Here we will look at the carbon composite frame range which consists of the Giant Defy, Giant TCR and the Giant Propel. Before we look at these bikes, here is a brief list of the benefits of carbon frames.
Benefits of Carbon bike frames (and forks
Man made material so engineers can give it different qualities depending on what is required - can be stiff to aid efficiency and speed while still being pliable to reduce road buzz
Incredibly efficient for increased power transfer - translation: you will be faster or travel the same speed using less energy
Carbon offers phenomenal comfort
Lightweight
The Giant Defy is classed as an endurance road bike so is designed to be more comfortable over longer distances by having a more upright front end and a shorter reach when compared to race geometry. A lot of people find this shape of bike more comfortable as it does not rely on a good deal of flexibility from the individual.
The downside of this type of bike is that you lose some aerodynamic efficiency while in a more upright position but most people that are looking for an endurance bike believe this is a worthy trade for the increased comfort.
Comfort also comes in the form of a frame and fork that can vastly reduce road vibrations and buzz so causing less fatigue particularly in the hands, arms neck and back.
The Defy range are available in 'Advanced', 'Advanced Pro' and 'Advanced SL' and the differences are below.
Defy range differences
Defy Advanced - Carbon frame and forks with aluminium alloy wheels. Available in numerous options with different gearing systems. Available in Defy Advanced 0, 1, 2 & 3 (The lower the number, the better the groupset)
Defy Advanced Pro - Carbon frame and upgraded carbon forks with carbon fiber wheels. Available in numerous options with different gearing systems. Available in Defy Advanced Pro 0, 1 & 2.
Defy Advanced SL - The highest grade of carbon composite frame and forks and carbon wheels. Available in two options options, The Advanced SL 0 & 1. While there is an upgrade in the gearing from the 1 to the 0, you also get Giant's best carbon wheelset with the 0 also. The 1 still comes with carbon wheels, just not the top of the line version.
The Giant TCR is one off the most famous and celebrated road bikes ever designed. This is due to the extremely low weight, incredible speed and great comfort (considering it's a race bike). Being a race bike, this means that the front end is lower and the reach is longer to give an efficient and aerodynamic position saving a significant amount of power for a competitive edge. This is also an example of the lightest of the road bikes as these are designated as climbers race road bikes as they will fly up and down hills. You will deinitely be fast on this bike.
One of the other benefits of the TCR is the handling. These bikes will feel incredibly sharp on descents so, compared to a bike like the Giant Propel (more on the Propel a little further down) you sacrifice some of that straight line speed for nimble handling on the descents.
The downside of this bike comes with this enhanced speed position - it's just not sustainable for many people as it requires a good deal of flexibility, particularly in the hips and hamstrings, and requires good core strength (I'll get onto those exercises some day!).
You should buy this bike if you are wanting to be as fast as possible and are either pretty flexible or are willing to put in the work to strengthen your core and increase flexibility.
Similar to the other carbon bikes in the range, the TCR is available as TCR Advanced, TCR Advanced Pro and the TCR Advanced SL.
TCR range differences
TCR Advanced - Carbon frame and forks with aluminium alloy OR carbon wheels. Available in numerous options with different gearing systems. Available in TCR Advanced 0 Di2, 0 AXS, 1 & 2.
Giant TCR Advanced Pro - Carbon frame and upgraded carbon forks with carbon fiber wheels. Available in numerous options with different gearing systems. Available in TCR Advanced Pro 0 AXS, 0 Di2, 1 AXS, 1 Di2 and 2.
TCR Advanced SL - The highest grade of carbon composite frame and forks and carbon wheels - the SL 0 is the bike the Pro peloton use on the grand tours. Available in numerous options, The Advanced SL 0 Dura Ace Di2, SL 0 Red AXS, SL1 AXS and SL1 Di2. While there is an upgrade in the gearing from the 1 to the 0, you also get Giant's Cadex carbon wheelset with the 0 also.
Another road race bike but this time the priority is aerodynamics. The Propel range is designed to be the fastest road bike in a straight line with carbon frame and forks to increase efficiency. If you want a bike to be as fast as possible then the Propel could be for you.
As in all of cycling, prioritising one factor means you trade off in other areas and with the Propel you will get a slightly heavier bike as more aerodynamics means more material. The straight line stability and speed also comes with a trade off, and that's the handling. A bicycle like a Propel will not handle quite as well as, say, the TCR - that being said, great strides have been made with aerodynamic bikes in recent history to make them much lighter and better handling than like models of the past.
Giant offer many different versions o the Propel which we will have a look at here.
Propel range differences
Propel Advanced - Carbon frame and forks with aluminium alloy OR carbon wheels. Available in numerous options with different gearing systems. Available in Propel Advanced 0 Di2, 0 AXS, 1 & 2.
Propel Advanced Pro - Carbon frame and upgraded carbon forks with carbon fiber wheels. Available in numerous options with different gearing systems. Available in Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS, 0 Di2, 1 AXS, 1 Di2 and 2.
Propel Advanced SL - The highest grade of carbon composite frame and forks and carbon wheels - the SL 0 is the bike the Pro's use on the grand tours. Available in two options, The Advanced SL 0 with Dura-Ace Di2 and the Propel Advanced SL 1 with Ultegra Di2.
Phew! That was a lot of info to throw at you about Giant bikes but there's more. We will have a brief look at the frequently asked questions about Giant road bikes.
How do I determine the right size for a Giant road bike?
We always recommend sitting on and test riding a bike as this is the best way to ensure you are getting the correct size. Otherwise, Giant have a size chart (below) that can be used as a guide.
What are the differences between the Giant Defy, Propel, and TCR models?
We discussed this above but here is the condensed version -
Defy - Carbon road bike made for endurance and long distance riding. More upright position
TCR - Carbon road bike for maximum speed uphill and down. Agressive geometry for a race position.
Propel - Carbon road bike for maximum straight line speed. Also agressive geometry for better aerodynamics.
What frame material options are available for Giant road bikes in the UK?
The two main frame materials for Giant road bikes are aluminium alloy and carbon composite.
What should I consider when choosing a Giant road bike for commuting in the UK?
When choosing a Giant road bike specifically for commuting we would always start with bikes that have the option of full leength mudguards and the ability to take a rack for pannier bags. For commuting, the Giant Contend AR would be an excellent choice due to the wider tyres and ability to fit mudguards and rack.
Can I test ride a Giant road bike before purchasing?
We allow short test rides on any bike we have in stock in the business on dry days to check for the correct size and fit. We require a 20% refundable deposit to bring a bike in for test and if it is not suitable, we will transfer the deposit or refund you if there are no viable alternatives.
If we have a bike in stock on a shop floor, you are welcome to test it that day provided you have photo ID and it is dry.
Are Giant bikes looked down on by the cycling community?
Overall we don't get that impression but as with all things, people will have their opinions and the only negative ones we have heard are based on the fact that Giant are such a huge company. We choose to look at that positively though, as this is why they are able to produce such excellent bikes at lower price points.
