2010 Giant Product Release

We just returned from the 2010 product release in Keystone, CO and it was an eye-opening (and lung-busting) experience. Keystone sits at about 9200', so we got a workout just sitting still. At any rate, I'll briefly describe a few of the new things that I saw and impressed me.

Giant has released a few new models that have been in the making for quite some time. My favorite was the XTC 29 Alliance. This is a 29'er hardtail with a carbon-aluminum frame and will be released in 2 models and a seperate frameset. I'm already planning my move to sell my current hardtail frame and move over to the Giant. The frame will not only be light, but also boasts a super comfortable ride and in my opinion, the BEST geometry for a 29 hardtail that I've ever ridden. It's very stable at speed, yet extremely nimble and quick in the corners. I must say... I've found that hardtail that "just feels right" and it's super light at around 3 lbs. (frame).

Another model that caught the eye of many was the "Chixie", A women's single-speed/fixed road bike/urban lifestyle bike. It's sure to be a show-stopper for the ladies and I'm sure the guys will appreciate it as well. It comes with some super cool colors and 3 stars labeled on the bottom of the downtube. Pure style.

Giant upgraded the Defy Advanced series to a Dura-Ace level and is releasing a few more price-points in the women's road bike lineup. In addition to those, they also brought out the Trinity SL, claiming to be the "world's fastest bike". It propelled Denis Menchov from Team Rabobank to victory in the Giro d'Italia even after crashing in the last kilometer of the time trial. The Trinity is extremely pleasing to the eye, very light and innovative beyond control... $12,000 will get one going for you.

Women's Tri-Bikes! Yes, Giant released two Trinity bikes for women in addition to their already existing line-up of men's tri/time-trial bikes.

In the MTB line-up, Giant has pulled out the stops to provide us with a few new DH and Free-ride bikes. The ever-popular Glory has a new frame that is rediculously light for a DH bike, and they now have the Faith back in production with a completely re-designed platform that mimics the frame of the Reign and the new Glory. Now with 6", 6.7", 7", and 8" options (in addition to the already existing 4" and 5" travel models), we will be able to provide a customer with ton's of options for their gravity-fed addictions. These new frames are EXTREMELY awesome and have been putting Team Riders on the podium for the last 16 months.

Giant has also stepped up to provide a full line of stems, bars, seatposts and other fixed parts that will blow your mind. Their Contact SL series of carbon products (road and mtn) not only look cleaner than most other manufacturers, but they are lighter, less expensive and most likely stronger. I'm excited to get these products in the shop so that we can start outfitting customers with cool new stuff.

In the past, we've scratched our heads at a few color options or spec choices, but I have to admit... for 2010, Giant hit the nail on the head. Awesome colors, awesome specs, awesome prices and awesome designs. Some of the competitors have some cool stuff out as well, but I honestly feel that they've got a ways to go to keep us with what Giant is about to do. Their attention to detail, design and marketing is sure to take them to a new level for the next 12 months and beyond.

During the release, I was fortunate with share a beer and eat dinner with the people who design, orchestrate and implement the Giant brand. I chatted for an hour or so at dinner with the guy who built the XTC 29 we talked about every aspect of the bike. He even pulled the new drop-outs out of his backpack that were just overnighted from Taiwan to show me what they'll look like. The General Manager of Giant USA chatted with us around the campfire about our shop and just general bike shop stuff. She even talked about coming up to visit and go for a ride with our team. We even had a lengthy discussion, one on one, about the future of Giant with the CEO of Giant Global, Tony Lo... a super cool guy who "gets it".

Giant is the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world, but they are very real and dedicated to the consumer. It's not about the lightest, fastest, most eye-catching product for them (although they do have all that), it's about relationships with people and their cycling needs. I like their approach and I strongly feel that their not only on the right path, but they ARE the path. People belong on bikes and Giant produces the tools to help them do it.

Until next time...

Papa Cat