Giant Defy Advanced Pro 4 month Review: The Best Endurance Road Bike in 2024?

After 4 months of riding the 2024 Giant Defy Advanced Pro it's time to deliver my verdict on this endurance road bike.
Buy the tested bike www.giant-bicycles.com/us/def...
Content
00:00 Intro
0:40 Defy details
1:31 Price, equipment and value for money
2:53 Ride impressions
4:26 Compared to rivals
5:22 Handling and geometry
6:57 Who should buy it?
7:42 Likes and Dislikes
10:47 Better than a race bike?
11:22 Verdict
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[@JMise]

The non-pro version has the same frame, but a normal round steerer tube. The cables are routed externally below the stem, should allow better compatibility with aftermarket stems. The price differences might vary a bit dependent on the market, but 105 with or without DI2 is surely a better value than the equivalent pro-version.

[@aithney]

I recently bought Defy and it's the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. I find it to be a sweet spot between comfortable and aggressive. More stretched, and it would not be comfortable enough for long rides. More upright, and I would feel like I have a parachute. 32mm tires also handle bumpy roads way better than my old 28mm and I feel more safe on downhills. In my eyes it's a perfect bike.

[@jamespham888]

Sorry to clarify did you mean, it would be comfortable for long rides or not be comfortable for long rides as you wrote down

[@daveelliott7869]

After watching this video and for the first time ever I purchased a Giant! I'm a Spesh guy and I have a Sworks Tarmac / Creo Sl and Roubaix. And I have to say what a bike. I found that this sits right in the middle of all three spesh bikes. It's lively and racy and when out the saddle it feels really good unlike my Roubaix which feels a bit wobbly and dull. Compared to the tarmac it is 70% there but with the comfort and more relaxed fit of the Giant it means i can ride it all day without coming home broken 😂. The tarmac is aggressive and highly responsive race bike! I went for the Pro Advanced 1 (White/Black) with 105 Di2. My open gripe was the 11-36 cassette seemed over kill and very heavy. So I'm swapping that out for a Ultegra 11-34 or 11-30 and the stock tyres which felt a bit draggy so again I'm likely to change them to Conti GP5000S TR 30mm Other than that, the brakes and shifting are excellent and overall I'm very happy with the bike and the awesome service from Pedal On.

[@user-ni2sc3me6x]

Really appreciate all these thoughtful videos. Thanks for doing them! Just bought a new Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 and excited to enjoy all the new advances. Last bike I bought was in 2011! :)

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Thanks David. Great impartial review, which is greatly appreciated. Keep the honest reviews coming.

[@davidarthur]

Thanks, will do!

[@markrae7664]

I bought one in March and i absolutely love it. It’s a real joy to ride. Love your reviews 👍

[@davidarthur]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@MiataBRG]

Really good review free of the usual bike channel nonsense 👍

[@davidarthur]

Thanks! 👍

[@ianmiller4393]

Thanks for another good video David. I've had a Defy for 4 years now and no regrets. Good bike and still fast enough for those club rides.

[@bendewet9449]

Hi David, thanks for all your critical and concise reviews! Quick question, how does stiffness at the BB and responsiveness compare between the Defy and Propel? THX.

[@joannadoyle-mellor1542]

Great review Dave. I have a 2017 Defy which I love. Upgraded everything apart from the frameset. SLR wheels and bars and stem and 105 Di2. Would love the extra clearance but can’t justify almost £5k for the equivalent new model. I’m hoping Giant are reading these comments as I would love to buy a new Defy frameset but for some reason they have never been offered in the UK. For the 2025 models please consider offering the Adv Pro as a frameset in a neutral colour. Cheers.

[@robbijay]

Excellent review. 2 big questions I’m interested in: 1. How does it stack up ‘endurance/comfort’ wise against the old one (bit of a Giant fan boy having had a 2012 Defy and currently have a 2019). 2. How are you finding dry roads in Gloucestershire?! I’m fed up with with getting soaked even with mudguards! 😅

[@simonf2220]

Great review David, as usual! How does it compare with the 2025 TCR you rode recently? If you had to choose one, which would it be?

[@thierrysf]

Giant have completely lost their ways. It used to be a value brand as David mentioned. Paying well over £5,000 for this bike is absurd. It is just not worth it. One serious alternative would be Van Rysel (aka Decathlon), which has recently emerged as one of the few true value brands left. The problem is that most of their bikes are out of stock all the time because they are so cheap compared to brands like Giant.

