Giant Defy 1: FlightDeck Complete

I stopped by the store where I picked up my bike and inquired about the prices on cycling computers. The owner pointed me to a display where a few units were sitting and I noted that the packaging on them looked a bit weathered. That was a turn off for me. I wanted something that felt new. When I looked at the prices I was furthered turned off.

$179.99!

Yeah the computer was function filled but it looked cheaply made and I was guessing the price had more to do with the fact that the Giant label was stamped on it rather than inherent build quality. If this is what these guys were charging for a cycling computer I wondered what kind of crazy prices they would charge for entry level clipless pedals or shoes. I excused myself quite rapidly.

Later in the early evening I made my way to Canmore and ended up at the Sports Experts. To my delight they had an end of season cycling equipment sale and I picked up an Wireless Cateye Vectra for off 25% the already low low low price. I think I even paid less forit than I did for the Wired Velo 5 model I mounted on my Specialized back in 2006. (Yay the march of progress!) It pretty much has the same functions of the computer I had back then, (Current Speed, Max Speed, Odometer, Current Trip, and Time) but all the data is transmitted through a wireless senor mounted on the fork of my bike.

I am very happy that my FlightDeck is complete and I already enjoy the view from the controls. I may have to wait a bit to do the next big step in getting this rig up to spec (proper clipless pedals and shoes). But it is now is ready to record my adventures and keep track of those pound losing km's that I intend to put on my steed.

This Thing.

No it isn't brand new. That is a fact that should be cleared up because the pictures I posted on Facebook are misleading in that it does look mint on the digital screen. It isn't fully carbon. The fork is and the rest is hydroformed aluminium.

It is is fast. With barely any human effort I guided it on a test run here in Banff and my breath was literally taken away at how quick and nimble it was. The mid range Shimano components performed in unison and I clicked relatively effortlessy through the gears.

I had stopped at the local bike store this past week because rumour had it that they were getting rid of their stock in preparation for winter when they transform into one of the key providers of ski equipment for the region. As I look at their offerings from Norco, Cannondale, and Giant, I was impressed with the pricing but my heart sank a bit because they were still no where close to what I could afford at the moment.

But when I went up the steps to the second level of the store, my eye caught a row of red Giant Defy 1s hanging on the far wall. They were retired rental units and they were for sale. I looked over all of them a little closely and other then some minor blemishing they were pretty mint. The price tags were very encouraging.

When my bike was stolen in Toronto in the fall of 2007 it left a hole in my life. Those of you who ride and are passionate about the sport know what I am talking about. No one messes with your rig. Whenever I think of that night I still feel this wrenching feeling in my gutt. There was a lot of negative going on in my life and my bike had been my one joy and solace. To have it taken away from me at that point was like stabbing me in the heart. Call this being overly dramatic if you will but that is truly what it felt like.


A few years have passed and life has moved on. I have taken new responsibilities. There are bills to be paid. I am not just thinking for me now. I have a wife. She wants a family soon. And with all this there are the uncertainties about whether or not I could get back into riding and bring myself to the level I was a few years ago...

But as I wheeled the bike back into the store and Tess asked me if I was going to get it I knew that I really wanted to try. It was exactly what I needed in bike. It was performance oriented but not so blatantly so. While not cheap it was well below what even cyclist would pay for a day to day rig.

I am no pro rider. Hell, I am not even that skinny kid who begged for his first bike and didn't quite believe dreams came true until his parents surprised him with with fulfilling one. I am no where close to being fit (although my body responds to cycling and I foresee a positive physical change coming. Yay!)

What I am is a guy who is one huge step closer to righting the great wrong and a guy who never lost the love of this very special, simple, and pure thing.