BALANCED ATTACK. All-New Giant WheelSystems
BALANCED ATTACK: GIANT WHEELSYSTEMS Five years ago Giant introduced a new approach to high-performance bicycle wheels with its System Engineered technology. We studied the way that a wheel’s components—rims, hubs, spokes and other small parts—affect each other, and then created the Giant WheelSystem. Backed by world-leading manufacturing capabilities, and a dedicated team of engineers, designers and athletes, the products have been constantly evolving every year. Today’s Giant WheelSystems use innovative technologies to create three key benefits for riders:
1. SUPERIOR EFFICIENCY Market-leading transmission stiffness, best-in-class weight and optimized aerodynamics.
2. PINPOINT CONTROL Market-leading lateral stiffness and superior braking performance in all conditions.
3. ENGINEERED DURABILITY Handcrafted with proprietary materials, resins and processes.
giant wheelsystems
TECHNOLOGIES
Behind the performance of new Giant WheelSystems are a number of innovative technologies that, together, deliver superior efficiency, pinpoint control and engineered durability. Here’s a look at the technologies you’ll find in new high-performance WheelSystems such as the SLR 0.
Dynamic Balanced Lacing
A bicycle wheel is a complex structure of parts that sometimes act in opposition to each other, compromising performance. With Giant’s breakthrough Dynamic Balanced Lacing approach, opposing spokes have different levels of tension when the wheel is static. But when a rider applies pedaling force as the bike is being ridden, the spoke tensions balance out. This improves a wheel’s transmission stiffness, which increases efficiency. The rear wheel of a DBL WheelSystem is built with 21 spokes: 14 on the drive side and 7 on the non-drive side. It’s engineered with more leverage on the “pulling” spokes, less on the “pushing” spokes. When a DBL wheel is static, these opposing spokes have different levels of tension. But when a rider applies pedaling force, the spoke tension balances out to produce a stiffer, more efficient wheel.
STATIC STATE While in a static state, the pulling spokes (red) and pushing spokes (yellow) have slightly different tensions that help increase durability.
DYNAMIC STATE As the wheel transfers into a dynamic state under the rider, the pulling and pushing spokes balance out, providing optimal stiffness for power transfer.
Optimized Anchor Point
Today’s drivetrains feature up to 11 gears on the rear cassette, reducing critical space needed to maintain stiffness and strength in the rear wheel. With Optimized Anchor Point technology, Giant engineers have increased the drive side bracing angle nearly 2mm without affecting required gear spacing, and also increased the front wheel bracing angle. The result is more lateral stiffness for a stronger wheel that tracks more accurately and improves control, especially while cornering or descending.
Giant Composite Manufacturing
Composite WheelSystems including the SLR 0 are engineered and manufactured in-house at Giant’s world-leading composite manufacturing facilities. Built with cutting-edge materials and designs, each WheelSystem is backed by the quality and reliability of the leading composite manufacturer in the bicycle industry. Giant’s proprietary resin system boasts an impressive Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) rating of 245ºC—versus the industry resin standard Tg rating of 160ºC—to ensure heat resistance under heavy braking situations. When combined with Giant’s proprietary automated layup process, the result is greater overall consistency in materials placement, best-in-class brake heat protection, and improved overall toughness of the rim structure.
giant wheelsystems
BUILDING A BETTER WHEEL
Here’s a closer look at the key performance factors—superior efficiency, pinpoint control, and engineered durability—that give Giant WheelSystems a clear edge over key competitors.
SUPERIOR
1 EFFICIENCY
Giant WheelSystems with DBL technology deliver the highest level of efficiency, as measured by its market-leading transmission
stiffness-to-weight ratio and aerodynamic performance.
WEIGHT With its unrivaled capabilities in composite engineering and manufacturing, Giant is able to produce WheelSystems that are consistently best-in-class when it comes to weight. Here are the results:
WEIGHT COMPARISON (GRAMS) Difference (Pair) Rank
Model
Front
rear
pair
(g)
(%)
1
Giant SLR 0
588
743
1331
-
-
2
Roval Rapide CLX 40
620
752
1372
41
3%
3
Zipp 202 Firecrest
626
784
1410
79
6%
4
Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3
648
786
1434
103
8%
5
Enve Smart 3.4
662
800
1462
131
10%
giant wheelsystems TRANSMISSION STIFFNESS The 2016 Giant SLR 0 WheelSystem was tested against top competitor wheels to determine overall transmission stiffness. A dynamic pedaling load equivalent to a 175mm crank and a 39/25T gear combo producing 65kg of pedaling force was applied, and deformation was measured to determine transmission stiffness. The weight of each rear wheel was then factored into the stiffness results to produce the overall stiffness-to-weight ratio. The Giant SLR 0 with DBL technology tested highest in transmission stiffness against leading competitors. Here are the results:
TRANSMISSION STIFFNESS, DEFORMATION (TOTAL MM): LOWER IS BETTER Result Rank
Model
Rear (mm)
% Change
1
Giant SLR 0
4.38
-
2
Zipp 202 Firecrest
5.08
-16%
3
Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3
5.16
-18%
4
Roval Rapide CLX 40
5.26
-20%
5
Enve Smart 3.4
5.79
-32%
Factoring in both transmission stiffness and weight, the Giant SLR 0 achieves the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio of all the wheels that were tested to deliver superior efficiency.
