Giant Defy Advanced 2 Review - A versatile endurance bike for road and gravel.
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2021
- Review of the Giant Defy Advanced 2-2020. This incredibly versatile and affordable bike is marketed as an endurance road bike but it also seems at home on gravel trails.
The 2020 model is almost identical to the 2021 model and so this review would apply equally well to the 2021 version.
NOTE: All prices, weights and measures are based on my own research and measurements, and although believed to be accurate at the time of publishing this video, they should not be held out to be definitive.
MY EQUIPMENT:
GoPro Hero 5 Black
Sony ZV1
Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone, Cardioid - White - 1974
Cyberlink-PowerDirector video editing software
All music licensed by Epidemic Sound - Sport
I have a TCR that I have used for two years. I love it. But a month ago, I went on a trip to Moab, Utah and rented a DEFY with an Ultegra group. It was very interesting to feel the behavior of the frame and tires focused on Endurance. I think that the day I decide to change my TCR, I will take the DEFY option. I totally agree with the host of this video. This bike is SUPER VERSATILE in particular in Mexico City where the paved roads are sometimes more like gravel...
Thank you Othon.
Great review. This has helped me a lot in making a decision.
I love my 2019 Defy Advanced 2! It has served me well.
Thanks mate, good review
I got the 2021 Giant Defy Advanced 2 and this review is spot on. One thing I would upgrade in the upcoming years would be the tires and the wheels but the bike is an excellent first road bike. No major discomfort with the saddle but I can tell it's not the most comfortable one. Looking forward to a 100k at the end of the month on this bike.
Thanks for the review buddy! I was actually looking at this and the Revolt and you've given me the answer! Nice to see you doing this by the way!
Hey, thanks Richard!!
*I love the **Latest.Bike** . The standard seat that cMe with the bike was incredibly uncomfortable, but a quick seat swap made the bike so much more enjoyable.*
Yeah, I switched mine for a Fizik. I really made the difference
Great video had me cracking up with the “ closer to home “ I can relate:))
Haha, yes sometimes the solution is more obvious but perhaps more difficult!!
Great review. Love when you passed the Leafs fan!
I think I must have either given him a shock, or embarrassed him because he said "F... you" made me chuckle.
Great review, looking to move from a 2011 Synapse with SRAM Apex. The Defy is enticing!
Good looking bike !
Nice review. I have a 2021 model on order and I can't wait. I am moving from a TCR advanced because I am getting old and it's time for a more comfy bike. Sounds like this is the ticket
I don't think you will be disappointed
That review convinced me. I was really interested in this particular model after looking and trying to make my mind for what to buy for weeks. Now I've ordered the 2022 model with promised delivery in 2022 ( Amber glow) because of you. I'll let you know how I like it when it's finally here.
Fantastic. You will love it, I'm sure.
Very cool bike.
Totally agree.
In my opinion the Defy is one of the best values in endurance road bikes out there.
Agreed
I have the 2018 version of this bike, and I'm glad to see they fixed 100% of my complaints (including the tire width from the factory, the terrible giant connect breaking pod, and the change to 11-34 in the rear - vs one that didn't let me do 34 34 as my gear ratio). I've debated putting on the modern 105 components to fix the giant blob on my handlebars, but that's a ton of work (though I did do some work replacing the derailleur so I could do 11-34 in the rear). Either way, this looks better from the start, but I guess I wouldn't have learned as much about bike maintenance if there was nothing that I didn't like to fix.
Yes I think it wasn't until the 2020 model that they sorted out all of the bugs I've been hearing about. Subsequently, the changes since 2020 have been very minimal.
I love the breaking pod a lot of adjustment my fully hydraulic bike is a pain and it’s not just me my mates are constantly fiddling with the things trying to get them right. To be honest give me a rim brake bike any day lighter and minimal maintenance
I have had this bike now for a year. I absolutely love mine because it just flies when I put the power down. I previously had a Fuji road bike and it was okay but it was running 23 mm skinnies. They were not ideal for comfort and I didn't find them to be faster at all.. quite the opposite actually. With the 32 mm tires on this Defy, there's more comfort and I find they roll way way better. That very well could be in part to them being tubeless, but in any case they add unprecedented comfort. I pretty much will never run anything less than 32 mm tubeless in the future.. maybe 28 mm if they have inner tubes but I would still probably opt for 32 mm just for the comfort. I was able to ride 108 km in one afternoon / evening on this bike. On my old Fuji road bike I only ever got as far as 86 km and it nearly killed me because I was in so much pain coming home. After 108km on this Defy, I came home with almost no pain except for a little bit in the shoulders and hands, but that was probably due to the angle of my seat considering I have it angled slightly forward.
