Giant Bicycles is the world’s largest bike manufacturer, offering a wide range of quality bicycles for on the road and off-road use. However, when it comes to MTBs, are giant mountain bikes good, or should you look elsewhere?
Giant mountain bikes are good machines with high-quality components, huge load capacities, and advanced designs for enjoyable rides. Moreover, the brand employs advanced suspension for better comfort and handling. They also come with lifetime frame warranties and many years for the other parts.
The brand has built a solid reputation and is a leader in the industry, with its hybrids and MTBs receiving high consumer ratings.
Since Giant is a huge company, it can buy in massive volumes, allowing them to produce excellent value bikes.
Are Giant Mountain Bikes Good? (Dissecting Giant MTBs)
Giant mountain bikes feature excellent qualities that make mountain biking more comfortable and enjoyable. However, it also has its shortcomings, just like any other brand.
The Brand History
Giant is a Taiwanese bike manufacturer founded in 1972 that produced and supplied bicycles to brands such as Schwinn. It grew fast to also deliver to other companies like Trek before creating its Giant branded bikes in 1987 when Schwinn opted for a cheaper Chinese manufacturer.
The brand’s location (Taiwan) benefits the company since the island has a close-knit supply chain rich in manufacturing technology. It also has high expertise in precision-machinery development.
The little distance between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) companies and suppliers shortens the lead times in manufacturing, design, and materials.
Giant controls the entire production, from ideation to finished product in-house, unlike its competitors. With that, the production time is cut by half, allowing the company to offer its bicycles at lower prices without compromising their quality.
The company focuses on offering high-quality bicycles at the most affordable prices rather than marketing.
Giant focuses on offering high-quality MTBs you can ride in almost every environment or terrain without worrying about it breaking down when it comes to mountain bikes.
Giant MTBs Strengths
a) Advanced Technology
Giant has spearheaded significant technological advancement in the cycling industry since its inception. One of the main ones is mass-producing CADEX carbon-frame bicycles, known to be lightweight, robust, and popular among Giant MTBs.
b) Quality Components
Giant controls the material sourcing and oversees frame fabrication in-house to guarantee the quality of its mountain bikes. In addition, since the brand does everything in one place, its production costs are reduced, lowering its MTB prices.
Despite the affordable prices, Giant MTBs retain their high quality. They feature excellent fork suspensions, wheels, frames, disc brakes, gears, among other components.
c) Huge Load Capacity
As stated by the brand, Giant mountain bikes can support 300 pounds, which is considerably higher than other brands, unless fat-tire bikes. They also hold more weight than Giant roadies, with a load capacity of 275 pounds.
Therefore, heavier riders will feel comfortable riding Giant MTBs, using them for many years without compromising their structure.
d) Lifetime Warranty For The Frames
You get a lifetime warranty for your MTBs frame when you buy Giant unless it’s a downhill model, which receives three years. Giant downhill mountain bikes have a shorter warranty period because they endure the roughest abuse.
Besides the frames, other bike components also have warranties lasting a couple of years.
e) They Are Affordable
Giant MTBs are generally affordable despite being high-quality bikes made of prime components and reliable technologies. The brand offers high-end options costing more than $2500, mid-range models for between $1000 to $2000, and budget-friendly choices for under $1000.
However, you are better off avoiding the cheapest models if you want a highly durable, robust mountain bike that can take on trails well.
f) Huge Size Variety
Giant MTBs come in various sizes to accommodate riders of different heights. With the wide variety, there’s a bike befitting everyone.
Generally, a bike’s wheel and frame size will tell you if it fits you. For example, the brand offers mountain bikes with 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29er (29-inch) wheels.
On the other hand, their frames are sized x-small to x-large. Check the table below to see which frame suits you based on your height.
| Frame Size (Inches) | Rider’s Height |
| 13-14 (x-small) | 5’1”- 5’5” |
| 15-16 (small) | 5’4”- 5’8” |
| 17-18 (medium) | 5’7”-5’10” |
| 19-20 (large) | 5’9-6’1” |
| 21-22 (x-large) | 6’0”- 6’4” |
g) Suspension
Giant MTBs vary based on their suspension, bringing forth rigid, hardtail, and full suspension Giant mountain bikes. What suits you depends on your riding style.
- Giant Rigid MTBs– these bikes don’t have suspension and are mostly fat-tire bikes. They are more responsive, lighter, and require less maintenance.
- Giant Hardtail MTBs– these bikes have front suspension only. Hardtails are well suited for lighter trails and make great entry-level bicycles.
- Giant Full-Suspension MTBs– they are excellent for experienced riders looking to conquer the most demanding terrains. However, they are heavier and costly.
