Australian enduro racer Josh Carlson in a product testing session in Oregon on a prototype version of the Trance Advanced 27.5.
We got a sneak peek at some of the new 27.5 bikes from Giant back in April and Giant has now released all the bikes and information to the masses. What is most interesting is that Giant has jumped in with both feet and they are offering a ton of models in 27.5 including several in their Liv category (women's specific). With so many models from Giant and several recently announced from Trek, how much longer will the other big brands like Specialized and Cannondale hold out?
For 2014, Giant has both hardtails and full suspension bikes in 27.5 including: XtC Advanced 27.5, XtC 27.5, Anthem Advanced 27.5, Anthem 27.5, Trance Advanced 27.5, Trance 27.5 and Talon 27.5. Also new are the women's specific models: Obsess Advanced, Lust Advanced, Lust, Intrigue and Tempt.
Check out the official info below including their World Cup racing development and science behind the 27.5 line of bikes!
From the Manufacturer: Giant 27.5 Ride Without Limits.
The off-road world now has three wheel sizes from which to choose. Through extensive research and ride testing, Giant has thoroughly analyzed how each size performs under different riding styles and in varying conditions. Our findings show that mountain bikes with 27.5-inch wheels deliver superior performance without the compromises of 26 or 29-inch-wheel bikes. So to create the best off-road riding experience, Giant has fully committed its 2014 lineup to this superior technology.
Why 27.5?
There is a common misconception that the performance of 27.5 technology sits squarely in the middle between 26 and 29. But as our data reveals, 27.5 actually displays some of the best characteristics of 26 and 29-and it never measures out exactly in the middle.
When it comes to weight, 27.5 performs more like 26-it's light and agile. And for efficiency and control, it outperforms 29. Rather than introduce a single 27.5 model, as some of our competitors have, Giant is rolling out entirely new designs and engineering solutions to maximize the performance advantages of 27.5-inch wheels. Here's why:
27.5 Technology: 3 Reasons to Believe
1. Lighter Weight
- 27.5-inch wheels are only 5 percent heavier than 26-inch. By comparison, 29-inch wheels are 11 percent heavier than 26-inch.
- Overall weights of 27.5 bikes also trend closer to 26 than heavier 29 versions of the same series
Every rider experiences two types of weight affecting their ride: overall bike weight and rotational wheel weight. Here's a closer look at these two forces and how different wheel sizes alter the dynamics of your ride:
Overall Bike Weight
Compare the weights of identically equipped bikes with different wheel sizes and you'll see substantial weight differences. As expected, the 26-inch-wheel bike is somewhat lighter than the 27.5, and substantially lighter than the 29 (up to two pounds of overall bike weight savings from 29 to 27.5). Every gram saved helps you ride faster.
Wheel/Tire Weight
The overall weight of a 27.5 wheelset (wheel, tire and inner tube) is only 5% greater than that of an identically built 26-inch wheelset. Compare this to the 12% increase of a 29-inch wheelset and you can see how a seemingly small increase in diameter results in substantial weight gain-and poorer performance when climbing or accelerating.
Static Wheel Weight
Lighter wheels/tires result in quicker acceleration and lighter overall bike weight-a win-win combination.
2. More Efficient
- 27.5 wheels accelerate much like 26, outperforming the more sluggish feel of 29-inch wheels.
- 27.5 wheels roll over obstacles with much more control than 26. That translates into more efficient cornering, acceleration and braking capabilities.
Rollover
Increased wheel diameter decreases the angle of attack (the angle in which a round object intersects a square object). This is a good thing. A 29-inch wheel rolls over a 6-centimeter square-edge obstacle 14% more efficiently than a 26-inch wheel does. In comparison, a 27.5-inch wheel rolls over the same obstacle 9.8% more efficiently than a 26-inch wheel does. Another way to analyze angle of attack is the degree of impact-where 26-inch equals X degree, 27.5 equals X-4 degrees and 29 equals X-6 degrees. Again, a shallower angle is better-so 29-inch takes the win, with 27.5 exhibiting nearly the same performance but without the weight penalty.
