the stock wheel is so so bad that literally changing the wheel can make your average speed go up 5km/h at least. The stock wheel is also not stiff enough, bike rocking with stock wheel feels soft and non-responsive. But, that might be Giant's point: we give you a crappy wheelset so you can upgrade to what you prefer without bothering selling the stock ones -- nobody wants them.

The FC-RS510 crank is significantly HEAVIER (over 900 grams) than the 105 (around 700). I swapped mine out for a 105 and found the 105 is stiffer when pushing hard. I would put the RS510 nearer to Sora level.

@GuyWicks

2 жыл бұрын

I'm on my second Defy - the first was a 2020 Ultegra and kept stock - very comfortable for long rides, almost glides along even quite rough roads - good on light gravel too (even a few scary episodes on rougher terrain and it/we survived) For me, the wheels were the weak point - strong but very heavy. Made climbing quite a lot harder than a lighter setup. I also found that the bearings are not too great at keeping wet/mud out and the freehub ended up failing. I changed to a 2021 105 model and upgraded the wheels to lighter carbon 30mm wide x 40mm deep Hunt's. So much more responsive steering and climbing. Transformed the bike and highly recommended. I only use the PR2's for wet/winter rides now.

@TeoSluga

2 жыл бұрын

Yes correct, the RS510 crankset is the low budget part, definitely does not belong on such an expensive bike.

@tman5634

Жыл бұрын

@@GuyWicks Well said Guy, you are correct.

@PDM1967

Жыл бұрын

Helpful. Would like to compare this to the Cannondale Synapse 105.

I have the 2022 advanced pro 2. Amazing bike and so fast.

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome

The 22mm rim width, is that inner rim width or outer?

Does giant offer this model in other frame materials [such as aluminium or titanium] 🤔?.

From what distance do we call a ride a long ride? Because I am still wondering what giant bike I am going to take

Too bad Giant often insists on cheapening a groupset by throwing on a heavier non-series crank. Aside from that, this is a great looking bike. Unfortunately it's impossible to get your hands on one. I need an ML, can I have this one?

I have the 2019 model and it a great bike to ride

@TheSendakite

Жыл бұрын

I've got the 2019 also and it's Grrrreat. New that year is the modulator. I've had no problems with the bike at all and I ride about 125 to 150 kms a week. I've got 35c Marathon Plus tires on it and run it for hours very comfortably and confidently. Tuff to get punctures or pinch flats with that rubber. :-) Looks like there might even be room for 38cm tires. There's some clearance there. It'd be tight though lol.

Great Review! Do you think the Defy Advanced 1 is worth the extra $850 over the Defy Advanced 2?

Do you have Merida 5000 Endurance review ?

It's good looking bike for sure. Love my Specialized mtn bike but I have to say Giant and Trek make nicer looking road bikes then Specialized imo.

In life it looks way better, than on promo photos on website

Nice bike 😜

Excellent review and now I’m leaning towards the Giant over the Specialized lightweight 🤙

can this be driven on gravel aswell?

On paper, the Defy is the best endurance bike value against its direct competitors (Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Canyon, etc.). The group set, 35 mm tire clearance for gravel, and fenders are so functional and give everything I want. Still, I have a hard time about getting excited about this bike for some reason...

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

Because it lacks whizbang but that might be a feature in itself

@ajwitt7472

Жыл бұрын

@@Jamesthebikeguy I think it's fundamentally a Giant thing. Comes from their heritage as an OEM. They're engineering-led, not marketing led. I mean, the paintjobs are always so dull and really don't show off the frame features. Basically it's a Toyota (and I say that as a Toyota fan!)

@emanuelv19

Жыл бұрын

@@ajwitt7472 Exactly. It doesn't have the panache but these bikes are so worth it.

@chrissammels5444

9 ай бұрын

Yes. I have had four Giants, and they never really feel like I have a real bike. They look a little like they’ve been styled by a toy designer and lack the raw brutality of a real performance bike. I am currently pondering on purchasing another road bike. This Giant easily wins on paper, but I am now more attracted to lesser value, but more appealing other brands. It’s all very subjective, of course, but for myself, I have to really want the bike and not just have the best value choice.

Nice looking bike but with a press fit bottom bracket and a proprietary seatpost it would be a no go. The Domane or Roubaix would work better for me.

@bonbonflippers4298

2 жыл бұрын

I agree, I had a d-fuse seatpost bike and I hated that I couldn't find a zero offset for a long time during covid. It's a huge deal breaker for me. Press fit is okay due to supplies but that seatpost is a no go.

@thedownunderverse

2 жыл бұрын

I agree in principle, but the roubaix has proprietary seatpost and futureshock while the domane has the WORST cable routing i’ve ever seen (vertical, back of stem). Truthfully none of these are very good.

@edmarkey4057

Жыл бұрын

@@thedownunderverse I have a 2017 Roubaix and I'll add: a) the Future Shock does what it claims - works as described - but b) because it's proprietary technology, some local bike shops won't touch it; have to go to a Specialized dealer.

