Liv Avail AR 2 vs Giant Defy Advanced 3
Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Giant Defy Advanced 3 comes out ahead (80% against 68%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Liv Avail AR 2 is £200 cheaper — £1,399 against £1,599.
- Weight
- The Giant Defy Advanced 3 is 0.7kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Liv Avail AR 2 sits you more upright (1.52 stack-to-reach against 1.50). The Giant Defy Advanced 3 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Giant Defy Advanced 3 takes 40mm tyres against 38mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
- Mudguards
- Only the Giant Defy Advanced 3 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.
Side by side
| Spec | Avail AR 2 | Defy Advanced 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,399 | £1,599 |
| Weight | 10.3 kg | 9.6 kg |
| Frame | alloy | carbon |
| Groupset | Shimano Tiagra 2x10 | Shimano Tiagra 2x10 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.52 | 1.50 |
| Tyre clearance | 38 mm | 40 mm |
| Lowest gear | 27 in | 27 in |
| Mudguard mounts | No | Yes |
| Comfort | 64 | 64 |
| Speed | 31 | 42 |
| Climbing | 43 | 52 |
| Value | 35 | 69 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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