*Great **Latest.Bike** , good looking, good suspension and love the gearing. I've tested some bikes that were more then twice the price but not as good. Get lots of looks when riding.*
I bought the defy in april 2019 and have done 20 000k over the time including several trips abroad with the bike in a bag. The frame is designed to be compliant but not to crack. I weigh 90 KG and about 100k when in winter gear with my backpack of water and spares. I had a giant mtb bike which was 3 years old with a similar seat tube crack and Giant switched out out under warranty no quibble. Buying from giant is a safe bet as they honour their manufacturing defects.
I am another one of those 200 lbers. Was looking at this model as a replacement to my Roubaix. I was 285 riding my Roubaix so it can definitely take a beating. I really feel the Defy would be a perfect move for me as it's ever so slightly more aggressive than my current form. Keeping tabs on how things turn out for you. Good luck.
I have just bought a 2021 defy advanced 2. There is nowhere near that amount of bend and compliance to the frame when I push on the seat. I would have to use a significant a ount of force to bend it that much. If it moved thy much before it broke then I'm sure you had a defect.
That should not happen. I'd say it's a defect in the way it was made. They makes 10's of 1000's of these bikes as that model is the biggest seller so there are bound to be the odd issue. Hope you get sorted. I bought a defy advanced 2 2020 last week with a lifetime frame warranty. I ploughed it through a field and gravel and it's been more than capable . Very fast and very comfortable.
That's a shocking failure. My carbon bike is starting to make a ticking noise while pedaling under load, done all the checks but I wonder if I can expect a crack at some point. My magnesium bike cracked after about 6 years of relatively modest use where the top tube meets the seat tube just below the seat post. My feeling is stick with steel or aluminuim. I got the carbon bike in clearance sale a few years ago so not too worried but wouldn't be paying top dollar for one.
you guys are getting me nervous. I purchase that exact same model..Defy 2019 just a few weeks ago...and suddenly i'm getting more nervous to ride it everytime i read posts like these. Maybe i should sell the bike before its too late.
@@gordontarpley replacement frame is on it's way, and because the colourway that we have in Belgium I'll be getting the wine purple one (which is only sold in the UK I believe, certainly not here). Have to say I'm pretty happy about that, love that colour.
@@giljanvandemoortel7876 Sweet! I just got mine back a few days ago too! I'll be posting a vid on it today or tomorrow. Glad to hear they did you right!
There are loads of frames that are designed to flex in specific directions. It's what makes this bike so comfortable to ride for long distances but it's still stiff where it needs to be and climbs well. BUT I think the flex is much more emphasized now that there's a crack.
Don't know if they would have put it together even if they saw the vid. Did the warranty through a Giant dealer and not directly. But who knows. Maybe they did!
I just had a Giant 2021 Trance Advance Pro 1 fail after the first ride! I feel your pain! Lucky for me it happens so quickly that I was able to return it to the shop. Extra lucky that there was one more showing as available on Giants website within driving distance! I am now on my second 2021 bike in two weeks 🤞. My bike broke at the seat stay (although on a full suspension bike) in the same place with same crack pattern. Carbon does not compress well. The back of the bike fades from paint to bare clear coat. It looks like the brake was at a point where two molded piece were joined. Good luck with Giant!! I have herd good things about their Carbon Confidence program.
I’ve got an opportunity to buy a new 2019 Defy Advanced 3 from a local shop for about $1500. Feels like too good of a deal to pass up. How is the bike doing today? Are you still riding it? And did Giant replace the frame?
gordontarpley: I am glad you are covered under the warranty. On the 2019 Giant Defy Advanced 2, do you know if the handlebars can be raised to shorten the reach and stop hand numbness? Also, what aft or fore is your saddle in to prevent scooting forward on the saddle as you ride?
Hey I have a question I was hoping someone here could help with... I got a Specialized Allez maybe 8 years ago, and today I found a crack in the front fork of the bike.. Would it be worth buying a replacement front fork or just buying a whole new bike at this point?
