Giant Bicycle's 2011 Product Launch!
With the 2011 model year just on the horizon, Giant invited us to check out all of their great new rides in beautiful Deer Valley, Utah. The world-class ski area has hosted national mountain bike series events in the past and is covered with miles upon miles of fast, flowy trails, perfect for checking out all of Giant's new mountain bikes. If that wasn't enough, Deer Valley is surrounded by some of the country's most challenging and scenic roads, making it an ideal location to swing a leg over Giant's latest and greatest.
Road Rockets For Everyone
Before we could get to the riding, however, we sat in on a series of seminars about the new bikes, clothing and gear that Giant's bringing to the market. First on the agenda was the stellar 2011 road bike line. Giant's high-end carbon race bikes have been powered by the Rabobank squad to major victories across the world and their impeccable pedigree is well known throughout the cycling industry. For 2011, they focused on trickling down the technology from their top models to create amazing rides that come in at almost unheard of price points.
Our particular favorite was the brand new TCR Composite. It boasts Giant's trademark features like compact geometry, a tapered headset, oversize bottom bracket shell and full-carbon construction. It also uses Shimano's proven 105 10-speed group for sublime shifting at a price that will amaze you. Be sure to check out this beauty when it hits our sales floor!
The rest of the road line was full of refinements and enhancements to Giant's existing models. One thing to look out for in 2011 is the amazing attention to detail on the new bikes. From color-matched bar tape, cable housing and bolts to new Giant rims and tires, you're sure to find everything you're looking for in one of their 700c road rockets.
Off-Road Excellence
Following the road bikes, we got a taste of the new mountain bikes for 2011. The biggest unveiling was the Anthem X 29er, a rig that's won the Sea Otter Super D and the Downieville All-Mountain World Championships in the skilled hands of Giant pro Carl Decker. Not too shabby for a bike that's not even in the market yet! It has everything you'd expect out of a full-tilt race bike with the addition of big 29-inch wheels for superb high-speed stability and outstanding handling in the rough stuff. If you're looking for a do-it-all XC steed, the Anthem X 29er could be exactly what you're looking for.
Giant also brought a couple 29er hardtails that are going to be a hit with beginner and intermediate riders. The Talon and Rainier 29ers blend Giant's off-road expertise with the undeniable advantages of bigger wheels for outstanding fun on the trails.
For their 26-inch steeds, Giant kept it simple by subtly tweaking the stalwart Trance X and Reign models. Both see slightly slacker geometry, while the Trance gets a custom Fox fork for outstanding balance between the front and rear suspension. If that's not enough to get you excited, check out the specs and graphics for 2011. Giant did an amazing job on both fronts.
To take care of all you crazy cyclocrossers out there, Giant rolled out the thoroughbred TCX Advanced SL. Its featherweight carbon construction, integrated seatmast and press fit bottom bracket shell help the bike shed over a pound compared to its aluminum counterpart. Plus, carbon's ability to damp vibration makes piloting the TCX Advanced SL around bumpy courses a joy. Look out for this bike on race day — it's going to be at the front!
Urban Commuters
It's a fact, using bikes for more than just recreation is on the rise. 16% of trips made in Boulder, CO are done by bike, 14% in Portland, OR and 4% in the cold-ravaged metropolis of Minneapolis, MN. Even New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has made it a priority to triple bike usage by 2017. To that end, Giant has brought out a great line of bikes that are perfect for running errands, commuting to work and taking fun cruises around the neighborhood.
The Escape, Roam, Accend and Via are all designed to maximize your cycling experience. Some models are equipped with fenders, worry-free internal gearing, baskets, racks and other superb accoutrements that turn biking into an everyday activity. With a wide range of styles, Giant is making it fun and stylish to go to the grocery store by bike. Soon leaving your car at home and commuting by bike will be the cool thing to do and we can't wait for that day to come.
