The simple reason: The heaviest wheels in the test by far (front with 15 mm thru-axle) make the bike feel a little sluggish. This is particularly noticeable when pedalling. Nevertheless, the Giant rides comfortably and balanced, the riding position is relatively relaxed. The long wheelbase in combination with the high steering head stiffness guarantees an extremely smooth ride. The comfort contribution of the carbon seat post, which has the profile of a Duplo bar, is clearly noticeable. All in all, a bike that is more suited to well-prepared forest paths than winding single trails - but which could be set up much more dynamically with lighter wheels.
What the testers say
Falko Super chic, but for my taste too much trimmed for straight-line driving.
Paul Great for beginners, a little too sluggish for single trails.
Price 2,999 Euro
Weight 8.8 kilos
Available in specialised shops
Reference/Info www.giant-bicycles.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 1.319/550/56 g
Frame sizes*** S, M, ML, L
Seat/steering angle 73°/72°
Seat/top tube/head tube 545/560/162 mm plus 8 mm headset sk.
Wheelbase/caster 1,030/55 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 574/386 mm/1.49
Equipment
Steering bearing FSA, top 1-1/4, bottom 1-1/2 inch
Brakes (f./h.) Shimano BR-RS785 (140/140 mm)
Circuit Shimano Ultegra
Bottom bracket Rotor 3DF (46/36 t.; press-fit)
Wheels/tyres Giant P-CXR 1/Schwalbe Super Swan (folding tyre)
Handlebar/stem Giant/Giant
Saddle/post Fizik Antares/Giant (27.2 mm)
*The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
****Stack/Reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 an upright riding position.
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