www.giantbicycle.com ride life. ride giant. road technology 2009 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd iv-i 7/24/08 16:23:58
A whole greater than its parts This is what every Giant road bike represents. These machines from the Tour de France-tested TCR Advanced SL to the all-new, smooth-riding Giant for Women Avail series are the combined effort of a global network of riders, designers, engineers and craftspeople who are committed to constant improvement via inspired collaboration. Giant bikes have taken riders to victories in all levels of competition all around the globe. They ve helped people set and then smash personal bests. And with groundbreaking technology hatched from Giant s forward-thinking Techno Center, these bikes are rewriting the rules of frame design and redefining a faster, better future for road riders everywhere. Giant Manufacturing 02 Giant Co-Development 03 Giant Pioneers TCR 04 ADVANCED COMPOSITE TECHnology 06 ADVANCED sl-grade COMPOSITE Features/Benefits 08 Testimonial 10 ADVANCED-grade composite 12 Features/Benefits 14 ALLIANCE TECHnology 16 Features/Benefits 18 ALUXX aluminum TECHnology 20 Features/Benefits 22 Road Report Card 24 Full-Line Overview 30 Geometries 32 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd ii-1 7/24/08 16:24:00
giant manufacturing codevelopment Far off the beaten path, away from all the politics, drama and distractions, there exists a bastion of two-wheeled creativity and experimentation that few have ever heard of. It s called C-Tech and it s one of the most secretive facilities in the bicycle manufacturing business. C-Tech is Giant s composite manufacturing facility the birthplace of every single composite bicycle that bears the Giant name. Now, while this might not strike you as unique, keep in mind that no other major bike brand owns and operates its own factory whether it be aluminum or composite in its manufacturing focus. It s a fact Giant is extremely proud of the people, the materials, the processes, the quality control, all strategically formulated to build the best bicycles in the business. So, while the competition farms out the great majority of its production to outside factories (which oftentimes produce alternative sporting goods, such as tennis racquets or golf clubs), every Giant product is produced in-house with the greatest of pride, expertise and quality. And that s exactly why C-Tech is one of the most top-secret production facilities in the business because who wouldn t want to see how the best bikes in the business are built? Not only is Giant doing it better than the competition, it s been doing it longer, as well. While many of the competitors boast about ten-, fifteen-, or twenty-year manufacturing legacies, Giant is proud to say that its thirty-six-year history of producing bicycles puts it in the position to know quite a bit more than most when it comes to working with both aluminum and composites. As the first manufacturer to mass-produce high-end aluminum bikes and one of the first to perfect the integration of composite into bicycles, Giant is a global leader in technological innovation and proud to say that it s been doing it on its own longer than any other brand. So, exactly how does this manufacturing legacy translate into a better bicycle for you? Think of it in terms of a complete process: from concept to engineering, design to testing, manufacturing to quality control every step is under the guiding eye of Giant. Nothing ever gets overlooked, because Giant is there every step of the way. Cutting corners is not an option when Giant is on the downtube, on the lab coats, on the jerseys of professional racers and on the factory. Simply put, it s Giant s promise to you that you re riding the best-built bicycles in the world. Truly great technological advancements don t happen in a vacuum; they re the result of a collaborative process. An idea taken from conception to execution to production shows the mark of many hands affecting and perfecting the final product. Giant has always embraced this collaboration. The development team supplies the ideas, the know-how and the manufacturing expertise. Giant-sponsored pros supply the brutal critique and refinement that can only come from thousands of miles ridden in the heat of battle. This has been Giant s development model for decades, and it can be seen in today s line of race- and road-ready machines. The new Giant TCR Advanced SL is an engineering masterwork, brimming with unmatched features and performance that came directly from close collaboration with the fastest professionals on the road. Engineers work closely with the teams to develop and refine concepts into reality. The resulting list of innovations is long and, thanks to Giant s commitment to progression and constant innovation, continues to grow unabated. Teamwork: Dennis Lane, Global Director of Product Development, talks shop with Adam Hansen, Team Columbia rider and Australian time-trial champion. 2-3 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 2-3 7/24/08 16:24:01
