Fast Urban Commuting From The 2012 Giant Seek Range Of Hybrid Bikes
By: Stephen Tern
Submitted: 2012-02-16 08:02:39 | Word Count: 659
With the Seek range, Giant have brought a collection of 4 fast, urban commuter bikes to the market at a time when more and more cyclists are looking to use bikes around the city. The call is for sturdy bikes that will stand up to the hard life on the streets, but are capable of getting you around with a bit of speed.
The Giant Seekseems to tick all those boxes - It's strong, but not over-burdened with features that you don't require; quick but not so light that it's vulnerable to damage. The range is wide enough for choice but not overwhelming. There's no question of just putting models into the range for the sake of it - each member of the collection is there on merit.
As usual, there are features carried throughout the range:-
" Sleek hydroformed aluminium frame, with refined metallic finishes. There is a stainless sleeve on the top tube for protection from wear.
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" Aluminium forks on all models. No carbon here - this is not really a disadvantage, as one of the foremost aims is a bike that will resist damage.
" Disc brakes all through. For all-weather performance discs can't be beaten. Mechanical operation on the entry-level model, hydraulic on all the others.
" Robust wheel rims, with 32mm tyres. 32mm tyres are OK for going off the road from time to time, but at the same time they are fairly easy-rolling on the tarmac.
" Practical flat pedals, comfortable saddle and a good range of sizes and prices to suit all builds and budgets.
What are the models in the Seek range?
" The first model in the range is the Seek 3. It has all the features listed above. There are 24 gears from sound Shimano components and Tektro mechanical discs. Nicely finished in titanium, the Seek 3 is a great introduction to the range, and for a speedy urban commuter bike it possibly has all you could need.
" The Seek 2 features hydraulic disc brakes - which will give better control over the braking power. There's an upgrade in the standard of the brake components, and there are now 27 to choose from. The handlebar is forged from larger-diameter tubing, and supported on a nicer stem. The finish is a striking matt white - great if you don't object to standing out from the crowd.
" The next model up the range is the Seek 1. There are quite a few upgrades on offer here. The brakes are nicer Avid Elixirs, the gear components of better Shimano quality and the fork, still aluminium, is fluid formed to blend in with the frame - the appearance is sleeker, and it's stronger as well. There's a bit of a hike in price from the Seek 2, but the upgrades are worth having.
" Top of the range is the Seek 0. In all respects but one, the Seek 0 is identical to the preceding model. And that's in the geartrain. The drive is no longer derailleur-based, but now has an 8-speed internal hub by Alfine. Gear selection is by a simple trigger, the moving parts are kept to a minimum and so the package looks ideal for quality no-frills urban cycling - where it's more important to keep your attention on the traffic than on your bike. The satin silver finish is very distinctive as well.
When you stand back and look at the options, the Giant Seek rangeseems to have ticked all the boxes. From a solid entry-level model which has all you really need in a fast urban bike at a sensible price, up to a top-of-the-range bike where the best features are gathered together in a pretty sophisticated package, there's a model to suit every budget.
Author Resource:-
You can read more about the Giant Seek range together with alternatives such as the Scott Sportster at Tern Cycling Reviews.
