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nly a few weeks ago it was revealed that disc brakes will be allowed in the pro peloton in 2017. It means, potentially, that in the great brake war of the early 21st century, disc brakes have been declared the winner. For some this is an affront to tradition that will eradicate a century-old standard for no other reason than financial gain for the manufacturers. The Giant Defy, though, seems to suggest that the revolution may be painless, as well as televised.

While I have my own doubts about the move, the bike industry is generally awash with excitement about disc brakes, welcoming the improved braking performance and the potential to re-examine the basic principles of the wheel. There’s no doubting the stopping performance of disc brakes, but so far we’ve seen few other benefits. Giant, however, has committed fully to the new technology, and has converted its entire range of endurance carbon bikes – the Defy – to disc brakes. With the Defy being a highly celebrated endurance platform, I was keen to see what the redevelopment has added (or taken away) from the bike.

Arresting development

The Defy isn’t a bike that I would expect to sit at the top of my favourites list. It has a relaxed, compact geometry, comfortable ride and weighty discs – the spec sheet seems to contradict my impulses to go as quickly as possible all of the time. It was to my great surprise, then, that I found the Defy to be one of the most fundamentally fun and likeable bikes I’ve ever ridden.

The Defy makes few claims to high speeds or aero trickery, but it gives every bit of the sensation of being a fast bike. It picks up speed remarkably well, and offers that rare, fast-paced rumble through its carbon chassis without ever compromising on comfort. Handling and acceleration both give the impression of a racy set-up, and I never found myself backing away from an opportunity to sprint. It seemed immensely stiff, while