A MONTH IN THE SADDLE WITH GIANT SHOREHAMS MAGIC JOHN!

6th February 2012 - filed under STORE NEWS

Hey there grappling fans, welcome to the engine room. This is the place where I can let off steam and let you in on what’s going on behind the scenes with Twelve Months in the Saddle.

So, the Big Idea is that the photographer Phil Ashley and I are traipsing around Europe knocking out an iconic bike ride each month for a year. In order to get it ready for next Christmas, we need to do all the winter ones this year, so we actually started with November.

We deemed the Exmoor Beast the ideal autumnal ride, so we spent a weekend riding and shooting in Devon and Somerset. We got perfect weather for the pictures, but not so perfect for enjoying yourself… hail storms and torrential showers, roads strewn with debris and localised flooding, the odd pile of ice here and there, all followed in quick succession by electric blue skies and low, golden sunbeams.

It’s not easy for Phil to ride and snap, so we usually take an assistant with us who will drive the car and snap away under Phil’s direction. I was none too pleased when, riding up an 18% stretch of wind-blasted moorland into icy daggers of hail, I noticed the assistant huddled over the heater in a steamed up car in a little car park. “Why weren’t you getting that?” I asked when he caught up with us over the top. “Get out in the car? In that? You’re having a Steffi Graf, mate.”

Thus, for our fantastic frosty blast along the South Downs last week, Phil was equipped with a new gadget: the remote control. Set up the tripod, get the shot right, ride through the frame, press the button. Genius. Only problem? Riding downhill on icy chalk with one hand holding a little black box instead of the handlebars. I’m sure I speak for everybody when I tell you how disappointing it was to report that he failed to fall off. That is the picture everybody wants to see, Phil. It’s time to take one for the team. For the glory of literature.

Until next month,

Magic John

RIDERS WANTED: RIDE BEFORE YOU BUY

2nd February 2012 - filed under Giant

Giant launch ‘Test Ride’ – a new online demo bike finder service

Buying a new bike? Looking at investing in a performance road or mountain bike but want to test your new ride before you buy? – then Giant have the answer: Test Ride.

You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive and here at Giant we believe the same applies to your bike. We’re not talking about a sit on the bike in store, or even a quick spin around the car park – we are talking about a true test ride.

At Giant we believe in our products and we want you to ride them before you buy – so we have launched Test Ride – a new online demo bike finder service. Simply visit www.Test-Ride.co.uk - select the bike you want to try and you will be presented with a list of Giant retailers where you can find the product available to Test Ride. Then all you have to do is use the contact details provided and arrange your Test Ride with your preferred retailer.

Experience the best riding road and mountain bikes available and make a truly informed purchase decision. For consumers that have read all the great reviews of Giant products in magazines and on websites – we now offer you the opportunity to ride the same bikes and test them for yourselves. The proof is in the ride and we are confident that once you have tried you will realise just why Giant bikes are winning countless tests.

Giant’s new Test Ride service is available in the UK and Ireland with a wide selection of Giant’s latest 2012 line-up to choose from. Simply visit www.Test-Ride.co.uk and choose your Test Ride today.

RADLETT GOES 7 DAYS A WEEK!

1st February 2012 - filed under STORE NEWS

The Giant Store Radlett are pleased to announce that as of the week commencing 6th February the store will be open 7 days a week!!!

Due to popular demand the store management reviewed their current trading hours and felt that the advantages of opening an additional day per week would help better serve the local cycling community.

Store Director, Dan Chapman, said; 'The cyclists of Radlett and St Albans are on their bikes 7days a week so we thought we would serve them the same...the extra day also gives the Monday morning commutors opportunity to nip in and buy their everyday cycling essentials'.

The amended opening hours now also include an extra hour in the morning for all you early-bird cyclists!

