2015 Giant Defy 1 Road Bike with ALUXX SL-grade aluminum and Composite, Alloy OverDrive steerer

 

The 2015 Giant Defy 1 - So much road bike for such an affordable price

The bicycle industry is talking about the Defy. While most of the attention is on the $10,000 pro model, the good news for the rest of us is that the Alloy version of this bike includes all of the engineering wizardry of the higher priced bikes.

The frame design of the Defy has been winning accolades for years, and the design wasn't changed for the 2015. But improvements were made throughout the bike. In particular the frame tubing is far and away best in class.

In fact, the entire bicycle industry has made massive strides in the construction of aluminum alloy frames, bringing them dangerously close to parity with carbon fiber. Giant, who owns their own factories and forms their own aluminum tubing is at the forefront of this technological revolution with Aluxx alloy tubing. And the Defy is outfitted with SL grade alloy.

ALUXX ADVANTAGE

From the manipulation of atomic grain structures to our advanced forming and welding techniques, Giant has been at the forefront of aluminum engineering for more than 30 years. Today, ALUXX Aluminum Technology represents the pinnacle of alloy performance.

A heritage of craftsmanship combined with unmatched manufacturing capabilities gives Giant the unique ability to monitor every step of the aluminum frame-building process. Through our
cutting-edge materials science, proprietary forming techniques, and attention to detail, we are constantly advancing aluminum performance to create bikes that are lighter, stronger and stiffer. The difference can be felt in the ride. Every aluminum bike bearing the ALUXX Aluminum Technology label must live up to the highest standards and meet the tightest tolerances of any aluminum frame in the world. Here is the skinny:

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Giant's lightest, state-of-the-art aluminum frameset technology featuring our highest strength-to-weight ratios, most advanced forming methods, and unique welding techniques

Materials

• Exclusively features 6011A alloy for unprecedented strength-to-weight ratio

Forming methods

• State-of-the-art butting results in 20 percent thinner (and lighter) tubes than ALUXX SL
• Features extensive FluidForming (sophisticated manipulation of tubeset shaping via an injection of high-pressure fluid) and some PressForming (basic manipulation of tubeset shaping via direct mechanical pressure)

Welding techniques

Features both Smooth (double-pass weld technique with hand-sanding to reduce stress risers) and Slim (custom-fit tube junctures to decrease weld material) welding techniques for minimal weight, maximum strength and the cleanest aesthetics

The defy one offers the best components package of any bike in this class.

Sizes	XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
Colors	Black/White/Blue
Frame	ALUXX SL-grade aluminum
Fork	Composite, Alloy OverDrive steerer
Shock	N/A

Components
Handlebar	Giant Connect, 31.8mm
Stem	Giant Sport
Seatpost	Giant D-Fuse, Composite
Saddle	Giant Performance Road
Pedals	Caged w/ toe clip and strap

Drivetrain
Shifters	Shimano 105
Front Derailleur	Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur	Shimano 105
Brakes	Tektro R540
Brake Levers	Shimano 105
Cassette	Shimano 105 11x32, 11-speed
Chain	KMC X11L
Crankset	FSA Gossamer Pro, 34/50
Bottom Bracket	Shimano, Press Fit

Wheels
Rims	Giant P-R2
Hubs	Giant Performance Tracker Road, Sealed bearing, [F] 24h, [R] 28h
Spokes	Sapim Race, 14/15g
Tires	Giant P-R3, Flat Guard Deflect 3, Front and rear specific, 700x25

1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

2015 Liv Avail Advanced 2 by Giant - The Fantastic Reviews Are In

 

2015 is the year that the Liv Avail became a serious racing machine

Giant has created a line of women specific bikes that are branded as Liv. The idea is that they are not a Giant Liv bike. One could say that it is the Liv Line by Giant, as Giant's name is still contained on a decal, and the Liv brand is on the Giant website. This may be distinction without a difference, but the real issue comes down to whether Live is really about the women. On that there seems to be no argument. 

The bicycle industry has primary source for all important information. That is BRAIN magazine. Here is what they had to say:

Liv introduced its 2015 Avail line to media at the event in Scotland. With a goal of making cycling more approachable and appealing to women, Giant recently launched its Liv brand, which is designed, engineered and headed up by women. “Most of the composite frames are made by women as well,” said Amanda Schaper, Liv global marketing coordinator. “So Liv is truly made for women, by women.” 

 Each Liv model is handcrafted by Giant, and a small badge stating that located on the seattube near the bottom bracket is the only reference to the parent company that can be found on the frame. 

Schaper said that Liv is 100 percent committed to the female cyclist, as also proven by the expansion of the Liv soft goods line, which has also been redesigned for 2015.

Female editors attending the event rode the Avail Advanced SL 0. The frame weighs in at less than 900 grams, making it the lightest in the 2015 Liv line. Equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace disc brakes, Di2 shifting, Giant's new SLR 0 disc lightweight carbon wheelset, which it also unveiled, this model is the cream of the Avail crop.  

