24by7Article.com | An Overview Of The 2012 Giant Seek Collection - Stylish And Sturdy Urban Commuter Bikes Built For Speed

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. The call is for robust bikes that will stand up to the hard life on the streets, but are fast and fun to use.
The Giant Seeklooks to tick all those boxes - It's robust, but not over-burdened with features that you don't require; fast, yet not flimsy. The range is big enough for choice but not overwhelming. 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 expect, some features are shown by all bikes in the range:-
" Sleek hydroformed aluminium frame, with refined metallic finishes. There is a stainless sleeve on the top tube for protection 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. Hydraulic operation on the higher models.
" 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 nice comfortable model. There's a good range of sizes too.
What are the models in the Seek range?
" The first bike in the range is the Seek 3. All the above are shown on this bike. Tektro mechanical discs give the stopping power, while there are 24 gears from sound Shimano components. Finished in metallic grey enamel, the Seek 3 provides a great way into the range, and for a speedy urban commuter bike it possibly has all you could need.
" The Seek 2 features hydraulic disc brakes - so much increased control over the power. The gears are improved in specification, and there are now 27 to choose from. The handlebar is forged from larger-diameter tubing, and supported on a better stem. The finish is a striking matt white - great if you don't mind standing out from the crowd.
" The next model up the range is the Seek 1. There are a number of improvements here. The brakes are nicer Avid Elixirs, the gear components of better Shimano quality and the fork is hydroformed to match 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 top model in 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 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 looks ideally suited to urban cycling - where it's more important to keep your attention on the other traffic than on your bike. The satin silver finish is very distinctive as well.
When you stand back and look at the options, the Giant Seek rangelooks to have ticked all the boxes. From a solid entry-level model which has all you essentially look for in a fast urban bike at a reasonable price, through 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.