[Closed] Defy size help

You’re a small. Might want a slightly longer stem and wider bars. But you are a small frame.

I dunno if the sizing is consistent with years past, but I am similar dimensions to you (slightly shorter legs) and the medium was the correct size for my 2014 Defy.

Have you had road bikes before to compare the geometry charts?

I’m 165cm so about 5’5” and ride a small
defy.

I’m medium-torso with Xs-legs (28”) though, so even on a small the saddle is low. Length is spot on

I'm 5'9 with 31" leg and last Giant I had was a medium. If I were buying a giant again I'd go small...or whatever the size below medium is as they used to do in-between sizes (the first Giant I had was an M/L - maybe they do an S/M).

My current bike is a small or 52cm. Always had mediums or 54cm before, but got this one following a bike fit that put me at this size and it is alot better. I guess alot of people seem to want to size up if they're close to size boundaries or in between, but it's probably best to size down.

When I bought a Defy - a few years ago now - Rutland Cycling had a Giant size chart that showed height and inside leg. At 5'9 and a 31" inside leg, medium was bang on.

Not sure if that chart is still around or if sizing has changed for Giant, but just bought a Scott Addict via Rutland and again, a similar size chart had me bang on a medium.

I’d have you on a small I’m 5”11 on a medium Tcr. Small from memory is 53 top tube.

Thanks guys.

The shop has ex-demos in small & medium but it is a 5hr drive each way.

I think small is prob the correct size but with perhaps a change of bars & stem. Thing is they cost a fortune to replace!

Thing is they cost a fortune to replace!

Most of us here probably have a stack of stems in the parts drawer, and quite a few may have bars as well.

The shop has ex-demos in small & medium but it is a 5hr drive each way.

The Defy is one of the most popular road bikes. I’d be amazed if no one has one you can throw a leg over. Where are you based?

I've been led to believe that a TCR geometry with 2cm additional spacers fitted is near as damn it the same as a Defy.

Looking at numbers then it makes sense, few mm here and there but given variance in bar angle and hood position you'll get that between bikes anyhow.

It might not help you, but if there is a TCR nearby and you don't need a full spacer stack on a Defy it might help.

Shop should swap stem for free. You might want a 110-115mm (unlikely a 120) stem. Bars are a pain, but if you ask nicely they may swap those.

You’re definitely a small. I’m 5’10.5” and ride a medium Defy SL and an alloy Defy too with a 120mm stem. I rode a small alloy Defy for a winter with a 130mm stem and it was fine.

If you are between sizes, always size down. Here’s why: you can ride a size up and a size down from your size (I could ride a M/L or a S), but smaller frames and longer stems move your centre of gravity further forwards and towards the front wheel for better handling. Position won’t be any different but handling will.

I’ve been led to believe that a TCR geometry with 2cm additional spacers fitted is near as damn it the same as a Defy.

Led wrong I’m afraid. True for Propel not Defy. The Defy has a 72.5 head angle not 73 degrees, and a shorter top tube compared with a TCR. Medium Defy is 1 cm shorter which is why my propels have a shorter stem. Head tube on the TCR is also shorter.

Thanks guys. This is really useful.

I’m based in Belfast.

I don’t think the shop will swap stems. These are demo bikes (not really used due to COVID) with a sizeable discount. The shop is quite a drive away but there is little other stock around at the minute as you know.

I am 5’7” in my bare feet with a 30” inseam and 38” chest.

Exactly my measurements. I ride a small Defy. My old alloy Defy was a medium, and was too big - which only became really obvious once I'd ridden the new one for a while.

I'm almost exactly same size and have a small Defy and a small TCR. When i had bike fit for TCR I was just on the border between medium and small frame. I went for small frame and haven't regretted it.

Onewheelgood & peesbee - have you changed the stem or bars?

Did the bike fit suggest any changes?

Thanks.

On the subject of Defy, anyone seen anything re the 2021 spec ? I have a 2016 Advanced Pro 2 and I may update it end of this year. Will be wanting similar, though will go to di2 shifting this time.

Oh, btw, 5ft 9.5, 30 IL, and on a medium.

Iainc:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/kr/bikes#category=endurance

https://www.giantcyclingworld.com/bike.php?level=10006&minPrice=0&maxPrice=9999999&year=2021&style=10009&where=10003

^^^^ ideal, thanks for that, Advanced Pro 1, 2021 looks like my plan..

I did look at changing stem and bar, but after bike fit decided that the standard set up was fine. Only thing I have done is remove spacers to drop bars. Both Defy and TCR are great bikes and really comfortable even on all day rides. I have the Advanced Pro Disc (TCR) and after 3 years of riding it am still really pleased with it.

I did change the stem and bars - but only to fit the fancy aero carbon SLRs. I had a bike fit which confirmed that 100mm was right for the stem, and 400mm for the bars.

I am 5’7” in my bare feet with a 30” inseam and 38” chest.

You are me!!!

I was toying with the idea of buying a road bike a while ago, the Defy Advanced was the one, definitely a small, no way a medium.

Stems can be cheap and easy to swap out with minimal impact on performance, give the bars a go as the 40cm might aid you being "aero" if not then it's not the end of the world to swap out.

Brilliant!

I really appreciate the replies.

Stems can be cheap and easy to swap out with minimal impact on performance

Giant are 1 1/4", which limits choice, but their basic stems aren't so expensive. I have a mahoosive stem collection of all types (iincluding some expensive carbon Giant 1 1/4")