Giant MTBs Weaknesses
Giant MTBs don’t have significant problems, but you will realize that they are a bit slower and heavier unless you buy an electric one. Moreover, there’s a considerable price gap between full-suspension and hardtails.
If you are set on a full suspension, you will have to spend considerably more than you would to get a hardtail. However, a full-suspension MTB offers more capabilities and is robust enough to withstand intense riding and rugged terrains.
Giant MTBs Categories
Giant MTBs are categorized into Trail, Enduro, Cross-country, recreational, fat-tire, and electric mountain bicycles. These bikes are suited for different conditions and riding styles.
1. Giant Endurance Mountain Bikes
They are also called All-mountain MTBs and fitted with full suspension, making them the priciest. Moreover, they have the largest travel suspension of about 150mm to 180mm, enough for tackling any terrain.
They offer impeccable climbing power, are reliable when riding downhill, and their slacker geometry offers comfort off-road.
If an enduro bike works for you, consider the electrified Reign E+ 2 with long-lasting power. It also has an ALUXX SL-grade aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and Yamaha powered motor.
2. Giant Fat Tire Mountain Bikes
They stand out for their supersized tires which absorb shock, promote off-road control and stability, and prevent sinking in terrains like sand. These bikes don’t have rigid suspension, but they are exceedingly versatile, excelling in snow, soft sand, mud, and rugged landscapes.
Mountain bikers looking to stand out and ride all year and, in all terrains, should check out Yukon 1. It has an adjustable wheelbase, low center of gravity, flexible tire size, and optimum heel clearance.
3) Giant Recreation Mountain Bikes
These are hardtail bikes made for beginner mountain bikers looking for fun rides. Like cross-country counterparts, these MTBs have shorter travel suspensions.
However, they are comfortable off-road, durable, lighter, faster, and the suspension fork makes them easier to control.
If you want one, ATX is an excellent choice, available in vibrant blue and blue, ALUXX grade aluminum, and alloy linear-pull brakes. It is stable, comfortable, durable, lightweight, and versatile.
4) Giant Trail Mountain Bikes
These bikes have a slacker geometry that helps maneuver different trails more comfortably. They are available in hardtail and full-suspension options.
However, they have less travel suspension than Giant endurance MTBs; hence, you won’t get more than 140mm.
An excellent example of these bikes is the Fathom 1, with smooth control, responsive handling, and a trail-tuned design. It comes with an ALUXX SL-Grade aluminum frame, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and a Giant Romero saddle.
5) Giant Cross Country Mountain Bikes
These bikes are lightweight because they are made with fork suspension of utmost 100mm, which is relatively short. In addition, they are fast and come in full-suspension and hardtail models.
Giant cross-country MTBs are highly suited for lighter trails, particularly cycling paths. In addition, these bikes have a steeper geometry that supports off-road cycling.
Moreover, they are fitted with high-performing disc brakes, robust wheels, and tubeless-ready designs.
Consider Anthem Advanced PRO 29 1 if you want to ride through off-roads fast. This bike is ultra-efficient, stable, speedy, and offers superior control.
FAQs
1. Are Giants Good Mountain Bikes?
Giant mountain bikes are reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable bikes made with high-quality materials and remarkable precision. Additionally, these bikes have advanced designs and are equipped to handle rugged terrains.
High-end models are best suited for the roughest areas, while budget models do well on lighter trails.
2. What Are Giant Mountain Bike Frames Made Of?
Giant MTB frames are made of aluminum for budget and mid-range models. On the other hand, high-end models have professional-grade carbon fiber frames.
3. Where Are Giant Mountain Bikes Made?
Giant mountain bikes are made in the company’s manufacturing facilities situated in Taiwan, Hungary, China, and the Netherlands.
4. Why are Giant Mountain Bikes So expensive?
High-end Giant Mountain bikes are costly because they are manufactured using high-quality components, advanced designs, and manufacturing technology. This helps the brand produce MTBs that are robust, long-lasting, and can handle diverse terrains comfortably.
5. Are Giant Bikes Reliable?
Giant MTBs are reliable since they are made to last, handle rough terrains, and provide enjoyable, comfortable rides. They have high-quality, durable frames, high-performing brakes, gears, suspension, and off-road-worthy wheels.
In Conclusion, Are Giant Mountain Bikes Good?
Giant gives you reliable MTBs made with great innovation and comparative comfort you won’t get with most brands. Giant has a perfect mountain bike for you regardless of your riding style.
Moreover, the lifetime warranty for the frame is an essential selling point. Your bike frame will take on intense abuse, depending on where and how your ride.
Also Read:
- Are Giant Bikes Good?
- Are Rivendell Bikes Good?
