With an increasing number people looking to use their bikes around the city, 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 withstand the rigours of street life, but are fast and fun to use.
The Giant Seek seems to me to have all those qualities - it's robust, but not weighed down with unnecessary features; quick but not so light that it's susceptible to damage. The four models give you enough choice, but the range is not too large. There's no question of just putting models into the range for the sake of it - each of the 4 has definite benefits to offer.
As you would anticipate, some features are shown by all bikes in the range:-
" Sleek hydroformed aluminium frame, with refined metallic finishes. 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 designed to take the rough and tumble of the streets.
" Brakes are discs on all models. Great all-condition performance and power. Mechanical operation on the entry-level model, hydraulic on all the others.
" Sturdy and strong wheel rims, fitted with 32mm tyres. 32mm tyres are fine for going off the road from time to time, but at the same time they are fairly easy-rolling on the tarmac.
" The pedals are flat, so fine for riding in trainers and the saddle is a good comfortable model. There's a good range of sizes too.
What are the models in the Seek range?
" The first model in the collection is the Seek 3. It has all the features listed above. Tektro mechanical discs give the stopping power, while there are 24 gears from basic Shimano components. 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. The gears are improved in quality, and an increase from 24 to 27 ratios. The handlebar is forged from greater-diameter tubing, and supported on a better 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 a number of upgrades here. Avid Elixir hydraulic disc brakes are well worth having, 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 premier model in the range is the Seek 0. There's only one difference between the Seek 0 and the preceding model. And that's in the geartrain. The geartrain 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 this arrangement seems ideally suited to 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 looks to have covered all the bases. 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 range together with alternatives such as the Cannondale Bad Boy at Tern Cycling Reviews.
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