giant pioneers tcr We re not talking one of the countless marketing-driven revolutions you hear about these days, we re talking a real revolution one that changed the face of high-performance bicycles forever. It s known as Compact Road Design, and it s the backbone of every Giant road bicycle. 4-5 Passion can be a powerful motivating force. Mike Burrows, one of the world s most respected design engineers, had a passion for building the world s fastest bicycles. This particular passion was also matched with an equal desire to produce a high-performance product that would benefit every cyclist, not just a handful of elite-level, fully sponsored racers. It was from this passion of building a no-rules performance bike that the original TCR (Total Compact Road) design was born. When Burrows came to work for Giant in 1994, his goal was to create a road bike that was faster, lighter, stiffer and more aerodynamic than any other bike on the market. That alone wasn t revolutionary. But he also wanted to make the bike more compact a concept that shattered the conventional framedesign beliefs of the day. Using a small-size Giant composite hardtail mountain bike as a prototype, Burrows confirmed the key to speed was the radically sloping toptube. It made the bike compact, lightweight and more responsive. Designing, building and refining followed. The TCR road bike began to appear in Giant catalogs. Detractors and naysayers raised their collective objections, but when a pro team from Spain showed interest, the revolution launched forward with a momentum that has yet to show any signs of slowing as we ride into 2009. Team ONCE was driving the development, Burrows now recalls. There was lots of feedback from the riders Laurent Jalabert, Abraham Olano. The frame weight got down to below 1200 grams [2.6 lbs.]. The debut was February of 1998. Team ONCE showed up at the Ruta del Sol with bright yellow Giant bicycles that looked too small. Observers doubted the sloping toptube was competition worthy. But when the race was over, ONCE riders stood atop the podium in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, their arms raised in victory. That raised the eyebrows of the 2009... On paper, Giant s TCR stands for Total Compact Road. But ask any racer who has been around for the past decade and you ll surely get an additional response because you can t talk about TCR without mentioning revolution. UCI, the cycling world s governing body, which threatened to ban the TCR design. Too fast, too radical, too revolutionary, they said. But then other bike builders paid Giant the ultimate compliment: they began to copy the design. Very satisfying, Mike Burrows says today, with genuine modesty. It s nice to know that I ve had an influence. The UCI backed down and TCR victories piled up from names like Jaja, Olano, Beloki and Galdeano to Cavendish, Kirchen and Hincapie. Today, TCR is synonymous with speed, efficiency and agility in short, the Compact Road design that Giant pioneered stands alone as the definitive design of choice for almost every road bicycle builder in the business. Giant is proud to call TCR and Compact Road its own a design that has not only stood the test of time, but redefined the future. In fact, Giant s Compact Road Design made such a big impact on the way bicycles are made, it s hard to find a high-performance bicycle that doesn t copy Giant s original sloping toptube design. By effectively sloping the toptube downward toward the seatstays, Giant was able to reduce the overall size of the front and rear frame triangles, resulting in the now-distinctive compact layout. Functionally, the compact configuration reduces weight and increases lateral COMPACT ROAD SIZING CONVENTIONAL FRAME SIZING (CM) 49-51 51-54 55-57 57-59 58-60 61-63 RIDER HEIGHT 5' 2" - 5' 4" 5' 4" - 5' 7" 5' 7" - 5' 10" 5' 10" - 6' 0" 6' 0" - 6' 3" 6' 3" - 6' 6" GIANT FOR WOMEN COMPACT ROAD SIZING CONVENTIONAL FRAME SIZING (CM) 47 49-51 51-54 55-57 57-59 RIDER HEIGHT 5' 0" - 5' 2" 5' 2" - 5' 4" 5' 4" - 5' 6" 5' 6" - 5' 8" 5' 7" - 5' 10" rigidity. As a result, the frame accelerates faster thanks to less energy loss through unwanted flex. Stiffer is more efficient, but it doesn t always offer the most comfortable ride. To address this, Giant engineers are careful to include just the right amount of vertical compliance (a good thing) into each Compact Road Design for increased forgiveness and control. A full range of sizes (up to seven in some series) assures that riders of every size can find their ideal fit. COMPACT ROAD FRAME SIZE XS S M M / L L XL COMPACT ROAD FRAME SIZE 2XS XS S M L Compact Road Design is a race-proven innovation that s won both multiple Tour stages and countless weeknight crits but is still perfect for the everyday rider who thrives on exploring their local back roads. For 2009, Giant is proud to carry on the tradition of Compact Road Design in the latest generations of road bikes. True to the original design goals of lighter, stiffer and more responsive, these, we re sure you ll agree, are the fastest Giants yet. SEATTUBE / TOPTUBE LENGTH (CM) 42 / 52 44 / 53.5 50 / 55.5 53.5 / 57 55.5 / 58.5 58.5 / 61 SEATTUBE / TOPTUBE LENGTH (CM) 41 / 51 42 / 52 44 / 53.5 50 / 55.5 53.5 / 56.5 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 4-5 7/24/08 16:24:05
