Price Paid:
$2300.00
at LBS- Bicycle Pro Sho Favorite Ride:
Beach Drive Bike Setup:
Ultegra components (came with bike)
Shimano M520 pedals
Specialized Jett seat
Summary:
I purchased a 2009 Defy Advanced 2 after test riding what seemed like enough bikes to make an educated choice. I am coming back to cycling after many years away. Never serious, just weekend rides of 20-40 miles. My most recent bike was an aluminum hybrid that I hated, purchased in the mid 90s during the craze. I'm a middle aged female, 5'9" and reasonably fit. Initially I went in search of a steel bike but found very little out there. The steel bikes I tried were ok (Masi, Surly & Bianchi) however the carbon frames were what most of the dealers were encouraging me to try. I tried out a Bianchi 928 C2C (my second top pick), Look 566 (3rd choice, very fast), Orbea Orca (too pricey though nice ride), Cervelo RS (too pricey and twitchy for my conservative riding style), Scott (don't recall the model), Trek Madone 5.2 (not comfortable, too much road chatter), Cannondale (too dead) and a Specialized Roubaix (too dull, not enough feel). I am a tennis player so most of what I was sensing I compare to what I get out of a tennis racket in terms of feel and feedback, power vs. control, flex, etc. What sold me on the Giant was the comfort, road feedback was closest to my old steel bikes from my youth and the value. The salesperson was GREAT and worked patiently with me, never making me feel like a female in a man's world (other salespeople- younger males- did not relate to me as a middle aged female). He didn't try to push anything on me or sway my decision, which I appreciated. I am gradually building up my mileage to where I can go for 30 miles at a stretch. The main issue has been getting comfortable in the saddle- a whole other issue not germaine to this discussion- rather than my legs getting tired. On downhills and turns I feel the bike is stable and I don't fear losing control which was not true on some of the other bikes with more extreme frames/aggressive riding position. I just switched to clipless pedals which are GREAT and a whole new world for me as a first timer. My one complaint is that Giant is such a BIG manufacturer that the bike is not unusual or unique. They did a nice job on the graphics, subtle and not too flashy. Strengths:
For the money, I think you get a very good value. The ride is comfortable, stable and predictable. The components operate smoothly. Weaknesses:
None so far Similar Products Used:
First carbon bike I've owned.
Cannondale H600-aluminum hybrid
Steel Road Bike- Londoner- bought in 1984
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