Giant Defy 2.5 Road Bike

I have long harboured a desire to own a half decent roadbike. Fortunately my employers opted into the "Cycle to Work scheme" And I purchased a Defy 2.5.

===Looks ===

This bioke looks good in a largely black and white frame with grey details. The bike itself is set at fairly agressive angles with a nice low handlebar.

===Frame ===

The frame is extremely light aluminium (10kg total ...
...The geometry feels right on the bike, although if you are new to raod bikes you may find the handlebar set a little low. My first ciouple of journeys resulted in sore back and stiff neck, however you soon adjust.

===Gears ===

This bike features a 27 speed Shimano Tigra setup (3 front cogs, 9 rear cogs) That gives you a huge variation. In the highest gear roadsise blurs past you and I have yet to find a hill that can ... more

I have long harboured a desire to own a half decent roadbike. Fortunately my employers opted into the "Cycle to Work scheme" And I purchased a Defy 2.5.

Looks

This bioke looks good in a largely black and white frame with grey details. The bike itself is set at fairly agressive angles with a nice low handlebar.

Frame

The frame is extremely light aluminium (10kg total weight) and put together with very neat and efficient welds. The geometry feels right on the bike, although if you are new to raod bikes you may find the handlebar set a little low. My first ciouple of journeys resulted in sore back and stiff neck, however you soon adjust.

Gears

This bike features a 27 speed Shimano Tigra setup (3 front cogs, 9 rear cogs) That gives you a huge variation. In the highest gear roadsise blurs past you and I have yet to find a hill that can defeat the lowest gearing. The Tiagra system seems very reliable with shifts always finding their cogs. The lever system is based on the brake handles with a small inner lever being used to go up and the full brake handle being used for down (opposite on front cog). This soon feels very natural.

Wheels

The wheels provided are okay, I suspect that this is where the manufacturesrs have looked to save some money and they are the only part of the bike that I have since upgraded. For me they were a little on the heavy side and not quite free running enough.

Pedals

This bike was provided with toe clip pedals which I opted to have removed and replaced with some that work with cleats and proper road shoes. As I never saw the originals I can't really comment - however if you are serious about road biking road shoes are the way forward!

Brakes

A simple dual pivot system, not world leading but it works. Pads will need replacing but this is a good lightweight system.

Seat / Post

A nice, easily adjustable seat post is a good addition to this bike - however a carbon fibre version would be nicer in order to further reduce weight. The saddle itself is as uncomfortable as any road bike should be - let's be honest you need some padded shorts!

Overall Ride

This bike is a delight to ride, the gear changes are smooth and slick and the handlebars comfortable in any of the normal hand positions. The supplied tyres are a good road tyre - nearly slick. Be prepared to inflate them to 120 psi, you will need more than just a handheld pump!

Value

£650 is a lot of money but for this you do get a lot of bike. Personally this suits me nicely, I ride 2/3 times a week so spending a bit of money on a bike is fine. If I was butying for occasional use then I would consider something less expensive. If I was serious enough to be entering competitions I would be buying something more expensive. For my little nich this is spot on!

 

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