Introducing Advanced Composite Technology Forged from Giant s twenty-year composite experience, tested in the most grueling races on the ProTour and proven by the fastest racers in the professional peloton, the latest-generation composite is now ready to hit the road. We call it Advanced Composite Technology and it s just that the most advanced composite technology ever to be used in a bicycle application. 6-7 Pictured: 2009 TCR Advanced SL Team Used exclusively throughout our 2009 full-composite bicycles, Advanced Composite Technology helps produce the lightest, stiffest and most ride-tuned bicycles on the road. Advanced Composite Technology was developed to achieve the ultimate balance between the three things performance-minded riders hold in the highest regard: stiffness, light weight and comfort. It s a difficult task to keep these three elements in perfect harmony. Get it wrong and you ll end up with a bike that s too flexy, too harsh or too heavy. Get the balance right, and you ll have a bike that accelerates like a missile, efficiently transfers energy and soaks up performance-robbing vibration for all-day comfort. What makes Advanced Composite Technology stand out from the other me too composite technologies currently on the market is that Giant and Giant alone controls the entire process start to finish, from the countless field-testing hours to the meticulous engineering conducted by Giant s own engineering staff, to the hand lay-up of composite frames at the Giant C-Tech factory. Giant is proud that it can pass Advanced Composite Technology on to riders who demand a lighter, laterally stiffer and more vertically compliant ride from their bicycles. It s these improvements that enable Giant to craft the best-performing composite bicycles on the road. Advanced Composite Technology exists in two grades: Advanced SL A. The highest-performance carbon raw material B. Breakthrough construction techniques Advanced A. Performance-level carbon raw material B. State-of-the-art construction techniques Advanced Composite Technology s superior performance begins with bare carbon thread and ends in an entirely handmade frame constructed of strategically layered, Uni-Directional (UD) carbon. At Giant, this combination of painstaking process and a proprietary material selection is more than just materials and technology it s a promise of superior quality and performance that no other major brand can make. GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 6-7 7/24/08 16:24:10
advanced SL-grade composite features/benefits Advanced SL-grade composite features the highest-performance carbon raw material formed by breakthrough construction techniques. State-of-the-art T-800 raw composite material is painstakingly woven in Giant s own composite factory (a step no other major manufacturers undertake), then hand-crafted into framesets utilizing Giant s most advanced construction technique, Fusion. The process produces the lightest, stiffest and most ride-compliant framesets ever to roll on two wheels. 1. Integrated Seatpost Features: As the pioneer of the integrated seatpost design, Giant continues to improve its original design with lighter weight (approximately 40 grams of weight savings over a standard composite seatpost), improved aerodynamics and a tuned forgiving ride feel. A new saddle clamp offers 10 or 23 millimeters of offset for precise saddle adjustment. Benefit: Lighter, more aerodynamic and providing a more tuned ride than a traditional post, the TCR Advanced SL s integrated seatpost is the advanced way to stay in the saddle. Illustration: 2009 TCR Advanced SL frameset 5. OverDrive Features: Oversize headtube/fork steerer tube/headset area for maximum steering precision without additional weight. 1 1/8-inch top / 1 1/4-inch bottom headset bearings and a tapered composite steerer tube are utilized in conjunction to provide optimal torsional/lateral steering stiffness. Both the top- and downtubes encompass the headtube to provide additional torsional and lateral stability. Benefit: Pinpoint steering precision is pushed to the highest level. Hard cornering under the most demanding conditions has never felt so confident. 2. Fusion process Features: Breakthrough construction technology allows Giant engineers to save significant weight (over 100 grams) over traditional monocoque construction designs while helping to build the stiffest racingoriented frameset Giant has ever produced in its thirty-six-year production history. Benefit: Fusion is the key to building the lightest road bikes Giant has ever produced without sacrificing stiffness or strength. Utilizing a painstaking two-step molding procedure, Fusion junctions are stronger and far more precise than the traditional co-molded junctions utilized by Giant s competition. 3. PowerCore Features: Massively oversize bottom bracket/chainstay area that features a fully integrated, 86-millimeter-wide bottom bracket design capable of accepting integrated Shimano, SRAM, FSA and Campagnolo bottom brackets. Tying the bottom bracket to the rear of the frame are the asymmetrical chainstays to provide additional stiffness on the driveside and stability on the non-driveside. Benefit: Unprecedented pedaling stiffness through the next-generation, fully integrated bottom bracket standard and intelligent chainstay design. 4. MegaDrive Features: The massive rectangular downtube and oversize toptube work in unison to provide breakthrough levels of front-end lateral and torsional steering precision, while the downtube provides unprecedented pedaling stiffness through its precisely engineered rectangular design. Benefit: Both tubes work together to produce the quickest-accelerating, best-handling road bicycle Giant has ever created. 6-7 8-9 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 8-9 7/24/08 16:24:12
