2018 Giant Factory Off-Road Team Bikes
The Giant Factory Off-Road Team recently concluded its pre-season training camp in Southern California, where riders spent time dialing in their 2018 race bikes and gear. Following team camp, several riders departed for South America, where they will compete at the March 24-25 opening round of the Enduro World Series in Lo Barnechea, Chile.
With several new equipment sponsors on board this year – including new suspension partner DVO along with Shimano drivetrain and brake components and Maxxis tires-the team bikes have a different look and feel heading into the 2018 season. Other key sponsors include HT Pedals, MRP chain guides, Stan’s NoTubes sealant, and ODI grips.
Here’s a look at some of the new Giant Factory Off-Road Team bikes you’ll see at the races this year.
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 tires (specific model depends on track conditions) and Giant Contact saddle.
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 Neos Track computer. Josh also has a full selection of Maxxis tires to choose from depending on track and weather conditions on any given day.
Carl Decker’s Anthem Advanced Pro 29
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 T3Airrear shock. 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’s29-inch wheels.
Carl is running a 100mm DVO Sapphire fork up front. This XC slayer also includes a Shimano XTRDi2drivetrain and XTR brakes, PRO cockpit components, a Giant Contact saddle and Giant Neos Track computer. Carl is racing on the Giant XCR 0 29 Composite DBL Wheel System and Maxxis tires of his choice depending on the weather and terrain.
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.
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 Neos Track computer. Like the rest of her enduro teammates, Rae will also race on her choice of Maxxis tires, choosing the model based on track conditions and weather.
Learn more about all these bikes at www.giant-bicycles.com.
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