Many of the Avail Advanced SL's core features are borrowed from the Defy, including the D-fuse seatpost, integrated disc brakes, internal cable routing through one side of the frame and the same thin and flattened seatstays. But the Avail frame is not just a tweaked version of the Defy.

“Instead of taking the men's frame, shrinking the top tube and making the head tube taller and calling it a women's bike, we used three years' worth of body dimension research, feedback from athletes, our target consumers, and our ambassadors to determine the ideal geometry,” said Abby Santurbane, global category manager for Liv. “We also took into consideration the intended usage of the bike to find the ideal body angle.”

Santurbane also said that positive feedback about past iterations of the Avail model led them to only make small changes in the frame geometry, including lowering the top tube for improved standover height. The geometry is optimized for long rides on varied road conditions, with frame seat angles that help put the rider's center of gravity over the bottom bracket and a head tube angle ranging from 70-72 degrees.

 While the Avail Advanced bike range is not just a smaller version of the Defy, the core characteristics, including handling, stiffness, comfort, weight, and components are common to each line. For a complete evaluation of the brother bike to the Avail, see our detailed review of the 2015 Giant Defy Advanced here.

Please come visit us at Pedal Power in Richmond, VA. We will be happy to sit down with you and help you determine which of the Liv bicycles might be perfect for the kind of cycling you have in your future.




1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

[Video] Ultimate Neighborhood BMX Bike From Redline: The Raid FW 20"

2014 Redline Raid FW 20"Video Review

    www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

(804) 658-2126

Available in both freewheel and coaster brake models, the race inspired graphics and Hi-Ten frame make this the ultimate neighborhood bike.

KEY FEATURES
20” alloy rims with Kenda Kontact tires
Hand brake
Alloy threadless stem

Specs:

Frame	RL spec 100% Hi ten tubing, Sloping Top Tube, Race inspired geometry
Fork	RL spec 100% Hi ten tubular fork
Colors	Gloss Black, Gloss Red
Headset	RL spec 25.4mm Threadless
Stem	RL spec 40mm Aluminum
Handlebar	RL spec 100% Hi ten , 5.5" , 12˚ Back, 1˚ Up
Grips	Redline Hex Mini w/Plugs
Seat	RL Padded
Seat Post	22.2
Seat Post Clamp	25.4
Rims	RL spec Aluminum
Front Hub	RL Spec
Rear Hub	RL Spec FW
Spokes	14g
Tires	Kenda Kontact 20 x 1.95"
Crankset	RL spec 140mm One Piece crank
Bottom Bracket	American
Pedals	RL spec PC Platform 1/2"
Brake	RL spec Linear
Brake Lever	RL Spec
Chain	KMC Z410
Gearing	40/16
Weight	24 lbs 6 oz

1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

2014 Fuji Sportif 2.3 Road Bike - Comfort, Quality and Versatility in One Great Bike | Pedal Power Bicycles

The 2014 Fuji Sportif 2.3 is Calling All Riders Who Want All-Day Comfort and Speed

Of course, speed is not the only factor in choosing a bike. You want a bike that allows you to discover the joy of the journey, and take in the simple pleasure of riding. If this sounds like you, the 2014 Fuji Sportif 2.3 is an excellent bike for you!

 This is the first Fuji bike group that features road type disc brakes. Fuji finds that adding this more dependable and stronger braking mechanism will help newer riders feel more safe and comfortable when riding. features Fuji's A2-SL frame, which is stiff, lightweight and durable, but also has a more upright and relaxed riding geometry that won't push your body to the limits on longer rides. The FC-770 carbon fiber fork gives some zip to the bike, but also soaks up road vibrations for a more comfortable ride. Integrated shifting from Shimano ensures riders remain in control when shifting gears on the most challenging roads.


If you are interested in any sort of commuting, you can also add fenders and racks to the bike. Bottom line — if you are looking for an entry level road, commuting, or touring bike — the Fuji Sportif 2.3 is a great option for you.

1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

Have You Ever Thought Of Trying Cyclocross?

Have Some Fun in The Rain and Mud this Fall and Winter Season

With the Triathlon and Road Racing season coming to an end, many of us default to the cozy indoors in wake of the colder weather.












But why train in the cold?  What too many triathletes and roadies run into late in the season is a lack of motivation.  It is easier to stay inside, not train, and overeat in light of the holiday season.  The bottom line is training requires a purpose.  Your purpose to keep training through this winter can be cyclocross. 

First, don’t fear the mud.  Yes, cyclocross can get muddy…..OK... very muddy but that is not to fear.  Falling in the mud is no big deal and the most you will suffer from a crash is a mild mannered heckle from spectators.  This sport will challenge your bicycle handling skills in a new way and make you an all around better bicycle handler.




Secondly, the cost of the equipment is nothing to keep you from getting started.  For many casual cross racers, the entry-level cyclocross bike they buy can second as a wet weather bike and then also as a commuter.  Rest assured this bike will get its fair bit of use and will save that fancy road or tri bike from the salty wet muck of early spring roads.

Come in to Pedal Power today. We would love to help you with any of your cycling needs.



1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com