[@PolyglotBikepacker]

Truly agree here: I bought a fact 11 specialized Crux for 2700 euro in 2021, New from the shop with a big discount because nobody wanted 1x11 anymore. I upgraded the components with deals on Force Cx1 and praxis zayante carbon crank and aeolus 3v wheels. Even with all these upgrades I stayed well under 5000 euro. Prices today are ridiculous, for many brands not just giant. Not looking to buy a new specialized for the next few years either.

[@aanonymuss3603]

Crux is a great bike. Super light. I like the new bubble gum pink frame! Would like it on sale to then build it up with L-Two.

[@stevekelly6544]

They do offer less expensive builds in this model

[@RookYZRM1]

@@stevekelly6544these guys don’t want to hear that, they just want to whine about stuff they can’t afford.

[@droppedontheclimb7019]

The equivalent Van Rysel is the RCR Pro, which is £5,500.

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

No wonder the bike industry is in the shitter with these mad prices.

[@Helsinki9]

How do you compare this Defy to the older model Cannondale SYNAPSE you had for a long-term review (I think it was 12months or so)? DO you think its better, faster, lighter etc... Thank you

[@chrism5433]

Good day . I bought a 2023 trek emonda alr5 nice 105 group set . The stock Bontrager r1 tires not great . But very puncture proof through winter dry days lol. I'm curious why this bike doesn't seem to popular.is just because other good bike out there or $, I seems to roll pretty good .give me the good bad and ugly lol.great channel.🍺🚲🍺

[@scottwatson7844]

I was debating buying this model but as I own the equivalent Revolt Advanced Pro I opted to buy the Cadex AR wheels instead. They’re certainly not cheap but the bike is an absolute flyer now, plus with the 40mm tyres it’s a true all road bike which is fast everywhere.

[@GiuseppeVironda]

Bought same model after your reviews. Quite happy so far. Thanks

[@davidarthur]

Nice glad you are enjoying it so far :)

[@martynjones9496]

Woukd you say the zipp303s are a much better wheel than the slr1s on that bike? Cheers

[@neilwheel]

Would changing the stem require dismantling the brakes?

[@GregorKratochwill-Pichler]

Super Test but please test a Wilier again what about the Rave slr ist a good alternative?

[@Ian-H76]

So in summary David, if you could only have one or the other, the defy or the TCR?

[@ErikBergshoeff]

Currently looking for a new bike from my 2012 Kuota Kharma and I'm extremely doubting between the Defy Advanced Pro 1 and the new TCR Advanced Pro 1, which have similar components and price. Intended use will be (training for) gran fondos and group rides, but I'm also thinking about racing some crits and maybe some light gravel riding as well. What would be your advice having ridden both bikes? Many thanks in advance!

[@maccaattack101]

The Defy Adv Pro 1 is the sweet spot, I agree with DA, I have had PressFit BB on TCRs, Defy and Revolt and have had no issues....no creeks......also I understand that there is a lot a hate for Hookless....but you only hear the negative and at that, not much... I have ran hookless on 4 bikes and no issues, just keep within the parameters and you are good.

[@Kirkend]

Sounds like you are a convert from the TCR Dave as I predicted. I love mine and whilst it might not be the right bike at the right price for everyone, when it comes to bikes it really is each to their own. For me it’s fantastic and Im still thoroughly enjoying it although I do keep it for the slightly better days when the weather plays kind. My one bike gripe would be the sound of the free hub, I can’t get away with freewheeling without drawing attention as it,s pretty loud!😂

[@martindickens2917]

Used to be able to get a lot of bike for under £2k. Not anymore. Disk brakes, Di2 and manufacturers being out of touch with customer needs have changed the landscape massively in a relatively short timeframe. Definitely time for the industry to reset.

[@ariffau]

Brand name & goodwill means they can charge more now. Just opt for brands with lesser brand name and goodwill like Polygon, YoeLeo and Winspace. Very sure they shall be cheaper.

[@JuanSerradelaFuente]

In terms of sizing you are ridinng M-L. Isnt it a bit over sized? do you prefer it for any reason?

[@jmp206]

Hey David, thanks for the video! would you say the bike is tangibly more comfortable than the Propel/TCR? you mention at the end that the difference isn't so big, so why not ride a TCR or Propel even if its not for racing? would a Propel with 30mm tires be comfortable enough for everyday riding? Thanks!

[@PedroPrego]

The propel/TCR has 13mm lower stack and 8mm longer reach for the same size 54. This for me makes a huge difference.