Rides great so I'm hoping you'll enjoy it. I searched all over to see if anyone else had an issue like mine and couldn't find anything. Giant makes good bikes. The shop I worked at years ago was a Giant dealer and I've known loads of people who have owned them with no problems. Even after this I'd still trust them as a brand. If my replacement breaks... then it'll be another story.
Mate ive got one and im 97kg, hes just unlucky and is trying to fill a video up for likes and views. There is a really good warranty with Giant and they will look after you if things go wrong. The bike is totally robust.
Giant is a stand up company I’m sure the frame will be replaced without issue. This is why it’s never a good idea to buy a used carbon bike. Also why I tend to stick with aluminum frames as I’m way to cheap to buy a new bike. I have a aluminum defy and it’s a amazing bike just wish I could fit a wider tire for more comfort. Now in the market for a contend ar1
Man. I have just cracked my third - 3rd! - Defy bike frame. Same break. Giant Canada has been great - replaced under warranty twice already. I am done with this bike though. I'm looking at Titanium - frankly this has put me off Carbon - as I don't love the 3-4 months of warranty wait ahead of another ride season.
Nope. Well within tolerance and correctly sized. There's quite it bit more seat post in there and clear markers on what height is too high. Been a cyclist since the early 90s and frames have changes a ton since then, giving more top tube clearance.
How much seat post is in the frame at that height? Looks like it’s at the upper limit. Their gravel Revolt has same lowered seat stays and it meant for gravel... Giant should replace at no cost
I'm looking hard at a DA2, and this scares me. I'm 195lbs and plan to ride some towpath, trails, and crappy pavement. Am I better off looking for an aluminum bike? It sounds like Giant is very accommodating with their frame warranty, but I'm not looking forward to ever dealing with that
Probably, this is very dangerous, I have the same situation, after seeing I'd probably go with the revolt advanced series, they are gravel bikes but have carbon ones, revolt is chunkier in the frame so it can probably handle more weight as well if you are riding on bad pavement, l suggest you also look at Contend AR series and Revolt
so far so good with my Giant Defy Advanced (same model as the video). The only thing i have troubles getting use to is the saddle, so far not comfortable..but maybe its my butt ! lol.. And i have wrists pain while putting pressure on the handlebar...but i guess it might go away with time.. please note that i haven't got a bike fit due to covid 19...i'll have one ASAP
No way that damage was caused by hitting a pothole. There must have been a delaminatiin of the carbon before. Maybe it was clamped in thiis area when it was assembled or something. Or just a fail in the construction line
That's my thought too. I went and looked at a bunch of photos of my bike from before that ride to see if there were any signs but none to be seen. Plus I've cleaned or wiped it down after almost every ride and I'm sure I would have noticed anything external.
@@gordontarpley I am not an expert but I think you can't see some structural imperfections like voids, resin pooling etc on the outside. Guess you know the videos of Luescher Technik. Doing some carbon frame ultrasonic scans and cut ups to inspect the inside of the frames. Very interesting
@@stepforward1605 100% correct about the voids. I was thinking if any damage had been caused by a stand or something. Any manufacturing voids would almost always be completely invisible from the outside.
Amazing. I just cracked the frame of my Giant Revolt 2020 gravelbike two weeks ago and was told that they will get me a brandnew frame (2022 model). Probably a construction problem?
I'll 100% be doing a follow-up video no matter which way it goes. I REALLY like this bike too. I've been riding for 25 years and it's one of the nicest rides I've had. Bummer to be not riding it honestly.
They do. Apparently it's a really great warranty but it's pretty specific with the carbon bikes. I feel like this falls under warranty but I just have to wait to see what they say.
@@gordontarpley cool, i have defy 2 2020, it just the same, after this video i started afraid thet i may will have the same problem, but now it okay. Thanks
Ok Bad luck. Warranty job. Frame replacement. MUST have been a fault in manufacturing. Certainly not pothole! Carbon is brilliant and super strong. However each frame cannot be scanned before distribution. Therefore a very small percentage of ALL mass produced Carbon products will have voids,weak points. Most will not fail. Manufacturers should replace products that do fail F.O.C.