The full store opening hours as of 6th Feb 2012 are as follows:

Monday 9am - 6pm

Tuesday 9am - 6pm

Wednesday 9am - 6pm

Thursday 9am - 6pm

Friday 9am - 6pm

Saturday 9am - 6pm

Sunday 10.00am - 4pm

 

SHOREHAM SHOWDOWN - THE RESULTS!

1st February 2012 - filed under EVENTS, STORE NEWS

Virtual bike racing event features local cycling stars!

Saturday night saw the big-hitters in local cycling take to the stage at The Ropetackle centre in Shoreham. The stars were there to battle it out in virtual-reality bike racing to claim the title of Giant Shoreham Showdown Champion 2012.

Giant Store Shoreham owners Rod and Maria Lambert and the whole team at the Giant Store next door organised the event to raise funds for The Ropetackle Centre following cuts in the centre's funding.

"When we're not riding our bikes we enjoy a good night out with some good music or comedy," said Rod. "So when we knew The Ropetackle were struggling it seemed like a neighbourly thing to do."

Local legend Sean Yates, a former pro who has worn the Tour de France Yellow Jersey and is now head of Team Sky came along to lend his support.  He was surely impressed by the quality of the riders going head-to-head on static bikes with their efforts displayed in the virtual world on the giant screen behind them. The racing route may have been virtual but, with a packed crowd roaring them on, the riders were certainly giving it their all. Check out the video here!

Each round was raced over a different route, which included Shoreham Airport runway, Brighton Pier, Hove Park, and The Mall in London. The tense final between Liam Yates and Felix English was a punishing duel down the Champs d'Elysees in Paris, which saw Felix take the overall honours. Sarah Dwyer reached the semi-final stage to take top lady's spot.

Felix English achieved notoriety in 2010 when he beat multi-Olympic gold medal winner, Sir Chris Hoy in the opening round at the World Track Cycling Championships in Poland. Still only 19, Felix has signed to ride with professional team Rapha Condor this year.

Liam Yates, 18 years old, is the eldest son of Sean Yates. He is a talented BMX rider and has just taken up road cycling.

A mixed field also featured Brighton crime-thriller author Tom Bale who reached the quarter finals.

For more information about Giant Stores events along with competitions and promotions join our Facebook page.

PREMIUM BIKE SERVICE OFFER!

1st February 2012 - filed under STORE NEWS

Get your bike serviced ready for Summer with Giant Store Rutland's Spring offer!

If your bike has been sat in the shed for months and needs a loud wake up call or if you rode through the Winter and your bike is paying the price for the component-unfriendly conditions - it's time for a pre-season bike service.

Giant Store Rutland want to make sure you get the most out of your ride and its valuable components this Summer - so they are offering 25% off a Premium Service until March 31st!

Even better - if you can't stand the thought of being without your ride - fear not - Giant Store Rutland will lend you a demo bike to test while the work is carried out!

To qualify simply click here to download the flyer.

Then print and complete the form and bring it in to Giant Store Rutland Water before 31st March 2012.

We look forward to seeing you in store.

T&C's apply, parts not inlcuded.

2012 Giant Factory Off-Road Team Unveiled!

1st February 2012 - filed under Teamsriders

On the heels of its most successful year ever, the Giant Factory Off-Road Team rolls into the 2012 season with new goals, the rainbow stripes of a World Champion, and plenty of momentum.

Danny Hart, the reigning Downhill World Champion, returns to lead the DH division of the squad. In just his second season on the pro circuit last year, Hart rocketed through the ranks on his Giant Glory. The 20-year-old Brit scored three World Cup podiums and won the World Championship with an electrifying ride in Champéry, Switzerland.

“It was a wild ride in 2011,” Hart said. “I’ve been training hard in the off-season and I’m looking forward to another great year with Giant.”

As in years past, the 2012 team represents the diversity of mountain biking in all its forms. In downhill and cross-country, from the Olympics and World Cup competition to sell-out festivals, marathons and enduro events, the team covers the broad spectrum of off-road racing.

