MY24 Giant Defy

DEFY LIMITS

THE ALL-NEW DEFY RANGE

Defy is for going longer. It’s for climbing higher, riding faster, and doing it all with confidence and smooth control. It’s for reaching your limit and blowing past it.

This fifth generation Defy range takes everything riders love about it—namely its unbeatable blend of lightweight efficiency and smooth compliance—and levels up. It’s now lighter, smoother and more efficient. It’s the perfect companion for an all-day sportive, an ambitious gran fondo, and epic solo days on challenging roads.

New features and technologies make this Defy feel both more responsive and more composed. It’s built on an all-new, totally reengineered composite frameset that now comes in three choices: Defy Advanced SL, Defy Advanced Pro and Defy Advanced.

Each series is significantly lighter and more efficient than the previous generation. Each combines greater pedaling stiffness with an even smoother ride thanks to innovative engineering and integrated components.

FUNCTIONAL SIMPLICITY

One of the hallmarks of Defy is a commitment to improving performance without overcomplicating it. Based on market feedback over the years—plus input received from top pros who have raced Defy bikes at events like ParisRoubaix—the development team has chosen not to turn to shock absorbers, bushings and other add-ons used in many endurance road bikes.

While these technologies can sometimes achieve certain performance attributes, they come at a cost. Weight, durability, ease of maintenance—these are factors that matter to real riders. For that reason, the next-generation Defy builds on the innovations this bike has established and proven over the years. These include a new D-Fuse seatpost, which produces road-smoothing compliance without adding weight, and a new Contact SLR/SL D-Fuse handlebar that applies the same design principles and benefits to the front end of the bike.

Beyond that, it comes down to details. It’s the raw carbon fiber layup (carbon sheet) that’s handcrafted in Giant’s own factory. It’s the detailed layup schedule, using up to 132 intricately shaped swaths of composite to meet specific weight and stiffness parameters. It’s the touch points and components, all designed and integrated for endurance road performance.

These details add up. The frame for the flagship series of the new range, the Defy Advanced SL, is a feathery 785g (medium, no hardware), weighing a full 195g (19.9 percent) less than the previous generation’s top-of-the-line Defy Advanced Pro frame. Tests show that the new frame also boasts 28 percent greater frameset efficiency (stiffness-toweight ratio) over the outgoing Defy Advanced Pro. At the front end, the new fork used on the new Defy Advanced SL and Defy Advanced Pro series weighs 350g, 15 percent lighter than the previous generation. And the new Contact SLR D-Fuse handlebar is now 8 percent lighter.

This is the blueprint for Defy: Less weight, better ride quality, no gimmicks.

ENGINEERED COMPLIANCE

Compliance isn’t just about comfort. It’s also about performance and speed. A smoother bike is a faster bike, especially on less-than-perfect roads. Anyone who enjoys long days in the saddle knows that feedback from the road—the cracks, the bumps, the constant vibrations—add up over the hours and contribute to fatigue. Defy is built to minimize that effect, helping riders feel fresher for longer.

It starts with the frameset. Every Defy frame is handcrafted in Giant’s own composite manufacturing facility to meet specific goals for critical factors like vertical compliance. In the rear of the bike, dropped seatstays absorb road shocks and vibrations as they travel up from the rear wheel toward the rider. Up front, the newly designed fork is made with Giant’s Advanced SL or Advanced composite (depending on the series), which absorbs shocks traveling up through the front wheel.

Beyond the framesets, each new Defy features integrated components with a focus on compliance. The first is the composite seatpost, created by Giant a decade ago and now commonly used by other brands. Originally used for Giant’s pro cyclocross racers, the D-Fuse seatpost technology made its way to Defy bikes in 2018.

The heart of the design is a D-shaped composite shaft that absorbs shocks and adds a small amount of flexing action (up to 7mm). This significantly reduces the energy of bumps and vibrations that travel through one of the bike’s key contact points, the saddle. Testing shows that the new Defy Advanced SL frameset and seatpost produce 42 percent greater compliance (combined) than the previous generation Defy Advanced Pro series.

This technology is also applied to the front of the bike with new Contact SLR/SL handlebars. The bars use similar D-shaped composite tubing on the tops, which creates greater downward compliance while at the same time increasing upward stiffness. This means you get shock-absorbing qualities and also better efficiency for hard, outof-the-saddle efforts like sprinting or climbing. The new Contact SLR D-Fuse handlebar, which comes on Defy Advanced SL and select Defy Advanced Pro models, delivers 40 percent more compliance compared to the previous generation.