Acceleration
Arguably the most important benefit of 27.5 over 29 is quicker acceleration. This is the "snap" that a rider feels when they push hard on the pedals. It is affected not just by overall static weight but also where the weight is distributed throughout the wheel. The farther the weight is from the center of the hub, the slower the acceleration. So a similarly constructed 1000-gram 29-inch wheel is slower to accelerate than a 1000-gram 26-inch wheel-because the larger diameter rim and longer spokes place weight farther from the hub. The key to snappy acceleration is minimizing the weight of the outermost components (rim, nipples, spokes, tire, tube). As you can see, a 27.5-inch wheel is only 1.5% slower to accelerate than a similarly constructed 26-inch wheel, but a 29-inch wheel is 3.6% slower than a similarly constructed 26-inch wheel.
3. Better Control
- The larger the diameter of a wheel, the greater the contact patch of the tire. A larger contact patch results in better traction-which improves acceleration, deceleration and cornering. 27.5 wheels provide a contact patch that is similar to 29-inch wheels.
- The larger the wheel, the larger the frame dimensions must be-and that leads to unwanted flex. A flexing frame causes sloppy handling and slower acceleration under heavy power. A 27.5 frame flexes less than a 29 frame, resulting in better control.
Traction
The larger the diameter of a wheel, the greater the contact patch of the tire. A larger contact patch results in better traction, which leads to improved acceleration, deceleration and cornering. As you can see below, a 27.5-inch wheel has a similar contact patch to the 29.
Frame Stiffness
Lateral (side-to-side) frame stiffness can be affected by wheel size. To accommodate larger wheels, frame dimensions must be elongated. Therefore, a size medium 29-inch wheel frame has more lateral flex (bottom bracket and headtube) than a size medium 27.5- or 26-inch wheel frameset. Additional flex compromises handling under heavy pedaling or sharp cornering.
Frame Geometry
The larger the wheel, the more difficult it is to optimize geometry, especially on smaller frames. As the frame size decreases, headtube heights become higher (in relation to saddle height). On 26 or 27.5-inch frames, it's less of a problem, but geometry limitations can affect smaller 29-inch-wheel frames.
Continue reading for more information, specs, pricing and full photo gallery of the new 2014 Giant and Liv/giant 27.5 models.
XtC Advanced 27.5
Ready to rip? Meet the superlight, ultra-efficient hardtail used by Giant XC Pros for fast World Cup courses.
When every gram, pedal stroke and ounce of control matter most, this is the choice for Giant's World Cup XC pros. Handcrafted with Giant's Advanced-grade composite, and purposefully engineered for the fast, stable 27.5-inch wheel platform, the all-new XtC Advanced 27.5 is the perfect balance between speed and control. The OverDrive 2 steerer tube produces flawless front-end handling even on rough courses. The combination of the MegaDrive downtube and PowerCore bottom bracket offer a super responsive and efficient chassis. Thoughtful touches including the integrated seat clamp and internal cable routing round out this unrivaled XC racer.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- MegaDrive: The precisely engineered, rectangular shaped downtube yields unprecedented steering and pedaling stiffness.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size hardtail to optimize acceleration, control and stability
- Internal Cable Routing: Frame features unique internal cable porting for sleek, uncluttered appearance and performance.
- Internal Seatpost Clamp: Lightweight, all-internal seatpost locking mechanism provides clean, confident clamping force where it is needed most.
- 142/135mm Convertible Rear Thru-Axle Design: 142/135mm convertible rear dropouts let the rider choose which format works best for their needs.
Pricing:
- XtC Advanced 27.5 1: $5,000
- XtC Advanced 27.5 2: $3,925
- XtC Advanced 27.5 3: $2,700
XtC 27.5
Float right up a steep, technical climb. Lean it a little harder through the turns. Speed? Check. Control? Double-Check.
You want the best of both worlds, right? With the all-new XtC 27.5, your wish has been granted. Giant engineers took everything they've learned from more than a decade of perfecting the race-bred XtC platform and optimized it for 27.5-inch wheels. The lightweight ALUXX SL alloy frame features an OverDrive 2 steerer tube for front-end stiffness and control. The geometry, designed for a 100mm fork, offers just the type of quick handling and stability you need for fast XC riding or racing.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- Gusset-Free Design: Giant pioneered and perfected the use of radically shaped tubesets that provide all the strength and stability of gusseted tubes without added material and welds.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- MegaDrive: The precisely engineered, rectangular shaped downtube yields unprecedented steering and pedaling stiffness.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size hardtail to optimize acceleration, control and stability.
