Giant bicycles, how are they.

[Deserted]

Hi guys, in the previous post I made, I said I wanted to start looking for bikes to buy in Bangkok. I've done that already (thanks for all help given).

 

What is emerging is that because I will only ride a hybrid my options are more limited than I realized and I have two or three shops promoting Giant bicycles.. To be honest I've never really thought much to them, then I read this on a site on the net.

 

Frames

Because Giant started as an OEM, their frames are top quality. Some of Trek’s bike frames even come from Giant. However, it has been reported that Giant frames aren’t stiff enough, but, again, it comes down to personal preference.

Trek has developed a way to gain strength and stiffness to their frames and optimizes their frames for strength-to-weight ratio.

 

I ride a Trek already but its back in England but I really don't like the idea of a frame that isn't stiff enough, I really don't. Is there anyone reading this who owns a Giant that can confirm that? Or is that just total twaddle and actually their frames are fine. 

 

Also parts. What let me down with my Trek was the parts just weren't up to scratch. How are the parts generally? Again that's to those who ride a Giant.

 

Opinions on the brand are most welcome. I always thought they were kinda budget and to be avoided. Did I get that wrong? Do they have durability and strength?

[BritManToo]

I've had Giant and Trek, generally the Treks were better.

Don't accept a smaller frame than the one you want, that smaller frame they have in stock and want to sell won't fit you.

 

Got a 20 year old Giant Hybrid outside right now, still works perfectly (changed the gear shifters).

Also had a 20 year old Trek MTB, it still worked perfectly (had to change the chain).

Currently riding a Merida Matts 40 MTB, forks went rusty in the first year and the rear wheel needed replacing.

[richard_smith237]

I nearly bought a Giant a while back, but I wanted a 29”er...  they just didn’t have stock in that size and the 27.5” er’s were very limited. 

I ended up getting a Scott which I’m quite happy with (was about 25,000 baht)

 

That said - I’m not sure of ‘stiffness’ etc...  I don’t ride it hard enough to make a noticeable difference. 

 

[NoshowJones]

Is that these bikes with the very big wheels and wide tyres?

[thecyclist]

I have been riding a Giant ( MTB XTC) for 3 years. Frame is all right .Brakes suck .And rearwheel hub gave up the ghost a couple of month ago,was very hard to find a replacement. Had a Merida before that,which developed cracks in the frame.Never had a frame cracking before ,so I stay away from Merida.

 

 

 

[TigerandDog]

I would recommend widening your search for brands. Giant is ok, but there a better known brands ( Trek, Specialised, Merida or Bianchi ) that all have hybrid models for 25k THB or less. You should do some internet research to see if there are any bike shops in BKK that sell these brands. I'm sure there would be as these brands are definitely superior to Giant, and well known brands amongst the pro cyclists.

 

Check out Probike web site. They have the 2023 Trek Dual Sport 2 Gen 5 hybrid for 22,500 THB. I didn't check them for the other suggested brands, but that's a starting point if you don't want Giant.

[Tropposurfer]

FOCUS make superb cross-fit/all terrain bikes.

[Deserted]

3 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I've had Giant and Trek, generally the Treks were better.

Don't accept a smaller frame than the one you want, that smaller frame they have in stock and want to sell won't fit you.

 

Got a 20 year old Giant Hybrid outside right now, still works perfectly (changed the gear shifters).

Also had a 20 year old Trek MTB, it still worked perfectly (had to change the chain).

Currently riding a Merida Matts 40 MTB, forks went rusty in the first year and the rear wheel needed replacing.

How much of a difference is there between your Giant and your Trek? Is the issue with the frame?

[Deserted]

25 minutes ago, TigerandDog said:

I would recommend widening your search for brands. Giant is ok, but there a better known brands ( Trek, Specialised, Merida or Bianchi ) that all have hybrid models for 25k THB or less. You should do some internet research to see if there are any bike shops in BKK that sell these brands. I'm sure there would be as these brands are definitely superior to Giant, and well known brands amongst the pro cyclists.

