But far from simply being a "cheap" option, we were bowled over by the levels of comfort and performance offered by its even cheaper EDR AF aluminium cousin. Packing Shimano 105 gearing and 105 ST-R7020 disc brakes, the carbon-framed offering is a tempting choice for the money. There’s also room for 33mm tyres, with Specialized long championing the use of fat rubber to help soak up the lumps. Although this doesn’t sound like a lot, it does a fantastic job of taking the sting out of rough roads and generally making the ride more bearable.Īt the rear, there’s also a new S-Works Pavé seatpost, which has had its carbon compliance tuned up a notch so it’s more flexible and energy-absorbing than ever. The fact Specialized has honed a machine that has won seven times at the Paris-Roubaix only benefits the general customer in so much as they get a bike that’s happy going fast, even if the road is cobbled, potholed and generally hellish.Ĭentral to the latest bike is a Future Shock 1.5 suspension system in the headstock that allows for 20mm of travel. It could be argued that Specialized cottoned on to this whole endurance performance bike thing long before the competition, as its Roubaix range has, as its name suggests, always been geared towards winning in the most hostile environments. The Defy Advanced 1 represents great value for money too, with a solid selection of finishing kit and tried-and-tested Shimano 105 Di2 electronic groupset (in the 2023 models) making it as reliable as it is comfortable.įor: Amazing carbon compliance, Clever suspension system, Still fast and agileĪgainst: Cheaper components, Some stock issues Similarly, the D-Fuse handlebar and seat post have both been designed to further absorb shocks and generally make life on the bike more comfortable, while the ability to house up to 35mm tyres makes it possible to turn off the smooth tarmac and tackle some gravel with few worries. The Defy Advanced 1 is wholeheartedly sold as an endurance road bike and that’s because its proprietary composite carbon frame has been designed to nullify road shocks and harshness, rather prove to be the stiffest and fastest frame out there. Giant is one of the leading names in the road cycling category and its experience in bike making has resulted in numerous new technologies that can be found on even the more "entry level" bikes in its stable. For: Buttery smooth ride, Swallows wide tyres, Integrated cablingĪgainst: Saddle and finishing kit not great, Some cables get in the way
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