Giant Defy 2

Bottom Line

Considered by many to be the ideal road bike for first-timers, the Defy 2 receives its third consecutive Editors' Choice award from Bicycling Magazine and Triathlon Plus names it 2013's "best long distance bike for triathlon." A top choice when value is a high priority, the bike features Shimano Tiagra components, a composite fork, Tektro brakes and Giant S-R2 rims with P-R4 tires.

Performance

Lighter than previous models. This road bike has undergone constant improvements over the years, and its transmission setup has been switched from Shimano Sora to Tiagra. Triathlon Plus editors say the absolute jewel of the Defy 2 package is its frame, noting that it has a longer wheelbase than professional road-race bikes and is a bit taller up front. The tapered steerer -- which forms the top of the fork and rotates inside the larger headtube -- makes for steering that's "immediate and responsive without ever feeling twitchy," users say.

BikeRadar.com reports that the Defy 2's aluminum frame could easily match most low-end carbon frames' performance. Guy Kesteven says comfort doesn't come at the expense of powertrain stiffness or steering accuracy. Although acceleration isn't superfast, it is noticeably good and he likes the feel of the bike overall. It's "more stable and confident over rough surfaces and this combines to help you maintain a good momentum," he adds.

Editors at 220 Triathlon concur; they're particularly impressed by how the carbon-bladed fork absorbs shock, especially when pushing the bike hard through corners. Owners like the Tiagra components, praising the more realistic chainring ratios that are less strenuous on the knees.

While Triathlon Plus editors say riders will want to upgrade some parts immediately, they add that the Defy frame is so competent that it's worth the initial cost, and likewise worthy of upgrades like new cartridge brake pads. Testers say the stock pads aren't strong enough. The bike also suffers from a heavy wheelset and users suggest upgrading the wheels first.

Comfort

A smooth ride. The Giant Defy 2 receives consistent praise for its overall ride comfort. "Among the most comfortable and composed endurance-minded machines we've ever tested, but it's exciting and handles sharply when you want to get ahead and push it to the limits," says Triathlon Plus. Kesteven calls the Defy 2's comfortable ride impressive for an alloy frame at this price.

It earns a 2012 Editors' Choice award from Bicycling Magazine, where editors say the carbon fork and seatpost and 25 mm tires give the bike "a road-smoothing ride, while still offering enough input to let you know the texture of the pavement below."

While a few testers in years past found the Giant Defy 2's seat uncomfortable, Triathlon Plus editors say the new Fizik Aliante "is quite simply one of the most comfortable saddles ever."

The bike feels "extremely taut and instantly responsive," reports 220 Triathlon, noting that even on long rides in the stretched position, "our back and wrists survived unscathed with no buzz or numbness." The Defy 2 cruises comfortably but has plenty of power when needed, they add.

Durability

No sacrifices. Giant is one of the largest and most experienced frame manufacturers in the world, and it shows in the excellent durability and agility of the Defy 2's frame tubes. BikeRadar.com's Kesteven says the tapered headtube and fork create a precise and punctual feel to any steering input. The super-thin, leaf spring top tube adds vertical stability without sacrificing any twist resistance. Triathlon Plus editors find that the Defy's front end shakes off any suggestion of unwanted flex yet maintains plenty of vibration-reducing smoothness.

Customer Service

No consumer help line. Instead of a dedicated help line, Giant directs owners to contact a local Giant retailer who will in turn contact the manufacturer. The fork and frame of the Defy 2 come with a lifetime guarantee; components get a 12-month warranty. We found no user reviews that comment on Giant's customer service.