I did have a bit of issue with the gears being improperly indexed on mine after getting it, but that was probably due to the bike shop that set it up. I have since resolved this issue myself with good ol' help from CZcams and GCN. LoL
Awesome video. I totally agree. You really do feel like this bike allows you to do more and go further than any other bike that I've tried and certainly a lot faster. If anyone has reservations of getting a road bike and are looking for a cross bike or a mountain bike, seriously give this thing a look because the clearance between the forks is enough to fit 700x35C if you wanted to do some trails.
I have some 34mm road/gravel tires on the way as it seems that most of my rides are on gravel roads and trails these days. I am really looking forward to seeing how they are.... I feel another review coming up!!
Thank you for the comments and I am so pleased that you are as enthusiastic about the bike as I am.
@@cardiaccyclist7477 Yeah. Good call with dedicated gravel tires. It's a must for the dirt roads you got there. I'm originally from the East of Canada and my dad's place is on a dirt road. I'd just love to ride this bike over there with 34 mm or greater gravel tires. I think it only takes 35mm max.
I'm in Taiwan, so the stock tires work perfectly for the road conditions here. Although I'd love to fit some sightly wider tires on there to open up possibilities. Still, the 32mm are all well and good with my current riding conditions.
Looking forward to the next review with the gravel tires :).
Have the exact bike. I upgraded the crank to 105 which completes the bike , got a set of hunt aero carbon 33s and changed handlebars to aero bars.
The wheels shed 700gs but my bike is coming in at 9kg so the 9.1kg that giant claim must be without peddles. 9kg is still light for an endurance bike though.
I have continental 4 seasons 32s on mine. An amazing tyre that roll really well. Gp 5000s i found are no good as they puncture too much as they are too thin.
I stuck a mountain bike saddle on my defy and it increased the comfort by miles. Everyone thinks carbon wheels and bigger tyres increase comfort yet dont consider a cushy saddle.
Its an amazing bike that can do it all. I keep my stock wheels for gravel and the carbons for road.
The stock wheels are rubbish though. Mine gave me trouble from the factory as the rear hub was over tightened. Im still waiting on a replacement.
Wow that's a lot of awesome upgrades to really get the best out of your bike. I use mine mostly on gravel now and have equipped it with a set of WTB Byway 34 tires. (I made a review of those as well). It is, as you say, an amazing 'do everything' bike. I have even ventured onto single track, but nothing too extreme (The limitation there is me not the bike).
Excellent review. Really informative. I am considering one of these or perhaps the Revolt at the moment. Both look to be great bikes. Have you experienced any issues with the D shaped seat post slipping or creaking/difficulty clamping? Thanks
Not at all. So far it has been perfect. Thank you for the wonderful compliment.
@@cardiaccyclist7477 Same here - no creaking
Great review! BTW, you did not mention the saddle. Looks like you replaced it with a more comfortable, right?
I did. I found that for me personally the original saddle got a little uncomfortable after a couple of hours,
@@cardiaccyclist7477 Yea, I feel it uncomfortable after an hour, but it is still much better than I feel on my titanium bike, probably because Defy 2 overall is much more comfortable (wide tubeless tires with low pressure and D-Fuse).
Hi CC, I have some neck issues and am a 60 year old rider. I am into cycling long distances. Just wondering how you get along with the seat position on the Defy and do you experience and discomfort in the riding position over long distances? Thank you.
I was amazed that your stock tires are as wide as they are. Mine came with 25mm tires. I can only wonder how much more comfortable a ride it would be with wider tires.
And it can actually accomdate up to 35mm tires!!
I have an older model, I have the 2017, back when they stopped making the aluminum version, so the carbon version came out super cheap, $1,600 msrp, I think I was. I got mine for $1,400. Looking at the 2021 not much has changed.
huge change in the price! more then double
Are you able to answer a question that eludes even some bike shop sellers. Would this bike - in its carbon form - work as a touring bike? So I would want to fit mudguards and a traditional Topeak rack and panniers…. I saw a guy put together this kind of rig on the contend ar1, but that is aluminium. It strikes me that the seat post collar adapter that is used to connect the forward mounting arms of the rack would still fit on this bike….. Any clues?
