The quality of the frame does not disappoint, with the carbon doing a lot to absorb the road buzz. With aerodynamically optimized tube shapes and a 2x11 hydraulic disc brake groupset, this offering from Ribble represents extremely good value. Not the lightest in its class (although different build options can improve this) We have a full explainer of all the bikes in the Giant Defy range or you can read our full review of the Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 here. There's also an Advanced 0 which utilises SRAM's Rival eTap AXS electronic groupset. The Advanced 2 features Shimano 105 while the Advanced 1 boasts an Ultegra groupset. The Giant Defy Advanced range starts with a model equipped with a Shimano Tiagra groupset (not available in the US). The top-tier Advanced Pro 0 uses SRAM Red eTap AXS while the Advanced Pro 3 is equipped with Shimano 105. However for 2023 the 11-speed mechanical Ultegra groupset is now offered on the Defy Advanced Pro 2, which features Giant's SLR-2 carbon wheelset, while the Advanced Pro 1 is offered with both 12-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force eTap AXS. The reviewed model comes with a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain. The Overdrive 2 steerer promises excellent handling and front end stiffness thanks to oversized headset bearings. The brand has also lengthened the wheelbase slightly to add a comfortable level of stability. Now both the seatpost and handlebar will dampen the bumps on the road. It has taken its D-Fuse seatpost concept and applied it to the handlebars. Giant tweaked its best selling bike in 2020. I do feel that the frame could do with a bit of a refresh, though, as it doesn't offer quite as much refinement as the latest alloy frames that are starting to be released by other brands.With a relaxed position and stable ride, those long miles will be eaten with ease aboard any of the Defy models. Conclusionįor a bike that is designed to cover the miles and provide a position that is less extreme than a race bike, the Endurace AL still has that performance edge. It's 100 quid cheaper than the Canyon at £1,099 but it does only get mechanical disc braking rather than the full hydraulic found on the Endurace, definitely worth the extra bit of cash. Ribble offers the same direct to customer model as Canyon and its R872 Disc Tiagra model looks to be very good value too. Mat was very impressed with the Emonda ALR 5 he tested, which sits at the top of the alloy range. The slightly higher stack from the taller head tube lifts your centre of gravity, though, and this is the only thing I'd say that just takes the sharpness off the steering when entering really fast, technical sections.Ĭanyon continues to offer excellent value for money with its bikes and that is no different with the Endurace AL.Īt £1,199, this 6.0 Disc model is £200 less than Trek's endurance offering, the Emonda ALR 4 Disc, which comes with an alloy frame, carbon fork and Tiagra hydraulic groupset for £1,400. The disc brake-equipped Endurace has just a 5mm-longer wheelbase than a rim-braked Aeroad, too, so while there is a little bit of extra stability it's minimal and never feels ponderous through tight turns. The head angle of 73 degrees is only a few tenths slacker than that of the Aeroad, so you still have quite a precise, direct front end. Slight shifts in bodyweight have the desired effect on the handling and you can really carry some speed through the bends without feeling the need to cover the brakes. When it comes to carving your way down through a technical descent the Endurace AL is a very confident bike and responds well to your input. With a 10mm spacer underneath the stem I could still make use of the drops easily and get into a decent enough tuck for descending or battling the wind. It doesn't feel like an upright position, though. I have to say, though, it isn't as refined as some of the newer alloy bikes in the marketplace like the Specialized Allez Comp, for instance, or the very good Fuji Roubaix 1.3 Disc. Here, I'd say Canyon has nailed the balance between feedback and cancelling out some of the high frequency road buzz, so it feels planted on the road.Įven with all of this stiffness the aluminium Endurace still offers a comfortable ride, helped by the carbon fibre fork up front and the amount of seatpost exposed thanks to the compact, sloping top tube frame design. You feel everything that is going on between the tiny contact patch of the tyre and the road, allowing you to react instantly.Įngagement between bike and rider is a great thing, but too much going on can detract from the ride and ruin the enjoyment. That buzziness you get from an alloy frame is often criticised, but as long as it is controlled – damped to leave just enough via tube diameters and wall thicknesses – it can create a machine that really speaks to the rider. It's engaging in a way that makes you really feel part of the bike if you want to get a move on.
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