Giant Defy 1 2012/2013

jfrankland1991
jfrankland1991 Posts: 100
edited October 2012 in Road general
Hi,

I have been looking for an upgrade from a hybrid bike to a first-time road bike. Have done quite a lot of research and had my sights set on the Giant Defy 2012 version. It seems to have great spec and exactly what I am looking for - not a full-on racer but good for a first-timer with a comfortable riding position for longer distances.

I seem to have found out that the 2012 version has all-but sold out and will probably end up getting the 2013 version. Nothing much seems to have changed apart from the paintwork, would anyone have any advice if it would still be suitable for my needs? I also would like the option of being able to fit bags and mudguards which the 2012 version had.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

James Frankland

Comments

  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    It hasn't changed.. I have the 2012 version.. its an awesome bike... But I have to say I don't like the red paintjob on the new one.
  • BlakeysFC
    BlakeysFC Posts: 233
    ALIHISGREAT wrote:
    It hasn't changed.. I have the 2012 version.. its an awesome bike... But I have to say I don't like the red paintjob on the new one.

    +1

    I was in exactly the same boat as you, and chose the Defy 1. I've had mine since July, and it's been a superb bike. Most I've done on it is 45 miles so far, which it managed with ease, very comfortable and perfect for a newbie
  • Cannock Chase
    Cannock Chase Posts: 558
    ALIHISGREAT wrote:
    ...But I have to say I don't like the red paintjob on the new one.
    Just looked on Giant's website and it seems the 2013 Defy 1 is green/white/silver.

    http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/defy/11833/56801/#overview
    I'm not getting old... I'm just using lower gears......
    Sirius - Steel Reynolds 631
    Cove Handjob - Steel Columbus Nivacrom
    Trek Madone - Carbon
  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    Cannock Chase wrote:
    ALIHISGREAT wrote:
    ...But I have to say I don't like the red paintjob on the new one.
    Just looked on Giant's website and it seems the 2013 Defy 1 is green/white/silver.

    http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/defy/11833/56801/#overview

    http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.defy.1.white.black.red/11833/56802/

    The green is nicer than the red though.. I'd like to see it in the flesh.
  • jfrankland1991
    jfrankland1991 Posts: 100
    thanks for all the info everyone :) I think I will go for the 2013 version by the looks of it as it seems there is no difference from the 2012 version. Contrary what most people are saying I really like the red and white paintjob but I have to say the 2012 blue and white does look better.

    Now I just have to find a shop locally that stocks them so I can see it in the flesh. I think I will go for a large frame (58cm) as I am 6 foot 2, is that right?

    Cheers
  • jfrankland1991
    jfrankland1991 Posts: 100
    also does anyone know how much it weighs? It doesn't seem to say on the Giant website. I think I recall the 2012 version being about 8.8kg, I assume it will be about the same? Is this a light bike for this price range?
  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    jfrankland1991 wrote:
    thanks for all the info everyone :) I think I will go for the 2013 version by the looks of it as it seems there is no difference from the 2012 version. Contrary what most people are saying I really like the red and white paintjob but I have to say the 2012 blue and white does look better.

    Now I just have to find a shop locally that stocks them so I can see it in the flesh. I think I will go for a large frame (58cm) as I am 6 foot 2, is that right?

    Cheers

    sounds about right, don't rule out the M/L though as it depends on your leg and torso/arm lengths.
  • jfrankland1991
    jfrankland1991 Posts: 100
    Ok thanks, I see you have the 2012 version, the only downside in the reviews are the wheels, saying they are a bit heavy, do you notice that? What kind of riding have you been using it for?
  • Lycra-Byka
    Lycra-Byka Posts: 292
    I'm 6'2 too and I weigh 105kg/16.5 stone.
    I have last years model and find it a great all rounder. Heavy wheels yes, but I've rode over potholes that I'd worry about on a mountain bike with no damage. Truly indestructible stuff.

    Only complaint I could ever give about the bike is road buzz. I'm not saying its a bone shaker but lengthy rough patches give a vibrating/buzzing through bars and saddle.
    No doubt this could be fixed with some carbon upgrades in the future.
  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    jfrankland1991 wrote:
    Ok thanks, I see you have the 2012 version, the only downside in the reviews are the wheels, saying they are a bit heavy, do you notice that? What kind of riding have you been using it for?


    The wheels are fine.. bombproof would be the word I'd use. I'll be getting something nicer for next summer but get the bike and ride it through the winter on the stock wheels.. then you can decide whether you need to upgrade from there.
  • BlakeysFC
    BlakeysFC Posts: 233
    jfrankland1991 wrote:
    Ok thanks, I see you have the 2012 version, the only downside in the reviews are the wheels, saying they are a bit heavy, do you notice that? What kind of riding have you been using it for?

    Not had any problems with the wheels, found them just about right for me. If you put some better Carbon wheels on it the bike would handle and accelerate better sure, but for £300-£500 you'd expect it too!
  • iplod
    iplod Posts: 83
    Think i read somewhere that the only difference between 2012/13 is a different grade of aluminium for the frame.
    SOLITUDE. It's not for everyone.

    Trek 5.2 madone 2007
    Ribble audax/winter 2010
    Bianchi infinto 2012
  • stueyboy
    stueyboy Posts: 108
    I got a Defy 2 2012 recently for a great price and would think that the large frame would be good for you. I'm the same height as you 85kgs and I tried both MT and L but I have quite long legs and arms. I can't remember the difference going from the 2 to the 1 but think the frame is pretty similar. I have noticed some road buzz as someone said but it's not all the time. Might get a better seat soon as it does get uncomfortable after about 30 miles or so.
  • jfrankland1991
    jfrankland1991 Posts: 100
    Thanks again for all the info, looks like its a very good bike overall. Would rather the wheels be a bit heavier and durable, especially with the roads in this country! I will probably end up going for the L then, will obviously try it out first. I was just wondering, can you fit a rack to the Defy or any bags at all?
  • Mikey41
    Mikey41 Posts: 690
    Yes, you can fit a rack to it.