[@adamc2579]

Just got mine. Trying to get the set up right coz the cranks are a little longer than my old bike and handlebars a little wider. Shop I bought from wouldn’t change them and because I got it discounted I just went with it. (Replacement bars are pricey!) First cpl rides seem good, although coming off a 20 yr old focus is quite a leap. Struggling to get used to staring at a fat tyre 😂

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

The good thing about the Defy is the tire clearance it offers for an all terrain bike. However, if i was to choose any of Giant's bikes it would always have to be the TCR. I have owned one and yes, whilst they are not all terrain the TCR Advanced 2 is the best road bike I have ever ridden. TCR naturally gets you into an aero position. I notice that prices of the TCR/Defy Advanced have increased significantly of late too.

[@ScurvyMcGruff]

If Giant sold these with hooked rims I would've bought one. Having to replace expensive wheels on a brand new bike is a deal breaker for me.

[@richiejames928]

6k for the tyres to peel off the hookless rims when cornering. thanks but no thanks.

[@davidarthur]

Except the tyres didn't peel off in 4 months and some Enve and Zipp wheels I've been riding for several years have been faultless...

[@jooohan]

@@davidarthur I’m 100+ kg (mostly muscles…I don’t have a ripped six-pack but my belly is flat), that’s 110kg all done and dusted (me, bike, clothes, shoes, helmet, water bottles…). I’m not afraid to admit I’m kinda skeptical about hookless design and would consider Defy if there was a hooked rim option.

[@andrewbulloch]

Interested to know what tools/software you use to overlay your sensor data onto video. I used to use Garmin’s software with the Virb camera but after two failed I switched to Cyqlic. Thanks. I have a previous generation Defy Advanced Pro - 10,000-ish faultless miles so far. 👍

[@davidarthur]

Check out my review of the Insta360 Ace Pro from a few weeks ago, that's the camera that lets you overlay Garmin data

[@andrewbulloch]

@@davidarthur Thanks, just watched the review. Looks ace 👍

[@lucamuller6729]

I‘m a bit confused wthese three videos are the only ones about this version. All others just did the usual „Its stiffer lighter yadiyadiya, costs 1000€ less with only 12000€, so its cheap compared to spezi“ thanks for that. As others mentioned, the advanced pro 1 would be interesting as well, cheers

[@supercoder7]

I would recommend the Giant Revolt Avdnaced Pro 1 2023 for more comfort rather than a Specialized Roubaix or Trek Domane. Cheaper overall (3200 for SRAM Rival 2x, Carbon wheelset and SL grade carbon frame) and more comfortable with tire clearance upto 53mm and plenty of bosses for all purposes.

[@niranlh]

Would I be correct in saying it’s similar to a Bmc Roadmachine I suppose. Where’s the frame only option for this or the Roadmachine? That would make it more interesting for me, if you can get a TCR frameset then why not the Defy? Any word from Giant UK

[@niranlh]

Can’t in the UK unfortunately

[@pawelpiskorski197502]

What kind of fenders do you use? How did you mount the rear fender?

[@davidarthur]

These were Giant mudguards

[@rommelreyes2209]

Please do a review of the Polygon Aelios A8x

[@meinards5614]

I have bike this is best i ever had! Awesome bike, fast but the same way comfortable.

[@poppymg1234]

This might be a dumb question but how different is this model from the defy advanced 2, can I take everything he says (more or less) towards that bike too?

[@duodecaquark3186]

Overall, yes, you can apply most what he is saying to that bike. With alloy wheels, the non pro frame, and different seatpost you will lose some of the small bump compliance in the seatpost and lose some of the stiffness in the wheels. It's still a great bike though and those changes are relatively minor.

[@VonckK]

I wonder if the color of the giant logo goes to purple?

[@MrFalcman]

I just bought a 2023 Trek Domane AL5. It is aluminum with carbon fork and has 11-speed 105 mechanical group set. For your average everyday cyclist, this is just fine. The bike cost me $1,800 and I upgraded it to carbon wheels for another $1K. That is still less than half what the Defy is in this video, and i think that you would be hard-pressed to say that performance is twice as good as the Domane here.

[@simondavis697]

Having witnessed 6 Hookless tyres blowing off others rims during Summer months; despite perfect recommended PSI’s, there’s no way I’d touch them!