- ALUXX SL Aluminum: Formed from raw materials in Giant's own forging facility, this proprietary alloy features 30 percent additional stiffness over traditional 6061-series aluminum, while also reducing overall weight.
Pricing:
- XtC 27.5 2: $1,700
Anthem Advanced 27.5
Ready to leave the competition in the dust? This new 27.5 rocketship is the choice of Giant Pros for technical XC terrain.
Engineered to give Giant's elite-level racers every advantage on technical XC racecourses, this all-new bike features the raceproven performance of the Anthem name-smooth Maestro Suspension, confident handling and lightweight frame technology-but supercharged with a new purpose-built 27.5-inch-wheel frame design. Handcrafted with a superlight and stiff Advanced Composite mainframe and meticulously engineered geometry that's optimized for a 100mm suspension fork, it's the ultimate XC speed machine. Frame technologies include Giant's OverDrive 2 steerer tube for precision stiffness and steering, internal cable routing, and dropper seat cable routing.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- MegaDrive: The precisely engineered, rectangular shaped downtube yields unprecedented steering and pedaling stiffness.
- Maestro Suspension System: Utilizes four strategically positioned pivot points and two linkages that all work together to create a single floating pivot point for the most active, efficient and independent system on the trail.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size Maestro suspension bike to optimize control, acceleration and stability
- Internal Cable Routing: Frame features unique internal cable porting for sleek, uncluttered appearance and performance.
- 142/135mm Convertible Rear Thru-Axle Design: 142/135mm convertible rear dropouts let riders choose which format works best for their needs.
Pricing:
- Anthem Advanced 27.5 0 Team: $8,250
- Anthem Advanced 27.5 1: $4,750
- Anthem Advanced 27.5 2: $3,500
Anthem 27.5
XC race, marathon or all-day epic. For those who do it all, and want to do it faster, this new 27.5 machine is the answer.
What do you get when you combine the quickness and agility of the Anthem platform with the added handling and stability of 27.5-inch wheels? You get this, the next evolution of XC performance. It features a lightweight ALUXX SL full-suspension alloy frame, and awardwinning Maestro Suspension-meticulously engineered to optimize this new wheel size. The frame features Giant's OverDrive 2 steerer tube for razor-sharp handling, plus a PowerCore bottom bracket for maximum pedaling stiffness and power transfer.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- MegaDrive: The precisely engineered, rectangular shaped downtube yields unprecedented steering and pedaling stiffness.
- Maestro Suspension System: Utilizes four strategically positioned pivot points and two linkages that all work together to create a single floating pivot point for the most active, efficient and independent system on the trail.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size Maestro suspension bike to optimize control, acceleration and stability
- Internal Cable Routing: Frame features unique internal cable porting for sleek, uncluttered appearance and performance.
- 142/135mm Convertible Rear Thru-Axle Design: 142/135mm convertible rear dropouts let riders choose which format works best for their needs.
Pricing:
- Anthem 27.5 3: $2,250
Trance Advanced 27.5
Take your enduro riding to the next level. Climb like an XC racer, descend with supreme confidence.
With its new 27.5-inch wheel platform, this composite Trance Advanced 27.5 is light, agile, and born to go fast on technical trails. Developed with input from Giant's champion enduro pros, the Advanced-grade composite frame is engineered specifically for 27.5, the ideal wheel size for all-around trail capabilities. With 5.5 inches of smooth Maestro rear suspension, as well as an OverDrive 2 steerer tube and PowerCore bottom bracket for steering and pedaling stiffness, it's an all-around trail slayer that climbs as well as it descends. Frame details include internal cable routing, integrated downtube protection and ISCG-05 chain guide compatibility.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- MegaDrive: The precisely engineered, rectangular shaped downtube yields unprecedented steering and pedaling stiffness.
- Maestro Suspension System: Utilizes four strategically positioned pivot points and two linkages that all work together to create a single floating pivot point for the most active, efficient and independent system on the trail.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size Maestro suspension bike to optimize control, acceleration and stability
- Internal Cable Routing: Frame features unique internal cable porting for sleek, uncluttered appearance and performance.
- 142/135mm Convertible Rear Thru-Axle Design: 142/135mm convertible rear dropouts let riders choose which format works best for their needs.
