Giant Showcase: TCR Advanced SL

Giant Packs the TCR Advanced SL With Features and The Latest Technology 

It’s no secret that the TCR Advanced SL wins a lot of pro races. But the reason for its dominance is something our competitors do keep secret: Giant is the only major manufacturer that controls every stage of design and production, from raw carbon thread to this finished racing machine. The others don’t—and the results speak for themselves. Tests show that TCR Advanced SL is the lightest, stiffest, best-riding road bike in its class. 

The all-new TCR Advanced SL shatters the mold of every composite bike that came before it. It uses Advanced SL-grade composite and innovative manufacturing techniques that make it the lightest, stiffest, and most efficient road frame ever produced by Giant. Steering precision is boosted by the new oversize OverDrive 2 headtube/fork combination. The MegaDrive downtube and PowerCore bottom bracket improve power transfer and efficiency. And the integrated seatpost, a hallmark Giant innovation, reduces frame weight and adds compliance. Ridden to countless victories by Giant pro riders, the TCR Advanced SL is a pure racing machine.

1. Giant's innovative oversized fork steerer-tube design increases front-end stiffness and enhances steering performance. The tapered steerer and oversized bearings( 1 /14" top - 1 1/2" bottom) boost torsional steering stiffness so you can sprint and corner with supreme precision.

2. As the pioneer of the integrated seatpost, Giant continues to improve its design with lighter weight (approximately 45 grams of weight savings, compared to a standard composite seatpost), improved aerodynamics and an even greater "tuned" forgiving ride feel. An adjustable saddle clamp offers 10 or 23 mm of offset for precise saddle position

3. Advanced SL toptubes are "grafted" to the seattube using filament winding and co-molding. This complex process involves hand weaving the two tubes together, then re-molding the area under heat and high pressure to unify the junction — resulting in a lighter, stronger junction than with traditional molding.

4. Carbon Nanotube Technology refers to a microscopic polymer added to Giant's custom-blended resin. Acting like miniature buttresses, CNT particles strengthen the layers of composite. Frames treated with CNT are 14% more impact resistant than those that aren't.

5. Continuous Fiber Technology is a new manufacturing process that allows Giant to construct the front triangle of Advanced SL bicycles with larger — and therefore fewer — sections of composite material. With fewer pieces and junctions, the frames are up to 100 grams lighter and significantly stronger.

6. Giant's all-new chainstay integrated wireless data transmitter is called RideSense. The fully integrated, removable transmitter sends wheelspeed and cadence information directly to any ANT+ compatible computer.

7. Giant's all-new composite bottom-bracket shell saves 15 grams over its alloy-reinforced predecessor, while all-new composite dropouts save an additional 15 grams. High-compression, multidirectional composite ensures long life.

8. Free of alloy tips, Giant's all-new composite fork and frame dropouts save 15 grams over their predecessors. High compression, multi-directional composite ensures long life — even after repeated clamping

Come check out our great selection of Giant, Cannondale, and Colnago bikes today!

8850 Stockdale Hwy.
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 883-6268
info@finishlinebikes.com
www.finishlinebikes.com

Giant Launches World's Most Extensive 27.5 Off-Road Line!

A Total of Seven New Men’s Series and 28 Global Models Feature 27.5 Wheel Technology, Which Giant Has Been Developing For the Past Two Years.

Anthem 27.5 0

Giant, the world leader in cycling technology, is revolutionizing its 2014 off-road lineup with a full range of new bikes featuring 27.5-inch wheel technology. Some of Giant’s most recognizable and successful off-road models—including XtC, Anthem, and Trance—will now include 27.5 choices in both composite and aluminum frame options. Several prototype Giant 27.5 bikes have already been ridden to major race wins in pro XC and enduro competition.

XTC Advanced 27.5 2 (HardTail)

“The diversity and range of our new collection of 27.5 bikes shows how strongly we believe in this new technology,” said Kevin Dana, Giant Global Off-Road Category Manager. “That belief is founded on a lot of internal research and testing. We worked with a wide variety of riders—and from our World Cup XC pros to our enduro riders, all of them feel strongly that the end result is improved performance.”