[@mark_nz]

I've got the 2022 advanced pro 1 defy with giant hookless carbon rim. NEVER had a problem they have been flawless - just need to make sure your tyres are compatible and hookless rated (Conti GP5000 TR).

[@simondavis697]

@@mark_nz Great advice to all Mark, stay safe out there fella. 👍

[@jonm8423]

Advanced 1 Pro is maybe the sweet spot? Di2 plus carbon wheels, circa £3800

[@Countrystock]

Agree and the colour scheme looks stunning, just a shame the Wheelset are hookless

[@jonm8423]

That’s a sticking point….I was considering the next model down but the nice metallic blue is SRAM which I’m not sure about. The 105 di2 is a charcoal colour and not quite as nice.

[@l.d.t.6327]

I would take the cheapest DI2 with standard wheels and upgrade the wheels to something hooked.

[@jasonlevitt]

Both EXS and Farsports offer an integrated handlebar for OD2.

[@claudiolima224]

It's a D shape fork steerer, so not compatible

[@jasonlevitt]

@@claudiolima224 The D shape has no effect on compatibility because there are wedge spacers available for this arrangement.

[@Yimchifung]

exs is good choice

[@Xzami09]

I just ordered a giant defy ad pro 0. 🙏 although I also like the TCR 😅

[@suisinghoraceho2403]

Ha, have fun with the insta360. Are you using one of the Xs or the GOs?

[@davidarthur]

Using the new X4 atm

[@suisinghoraceho2403]

@@davidarthur Been playing around with a GO 3. Really good fun. Chest is probably the best place to mount a camera. The mag pendent works fabulously without me having to wear a full chest harness. The only downside is that the setup seems to only work for winter clothing. The summer jersey just doesn’t provide enough tension to hold the camera in place (or at least you can’t have jersey open). The resulting footages have these jerks that it is even too much for the fantastic stabilising algorithm.

[@chrisscott8362]

What is the difference between Advanced and Advanced Pro frame?

[@nomadcarpenter8549]

I'm guessing 1 vs 2 piece fork

[@l.d.t.6327]

Oversized steerer in the pro.

[@JMise]

The frame is identical, only the fork is different. The non-pro version has a standard round 1 1/8" steerer.

[@jjquinanola8700]

Nice review david, can you please answer what is the maximum tyre size you can put in the defy. Thanks mate

[@davidarthur]

Thanks, 38mm is the official max tyre clearance

[@sikimasio]

How tall are you?

[@cricanwa]

It's not available anywhere.

[@3TZZZ]

Nice review, but if the Roubaix or Domane would be a better endurance road bike for most, why does the headline say ‘Unbeatable’? ...It’s very interesting that the two carbon endurance road bikes that you say are smoother and more comfortable than the Defy rely on shock absorber tech. ...How would a titanium bike with no shock absorber tech compare in terms of smoothness and comfort?

[@MichaelRobertson-rp3wj]

I have the new Defy Adv Pro 0, I've had a few ti bikes thru the years (Litespeed & Merckx). I would put this bike as comfortable as the ti but stiffer and quicker (and lighter, although the carbon bars, rims, and seatpost probably have most to do with that). 17.5lb out of box with with Ultegra pedals.

[@jordge92]

Ah yes, £6k, a bargain

[@PolyglotBikepacker]

STILL CHEAPER THAN THE DACIA DUSTER 😂

[@jordge92]

@@PolyglotBikepacker 😂😂😂

[@adriannash755]

Got mine with 25% off.... plenty of deals

[@Kirkend]

Currently retails at around £4800 or slightly less if you shop around and don’t just settle for Giants RRP.

[@prathaps848]

2x the per capita income in India

[@WJReynolds49]

Nice video

[@davidjohnstone4975]

In Canada, this bike is $7500, The Canyon Endurace CF SLX8 is $6750 ... Seems like better value with the Canyon for me.

[@paulw677]

I have this bike, ridden almost 5,000km. Love it. I changed the tyres to Conti GP 5000 30mm and they are far better and (feel) faster than the Giant Fondo stock tyres.

[@MrVikingdane]

just picked up my advanced pro 0 and was thinking the same thing.... little more aero with the wheel set too ?

[@finncox23]

David, I know you're not necessarily testing the Power Pro Power Meter in depth, as compared to the bike. However, have you noticed any odd readings with the L/R balance, as some people have noted with some Shimano-based power meters?