 

Check out Probike web site. They have the 2023 Trek Dual Sport 2 Gen 5 hybrid for 22,500 THB. I didn't check them for the other suggested brands, but that's a starting point if you don't want Giant.

Thanks, I've gone and bought cheap before and regretted it as I use my bike a lot, that's the issue in play. If it were just for occasional use, I wouldn't really care but because I know I will be getting my use out of it I might need to pay a bit more than I was hoping to. 

[TigerandDog]

22 minutes ago, Deserted said:

Thanks, I've gone and bought cheap before and regretted it as I use my bike a lot, that's the issue in play. If it were just for occasional use, I wouldn't really care but because I know I will be getting my use out of it I might need to pay a bit more than I was hoping to. 

Just did a bit of research on Bianchi. There is a Bianchi Bike shop in Lat Krabatng (their web site is their facebook page) and they currently have 3 hydbrids in stock. Bianchi 20 Boy. Price reduced from 26,100 to 19,000. So my guess is end of model clear out. They also have Bianchi Magma 9.1 19,500 and Magma 9.2 17,500. Might be worth your while to check them out. Bianchi is a superior brand/quality to Giant and at the prices those bikes are selling for they are a bargain. Not much info about frames sizes. Looks like they are all disc brake as well.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, Deserted said:

How much of a difference is there between your Giant and your Trek? Is the issue with the frame?

The Trek was lighter and faster up hills.

Everything on the Giant was heavier.

 

Best to look at what's available in your size.

Hardly any shops selling Giant in Thailand.

Trek, Merida, Specialist, Bianchi is about it, and most of those in Medium/Small sizes.

Don't assume you can order what you want, here it's take it or leave it.

[RayOday]

Giant is the world's largest bicycle mfg. It is a Taiwanese company. They make frames as an OEM and branded from low end to  carbon fiber for professionals. It depends a lot on how much you want to spend. I read you like stiff frames and you are from England. Well there is an iconic English  manufacturer, Bob Jackson who builds an exceptionally stiff frame. Bob Jackson started building frames in Leeds in 1935 (I speak English but have a heck of a time with Leeds speak) You too can buy one of these gems from eBay. As long as it hasn't crashed you will be pressed to find a stiffer frame. In Thailand you can just buy a high quality frame and just add the components. Shimano and the pricey Campagnolo are great. Either of those component brands plus a Bob and you will be riding a exotic sports car. I found components on Lazada with decent prices. I would find a stiff frame and build it out if you are willing to spend a little more. Just about any Italian frame is good as well as a high Trek. I prefer the European frames excepting some of the boutique build to suit builders in the U. S. 

[StreetCowboy]

I recently bought a Giant Escape 2 as my replacement shopping bike.  The rear mudguard broke fairly quickly, and they did not have a replacement part available as a warranty repair. 

 

I suffered a second broken spoke, after about 1,000 km, and again the shop did not have replacements in stock, but assured me they would call me when they arrive. 

 

The frame is too small, but I knew that when I bought it, and I am used to that.  It's not as much too small as my mountain bike frame.

 

SC 

[Deserted]

4 hours ago, TigerandDog said:

Just did a bit of research on Bianchi. There is a Bianchi Bike shop in Lat Krabatng (their web site is their facebook page) and they currently have 3 hydbrids in stock. Bianchi 20 Boy. Price reduced from 26,100 to 19,000. So my guess is end of model clear out. They also have Bianchi Magma 9.1 19,500 and Magma 9.2 17,500. Might be worth your while to check them out. Bianchi is a superior brand/quality to Giant and at the prices those bikes are selling for they are a bargain. Not much info about frames sizes. Looks like they are all disc brake as well.

Thanks, that's much appreciated. Bianchi certainly is a better brand. I will try to find it on facebook and get back to you if I can't.

[Deserted]

3 hours ago, StreetCowboy said:

I recently bought a Giant Escape 2 as my replacement shopping bike.  The rear mudguard broke fairly quickly, and they did not have a replacement part available as a warranty repair. 

 

I suffered a second broken spoke, after about 1,000 km, and again the shop did not have replacements in stock, but assured me they would call me when they arrive. 

 

The frame is too small, but I knew that when I bought it, and I am used to that.  It's not as much too small as my mountain bike frame.

