The 2012 Giant Seek Range - Fast, Robust Urban Commuter Bikes With Style
By: Stephen Tern
Submitted: 2012-02-18 04:41:43 | Word Count: 654
With the Seek range, Giant have brought a range of 4 quick, urban commuter bikes to the market at a time when more and more people are looking to use bikes around town. What people are looking for are robust, no-nonsense bikes that will stand the rigours of street life, but are capable of getting you about with a bit of speed.
The Giant Seeklooks to tick all those boxes - It's sturdy, but not over-burdened with features that you don't require; quick but not so light that it's susceptible to damage. The range is large enough for choice but not overwhelming. There are not models introduced just for the sake of marketing - each of the 4 has definite benefits to offer.
As you would expect, some features are shown by all bikes in the range:-
" Aluminium frames, forged with a hydroforming process for smooth shaping, and painted in smart metallic enamels. The top tube has a stainless sleeve to protect the paintwork from wear.
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" The forks are aluminium too throughout. No carbon is used - this is not really a disadvantage, as one of the primary aims is a bike that will resist damage.
" Disc brakes throughout. For all-weather performance discs can't be beaten. Hydraulic operation on the better models.
" Sturdy and robust wheel rims, fitted with 32mm tyres. These tyres are wide enough for occasional trips off the road, but at the same time they are fairly easy-rolling on the tarmac.
" Practical flat pedals, comfy saddle and a good range of sizes and prices to suit all builds and budgets.
What about the particular models in the Seek range?
" The first model in the collection is the Seek 3. All the above are shown on this bike. Tektro mechanical discs supply the stopping power, while there are 24 gears from basic Shimano components. Finished in metallic grey enamel, the Seek 3 is a great introduction to the range, and has all you need in a fast budget commuter bike.
" The main upgrade to the Seek2 is to the brakes - now hydraulically operated - so much smoother control over the power. The gears are improved in specification, 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 mind standing out from the crowd.
" The next model up the range is the Seek 1. There are a number of upgrades here. The brakes are nicer Avid Elixirs, the gear components of higher Shimano quality and the fork is hydroformed to go with the frame - it looks better and will be stronger too. These upgrades mean that there's a bit of a jump in price, but worth it I think.
" The top model in 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. Gone are the derailleurs, and in place is an 8-speed Alfine internal hub. A simple trigger changes the gears, the whole appearance of the bike is simplified 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 rangelooks to have ticked all the boxes. From a reasonably-priced entry-level bike which has possibly all you really need, up to the Seek0 at the top of the range, where quality and sophistication really shines through, there's a Seek to suit every budget.
Author Resource:-
You can read more about the Giant Seek together with alternatives such as the Cannondale Bad Boy at Tern Cycling Reviews.
