New rigs for the Giant Factory Off Road Team!
Take a look at the rigs that the 2018 Giant Factory Off Road team will be using in 2018!
A new year means new gear, and while most of us can't make that dream a reality, for a mountain bike professional the first few months of the year isn't just about training camps – it's also about getting fitted up and set up with new gear.
From shoes, to helmets, custom fit clothing, casuals, understanding eyewear choices for different conditions and of course – bikes. Bikes for training, bikes for racing, tyre options, wheel choices, drivetrain changes and suspension dynamics. It's a cool position to be in, but still involves a lot of work for the team and their staff to make sure the riders get everything out of their equipment when it is their time to shine.
The Giant Factory Off-Road Team recently concluded its pre-season training camp in Southern California where they dialled in their new bikes. Following team camp, several riders departed for South America, where they will compete at the opening round of the Enduro World Series in Lo Barnechea, Chile on March 24-25.
We think Giant's 2018 range is the best yet!
With several new equipment sponsors on board this year—including new suspension partner DVO, Shimano drivetrain bits and brake components and Maxxis tyres—the team bikes have a different look and feel heading into the 2018 season. They awill also be using HT Pedals, MRP chain guides, Stan’s NoTubes sealant and ODI grips.
A closer look at Josh Carlson's Reign Advanced
The Aussie enduro racer helped develop the latest Reign Advanced, which this year gets all-new DVO suspension including the Jade rear shock and Diamond suspension fork.
With its superlight, stiff and strong Advanced-grade composite mainframe, plus new geometry that has been developed and tested on Enduro World Series terrain, it’s everything Josh and his enduro teammates need for massive race days on extreme terrain.
Josh’s bike also includes a Shimano XTR Di2 drivetrain and Saint brakes; PRO cockpit components; a Giant Contact Switch dropper post and Contact saddle; and the Giant NeosTrack computer. Josh also has a full selection of Maxxis tyres to choose from depending on track and weather conditions on any given day.
Rae Morrison's Liv Hail Advanced
Representing the Liv women’s brand, Rae is racing the Enduro World Series and other premier enduro events around the world on her new Liv Hail Advanced. With its Advanced-grade composite frame and all-new DVO suspension setup—including the Topaz2 rear shock and Diamond fork—Rae has 160mm of smooth Maestro suspension to help her tackle the most extreme descents with confidence and control.
Take a look at the whole Liv range
Rae’s Hail Advanced also features a Shimano XTR Di2 drivetrain and XTR brakes; PRO cockpit components; a Giant Contact Switch dropper post and Contact saddle; and the Giant NeosTrack computer.
Like the rest of her enduro teammates, Rae will also race on her choice of Maxxis tyres, choosing the model based on track conditions and weather.
Marcelo Gutierrez's Glory Advanced
The seven-time national downhill champion from Colombia already scored his first victory on his 2018 Glory Advanced when he won the opening round of the IXS Downhill Cup last month in Argentina. This year, Marcelo’s Advanced-grade composite Glory frame gets fitted with a new DVO Jade rear shock that delivers 203mm of plush travel tuned specifically for the Maestro Suspension system.
It’s also tuned to Marcelo’s riding style and the specific demands of the track. The rear suspension is complemented by a new DVO Onyx fork, offering 200mm of suspension up front. Marcelo’s machine also features a Shimano Saint drivetrain and brakes, PRO cockpit components, Maxxis tyres (specific model depends on track conditions) and Giant Contact saddle.
Carl Dekker's Anthem Advanced Pro 29er
After several years in development, this 29er was introduced late last year with all-new geometry and a new 90mm Maestro suspension system bolstered by an Advanced Forged Composite upper rocker arm and the new trunnion mount for the DVO Topaz T3Air rear shock.
Don't miss our review on the all-new Anthem 29er!
Both the mainframe and rear swingarm are crafted from lightweight Advanced-grade composite, and the geometry was developed for XC racers like Carl to optimize the bike’s 29-inch wheels. Carl is running a 100mm DVO Sapphire fork up front. This XC slayer also includes a Shimano XTR Di2 drivetrain and XTR brakes, PRO cockpit components, a Giant Contact saddle and Giant NeosTrack computer.
Carl is racing on the Giant XCR 0 29 Composite DBL WheelSystem and Maxxis tyres of his choice depending on the weather and terrain.