How is the TCR Advanced SL better than other bikes you ve ridden? Unrivaled stiffness-toweight ratio. Maximum power is delivered through the rear end. Under what conditions does the TCR Advanced SL excel? Bunch sprints. The maximum power delivered to the rear end makes for unbelievable acceleration, and the stiffness and responsiveness from the headtube and fork means you can steer through a gap in a nanosecond. What does the TCR Advanced SL represent to you? The ultimate sprint weapon. If you could describe the TCR Advanced SL in one word, what would it be? 10-11 Team Columbia s Mark Cavendish charges his fourth stage victory in the 2008 Tour De France on his TCR Advanced SL. GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 10-11 7/24/08 16:24:12
Introducing Advanced- Grade Composite Crafted for the performance-minded rider/racer. Advanced-grade composite technology forms the core of our TCR Advanced, TCR Advanced W, Defy Advanced (shown) and Avail Advanced road bicycle series. Each model is built for victory whether it s your local Tuesday night crit or state road-racing championships, Advanced-grade composite is ready to get you to the finish line first. 12-13 Pictured: 2009 Defy Advanced 1 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 12-13 7/24/08 16:24:15
advanced-grade composite features/benefits Advanced-grade composite features high-performance carbon raw material formed into framesets by state-of-the art construction techniques. T-700 raw composite material is painstakingly woven in Giant s own composite factory (a step no other major manufacturers undertake), then hand-crafted into framesets utilizing Giant s advanced monocoque construction technique. The process produces outstandingly light, stiff and compliant framesets. 1. vector Seatpost Features: Full-composite, lightweight (210 grams) and highly aerodynamic seatpost engineered specifically for the unyielding demands of the performanceminded road rider. Benefit: Increased fore/aft stiffness for maximum energy transmission, improved aerodynamics (over a traditional round seatpost) and two offset options (10 or 23 millimeters). Illustration: 2009 Defy Advanced frameset 4. OverDrive Features: Oversize headtube/fork steerer tube/headset area for maximum steering precision without additional weight. 1 1/8-inch top / 1 1/4-inch bottom headset bearings and a tapered composite steerer tube are utilized in conjunction to provide optimal torsional/lateral steering stiffness. Both the top- and downtubes encompass the headtube to provide additional torsional and lateral stability. Benefit: Pinpoint steering precision is pushed to the highest level. Hard cornering under the most demanding conditions has never felt so confident. 2. PowerCore Features: Massively oversize bottom bracket/chainstay area that features a fully integrated, 86-millimeter-wide bottom bracket design capable of accepting integrated/non-integrated Shimano, SRAM, FSA and Campagnolo bottom brackets. Tying the bottom bracket to the rear of the frame are reinforced chainstays to provide additional stiffness on the driveside and stability on the non-driveside. 5. less is more Features: To minimize weight, Giant engineers use FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to help develop a strategic lay-up schedule of Uni-Directional and woven composite to place the precise amount of composite material where a frame requires it and minimize excess where it doesn t. Benefit: Advanced-grade frames are some of the lightest frames on the market, affording performance-minded riders rocket-fast acceleration and goat-like climbing prowess. Benefit: Unprecedented pedaling stiffness through the next-generation, fully-integrated bottom bracket standard and intelligent chainstay design. 3. custom tuning Features: Hand-cut composite swatches are strategically laid-up piece by piece to create each frame. By precisely layering each individual swatch (there are over 500 pieces per frame) in an exact schedule, the frame s ride qualities are meticulously crafted and controlled. 14-15 Benefit: Because of the direction of each individual piece s composite grain, Giant engineers are able to custom-tune each frame s individual ride characteristics. This schedule produces Advanced-grade frames that feature a careful balance of forgiving vertical compliance and efficient lateral stiffness for maximum performance without sacrificing all-day comfort. GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 14-15 7/24/08 16:24:17
Introducing alliance technology 16-17 Pictured: 2009 Trinity Alliance 0 The right balance between frame weight, stiffness and comfort has never been so accessible until now. Giant s Alliance technology allows the rider to experience each of these important qualities to their fullest without compromise. Featured in the TCR Alliance, Defy Alliance, Avail Alliance and Trinity Alliance series (shown), Alliance offers the discriminating road rider the perfect blend of performance and value. GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 16-17 7/24/08 16:24:18