Pricing:
- Trance Advanced 27.5 0: $7,725
- Trance Advanced 27.5 1: $5,350
- Trance Advanced SX 27.5: $6,400
- Trance SX 27.5: $4,050
Trance 27.5
Slippery roots, wheel-eating ruts, big drops. Whatever the trail throws your way, you're ready with Trance 27.5.
All new and totally reengineered for the benefits of 27.5-inch wheels, Trance 27.5 is the best of both worlds-light and agile, yet also super stable on the roughest trails. The lightweight, stiff and super-strong ALUXX SL aluminum frame is mated with 5.5 inches of proven Maestro suspension. The frame also features Giant's OverDrive 2 steerer tube technology for stiff, razor sharp handling in the rough stuff. Climbing or descending, there's no better way to own the trail.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- MegaDrive: The precisely engineered, rectangular shaped downtube yields unprecedented steering and pedaling stiffness.
- Maestro Suspension System: Utilizes four strategically positioned pivot points and two linkages that all work together to create a single floating pivot point for the most active, efficient and independent system on the trail.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size Maestro suspension bike to optimize control, acceleration and stability
- Internal Cable Routing: Frame features unique internal cable porting for sleek, uncluttered appearance and performance.
- 142/135mm Convertible Rear Thru-Axle Design: 142/135mm convertible rear dropouts let riders choose which format works best for their needs.
Pricing:
- Trance 27.5 1: $3,500
- Trance 27.5 3: $2,125
Talon 27.5
Carve through corners and fly up the climbs with the quick and agile Talon 27.5.
The super-responsive ALUXX aluminum frame features classic hardtail design updated with Giant's innovative new 27.5-inch wheel technology. Designed to make the most of this lightweight yet stable wheel size, and engineered to work with a 100-millimeter suspension fork, it's the perfect choice for sport and recreational riders that want the perfect blend of quickness, light weight and control on the trail.
Technology:
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size hardtail to optimize acceleration, control and stability.
- ALUXX Aluminum: Formed from raw materials in Giant's own forging facility, this proprietary 6061 alloy features a best-in class strength-to-weight ratio.
- Gusset-Free Design: Giant pioneered and perfected the use of radically shaped tubesets that provide all the strength and stability of gusseted tubes without added material and welds.
- 100mm Optimized Geometry: Designed to offer outstanding handling in conjunction with a 100mm-travel suspension fork.
Pricing:
- Talon 27.5 1: $1,380
- Talon 27.5 4: $700
- Talon 27.5 5: $570
Continue reading for more information, specs, pricing and full photo gallery of the new 2014 Liv/giant Women's 27.5 models.
Marianne Vos of the Rabobank-Liv/giant team, the current world and Olympic champion on the road, helped develop the Obsess Advanced. She rode a prototype version at several World Cup events this year as she begins her bid to race cross-country at the next Olympic Games.
From the Manufacturer: Liv/giant 27.5 Best of All Worlds.
Liv/giant is dedicated to providing women with the best possible off-road cycling experience. The evolution of the 27.5-inch wheel size has led Liv/giant's engineers and athletes to one conclusion: 27.5 is the optimal wheel size for all riding styles and levels of female riders. It perfectly combines the most desirable attributes of 26 and 29-inch wheels, giving you a ride that truly delivers the best of all worlds. This year Liv/giant's entire off-road line-up, from sport-level to elite, features bikes with 27.5-inch wheels.
In comparison to 26 and 29-inch wheel size options, our research shows that 27.5 offers the ideal combination of light weight, efficiency, and control for female riders. Here are the factors that make this wheel size especially ideal for women.
1. Lighter Weight
The lighter the bike, the less energy and effort you have to exert. Long rides become easier, and you ride faster. 27.5-inch wheels are lighter than 29-inch, and they allow Liv/giant to design lighter frames. Liv/giant's elite athletes appreciate the weight savings offered by 27.5, as evidenced by race wins on their 27.5 bikes. You'll appreciate the lighter weight too!
2. More Efficient
The ability for 27.5-inch wheels to easily roll over obstacles means that you can ride technical trails with less effort and more confidence. Also, 27.5-inch wheels accelerate more quickly than 29-inch, meaning you exert less energy to get rolling. Quick acceleration increases your ability to maintain momentum in rough terrain, up hills, or across flats.
