With an increasing number people looking to use their bikes around town, whether for fun or commuting, the Seek range from Giant looks like a well-timed response. 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 Seek looks to me to have all those qualities - It's robust, but not over-burdened with features that you don't require; fast, yet not flimsy. The four models give you enough choice, but the range is not too large. There are not models put in just for the sake of marketing - every one of the 4 has definite benefits to offer.
As you would anticipate, some features are shown by all bikes in the range:-
" Aluminium frames, forged with a fluid forming process for smooth shaping, and painted in smart metallic enamels. The top tube has a stainless sleeve to protect the paintwork from wear.
" The forks are aluminium too throughout. No carbon here - no bad thing, given that these are bikes built to take the rough and tumble of the streets.
" Disc brakes all through. For all-condition performance discs can't be beaten. Hydraulic operation on the higher models.
" Sturdy wheel rims, 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 Seek 3 is the entry-level bike. It has all the features listed above. Tektro mechanical discs give the stopping power, while there are 24 gears from sound Shimano components. Nicely finished in titanium, the Seek 3 is a great introduction to the range, and has all you need in a fast reasonably-priced commuter bike.
" The Seek 2 features hydraulic disc brakes - which will give better control over the braking power. There's an improvement in the standard of the brake components, and there are now 27 to choose from. The handlebar is forged from greater-diameter tubing, and supported on a nicer stem. If you like to stand out from the crowd, you'll love the matt white finish.
" The next model up the range is the Seek 1. There are a number of improvements here. Avid Elixir hydraulic disc brakes are well worth fitting, the gear components of higher Shimano quality and the fork, still aluminium, is fluid formed to blend in with the frame - it looks better and will be stronger too. There's a bit of a hike in price from the Seek 2, but the upgrades are real.
" 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 operation is by a easy-to-use trigger, the moving parts are kept to a minimum and so the package looks ideal for high-quality no-frills urban cycling - where it's more important to keep your attention on the other traffic than on your bike. The finish, in brushed silver is very smart too.
Overall, the Giant Seek range seems to have covered all the bases. From a sensibly-priced entry-level bike which has possibly all you really need, up to a top-of-the-range bike where the best features are gathered together in a really sophisticated package, there appears to be a model for everyone.
Author Resource:-
You can read more about the Giant Seek together with alternatives such as the Scott Sportster at Tern Cycling Reviews.
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