Article Manza - The Articles Directory | Fast Urban Commuting From The 2012 Giant Seek Range Of Hybrid Bikes

With more 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 looks to me to have all those qualities - It's strong, but not over-burdened with features that you don't need; fast, yet not flimsy. The range is wide enough for choice but not overwhelming. There are not models introduced just for the sake of marketing - every one of the 4 has definite benefits to offer.
As usual, there are features carried right through the range:-
" Sleek hydroformed aluminium frame, with refined metallic finishes. There is a stainless sleeve on the top tube for protection from wear.
" Aluminium forks on all models. No carbon here - this is not really a disadvantage, as one of the primary aims is a bike that will resist damage.
" Disc brakes throughout. For all-weather performance discs can't be beaten. Hydraulic operation on the better models.
" Sturdy and strong wheel rims, fitted with 32mm tyres. These tyres are wide enough for occasional trips off the road, but at the same time they are fairly easy-rolling on the tarmac.
" Practical flat pedals, comfy saddle and a good range of sizes and price points to suit all builds and budgets.
What are the models in the Seek range?
" The first model in the collection is the Seek 3. All the above are shown on this model. Tektro mechanical discs supply the stopping power, while there are 24 gears from basic Shimano components. Finished in metallic grey enamel, 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 - so much smoother control over the 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 nicer stem. If you like to stand out from the crowd, you'll like the matt white finish.
" Next up the range is the Seek 1. There are a number of upgrades here. Avid Elixir hydraulic disc brakes are well worth fitting, the gear components of better Shimano quality and the fork, still aluminium, is fluid formed to blend in with the frame - the appearance is sleeker, and it's stronger as well. There's a bit of a jump in price from the Seek 2, but the upgrades are real.
" The premier model in the range is the Seek 0. In all respects but one, the Seek 0 is identical to the preceding model. The difference is in the gears. The geartrain is no longer derailleur-based, but now has an 8-speed internal hub by Alfine. A simple trigger selects the gears, the whole look of the bike is simplified and so this arrangement seems ideally suited to urban cycling - where the last thing you need are distractions when your mind should be on the traffic. The finish, in brushed silver is very smart too.
In all, the Giant Seek range looks to have covered all the bases. From a reasonably-priced entry-level bike which offers possibly all you really need, up to the Seek0 at the top of the range, where the quality and sophistication really shines through, there's a Seek to suit every depth of pocket.