Giant Bicycles – Brand Overview (Helpful Tips)

Manufacturer Giant – one of the world’s largest cycling brands, founded in 1972. The main principles of the company are craftsmanship, innovation and inspiration. Country manufacturer of bicycles Giant – Taiwan, Taichung.

The company owns major factories in China, Taiwan, the Netherlands and Hungary. Currently, about half of all branded bikes are made in Giant production facilities and shipped to more than 50 countries.

The founders have done everything to make cycling as accessible and understandable to people as possible. Bicycle manufacturer Giant started with the production of lightweight frames made of aluminum alloys. Ultralight, high-quality bikes at affordable prices have made cycling an important part of their lives to people of all backgrounds: from amateurs to athletes.

Key stages in the development of the brand

In 1972, King Liu and Tony Lo founded the company Giant Manufacturing in Taiwan. Having gained experience, they began to produce bicycles to order for the world’s leading brands.  And in 1981 they created their own brand Giant. First they conquered the market in Taiwan, and then in Europe, North America and other parts of the world.

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Important milestones in the development of Giant:

• 1987 the company launches its first production composite bike, the Cadex 980 C;
• in 1995 it sponsors a world-class mountain biking team;
• in 1997 the first road frames with Compact Road geometry were produced, on which riders from the ONCE World Tour team win the Giant TCR at the Tour de France;
• In 2004 Giant introduces the innovative Maestro cushioning technology, which neutralizes the influence of pedaling and braking on the action of the cushioning system, thus making it effective on any surface;
• in 2008 the subsidiary bike brand Liv is founded – a perfectly designed bicycle for women;
• in 2009 Giant begins a collaboration with the Dutch professional touring team Rabobank, a rider of which D. Menchov is the winner in the Giant Couture. Menshov wins the Giro d’Italia with the TCR Advanced SL;
• from 2007 to 2010 the CityStorm, CitySpeed, Accend Mio and Twist Esprit received the highest marks for their innovative design at the Eurobike trade fair;
• in 2013 Giant became the first major manufacturer in the world to present a complete mountain bike range with 27. 5 inches;
• 2018 introduces the new high-performance Revolt Advanced gravel model with a lightweight composite frame and several innovations, including a D-Fuse seatpost and handlebar;
• 2020 introduces the 9th generation of TCR bikes with the new TCR Advanced SL Disc, developed in collaboration with Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet and a team of other riders.

Brand Features and Technology

The bike manufacturer Giant is constantly improving its manufacturing and technology to offer the best bikes in the world. The most advanced technologies are:

• Advanced SL Composite, an untreated Pro-quality carbon fiber. Used in the production of composites for the lightest, stiffest and highest quality structures.
• Advanced Forged Composite – Making Jaint bicycle structures from carbon fiber of complex configuration for use in critical parts.
• ALUXX is a Performance-level material made of 6061 aluminum alloy. This makes it possible to produce lightweight but strong frames for different types of bikes and riding styles.
• ALUXX SL is an aluminum frame mainly made of alloy 6011 with excellent performance and unique welding technology.
• ALUXX SLR – Pro level aluminum material, provides the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all Jainte aluminum frames.
• Compact Road is the geometry of road bikes. The radically sloped top tube and compact rear triangle give the frame unparalleled stiffness and make the bike more manageable and lighter.
• The D-Fuse seatpost and handlebar help smooth out cross-country riding by absorbing shocks and vibrations.

Giant bikes win world championships and Grand Tours. They win numerous awards for design and innovation. But most importantly, Giant are becoming the choice of many people to make cycling part of their lives.

The most popular models of Giant bicycles

Giant Glory double-suspended bike with 27.5″ wheels ready for extreme races on the steepest descents and harsh off-road. It has everything to overcome the most difficult obstacles – air fork Fox 40 Float with 200mm stroke, hydraulic mechanical brakes, heavy-duty frame ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum and rear shock absorber Fox DHX2.

Giant Talon bike – the entry-level model with 14-speed equipment, Suntour XCE fork with 100mm travel and mechanical disc brakes.

Giant Revolt gravel bikes are 28″ road bikes, which are perfectly adapted for off-road riding. The line includes cheaper models with ALUXX Grade Aluminum frames, as well as bikes in the high price segment with ultra-light and durable carbon frames. Praxis, Giant, and Shimano body styles.

The Giant Yukon bike is a powerful fatbike that’s ready for the toughest off-road terrain. It comes with 27.5″ wheels and three frame sizes from 165cm to 195cm. Finished in a beautiful black glossy finish.

 Giant Defy road bikes are available in 4 models in different price ranges. A distinctive feature of the line is the calm and noble color scheme, as well as professional-level bodywork brands Sram, Giant and Shimano. The frames are made of carbon. 

Children’s bikes Giant ARX designed for children and teenagers with height from 105 to 160 cm. They are incredibly bright and stylish. Models are available with a sporty and more direct fit. The line includes bikes with wheel diameters from 16″ to 26″.

Giant Fathom mountain bikes are available with 27.5″ and 29″ wheels, in neutral and bright colors. Hydraulic brakes, 11 speeds and a soft fork will allow you to quickly overcome any off-road conditions.

Advantages and disadvantages

Two-wheeled transport Giant has a lot of positive qualities, some of which are:

1. A wide range of products – the Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer produces a really great variety of bikes, ranging from amateur models to serious “sports gear”.
2. Progressive technology – the release of bicycles, this company widely uses its own development, which can not always be surpassed even by major bike builders.
3. Optimal mix of quality and price – “two-wheelers” Giant sold at a fairly reasonable price (compared to many other bikes eminent brands), especially given the technology used and the level of equipment.
4. A thorough approach to the division of bikes for “men” and “women” – so for the release of bicycles for the “fair sex” Thai bike manufacturer has launched in 2008, a separate sub-brand Liv (whose motto – “bikes for women, created by women”).

As such obvious shortcomings in bikes Giant – no, and if there are any troubles – it’s with the budget models (and they arise mainly in the process of aggressive use – ie, are rather a consequence of the “rider has grown out of this bike”).

Conclusion

Giant – it’s a good choice for those who want to buy a quality bike at a reasonable price. If we talk about specific models, then with the “Giant” you can not go wrong if you choose. These are versatile and reliable bikes that will serve you well both on the road and on trails. Happy shopping!