Giant Manufacturing

Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. is a Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer and the world's largest bicycle manufacturer. [cite web
url=http://www.cens.com/cens/html/en/news/news_inner_19877.html
title=World's Foremost Bicycle Maker Aims to "Inspire Adventure"
accessdate=2008-06-20] Established 1972 in Tachia, Taichung, Giant (捷安特) started as an OEM, manufacturing bicycles to be sold under other company brand names (like Schwinn). In 1986, Giant, under new president Bill Austin, established its own brand of bicycles to compete in the rapidly expanding $200-and-above price range. Today Giant is well-known around the world as a manufacturer of quality bicycles and has sales in over 50 countries, in over 10,000 retail stores. In 2007, its global sales surpassed 5 million bicycles and $820 million USD in global revenues.

Giant has manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, Netherlands, and the People's Republic of China.

Giant introduced the compact geometry frame for racing bicycles. The Union Cycliste Internationale altered the specific requirements to allow for a sloping top tube.Giant currently categorises its bikes in seven groups:
*"Road" Training, advanced and professional road bikes are included in this group.
*"Mountain" Includes bikes for various riding styles. From casual single track to race specific downhill bikes.
*"Comfort" A range of casual city bikes.
*"Mode" Bikes designed for youth teens.
*"Indoor Cycling" Indoor fitness bikes.
*"Family Cycling" Bikes designed for children.
*"Speciality" HALFWAY is the only bike in this folding bike group.

In 2006, Giant introduced the TCR Advanced road bicycle frame, a high end carbon fiber racing design which integrates the seatpost and frame together as a single unit. Using this design the seatpost on a new frame must be cut precisely to fit the owner by a trained Giant dealer. Proponents of this design point to weight savings and increased rigidity, at the expense of being able to fit the bicycle to a different rider in the future.

Giant introduced its Maestro suspension in 2006. [http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/technology/maestro/maestro_image/ Maestro Suspension] , according to Giant, is designed to deliver an efficient rear suspension power transfer. Maestro utilizes a set up of four pivot points and two linkages to create a floating pivot point which is designed to reduce pedal bob and enables the rear wheel to travel vertically.

Giant currently sponsors three international cycling teams, the Global Giant Mountain Bike Team and men's Team Columbia, as well as many national teams. The Team Columbia women's road team is also sponsored by Giant.

Timeline

*1972 - Establishes Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in Taiwan
*1980 - Becomes Taiwan's Largest Bicycle Manufacturer
*1981 - Establishes Giant Sales Company, Taiwan
*1986 - Establishes Giant Europe BV, Netherlands
*1987 - Establishes Giant Bicycle Inc., USA
*1989 - Establishes Giant Company Ltd., Japan
*1991 - Establishes Giant Bicycle Co., Canada, Inc.
*1991 - Establishes Giant Bicycles PTY Ltd., Australia
*1992 - Establishes Giant Co. Ltd., China
*1994 - Goes Public on Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 9921)
*1996 - Establishes European Factory, Netherlands.
*1997 - Establishes Chuansin Metal Products (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., China
*1998 - Manufactures 2,840,000 bicycles in a single year
*1998 - Acquires 30% share of Hodaka in Japan
*2002 - Manufactures 4,730,000 bicycles in a single year
*2006 - Giant released accessories into the UK such as pumps, little apparel and luggage.
*2007 - Giant becomes the world's largest quality cycle manufacturer

References

1. http://www.cens.com/cens/html/en/news/news_inner_19877.html

Top Competitors

* Specialized Bicycle Components (United States)
* Cannondale Bicycle Corporation (United States)
* Kona Bicycle Company (Canada)
* Trek Bicycle Corporation (United States)

External links

* [http://www.giant-bicycles.com/ Giant Corporate Site]