Bicycling on Giant road bikes: Debut of 2012s, Best of 2011s

There’s quite a Giant presentation on the website for Bicycling Magazine.  Editor Mike Yozell was among the international journalists invited to the global media presentation in Majorca, Spain, of Giant’s 2012 Road bike line in June.  He not only provides photos and comments about Giant’s new bikes, he also takes time to feature the new Giant WheelSystems, OverDrive 2, and Giant line of tires. 

Of his Giant Majorca experience, Yozell writes: “We were treated to fantastic weather and the chance to put loads of miles on Giant’s new bikes at their 2012 road line launch on Majorca. Located in the Mediterranean, Majorca is a jewel of an island—offering mile after mile of cycling-friendly roads, towering climbs, and sinuous descents. We were able to put the bikes through their paces and came away suitably impressed. As claimed, the 2012 line is Giant’s best yet.” 

Century Cycles owner Scott Cowan is heading to Giant dealer meetings this coming week (NOT in Majorca, we must add!) and will have a chance to see them for himself -- and you'll be seeing them in all three Century Cycles stores very soon!

Back in June, Bicycling's 2011 Editors’ Choice Awards singled out three Giant road bikes as the best in their categories. Giant topped all other manufacturers in this year’s awards and was the ONLY brand to win multiple categories.

DEFY ADVANCED 1 – BEST PLUSH BIKE

“…the Lincoln Town Car suspension is gone as engineers build in speed while still insulating the rider from road vibrations. The Giant Defy Advanced 1 does all of this without breaking a sweat.” “’It was the most spirited in ride quality of the bunch,’ said one tester.” “After pushing the bike to higher speeds on descents, our staff found great handling without any twitchiness.”

AVAIL ADVANCED 1 – BEST WOMEN’S ROAD BIKE

“Giant wins its third straight Editors’ Choice crown in this category, thanks to the Avail’s versatility. Despite upright geometry, this bike felt speedy and climbed well. The parts are well chosen, especially the DT Swiss/Giant wheels and mixed Ultegra and Dura-Ace components.”

DEFY 2 – BEST ENTRY LEVEL BIKE

“The Defy 2, a winner in 2010, stays on top. Handling is stable, partly due to a comfortable upright position, but you can still carve corners. A Shimano Tiagra group offers reliable shifting, and carbon fork and seatpost plus 25mm tires smooth the ride.”