Giant takes the middle way

The carbon pioneer Giant is offering a very extensive 27.5-inch range for 2014. With one exception, all 26-inch bikes are being replaced by 27.5s. There is also a new women's line of Giant bikes. The successfully introduced twentyniners will remain.

In the off-road world, there are now three wheel sizes to choose from, which often causes uncertainty among end customers. Through intensive research and extensive testing, Giant has analyzed and compared the properties of 26, 27.5 and 29-inch wheels. They have come to the conclusion that 27.5-inch wheels are the most uncompromising solution for mountain bikes. What many fear is now coming true. With the exception of the downhill bike "Glory", Giant is replacing all 26-inch wheels with the new 27.5-inch bikes. Not pictured is the bike from the "Talon" entry-level line.

Trance Advanced SX 27.5 (160mm Carbon Fully)

Trance Advanced 27.5 (140mm Carbon Fully)

Anthem Advanced 27.5 (100mm carbon fully)

XTC Advanced 27.5 (carbon hardtail)

To round off the 27.5 range, there is also a full-suspension 27.5-inch electric bike with 130 millimetres of travel and a brand new Yamaha mid-motor. This can generate up to 60 newton meters of torque. Its "Smart-Link" suspension system has a neutral pivot point on the chain line, which promises optimum suspension performance.

"Full-E-0"

The 27.5 range also includes "Liv", the Giant women's line. Jolanda Neff, the Swiss cross-country pro athlete, has been riding 27.5-inch prototypes for some time now. Giant offers various models here. Not pictured is the bike from the "Tempt" line.