Carbon bikes are a huge sham. Horrible for the environment and they can break anywhere, anytime. I'll pay less for a more durable aluminum bike any day! It was a nice bike tho
I took it to a Giant dealer and submitted it for warranty. I'm hoping to hear back soon but everything is obviously going slower than normal so, we'll see!
@@JitinMisra nah, aluminum would be fine. It's a tricky situation in the sense that aluminum is going to be more durable but the carbon rides SO nice. I've had aluminum bikes, all were great and really snappy but the carbon feels amazing. This model is particularly wonderful on long rides and I'm willing to trade the crash durability for comfort for this type of riding, although I definitely don't think I'd ever get carbon frames for my mountain bikes or even gravel.
@@gordontarpley man , that is a tough call. I have aluminium bike, but I totally feel you, when i had tried carbon bike, it was huge difference. How long are you rides typically (miles/min)?
*Great **Latest.Bike** , good looking, good suspension and love the gearing. I've tested some bikes that were more then twice the price but not as good. Get lots of looks when riding.*
I bought the defy in april 2019 and have done 20 000k over the time including several trips abroad with the bike in a bag. The frame is designed to be compliant but not to crack. I weigh 90 KG and about 100k when in winter gear with my backpack of water and spares. I had a giant mtb bike which was 3 years old with a similar seat tube crack and Giant switched out out under warranty no quibble. Buying from giant is a safe bet as they honour their manufacturing defects.
I am another one of those 200 lbers. Was looking at this model as a replacement to my Roubaix. I was 285 riding my Roubaix so it can definitely take a beating. I really feel the Defy would be a perfect move for me as it's ever so slightly more aggressive than my current form. Keeping tabs on how things turn out for you. Good luck.
I have just bought a 2021 defy advanced 2. There is nowhere near that amount of bend and compliance to the frame when I push on the seat. I would have to use a significant a ount of force to bend it that much. If it moved thy much before it broke then I'm sure you had a defect.
That sucks! That's why I am staying away from carbon. What size is that, L or M , your height? I was looking at the Defy Alum...
That should not happen. I'd say it's a defect in the way it was made. They makes 10's of 1000's of these bikes as that model is the biggest seller so there are bound to be the odd issue.
Hope you get sorted.
I bought a defy advanced 2 2020 last week with a lifetime frame warranty. I ploughed it through a field and gravel and it's been more than capable .
Very fast and very comfortable.
Fully agree. I'm only 140lbs too, so definitely shouldn't be an issue.
I suspect it’s a design fault for the flexible rear frame. Maybe Giant should have a recall.
That's a shocking failure. My carbon bike is starting to make a ticking noise while pedaling under load, done all the checks but I wonder if I can expect a crack at some point. My magnesium bike cracked after about 6 years of relatively modest use where the top tube meets the seat tube just below the seat post. My feeling is stick with steel or aluminuim. I got the carbon bike in clearance sale a few years ago so not too worried but wouldn't be paying top dollar for one.
Nice review, I am in the process of purchasing a Giant Carbon Advanced, maybe I will have to reconsider?
Bought a Defy 2020 this Saturday, rode it home 2 km's, and have a crack in the seat post at exactly the same place. Hoping they'll replace it as well.
Oh man, that stinks. Keep me posted how your claim goes.
you guys are getting me nervous. I purchase that exact same model..Defy 2019 just a few weeks ago...and suddenly i'm getting more nervous to ride it everytime i read posts like these. Maybe i should sell the bike before its too late.
@@gordontarpley replacement frame is on it's way, and because the colourway that we have in Belgium I'll be getting the wine purple one (which is only sold in the UK I believe, certainly not here). Have to say I'm pretty happy about that, love that colour.
@@giljanvandemoortel7876 Sweet! I just got mine back a few days ago too! I'll be posting a vid on it today or tomorrow. Glad to hear they did you right!