3. Better Control
The optimal tire-to-ground contact patch provided by 27.5-inch wheels improves cornering, acceleration and braking ability. And when combined with Liv/giant's 3F women's specific and 27.5-optimized frame geometry, the 27.5-inch wheel size delivers better control than bikes with 26 or 29-inch wheels. Also, because these 27.5-optimized frames allow for excellent standover clearance and a shorter wheelbase, it's easier for female riders to find their ideal bike fit.
These three factors combined create the best possible ride quality and bike fit for female riders. The inherent light weight and efficiency of 27.5 gives you the energy to elevate your riding. And 27.5 allows Liv/giant to design our 3F frame geometry to better balance female riders of all heights over the bottom bracket and front wheels for unparalleled control. It is this balance that truly defines the Liv/giant riding experience.
Obsess Advanced
If XC is your game, and speed is your obsession, this 27.5-inch singletrack machine is your path to the podium.
this elite-level XC race bike is the world's first women's-specific carbon fiber hardtail with the optimal new 27.5-inch wheel size. the frame is handcrafted with Advanced-grade composite material, and purposefully engineered to maximize the advantages of 27.5-light, agile and maneuverable, yet still super stable on technical trails. its technologies include the overdrive 2 steerer tube and 15mm front thru-axle for pinpoint steering precision. it has a Powercore bottom bracket for better pedaling efficiency, plus clean internal cable routing and an integrated seat clamp to give you an edge on the competition and terrain.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size Maestro suspension bike to optimize control, acceleration and stability.
- Liv/giant 3F Geometry: To provide female riders with ideal balance and bike fit, 3F geometry features shorter toptubes and slightly taller headtubes.
- Internal SeatPost Clamp: Lightweight, all-internal seatpost locking mechanism provides clean, confident clamping force just where it is needed most.
- Internal Cable Routing: Frame features unique internal cable porting for sleek, uncluttered appearance and performance.
- 142/135mm Convertible Rear Thru-Axle Design: 142/135mm convertible rear dropouts let riders choose which format works best for their needs.
Pricing:
- Obsess Advanced 1: $4,125
- Obsess Advanced 2: $2,775
Lust Advanced
Spark a singletrack love affair. Quick, agile, super confident on all types of terrain, from steep climbs to daring descents.
The world's first women's-specific carbon fiber full-suspension bike with the new 27.5-inch wheel size gives you the upper hand on technical XC terrain. the combination of Advanced-grade composite frame material and Maestro suspension makes it equally capable in all-out race efforts or all-day trail epics. Liv/giant's women's geometry is optimized for 27.5-inch wheels, making it perfectly balanced for women trail riders. And the technologies-including an overdrive 2 steerer tube, 15mm front thru-axle, Megadrive downtube and Powercore bottom bracket-lend it a fast yet stable feel on any XC terrain.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size Maestro suspension bike to optimize control, acceleration and stability.
- Liv/giant 3F Geometry: To provide female riders with ideal balance and bike fit, 3F geometry features shorter toptubes and slightly taller headtubes.
- Maestro Suspension System: Utilizes four strategically positioned pivot points and two linkages that all work together to create a single floating pivot point for the most active, efficient and independent system on the trail.
- Internal Cable Routing: Frame features unique internal cable porting for sleek, uncluttered appearance and performance.
- 142/135mm Convertible Rear Thru-Axle Design: 142/135mm convertible rear dropouts let riders choose which format works best for their needs.
Pricing:
- Lust Advanced 0: $8,050
- Lust Advanced 2: $3,500
Lust
Unlock the secret to XC bliss: Less weight plus more control equals more confidence, speed and smiles.
With the one-two punch of the fast new 27.5-inch wheel platform and Liv/giant's 3F design philosophy, Lust is the ultimate XCall-rounder. The frame, a lightweight, hydroformed ALUXX SL alloy work of art, features plenty of stand-over height for confidences on technical trails. And it has all the right angles to make the most of its smooth and agile 27.5 wheels. Add 4 inches of smooth Maestro suspension technology plus a 15mm front thru-axle for front end stiffness and control and it's the perfect choice for XC rides ranging from marathon races to after-work trail rides.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size Maestro suspension bike to optimize control, acceleration and stability.