alliance technology features/benefits Giant s advanced mixed-material technology for the competitive racer to the weekend club rider, Alliance is engineered to provide significant comfort and efficiency over standard aluminum framesets. It accomplishes this by fusing two traditionally independent frame materials: composite and aluminum. Unifying these two complementary materials enables Giant to create a single structure that capitalizes on the performance benefits of both. Alliance is more than just an aluminum and composite material story. It s how they re combined that provides the real advantage an advantage that you ll be able to feel in three ways: 1. Lighter Frame Weight Thanks to composite s minimal mass, Alliance frames weigh up to a half-pound less than traditional aluminum frames. 2. Outstanding Pedaling Stiffness Aluminum s unyielding stiffness gives Alliance models bottom bracket deflection equal to all-aluminum frames. 3. Superior Compliance Composite s legendary vibration absorption makes it the perfect choice for the strategically laid-out top section of Alliance frames. These advantages add up to an overall outstanding ride quality that balances weight, stiffness and ride compliance. Illustration: 2009 Trinity Alliance frameset COMPOSITE UPPER STRUCTURE FOR A LIGHT AND SUPPLE RIDE Features: Reduced weight and superior ride compliance are both made possible through the implementation of a composite upper structure. Benefit: Vibrations that normally would be transmitted to a rider s hands and backside are dissipated by the composite structure a tremendous benefit, especially on longer rides. SEAMLESS JUNCTION FOR SUPERIOR STRENGTH Features: By wrapping each composite/ aluminum union with carbon filament, Alliance frames feature nearly seamless junctions. Benefit: Superior frame strength and a smooth appearance. CO-MOLDED COMPOSITES FOR A QUIETER RIDE Features: A unique composite insert co-molded to the inside of the aluminum seattube allows Alliance frames to dissipate significantly more road vibration than traditional aluminum-seattube frames. ALUMINUM: A TRULY GIANT STRENGTH Features: Giant s press-formed ALUXX SL butted aluminum tubing features the precise amount of aluminum in critical stress areas. Benefit: Minimized weight, maximum frame stiffness and outstanding overall strength. Benefit: Say goodbye to numb hands, forearms and backside. ALUMINUM SUB-STRUCTURE FOR PURE PEDALING EFFICIENCY Features: Outstanding power transfer is achieved through the lower aluminum sub-structure s unyielding lateral stiffness, without the drawback of a harsh ride. Benefit: Just right for high-intensity sprints and power climbs. 18-19 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 18-19 7/24/08 16:24:19
Introducing aluxx Aluminum Technology The modern building block of performance-minded road bicycles, aluminum can be manipulated into light, stiff and comfortable framesets. Giant pushes the limits of standard aluminum materials and construction with its own ALUXX Aluminum Technology a masterful blend of cutting-edge materials science and proprietary forming and construction techniques. Featured in the Defy, Avail (shown) and Trinity series, ALUXX Aluminum Technology equips entry-level road cyclists with every advantage they need to take to the road and fast. 20-21 Pictured: 2009 Avail 1 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 20-21 7/24/08 16:24:20
aluxx ALUMINUM TECHNOLOGY features/benefits Giant pushes the limits of standard aluminum materials and construction with its own ALUXX Aluminum Technology a masterful blend of cutting-edge materials science and proprietary forming and construction techniques. From the microscopic manipulation of the atomic grain structure to the introduction of hydro-formed tubesets, Giant engineers have been at the forefront of aluminum technology for over three decades. ALUXX Aluminum Technology is the result of their tireless efforts. Giant s in-house manufacturing capabilities mean each step of the production process is closely monitored (and is never farmed out to outside vendors), ensuring every alloy bike built features the tightest tolerances and highest quality. With Giant s ALUXX Aluminum Technology, you know you re riding the finest aluminum bikes on the road. ALUXX Aluminum Technology is available in two grades: ALUXX SL a. The highest strength-to-weight ratio aluminum alloy b. State-of-the-art construction techniques ALUXX a. Good strength-to-weight ratio aluminum alloy b. Tried-and-true construction techniques Considering the fact that Giant was one of the first manufacturers to mass-produce aluminum bicycles, it s fair to say the company knows a thing or two about aluminum technology. Building upon a thirty-six-year manufacturing history, Giant continues to bring the most advanced techniques to its aluminum frame building process. This includes using the most sophisticated alloys and butting techniques available, as well as intensive training and quality-control methods that all help Giant push the limits of material performance while maintaining its position as the world leader in the alloy bicycle building business. Illustration: 2009 Avail frameset 2. FULLY MANIPULATED FOR A PERFECTLY TUNED RIDE features: Raw ALUXX SL tubesets are further refined through a complex series of processes that provide strength (extrusion), weight reduction (butting) and shape (forming). Two key Giant technologies hydro forming and press forming work together to eliminate gussets, improve stiffness and minimize any extra weight. Benefit: Through tubeset manipulation, Giant is able to further improve the overall riding characteristics of the bike adding stability where it is needed and removing material where it is superfluous. 