Giant Defy 2015 Range

Steroo · 28-08-2014 9:45am #1

Hi Guys,
I'm moving from a Hybrid to a Road Bike soon with the intention of getting a few Sportives & Triathlons in next year... so I'm relatively new to longer distance. I'm looking at the Giant Defy 3 Maybe... I'm told they Defy are probably the best Value for money would you agree?? or any other suggestions under €1000?

Should I care about the spec difference between a Defy 1 & Defy 5? means nothing to me but the price is a big jump.

Thanks

Jk_Eire · 28-08-2014 10:38am

I've had a Defy 2 for about a year now.
Bullet proof bike and the paint jobs for the 2015 models are really nice.

Only thing I'd say is that the compact frame isn't as aggressive of some of the other racers out there, albeit very comfortable over long distances.

GLC · 28-08-2014 10:53am

I have a defy 5 and at the other end of the scale I have a tcr advanced 1, and at times I find myself reaching for the defy over the tcr believe it or not. If I was to purchase from the defy range again I would probably go up the range for the better components for that extra bit of smoothness going through the gears.

not yet · 28-08-2014 11:10am

Steroo wrote: »

Hi Guys,
I'm moving from a Hybrid to a Road Bike soon with the intention of getting a few Sportives & Triathlons in next year... so I'm relatively new to longer distance. I'm looking at the Giant Defy 3 Maybe... I'm told they Defy are probably the best Value for money would you agree?? or any other suggestions under €1000?

Should I care about the spec difference between a Defy 1 & Defy 5? means nothing to me but the price is a big jump.

Thanks

Only some of the defy's have a carbon fork, think it's 3 upwards. The group set goes as follows: Defy 1 = 105. Defy 2= Tiagra. Defy 3= Sora.

If you are on the BTW scheme I would go for the Defy 1, After tax it's 10 euro a week..

crosstownk · 28-08-2014 12:00pm

not yet wrote: »

Only some of the defy's have a carbon fork, think it's 3 upwards.

The 4 gets the carbon fork. Other than that it's identical to the 5. Both have Shimano Claris.

irishrover99 · 29-08-2014 9:11am

Wheels on The defy 5 are rubbish. i've had mine since april and had 2 broken spokes and the wheel in for problem with the hub, all on the back wheel. other than that its a great a bike and comfortable bike. handles really well.

crosstownk · 29-08-2014 9:26am

irishrover99 wrote: »

Wheels on The defy 5 are rubbish. i've had mine since april and had 2 broken spokes and the wheel in for problem with the hub, all on the back wheel. other than that its a great a bike and comfortable bike. handles really well.

I've a Defy 4 since December last year. No issues with the wheels to date - I've clocked up about 3,500kms. The tyres aren't great - mine were wrecked after 1,000kms.

RoboRat · 29-08-2014 9:40am

Looking at getting one myself, a Defy 1 2015 or a TCR 3 2014.

I am leaning towards the TCR as I would like a carbon bike and I can pick up the parts to upgrade when I see them on sale whereas if I get the Defy I cant really upgrade the frame.

Also the TCR is on tiagra and the Defy 1 is 105 and from what I read, there isn't too much difference between tiagra and 105 - used to have 105 and loved them but never used tiagra.

Better to go with the defy 1 or the TCR?

shaka · 29-08-2014 9:53am

RoboRat wrote: »

Looking at getting one myself, a Defy 1 2015 or a TCR 3 2014.

I am leaning towards the TCR as I would like a carbon bike and I can pick up the parts to upgrade when I see them on sale whereas if I get the Defy I cant really upgrade the frame.

Also the TCR is on tiagra and the Defy 1 is 105 and from what I read, there isn't too much difference between tiagra and 105 - used to have 105 and loved them but never used tiagra.

Better to go with the defy 1 or the TCR?

Is it the carbon defy your looking at ?

bullvine · 29-08-2014 9:57am

Keep an eye on Giant Dublin Facebook page, they might have some 2014 models coming up on special, I have a 2014 Defy 1 its a brilliant bike.

RoboRat · 29-08-2014 10:05am

Is it the carbon defy your looking at ?

its was this:

http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk/3679/products/2014-giant-defy-composite-3-road-bike.aspx

or

http://www.harrysbikes.ie/bikes/bikes-road-racer/2014-giant-tcr-composite-3.html

or

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ie/bikes/model/defy.1/20115/79367/

irishrover99 · 29-08-2014 10:55am

crosstownk wrote: »

I've a Defy 4 since December last year. No issues with the wheels to date - I've clocked up about 3,500kms. The tyres aren't great - mine were wrecked after 1,000kms.

I got 750 km out of my tires before they started splitting down the middle. They rolled great but not made for longevity. As for the wheels, i'm think of changing them as i've haven't used the bike now for about a month due to the risk of more problems with them. I've a trek alpha that i use and the wheels are bullet proof.