Research and ride testing in different off-road racing disciplines, and in a variety of terrain, showed that the 27.5 wheel size delivers significant performance advantages in three key areas: weight, efficiency and control. Bikes with 27.5-inch wheels displayed some of the best characteristics of 26 and 29-inch wheels—but without the compromises associated with each.

Talon 27.5

Truly capitalizing on the advantages of 27.5 required a deep commitment to engineering and development. Giant’s team of engineers, product developers and athletes looked at each new model individually, dialing in the frame features and geometry to optimize the new wheel size for particular types of terrain and performance goals.







The end result is a full line of purpose-built 27.5 performance bikes for all different types of off-road riding. From the XC World Cup-proven XtC Advanced 27.5 hardtail to the trail and enduro focused Trance Advanced 27.5, each series has undergone extensive development from the ground up.

For elite-level Giant XC pros like Swedish national champion Emil Lindgren, the lighter weight and quicker acceleration offer a huge advantage.

Trance Advanced 27.5 2

“When you’re racing cross-country, you’re pushing the limits,” said Lindgren. “The heart rate is maxed and you want a bike that responds and makes the effort feel a little easier. Going from a 26 to a 29, there’s a big difference in the way the bike rides. But with 27.5, it’s the perfect balance of quickness and acceleration of a 26 with the traction and stability of a 29er.”

To meet the needs of racers like Lindgren and teammate Michiel van der Heijden, who recently won the Dutch XC Championships aboard a prototype 27.5 hardtail, Giant developed 27.5 versions of its XtC platform in both Advanced-grade composite (XtC Advanced 27.5) and ALUXX SL aluminum (XtC 27.5).

For technical XC terrain, Giant developed 27.5 versions of its legendary Anthem platform, available in both Advanced-grade composite (Anthem Advanced 27.5) and ALUXX SL aluminum (Anthem 27.5) frame options featuring Maestro Suspension with 4 inches of travel. Giant Factory Off-Road rider Adam Craig played a major role in the bike’s development, and rode his prototype Anthem Advanced 27.5 to a win at an Oregon Enduro Series event earlier this summer.

“For cross-country racing, the 27.5 offers a very clear advantage,” Craig said. “It’s not just about how fast a bike rolls, but how fast it can be in real racing scenarios, and that involves accelerating, braking, climbing, a lot of low-speed stuff. A bike that’s a little more nimble and quick is ultimately an advantage.”




For more aggressive trail and enduro riding—the type that Australian enduro racer Josh Carlson has been racing with his prototype Trance Advanced 27.5, which features 5.5 inches of Maestro rear suspension technology—the added control and stability makes a huge difference.

“It feels amazing,” said Carlson, who rode a prototype Trance Advanced 27.5 to several enduro race wins in North America this spring. “You can charge through rock gardens and gnarly terrain with total confidence that it’s going to be quicker and faster and safer than any bike you’ve ever ridden. You can come into corners quicker and exit with so much more speed.”

The Trance platform is also available with the Advanced-grade composite frame (Trance Advanced 27.5)or ALUXX SL aluminum (Trance 27.5). Both the Trance Advanced 27.5 and Trance 27.5 also come in an “SX” model for more aggressive, gravity-oriented riding.

In addition to all of the above off-road performance models, Giant is also making its 27.5 technology available to more riders of all levels with its full line of Talon 27.5 ALUXX aluminum hardtail off-road bikes.

For 2014, Giant is offering the following off-road series with 27.5 technology:

XtC Advanced 27.5 (Advanced-grade composite hardtail XC)
XtC 27.5 (ALUXX SL aluminum hardtail XC)
Anthem Advanced 27.5 (Advanced-grade composite full-suspension XC)
Anthem 27.5 (ALUXX SL aluminum full-suspension XC)
Trance Advanced 27.5 (Advanced-grade composite full-suspension trail and enduro)
Trance 27.5 (ALUXX SL aluminum full-suspension trail and enduro)
Talon 27.5 (ALUXX aluminum hardtail XC)

The 2014 Giant 27.5 off-road bikes will be available through Giant retailers later this summer. Model lineup and availability will vary by country.




