Notably now with clearance for 32c tires and still only available with disc brakes, the Giant Defy Advanced improves the pre-existing endurance qualities from previous models with the aim of aiding riding by offering a ‘smoother, more compliant ride’.
Embracing the need for comfort when spending long hours in the saddle, Giant has updated the endurance geometry of the Defy Advanced to accommodate the inclusion of wider tyres as well as expanding the ride smoothing D-Fuse technology to the handlebars, absorbing vibrations and increasing compliance.
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Nixon Huang, the senior global road category manager at Giant, explained how the ride quality has been improved.
'We focused on finding new ways to give it an even smoother, more refined ride quality to help minimise fatigue, but without compromising its efficiency and high performance on the road,' Huang said.
The new Giant Defy Advanced is kitted out with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and has a cassette range of 11-34, which is evidence of Giant’s intention to create a bike suitable for 'the most challenging roads' and suggests versatility for riding unpredictable back roads and more than just tarmac.
D-Fuse technology
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First developed by Giant in 2014 on the TCX cyclocross bikes to improve ride quality, the D-Fuse technology was initially used in the seatpost to absorb vibrations and shocks to contribute to a comfortable ride.
Having proved successful in cyclocross and previous Defy models, Giant has developed the technology further and expanded it to the handlebars to increase comfort at the front end of the bike.
Sympathetic to performance, the technology doesn’t compromise stiffness, and is also lighter than the circular bars, while adding to the bike’s endurance capabilities and minimises fatigue by absorbing road shocks.
The Defy Advanced Pro's stem has also been given a rethink and is now more aerodynamic and stealthy.
This technology has also expanded to the rear of the bike with Giant's D-shaped seatpost. Absorbing road shocks and vibration, the design can handle 12mm of travel for a more complient feel.
Frame geometry
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Giant has updated the geometry of the Defy Advanced to bring it in line with the compliance driven adaptations. The bottom bracket has been lowered to allow clearance for up to 32mm tyres and the frame has been engineered for disc brakes.
While this will predominantly improve the comfort of the ride, clearance for 32mm tyres is also a slight nod the recent trend of all-road bikes which are as equally comfortable on rough, gravelled terrain as smooth tarmac.
Improving reliability and expanding the terrain the Defy Advanced is capable of tackling makes the inclusion of disc brakes a welcome improvement.
The top end model also includes an integrated dual-sided power meter.