Hart is joined on the World Cup circuit by Andrew Neethling, who had his best season ever last year after joining forces with Giant. Neethling won the South African National Championship and the Jeep Air DH event at Crankworx Whistler, and he found his stride on the World Cup circuit, scoring a career-best third-place finish in Windham, New York. Neethling finished 15th in the World Cup and is aiming for a top-10 standing this year.

The XC team is led by four-time British Champion Liam Killeen. The 29-year-old joined Giant last year to boost his bid for the 2012 London Olympics. He raced his XtC Advanced SL to the U.K. National Championship and has big goals for 2012. With the Olympics being held in his home nation, Killeen is hoping his third appearance at the Games will be one to remember.

The other two male XC riders are U.S. veteran Carl Decker and Australian Josh Carlson. Decker, a longtime Giant rider, had a successful 2011 season that included wins at major U.S. events including a repeat victory on his Anthem X 29er at the All-Mountain World Championships in Downieville, California. Carlson is new to the team this year. The 25-year-old was third overall in the 2011 Australian XC Series, and, like Decker, is an all-arounder who excels in both XC and Enduro/All-mountain events.

The team’s lone female racer is all-around talent Kelli Emmett. The American was second overall at All-Mountain Worlds in Downieville last year and raced a variety of events including the Leadville Trail 100 in Colorado. Throughout her career, Emmett has won races ranging from short-track and Super D national titles to Single-Speed World Championships, and this year will continue to focus on a wide range of off-road events.

“Last season was a breakthrough year for Giant Factory riders and staff, highlighted by Danny’s now legendary run at Champéry,” said Giant Global Marketing Director An Le. “We’re coming into 2012 with one of the most versatile squads in off-road racing and will be gunning for victory in everything from short-track and marathon XC to enduro and downhill races. We also have several new secret weapons in the works to give the riders the best tools to win.”

As always, the team has a variety of Giant bikes in its arsenal, covering every type of course and all types of terrain—from lightweight composite hardtails to full-suspension XC, enduro and DH bikes. Cross-country riders will start the season on Anthem X Advanced SL, Anthem X 29er and Trance X Advanced SL bikes with Maestro Suspension, as well as XtC Advanced SL and XtC Composite 29er hardtails. For downhill, the team will rely on the World Championship-winning Glory and Reign X.

All Factory Team bikes will be “Powered by SRAM” featuring the latest cutting edge components including SRAM drivetrains, Truvativ componentry, Avid brakes and RockShox suspension. Other sponsors include DT Swiss for wheelsets and tires by Schwalbe. And new this year is DNA Cycling, which is supplying race kits for the XC riders.

For photos, videos, news and other inside information on the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/giantfactoryteam.

2012 Giant Factory Off-Road Team
Josh Carlson (Aus), XC, Enduro
Carl Decker (USA), XC, Marathon, Enduro
Kelli Emmett (USA), XC, Marathon, Enduro
Danny Hart (Great Britain), DH, Enduro
Liam Killeen (Great Britain), XC, Marathon
Andrew Neethling (South Africa), DH, Enduro

Team Sponsors
SRAM drivetrain
Truvativ cockpit
Avid brakes
RockShox suspension
Schwalbe tires
DT Swiss wheelsets
Fox Head apparel
Contour cameras
DNA Cycling XC race kit
MRP chain guide
Fizik saddle
Crank Brothers pedals
ODI grips
Honey Stinger nutrition
Park tools
Finish line lubrication
Thule racks
NoTubes.com tubeless technology

Giant Named Official Bike Partner of Whistler

1st February 2012 - filed under Giant

Whistler Mountain Bike Park and Giant are excited to announce they will be working together for the 2012 season. Giant will become the official bike partner of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

“Giant Bicycles is one of the biggest, and arguably best, mountain bike manufactures in the world, and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is stoked to work with them,” says Bike Park Manager Brian Finestone. “Giant’s line of gravity mountain bikes are second to none, and we are extremely happy to partner with Giant."

Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s rental fleet of Giant bikes will consist of 150 Glory and Faith models. 50 will be set up for the expert or bike “fanatic” who wants to rent a top of the line race or gravity machine, while 100 Glory and Faith models will be set up for the novice to intermediate rider.

“Whistler Mountain Bike Park is not only the biggest and best lift-accessed bike park in the world, but it is also a great place to connect with riders from around the world,” says Paul Nash of Giant Canada. “The incredible terrain in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is the perfect testing ground for our mountain bikes.”

The Giant bikes will be equipped with the latest DH specific components from SRAM, RockShox, AVID and TRUVATIV. The addition of Easton Havoc DH wheels and Maxxis tires results in an exceptional rental fleet for any type of rider. Each bike will be meticulously maintained by Whistler Mountain Bike Park mechanics who will be completing SRAM Technical University (STU) training and will have a thorough knowledge of the Giant bicycles.

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is currently under a few feet of snow but expect to see the all-new Giant bicycles in Whistler Blackcomb’s rental stores in the spring of 2012. Opening day for the Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s 2012 season is expected to be in May.

NEW GIANT ATHLETE BLOG: INTENSE START TO 2012 FOR GIANT FACTORY TEAM RIDER LIAM KILLEEN

1st February 2012 - filed under Teamsriders

Giant Olympic Cross Country Mountain Bike rider Liam Killeen reflects on his 2011 season, discusses Winter training and talks us race by race through an intense start to 2012.

This year will see Liam compete on home soil for Great Britain at the London Olympic Games as well as competing for the Giant Factory Off-Road Team on his XtC Composite 29’er and Anthem X Advanced SL – it’s going to be a big year. What does an elite mountain bike racer do in the off-season? Grabs his TCX Advanced SL and get’s ‘cross!

The 2011 season was a mixture of highs and lows – but overall at the end of the season, I was feeling positive about the year ahead.

In November, I started my winter training with a programme of gym sessions and a good amount of outdoor riding: a combination of on-road and off-road riding. The gym sessions were planned with Andy Wadsworth and targeted core strength work that would add to my cycling specific training. Andy’s “Mylife” gym in Bristol is popular with professional and aspiring sportsmen and women including a number of cyclists – not surprising because Andy himself is no mean cyclist...

Four weeks of this regime and I was in good shape to fly to South Africa for some warm weather training. Although I love riding around my home counties, it is a real bonus to have guaranteed African heat! The training camp in Stellenbosch was right up my street: warm weather, wonderful food and a bunch of international riders all keen to get up and get on the bike for some long rides. It’s a world away from a typical British December - muddy bike cleaning and indoor turbo pedalling!

Back to Britain just in time for Christmas – no snow this year and altogether such milder weather than usual. The Christmas holiday was real family time and a chance to see friends who are scattered around the world these days. However, there wasn't much downtime because I had a short but intense Cyclo-cross season planned.

Macclesfield Supacross, 27th December 2011.
I try to race Macc' each winter. It's a tough course, always makes for a good workout and provides an indicator of 'form'. I'd put in a solid block of long endurance work in South Africa but not very much race specific training. Nevertheless my racing legs had not deserted me - I felt fit and in the end I finished 2nd. I couldn't quite match Paul Oldham but felt I was in a good place to develop race condition in time for the National Championships 12 days later.

West Midlands series Top Barn, 1st January 2012.
Although fairly local to me it was my first time to Top Barn near Worcester. I was really impressed with the race course and organisation and it was cheering to see a big turnout of over 400 riders. The senior race was fast from the start, Roger Hammond, Dan Booth and I came to the front and raced together for the first half of the race, then I made a move with 2 laps to go and held on for the win ahead of Roger.

