Bike Reviews

THREE TIMES: The new-for-2009 Defy eschews a compact crank in favor of a 52/42/30 triple ring, making this Giant extremely beginner-accessible. The bike still offers a wide range of gears with its eight-speed Shimano rear derailleur. And a tapered fork steerer and large bottom-bracket shell allow for bigger tubes all around and a stiffer, more responsive ride for performance-minded cyclists. A carbon-composite fork with an aluminum steerer helps dampen road vibrations and fine-tune the bike's feel. R AND D: The Defy 3's overall ride mimicks that of the Defy Advanced and Defy Alliance, bikes higher up in Giant's range. But the shorter top tube and more relaxed geometry also deliver the kind of comfortable and upright ride not found on those race-oriented bikes.—David L'Heureux