3. GUSSET-FREE DESIGN FOR SUPREME WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT COMPROMISING STRENGTH features: Most of Giant s competitors utilize old-fashioned gussets (additional pieces of material that are welded to the outside of tube junctions to provide additional support). Giant pioneered and has perfected the use of radically shaped tubesets that provide all the strength and stability of gusseted tubes without adding material and welds. Benefit: Maximum strength and minimum weight, once an impossibility, is now a reality, thanks to Giant s advanced alloy-manipulation capabilities. 1. STIFF AND LIGHT THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS features: Formed from raw materials in its own forging facility, Giant s proprietary 6013 alloy features 30 percent additional stiffness over traditional 6061 series aluminum, allowing engineers to use less material throughout the tubes, which results in lighter frames that never sacrifice strength or durability. 22-23 20-21 Benefit: Lighter and stiffer frames without the sacrifice of strength. A win, win, win situation for every rider. GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 22-23 7/24/08 16:24:22
road report card: introduction/variables 24-25 Making the Grade Looks can be deceiving. This nugget of wisdom holds true for the road bicycle which has featured the same double diamond design since its inception over 100 years ago. Spend five minutes perusing new road bikes at a local dealer and you ll likely reach one conclusion: They all look pretty much the same. But while they may appear similar as they sit static on the showroom floor, the dynamic performance characteristics of various, similar-looking road bikes can differ greatly. It s important to understand and consider the differences that exist beneath the visible outer skin of the bicycle. Giant s mission is to produce the most balanced, best-riding road bicycles in the world. To accomplish this goal, and to ensure that we achieve the highest standards, we developed a proprietary methodology called the Road Report Card. This breakthrough testing standard accomplishes three primary goals: it reveals the hidden characteristics of other road bikes on the market; it clearly summarizes the key dynamic and static differences between Giant s road bikes and those of its competitors; and it informs and drives our engineering and development efforts. Giant didn t set out to create a standard that focuses on laboratory-only forces. The Road Report Card goes beyond that and tests the forces that occur in real-world riding conditions. Forces that every rider, regardless of skill or fitness, experiences on every ride. weight While seemingly objective, frameset weight can actually be a highly subjective variable it all depends on what is considered a frameset. Giant defines a frameset as: A size medium, painted/decaled production frame Headset Production fork (uncut) All production hardware (water bottle bolts, etc.) Front and rear derailleur hanger/clamps Seat clamp Seatpost (ISP or standard high-quality composite post) No crankset or bearings All these elements are assembled and weighed on a standardized scale at Giant s TC (Techno Center) headquarters in Taiwan. There are three variables that make up this test: 1. Weight 2. Comfort 3. Stiffness comfort By far the most difficult road quality to isolate and quantify is what is commonly referred to as comfort, or what Giant calls compliance. Compliance is the quantity of vibration that a frameset is able to soak up. When riders speak of a particular bike being more compliant than another, what they are really referring to is the frameset s ability to absorb the multitude of vibrations delivered from the rough pavement to their hands and backside. A frameset that is able to absorb and dissipate these vibrations is said to be more compliant than a frame that directly transfers these vibrations. The better the frameset s vibration absorption ability, the more compliant, or comfortable, it is to ride. And a compliant bike that transmits less vibration can improve a rider s endurance. The front compliance test: We simulate Frameset locked securely at the rear dropouts Frameset loaded at the bottom bracket, top of seatpost and end of the stem to a total of 160 pounds (average rider weight) A single, regulated blow is delivered to a dummy hub locked at the fork tips We measure Via a potentiometer placed at the end of the stem (simulating a rider s hand placement), the acceleration of the force is measured in g force, while the duration is measured in s (seconds). We conclude The lower the amount of vibration transmission transferred via the front end of the frameset, the more compliance the frameset offers. The rear compliance test: We simulate Frameset locked securely at the fork dropouts Frameset loaded at the bottom bracket, top of seatpost and end of the stem to a total of 160 pounds (average rider weight) A single, regulated blow is delivered to a dummy hub locked in the