- Liv/giant 3F Geometry: To provide female riders with ideal balance and bike fit, 3F geometry features shorter toptubes and slightly taller headtubes.
- Maestro Suspension System: Utilizes four strategically positioned pivot points and two linkages that all work together to create a single floating pivot point for the most active, efficient and independent system on the trail.
- ALUXX SL Aluminum: From raw materials in Giant's own forging facility, this proprietary alloy features 30 percent additional stiffness over traditional 6061-series aluminum, while also reducing overall weight.
Pricing:
- Lust 1: $3,200
- Lust 2: $2,450
Intrigue
Ready to rule more technical trails? Take your skills to a new level with this all-new 27.5-inch phenom.
Created specifically for women with Liv/giant's 3F design philosophy, intrigue is perfectly balanced to improve both climbing and descending. The lightweight ALUXX SL aluminum frame features special women's-specific geometry, engineered to optimize the light, agile and super stable 27.5-inch wheels. And with 5.5 inches of plush Maestro suspension travel, you'll have more control-and fun-on technical trails. Additional features include the tapered overdrive 2 steerer tube and 15mm front thru-axle for more precise steering, plus special cable routing for a dropper seatpost so you can dial in saddle height, on the fly, while riding varying terrain.
Technology:
- OverDrive 2: Designed to offer unprecedented front-end steering performance, the system's oversized headset bearings (1 1/2" lower, 1 1/4" upper) and tapered steerer tube work in harmony to provide supreme steering stiffness.
- PowerCore: A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 92-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size Maestro suspension bike to optimize control, acceleration and stability.
- Liv/giant 3F Geometry: To provide female riders with ideal balance and bike fit, 3F geometry features shorter toptubes and slightly taller headtubes.
- Maestro Suspension System: Utilizes four strategically positioned pivot points and two linkages that all work together to create a single floating pivot point for the most active, efficient and independent system on the trail.
- ALUXX SL Aluminum: From raw materials in Giant's own forging facility, this proprietary alloy features 30 percent additional stiffness over traditional 6061-series aluminum, while also reducing overall weight.
- 142/135mm Convertible Rear Thru-Axle Design: 142/135mm convertible rear dropouts let riders choose which format works best for their needs.
Pricing:
- Intrigue 1: $4,250
- Intrigue 2: $2,775
Tempt
Smooth out of the trail. A light, stable 27.5-inch wheel design makes this XC bike your ally for off-road adventure.
With an agile aluminum frame featuring geometry designed specifically for women, plus a suspension fork and powerful disc brakes, tempt can take you from your first dirt foray to more advanced singletrack adventures. the all-new 27.5-inch frame design, featuring plenty of confidence-inspiring stand-over height, gives you just what you need to go farther and faster.
Technology:
- Gusset-Free Design: Giant pioneered and perfected the use of radically shaped tubesets that provide all the strength and stability of gusseted tubes without added material and welds.
- 27.5-Specific Geometry: XC frame geometry tailored for 27.5-inch wheel size Maestro suspension bike to optimize control, acceleration and stability.
- Liv/giant 3F Geometry: To provide female riders with ideal balance and bike fit, 3F geometry features shorter toptubes and slightly taller headtubes.
- ALUXX SL Aluminum: From raw materials in Giant's own forging facility, this proprietary alloy features 30 percent additional stiffness over traditional 6061-series aluminum, while also reducing overall weight.
- Optimized Standover Height: A result of Liv/giant's 3F Geometry applied to this Sport-Level bike, Optimized Standover Height allows for more rider clearance and increased rider confidence.
Continue reading for the Giant and Liv/giant 27.5 Official Press Releases.
Official Giant 27.5 Bikes Press Release
Giant Launches World's Most Extensive Line of 27.5-Inch Off-Road Bikes
From World Cup-bred hardtails to full-suspension XC, trail and enduro bikes, Giant applies innovative 27.5 technology to a full range of performance bikes
Giant, the world leader in cycling technology, is revolutionizing its 2014 off-road lineup with a full range of new bikes featuring 27.5-inch wheel technology. Some of Giant's most recognizable and successful off-road models-including XtC, Anthem, and Trance-will now include 27.5 choices in both composite and aluminum frame options.
For 2014, a total of seven new men's series and 28 global models feature 27.5 wheel technology, which Giant has been developing for the past two years. Several prototype Giant 27.5 bikes have already been ridden to major race wins in pro XC and enduro competition.
