November 7, 2025 - With its performance-driven design and more relaxed geometry, Giant’s Defy Advanced model, has been a long-time staple in their line of road bikes. So, it was no surprise to see it join their e-road lineup.
We were stoked when the opportunity came up this summer to test the top-of-the line Defy Advanced E+ Elite 1, Giant’s flagship e-road bike, a testament to what 50 years of innovation and product development in the cycling industry can produce.
At first glance, it looks very much like its non-motorized model. The only giveaways that it’s an e-bike are the slightly larger downtube which houses the battery, the larger rear hub motor, and the lights for the controller that is integrated into the top tube.
One of the keys to maintaining a traditional frame design in an e-bike is by utilizing a rear hub-drive motor.
Powering the Defy Advanced E+ Elite 1 is Giant’s own Syncdrive Move Plus rear hub motor with Smart Assist technology and three sensors that deliver the right amount of assist for an intuitive, smooth, and powerful ride.
Weighing a mere 1.7 kg, the Syncdrive Move Plus produces 30 Nm of torque, which Giant claims is equal to 75Nm in a mid-drive motor.
According to Giant it’s also specially tuned for the pedaling pattern of performance road riding, with minimal energy loss and more torque at higher speeds.
The downtube-integrated EnergyPak 400 battery system weighs just 2.3kg and is purpose-built for the specific needs of e-bikes with a range of up to 100 km.
Operating the system is a RideControl Go controller that’s mounted in the top-tube and uses coloured LED lighting to display your support mode and battery levels.
The controller is easily managed via two small buttons tucked on the inside of the shift levers which allows you to operate the assist levels without having your hands leave the hoods.
The lightweight composite frame is equipped with a SRAM Force AXS 12-speed drivetrain with wireless electronic gear shifting. This system is very intuitive, so for riders new to SRAM, the learning curve is short. Keep in mind that the system has front and rear batteries that need re-charging.
The Force AXS HRD hydraulic disc brakes utilize 160 mm rotors and do their job well so you can confidently manage your speed, or stop quickly if needed.
The bike is outfitted with Giant’s own lightweight, high-performance parts including a Contact SLR Aerolight carbon stem, DFuse handlebars and seatpost, along with a Fleet saddle for greater comfort with enhanced compliance.
Giant’s SLR 1 E+ 36 carbon wheels and 32 mm Cadex Classic tires are tubeless ready and nicely compliment the high-quality build on the Defy Advanced E+ Elite 1.
A performance e-bike of this calibre comes with a mix of high expectations and before hitting the road, I set things up to my bike fit numbers, installed my clipless pedals and put on my road riding gear.
I instantly found a familiarity while riding the Defy Advanced E+ Elite 1 and it became my go-to ride on some initial shorter commutes.
The full carbon bike, wheels and components provided ample compliance which made for a smooth, comfortable ride yet provided a stiff, stable feel when railing corners.
I have been fortunate to have ridden many Giant road bikes, and find that their compact frame design in a medium is a perfect fit for me.
The Syncdrive Move Plus motor provided more than enough power and got me up to speed smoothly and quickly. Initially, the rear hub motor was a bit louder than anticipated, but after a few rides I became accustomed to it.
The 32km max pedal assist did not hold me back on flats or gradual descents, and at times I found myself turning off the e-assist when I wanted to reach higher speeds which worked well.
Rolling hills, climbs, and bridges were no problem as the Syncdrive effortlessly got me up and over with ease.
The Defy Advanced E+ Elite 1 also features an auto mode, which adjusts the power output based on input such as pedal force. This mode activates when you start pedalling, or when you push the two control buttons at the same time. It really did its job at maximizing efficiency while using a high cadence, and was especially helpful on climbs.
The Defy Advanced E+ Elite 1 also features a rear integrated tail light that helps keep you visible to any traffic approaching from behind.
Next up was a training ride with World Tour racer, Maggie Coles-Lyster, and gravel privateer Joe Laverick. This was a great opportunity to test the Defy Advanced E+ Elite 1 to the max, and see if it could make up for my lack of fitness.
There were some high points, and some reality checks while out on this excursion. The Defy’s powerful climbing prowess provided a carrot for Laverick to achieve a PB (personal best) on a short steady climb, yet he eventually could not keep up with the e-road bike’s climbing capability.
A second notable asset was that the Defy’s frame design allows for two large water bottles to fit in the cages which is not always possible with mid-drive motors.
Finally, once my riding companions realized my 32 kph max speed assist, they upped the pace forcing me to pedal above and beyond my capabilities just to hang with them.
On this outing I was able to achieve about 64 km of range while using maximum power assist the majority of the time.
Another plus is the updated RideControl App that expands the existing customization options for the SyncDrive motor, including access to relevant ride metrics as well.
If you’re in the market for a high-end performance e-road bike for commuting, fitness or adventure, Giant’s Defy Advanced E+ Elite 1 is a great bike that’s ready to meet your needs and expectations.
The SRP is $10,999 and for more information please visit here.