8850 Stockdale Hwy.
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 883-6268
info@finishlinebikes.com
www.finishlinebikes.com

Ride Without Limits- 2014 Giant Trance 1 27.5

Slippery Roots, Wheel Eating Ruts, Big Drops. Whatever the  Trail Throws Your Way, You'll Be Ready.

Giant-Bicycles.com: All new and totally re-engineered for the benefits of 27.5-inch wheels, Trace 27.5 is the best of both worlds-light and agile, yet super stable on the roughest trails. The lightweight, stiff and super-strong ALUXX SL aluminum frame is mated with 140mm of proven Maestro suspension. The frame also features Giant's OverDrive 2 steerer tube technology for stiff, razor sharp handling even in the rough stuff. Climbing or descending, there's no better way to own the trail.

Image Credit: Flowmountainbike.com

The gloss and matte-black trail frame sports a carbon front triangle and aluminum rear end. It feels taut and responsive, likely due to the short links controlling the Maestro suspension. It may say 140-millimeters on the tin, but it feels like much more.

With a 66-degree head angle when the Fox 34 Talas is run at 160mm - (67 degrees at 140mm) the bike is relaxed enough to really let loose. it feels well balanced and poised for high-spirited trail bike mischief.

Internal cabling (including for the new Giant Contact IR dropper post) has greatly improved the bike's aesthetics, and even with a mid-range SLX/XT build kit the complete bike is just over 13kg. The component spec is magnificent for the money. A particular highlight is the FOX TALAX CTD fork and ever-reliable Shimano SLX brakes. And the tires are an inspired choice: a big Shwalbe Hans Dampf up front and a fast rolling Rock Razor on the rear.

Overall, this is an envy-inspiring Giant that looks great and rides equally well - Seb Kemp, bikemag.com

8850 Stockdale Hwy.
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 883-6268
info@finishlinebikes.com
www.finishlinebikes.com

Drastically Reduced Prices on the Following 2014 Giant Bicycle Models.

2014 Giant Escape 2

You will not find a better price on a high quality bike for under $430, ANYWHERE.

SEE LIST OF BIKES BELOW

If you’re already fitness-minded – one of those people who go to the gym or to yoga class regularly but thought bicycling was just too expensive to add into your fitness routine – well, now you no longer have an excuse.

Or, if you’re one of those folks who wants to get active now, but are put off by what you believe to be a high-priced sport only for the spandex-clad bike racer, you don’t have an excuse anymore either!
 
1. Top quality. Giant is the world’s leading brand of quality bicycles and gear. We aim to inspire adventure in all riders, from casual to competitive.

2. Professionally assembled. Your independent bicycle retailer is an expert at building bikes. They are trained to assemble your new bike with your safety in mind. Who assembles your bike at the big box store?

3. The right size. Most big box stores sell one size of bicycle – and they cross their fingers hoping you believe it fits. Giant and Liv/giant bicycles come in a complete range of men’s and women’s sizes, and your bicycle retailer will make sure the bike you buy is the right fit for you.

4. Expertly maintained. Your Giant and Liv/giant retailer has a service area dedicated to keeping your Gateway to Adventure bike rolling perfectly. They also have a terrific selection of accessories for you and your bike to help you get the most out of your new ride.

With your new Gateway to Adventure bike, you’ll feel great knowing you’re on the road to a more active lifestyle. You’ll also feel good knowing you’re supporting your local independent bicycle retailer – a business owned by folks from your community. These are people who have created good paying jobs and pay tax dollars to your state and town. Thank you for supporting them!

GIANT GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE BIKES:

Escape 2 ..................................................  $420
Escape 3 ..................................................  $330
Cypress DX .............................................  $420
Cypress ....................................................  $320
Roam 3 ....................................................  $430
Sedona DX ..............................................  $420
Sedona .....................................................  $320
Revel 2 ....................................................  $400
Revel 3 ....................................................  $330



Liv/giant GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE BIKES:

Escape 2 W .............................................  $420
Escape 3 W .............................................  $330
Cypress DX W  .......................................  $420
Cypress W ...............................................  $320
Enchant 1 .................................................  $390
Enchant 2 .................................................  $430
Sedona DX W ..........................................  $420
Sedona W .................................................  $320
Rove 3 ......................................................  $430

2014 Giant Defy Advanced 2 — Simply One Of The Best of Its Type

Cycling Plus Bike of The Year Finalist — "With a perfect 5 stars, Cycling Plus fell in love with Defy Advanced all over again in 2014"

"..we really do love the Giant Defy Advanced 2. Last year we crowned it best of the best, and in 2014 it's still got it... we've yet to find a rider who doesn't get on with the Defy the moment they turn the pedals."

