Giant road bikes 2019: Giant Defy 2019 – more comfort thanks to D-Fuse handlebars
When it was launched, the Giant Defy was one of the first road bikes of a new generation: Comfortable, light, suitable for off-road use, and compatible with wide tyres. A lot of time has passed since then, the comfort racers, which were viewed critically at the time, have long since established themselves, with gravel bikes the screw has recently been turned even more in the direction of off-road. In 2019 - more than ten years after its market launch - the Defy is still a fundamental part of Giant's road bike portfolio and has remained true to its genes.
Giant Defy 2019 means: All model variants with carbon frames, all equipment with disc brakes. So far, so well known. Compared to the previous year, however, the new Defy has gone a step further in terms of comfort - the new D-Fuse handlebar is primarily responsible for this.
D fuse? One or the other may already know the technology from Giants seat posts, which were previously very popular and successful, especially in the cross sector. Thanks to a special, "truncated" tube shape, they combine flex and stiffness in an almost unrivaled ratio. For the first time in 2019, this technology will also be used for handlebars. All Giant Defy 2019 models, from the affordable entry-level to the absolute top model, will be equipped with a D-Fuse handlebar. The cheaper models use the Contact SL D-Fuse made of aluminum, while buyers of the top models can enjoy a carbon D-Fuse handlebar with the Contact SLR D-Fuse.
Giant states that the new handlebar should offer up to 10% more flex than its predecessor, while at the same time being up to 30% stiffer in crucial situations, such as sprinting. Nixon Huang, Senior Global Road Category Manager at Giant, emphasizes the successful interaction with the well-known D-Fuse support: “In addition, the handlebars work as a team with the seat post – these are the two most important contact points between rider and bike. And that without all the complexity of camps or any operations.”
But not only the handlebars of the Defy are new for 2019, a lot has also happened with the frame. The tire clearance enjoyed particular attention during the adjustments. With the new Defy, 32mm tires now fit through the rear triangle and fork, and the geometry has even been changed a bit: the bottom bracket is now 5mm lower in order to maintain good handling at high speeds even with the thicker tires and their larger diameter. The Defy 2019 comes with 28mm tires ex works. The fork was also developed from scratch and now comes in all four configurations with a carbon shaft. In addition, it should be noticeably more comfortable than its predecessor.
Giant road bikes 2019: Giant Propel 2019 – new frame for rim brakes
The aero racer Propel Disc had already received an extensive update including a new frame last season - now for 2019 the rim brake version is on the train. While other manufacturers are slowly phasing out the classic braked model variants, Giant is adding a new frame to the Propel, which is adapted to the innovations of the disc variant. In other words: New tube shapes for significantly better aerodynamics and greater rigidity.
Giant road bikes 2019: power meter as standard for Di2 variants
Also exciting is the announcement by Giant that all Performance Road models with Di2 drive will be delivered with a power meter ex works. The PowerPro power meter developed by Giant records the performance data separately on both sides and can be read out via Bluetooth or ANT+ with any end device, eg Garmin or Giant's in-house road computer. The price for the top models increases a little with this solution, but you still get a very affordable power meter in the overall package.
Giant road bikes 2019: New frame for Giant Fastroad 2019 fitness bike
The well-known and popular Fastroad fitness bike also gets a completely new frame for 2019. As in previous years, this is not a regular road bike frame, which is simply built with a flat bar, but the Fastroad is still a completely in-house development in 2019 with its own frame tailored to the area of use.
The focus was particularly on suitability for everyday use. Because let's be honest - such a fitness bike is the ideal companion for sporty everyday commuters who also want to step on the gas on the way to work. Appropriately, the Fastroad not only comes with a mounting option for a side stand, but also with eyelets for mudguards or a luggage rack. Furthermore, all lines and cables now run inside the aluminum frame.
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