Other component selections that help smooth out the road include the WheelSystems and tires. Every new Defy comes with high-volume 32mm tubeless tires, and there’s clearance for even larger diameters up to 38mm. This provides smooth rolling performance and the ability to run lower tire pressures for increased efficiency and a reduced risk of flats.

TOTAL CONTROL

The third performance factor to consider with the new Defy range is control. From twisty descents to rough pavement and washboard backroads, Defy’s endurance road geometry and integrated components breed confidence and deliver pinpoint precision for every situation.

An oversized and tapered steerer tube boosts stiffness up front for razor-sharp steering and cornering performance. The cockpits for all Defy models include a Contact SLR D-Fuse or Contact SL D-Fuse composite handlebar (depending on the series), which, in addition to road-smoothing compliance, offer a unique ergonomic shape with a short reach. The drops are shaped with an 8-degree flare, which gives riders stable handling whether they’re bombing mountain descents or battling tough crosswinds in the flats.

New stems—the Contact SLR AeroLight, Contact SL AeroLight or Contact AeroLight (depending on the series)—are made with stiff composite or aluminum material and an aero-optimized shape. They feature semi-internal cable routing for a clean look and further improvements in aero performance.

Every Defy model comes with a WheelSystem and tires that are ideal for endurance road riding—offering an ideal balance of vertical forgiveness and extremely low side-load drag to improve control without sacrificing aero efficiency. From the wide, hookless carbon rims of the Defy Advanced SL and Defy Advanced Pro series to the high-volume 32mm tubeless tires that come on every Defy model, the wheels and tires work as a system to deliver efficiency, grip and all-around control.

Integrated hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable braking power in dry or wet weather, on all kinds of road conditions. Thru-axles front and rear along with flat-mount calipers provide added stiffness, precision and stopping power for confident descending.

Front to back, from the frameset to the tires, every detail on Defy is designed to give riders of all abilities the ultimate endurance road experience.

TESTING RESULTS

THE BACKBONE OF EFFICIENCY: STIFFNESS-TO-WEIGHT RATIOS COMPARED

STIFFNESS

Stiffness was assessed using the protocols established by Germany’s TOUR magazine with size medium framesets. Each new frame was tested with its stock fork, providing the most accurate measure of how the bike performs and ensuring that performance translates to real-world riding.

Our testing determined how much the complete frameset flexed torsionally under load. Each frame was locked at the rear dropouts with lateral force applied to the fork. More frame stiffness means better cornering and response to rider input on the road. One of the key findings is that the flagship Defy Advanced SL provides up to 8.9 percent greater transmission stiffness than its top-of-the-line predecessor (2023 Defy Advanced Pro).

Increased frame stiffness means better power transmission, enabling the rider to reach and maintain higher speeds with less effort. The combination of lower weight and higher stiffness adds up to unrivaled overall efficiency.

WEIGHT COMPARISON

For this comparison test, Giant defines a frameset as follows:

- Size medium, unpainted, production frame

- Production fork (uncut)

- Headset/expander/top cap

- Seatpost (seatpost included with frameset)

- Seat clamp

- Front and rear derailleur hanger/clamps

- All production hardware (water bottle bolts, etc.)

Compared to the 2023 Defy Advanced Pro frameset, the new Defy Advanced SL version saves 228.4 grams. Furthermore, the new Defy Advanced Pro frameset weighs 153.4 grams less than the 2023 Defy Advanced Pro and the new Defy Advanced frameset weighs 117.4 grams less than the 2023 Defy Advanced Pro.

EFFICIENCY

While improving stiffness and increasing compliance, the new Defy range also significantly boosts its overall efficiency (stiffness-to-weight) ratio.

ADVANCED SL TECHNOLOGY

Professional Grade raw carbon fiber is woven in our composite factory to produce our lightest, stiffest and highest quality frames. This is the technology used by Giant’s pro racers in almost every cycling discipline. These frames feature the most advanced engineering and construction methods.

HIGHLIGHTS

MATERIALS

Professional Grade raw carbon material is used to engineer framesets with the highest stiffness-to-weight-ratios available today.