Testers noted that Defy Advanced is now better than ever - maintaining the perfect formula that saw it win Bike of The Year, while offering greater value in 2014 with a new lower price;

"By sticking with a winning formula and lowering the price, Giant have arguably made the Defy even better. This year you're getting more bike for your money than you did last. What's not to like?" 

- Giant-Bicycles.com 

  

The frame is — quite simply — superb. It handles wonderfully, exciting to ride, yet incredibly comfortable. Giant has done a great job selecting the right drivetrain for this bike. Comes with an industry standard 50/34 chainset up front, but in back it comes with a nice wide set of gears with a 28 tooth bottom gear which will pretty much get you up any hill. On the non-drive side chainstay is Giant's ANT+ device for seamless and wireless communication with your Garmin, measuring both cadence and speed.


It's got a great Shimano 105 spec, Giant PSL wheelset, Fi'zi:k saddle - and this year the price has been brought down just a bit.

Technologies
1. OverDrive 2

Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system’s oversized headset bearings (1 1/2” lower, 1 1/4” upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.


2. Modified Monocoque

Construction Similar to Monocoque technology, but Modified Monocoque eliminates the outermost woven composite sheet (found on heavier framesets) to reduce weight without affecting ride quality, strength or stiffness.

3. PowerCore

A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay features a fully integrated, 86-millimetre-wide bottom-bracket design. Asymmetric chainstays provide additional stiffness on the driveside and stability on the non-driveside.

4. MegaDrive

A massive rectangular downtube and oversized toptube work in unison to provide superior front-end lateral and torsional steering precision. The precisely engineered, rectangular shaped downtube yields unprecedented pedalling stiffness.

5. Vector Seatpost

This full-composite, lightweight (210 grams) and highly aerodynamic seatpost is engineered specifically for the unyielding demands of the performance-minded road rider. It offers increased fore/aft stiffness for maximum energy transmission, improved aerodynamics (compared to a traditional round seatpost) and two offset options (-5 to +25mm).

6. Tuned Composite

Hand-cut composite swatches are strategically laidup, piece by piece, to create each frame. The frame’s ride qualities are meticulously crafted and controlled through precise layering of each individual swatch (there are more than 500 pieces per frame) in an exact schedule. The direction of each individual piece’s composite grain allows Giant engineers to custom tune each frame’s individual ride characteristics.

7. RideSense

Giant’s all-new chainstay integrated, wireless data transmitter. The fully integrated, removable transmitter sends wheelspeed and cadence information directly to any ANT+ compatible computer.

8. Compliant Seatstays

The seattube/seatstay junction has been engineered to provide integrated compliance into the rear of the bike by producing a leaf-spring effect that absorbs road shock and vibrations.

Finish Line Bikes
8850 Stockdale Hwy.
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 883-6268
info@finishlinebikes.com
www.finishlinebikes.com

[Review] 2014 Giant TCX Advanced 0

THE FUTURE OF CYCLOCROSS

According to Giant, "The 2014 TCX Advanced 0 combines Giant's deep pedigree of world
championship-winning cyclocross bikes with a host of forward-thinking technologies and designs. Last year, Giant assembled a team of engineers, athletes and product developers to rethink the possibilities of cyclocross performance. tapping into Giant's industry-leading engineering and manufacturing capabilities — plus its long history of collaboration with some of the world's top 'cross racers — they set out to create bikes that weren't just light and efficient, but that could significantly boost a rider's level of confidence and control."

 The TCX Advanced features a sub-1050-gram frame made with Giant's Advanced-grade composite material and geometry that's updated with a slightly lower bottom bracket drop and a slightly longer wheelbase compared to previous models. Designed with Finite Element Analysis, which was used to create tube shapes that "enhance the performance and ride quality for cyclocross racing including a flattened and smoothed top tube shape for easier shouldering." It also eliminates the outermost woven composite sheet in order to reduce weight without affecting ride quality, strength or stiffness.