I've also seen other reports on the net about giant wheel not being great

C3PO · 29-08-2014 2:00pm

Does nobody care just how ugly the Defy's are (particularly in larger sizes) or maybe "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"!!

scheister · 29-08-2014 2:15pm

was thinking about getting the defy 1 on BTW scheme. was quoted €915(before the tax savings) which did not seem to bad

heartofwhite · 29-08-2014 3:13pm

scheister wrote: »

was thinking about getting the defy 1 on BTW scheme. was quoted €915(before the tax savings) which did not seem to bad

Can I ask where?

irishrover99 · 29-08-2014 3:18pm

heartofwhite wrote: »

Can I ask where?

The giant shop on the long mile road had there clearance sale of last years models when i was in the last week. They had some good deals

heartofwhite · 29-08-2014 3:24pm

irishrover99 wrote: »

The giant shop on the long mile road had there clearance sale of last years models when i was in the last week. They had some good deals

I rang them this morning but they said that they had no 2014 defys in stock

scheister · 29-08-2014 3:48pm

heartofwhite wrote: »

Can I ask where?

having a blank moment now cant remember was that the price for defy 2 or 1 but was wolfe cycles

shaka · 29-08-2014 8:19pm

C3PO wrote: »

Does nobody care just how ugly the Defy's are (particularly in larger sizes) or maybe "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"!!

Nope but of course I'm biased

have defy advanced got most attention of the new bikes in the club this year

shaka · 29-08-2014 8:25pm

RoboRat wrote: »

its was this:

http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk/3679/products/2014-giant-defy-composite-3-road-bike.aspx

or

http://www.harrysbikes.ie/bikes/bikes-road-racer/2014-giant-tcr-composite-3.html

or

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ie/bikes/model/defy.1/20115/79367/

For me it's the first one , defy composite. What cycling you planning, racing or general sportive/club spins? The TCRs are aimed at those racing while Defys are aimed at sportive rider saying that I have defy advanced and have no problem keeping up on club spins. I have disc issues in back and found the defy geometry much more comfortable.

Best of luck

Cyclewizard · 29-08-2014 9:33pm

shaka wrote: »

Nope but of course I'm biased have defy advanced got most attention of the new bikes in the club this year

the advanced's are (understandably) nicer looking than the aluminium models though in my opinion. I have a 2012 composite and really like the look of it but some of the paint jobs and the new rear triangle shape of the 2013's i wasnt too keen on to be honest.

shaka · 29-08-2014 9:53pm

Cyclewizard wrote: »

the advanced's are (understandably) nicer looking than the aluminium models though in my opinion. I have a 2012 composite and really like the look of it but some of the paint jobs and the new rear triangle shape of the 2013's i wasnt too keen on to be honest.

Know what your saying think Giants paint schemes lack something sometimes. Like the rear

Cyclewizard · 29-08-2014 10:18pm

shaka wrote: »

Know what your saying think Giants paint schemes lack something sometimes. Like the rear

yeah they can be very hit and miss in my opinion, saying that there's a few ofenders when it comes to that. i think the 2015's look pretty good though

shaka · 30-08-2014 12:08am

heartofwhite wrote: »

I rang them this morning but they said that they had no 2014 defys in stock

My LBS Kilmallock cycles had a defy composite in stock last time I was in.

They also have a propel but that's whole different price category

inc21 · 30-08-2014 8:19am

RoboRat wrote: »

Looking at getting one myself, a Defy 1 2015 or a TCR 3 2014.

I am leaning towards the TCR as I would like a carbon bike and I can pick up the parts to upgrade when I see them on sale whereas if I get the Defy I cant really upgrade the frame.

Also the TCR is on tiagra and the Defy 1 is 105 and from what I read, there isn't too much difference between tiagra and 105 - used to have 105 and loved them but never used tiagra.

Better to go with the defy 1 or the TCR?

105 on Defy 1 is now 11 speed.

barrymac20 · 28-11-2014 10:20pm

inc21 wrote: »

105 on Defy 1 is now 11 speed.

I notice the cassette is a 12 to 30, and its on the datasheet as being shimano 105. but the shimano website doesn't show the 105 as having a cassette like that. Any chance they're putting a tiagra one on instead

Don't Chute! · 29-11-2014 12:18am

Only got my defy 1 last week and absolutely love it!

crosstownk · 29-11-2014 1:13am

barrymac20 wrote: »

I notice the cassette is a 12 to 30, and its on the datasheet as being shimano 105. but the shimano website doesn't show the 105 as having a cassette like that. Any chance they're putting a tiagra one on instead

Probably an SRAM cassette. But you're right about the 105 - it's 12-25, 11-28 or 11-32.

barrymac20 · 29-11-2014 1:15am

crosstownk wrote: »

Probably an SRAM cassette.

