Giant Mountain Bikes: The Top of the Line
If you are in the market for high-end mountain bikes, there are a couple of brand names you know you should be looking at first. Some brand names are their own status symbols, proof that you have a good eye for bike engineering and design. For this reason, Giant mountain bikes are especially attractive for true biking enthusiasts. If you have graduated from entry-level bikes, you must already know about the benefits of saving up for a bike that is as heralded as a Giant.
Giant mountain bikes operate with the Maestro suspension, a top-of-the-line dual suspension system that promises five things to every user: a linear rising rate, no pedal kickback, no power loss, no braking influence and best traction. Dual suspension, also known as full suspension, is considered by many to be the most efficient and safest shock absorption system to use on a bike, rivalling only the hardtail system. However, understandably, it may cost more than standard suspension devices.
Giant Manufacturing is based in Tachia, Taichung, Taiwan. It started off as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), producing bicycles for selling under other brand names. In 1986 it started producing bicycles under its own name. Giant specialized in high-end bicycles, mostly of the $200-and-up price range, but Giant bikes quickly made a name for themselves as quality gear. Today, after more than 20 years in the industry, this manufacturer has over 10,000 retail stores in over 50 countries.
The compact geometry frame for racing bikes was introduced by Giant. A sloping top tube was integrated into the design following an alteration of the requirements by the Union Cycliste Internationale. In 2006, the TCR Advanced road bicycle frame was brought into the market by Giant. This is a unique carbon fiber design characterized by a combined seatpost and frame.
This company currently sponsors three international cycling teams, plus a host of national teams. Among the cycling teams included are the men's T-Mobile Team, T-Mobile women's road team, and the Global Giant Mountain Bike Team. While racing bikes appears to be this manufacturer's specialty, its mountain bikes have also gained much prestige. Giant mountain bikes are known the world over for their streamlined design and top performance levels.
