Giant Defy 3
2015
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Description
Swing a leg over Giant's Defy 3 and take a peek at what's over the horizon and around the bend. Giant's ALUXX aluminum frame and Advanced composite fork with an OverDrive steerer lets the Defy dominate the climbs while soaking up road vibration for a super-smooth, refined ride. Climbing up, or cruising down, the frame's tall head tube and stable geometry offer a comfortable, back-friendly position so you feel great through every mile. This Defy boasts Giant's lightweight S-R2 rims along with Shimano's Sora drivetrain for crisp shifting, Tektro brakes for confident stopping, and reliable Giant components for a fast ride that's sure to impress.
Features & Info
Geometry chart
Consumer Reviews
Pros
- Comfortable (37)
- Handles Well (34)
- Lightweight (32)
- Fast (29)
- Good Geometry (27)
- Responsive (25)
Cons
- Uncomfortable Seat (12)
- Brakes Could Be Better (7)
- Poor Components (3)
- Seat Could Be Better (2)
- None (2)
- Change pedals
Best Uses
- Casual Riding (31)
- Exercising (25)
- Serious Training (18)
- Climbing (18)
- Racing (16)
- Commuting (15)
May 28, 2014
- Pros:
- Balanced, Comfortable, Fast
- Cons:
- Tires
- Best Uses:
- Training, endurance
This bike is balanced comfortable and quick. The only caveat is the tires. I was averaging a flat a week until I switched them out for a set of Maxxis Refuse's. I tested every bike in the $1000 range and this one took the cake. No regrets whatsoever.
Feb 25, 2014
- Pros:
- Fast, Sleek, Lightweight, Comfortable
- Cons:
- Best Uses:
- Sprints, Long distance, Entry level, Crit Races, Intermediate
I am a long time MTB Rider switching to Road Racing. This is a great entry to mid level priced bike. The bike is comfortable and very fast. After four flats in one month I had to upgrade the tires to a more durable pair. Other than the tires, I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Jan 26, 2013
- Pros:
- Durable, Rides Forever, Lightweight, Versatile
- Cons:
- Best Uses:
- Commuting/City, Road Biking
The Giant Defy 3 rides like a dream. It seems to go on forever. I was looking for a reasonable road bike that wouldn't empty out the wallet. This is it. The construction is top-notch, typical excellent Giant-quality, good components, and a solid overall bicycle that weighs next to nothing.
If you're getting into road-biking, this is THE bike to start with.
Aug 27, 2012
- Pros:
- Comfortable, Lightweight, Good Geometry, Handles Well, Responsive, Fast
- Cons:
- Poor Components
- Best Uses:
- Commuting, Exercising
I ride an '09 Defy 3, but it is essentially the same as the '11. It is a remarkable bike. I did, however, upgrade the components to SRAM Force and now it is a formidable beast of a bike. For a minimal investment, I can easily keep up with the big boys on their high dollar toys.
Aug 09, 2012
- Pros:
- Responsive, Good Geometry, Fast, Handles Well
- Cons:
- Uncomfortable Seat
- Best Uses:
- Exercising, Commuting, Casual Riding
Weekly riding. Average 25 miles a ride several times a week. It is a well rounded bike with composite forks which is a benefit over the TREK equivalent. The seat is not very comfortable and the gear levers are lower end shifters.
Feb 21, 2012
- Pros:
- Fast, Comfortable, Lightweight, Excellent price, Beautiful DesignPaint
- Cons:
- Entry bike has no triple, Brakes seem bland
- Best Uses:
- Commuting, Road cycling
I bought two bikes, the higher end Defy 0 and this bike at the same time. (This review is based on 2011 Defy 3). For half the price this bike is negligable vs the Defy 0. The speed and performance is comparable to the more expensive bike, except for brakes noticably lower quality and shifters somewhat less. This bike seats you more casually and is super comfortable for all around usage. I intend to actually commute with mine as the 2011 model has a triple front sprocket enabling me to do river valley hills better. For an entry level bike I feel this 2012 model should have retained the triple sprocket as the triple sprocket is really designed for individuals without bulked up racing leg strength as most beginners or entry level cyclists usually are. Overall though for the money this is a steal.