"The diversity and range of our new collection of 27.5 bikes shows how strongly we believe in this new technology," said Kevin Dana, Giant Global Off-Road Category Manager. "That belief is founded on a lot of internal research and testing. We worked with a wide variety of riders-and from our World Cup XC pros to our enduro riders, all of them feel strongly that the end result is improved performance."
Research and ride testing in different off-road racing disciplines, and in a variety of terrain, showed that the 27.5 wheel size delivers significant performance advantages in three key areas: weight, efficiency and control. Bikes with 27.5-inch wheels displayed some of the best characteristics of 26 and 29-inch wheels-but without the compromises associated with each.
Truly capitalizing on the advantages of 27.5 required a deep commitment to engineering and development. Giant's team of engineers, product developers and athletes looked at each new model individually, dialing in the frame features and geometry to optimize the new wheel size for particular types of terrain and performance goals.
The end result is a full line of purpose-built 27.5 performance bikes for all different types of off-road riding. From the XC World Cup-proven XtC Advanced 27.5 hardtail to the trail and enduro focused Trance Advanced 27.5, each series has undergone extensive development from the ground up.
For elite-level Giant XC pros like Swedish national champion Emil Lindgren, the lighter weight and quicker acceleration offer a huge advantage.
"When you're racing cross-country, you're pushing the limits," said Lindgren. "The heart rate is maxed and you want a bike that responds and makes the effort feel a little easier. Going from a 26 to a 29, there's a big difference in the way the bike rides. But with 27.5, it's the perfect balance of quickness and acceleration of a 26 with the traction and stability of a 29er."
To meet the needs of racers like Lindgren and teammate Michiel van der Heijden, who recently won the Dutch XC Championships aboard a prototype 27.5 hardtail, Giant developed 27.5 versions of its XtC platform in both Advanced-grade composite (XtC Advanced 27.5) and ALUXX SL aluminum (XtC 27.5).
For technical XC terrain, Giant developed 27.5 versions of its legendary Anthem platform, available in both Advanced-grade composite (Anthem Advanced 27.5) and ALUXX SL aluminum (Anthem 27.5) frame options featuring Maestro Suspension with 4 inches of travel. Giant Factory Off-Road rider Adam Craig played a major role in the bike's development, and rode his prototype Anthem Advanced 27.5 to a win at an Oregon Enduro Series event earlier this summer.
"For cross-country racing, the 27.5 offers a very clear advantage," Craig said. "It's not just about how fast a bike rolls, but how fast it can be in real racing scenarios, and that involves accelerating, braking, climbing, a lot of low-speed stuff. A bike that's a little more nimble and quick is ultimately an advantage."
For more aggressive trail and enduro riding-the type that Australian enduro racer Josh Carlson has been racing with his prototype Trance Advanced 27.5, which features 5.5 inches of Maestro rear suspension technology-the added control and stability makes a huge difference.
"It feels amazing," said Carlson, who rode a prototype Trance Advanced 27.5 to several enduro race wins in North America this spring. "You can charge through rock gardens and gnarly terrain with total confidence that it's going to be quicker and faster and safer than any bike you've ever ridden. You can come into corners quicker and exit with so much more speed."
The Trance platform is also available with the Advanced-grade composite frame (Trance Advanced 27.5) or ALUXX SL aluminum (Trance 27.5). Both the Trance Advanced 27.5 and Trance 27.5 also come in an "SX" model for more aggressive, gravity-oriented riding.
In addition to all of the above off-road performance models, Giant is also making its 27.5 technology available to more riders of all levels with its full line of Talon 27.5 ALUXX aluminum hardtail off-road bikes.
For 2014, Giant is offering the following off-road series with 27.5 technology:
XtC Advanced 27.5 (Advanced-grade composite hardtail XC)
XtC 27.5 (ALUXX SL aluminum hardtail XC)
Anthem Advanced 27.5 (Advanced-grade composite full-suspension XC)
Anthem 27.5 (ALUXX SL aluminum full-suspension XC)
Trance Advanced 27.5 (Advanced-grade composite full-suspension trail and enduro)
Trance 27.5 (ALUXX SL aluminum full-suspension trail and enduro)
Talon 27.5 (ALUXX aluminum hardtail XC)
The 2014 Giant 27.5 off-road bikes will be available through Giant retailers later this summer.
