Giant is among the most famous and biggest bicycle manufacturers globally, with its headquarters in Taiwan. Established in 1972, the Taiwan-based company focusses on the innovation and quality of its road, mountain, hybrid, electric and kids’ bicycles. Whether you are a first-time cyclist or thinking of purchasing one of the best Giant bicycles from Bike Addict, here are a few things that you should know about the brand.
1. They were one of the first major Asian bike companies.
In the early 1970s, the majority of bicycle manufacturers were European or American corporations. Giant Bicycle Inc. saw the potential and became the first Asian bicycle maker to penetrate the global market with light and quality bicycles. This assists in placing Taiwan on the map as a major producer of bikes in Asia. It began by assembling bikes for other companies. Then, it started building bikes under the brand name. The fact that Giant has been rooted in manufacturing for many years enables it to exert tight control over production. It currently manufactures equipment in Taiwan, China and the Netherlands.
2. They assemble bicycles for many leading brands.
Some of the bikes produced by Giant are under its own brand and some are under Liv/Giant, as well as for many other big brands manufactured by Giant, but their names are not mentioned. Prominent bicycle brands such as Trek, Scott, Colnago and Tour de France have also used manufacturing services from Giant in the past several years. This experience of manufacturing bikes for such other famous personalities has assisted Giant in becoming one of the largest manufacturers of carbon fibre bikes. This means that if you own a bicycle from a popular brand, it is most likely manufactured in a giant factory.
3. They possess the advances that are present in the market today.
Proving that Giant is a manufacturer that strives to innovate, the company is constantly developing new technologies for bikes. Still, some developments like compact road geometries, integrated seat posts, OverDrive headtubes and the company’s electrical-assisted pedalling systems were first introduced by Giant before becoming standard at other bicycle manufacturers. Giant also creates its components, such as the Power Pro power meters, Cadex wheelsets and innovative composite frames. You may find the newest innovations in cycling technology on Giant’s higher-end bikes.
4. Their bikes are designed for all kinds of cycling, including road cycling, mountain biking and even BMX.
If there is a particular type of riding that you would like to engage in, chances are that Giant has a bike for it. It has an extensive road range that starts with the featherweight racing bike TCR Advanced Pro and continues to the long-distance endurance bike in the Defy range. Mountain bikes range from XC hardtails to trail bikes such as the Trance and even downhill beasts like the Glory. For on- and off-road riding, there are options like Quick-E electric bikes, FastRoad fitness bikes and Escape City bikes. There are also options from Liv for female riders.
5. Their quality wins over lots of pro riders.
Giant bikes are out in the peloton most of the time, especially if you are a professional cycling follower. Some of the teams that have used Giants in the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and other UCI races include Team Sunweb and CCC-Liv. These pro cyclists receive state-of-the-art equipment through high-performing frames such as the TCR Advanced SL and Trinity Advanced Pro. In addition, other famous individual riders, such as Marianne Vos and Marcel Kittel, have clinched major victories on their giant bikes over the years. It shows that Giant bikes have speed and quality built into them at cycling’s highest levels.
6. Giant has its own range of apparel and accessories.
Like other leading bike makers, Giant has a complete line of cycling equipment to go along with bicycles. Their Giant RIDEsense apparel consists of cycling jerseys, bib shorts, jackets, baselayers, socks, shoes, gloves, helmets and protective accessories. A majority of the products contain hi-tech fabric features such as moisture management, temperature control and anti-microbial features.
7. There are men’s and women’s models for a wider variety.
It didn’t take Giant to simply make the male frames smaller and label them as women’s bikes. All of their women-specific models include body measurements and feedback from female riders. This has led manufacturers to come up with bikes with short top tubes, skinny handlebars, women’s saddles and suspensions that are tailored for low weights. Choices range from female riders of any age and for any level of athleticism.
8. They are also known to have models for people with different fitness levels.
As Giant targets every cycling enthusiast, they have their models to meet riders’ fitness levels. It is suitable for beginners to learn that comfort and recreational bikes come with stable and easy-to-shift gear settings. For professional riders and racers, there are high-end models produced with Giants own lightweight composite and race-orientated gearing components.
9. It is easy to find Giant bicycles at local bike shops in South Africa.
Giant mainly distributes its bicycles directly to the local bicycle dealers rather than the mass merchandisers. It is always better to get your Giant from specialist shops so that you are properly fitted with the bike and serviced by proper mechanics. To see and experience the authenticity of Giant bicycles, count on shops such as Bike Addict.
Concluding Words
Well, there you have it—nine things that one needs to catch up on with one of the most renowned brands of cycling. With its manufacturing, new technical specifications and professional assistance, Giant offers many things that one looks for when searching for a new road, mountain, electric or any other performance bicycle. Visit your nearby Giant dealer or if online shopping is more to your taste, then try Giant bikes at top bike stores such as Bike Addict to feel the benefits of these revolutionary bicycles for yourself. From beginners to pro cyclists, Giant bicycles are reliable bikes that one can consider cycling with.