@@gordontarpley looking forward to the video! :D
If a new frame flexes like this... It's one flimsy design :O Never seen a bike frame flex like that under just a hand pressure - crazy!
There are loads of frames that are designed to flex in specific directions. It's what makes this bike so comfortable to ride for long distances but it's still stiff where it needs to be and climbs well. BUT I think the flex is much more emphasized now that there's a crack.
The reason it flexes like that is because
THE FRAME IS BROKEN! 😂😂
Just wondering what your results would have been had you not posted this issue on TH-cam? Still, they took care of the problem.
Don't know if they would have put it together even if they saw the vid. Did the warranty through a Giant dealer and not directly. But who knows. Maybe they did!
I just had a Giant 2021 Trance Advance Pro 1 fail after the first ride! I feel your pain! Lucky for me it happens so quickly that I was able to return it to the shop. Extra lucky that there was one more showing as available on Giants website within driving distance! I am now on my second 2021 bike in two weeks 🤞. My bike broke at the seat stay (although on a full suspension bike) in the same place with same crack pattern. Carbon does not compress well. The back of the bike fades from paint to bare clear coat. It looks like the brake was at a point where two molded piece were joined. Good luck with Giant!! I have herd good things about their Carbon Confidence program.
Yeah, they warrantied my frame and I'm back to riding again!
I’ve got an opportunity to buy a new 2019 Defy Advanced 3 from a local shop for about $1500. Feels like too good of a deal to pass up. How is the bike doing today? Are you still riding it? And did Giant replace the frame?
I LOVE it. Put heaps of miles into it since and it's been great.
@@gordontarpleyyou literally answered none of his questions
I have the 2021 on hold at rbm in Dallas should I just wait for the roubaix or the domane, I dont feel like getting screwed?
Giant warrantied the frame. I think it was a fluke thing with my first frame. Couldn't find any other similar accounts.
gordontarpley: I am glad you are covered under the warranty. On the 2019 Giant Defy Advanced 2, do you know if the handlebars can be raised to shorten the reach and stop hand numbness? Also, what aft or fore is your saddle in to prevent scooting forward on the saddle as you ride?
Giant uk were brilliant in my frame crack warranty. Cant fault the customer service at all.
Would like to see other brands follow them, good luck.
was it a carbon bike ?
The seat post should extend beyond the seat stay attachment site.
It does, by a lot.
Hey I have a question I was hoping someone here could help with... I got a Specialized Allez maybe 8 years ago, and today I found a crack in the front fork of the bike.. Would it be worth buying a replacement front fork or just buying a whole new bike at this point?
suddenly i'm nervous..i just bought this exact model...i'm due to pick it up next tuesday..and i'm 200 pounds !!
Rides great so I'm hoping you'll enjoy it. I searched all over to see if anyone else had an issue like mine and couldn't find anything. Giant makes good bikes. The shop I worked at years ago was a Giant dealer and I've known loads of people who have owned them with no problems. Even after this I'd still trust them as a brand. If my replacement breaks... then it'll be another story.
I just bought one also and I’m 225😒 maybe I should use my fat bike to lose weight
have no worries i borught a brand new giant propel and weighed 325 pounds. i am now down to 288 and have ridden over 3000 miles
Mate ive got one and im 97kg, hes just unlucky and is trying to fill a video up for likes and views. There is a really good warranty with Giant and they will look after you if things go wrong. The bike is totally robust.
Hastings Hastings yeah
... but since then I started to hate the wheels and tyres
Giant is a stand up company I’m sure the frame will be replaced without issue. This is why it’s never a good idea to buy a used carbon bike. Also why I tend to stick with aluminum frames as I’m way to cheap to buy a new bike. I have a aluminum defy and it’s a amazing bike just wish I could fit a wider tire for more comfort. Now in the market for a contend ar1
did it crack at the end of the seat post? glad yr got a new one.
A bit lower than the end of the seatpost. When I get a chance I'll measure my current setup and see how far away the break was.