rear dropout We measure Via a potentiometer placed at the top of the integrated seatmast (simulating a rider s backside placement), the acceleration of the force is measured in g force, while the duration is measured in s (seconds). We conclude The lower the amount of vibration transmission transferred via the rear end of the frameset, the more compliance the frameset offers. These two compliance figures (front and rear compliance) are averaged to result in the frameset s overall ride compliance. fixed vibration input weight load Giant s Road Report Card is unique in that it is the first test of its kind that effectively quantifies and compares the compliance of one frameset to another. Each frameset is tested for both front and rear compliance. weight load weight load weight load vibration output vibration output weight load vibration Input weight load fixed GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 24-25 7/24/08 16:24:22
road report card: variables Vertical Axle stiffness 2. pedaling stiffness The Road Report Card breaks the generic term stiffness down into two variables: steering stiffness and pedaling stiffness. These two scores are averaged to determine an overall stiffness score for the Road Report Card. Let s take a closer look at each of these two variables: Side Inclination 10º Pedaling stiffness can be felt under heavy pedaling (such as sprinting) and is a result of the side-to-side motion of the bottom bracket area. With pedaling stiffness, more is better. The less bottom bracket flex, the more power will be transferred through the drivetrain to the rear wheel propelling you forward faster. 1. STEEring stiffness Steering stiffness can be felt under hard cornering or heavy braking and is a result of the fork, headset and headtube all flexing under load. With steering stiffness, more is certainly better. Higher levels of stiffness allow the rider to arc more tightly, with more stability, through corners and have better control under heavy braking. We simulate Frameset locked securely at the fork dropouts and loosely at rear dropouts Frameset inclined to 10 degrees A measured force is applied to a dummy crank positioned at 45 degrees We measure Two types of tests are performed to determine steering stiffness: a frontal stiffness test (which expresses how the front end of a frameset deflects under heavy braking conditions) and a lateral stiffness test to determine how the front end of the bike deflects under heavy side-to-side sprinting or cornering. Here is how each of these tests was performed. Deflection at the dummy crank in N/mm (Newtons per millimeter) We conclude The higher the value, the stiffer the frameset and better the pedaling efficiency the frontal-steering-stiffness test: Loosely fixed E d RCRotate O k < F ran ºC 45 We simulate fixed Frameset locked at rear dropouts Perpendicular frontal force applied to fork dropouts, which simulates braking We measure Deflection at dropouts in N/mm (Newtons per millimeter) We conclude The higher the value, the stiffer the frameset fixed < FORC E the lateral-steering-stiffness test: We simulate Frameset locked at rear dropouts Torsional side force is applied to fork dropouts, which simulates cornering We measure Torsional deflection at dropouts in N/degree We conclude The higher the value, the stiffer the frameset fixed 26-27 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 26-27 FORCE > 7/24/08 16:24:26
road report card: results READING THE GRAPHS The three points of each triangle graph represent the highest possible scores in weight, stiffness and comfort. The ideal score is a large, perfect triangle. The grades are derived from the relative placing of each frameset s three performance qualities against the other models (i.e., the Giant TCR Advanced SL weight compared to the other seven framesets). These grades are direct translations of the statistical information obtained through laboratory testing of 2008 competitor models and the 2009 Giant TCR Advanced SL. CONCLUSION While some framesets scored higher in a single category, none matched the all-around performance of the Giant TCR Advanced SL. It s Giant s mission to build the best-riding bicycles without compromising one value, such as weight, for another, such as stiffness. The results reflect the mission. WEIGHT WEIGHT WEIGHT WEIGHT trek madone 6.9 pro weight: b- stiffness: d comfort: b specialized tarmac sl2 weight: c+ stiffness: a comfort: c+ cannondale supersix team weight: f stiffness: b comfort: d+ canyon f10 ultimate weight: b- stiffness: c+ comfort: d comfort stiffness comfort stiffness comfort stiffness comfort stiffness WEIGHT WEIGHT WEIGHT WEIGHT scott addict sl weight: a+ stiffness: b comfort: f cervelo r3 sl weight: a stiffness: b- comfort: d look 595 ultra weight: d stiffness: d+ comfort: a- giant tcr advanced sl weight: b+ stiffness: a- comfort: a+ comfort stiffness comfort stiffness comfort stiffness comfort stiffness 28-29 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 28-29 7/24/08 16:24:31