Aug 02, 2011
- Pros:
- Climbs Well, Good Geometry, Fast and Smooth, Handles Well
- Cons:
- Best Uses:
- Exercising, Climbing, Casual Riding
First road bike and I love it. Have had it almost a year and really enjoyed it. Climbs hills well and has good speed. Had no idea that cycling could be so fun!!
Jul 25, 2011
- Pros:
- Comfortable, Good Geometry, Responsive, Fast, Lightweight, Handles Well
- Cons:
- Brakes Could Be Better
- Best Uses:
- Serious Training
Bought 2 for my wife and I...Excellant choice for an entry level bike..Shifters needed tuning and brakes were upgraded after 250 miles..Replace the pedals w/ clipless..after a few adjustments the seat fits well..
Jul 03, 2011
- Pros:
- Fast and Smooth, Fast, Handles Well, Responsive, Good Geometry, Comfortable, Lightweight
- Cons:
- None
- Best Uses:
- Casual Riding, Exercising, Climbing, Serious Training, Racing
I love the bike!! Would not go without it.
Jun 27, 2011
- Pros:
- Lightweight, Handles Well, Good Geometry, Responsive, Fast
- Cons:
- Best Uses:
- Serious Training, Climbing, Casual Riding, Racing, Commuting, Exercising
After looking at all brands that have offerings in this price bracket I went with the Defy 3 and I am very pleased. Having been on a quality Mountain bike for years I was looking to get back to the road. Rode this bike all weekend and have found it to be light, fast and nimble. Seat is fine I could ride this thing all day.
May 19, 2011
- Pros:
- Responsive, Comfortable, Fast, Good Geometry, Lightweight, Handles Well
- Cons:
- Uncomfortable Seat
- Best Uses:
- Casual Riding, Exercising
This is my first road bike and I could not be any happier. For a bike in this price range, which is on the lower end for road bikes, I am very satisfied with how it handles and have no complaints. I have always had mountain bikes and this road bike doesnt even compare. Very enjoyable to ride! The seat is a bit uncomfortable, but I think that is a standard complaint with road bikes.
Apr 15, 2011
- Pros:
- Fast, Lightweight, Handles Well, Responsive, Good Geometry, Comfortable
- Cons:
- Best Uses:
- Climbing, Exercising, Serious Training, Racing, Commuting, Casual Riding
wow a great bike for this price i'm so happy with this bike. this is my first road bike and i made the great choice.
Mar 14, 2011
- Pros:
- Price, Handles Well, Good Looking Bike
- Cons:
- Uncomfortable Seat
- Best Uses:
Great bike for the price. Rides smooth and fast.
Only thing I could complain about is the seat.
Nov 07, 2010
- Pros:
- Lightweight, Handles Well, Comfortable, Good Geometry, Fast
- Cons:
- Uncomfortable Seat
- Best Uses:
- Casual Riding, Commuting, Exercising
My first bicycle was a hybrid giant seek 2 and I decided to get a road bike. So I was looking around and found the defy 3. And it handles great! Can't be more satisfy with this bicycle!
Sep 25, 2010
- Pros:
- Handles Well, Fast, Lightweight, Comfortable
- Cons:
- Brakes Could Be Better, Uncomfortable Seat
- Best Uses:
- Exercising, Casual Riding, Racing
[...]This is my first road bike and I have to say it is truly amazing[...] [...] has my business for life...and i'll let everyone know where I get my bikes. I ready reviews on other sites and this is the reason I chose the Defy 3...only downside is the stock saddle is very uncomfortable. So I had them replace it at the store. Could not be happier with this purchase.