    I'm very happy with mine and I find the saddle very comfy, everyone is different though. I'm also testing different front tyre pressure. I use 100psi rear and 90psi front, the lower pressure helps the road buzz on rough surfaces. It does have to be a really poor surface for it to be a problem though.
    Giant Defy 2 (2012)
    Giant Defy Advanced 2 (2013)
    Giant Revel 1 Ltd (2013)
    Strava
  • jfrankland1991
    jfrankland1991 Posts: 100
    Mikey41 wrote:
    Yes, you can fit a rack to it.

    I'm very happy with mine and I find the saddle very comfy, everyone is different though. I'm also testing different front tyre pressure. I use 100psi rear and 90psi front, the lower pressure helps the road buzz on rough surfaces. It does have to be a really poor surface for it to be a problem though.

    Brilliant thanks, thats good then, that was one thing I was worried that it wouldn't have but thanks for clarifying that it does. Ah right ok, I shall keep that in mind. Really looking forward to getting my hands on a new road bike!
  • Mikey41
    Mikey41 Posts: 690
    Ooooh, wait! I just had a look at the Giant site and the Defy 2 has the top mounting points for the rack and the Defy 1 does not seem to have them. Hmm, it would not stop you using a beam rack that attaches to the seatpost though.

    The main difference between the two is 105 and carbon seatpost on the "1" and Tiagra and alloy seatpost on the "2".
    Giant Defy 2 (2012)
    Giant Defy Advanced 2 (2013)
    Giant Revel 1 Ltd (2013)
    Strava
  • jfrankland1991
    jfrankland1991 Posts: 100
    Mikey41 wrote:
    Ooooh, wait! I just had a look at the Giant site and the Defy 2 has the top mounting points for the rack and the Defy 1 does not seem to have them. Hmm, it would not stop you using a beam rack that attaches to the seatpost though.

    The main difference between the two is 105 and carbon seatpost on the "1" and Tiagra and alloy seatpost on the "2".

    I suppose it wouldn't, I am beginning to think that this may not be the bike for me, despite me really wanting to buy it. However, I would want a light road bike with decent spec (Shimano 105's for example) with the option of fitting mudguards and a rack which the Defy 1 doesn't seem to have.
  • Mikey41
    Mikey41 Posts: 690
    It does seem that once you get up to 105 and higher equipped road bikes, rack mounts become quite rare.
    Giant Defy 2 (2012)
    Giant Defy Advanced 2 (2013)
    Giant Revel 1 Ltd (2013)
    Strava
  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    If I remember correctly the rack mounts are on the seatpost collar/clamp on the Defy 2, 3, 4 etc. So it should be a simple swap.
  • Mikey41
    Mikey41 Posts: 690
    Nope, they are threaded holes in the seat stays, not on the clamp.
    Giant Defy 2 (2012)
    Giant Defy Advanced 2 (2013)
    Giant Revel 1 Ltd (2013)
    Strava
  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    Mikey41 wrote:
    Nope, they are threaded holes in the seat stays, not on the clamp.


    ...well my defy 1 has threaded holes in the seat stays.. just above the drop-outs.
  • jfrankland1991
    jfrankland1991 Posts: 100
    It does seem that way, a bit of a shame. I suppose I could buy a bag to fix to the seat post. All I want to put in it is a spare inner tube, map, maybe a lightweight coat and some food so not like i need massive panniers.
  • jfrankland1991
    jfrankland1991 Posts: 100
    Yes it does seem that way. I can't seem to find anywhere that stocks it or a place that can get it ordered before early next year. Giant say that they will be able to be ordered in January/February for some reason.
  • Mikey41
    Mikey41 Posts: 690
    ALIHISGREAT wrote:
    ...well my defy 1 has threaded holes in the seat stays.. just above the drop-outs.
    Yeah, I have those by the dropouts, but you also need a pair high up on the stays near the seat tube for a full rack. That's what the "1" seems to lack.

    Anyway, for what the OP wants to carry, a wedge pack would be more than enough, no need for a rack. :)
    Giant Defy 2 (2012)
    Giant Defy Advanced 2 (2013)
    Giant Revel 1 Ltd (2013)
    Strava
  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    Mikey41 wrote:
    ALIHISGREAT wrote:
    ...well my defy 1 has threaded holes in the seat stays.. just above the drop-outs.
    Yeah, I have those by the dropouts, but you also need a pair high up on the stays near the seat tube for a full rack. That's what the "1" seems to lack.

    Anyway, for what the OP wants to carry, a wedge pack would be more than enough, no need for a rack. :)


    http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/gear/product/seat.collar.with.rack.mount/580/39114/
  • Mikey41
    Mikey41 Posts: 690
    Now that is most useful!
    Giant Defy 2 (2012)
    Giant Defy Advanced 2 (2013)
    Giant Revel 1 Ltd (2013)
    Strava
  • dyson1590
    dyson1590 Posts: 73
    jfrankland1991 wrote:
    Yes it does seem that way. I can't seem to find anywhere that stocks it or a place that can get it ordered before early next year. Giant say that they will be able to be ordered in January/February for some reason.

    Picked my Defy 1 2013 up yesterday from my local bike shop - some online retailers have them in already too.

Categories