For those that even take a small interest in Giant you know that they aren't exactly a diverse name in the fixed gear world, putting out only a few Bowery models and changing them only once every few years. Well 2010 looks like it's gonna be a good year for hipsters looking for an aluminum alternative. Most of the updates are cosmetic, but they do have two entirely new models. Here's the lineup:
First up is the updated Omnium. This is less of an urban fixie and more of a true track bike through and through. It comes out of the gate with a 48t/15t gearing so if you're gonna get into it you better be ready to pedal hard.
This has been my favorite for some time now. The '72 is pretty retro looking. For this year they basically reversed the color scheme, toned down some of the components, and put it at a price point that's nearly half of what it was previously.
The updated '84 model is virtually identical to the previous ones, except for one detail. It's black now instead of white. It still sits at over a grand for its price point so it's definitely an investment. The best feature about this model has always been the huge pursuit bars on it. As far as fixed gears go there's really not a much more stretched out model available, and it definitely makes for a completely different ride.
The Mashup is not a new model by any means, but at least this year they didn't give it the matte gray ugly mountain bike look. Instead I guess they decided to go with a pink and green surfboard-airbrushed look. Not really any visible upgrades to it, but at least they made it look more interesting.
Here is our first indication that Giant has paid attention to urban cycling. This is the all new Bowery FMX. It comes stock with no brakes, a top tube pad and pre-docked riser bars. The only visible downside is the quality of the crankset, which is about the quality of the bottom line Dawes bikes, so even though this bike is not going to be extremely expensive, I really wouldn't get one without taking it to a local shop and getting a new bottom bracket and crankset. Other than that I think they're really on the right track with this bike.
Finally we come to the second of two new models for Giant: The Chixie. As the name would imply this is a more feminine inspired fixed gear. Personally I think this bike is awesome, and with a little tweaking could be cool for either gender. (minus the stars on the bottom of the down tube near the bottom bracket). But not for trannies.
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