Giant Defy Advanced 3 a good upgrade....?

bristolpete
bristolpete Posts: 2,255
edited June 2009 in Road buying advice
Seeking opinions on this bike for my go to road machine as un upgrade from a Merida 901 ally bike. Sounds obviously better I know, but as ever, like most I want to make sure....

Geometry looks ideal for me, slightly slacker as is the over sized head too as I am about 14 stone, fit but built like a prop....test rode it today, pick up fantastic, handles well and overall a great machine, I just cant dig the livery....

Anyone riding one of these?

Thanks,

Pete.

Comments

  • Mothyman
    Mothyman Posts: 655
    sorry bristolp - i am a beginner who is looking for my first carbon bike... so i wont be much help.however...
    I have tested the Adv 3 and liked the ride a lot but it didnt inspire me - I thought I'd get on it and think 'wow'..but I didnt.
    I rode the spec roubaix and liked it a lot more - then the trek 4.5...also preferred it to Giant.
    however 2....I saw a group of 4 experienced-looking riders go through town today - 2 were on the advanced 3 (other was a bianchi and then a de rosa).... maybe it doesnt mean much but I thought I'd keep your thread going until someone else with knowledge chirps up.
    cheers M
  • bristolpete
    bristolpete Posts: 2,255
    Mothyman wrote:
    sorry bristolp - i am a beginner who is looking for my first carbon bike... so i wont be much help.however...
    I have tested the Adv 3 and liked the ride a lot but it didnt inspire me - I thought I'd get on it and think 'wow'..but I didnt.
    I rode the spec roubaix and liked it a lot more - then the trek 4.5...also preferred it to Giant.
    however 2....I saw a group of 4 experienced-looking riders go through town today - 2 were on the advanced 3 (other was a bianchi and then a de rosa).... maybe it doesnt mean much but I thought I'd keep your thread going until someone else with knowledge chirps up.
    cheers M

    Thats OK, I don't want to get to involved in splitting hairs and the like, I just want to pick up a decent ride and enjoy it. I am not one to get buyers remorse over wheels etc weeks down the line. What I do know is that whatever I pick up will knock my Merida into a cocked hat, mainly as it has been ridden to death! The Defy 3 seems to tick all the right boxes for me...given my more sportive riding I suppose....

    Appreciate the reply....
  • guilliano
    guilliano Posts: 5,495
    If you like the way it rides it is a worthwhile purchase. Decent frame and fork, reasonable spec with no glaring omissions. One of my shop's best sellers. I have a Defy Advanced as the geometry suited me too. The bike has had great reviews, so I'd say snap it up if your local shop has one in your size...... but see if you can get a deal on some better tyres (Michelin Pro Race 3 or Conti GP4000 are a good, safe bet)
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/
  • bristolpete
    bristolpete Posts: 2,255
    guilliano wrote:
    If you like the way it rides it is a worthwhile purchase. Decent frame and fork, reasonable spec with no glaring omissions. One of my shop's best sellers. I have a Defy Advanced as the geometry suited me too. The bike has had great reviews, so I'd say snap it up if your local shop has one in your size...... but see if you can get a deal on some better tyres (Michelin Pro Race 3 or Conti GP4000 are a good, safe bet)

    thanks, I heard lots of people say change the tyres. All noted, thanks.
  • incog24
    incog24 Posts: 549
    Its as stiff as the TCR Advanced, just with a slightly more comfortable and easier handling geometry. The lack of wow factor might be to do with the slower steering? Its a great bike, if you like it get it!
    Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk
  • Ruffy
    Ruffy Posts: 15
    Hi,

    I'm same weight and build as you
    I am about 14 stone, fit but built like a prop
    and bought a Defy Advanced 3 a couple of months ago. Have changed the tyres to Conti GP4000s and changed the stem for a shorter one.

    The bike is very comfortable on long rides, climbs well (or as well as a 14 stone brick can make it climb :D ) and seems to accelerate well when required. So far, I'm delighted with it.

    Ok, the colour scheme is not particularly inspiring, but if the bike rides well and is comfortable, I don't particularly care about the colour.

    Hope this helps.
    Cheers.
  • bristolpete
    bristolpete Posts: 2,255
    Ruffy wrote:
    Hi,

    I'm same weight and build as you
    I am about 14 stone, fit but built like a prop
    and bought a Defy Advanced 3 a couple of months ago. Have changed the tyres to Conti GP4000s and changed the stem for a shorter one.

    The bike is very comfortable on long rides, climbs well (or as well as a 14 stone brick can make it climb :D ) and seems to accelerate well when required. So far, I'm delighted with it.

    Ok, the colour scheme is not particularly inspiring, but if the bike rides well and is comfortable, I don't particularly care about the colour.

    Hope this helps.
    Cheers.

    Thanks - noted and all taken on board. I 'think' I have decided on the Giant, but a Bianchi C2C bike is now under consideration after a test ride. Like riding a pillow !!

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bia ... ry=bianchi

    Regards the Giant, the livery is growing on me and natrually, it will allow me to update the bike wardrobe with a nice new top or two....

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