Giant Defy 0 Advanced

rbk1967
rbk1967 Posts: 20
edited March 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi Everyone,

Just wish to pass on a few thoughts incase they help someone else:

I've been planning a long ride for many years now and probably spent as long looking for the right bike to do it on (or is the ride an excuse to buy a new bike perhaps??). I began by looking at every bike maker under the sun other than Giant as, more than anything, I always felt their colours and graphics were questionable.

Anyway, having gone through the process of comparing kit vs price vs back-up vs sorted ride characteristics, I kept on arriving at the Defy Advanced 0 (Grey/black/white). So, I have taken the plunge and bought one from my LBS. Discounts were not majorly forthcoming (@10% in freebies) but I valued him setting up 2 Defys for me to try (l and an xl) and, if things do go wrong, I know where he is. Apart form that, hell, why shouldn't he make a profit - our high street would be worse without his workshop, etc.

I collect it later this week and will post first impressions. I'm coming from a BMC SLX01 - which will remain herein as my Cafe Racer - so the differences will be interesting to note over my usual rides.

Last musing, about 5 years ago, just as I re-discovered cycling, a bike mad cafe owner told me I'd buy a Giant one day. I scoffed at the time, seduced by Swiss and Italian exotic brands! Maybe I should go back and confess all to him!!

Rob

Comments

  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    Welcome to the 'boring' side :lol:
  • dwanes
    dwanes Posts: 954
    If anyone knows how to make a good bike Giant must be one of them.
    Its good that they are 'boring' because you then don't see many about, unlike Ribble etc.

    I am looking forward to your impressions, when you get it, and hopefully some photos!
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    rbk1967 wrote:
    Hi Everyone,

    Just wish to pass on a few thoughts incase they help someone else:

    I've been planning a long ride for many years now and probably spent as long looking for the right bike to do it on (or is the ride an excuse to buy a new bike perhaps??). I began by looking at every bike maker under the sun other than Giant as, more than anything, I always felt their colours and graphics were questionable.

    Anyway, having gone through the process of comparing kit vs price vs back-up vs sorted ride characteristics, I kept on arriving at the Defy Advanced 0 (Grey/black/white). So, I have taken the plunge and bought one from my LBS. Discounts were not majorly forthcoming (@10% in freebies) but I valued him setting up 2 Defys for me to try (l and an xl) and, if things do go wrong, I know where he is. Apart form that, hell, why shouldn't he make a profit - our high street would be worse without his workshop, etc.

    Initially I didn't want a giant either and was looking at more exotic options but I listened to my local lbs who has been selling and more importantly riding giants for over a decade. He convinced me of their technical excellence and I loved the ride so I bought one. There are discounts out there if you know where to look. The advanced 0 with di2 is a lovely machine sure you will get years of pleasure from it.
  • rbk1967
    rbk1967 Posts: 20
    Well,

    I went up to get fitted on my Defy 0 today. Grief oh lah the lack of weight really surprised me. It is beautifully constructed in that kind of ruthless Giant efficienct way. But in the colour scheme of matt black and white it looks almost stealthy.

    The Di2 is definately going to become my best toy. I can actually see it preserving chain life by reducing wear caused by cables stretching.

    I am still choosing bits so can't report on a big ride impressions just yet but will as soon as time allows!

    rob