 

SC 

Are you satisfied with it enough and glad you bought it?

[StreetCowboy]

7 minutes ago, Deserted said:

Are you satisfied with it enough and glad you bought it?

I am glad that I bought it, because I needed a shopping bike, and I did not see anything else suitable.

it was to replace a Fuji Absolute 1.5, which was sadly misplaced, and it is inferior to the Fuji; and also significantly cheaper.  I have been consistently disappointed with the Giant dealerships - the Fuji came from an independent neighbourhood bike shop. Thailand may be different.  Generally, I think dealerships do not give the same service as neighbourhood bike shops, although before they closed, the Trek showroom staff were great, and there is one local neighbourhood shop that is mechanically incompetent.  
I bought a Giant in Taiwan, back in the day, and it was the cheapest bike I ever owned, and never let me down.

the Fuji suffered from broken spokes as well, and shortly before it was misplaced, I had taken it in for a 100% spoke replacement on the rear wheel.  

[Pdavies99]

11 hours ago, NoshowJones said:

Is that these bikes with the very big wheels and wide tyres?

No, they have usually road going dtylecmountwin bike tyres, a sort of common hybrid.

 

If you want to torture yourself, try one of those bikes with monster tyres, hard work and horrible.

 

I'm sure some though may disagree,

[Deserted]

I think those bikes are for kids. What sensible adult would want to ride one of them?

[TigerandDog]

8 hours ago, Deserted said:

I think those bikes are for kids. What sensible adult would want to ride one of them?

you'd be surprised how many are ridden by Thai adults up here in CM.

[n8sail]

9 hours ago, Deserted said:

I think those bikes are for kids. What sensible adult would want to ride one of them?

Anyone that wants to ride on snow/sand/any other very soft surface?

My mates at home all have fat bikes, they ride right through the winter.   Some of them cost as much as their ridiculous full suspension carbon trail bikes.

I like Giant.   I did crack a Giant full suspension frame once, but they replaced it no questions.  I ride hard and am tall, so seat tube/top tube welds are often punished hard on my bikes.

In Thailand, I ride a Breezer Inversion Team, brought from USA.  Steel frame, carbon fork, bomb-proof 29er thru-axle WTB MTB wheelset.   I recommend something like this here.  I use 35mm tires on it.   You could change it to flat bars for your 'hybrid' needs.

 

Whatever you do, get a frame that's made in Taiwan, not China.   You'll have to buy an mid-upper level model for that though.  Most Bianchi frames are made in Taiwan, so that option you posted above would be a great idea I think.  Just have a look at the 'made in' decal on whatever model you're interested in.

[StreetCowboy]

On 12/15/2022 at 10:02 PM, Deserted said:

Are you satisfied with it enough and glad you bought it?

And one of the pedals failed after less than a year.  It was on the way home from the office, and I was able to get home.  Next day, down to my local bike shop:

”Flat pedals, please “

”These one’s are really nice, “ he showed me some mountain bike pedals.

”No reflectors.  Do you have any with pedal reflectors?  Where I come from, they’re a legal requirement”

”Ok, we have these, for Ten ringgit”

”I’ll take two pairs, in case you’ve none left when the first pair fails.  I don’t care how long they last, so long as they’ll get me 10 km home when they start to fail”.

[gomangosteen]

Bikes. Is it luck, maintenance?

I bought a Giant ATX Pro XL frame here (Chanthaburi) 2012 and had it built with components of my choice, 2.1" road tyres, and recorded 38,000km on it by end 2019, nothing dramatic other than regular maintenance + tyres, chains, etc.

I wore it out; gave the frame/wheels away to a local who did a rebuild; bought a Trek and it's been similarly reliable - Vittoria Evolution 29" tyres have been brilliant for all-conditions riding.

Brought a Specialized triathlon bike back on one of my trips to NZ but prefer the upright riding in local traffic/roads, barely used except for group rides.

[StreetCowboy]

2 hours ago, gomangosteen said:

Bikes. Is it luck, maintenance?

