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Today’s Deals2024 Giant
Defy Advanced SL 1
A carbon frame endurance bike with high-end components and shimano ultegra hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price
£4,249($5,701)| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Groupset | Ultegra Di2 |
| Power Meter | Giant Power Pro |
| Brakes | Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc |
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Defy model range
View Comparison5'4" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'9" – 6'2"
6'0" – 6'4"
6'2" – 6'7"
- 6'1", size Large, Just right
- 6'0", size MD/LG, Just right
- 5'8", size SM, Just right
- 5'7", size SM, Just right
- 5'10", size MD, Just right
- 6'0", size MD/LG, Just right
- 6'1", size ML, Too small
- 5'9", size Small, Just right
- 5'8", size MD, Too large
- 5'7", size MD, Just right
- 6'0", size LG, Fits large
- 6'0", size MD, Just right
- 5'5", size SM, Just right
- 5'8", size MD, Just right
- 6'0", size LG, Just right
- 5'8", size MD, Fits large
Summary
The Giant Defy is celebrated for its lightweight design, comfortable ride, and efficient power transfer, making it a standout in the endurance category. It offers a lively ride feel, excellent handling, and a premium frameset, though some note its handling can be too quick for traditional endurance preferences. The bike's versatility is highlighted by its ability to accommodate wider tires and its suitability for both smooth and rough roads.
Lightweight design
Comfortable ride
Efficient power transfer
Versatile tire clearance
Premium frameset
Quick handling may not suit all
Proprietary components limit customization
Some find the front end stiff
the latest model is one of the best designs you’ll find to prove that race bikes can and perhaps should be consigned strictly to those who race, as the Defy is an excellent option for every other circumstance out on the road.
CyclistGiant has struck an excellent balance to keep the Defy confident without it becoming dull.
CyclistThe GIANT Defy Advanced SL is a sporty all-road bike for everything from poorly maintained asphalt to well-groomed woodland paths.
Gran Fondo MagazineFeedback?
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Aug 2025
Stunning performance – a great blend of stiffness and comfort without compromising engagement between bike and rider
Comfortable riding position
Fast in a real-world sense
SRAM Force groupset gives wide spread of gears
Cadex tyres aren't the liveliest
Apr 2024 · Martin Staffa
Lightweight, comfortable, and fast. The 5th generation of the GIANT Defy promises all this and more. Can the endurance bike deliver, or is its beauty just skin deep?
Racy, stylish, and modern look
Efficient acceleration
Excellent climber
High fun factor
Lack of attention to some small details like the stem bolts
Bar tape is too short
Mar 2024 · Sam Challis
While many of the big brands are turning their endurance road bikes into more rugged ‘all-road’ bikes, Giant has gone
Comfort
Light weight
Lively ride feel
Easy handling
Expansive spec range
Size range could be wider
Proprietary steerer limits stem choice
Sep 2023 · Warren Rossiter
The fast, flighty, flagship Defy is pure road bike heaven
Light
Smooth
Superbike specification
Sublime handling
Press fit bottom bracket may divide opinion
Sep 2023 · James Huang
Giant’s fifth-generation premium carbon fiber endurance road bike, updated with a lighter chassis, additional tire clearance, and a more refined ride quality.
Impressively lightweight
Composed ride quality
Quick handling
Some semblance of cockpit customization
Looks brilliant.
Composed-but-not-cushy ride quality
Handling is arguably too quick
Questionable wheelset spec
Still a proprietary stem.
Sep 2023 · Troy Templin
The Giant Defy is for going longer. It’s for climbing higher, riding faster, and doing it all with confidence and smooth control.
| Frame | Advanced SL-grade composite, disc BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Tire Clearance: 40c Color: Golden Haze / Panther |
|---|---|
| Fork | Advanced SL-grade composite, full-composite OverDrive Aero steerer, disc |
| Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano, press fit |
| Stem | Giant Contact SLR AeroLight S:90mm, M:100mm, M/L:100mm, L:110mm, XL:110mm |
| Handlebar | Giant Contact SLR D-Fuse S:40cm, M:42cm, M/L:42cm, L:44cm, XL:44cm |
| Saddle | Giant Fleet SLR |
| Seatpost | Giant SLR D-Fuse, composite, -5/+15mm offset Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | PEDALS NOT SUPPLIED |
| Grips | Stratus Lite 3.0 |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD-R8150 |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 FD-R8150 |
| Crank | Shimano Ultegra, 34/50 with Giant Power Pro power meter S:170mm, M:172.5mm, M/L:172.5mm, L:175mm, XL:175mm |
| Power Meter | Shimano Ultegra, 34/50 with Giant Power Pro power meter S:170mm, M:172.5mm, M/L:172.5mm, L:175mm, XL:175mm |
| Shifters | Shimano Ultegra Di2 ST-R8170 |
| Cassette | Shimano Ultegra, 12-speed, 11x34 |
| Chain | Shimano Ultegra |
| Brakes | Shimano Ultegra Di2 hydraulic, Shimano RT-CL800 rotors [F]160mm, [R]160mm Type: Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Ultegra Di2 |
| Rims | Giant SLR 1 36 Carbon Disc WheelSystem |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Sapim CX-Ray |
| Front Hub | [F] Giant Low Friction Hub, CenterLock, 12mm thru-axle [R] Giant Low Friction Hub, 30t ratchet driver, CenterLock, 12mm thru-axle |
| Rear Hub | [F] Giant Low Friction Hub, CenterLock, 12mm thru-axle [R] Giant Low Friction Hub, 30t ratchet driver, CenterLock, 12mm thru-axle |
| Tires | Giant Gavia Fondo 0, tubeless, 700x32c (33.5mm), folding |
| Fenders | Compatible with RGX 38 fender (sold separately) |
|---|
First added September 14
Last updated June 7