National Champs Chantry Park Ipswich, 8th January 2012.
Before the race I was chatting to Nick Craig about the conditions and we agreed it would be ideal to have a light sprinkle of rain just to soften the ground and make the course more technical and conditions slightly heavier going to split the race naturally. But the slight breeze remained and the course stayed unchanged. I knew there would be a few guys to watch, Paul Oldham, Jody Crawforth and Ian Field would be competitive from the start. Although you never know what's going to happen until the gun goes and everyone is fighting for positions, I had a plan to try and make it to the front as quickly as possible and enjoy riding hard and see what happened... with 2 laps to go Ian Field and I were together and racing for the win. It was all going okay and I was confident going into the final lap. We were still together with a few hundred metres to go when Ian made a move to overtake me before an off camber corner. Unfortunately he hadn't completely overtaken me before turning into the right hander and clipped my front wheel. I went down and although I remounted as quickly as I could, the few seconds he gained were enough for Ian to hold on for the top spot. 2nd again for me...well that’s racing.

National Trophy final Shrewsbury, 15th January 2012,
Dave Mellor does a great job in organising the event in Shrewsbury and I'd raced this course in December. I was expecting a dry, fast, frozen course but how I was mistaken. When I arrived there were bikes thick with heavy mud - so much for my one bike race plan...
With the muddy conditions well established, it was going to be a tough hour of racing and with inescapable sections of running each lap. I set out at a good tempo and gained a lead on lap one. I rode cautiously on the slippery corners and put the power down on the straights, always aware of the guys behind me fighting it out between themselves. I had good support in the pits and opted to change my bike for a cleaned one most laps. The win was sweet – and it helped make up for the previous weekend’s disappointment.

Til the next post – keep rollin'
LK

Keep up to date with all Giant’s teams and riders in our Teams and Riders webpage. Follow the latest Giant news at Twitter.com/GiantUK and Facebook.com/GiantStoresUK.

GET YOUR PRE-SEASON SERVICE!

29th January 2012 - filed under STORE NEWS

50% off pre-season servicing at Giant Store Shoreham!

Is your TCR looking in need of some serious TLC, is your Defy definitley in need of a spruce up?

Giant Store Shoreham are offering a very special 50% off a pre-season service for your road bike - so when the sun starts shining (fingers crossed!) you will be ready to race with a ride that performs to its optimum.

Even better while your bike is getting some Giant Shoreham loving - we will lend you one of our demo bikes!

To take advantage of the Giant Shoreham 50% pre-season service click here to download the flyer.

Then print off and fill in the flyer and take it along to the store at the Ropetackle Centre on Little High Street in Shoreham-by-Sea by 17th February 2012.

We look forward to seeing you in store!

T&C's apply, parts not included.

Vos Wins Record 5th World CX Title!

29th January 2012 - filed under Teamsriders

For the second day in a row, a Giant rider struck gold at the 2012 Cyclocross World Championships. This time it was Marianne Vos of the Rabobank Women’s Team.

Vos put on a masterful display in Koksijde, Belgium, beating fellow Dutch rider Daphny van der Brand by 37 seconds to win a record fifth world title. U.S. National Champion Katie Compton of the Rabobank-Giant team finished fifth.

After a missed pedal at the start, Vos quickly got back into the groove and made her way to the front. She slowly built a gap over the chasers, stretching her lead to over a minute by the start of the last lap.

Compton lost time and positioning when she crashed on the first lap, and was forced to chase back from outside the top-15. While Vos maintained her lead, cleanly negotiating the difficult sand dunes of the Koksijde course on her TCX Advanced SL, Compton was in a fight to move up. The American steadily passed other racers to finish fifth, within a minute of her fellow Giant rider Vos.

The win was a historic one for Vos, whose fifth title surpassed German Hanka Kupfernagel’s four world championships.

In the elite men’s race, Rabobank-Giant rider Bart Aernouts had one of his best rides of the year, finishing an impressive fifth. Aernouts was part of a dominating show of force by the Belgian men, who swept the top seven spots led by the winner Niels Albert.