Giant's new Defy promises a smoother ride than ever before

Redesigned frameset is lighter, while new seatpost and bars are created with comfort in mind

- Sam Gupta

While the launch of the latest flagship race bikes often makes for easy headlines, isn't it the release of a new endurance road bike that should really garner attention? After all, these are the bikes best suited to the majority of riders, where comfort, practicality and all-day ride quality take precedence over the 'faster, lighter' mantra that typically accompanies a brand's redesigned race machine. Giant is certainly hoping that's the case with the fifth-generation Defy.

Given the bike's status as a tried-and-tested road bike for the masses, it's likely that the new iteration will also receive plenty of column inches. Like those race bikes, it too has its calling card. And while lighter, smoother and more efficient' may be a little less glamorous than claims of watts saved, they are attributes we can all get behind.

Giant says the Defy features an "all-new, totally re-engineered composite frameset" that's used across three models: the Advanced SL, the Advanced Pro and the Advanced. This translates to a 'Defy for all', with nine bikes on offer, ranging from £2,229 to £11,499.