The biggest news for Giant’s 2017 range has already trickled through with the updated XC mountain bikes, and new TCR Disc, but the brand is also continuing its push into the parts and accessories business as well.
At their Australian showcase this week on the Gold Coast, Giant and its women's brand Liv had a few notable pieces of kit on display, including new helmets, shoes, an air canister for tubeless tyres and more. At the time of writing we've not yet been provided with pricing – we’ll update as more information comes to light.
- Giant adds thru-axle discs and tubeless to TCR Advanced line
- Giant refines and updates 2017 XC mountain bikes
New Giant shoes
Flow/Valora mountain bike shoes
Giant has just announced new trail oriented mountain bike shoes: the Flow for the men, and the Liv Valora for the women.
Both shoes feature what Giant is calling ExoFlex technology, which allows the toe area to flex independently of the rest of the shoe. The idea is that when running or walking up a section of trail, the shoe will flex more naturally for added comfort, better traction and less heel slip.
The seamless upper is rubbery to the touch and should stand up to a fair bit of abuse, and with the whole shoe being perforated it should vent well too.
The Flow and Valora also see Giant’s Exo Beam and ExoWrap technology. ExoBeam is similar to Scott’s Torsion Fork, in which some lateral flex is built into the back third of of the sole to reduce strain of the lower leg. ExoWrap refers to the way the upper wraps the foot from the sole and upward. The sole is cut away at the arch, with the anchoring straps starting under the foot. Giant says that with the straps pulling up around your foot, it provides a custom fit every time plus additional arch support.
Protecting the carbon sole is a full cover rubber tread with deep lugs for added traction.
Orbit casual shoes
Giant is also releasing a new range of casual looking 'easy to walk in' shoes designed for the commuter, recreational rider or spin class addict.
Hidden beneath the EVA rubber outsole is a walkable SPD friendly Exo Beam Nylon plate.
There will also be a Liv version of this shoe called the Avida.
New Giant helmets
Liv Extima road helmet
We’d previously reported on the announcement of the ‘fast without any compromises’ Pursuit aero road helmet. At the show we spotted a version for the ladies called the Extima.
The Liv version sees all the hallmarks of the Pursuit, with the strategically placed AeroVent ports to pull air through the lid, anti microbial padding, Cinch Pro retention system and lightweight hydrophobic webbing straps for a comfortable fit
Roost/Coveta trail helmets
There are also two new trail oriented helmets populating Giant’s lineup: the Roost for the men and Coveta for the women.
Both helmets see a trail specific design with extended rear coverage, antimicrobial padding to prevent odour, Giant's Cinch Pro retention system, and lightweight hydrophobic webbing straps.
On the back of the helmet there’s also an integrated magnetic dock Numen Link tail light.
Both helmets will also be available with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), for added protection against rotational forces in crashes.
Luta/Prompt/Compel commuter helmets
Rounding out the helmet range is the new commuter/enthusiast level helmets, the Liv Luta and Giant Prompt and Compel. Despite occupying a budget-friendly price point, the lids offer some nice features like a removable visor, plenty of vents, Giant’s new Chinch ONE dial-operated retention system, and antimicrobial padding. Also, like the Roost and Coveta, there’s an integrated magnetic mount for the Numen Link tail light.
Also in Giant's 2017 clothing and accessories range
Control Tank air canister
Tubeless tires are fantastic, but man they’re hard to seat. For those of us who don't have anywhere to put an air compressor and aren't keen on a second floor pump, Giant Control Tank might be for you. It's essentially a portable reusable air canister: you pump the Control Tank up to 160psi with your standard floor pump, attach the integrated hose to the valve stem, flick the switch and blast the tire into the bead.
Giant say it will seat both road and mountain bike tires with one blast, and it comes with an auto-switch pumphead that's compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves.
Giant 2017 bike clothing
Giant has also made another push into branded clothing. Their jerseys are all made with TransTextura fabrics and come in both race and club/relaxed fits. New for this year are seamless 3D body-mapped base layers, a Gabba-esque rain jersey, and some wet weather gear
Liv’s range of clothing has also been expanded with updated colours. They tell us they've also widened the leg openings on their range of women-specific bib shorts for a more flattering and comfortable fit.