Hi , can you review the cervelo caledonia bike against these 3 bikes?. thanks

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

I don't have access to c Cervelo bikes, and there aren't dealers in my area.

What's the better spec'd for the buck? Giant Defy Advance 1 $3500 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 $3500 Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Disc $2999 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L $3325

Great review, planning to order the Giant Defy Advanced 2 though with 105 group set in the coming months. Wanted to check - With 105 Di2 recently being launched, does that mean we are not going to get a mechanical version of the group set? if true, then would this bump the price of Advanced 2 by how much?

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

I don't know this for a fact, but I would be very surprised if the new 105 is going to be on any 2022 bike. Bike. Likely will only start being available on 2023 models, and I'm not sure about pricing. Totally different model. Year may be different bikes and specs by the time 105 gets to be DI2

@jonathanbouchard39

Жыл бұрын

​ Who cares about the price? Why would you want one more thing to charge? Go Tiagra. Or change brands.

@wizkidcyclist9968

Жыл бұрын

@@jonathanbouchard39 Agree, if 105 is DI2 only then will have to consider Tiagra. Its just that 105 was the ideal balance between performance and price; sad that they have removed the mechanical version now.

@AlanHead

Жыл бұрын

@@jonathanbouchard39 Agreed, Tiagra all the way. Unless you're racing you don't need the extra cog. If you happen to find your cadence sticks you between cogs there's always the option of building a custom 10sp cassette.

Can you recomend wind protection for your eyes that goes over glasses .

Very nice. Think they would take rhubarb in trade ,?

Giant has always been the best spec for the money - compared with Trek, Specialized, Cannondale etc. even compared with direct to consumer stuff like Canyon.

@Jamesthebikeguy

Жыл бұрын

They do a great job

@paulb9769

Жыл бұрын

Compared to the specialized this is horrible.

@TheSendakite

Жыл бұрын

You can't beat Canyon pricing can you?

What is a good frame size for a 5'3 cuz they only have medium to large in stock

@diegoeleazar9154

Жыл бұрын

Bro you need extra small...

Your link directs to the 2021 version of this bike, not the 2022 version

Good review however Giant have cut corners by offering the RS 510 crankset well below 105 performance and quality. Poor crankset choice by Giant to keep the price low. Really surprised to see a full Ultegra group set mixed with the RS510 crankset. Probably a naive buyer will completely miss this detail.

@paulb9769

Жыл бұрын

It looks terrible to.

that heavy dawg my optimo 4 is only 23 lbs with plastic pedals it only cost $820

The 510 chainset is great looking but very heavy, around 150gms heavier than the 105 R7000 chainset. It's a downgrade from the 105 & a cost cutting exercise for manufacturers putting them on production bikes, like on this Giant Defy. Source. I'm a pro bike mechanic that works freelance & it's my job to know these things & details about components. Good vlog about the Giant Defy, which is a bike that would suit many peoples requirements, if not racing. More suited to the longer torso/arms rider though.

@TheSendakite

Жыл бұрын

A crank is a crank for me because weight is not a huge factor as a recreational cyclist. Comfort and security are more important. 35 tire clearance is sweet too, especially when tubeless compatible. But the bike is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. I bought a 2019 in 2020 and I don't regret it. Zero issues and long rides in the sun. Gotta luv that free floating feeling when rolling down the road.

Giant always best value and best performance

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

They sure do

@kbx5793

Жыл бұрын

Wrong! Canyon not Giant.

@17cream

Жыл бұрын

@@kbx5793 nope

@kbx5793

Жыл бұрын

@@17cream hell yea 😂😆

@17cream

Жыл бұрын

@@kbx5793 😉

Shallow perhaps but I wish Giant did more interesting colors.

Giant absolutly best Brand more for the Money

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

They do a good job

@kbx5793

Жыл бұрын

No! Canyon is the best brand for the $$$

@TheSendakite

Жыл бұрын

@@kbx5793 Isn't the Canyon brand a bit more racey?

Nobody beat Canyon bikes for the money period.

Does it Gravel???

@maaduece5132

2 жыл бұрын

Tire clearance is not the same as a revolt. A revolt with slicks would be just as fast and comfortable

Apart from the forever creaking and problematic D-Fuse seatpost it's a good bike.

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing some liberal amount of grease and a proper torque wrench can't solve

@Timo-qb1gf

2 жыл бұрын

@@Jamesthebikeguy yea that's what I also thought...

@michaelwarmer3024

2 жыл бұрын

I have the advanced pro 2. Great bike but the seat post creaks like an old ship. Grease, carbon paste and a torque wrench never solves it for too long.

@Jman-eg9zp

Жыл бұрын

My 2017 Contend SL 1 had that problem, fixed with some carbon grit and proper torqueing, but I have heard of some people not being able to get theirs to stop creaking

@TheSendakite

Жыл бұрын

@@Jamesthebikeguy Try to be less biased James. Some bikes are a tad noisy.

