Giant Road Bikes Reviews and Buying Advice
Giant Bicycles is one of the top names in the world of road bicycles. The company offers many good choices but you should compare each one carefully so you’ll have a clear idea of whether a road bike or a mountain bike might be more suitable and attractive for your needs.
Giant makes its bikes with aluminum frames or carbon frames in a number of different series. These are made for different riding needs. One line works for all kinds of roads while another focuses on larger rims. Another mountain bike series is made with women in mind. Each line has its own great features that add a unique look that makes your bike more attractive and useful.
TCR Advanced Bikes
Giant makes a number of lightweight road bikes in its TCR Advanced line. These are designed with lower handlebars and tall seats to create a better racing position. The models are stiff and capable of handling loads of shocks. These bikes focus on racing use.
The SLR 0 wheels in this line are designed with lighter weights. This creates a more comfortable body and adds a bit of extra support for riding.
The fork bodies are also slim enough to handle plenty of steering functions without being too tight or otherwise hard to use. This adds to the quality of the bike without making it too hard to use.
Propel Bikes
You can also find many bikes in the Propel line. These use thicker wheels with bigger rims that support more aerodynamic functions. This means that the bikes can keep you moving at a consistent rate and don’t require too much pressure, what with the wind on the bikes not being as much of a hindrance as you might think.
The rims are large enough to cut down on the drag you experience. The spokes are also flat in their organization. Carbon fiber is especially featured among Propel bikes. This material is popular for being lighter in weight than aluminum and steel and still capable of handling weights.
It will not break apart easily. It is true that the Propel series costs a little more—what with carbon fiber being relatively expensive—but the benefits are certainly worthwhile.
Defy Bikes
The Giant Defy series is made for endurance biking needs. These road bikes use disc brakes to create an added amount of control. The head tubes are taller in height and give you a more comfortable ride all the way through. This adds a comfortable feeling that is easy to enjoy and doesn’t add much of an issue to its design.
Speaking of disc brakes, the Giant Defy series uses a hydraulic system for them. This creates a better total setup and adds a sense of comfort all the way around.
Contend Bikes
The aluminum-built Contend bike series uses short chainstays. The head tubes are also tapered to make steering a little easier to handle. Rim brakes are included on most Contend bikes although the Contend SL Disc uses disc brakes as the name suggests.
Contend bikes are made for endurance riders. The key difference between the Contend and Defy series is that the Contend bikes use aluminum bodies and are less expensive than the Defy bikes made with carbon fiber compounds.
AnyRoad
Those who are going to head out on a variety of roads will benefit from bikes in the appropriately named AnyRoad series. These bikes are made for use on rough off-road spaces and asphalt alike. This does especially well with an upright seating position. Cables are also used on some AnyRoad bikes for braking.
These work with added levers to add a bit of extra braking control. This is a feature unique to the AnyRoad series that is not too hard to apply.
Liv Envie and Avail Series
The Liv Envie and Avail series of bikes are designed with women in mind. These are designed with aluminum bodies for the most part and offer comfortable contoured seats designed to fit in with a woman’s body shape.
These bikes are made with carbon fiber bodies to keep them light in weight so it won’t be tough for women to use them and move forward on them.
Buying Advice
With so many types of Giant road bikes to choose from, you might have a tough time figuring out which is right for you. There are a few pointers to follow when choosing a great bike option that you know works well enough for your riding demands:
- Think about how long you will be on your bicycle for during a typical riding session. The Defy series is better if you have a much longer route to go on.
- Take a look at how many hills or valleys you will go through versus the flat surfaces you might be around. Check and see that whatever you are using is comfortable and not too hard to handle.
- Consider how smooth the ride will be if you’re going to be on a rough surface. A lighter body that can handle more pressure like on the TCR Advanced series might be best for your needs if you want something that doesn’t create loads of shocks are you are riding.
- Look for the Propel series if you want something that offers less drag. The carbon fiber design keeps the weight down so the drag will not be significant.
- Regardless of the series you are interested in, make sure your bike of desire isn’t too bulky or heavy. You need something that you know is safe and simple for you to handle without being too rough or hard to propel.
- Don’t be too concerned about the variations in the prices of these bikes. The bikes are typically found in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Therefore, you are not necessarily going to find any significant outliers on either side of the pricing spectrum.
Good luck in your search for a great Giant road bike. With so many options, you are certainly bound to find one that fits your riding style and your comfort requirements.