2. RESIN

Professional Formula resin features Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT), a microscopic polymer that acts like miniature buttresses to strengthen the layers of composite. Frames featuring CNT are 14 percent more impact resistant than those without it.

3. FUSION PROCESS

Advanced SL top tubes are “grafted” to the seat tube using filament winding and co-molding. This complex process involves handweaving the top tube and seat tube together, and then re-molding the area under heat and high pressure to unify the junction. Fusion produces a lighter, stronger junction than traditional molding.

4. CONTINUOUS FIBER TECHNOLOGY

This manufacturing process allows Giant to construct the front triangle of Advanced SL frames with larger, and therefore fewer, sections of composite material. With fewer pieces and junctions, these frames are lighter and significantly stronger.*

5. LASER CUTTING

Used to produce more precise composite swatches than traditional machine-stamped process. This allows for smaller, more exacting swatches to reduce frame weight.

6. ROBOTIC LAYUP

New automated assembly process used in critical areas of the frame and fork enables precision placed composite swatches for lighter, stronger frameset.

*Found on select framesets.

1.

D-FUSE TECHNOLOGY

CONTROLLED COMPLIANCE

Giant first introduced its breakthrough D-Fuse technology in 2014 as a seatpost for pro-level cyclocross bikes. It was designed to absorb low-amplitude shocks and high-amplitude vibrations to deliver a smoother ride on variable terrain. The heart of this pioneering concept is its distinctive “D-shaped” tubing with a round front and flattened rear section. Following its success in cyclocross, including multiple world championship titles, D-Fuse technology was expanded to endurance road and gravel bikes—and later to the front half of the bicycle. Together, the handlebar and seatpost add compliance at two key contact points without the unwanted complexity or weight associated with pivots or inserts. There are several D-Fuse handlebar models currently available. Each is lighter than round-shaped handlebar options and up to 40 percent more compliant than previous-generation D-Fuse handlebars.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. D-FUSE SEATPOST

A D-shaped composite shaft absorbs shocks and vibrations. With up to 7mm of flex, this engineered compliance produces a smooth ride quality to help minimize fatigue.

2. D-SHAPED COMPOSITE TUBING

3. LIGHTWEIGHT

Contact SLR/SL D-Fuse handlebars feature lightweight construction while offering outstanding vertical compliance.

4. COMPLIANCE

40% more “pushing” (downward) compliance compared to round shaped Contact handlebars to absorb road shock and vibrations.

5. EFFICIENCY

Up to 2% more “pulling” (upward) stiffness compared to previous generation of Contact SLR D-Fuse handlebar for cornering, sprinting and climbing efficiency.

D-Fuse handlebars are made with D-shaped tubing on the tops for added compliance and hand comfort.

DEFY ADVANCED SL

With greater lateral stiffness and a superlight frame weight of 785g, this is the most efficient Defy ever. The composite frame layup targets smooth-riding performance for long, hard rides. The new D-Fuse SLR seatpost is now lighter and engineered with 40 percent added compliance. The Contact SLR D-Fuse handlebar, also new, features similar D-shaped tubing as the seatpost to absorb shocks and vibrations, plus an 8-degree flare for improved ergonomics and control. Component highlights include the new Contact SLR AeroLight stem with integrated cable routing. A CADEX 36 WheelSystem with superlight hookless carbon rims delivers snappy yet stable handling and superior tubeless tire performance.

TECHNOLOGY

1 ADVANCED SL COMPOSITE

Professional-grade raw carbon material is woven in our own composite factory using our most advanced engineering and construction methods including Continuous Fiber Technology, Carbon Nanotube Technology and Fusion Process.

2 OVERDRIVE AERO

The D-shaped fork steerer tube and corresponding spacers provide an extremely aerodynamic, easier to service system of internally routed brake and derailleur cables.

3 D-FUSE SLR SEATPOST Proprietary seatpost features a D-shaped composite shaft to better absorb road vibrations without the need for mechanical devices or special inserts. Optimized carbon layup helps increase overall compliance by 40% over previous generation.

4 CONTACT SLR D-FUSE HANDLEBAR

Lightweight carbon handlebar with D-shaped tubing combines road-smoothing comfort (40% more compliant than the previous generation) with greater pulling (upward) stiffness for better efficiency while sprinting and climbing.

