Best Reviewed
Road Bikes
- Best all-around road bike Giant Defy Advanced 1 *Est. $3200
- Women's road bike Cannondale SuperSix Women's 3 Ultegra *Est. $3200
- Entry-level carbon road bike Giant TCR Composite *Est. $1950
- Best-value road bike Specialized Allez Comp Compact M2 Apex *Est. $1450
- Budget road bike Trek 1.1 *Est. $730
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- Strong value
- Comfortable for long rides
- Thick saddle is uncomfortable for some
For beginner cyclists, reviewers say the Giant Defy 2 road bike is an excellent value. The aluminum frame is stiff and responsive, and it's lighter than other aluminum bikes in this price range, according to reviews. The Giant Defy 2 is comfortable enough for all-day rides and reviewers like its stylish design. The bike handles well, which will inspire confidence in beginners, reviewers say. A few testers, however, find the saddle uncomfortable. The Giant Defy 2 has a variety of Shimano Tiagra components, in addition to Tektro TK-R340 brakes, and Giant wheels and tires. If you can afford to spend more, the Giant TCR Composite (*Est. $1,950) offers a carbon frame and speedy performance.
Bicycling magazine tests the 2011 Giant Defy 2, but its analysis is pretty short. Other reviewers have evaluations of the 2010 model, including Cycling Active magazine and BikeRadar.com. The components haven't changed substantially, but Giant has upgraded the brakes, wheels and tires for the 2011 model.
Our Sources
1. Bicycling MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Bicycling magazine reviews the Giant Defy 2 for its annual buyer's guide. Editors say the bike has an exceptionally smooth ride that's good for beginners. For female riders, they recommend looking at the Giant Avail line.
Review: Giant Defy 2, Editors of Bicycling, April 2011
2. Cycling Active magazineDetails/Subscribe
The editors of Cycling Active, a British magazine, give the 2010 Giant Defy 2 an overall rating of 88 percent (out of 100). Calling it an "unbeatable value," editors praise the relatively lightweight frame and stable ride.
Review: Giant Defy 2, Editors of Cycling Active, May 2010
Simon Withers at BikeRadar.com gives the 2010 Giant Defy 2 an overall rating of 3.5 stars (out of 5). He recommends it as a good first road bike for beginners, saying it has responsive handling and all-day comfort. However, he notes that it's not the lightest road bike.
Review: Giant Defy 2 Review, Simon Withers, Oct. 16, 2009
The 2010 Giant Defy 2 earns an above-average rating of 9 (out of 10) from Britain's 220 Triathlon magazine. Testers say the carbon fork absorbs bumps on the road easily, and they praise the "smooth, silky ride." Some testers find the stem a bit too long.
Review: Giant Defy 2, Editors of 220 Triathlon, Jan. 1, 2010
Only a handful of reviewers comment on the Giant Defy 2 at Buzzillions.com, and most refer to earlier model years. Users say the bike is comfortable, responsive and looks more expensive than it is. However, one owner thinks the bike is overpriced.
Review: Giant Defy 2, Contributors to Buzzillions.com
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