Ridden to countless victories by the world s top professionals and designed to fulfill every need, from the weekly criterium to a simple fitness regimen, the Giant Road Collection offers something for everyone. Availability, pricing and specifications vary by country. For complete information, please go to www.giantbicycle.com. That first road ride opens up a whole new world. Confidence blooms, adventure beckons, the ride becomes a habit. A lifestyle. Engineered specifically for women, these road bikes will be with you every step of the way. Availability, pricing and specifications vary by country. For complete information, please go to www.giantbicycle.com. Competition When speed matters most, Giant s race-bred machines get you there faster. Aim for the podium, or group-ride glory, on one of these road, cyclocross or triathlon bikes. Competition For enthusiasts and racers who accept no compromises, TCR and Aeryn deliver pure performance to get you there fast. TCR ADVANCED SL series TCR ADVANCED series TCR alliance series TCR ADVANCED W series TCR alliance w series tcx series Trinity alliance series trinity series aeryn alliance series aeryn series performance One bike with a multitude of uses. Blending speed and agility with a comfortable, more upright position, the all-new Defy is equally adept at quick hammer sessions or weekend epics. performance The all-new Avail series ties together flat-out racing performance with a comfortable ride quality to help you go farther, faster. defy ADVANCED series defy alliance series defy series avail ADVANCED series avail alliance series avail series 30-31 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 30-31 7/24/08 16:24:35
frame geometries ROAD Model Actual Frame Size Head Angle Seat Angle Toptube Headtube Chainstay Wheelbase Standover Height centimeters degrees degrees centimeters centimeters centimeters centimeters inches TCR Advanced SL XS/43.0 71.0 74.5 52.0 12.0 40.5 97.7 28.5 S/46.5 72.0 73.5 53.5 13.5 40.5 97.4 29.2 M/50.0 73.0 73.0 55.5 15.0 40.5 98.0 30.1 M/L/53.5 73.0 72.0 57.0 17.0 40.5 98.6 31.0 L/55.5 73.0 72.0 58.5 18.5 40.5 100.1 31.7 XL/58.5 73.0 72.0 60.5 20.0 40.5 102.1 32.4 TCR Advanced XS/43.0 71.0 74.5 52.0 12.0 40.5 97.7 28.5 S/46.5 72.0 73.5 53.5 13.5 40.5 97.4 29.2 M/50.0 73.0 73.0 55.5 15.0 40.5 98.0 30.1 M/L/53.5 73.0 72.0 57.0 17.0 40.5 98.6 31.0 L/55.5 73.0 72.0 58.5 18.5 40.5 100.1 31.7 XL/58.5 73.0 72.0 60.5 20.0 40.5 102.1 32.4 TCR Alliance XS/43.0 71.0 74.5 52.0 12.0 40.5 97.7 28.4 S/46.5 72.0 73.5 53.5 13.5 40.5 97.4 29.2 M/50.0 73.0 73.0 55.5 15.0 40.5 98.0 30.1 M/L/53.5 73.0 72.5 57.0 17.0 40.5 99.2 31.1 L/55.5 73.0 72.5 58.5 18.5 40.5 100.6 31.6 XL/58.5 73.0 72.0 60.5 20.0 40.5 102.1 32.3 Trinity Alliance XS/43.0 72.0 78.0 50.5 10.0 39.0 97.0 28.2 Trinity S/46.5 72.0 78.0 52.0 11.5 39.0 98.6 29.0 M/50.0 72.5 78.0 54.0 13.0 39.0 100.4 29.6 L/55.0 72.5 78.0 56.5 14.5 39.0 103.0 30.7 TCX S/49 71.0 73.5 53.5 13.5 43.0 101.9 30.5 M/51.5 72.0 73.0 55.5 15.0 43.0 102.5 31.5 L/55.5 72.0 72.0 58.5 18.5 43.0 104.6 32.5 XL/58.5 72.0 72.0 60.5 20.0 43.0 106.6 34.0 Defy Advanced XS/43.0 71.0 74.0 51.5 12.5 42.0 98.3 29.0 S/46.5 72.0 74.0 53.0 14.5 42.0 99.0 29.8 M/50.0 72.5 73.0 54.5 16.5 42.0 99.0 30.7 M/L/53.5 72.5 73.0 56.0 18.5 42.0 100.5 31.2 L/55.5 72.5 72.0 57.5 20.5 42.0 100.8 31.9 XL/58.5 72.5 72.0 59.5 22.5 42.0 102.8 32.7 Defy Alliance XS/43.0 71.0 75.0 51.2 12.5 42.0 99.0 29.2 S/46.5 72.0 74.0 53.1 14.5 42.0 99.1 30.0 M/50.0 72.5 73.0 54.9 17.0 42.0 99.4 30.9 L/55.5 72.5 73.0 57.5 20.0 42.0 102.0 32.1 XL/58.5 72.5 72.5 60.0 22.5 42.0 103.9 32.8 Defy XS/43.0 71.0 74.0 51.5 12.5 42.0 98.3 29.0 S/46.5 72.0 74.0 53.0 14.5 42.0 99.0 29.7 M/50.0 72.5 73.0 54.5 16.5 42.0 99.0 30.6 M/L/53.5 72.5 73.0 56.0 18.5 42.0 100.5 31.1 L/55.5 72.5 72.0 57.5 20.5 42.0 100.8 32.0 XL/58.5 72.5 72.0 59.5 22.5 42.0 102.8 32.8 Women s ROAD Model Actual Frame Size Head Angle Seat Angle Toptube Headtube Chainstay Wheelbase Standover Height centimeters degrees degrees centimeters centimeters centimeters centimeters inches TCR Advanced W XS/43.0 71.0 74.5 52.0 12.0 40.5 97.7 28.5 S/46.5 72.0 73.5 53.5 13.5 40.5 97.4 29.2 M/50.0 73.0 73.0 55.5 15.0 40.5 98.0 30.1 TCR Alliance W XS/43 71.0 74.0 51.5 12.5 40.5 96.7 28.5 S/46,5 71.0 73.5 52.5 14.0 40.5 97.3 29.3 M/50 73.0 73.5 54.0 15.5 40.5 97.0 30.2 Aeryn Alliance XS/43.0 72.0 78.0 50.5 11.5 39.0 97.1 28.2 Aeryn S/46.5 72.0 78.0 51.5 12.5 39.0 98.2 29.0 M/50.0 72.5 78.0 53.5 14.0 39.0 100.0 29.6 Avail Advanced XS/43.0 71.0 74.5 51.0 13.0 42.0 98.3 29.0 S/46.5 72.0 74.0 52.5 15.0 42.0 98.5 29.8 M/50.0 72.5 73.5 54.0 17.5 42.0 99.0 30.7 Avail Alliance XS/43.0 70.0 74.0 51.0 13.0 42.0 98.5 29.1 S/46.5 71.5 73.5 52.5 15.0 42.0 98.2 29.9 M/50.0 72.5 73.5 54.0 17.5 42.0 98.8 30.8 Avail XS/43.0 71.0 74.5 51.0 13.0 42.0 98.3 28.9 S/46.5 72.0 74.0 52.5 15.0 42.0 98.5 29.6 M/50.0 72.5 73.5 54.0 17.5 42.0 99.0 30.6 L/53.5 72.5 73.0 55.5 19.0 42.0 100.0 31.0 Seat angle is actual. Toptube is measured from the center of the headtube horizontally back to the top of the effective extension of the seattube. Standover height is based on the largest size tire that will fit the bike, not necessarily the included size tire. The following marks are registered or common law marks of Giant Bicycle, Inc. or Giant Manufacturing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Alliance, ALUXX, Five Point, TCR, Trinity. 2008 Giant Bicycle, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications and availability subject to change without notice. All brand names are the trademarks of their respective owners. Printed in the U.S.A. Catalog Item # 99917 32 GBI0089_roadbrochure_mech.indd 32-iii 7/24/08 16:24:42