TCR Advanced 1 Brakes Shown

Looking For A Different Kind of Bike? Try This

The biggest news for the TCX Advanced is that it's moved to disc-only compatibility for 2014, complete with post mount tabs front and rear, 135mm rear hub spacing, and the very forward-thinking 15mm thru-axle up front.

Looking For Something Incredible? Click Here


Giant has also moved to a conventional telescoping seatpost with a hidden binder, instead of the predecessor's integrated setup. The new carbon post will use a proprietary D-shaped profile, which the company claims will lend a smother ride than a round traditional form. As has been the trend with its road and mountain bikes, Giant will include house-brand wheels with the new TCX Advanced.

"The wheels on the bikes (both the P-CXR-0 on the Advanced 0 and P-CXR-1 on all other bikes but the SLR 2) are adopted from our mountain bike range, and have a 19mm inner rim width," said James Hibbard of Giant's global on-road marketing department.

"This is ideal for 'cross applications as it opens up the tires profile - helping to create a wider, rounder tire profile. So far, we have had excellent luck with the durability of these wheels, and although they don't have the brand recognition equal to a third-party wheel, like our road wheels, the 'cross wheels were made in conjunction with DT Swiss and really are a value-add from our perspective."

Finish Line Bikes 
8850 Stockdale Hwy. 
Bakersfield, CA 93311 
www.finishlinebikes.com 
661-833-6268

[Review] 2014 Giant Trinity Composite 2

Great Looking, Aero, Comfortable Tri/TT Bike from Giant: The 2014 Giant Trinity Composite 2

The aero-optimized frame is a treat to set up into an aero position, especially if you like to be extremely low at the front end. The handlebars look good and are very comfortable, and the cables other than the front brake are internally routed to help cheat the wind, too.



The front brake uses a mountain bike like system to provide an innovative behind-the-fork aerodynamic set up, while the rear brake is tucked in behind the bottom bracket to decrease drag even further.

With its lightweight, stiff and smooth-riding Giant Composite frame material, engineered and shaped to slice through the wind, Trinity Composite is the ticket to your fastest time yet. The frame is optimized for aerodynamics, efficiency and comfort with a Vector SLR composite seatpost and PowerCore bottom bracket area. It also comes RideSense ready, giving you the option to use Giant's wireless ANT+ system to track your data between T1 and T2.

Triathlonmagazine.ca says: "Riding the Composite 2 you quickly get the impression that you're on a much more expensive bike. The ride is impressively smooth and the bike feels rock solid no matter how hard you push on the pedals... The Trinity Composite 2 offers incredible value. If you're riding one, you certainly won't be able to say that you lost because of your bike."

Key Features:
• T-600 raw carbon fiber
• Shimano 10 speed drivetrain with Dura-Ace handlebar end shifters
• Giant SpeedControl 2 brakeset
• Giant Connect SL base-bar with connect aero clip-on
• Shimano R501 wheelset


Finish Line Bicycles
8850 Stockdale Hwy
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 833-6268
www.finishlinebikes.com

The 2014 Giant TCR Advanced 1 (Ultegra) - Faster By Design

If Road Racing is in Your DNA, This is Your Machine

Using lightweight, race-proven Advanced-grade composite material, Giant builds every TCR Advanced frame by hand with its innovative, race-proven Compact Road geometry. It features Giant's OverDrive 2 steerer tube design for precision steering and handling. The MegaDrive downtube and toptube combination, along with the PowerCore bottom bracket, produce a razor-sharp, super-efficient ride quality that's often imitated but never duplicated.

OverDrive Steer Tube

The combination of a high end performance frame with the respected Ultegra ensemble along with great wheels and other accessories has been seen as an ideal bike for the serious "recreational" rider and many racing cyclist. Not quite top end, but still an awesome performer and at a price point that's easier to afford and justify than the bikes at the top of the wish list.


 
The latest incarnation of the Shimano Ultegra is proving to be just as efficient as previous models — and with the addition of an extra cog, (now 22 speed)— it will be a valuable tool for riders wanting or needing an edge. Sharing much of the tech of the top of the range Dura Ace, Ultegra gears and brakes work flawlessly. Given the extremely competitive price, it is a bike well worth considering if you are a competitive person who rides regularly.



