Frame
Many older Giant mountain bikes had a CroMoly frame, a type of steel that made the frame strong, stiff and heavy. CroMoly is inexpensive compared with other frame materials, which helped keep the price of the bike down.
Derailleurs
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of twak
Shimano has been manufacturing bicycle derailleurs since the mid-1950s, and older Giant mountain bikes had them. Regular tuneups can keep them shifting and clicking like new.
Brakes
Adjustable cam brakes with pads were standard on many older models. They are easy to adjust, and new brake pads are available for purchase online and at many bike shops.
Tires
Older Giant mountain bikes came standard with lugged mountain bike tires. It is easy to swap them for slick tires for urban commuting.
Sizes
Modern Giant bikes are available in sizes from XXS to L, but older models came in small, medium and tall frames and still fit riders of all sizes. Many older Giants were available as split-frame bicycles.
Storage
Older Giant mountain bikes break down for shipping or storage as easily as newer ones. Disconnect the brake and loosen the quick release to drop the front wheel.
Article Written By Colleen Morrison
Colleen Morrison has been writing professionally for two decades. She holds an M.A. from the University of Wyoming and a Ph.D. in history from Arizona State University. She ghostwrites articles, blogs and Web content for her clients. Articles under her name appear at M&M, eHow, Golflink and other sites.