The giant website says it's a shimano 105 cassette

barrymac20 · 29-11-2014 3:06pm

So I challenged them on it and it's a typo on the website. It comes as standard with 11-32. But they would change to one of the other 105 cassettes if I wanted. 12-25 or 11-28. Which would be best for starting out. One of my mates reckons i wouldn't need a 30 or 32 unless I was on really steep hills

crosstownk · 29-11-2014 4:36pm

barrymac20 wrote: »

One of my mates reckons i wouldn't need a 30 or 32 unless I was on really steep hills

I've 32 and rarely use it. The last two times I recall using it were climbing Priest's Leap and Kippure and I reckon I could manage Kippure without it but not so sure about Priest's Leap!

rtmie · 29-11-2014 10:11pm

Did my first long spin on my new bike which has 5800-105 and the 11-32 cassette. Being in south Meath, it is mostly flat land, and hence end up sitting mostly across the middle of the cassette. I was noticing that the changes felt less than smooth. Looking at the layout:

11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25-28
11-12-13-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32
12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-21-23-25

I reckon it is the 14-16 jump that I am noticing.

Was wondering will I get used to it or should I change the cassette? I'm a beginner so don't have experience of hills, but am also an old timer and not so fit so knowing the 32 is there is reassuring, though i haven't been on it or the 28 yet. I guess I better find a couple of hills to try before deciding. Or do people keep multiple cassettes and change depending on route (I know racers probably do, but recreational cyclists)?

barrymac20 · 30-11-2014 1:26am

rtmie wrote: »

Did my first long spin on my new bike which has 5800-105 and the 11-32 cassette. Being in south Meath, it is mostly flat land, and hence end up sitting mostly across the middle of the cassette. I was noticing that the changes felt less than smooth. Looking at the layout:
11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25-28

11-12-13-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32

12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-21-23-25

I reckon it is the 14-16 jump that I am noticing.

Was wondering will I get used to it or should I change the cassette? I'm a beginner so don't have experience of hills, but am also an old timer and not so fit so knowing the 32 is there is reassuring, though i haven't been on it or the 28 yet. I guess I better find a couple of hills to try before deciding. Or do people keep multiple cassettes and change depending on route (I know racers probably do, but recreational cyclists)?

I'm a serious newbie (still haven't bought my bike) But I've been looking into this. A new cassette is around 35Euro on chain reaction so if it came to it it shouldn't set you back too much. I'm leaning towards the 11-28 but haven't totally ruled out the 12-25 either. Transition on the mid range would be seamless on the latter but I reckon I'd be taking a chance going with a 25 max tooth. Decisions decisions....

crosstownk · 30-11-2014 2:55pm

There are 2 rear dérailleurs in the 105 5800. One has a longer cage to accommodate the 32 sprocket so changing from a cassette with a 28 to one with a 32 may not be possible depending on which dérailleur is fitted to your bike.

EDIT: I should have also mentioned that if you have the long cage you can switch the 32 cassette for a 28 without a problem. So if you're unsure it might be better to get the 32 cassette and long cage dérailleur and change to the 28 later if you want.

barrymac20 · 30-11-2014 6:43pm

crosstownk wrote: »

There are 2 rear dérailleurs in the 105 5800. One has a longer cage to accommodate the 32 sprocket so changing from a cassette with a 28 to one with a 32 may not be possible depending on which dérailleur is fitted to your bike.

EDIT: I should have also mentioned that if you have the long cage you can switch the 32 cassette for a 28 without a problem. So if you're unsure it might be better to get the 32 cassette and long cage dérailleur and change to the 28 later if you want.

It comes as standard with the 32 so I'm assuming they can change to the 28 with minimum fuss. If I get the 25 they'll need to change the derailleur as well.

crosstownk · 30-11-2014 7:44pm

barrymac20 wrote: »

It comes as standard with the 32 so I'm assuming they can change to the 28 with minimum fuss. If I get the 25 they'll need to change the derailleur as well.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean but the long and short :pac: of is that the long cage will work with all cassettes but the short will only work with the 25T and 28T. At least that's my understanding.

barrymac20 · 30-11-2014 11:26pm

crosstownk wrote: »

I'm not sure exactly what you mean but the long and short :pac: of is that the long cage will work with all cassettes but the short will only work with the 25T and 28T. At least that's my understanding.

Sorry I'm not great at explaining.
the shimano 105 short derailleur can take a max 28-min 23 low sprocket, and the long derailleur can take a min 28-max 32 low sprocket, so it's not possible to get one that would cover all three cassette types.

http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/components/road/105_5800.html#

I'm thinking i won't need a 32 cog. So if I get the bike with the 11-28 cassette and short derailleur I'd be future proofed if I wanted to change to the 12-25 cassette.

crosstownk · 30-11-2014 11:50pm

The long cage should do all 3.

barrymac20 · 01-12-2014 12:18am

crosstownk wrote: »

The long cage should do all 3.

maybe I'm practice it will but Not according to the shimano website.

Giant Defy 2015 Range

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