5 POWERCORE

A massively oversized bottom bracket area features a fully integrated 86mm wide design. Asymmetric chainstays provide additional stiffness on the driveside and increased stability on the non-driveside.

6 TUBELESS WHEELSYSTEM Engineered with proprietary Dynamic Balanced Lacing technology, this tubeless ready composite WheelSystem delivers superior efficiency, pinpoint control and comfort.

7 INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING

Frame/handlebar/stem feature unique cable porting for sleek, non-cluttered appearance and performance

8 DISC-BRAKE INTEGRATION

The frame and fork are engineered specifically for flat-mount disc-brakes, including front and rear 12mm thru-axles for reliable braking performance in all weather and road conditions.

9 CONTACT SLR AEROLIGHT STEM

Composite integrated stem with semi-internal cable routing improves aero performance and aesthetics with wind tunnel-inspired design.

DEFY ADVANCED SL

Go long. Go fast. Superlight and silky smooth, the flagship series of the new Defy range is back to reclaim its title as the pinnacle of endurance road. It’s the perfect choice for the sportive or gran fondo that’s circled on your calendar.

KEY PERFORMANCE FACTORS

FUNCTIONAL SIMPLICITY

Free of cumbersome gimmickry, the frameset is one of the lightest in its category. With a perfect balance of high-performance reactivity and all-day comfort, it offers a “less is more” experience for modern endurance road riding.

ENGINEERED COMPLIANCE

Advanced SL-grade composite frame and fork are specifically engineered for endurance road riding, delivering a smooth and efficient ride quality that minimizes fatigue on long rides. The new D-Fuse components work together to further absorb road shocks and vibrations.

TOTAL CONTROL

A new Contact D-Fuse handlebar features ergonomic shaping and an 8-degree flare for comfort and control on all-day rides. Wide, hookless carbon rims (22.4mm inner width) are optimized for high-volume tubeless tires (up to 38mm), and a 36mm rim depth offers stable, predictable handling in crosswinds.

TECHNOLOGIES

FRAME GEOMETRY (UNITS IN MM UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)

DEFY ADVANCED PRO

An all-new Advanced-grade composite chassis combines responsive efficiency with a calm, composed ride quality. The combination of a D-Fuse seatpost and handlebar, both featuring D-shaped tubing to better absorb shocks and vibrations, helps you stay smooth no matter how rough the road. The new Contact SL AeroLight stem has cleanly integrated cable routing. And the frame has clearance for high-volume tires up to 38mm.

TECHNOLOGY

1 ADVANCED COMPOSITE

High-performance grade raw carbon material is used to produce this custom frame material in our own composite factory with a high stiffness-to-weight ratio. The front triangle is assembled and molded as one continuous piece in a proprietary manufacturing process called Modified Monocoque Construction.

2 FULL COMPOSITE FORK

Steerer tube and legs are constructed entirely from Giant’s Advanced SL-grade composite for light weight and precision handling.

3 OVERDRIVE AERO

The D-shaped fork steerer tube and corresponding spacers provide an extremely aerodynamic, easier to service system of internally routed brake and derailleur cables.

4 D-FUSE SLR/SL SEATPOST

Proprietary seatpost features a D-shaped composite shaft to better absorb road vibrations without the need for mechanical devices or special inserts. Optimized carbon layup helps increase overall compliance.

5 CONTACT SLR/SL D-FUSE HANDLEBAR

Lightweight carbon handlebar with D-shaped tubing combines road-smoothing comfort (40% more compliant than the previous generation) with greater pulling (upward) stiffness for better efficiency while sprinting and climbing.

6 CONTACT SL AEROLIGHT STEM

Composite integrated stem with internal cable routing improves aero performance and aesthetics with wind tunnel-inspired design.

7 POWERCORE

A massively oversized bottom bracket area features a fully integrated 86mm wide design. Asymmetric chainstays provide additional stiffness on the driveside and increased stability on the non-driveside

8 TUBELESS WHEELSYSTEM

Engineered with proprietary Dynamic Balanced Lacing technology, this tubeless ready composite WheelSystem delivers superior efficiency, pinpoint control and comfort.

9 INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING

Frame/handlebar/stem feature unique cable porting for sleek, non-cluttered appearance and performance.

10 DISC-BRAKE INTEGRATION

The frame and fork are engineered specifically for flat-mount disc-brakes, including front and rear 12mm thru-axles for reliable braking performance in all weather and road conditions.