New Women's Line
And ladies, Giant hasn't forgotten about you. In fact, they unveiled their biggest women's line to date and it's filled with winners. One standout is the TCX W, the first ever women's-specific cyclocross bike. It's come just in time, too, women's 'cross participation has risen recently by over 20%. It features women's geometry and components in Giant's race-proven TCX platform. There's also the Rainier 29er W, the first women's-specific 29er which is sure to make a lot of you dirt-lovin' ladies happy. Rounding out the women's line are the super speedy TCR Advanced W and Anthem X W, as well as the commuter and fitness oriented models like the Enlight and the Via. Whether you ride competitively or just for fun, Giant has a bike for you.
Bikes For The Little Ones
Giant brought out some sweet new rides for the youngsters, too. Your little tyke will love the Pre, Giant's entry into the run-bike market. It features rounded edges and the sharp bolts are capped with plastic to keep your pride and joy safe while they're learning to ride. They also improved their bikes for older kids with more durable components and catchy graphics, both of which should help your son or daughter get passionate about bikes at an early age.
Clothes And Components
What's more, Giant is bringing out a clothing line and some tantalizing new components. Their new clothes look spectacular and will be a great addition to your cycling wardrobe. With fine touches like 3D molded chamois, flat-lock stitching, UPF30 jerseys and appealing colors, you just can't go wrong. Complementing the clothing line is the new Realm helmet. Lighweight, well-ventilated, comfortable and stylish, it's sure to be a hit with both road and mountain bikers alike.
On the hardware side of things, Giant's kept most of last year's line with several excellent additions. We were especially taken in by the Contact Switch remote-activated dropper seatpost. It dishes out 100mm height adjustability with a sealed oil bath system that keeps dirt and debris out of the internals. If you haven't tried a dropper post yet, you should definitlely take a look at Giant's. Being able to raise and lower your seat with your hands still on the handlebar is a huge advantage while tackling tough terrain. And, don't forget to check out their new stems and handlebars when you're looking for an upgrade.
To The Demo
After learning about all the great new products, we could hardly wait to get to the demo. Fortunately, it was set up right across from the meeting rooms. We all headed over in our riding gear with pedals at the ready. The only problem with the Giant demo is figuring out which bike to ride — they're all great! Decisions made, we saddled up and took to the roads and trails around Deer Valley. We loved the velvety smoothness and incredible power transfer of the TCR line, while the Maestro-equipped full-suspension models made quick work of the trails. We were having so much fun that we didn't want the demo stop.
We even got the chance to ride with Giant professionals Adam Craig and Kelli Emmett. Their racing résumés are stacked with world-class victories and national championships, but they were incredibly down to earth and psyched to get out and ride bikes. They took us on a tour of the mountain, which was only interrupted by a mid-trail encounter with a mama moose and her babies. Fortunately, we all stayed cool and disaster was averted. With minutes left on the clock we rode back to the demo center and begrudgingly gave our bikes back. It was hard to not keep riding, but we knew that we didn't have much time before our next activity.
Final Celebration
Making sure that they packed in as much excitement as possible into a day, Giant took us to the Utah Olympic Park for some post-demo entertainment. Although Giant's employees were tight-lipped about the festivities, it was clear once we rolled up that we were in for a real treat. The Olympic Park features a series of enormous jumps that stand next to an extra-large pool. The run-ins to the jumps are made of a special material so that skiers can slide down them in the summer and work on their flips and spins before landing in the water below. The show did not disappoint as Olympic hopefuls took their turns hurtling down the ramps, soaring into the sky and splashing gracefully down to the water below. It was a fitting end to an exhilirating day.
The sun was setting as the shuttle bus meandered back to Deer Valley and our minds were filled with thoughts of Giant's amazing new products. Each 2011 model is packed with technology and features designed to make every outing better, and every eye-catching bike looks as good as it rides. From high-octane road and mountain bikes, to street-ready urban and lifestyle models, to kids' bikes and BMX rippers, Giant has a bike for you!
Now that we've whetted your appetite for 2011, come down to the shop and check out all the exciting new bikes, clothes and components!