GIANT DEFY ADVANCED PRO 2

A Giant amongst endurance bikes

It’s rare that the cheapest bike in a line-up also proves to be the best, but the stealthy, speedy Defy deserves its crown

Iwould be more than happy to ride every bike in this test until I have to hang up my cleats. Each one is claimed to be an ‘endurance’ bike, but they all are much more exciting than their slow and steady marathon tag would suggest.

Trek’s Domane combines its IsoSpeed smoothness with aerodynamics, great specification and all-road potential. Its limousine-like riding quality makes this an assured, sure-footed option. It does, however, come at a price.

Cannondale’s Synapse takes more from racing than recreation and the superb chassis with its lively handling and vibration-nulling ride has the potential to be all the road bike you’d ever need. And with an upgraded wheel package deserving of its svelte stylish chassis, this could be a dream machine .

It’s a similar case with Specialized’s Roubaix: the revolutionary Future Shock suspension is the icing on the smooth aerodynamic cake when it comes to on-road manners, but mid-range wheels aren’t what I’d expect on a bike at this price.

Small Austrian brand Simplon’s svelte approach to endurance bikes makes for one hell of a great product. The specification is smart and the ride superb, but this Austrian masterpiece comes at a price and the lack of mudguard eyes are an oversight for those of us that ride all year round.

That leaves Giant’s Defy. It’s a bike that’s impressed me over the years in its flagship model. Lesser bikes have compromised key components and never fulfilled the potential, but this 2020 bike comes with the full D-Fuse component package with brake upgrades and a better wheel package than some of the bikes at a much higher price on test here. It’s a rare thing that the cheapest bike in a line-up also proves to be the best, but rest assured the superb, stealthy, speedy Defy deserves its crown.