Here Comes Fixie For You

Big-city bike messengers have always been tragically cool and indifferent to fashion trends, because let's face it, not everyone can pull off Emo pants and 30-pound chains wrapped around the waist while riding a bike in New York City traffic.

But the influence messengers have had on bike spec the past five years has had a large impact on the bike industry as a whole, as seen in the halls of the Sands Convention Center during the recent Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.

Giant Trinity Advanced SL2

GIant’s Trinity Advanced SL is one of the new generation of ultra aero bikes that have been locked in battle against both drag and restrictive road-race regulations for more than a year now.

Giant Revel 0

The 0 is the most costly bike in Giant’s Revel Recreation range, and it’s the only one to get hydraulic disc brakes. For another £50 you could go for a Talon 3, the entry-level bike in the trail range, which has a better frame but fewer gears.

Giant Reign

Giant’s Reign has been evolving for years now, generally getting both lighter and slacker with each passing season. The 2011 version is no exception. What’s more, it receives a tapered-steerer-compatible Overdrive head tube that’s raked out by 1.5° compared to the 2010 bike.

Ride & handling: Stiff and light but rear suspension never gave the performance we expected

Giant Glory 1

"Downhill-only on this beast. Great frame and shock but some of the components seem to let this down. Excess weight could easily be shaved to make it a more enjoyable ride"

The Giant Glory DH may well be the choice of many a privateer downhill racer, but here we have the Glory 1, which is a couple of steps down from its relative. Giant’s entry-level big-hitter uses the same frame as the DH, along with all the knowledge this company has acquired over the years. Crammed with good products, it’s the weight that seems to be the principal tipping point for this latest offering.