Defy Advanced E+ Elite 2

This road-focused speed score is primarily about smooth-surface momentum and top-end efficiency. The strongest influences are all-round road tires that balance speed and comfort, an aero-leaning setup that reduces drag at higher speeds, and a solid drivetrain that supports efficient riding. Those ingredients add up to a setup that either preserves speed or bleeds it off.

Climbing rating: 1.1/10. Within e-road bikes, it ranks near the bottom. On steep gradients, you’ll be grinding more than spinning. In numbers, the low gear is roughly 103.5 gear inches. Most comparable bikes have an easier low gear; this is easier than only about ~1% of them. Gear inches is basically “how easy is the easiest gear”. Lower numbers help you keep your legs spinning on steep bits. The motor support helps you keep rolling when the slope kicks up. Expect more grinding on climbs than easy spinning. Specs can vary by size and build, and some manufacturer details aren’t always published, so treat this as a strong guide rather than a guarantee.

In endurance terms, that 5.8/10 aero rating suggests that it balances some streamlining with versatility so it feels versatile, not single-purpose. Put simply, it’s a balanced middle ground: some streamlining, but not an extreme aero setup. Tyres around 32mm are a practical middle ground, with a small aero trade-off compared with narrower race tyres. It’s a middle-ground feel: not the fastest possible in the wind, but not holding you back either.

Balanced fit - a versatile position for long rides and faster efforts. Because bars are around 99 mm lower than the saddle, which is a large drop, and the forward stretch measures around 553 mm (long). Estimated lean is about 39 degrees.

Here is the simple reasoning behind the fit flexibility rating: This front-end is not locked into a one-piece system, which helps adjustability, Cable routing is on the simpler side, which helps adjustability. Another point: Aero or proprietary posts often restrict how easily you can change fit parts. Net result: Adjustable. Put simply, it describes how practical it is to reconfigure your position later.

Comfort comes out to 5.1/10, which usually translates to a fairly neutral ride. So it’s tagged Balanced overall. It’s running about 32 mm tires on 700c wheels, and there’s a bit of cushion, but it still rides fairly direct on rough pavement on chipseal and broken pavement. The posture is neutral (posture 6/10, torso ~39°), which keeps things neutral and easy to live with.

The price feels a touch strong for the parts listed. The value score is 1–10. Higher means better value for money; lower means the price is high for what you get. Uses MSRP as a baseline; real-world prices can be lower (discounts can change the value). Based on the spec estimate, it’s about 19% above the typical level for similar builds. Compared with similar bikes, it trends a little expensive (cheaper than about 30% of listings). Quick reference: €6.825 listed versus about €5.720 for a comparable build. Overall, it doesn’t look like the best value for the spec.

This is a road bike that stays comfortable when the pavement gets rough. Tires around 32 mm add comfort and grip when the road surface breaks up. Overall, the setup matches this surface range well.