DEFY ADVANCED PRO

Here’s to long rides. Climb higher mountains, skip the shortcuts. This buttery smooth endurance road bike helps you do more of what you love.

KEY PERFORMANCE FACTORS

FUNCTIONAL SIMPLICITY

Free of cumbersome gimmickry, the frameset is one of the lightest in its category. With a perfect balance of high-performance reactivity and all-day comfort, it offers a “less is more” experience for modern endurance road riding.

ENGINEERED COMPLIANCE

Advanced-grade composite frame and fork are specifically engineered for endurance road riding, delivering a smooth and efficient ride quality that minimizes fatigue on long rides. The new D-Fuse components work together to further absorb road shocks and vibrations.

TOTAL CONTROL

New Contact D-Fuse handlebar features ergonomic shaping and an 8-degree flare for comfort and control on all-day rides. Wide, hookless carbon rims (22.4mm inner width) are optimized for high-volume tubeless tires (up to 38mm), and a 36mm rim depth offers stable, predictable handling in crosswinds.

TECHNOLOGIES

FRAME GEOMETRY (UNITS IN MM UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)

DEFY ADVANCED

With an all-new composite chassis that combines efficiency with compliance, this endurance road machine will have you logging more miles at a greater average speed. The combination of a D-Fuse seatpost and handlebar, both featuring D-shaped tubing to better absorb shocks and vibrations, helps you stay smooth no matter how rough the road. The new Contact AeroLight stem has cleanly integrated cable routing. And the frameset offers clearance for high-volume tires up to 38mm.

TECHNOLOGY

1 ADVANCED COMPOSITE

High-performance

2 D-FUSE SEATPOST

is used to produce this

5 POWERCORE

A massively oversized bottom bracket area features a fully integrated 86mm wide design. Asymmetric chainstays provide additional stiffness on the driveside and increased stability on the non-driveside.

6 GIANT WHEELSYSTEM

Proprietary seatpost features a D-shaped composite shaft to absorb road vibrations without the need for mechanical devices or special inserts. Optimized carbon layup helps increase overall compliance.

3 CONTACT SL D-FUSE HANDLEBAR

Lightweight

4 CONTACT AEROLIGHT STEM

Composite

Engineered with proprietary Dynamic Balanced Lacing technology, this tubeless ready composite WheelSystem delivers superior efficiency, pinpoint control and comfort

7 INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING

Frame/handlebar/stem feature unique cable porting for sleek, non-cluttered appearance and performance.

8 DISC-BRAKE INTEGRATION

The frame and fork are engineered specifically for flat-mount disc-brakes, including front and rear 12mm thru-axles for reliable braking performance in all weather and road conditions.

grade raw carbon material

custom frame material in our own composite factory with a high stiffness-to-weight ratio. The front triangle is assembled and molded as one continuous piece in a proprietary manufacturing process called Modified Monocoque Construction.

carbon handlebar with D-shaped tubing combines road-smoothing comfort with greater pulling (upward) stiffness for better efficiency while sprinting and climbing.

integrated stem with internal cable routing improves aero performance and aesthetics with wind tunnel-inspired design.

DEFY ADVANCED

With effortless efficiency and quiet compliance, this lightweight endurance road machine helps you ride stronger and longer. The composite frame and purpose-built components smooth out rough roads and minimize fatigue.

KEY PERFORMANCE FACTORS

FUNCTIONAL SIMPLICITY

Free of cumbersome gimmickry, the frameset is one of the lightest in its category. With a perfect balance of high-performance reactivity and all-day comfort, it offers a “less is more” experience for modern endurance road riding.

ENGINEERED COMPLIANCE

Advanced-grade composite frame and fork are specifically engineered for endurance road riding, delivering a smooth and efficient ride quality that minimizes fatigue on long rides. The new D-Fuse components work together to further absorb road shocks and vibrations.

TOTAL CONTROL

New Contact D-Fuse handlebar features ergonomic shaping and an 8-degree flare for comfort and control on all-day rides. Wide, hookless carbon rims (22.4mm inner width) are optimized for high-volume tubeless tires (up to 38mm), and a 36mm rim depth offers stable, predictable handling in crosswinds.

TECHNOLOGIES

FRAME GEOMETRY (UNITS IN MM UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)