We sat through several fairly intense presentations and came away with a good overview of what we can expect for the next 12 months. The good thing with the Giant range is that it acts as a decent indicator of what other manufacturers are going to be doing, and if that doesn't give you a clue as to why bicycle BRANDS seem to come out with very similar colous, graphics and design features then nothing will. Whilst we are on the subject of 'who makes what' , an interesting little tit bit of information that came out was the existance of a company called KGLM, Kunshan Giant Light Metal Technology Co., Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Giant Global Group from Taiwan. This facility occupies 235 acres, with a building area up to 60,000m2, equipped with 4 billet casting furnaces,18 direct or indirect extrusion press lines, 4 heat-treatment furnaces, with a production capacity of 30,000 metric ton per year. The main products are aluminum bicycle rims, motorcycle rims, heatsink, seamless tube, seam tube and other custom made aluminum extrusion profile.
Impressed? - I was when I found out that their customers include Mavic and DT - like I tell people every day - 'you have probably already owned a Giant built frame'.
So what's new, well in catalogue order -
TCR - not much change other than detailing with Advanced SL and Advanced but we now have two new additional frame material designations - Composite and Alloy (oh yes the return of the original alloy TCR with a price tag starting at £995 through to £1500 for an Ultegra equipped bike. You just know this is a bike you are not going to get Boardon!!
[caption id="attachment_699" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="£995 "]
[/caption]All Giant carbon bikes are manufactured from Toray carbon filament, depending on model this will be either T800 - T700 - or T600 for the new Composite range - no compromise unlike cheaper carbon frames that are might just say 'composite' . Also all are moncoque construction as opposed to tubes stuck into some form of carbon lugs, it makes a difference.
Trinity - a top spec (ULTEGRA) all alloy aero bike in ladies (why aren't you at home?) (JOKE) and gents options for just £1500
[caption id="attachment_700" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="£1500 - one for the ladies"]
[/caption]Defy - same as last year but revamped, still raceworthy and the alloy models kicking of at £525 share the same frame through the range - all hydroformed tubes no gas pipe shapes.
Rapid's and Dash models are now all mudguard friendly with flat bar road specific frames, complete bikes from £500
The Urban commuter 'SEEK' range now has the stainless steel toptube crutch guard through the range and all models get discs.
A new range is the VIA - classic retro chic, all Cro Moly steel (YAWN) two ladies models (where's my tea?) (JOKE) and a Gents. Fairly light and utilitarian - interesting.
Bowry - two models both (YAWN) steel one track styled and one flat bar model with CAR SCRATCHER bar ends ??? Can that be right?
Sedona 26" and Cypress 700c now condensed to just two models.
A new folding 16" wheel ergh . . . the wheels don't fold, but you know what I mean - super compact with a chain glider system to stop the stains on the trousers £750
Electric bikes, or should I say Hybrid drive, fantastic new range with additions including some 36volt motor models offering a bit more grunt and a couple of 36volt rear wheel drive models due in the Spring. An entry £995 model with Li Ion battery has also been added to the line up. Star of the range is possibly the 26volt twin battery model at £1895. Most frames are new, the RWD bikes are based on the sporty Escape (old CRS) models.
We sell lots of Electric (sorry hybrid) bicycles and will stock this line-up in depth. Top kit - easy to use - great fun - light at around 24kgs - reliable and simple to maintain with all new plug n play components and on board self diagnostics.
TCX - 4 models with new beefed up frames starting at £695 for a triple chain ringed TRI CROSS challenger.
The Roam sports hybrid range has been tweaked, unsuprisingly as this is now the cycle industries fastest growing segment. Fast and very off road able. All the Roam's are 24spd the Roam XR's are 27spd with lock out. Prices from £395.
Maestro suspension, what can be said about Maestro that has not already been raved about in magazine tests. The system is sublime and equally at home on the entire full suspension range. The Maestro sytem remains pretty much unchanged but the frames it enhances have been ughh enhanced. 1 1/8" - 1 1/2" head tubes with beefy press fit bb shells allow for the use of bigger section frame tubes, cant' really call them tubes though. Frames are stiffer as a consequence. Disc fitments are all post mounts with the welds extending past the mounts to disapate the forces. QR15's feature throughout the range.
Anthem's start at £1650, we get an all new 29'er Anthem more of them later. Trance gets a new straight top tube and a slightly slacker head tube along with a 5" specific FOX fork.
The Reign is lightened up and condensed to just 2 models.
XTC is headed up with an all new Composite carbon model, remember Composite? Thats Giants Toray T600 material just like the TCR's.
The Talon sport range of MTB's are closely linked to the Trance X range and feature more mud clearance, lighter frames and now feels 'sharper' due to the longer cockpit feel. The Talon range kicks off at £600 through to £950 including a phenominal 29'er - more of that later . .
[caption id="attachment_703" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="£550 Talon Zero"]
[/caption]Revel, Giants recreational mtb range all feature the same classy frame starting at £300 and topping out with the new Revel Zero which is dressed with Shimano's new 9 speed Alivio group, 100mm lock out forks and hydraulic brakes, all for just £550.
Kids bikes - all new proper bikes with alloy frames and decent brakes, you know the sort of one's that actually works. Arriva for girls in 20 and 24" wheels XTC for boys. £240 and £260 respectively. Definetly not to be confused with cheaper heavy kid's bikes.
So 29'ers whats the big deal? All the main players are going to be launching or re-launching this format so what's the score?
[caption id="attachment_704" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="£800 "]
[/caption]Well they are faster, and due to the larger contact patch of the bigger diameter wheel afford more drive, better braking and hoof over bumps better. Convinced? Giant have placed a Talon, XTC and an Anthem in the range. We will have demo model's - and if you are in any doubt it's worth bearing in mind that in the states 70% of all hardtails sold over $1000 - are 29"ers
So that's it, come and have a look.