Man. I have just cracked my third - 3rd! - Defy bike frame. Same break. Giant Canada has been great - replaced under warranty twice already. I am done with this bike though. I'm looking at Titanium - frankly this has put me off Carbon - as I don't love the 3-4 months of warranty wait ahead of another ride season.
Oh man, that's terrible. My replacement has been great. Your breaks have been in the same place as mine?
Hey glad you got a replacement frame. It sounds like you’re from SoCal as well. Could you tell me which giant dealership you dealt with.
Giant Santa Monica
Good luck with getting it fixed 👍
Giant warrantied the frame! All set now and riding again!
Man,that seatpost is tooo far out!
To small frame,or...?
Could that contributed to the frame failure??
Nope. Well within tolerance and correctly sized. There's quite it bit more seat post in there and clear markers on what height is too high. Been a cyclist since the early 90s and frames have changes a ton since then, giving more top tube clearance.
Right that's me never buying carbon fiber a road bike 🤦♂️
How much seat post is in the frame at that height? Looks like it’s at the upper limit. Their gravel Revolt has same lowered seat stays and it meant for gravel... Giant should replace at no cost
Plenty. Not even close to maxing it out. Hoping to hear back soon...
I'm looking hard at a DA2, and this scares me. I'm 195lbs and plan to ride some towpath, trails, and crappy pavement. Am I better off looking for an aluminum bike? It sounds like Giant is very accommodating with their frame warranty, but I'm not looking forward to ever dealing with that
Probably, this is very dangerous, I have the same situation, after seeing I'd probably go with the revolt advanced series, they are gravel bikes but have carbon ones, revolt is chunkier in the frame so it can probably handle more weight as well if you are riding on bad pavement, l suggest you also look at Contend AR series and Revolt
so far so good with my Giant Defy Advanced (same model as the video). The only thing i have troubles getting use to is the saddle, so far not comfortable..but maybe its my butt ! lol.. And i have wrists pain while putting pressure on the handlebar...but i guess it might go away with time.. please note that i haven't got a bike fit due to covid 19...i'll have one ASAP
No way that damage was caused by hitting a pothole. There must have been a delaminatiin of the carbon before. Maybe it was clamped in thiis area when it was assembled or something. Or just a fail in the construction line
That's my thought too. I went and looked at a bunch of photos of my bike from before that ride to see if there were any signs but none to be seen. Plus I've cleaned or wiped it down after almost every ride and I'm sure I would have noticed anything external.
@@gordontarpley I am not an expert but I think you can't see some structural imperfections like voids, resin pooling etc on the outside. Guess you know the videos of Luescher Technik. Doing some carbon frame ultrasonic scans and cut ups to inspect the inside of the frames. Very interesting
@@stepforward1605 100% correct about the voids. I was thinking if any damage had been caused by a stand or something. Any manufacturing voids would almost always be completely invisible from the outside.
@@gordontarpley anyway, hope you get a replacement. Have a good ride!
Amazing. I just cracked the frame of my Giant Revolt 2020 gravelbike two weeks ago and was told that they will get me a brandnew frame (2022 model). Probably a construction problem?
They took care of me very quickly and I had a replacement frame I'm no time. It was pretty rad.
That's crazy flex.. a bit much I'd say
As an old school BMX rider
Why are these carbon bikes so fragile ?
My bike survived so much abuse
Let us know if giant give you another bike please. Im thinking buy this bike but it depends of your answer. Thanks!
I'll 100% be doing a follow-up video no matter which way it goes. I REALLY like this bike too. I've been riding for 25 years and it's one of the nicest rides I've had. Bummer to be not riding it honestly.
I thought that Giant had a lifetime warranty on their frames?
They do. Apparently it's a really great warranty but it's pretty specific with the carbon bikes. I feel like this falls under warranty but I just have to wait to see what they say.
@@gordontarpley I'll have to look into it before I pull the plug on a new Defy Advanced pro 2.
@@davidcurley409 The bike rides super nice. I really feel it's a fault in my particular frame.
Waouh it’s definitely freaking scary!
