Giant Bicycles started off producing bikes for other brands, but it has since established its own brand over the subsequent three decades. The now-retired 83-year-old owner King Liu still rides his road bike and ten years ago began working to inspire others by leading a tours in Asia. The 10th annual “Ride Like King” tour this year will not be led by him, but in a partnership with Zwift will include a 30-minute Zwift group ride to start things off with a worldwide connection.
Giant, the largest bike producer in the world, introduced the ToughRoad SLR GX adventure bike in 2018. This is a drop bar version of the ToughRoad SLR, a flat bar adventure bike.
Giant ToughRoad SLR GX Adventure Bike. 2018 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The bike employs Giant technologies such as hydroformed and butted Aluxx SLR aluminium, a D-fuse composite seatpost to damp vibrations and the X-Defender plastic guard that shields the down tube and rider from rocks, dirt and spray.
The plastic X-Defender on the down tube helps keep the rider and frame clean when conditions get ugly. Giant ToughRoad SLR GX Adventure Bike. 2018 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The ToughRoad SLR GX 0 with SRAM Apex 1 and HydroR brakes was on display at Sea Otter this year. The TIG-welded aluminum frame has plenty of tire clearance, even with the included 700c x 45mm Giant Crosscut tubeless tires mounted. The bike has an interesting geometry, with a relatively slack head tube angle of 70.5 for a size M. With a short 43mm fork rake, the trail is a super-long 8.2cm. The chainstays are 44cm long with a 7.1cm bottom bracket drop.
The bike comes with a carbon fork and has relatively slack 70.5-degree head tube angle. Giant ToughRoad SLR GX Adventure Bike. 2018 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
A long, low bike with a lot of trail and tire clearance is like a touring bike with room for wide tires. With the rack and fender mounts on the frame, this looks set for true adventures.
The ToughRoad comes with 45mm Giant Crosscut tubeless tires. Giant ToughRoad SLR GX Adventure Bike. 2018 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The top-end ToughRoad SLR GX 0 on display retails for $1,735. The GX1 with a 2×10 Shimano Tiagra drivetrain and Giant-branded hydraulic brakes is $1,380, and the GX 2 base model still has the same tubeless tires but has a 2×8 Shimano Claris drivetrain with Tektro mechanical disc brakes for $920 complete.
The ToughRoad comes with 700c x 45mm tires mounted and has room to spare. Giant ToughRoad SLR GX Adventure Bike. 2018 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
On the other end of the spectrum, the ToughRoad GX is also available as an E-bike in the form of the ToughRoad GX E+ equipped with PedalPlus 4 sensor technology, a long-distance lithium battery and a Yamaha motor to give you a boost. The E-bike retails for $3,625.
More info: giant-bicycles.com
See what’s new this year with our coverage of the 2018 Sea Otter trade show.
