I am contemplating on purchasing this bike.. Anyone try the 2013 model yet? Or even the 2012? How does it differ from the 2009-2011 models? Better tires now i'd presume?

Totally different frame now. Looks perfectly boring with very lame paint. It's still a good bike, I just like the way the previous frame looked. Very distinctive and different.

I agree with PG. I don't like the new white paint compared to my 2011. Also the cassette is a Tiagra and the bearing on the hubs are sealed on 2012/2013. The 2011 has a 105 cassette, 700x25 tires, and cartridge bearing. Plus all that blue bling! I guess they don't make them like they use to. $$$$

When buying my new road bike I test rode a Defy Advanced 0. I went with the TCR advanced 0 because I was looking for a more aggressive race bike, but the Defy was super comfortable and after 50 miles of pretty hard riding I felt like I was still good for many many more miles. I could ride a defy from sun up to sun down and get off it feeling great.

2011 Defy 1. This is a darn good-looking bike.

http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/IMG_0589.jpg

I'd look for a used 2010 or 2011. Just a better looking bike. Plus, I think $1300 is way too much for a new one. I paid $999 for my 2011 new.

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Originally Posted by mrodtoo (Post 15038571)

I agree with PG. I don't like the new white paint compared to my 2011. Also the cassette is a Tiagra and the bearing on the hubs are sealed on 2012/2013. The 2011 has a 105 cassette, 700x25 tires, and cartridge bearing. Plus all that blue bling! I guess they don't make them like they use to. $$$$

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Please excuse my noob questions, but does 2011-2013 frame difference change anything about the bike on a Giant Defy or is it mainly more about the look and colors on the frame? I agree the 2012/2013 is not as good looking as the 2011. How do you like your 2011 Giant Defy 1 mrodtoo? It sucks that Tiagra is installed on the newer ones instead of 105's but i hear the bike is lighter due to the newer frames according to my LBS (if that makes a big difference).

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Originally Posted by RoadMike (Post 15038706)

When buying my new road bike I test rode a Defy Advanced 0. I went with the TCR advanced 0 because I was looking for a more aggressive race bike, but the Defy was super comfortable and after 50 miles of pretty hard riding I felt like I was still good for many many more miles. I could ride a defy from sun up to sun down and get off it feeling great.

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I wish I could afford a more aggressive road bike. I just googled the price and damn thats out of my price range. I think the Giant Defy is my most favorite bike out of all the other bikes I've ridden within similar price range. Do you think for a $1300 bike the Giant Defy 1 is as good an aggressive race bike I'd get for that $$ amount?

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Originally Posted by pgjackson (Post 15038784)

I'd look for a used 2010 or 2011. Just a better looking bike. Plus, I think $1300 is way too much for a new one. I paid $999 for my 2011 new.

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True, the 2011 is a better looking bike. But, considering that I'm fairly new to the cycling world, I'm more comfortable starting off on a new bike that I love. After doing a bunch of research I went to a couple LBS and test rode different bikes and this is the one I fell in love with. I was able to talk down the 2013- $1350 price tag to $1150; and 2012 to $1100 (both already including tax). So for a new bike I think thats a decent deal.

The only difference is the looks. But you will soon realize that most cyclists make purchasing decisions based on looks. Giant makes great bikes. I loved my Defy. $1100 with tax is a very good price.

Hey TupacInLA, If you look on the 2011 model the saddle stay (that rear triangle) is not even with the top tube. I couldn't tell you if it make the frame stiffer compared to the 2012/2013 because I haven't road them. I like my 2011 Defy 1, but as stated by others, the saddle need upgrading as do the tires. It's an entry level aluminum road bike, so a lighter Defy 1 is not going to get you a yellow jersey. ;)

PG,
Strongly agree. Looks like you made some changes. Saddle, tires, and maybe rims. What are they and do you like them?

I sold this bike a year ago. Yes, it had lots of upgrades. First was a new stem (original was too long). Then new tires (stock Kendas lasted about 2 weeks). Then new wheels. The stock rear wheel kept breaking spokes. These pictured are Forte Titans. The saddle is a Serfas Stinger. Despite the name it is a great seat. 190g, about $60. Then I upgraded to 105 brakes (found a great deal online). Overall I think I spent about $300 total on upgrades. This was a fantastic bike. After riding it for about a year I decided to sell it and get a my current CF bike.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the insights and advice. Can't wait to get my new bike! Hopefully the weather warms up soon!

When I said aggressive, I was referring to the geometry of the different models, the Defy and the TCR both come in less expensive aluminum versions, the bike you are looking at is definitely raceable though, perhaps not ideal, but it will be ok for that purpose on the entry level.

Thanks RoadMike