50 miles with tubeless tires?! youre a braver man then me! lol its a shame thats a real nice bike!
Tubeless has alot of advantages.
What's crazy is that a tubed tire would have probably pinch flatted on that hit. This is my first road bike with tubeless and I love it.
So.... you say it was on sale?
Could the point where the crack happened be where your seatpost ends?
It was a few inches below the bottom of the seatpost
@@gordontarpley oh ok... well kudos to giant for giving you a replacement and glad that you're ok.
@@dtchua thank you! Can't wait to finally ride the new frame. Knee is getting close!
It’s crazy how these things are so expensive and so fragile. Sounds like a biking mafia makes these
they ain't fragile, in fact they're surprisingly durable. this shouldn't happen and is almost surely the result of a manufacturing defect.
oh man that sucks! that is a nice bike, hopefully it is refunded under warranty
It is guaranty?
Giant replaced the frame for me. It was very easy and they were really quick about it.
@@gordontarpley cool, i have defy 2 2020, it just the same, after this video i started afraid thet i may will have the same problem, but now it okay. Thanks
Carbon sucks. Titanium all the way. No reason to spend that kinda money on a plastic bike.
Aaaackkk that hurts to see.
Ok Bad luck. Warranty job. Frame replacement. MUST have been a fault in manufacturing. Certainly not pothole! Carbon is brilliant and super strong. However each frame cannot be scanned before distribution. Therefore a very small percentage of ALL mass produced Carbon products will have voids,weak points. Most will not fail. Manufacturers should replace products that do fail F.O.C.
Is that a small size ?
Medium Large
Sorry. Must have been the lense or something.
@@TheMASDrummer no need to apologize!
Yikes! scary specially if you were a big guy like me. I ride 30 to 50 miles every Sat.
Ramble on
WTF are those pedals????????
Carbon bikes are a huge sham. Horrible for the environment and they can break anywhere, anytime. I'll pay less for a more durable aluminum bike any day! It was a nice bike tho
Solution: Duct tape!!! Acme duct tape fixes everything!
hi gordantarpley have you got some videos of you riding a bike
Yeah, I've posted some to Instagram
So conclusion is: no carbon, no disc brakes.
Nah, both are rad.
Gordon, email Giant and tell them about the frame , eg how long you had it , and see what there say ..
I took it to a Giant dealer and submitted it for warranty. I'm hoping to hear back soon but everything is obviously going slower than normal so, we'll see!
Great 👍🏻 hope it all goes your way , and not there’s ,mucker . Plus I hope you didn’t Scare them with your alien 👽mask ..lol 😂
Update: they are doing the warranty! Super stoked!
gordontarpley great news mucker , and so there should . Please for you . 👍🏻
gordontarpley plus get well soon with your leg and your be out cycling 🚵♀️ again ,, 👍🏻
Bummer
Any price for carbon bike is too much 😂😂
You have full suspencion😁😁
Do as I do , buy aluminum .
not good .. giant should replace that bike
They did! No questions asked and it was quick.
@@gordontarpley Do you think its much less likely, to happen to an aluminium bike ?
@@JitinMisra nah, aluminum would be fine. It's a tricky situation in the sense that aluminum is going to be more durable but the carbon rides SO nice. I've had aluminum bikes, all were great and really snappy but the carbon feels amazing. This model is particularly wonderful on long rides and I'm willing to trade the crash durability for comfort for this type of riding, although I definitely don't think I'd ever get carbon frames for my mountain bikes or even gravel.
@@gordontarpley man , that is a tough call. I have aluminium bike, but I totally feel you, when i had tried carbon bike, it was huge difference. How long are you rides typically (miles/min)?
Bummer 🙄
It was but Giant got me a new frame really quickly with zero issues. Super happy with their customer service.
That was good 👍 👌
I've just purchased a 2020 Giant Fastroad Advanced 2,so hopefully if I need anything support,then they will be there if I need it 👍
I had the same model it crack my balls
Never went for Giant bikes, bad design and poor quality control.
Yet they make frames for multiple other brands...