Continue reading for the Liv/giant 27.5 Official Press Release.
Official Liv/giant 27.5 Women's Bikes Press Release
Liv/giant Unveils World's First Full Range of Women's-Specific 27.5 Off-Road Bikes
With all-new 27.5 performance bikes for XC, trail and enduro riding, Liv/giant delivers superior fit and performance to female off-road riders
Liv/giant, the cycling brand dedicated to female riders, today unveiled the world's first full lineup of women's-specific off-road bike featuring 27.5-inch wheel technology. With new XC, trail and enduro bikes, in both composite and aluminum frame options, Liv/giant is making a major commitment to helping female riders enjoy a better fit and superior performance on the trail.
For 2014, a total of five new Liv/giant series and 13 global models feature 27.5-inch wheel technology. Each of the new bikes has been in development for the past two years, and several have already been ridden to major race wins by Liv/giant athletes who played key roles in developing them.
"Our research led us to believe that the 27.5-inch wheel platform offers an ideal way to reduce overall bike weight, improve efficiency, and deliver better control for female riders," said Liv/giant product developer Abby Santurbane. "We worked with a team of pro riders who confirmed those benefits and more."
When combined with Liv/giant's 3F (Fit, Form, Function) women's-specific fit geometry, the 27.5 bikes-each of them purpose-built for a particular terrain and riding style-grant the traction and stability of 29er bikes but without the compromises in fit and weight. The new 27.5-optimized frames offer more stand-over clearance and a shorter wheelbase to improve a rider's control and confidence.
One of the athletes riding an early prototype model was road and cyclocross world champion Marianne Vos, who is racing select XC events this year in a build-up to the 2016 Olympic Games. Vos rode a prototype Obsess Advanced model-the world's first women's-specific XC-focused 27.5 composite hardtail-to wins in XC and short track at the Sea Otter Classic in April.
"Some of my teammates had been racing on 29er bikes, which offer some added stability, but for many women riders the large wheels present a challenge," said Vos. "The 27.5 feels just right. It's quick and light the way I want it to be, but also has better control and stability than the 26-inch-wheel bikes I've ridden. I don't have to put as much effort into going fast on my 27.5-inch bike. It's effortless." Along with Vos, U23 XC World Champion Jolanda Neff has also played a major role in helping test and refine the 2014 Obsess Advanced.
For more technical XC terrain, Liv/giant developed Lust Advanced, the world's first women's-specific, full-suspension composite 27.5-inch bike. The Lust Advanced is Liv/giant's flagship bike, designed for the most discerning XC and trail riders. It features an Advanced-grade composite frame and Maestro Suspension technology with 4 inches of travel. The Lust series is also offered in a lightweight ALUXX SL aluminum frame.
For aggressive trail and enduro riding, Liv/giant is introducing Intrigue, which features 5.5 inches of Maestro rear suspension technology and an ALUXX SL aluminum frame. Giant Factory Off-Road Team rider Kelli Emmett helped develop both the Lust and Intrigue platforms, and she has been competing on both at XC and enduro events.
"The difference with 27.5 is really incredible," said Emmett. "In both the Lust and the Intrigue, I can immediately feel the boost in quickness and my ability to maneuver the bike. For XC racing with Lust Advanced, the fit and acceleration is so much better than a 29er. And for enduro racing with the Intrigue, it's a perfect blend of stability, control, and agility to easily handle any terrain on the course."
In addition to all the new performance models, Liv/giant makes 27.5 technology available to more women riders with a full line of 27.5 aluminum hardtail bikes called Tempt. The Tempt series is ideal for beginning and sport-level mountain bike riders, and features a low standover height and excellent fit.
For 2014, Liv/giant is offering the following off-road series with 27.5 technology:
Obsess Advanced (Advanced-grade composite hardtail XC)
Lust Advanced (Advanced-grade composite full-suspension XC)
Lust (ALUXX SL aluminum full-suspension XC)
Intrigue (ALUXX SL aluminum full-suspension trail and enduro)
Tempt (ALUXX aluminum hardtail XC)
The 2014 Liv/giant 27.5 off-road bikes will be available later this summer through Giant and Liv/giant retailers.