I bought a Giant ATX Pro XL frame here (Chanthaburi) 2012 and had it built with components of my choice, 2.1" road tyres, and recorded 38,000km on it by end 2019, nothing dramatic other than regular maintenance + tyres, chains, etc.

I wore it out; gave the frame/wheels away to a local who did a rebuild; bought a Trek and it's been similarly reliable - Vittoria Evolution 29" tyres have been brilliant for all-conditions riding.

Brought a Specialized triathlon bike back on one of my trips to NZ but prefer the upright riding in local traffic/roads, barely used except for group rides.

I think if you are happy and diligent about doing your own maintenance you will have no complaints, and you will be able to give great advice like (this bike - x km between pedal replacement, that bike, y km and not yet).

 

Despite all my complaints above, I would not condemn Giant bikes.

If you trust the advice of strangers on the internet, maybe you deserve what you get.  The best that you can expect is guidance on where to look

[scubascuba3]

Giant are good, they have high end bikes, i saw some on sale online in Bangkok a couple weeks ago for 200k so don't expect your 20k Giant to be that great. The more you pay the better the components, gear set, shifters, wheels, carbon, whatever. Giant is popular in Bangkok. Maybe look on YouTube so you don't buy the wrong bike with wrong\cheap components 

[Felt 35]

I've been riding a Giant road bike for a year now, not one problem and have previous rode Trek bikes with both aluminum and carbon frames and go as fast/slow on the Giant as on a 120K Carbon Trek bike and a firm believer in the saying "it's not about the bike"

Felt

 

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[pagallim]

For clarity, Giant are the world's largest manufacturer of bicycles.   Most of the brands that you recognise are actually made by Giant under licence in Taiwan.   This includes Trek.   Giant build to the respective brand's specification, and it's not until you get to the very high end models of different manufacturers (again Trek as an example, whose top of the range and project frames are made in the US).   I have two fairly high end Trek's, both made in Taiwan by Giant.

[brianthainess]

Giant bicycles, how are they. ....BIG.

[bobfish]

Giant vs Bianchi....

I've had 6 Giant bikes. Road and MTB at the upper end of their catalogue.  All great bikes at a fair price point. Only one carbon framed road bike suffered at the hands of Parisian baggage handlers......

Bianchi; a much older and storied company. I've only had 2, both made in Italy and CrMo. Delightful bikes, full Campagnolo - you get the idea.... $$$$$$$!

For years, Bianchi have been threatening to move their full production to Italy. So far, the bulk of frames are still manufactured in China, or Taiwan, and assembled back 'home'.

At similar pricepoints, I'd argue that Giant is the superior product with better components. Of course, it doesn't have the iconic head badge, nor celeste paint option. These things may matter at the coffee stop or sharing on Insta.  After all, Bianchi have won 64 Grand Tour stages!

But so have Giant....... so better get a Pinarello.

 

[bobfish]

Oh no, I'm full of it - using outdated stats. So I'm not about to try to be accurate any more as this is all selective BS and not related to hybrid models at all ????:

Bianchi have won almost 100 Grand tour Stages. Giant closer to 200. Trek more than both  together but Pinarello still the most.

If you count XC and Downhill Worldcup wins, Trek, followed by Specialized easily beat the competition. 
Giant has won its share, and many more than Bianchi. 

However!  I recently bought a Giant brand tail light, and also a Bianchi branded espresso cup.....

[StreetCowboy]

9 hours ago, bobfish said:

Oh no, I'm full of it - using outdated stats. So I'm not about to try to be accurate any more as this is all selective BS and not related to hybrid models at all ????:

Bianchi have won almost 100 Grand tour Stages. Giant closer to 200. Trek more than both  together but Pinarello still the most.

If you count XC and Downhill Worldcup wins, Trek, followed by Specialized easily beat the competition. 
Giant has won its share, and many more than Bianchi. 

However!  I recently bought a Giant brand tail light, and also a Bianchi branded espresso cup.....

If you’re racing, read BobFish’s statistics.  If you want to get fit, buy the heaviest bike you can pedal.

The best way to get fit cycling is to do it often, and for that, you want reliability. And panniers. And lights. And mudguards.  And..