The bike is filled out with Giant proprietary parts like the Contact Alloy Handlebar and stem, Vector Aero Composite seatpost and P-SL1 rims, hubs, spokes and tires. A Fi'zi:k Arione saddle tops the ensemble - made with Fiberglass Thermoplastic Composite to provide the best support with optimized stiffness-to-weight construction.

And - last but not least - Giant's RideSense Wireless Data transmitter. Its their all-new chainstay-integrated, removable transmitter that sends wheel-speed and cadence information directly to any ANT+ compatible computer.

Come over to Finish Line Bikes today to come check one of these out for yourself. Take it for a test ride— Maybe even take it home today!

Finish Line Bikes
8850 Stockdale Hwy.
Bakersfield, CA
(661) 833-6268
www.finishlinebikes.com

[VIDEO REVIEW] 2014 Giant Propel Advanced SL 1 - At Gotta Ride Bikes

Check Out All The Great Features of the 

2014 Giant Propel Advanced SL 1

Alan from Finish Line Bikes brings you the most aerodynamically tested bike on the market today. It is a full carbon fiber frame with a confidence inspiring headtube. It is a 1 1/2" lower bearing surface up to 1 1/4" tapered which gives extra strength and helps the bike to steer better.

This is a very aerodynamic bike which you can see demonstrated by features like the integrated seatpost. Not only does it add comfort, but it's also takes away a bit of drag since there is no clamping mechanism. The top of the tube of the bicycle is extremely flat, which is accomplished using a process of tube manufacturing called hydroforming.

Another nice feature is the rear brakes that tucked behind the seat stay, as well as the front brake tucked in behind the fork, reducing drag at yet another point. Even the handlebars are designed to be aero just for this bike.

The shifting system is the new Shimano Dura Ace, which means all of the shifting and braking can be done from either the handlebars or the drops.

 Come on by Finish Line Bike Shop in Bakersfield to see the great selection of bikes we have to offer. We'll even let you take one for a test ride around the block!

Finish Line Bikes 
8850 Stockdale Hwy. 
Bakersfield, CA 93311 
www.finishlinebikes.com 
661-833-6268

2014 Giant Defy 1 Redefines "Entry-Level" for the Road Bike World

Climbs, Corners, and Sprints Better Than Bikes Costing Thousands More. How?

The 2014 Giant Defy 1 is made from premium lightweight aluminum tubes and is produced in Giant's Own Tubing Facility.

They start by taking a race inspired frame, and they marry it to components that bring comfort and plushness to the ride.

 

The frame is made of ALUXX SL-grade Aluminum, and the front fork is a carbon composite, OverDrive aluminum steerer. Having this carbon fork and an oversized  steerer make the bike up to 15% stiffer than straight-steerer frame-and-fork combinations.

Add to that a great road groupset in the Shimano 105 shifters, derailleurs, and brake levers; Tektro TK-R540 brakes (w/ cartridge pads). Also on the Defy Advanced 1 are the Shimano Tiagra 12x28 10 speed cassette, and the Shimano FC-R565 50x34 Crankset.

Wheels are a complete package using Giant's proprietary brand on rims (P-R2), bearings (24/28h), and tires (P-R3, 700x23c). The rims are double walled, bearings have sealed hubs, and the wheelset has DT Swiss Competition butted spokes.

The 2013 Giant Defy Advanced 1 received great reviews from Mensfitness.com, saying that it is one of Ten Best Road Bikes For Serious Cyclists: "Giant’s composite technology for bikes is so innovative that they also make parts for aerospace and Formula 1 crafts. The Defy Advanced 1, like all other models, is made in-house, from a strand of carbon fiber thread to a complete bike. It also features Giant’s more upright “endurance position” for maximum comfort regardless of riding style. That means you’ll crush tough climbs, fast sprints, and gruelling miles all on a single trusty steed."



Finish Line Bicycles                                                  (661) 833-6268
8850 Stockdale Hwy                                  www.finishlinebikes.com
Bakersfield, CA 93311