We caught up recently with Kylie, Gavin, and Nic to test out and rate three entry level road bikes from Giant and Liv, perfectly suited for anyone looking to experience the world famous annual Cape Town Cycle Tour.
Our route consisted of a mild 30 km loop. Starting on Signal Hill at dawn and traversing Tafelberg Road to the start of the gravel track and back. From here, we descended the winding, tree-lined Kloof Road, through Sea Point and ultimately making the compulsory coffee stop in Mouille Point.
Nicholas Allen
Kylie Hanekom
Gavin Salt
Kylie Hanekom
Kit and apparel details:
Nic and Kylie were kitted out with the latest Giant and Liv clothing and apparel.
Nic wore the Giant Race Day top and bib shorts (top R1,370; and bib shorts R1,785 ). For protection, Nic donned the Giant Compel helmet (R510) and Giant Horizon Gloves (R275).
Kylie’s shorts and jersey are from Liv’s BeLiv range. The shorts retail for R785 while the jersey can be bought for R815. The helmets and gloves are also by Liv with the Race Day gloves (at R310) and the Luta helmet retailing for a bargain R510.
Bike model details:
Giant Contend SL 2017 – R17,900
- SizesXS, S, M, ML, L, XL
- ColorsBlue/Black, Black/Red
- FrameALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum
- ForkHybrid Composite, OverDrive Steerer
- HandlebarGiant Connect
- StemSport
- SeatpostGiant D-Fuse Composite
- SaddleContact Forward
- ShiftersShimano 105
- Front DerailleurShimano 105
- Rear DerailleurShimano 105
- BrakesTektro TK-R540 Giant Specific, Dual Pivot
- Brake LeversShimano 105
- CassetteShimano 105 11-32, 11s
- ChainKMC X11EL-1
- CranksetRS500, 34/50
- Bottom BracketShimano, Press Fit RS500
- RimsPR2 DBL
- HubsPR2 DBL
- SpokesPR2 DBL
- TiresGiant P-SL 1, Front and Rear Specific, 700×25, Folding
- SizesXS, S, M, L
- ColorsIndigo, White
- FrameALUXX-grade aluminum
- ForkAluminum, alloy OverDrive steerer
- ShockN/A
- HandlebarGiant Connect, 31.8mm
- StemGiant Sport
- SeatpostGiant Sport, 27.2mm
- SaddleLiv Connect Forward
- PedalsPlatform, Caged
- ShiftersShimano Claris
- Front DerailleurShimano Claris
- Rear DerailleurShimano Claris
- BrakesTektro R312
- Brake LeversShimano Claris
- CassetteSRAM PG-850 11×32, 8-speed
- ChainKMC Z72
- CranksetFSA Tempo, 34/50
- Bottom BracketShimano, threaded
- RimsGiant S-R2
- HubsGiant Tracker Sport Road, [F] 24h, [R] 28h
- SpokesStainless Steel, 14g
- TiresGiant S-R4, 700×25, Front and Rear specific, wire bead
- ExtrasBar top brake levers
- SizesXS, S, M, ML, L, XL
- ColorsBlack/White, Red/White
- FrameALUXX Grade Aluminum
- ForkHybrid Composite, OverDrive Steerer, disc
- HandlebarGiant Connect
- StemSport
- SeatpostAlloy round
- SaddleContact Forward
- ShiftersShimano Sora
- Front DerailleurShimano Sora
- Rear DerailleurShimano Sora
- BrakesTektro TK-R312 Giant Specific, Dual PivotFinish need must Match Tiagra brake color
- Brake LeversShimano Sora
- CassetteSRAM PG 950 11-32, 9s
- ChainKMC X9
- CranksetShimano Sora 50/34
- Bottom BracketCartridge
- RimsGiant S-R2
- HubsGiant Tracker Sport Road
- SpokesStainless Steel
- TiresGiant S-R4, Front and Rear Specific, 700×25
Road helmets with peaks... ouch.