Giant Defy Advanced 0

  With 2012 quickly approaching we are steadily starting to see more and more of next year’s bikes show up at our front door.  One of the coolest bikes for next year is without a doubt Giants Defy Advanced 0, featuring Ultegra Di2 Electronic components.  This bike first and foremost features Giant’s outstanding Defy Advanced frame which utilizes Giant's advanced composite T-700 carbon fiber, the same level of carbon fiber found in their TCR Advanced series bikes.  The quality of the material makes the bike exceptionally stiff and at the same times provides an amazing level of comfort for the rider.  In our opinion all of this adds up to one thing FUN.   The bike is built using endurance geometry just like the entire Defy Advanced and Defy family.  This means the bike has a taller head tube, shorter top tube, and a slightly longer wheelbase.  The adjustments allow the rider to sit up a bit higher than they would on a bike using race geometry and help to provide comfort on those longer rides.  Many top professional teams will use endurance geometry bikes for epic classic races such as Paris Roubaix.

  Ok, so that covers the frame but what about that new electronic component group you say?  The Ultegra Di2 group is nothing short of amazing.  Ever since Shimano launched Dura Ace Di2 back in 2009 people have been chomping at the bit to get their hands on the stuff but some were a bit dismayed by the price.  So the new Ultegra Di2 is Shimano’s move to get more people into the electronic shifting game by offering a group at a more palatable price range and best of all it is a highly tuned and well-functioning group. 

  To attain the lower price point Shimano made some adjustments to some key components of the group namely a move from carbon brake levers to alloy, a different wiring harness, and slightly larger front derailleur, but the shift quality remains crisp and smooth.  The biggest benefit of Shimano’s electronic groups is retained with Ultegra Di2, namely the ability to shift from the small chain ring to the large chain ring under load.   Anyone that has ridden a decent amount of time knows that a rider needs to briefly back of the pressure on the pedals when shifting to help avoid a miss shift with mechanical component groups but with Shimano’s electronic groups you can maintain the pressure while shifting.  This definitely provides a performance advantage to the rider and would certainly allow one to cheekily upshift to the large chain ring just as you crest a hill to put your riding buddies in the hurt locker.

  So for those of you that are in the market for a new ride, component group, or are a bit curious by all means come on by the shop.  We have already sold one Defy Advanced 0 and currently have two in stock.  As always any bike purchased at The Cyclery & Fitness Center comes with lifetime free adjustments and 10% off parts and accessories for a year.