Sep 22, 2010
- Pros:
- Comfortable, Responsive, Fast, Lightweight, Good Geometry, Handles Well
- Cons:
- Best Uses:
- Casual Riding, Exercising, Climbing
This is my first road bike. I'm new to biking and love it! This bike tackles the steep hills of Raymond, Maine effortlessly. The tires are soft, are prone to flats on our country roads with lots of cracks. I replaced with thicker ones and don't have any more problems. I, like a previous post, have problems with the front derailers and the chain comes off when downshifting up hills. This is after the 1st scheduled service and after I brought it back to the dealer for this problem. I will bring back to the dealer for replacement but I don't want to miss out on biking during our precious short season.
Aug 04, 2010
- Pros:
- Comfortable, Good Geometry, Fast, Responsive, Lightweight, Handles Well
- Cons:
- Seat Could Be Better, Brakes Could Be Better
- Best Uses:
- Racing, Serious Training, Exercising, Climbing, Casual Riding
Thanks to Dan and the crew at Gorham Bike and Ski in Saco he worked with me and did not stuff a bike down my throat that would have added up to a house payment. By doing this I have fell in love with the bike and road riding in general. I am able to keep up with the better riders in my group and I feel this makes the ride's more enjoyable and keeps you wanting to get out and increase all levels of riding either by milage or more advanced rides. As I said I was a couch potato a couple of weeks ago but now I look forward to after work riding and weekend treks.
Aug 04, 2010
- Pros:
- Responsive, Comfortable, Lightweight, Handles Well, Fast, Good Geometry
- Cons:
- Brakes Could Be Better, Seat Could Be Better
- Best Uses:
- Racing, Serious Training, Climbing, Exercising, Casual Riding
I am just entering the road bike scene and first and foremost Dan and the crew from Gorham bike and ski in Saco will absolutly get my business again and again. He did not shove a bike down my throat and worked with me in getting something that is not a house payment. I have fallen in love with the bike and road riding in general. Now mind you I am new to the sport, but with this ride I can keep up with the better riders in my group which I believe makes it much more enjoyable and keeps you motivated to go out and increase the skill level and milage.Would I change some things maybe but entry level and really a novice this is a great road bike,
Aug 02, 2010
- Pros:
- Lightweight, Comfortable, Handles Well
- Cons:
- Best Uses:
- Exercising, Racing
I've had this bike for about three months now and have very little in the way of critisism for it. There was a learning curve for me as this is my first high end bike I've ever owned, but a few trips to the shop sorted those issues out fairly quickly.
I've used this bike in a dualthon and a triathlon and haven't had any complaints in either race. Nice position, good gears for hills and flats, lightweight. I plan on upgrading the pedals soon, but for someone that's looking for a nicer starter road bike I would definatly recommend this one.
Jul 21, 2010
- Pros:
- Fast, Comfortable, Handles Well, Responsive, Good Geometry
- Cons:
- Best Uses:
- Casual Riding, Serious Training, Climbing
Wow and wow.
I just bought the Defy 3. Sale was simple, no fuss, no muss. The bike however; are you kidding me? I have ridden bikes in the 3k range that cant touch the overall ride quality of the Defy 3. I changed the saddle and put Nuevation m28 aero bladed spoke wheels on it, the bike saw a 3lb weight drop just from saddle, pedals and wheels being changed. The Sora group is what it is, but do get rid of the heavy ole wheels.
Specifications
- Frame
- Giant ALUXX aluminum
- Fork
- Giant Composite w/aluminum OverDrive steerer
- Rims/Wheels
- Giant S-R2
- Hubs
- Giant Sport Tracker Road
- Spokes
- Stainless steel, 14g
- Tires
- Giant S-R4, 700 x 25c
- Crankset
- Shimano Sora
- Chainrings
- 50/34
- Front Derailleur
- Shimano Sora
- Rear Derailleur
- Shimano Sora
- Rear Cogs
- SRAM, 9-speed: 11-32
- Shifters
- Shimano Sora
- Handlebars
- Giant Connect
- Stem
- Giant Sport
- Brake Levers
- Shimano Sora
- Brakes
- Tektro R312, dual-pivot
- Pedals
- Platform w/clips
- Saddle
- Giant Performance Road
- Seatpost
- Giant Sport