Dude is that weed 🎄at there back ground of the vegetation ?

@markvalentine7264

2 жыл бұрын

LOL this boy James ain’t just the Bike-Guy I’ll tell ya! Great vid James, keep ‘em coming!!!

@mattmcsh7462

2 жыл бұрын

😅 i paused and zoomed

@feelnrite

2 жыл бұрын

Smokin and ridin.

@gavanconroy8453

Жыл бұрын

That’s a field of dreams.

those reflectors

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

Safety First 🦺

Not really a review, since he mostly read the press release rather nicely with some decent comments, a few personal one. It is hard to distinguish reviews from advertising and there is large grey zone in between. No non pro/semi pro needs ultegra, 105 is good enough. and weight is irrelevant (i saw 300 g difference on 32 tires) and a ridder weight may vary by 3 kg during a day. The frame is usually only 15% of the bicycle mass, Canyon offers much better price value, or even Origin that let you you customize your bike. The advanced 2 is probably a much better value for money.

What the hell is with this trend of staggered seat tube joints. It is as annoying as curved phone screens.

So in 2022 you have to pay a fortune to buy a tank. Man, 9kg for a road bike costing 4k, wtf? And those wheels are aluminum, right? You can buy two high end second hand rim brakes bikes for that money.

@motostarmx1777

2 жыл бұрын

lifetime warranty on the bike from crashes and breakage..that is worth something

The Canyon Endurace CF SLX is a better bike. Its an endurance bike optimized for comfort and performance

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

So how are you objectively coming up that one endurance road bike is better than another? I'm trying to understand how from this video canyon is the clear choice...

@sureshmenon8762

2 жыл бұрын

Based on my recent ride of the Giant Defy compared to my Canyon Endurace

@cwk1417

2 жыл бұрын

@@sureshmenon8762 Can you expand? I'm debating between the 2 actually...

@sureshmenon8762

2 жыл бұрын

@@cwk1417 I found the Endurace comfortable yet racy. The split design seatpost and the one piece handlebar gives good compliance. I use a tubeless 700x30 Schwalbe Pro One tire run at 65 PSI

@cwk1417

2 жыл бұрын

@@sureshmenon8762 Wow that low? Is the tire rated for 65 psi?

Strange. Why so heavy?? I have a 2015 giant defy advance, all ultegra, kysrium ES wheels, 28mm tubed tires, that’s 16 lbs and a few ounces. Even my steel cross bike is a pound lighter than that 2022 Defy.

@mellord83

Жыл бұрын

Sounds the same as mine. Mine is red and black with ultegra. Nice light bike

@rdotjdot12.3.

Жыл бұрын

What size is yours? My 2013 defy, size small is about 15 lbs but it has sram apex rim brakes, sram force derailleurs and shifters, and a sram red crankset. The carbon cranks, rim brakes instead of disc brakes, and a smaller size than what is presented in this video account for the 4lb discrepancy.

@earling22

Жыл бұрын

@@rdotjdot12.3. MIne's a medium. The wheels are lighter than stock, but that might account for 1/4 lb. Mine has rim brakes, which are lighter than discs.

50/34 chainrings do not make any sense for this bike. I'd have spec'd it with a 46/30.

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

The gearing is more than low enough on this bike. It's not like you would be setting up as a loaded touring rig or something like that.

Finally, a bike I can buy after I retire from being a dentist

@Jamesthebikeguy

2 жыл бұрын

Well, I know you're joking, if you were actually a dentist, your sites would be set much higher

@TheSendakite

Жыл бұрын

@@Jamesthebikeguy Very funny guys.

that crank set is stupid

2 comments on this bike: 1. it is too expensive for what it offers. Even by today's standards. The crankset is a low budget part, can't go lower than that. Also wheels are low budget option. 2. This bike definitely doesn't need Ultegra parts. It should use max 105 parts and lower the price. Ultegra is for racing bikes. Defy is not a racing machine. So you have super light Ultegra parts, a low budget heavy crankset and low budget heavy wheels... Doesn't make sense.

@paulb9769

Жыл бұрын

It also looks crap.

@PDM1967

Жыл бұрын

They make a version with 105. Its price about 400 less than cervelo caledonia 105 and 200 less than the cannondale synapse 105.

@mellord83

Жыл бұрын

Not really. Maybe Ultegra Di2 is for racing bikes but the mechanical version is fine on these bikes. I have it on my old 2015 defy advanced and its flawless. But I can't really justify spending an extra $2000 for Di2.

@TheSendakite

Жыл бұрын

They are expensive for sure and they cut costs wherever possible. The bike is rock solid though. I had to tailor it to my riding needs. Bigger tires and good to go. 🙂

@barianelozano2614

Жыл бұрын

The frameset made it expensive.. it's a quality carbon frameset

I test rode one of these today and it felt like it was made of cheese. Sorry, Trek Emonda has this bike beat.

because it is made cheap.