[@niklaskristensson2231]

Nice video + good looking bike. Sick to be considered a bargain - but it is...if U are stupid enough to buy new bikes...❤

[@Yimchifung]

in china ，defy adv pro2 very cheap，just under 3000$。is the best choice

[@stevenscott7738]

What make are the mud flaps please.? - couldn’t catch it in the video. Thanks.

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Giant mudguards mate.

[@stevenscott7738]

It was the flaps I was interested in - found them. -Portland Design Works - Condor cycles sell them.

[@davidarthur]

Yup PNW glad you found them

[@georgetabacco5379]

I believe your sincerity in your fondness of giant defy and others , but too too much promotion for them !!!

[@johnnnewmex]

Giant has always set the bar for affordable performance.

[@MrFalcman]

Bike prices these days are insane. This bike should only cost $3K at the most.

[@davidarthur]

Even though it has carbon everything, an electronic groupset and a dual sided power meter? That's a lot of bike for the money

[@richiejames928]

£6000 winter bike 😂 imagine.

[@jomomayers5616]

Lmao exactly what I was thinking when he said it. 🤣 👍🏾

[@blackbird969]

Someone tried putting 40-42mm tires on that bike?

[@davidarthur]

It maxes out at 38mm so might be tight ;)

[@stephenjhughes64stephenjhu26]

Expensive winter bike

[@brianmcewen3082]

Is there some kind of value that I am not aware of that isn't related to money? Saying "offers good value for money" is redundant.

[@gary094]

That's a mid range defy. I was looking at the Defy Advanced 2 as my purchase. I guess it's considered to be the low end of the series.

[@jorgeduran5138]

❤❤que belleza

[@aanonymuss3603]

1-piece cockpit OD2 will tidy it up: Exs Farsport Avian Canary & Falcon 240g, 270g They send adapters too. It’s not that much more comfort. There’s better with the BMC. It’s over priced. Just buy a TCR Adv. Pro & add 32mm tires. Comfort is still proven best for fastest in British roads. Whose kidding to tell me they are needing that that few watts faster tire when we aren’t Pro teams.

[@claudiolima224]

It's a D shape fork steerer, so not compatible

[@taosanwu]

​Giant D-shaped OD Aero steerer does work fine with regular round-shape OD2 stem without any adaption, as their new one-piece CADEX Aero handlebar is advertised as compatible with both regular OD2 and D-shaped OD Aero steerer, though their much lighter one-piece CADEX Race handlebar is D-shaped only.

[@cosbro5389]

Slightly ,slightly, slightly ! just put a set of training wheels with 32mm tyres on your TCR I say

[@zazzleman]

Stupid crankset sizes for the frame sizes as usual.

[@yarly3180]

$ 6700 for bike without an electro motor is 'mid range'? lol 🤪 Paid like $ 550 for a hybrid Giant Toughroad in 2018, it even has hydraulic disc brakes. Nowadays I need to pay > $ 1500 for a bike with hydraulic disc brakes. They need to sent anti-trust authorities to investigate these prices 😶

[@BeaverTerror]

Comes with hookless wheels. Yuck.

[@ob1856]

It's an endurance/light gravel bike. Makes sense to be hookless.

[@energylab6277]

why?@@ob1856

[@Bijits2510]

You seem to be cross chaining 😮😮😮, is that ok for this bike?

[@davidarthur]

Yeah it's fine for short periods like over the top of a climb etc

[@boc-tonysyklist2145]

Those bottle cages are hideous.

[@simonshusse]

mid-range at 6k? Definitely unsubscribing.

[@ob1856]

It definitely is mid-range. Quality bikes with a lot of the technology in this bike start at $2,000 and go all the way up to $12,000-$15,000. So, this bike is very much “Mid-range” regardless of your budget.

[@stevekelly6544]

Buh-bye!

[@simonshusse]

@@ob1856 It's only mid-range price-wise in THEIR line up. This is all the bike you will ever need in the category and spending twice as much won't yield to more than a fraction in performance gain, there's plenty of evidence of this in every major YT-channel. I love bike porn as much as the next cyclist but let's keep it real.

[@TheSlowCyclist330]

Amish bike lol

[@vault-boydan4984]

Meh, giant lost it's charm, overpriced as any other bike these days.

[@garagesale5948]

Press Fit BB and Hookless wheels are a non starter.

[@MrFalcman]

The price is the nonstarter for me. This is a friggin bicycle, not a car.

[@Buy.YT.Views.479]

Unreal!

[@govermentsoundsystemrootik8887]

Build your own for £4k that will be alot better than these mainstream rip offs....!!!