What a great (and very specific ) question. My answer is twofold (good and bad news) Yes it is an excellent touring bike, but I have only used it with a lightweight rig (See my Simcoe Loop Trail video for images of that) It was a superb setup, fast and comfortable. The bad news is, that I have not used it or considered it with a more substantial setup. My general feeling is, however, that for a pannier setup, it would be better to stick to something more purpose-built for touring. Sorry, I can't be more helpful.
No that’s a great answer and one which I was feeling myself. Thanks for your vids!!
Nice bike, but the price increase for the new 2022 Giant Advance 2 is silly.
I totally agree. There was quite a price hike between 2019 and 2020 as well, although there were more significant changes/improvements between those two years.
Schimano or Shimano? 🤣
I have the 2019 Defy Adv2 and love it. Swapped my Propel which was way too stiff for the road and tracks i tend to ride on
Whoops, how did I do that! Glad you like the Defy.
Tires or Tyres?
Tempting since I only ride for recreation in the city and on easy bush trails (up only). Its a bit of a mental block though imagining a bike with dropper bars on a bush trail. Hmm
It definitely would take practice.
Is that an Austin Matthews jersey @3:39?
I have no idea I'm afraid. All I recall is that he swore at me as I went by. Classy!!
@@cardiaccyclist7477 WOW 😳
Is this a good starter bike for me? Someone around my area is selling a 2020’for $2600. He listed a bunch of upgrades I know nothing about any of this lol. Will this bike last me like forever basically? If I get tune ups and take good care of it
It is definitely a good starter bike, comfortable, responsive etc. I am not sure if you are quoting US or Canadian $ there, but the 2020 Defy cost about $2800 Canadian brand new. So I would say that was pretty expensive for it used. The upgrades are quite likely to be worth a lot of money, but if you are new to cycling and don't really understand what they do, then I would not really worry about them. If you can find someone selling the bike with it's factory specs and for a lot less than this, then I would say that is a better way to go. If you end up really enjoying cycling, you can decide what upgrades to put on later. Mine is straight out of the factory, with upgrsaded seat and new tires and that's it. As for lasting forever, well I do put mine through some pretty tough conditions and it is standing up well and Giant do have a lifetime guarantee on their carbon frames. You should get a long life out of it, especially if you are willing to get it serviced at least annually. There are bikes out there that are more durable, but often durability comes with additional weight.
@@cardiaccyclist7477 thank you so much!
@@ET-py9ie Any time!!! Enjoy
Would it be worth paying 3700 for the 2022 version?
Very good point Alistaire. This particular bike has seen such a huge spike in price over the past 4 years. Although there were some significant changes between 2019 and 2020, from what I can see (colourways aside) 2022 is essentially the same bike as 2020 and 2021. If that is the case and if I am not missing something then 3700/3800 is beginning to sound quite pricey and I might be tempted to try to lay my hands on a used 2020 or 2021.
@@cardiaccyclist7477 Thank you very much for your input, I will definitely try to see if I can get my hands on a used one.
will it take 35 mm tires?
I think that would be the absolute maximum. I use 34mm, it seems like there is just about enough room for 35mm.
Thanks dude. I am test riding it tomorrow. These endurance bikes have gotten so heavy! I have carbon wheels on it to reduce the weight.
How tall are you? what size are riding?
I am 5'9" and ride a medium
@@cardiaccyclist7477 thank you
What year is this Giant Defy Advanced2 ?
It is a 2020
@@cardiaccyclist7477 very nice !
I really dig that color combo ! Mine is a 2016 Giant Defy Advanced 2 mine has the mechanical Disc brakes though. I was hoping for the hydraulics when I bought it second hand, but that's okay. I really like the bike I just put new continental Ultra Sport3s on them and new bar tape so far. I want to eventually put carbon rims on it and bars. I'm just a little scared to drop that much money yet. I'm very pleased with the bike I got the medium frame. I've been watching your content good luck with your bike have you got any plans for upgrading it?
@@DanielEnochs Have have carbon rims on mine now.
@@cardiaccyclist7477 what kind of carbon rims did you go with ?
Anything over 3grand is a complete rip off
Interesting , what’s you’re thinking ? Second hand maybe ?