TRANSMISSION STIFFNESS/ WEIGHT (MM/KG), REAR ONLY: LOWER IS BETTER Rank
Model
Result
% Change
1
Giant SLR 0
5.90
-
2
Zipp 202 Firecrest
6.48
-10%
3
Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3
6.56
-11%
4
Roval Rapide CLX 40
6.99
-19%
5
Enve Smart 3.4
7.24
-23%
AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE Giant WheelSystems are designed and engineered using CFD analysis to minimize wind drag for optimized aerodynamics. Tested at the Aero Concept Engineering wind tunnel facility in France, Giant WheelSystems were proven to provide a high level of aerodynamic advantage at various yaw angles.
giant wheelsystems
PINPOINT
2 CONTROL
Giant WheelSystems are designed to help riders climb, corner, sprint and descend with confidence and control. How? By improving
performance factors such as lateral stiffness and braking performance, and also allowing riders to choose standard clinchers or tubeless tires.
LATERAL STIFFNESS The combination of DBL and Optimized Anchor Point technologies helps boost the lateral stiffness of a wheel. This allows a bike to track more accurately, especially while cornering or descending. In a test to determine overall lateral deformation under a side load, the SLR 0 WheelSystem beats the competition, showing the lowest deformation. That means these wheels have the highest lateral stiffness front to rear, which gives a rider more control. Here are the results:
LATERAL STIFFNESS, DEFORMATION (TOTAL MM): LOWER IS BETTER Result Rank
Model
Front (mm)
Rear (mm)
Total (mm)
% Change
1
Giant SLR 0
1.91
2.34
4.25
-
2
Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3
1.83
2.60
4.43
-4%
3
Zipp 202 Firecrest
2.01
2.68
4.69
-9%
4
Enve Smart 3.4
2.07
2.67
4.74
-10%
5
Roval Rapide CLX 40
2.28
2.60
4.88
-13%
giant wheelsystems BRAKING PERFORMANCE The combination of innovative rim manufacturing techniques such as the High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) resin system, which resists brake heat, plus all-new SLR composite brake pads, adds up to superior braking performance in wet or dry conditions. Here are the results:
DRY CONDITION CARBON BRAKING PERFORMANCE (DECELERATION M/S2): HIGHER IS BETTER Result Rank
Model
m/s2
% Change
1
Giant with SLR pads
4.73
-
2
Zipp with Tangente pads
4.63
-2%
3
Reynolds with Cryo-Blue pads
4.14
-13%
4
Bontrager with Carbon Stop Cork pads
3.38
-29%
WET CONDITION CARBON BRAKING PERFORMANCE (DECELERATION M/S2): HIGHER IS BETTER Result Rank
Model
m/s2
% Change
1
Giant with SLR pads
2.25
-
2
Reynolds with Cryo-Blue pads
1.98
-12%
3
Bontrager with Carbon Stop Cork pads
1.23
-45%
4
Zipp with Tangente pads
0.93
-59%
TIRE SELECTION With rims that are designed to be Tubeless Compatible, riders can choose either standard clinchers or tubeless tires to dial in their desired tire pressures and handling characteristics for different terrain and riding styles.
giant wheelsystems
ENGINEERED
3 DURABILITY
A number of factors contribute to the durability of a wheel. By increasing heat resistance in the rims, managing spoke tension in the
rear wheel with DBL technology, and capitalizing on Giant’s manufacturing expertise and processes, Giant WheelSystems ensure better overall strength and durability.
COMPOSITE RIMS Giant’s proprietary High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) resin system and automated continuous composite layup process help ensure consistency of the materials used in the rim. These processes, combined with Giant’s unrivaled composite engineering and manufacturing expertise, help produce rims that tolerate higher heat under braking, which enhances the rim’s overall durability. To analyze the effects of heat build-up, the SLR 0 WheelSystem was tested against other leading wheelsets in a brake force and thermal resistance test. The equivalent braking energy of 75Wh, sustained over two 15-minute cycles using an average speed of 12.5 kph was applied. Tire pressure was set to 100 psi. The desired result was no deformation of the rim after the first cycle, and to finish the second cycle without rim failure. Here are the results:
BRAKE FORCE & THERMAL RESISTANCE TEST Rank
Model
results
1
Giant with SLR pads
PASS (100%), 75Wh x 2 with no deformation
2
Zipp with Tangente pads
PASS (80%), 75Wh x 2 with brake surface deformation
3
Reynolds with Cryo-Blue pads
FAIL, 30Wh with rim failure during first test cycle
SPOKE TENSION DBL technology evens out the tension of a rear wheel’s opposing spokes when the wheel is in a dynamic state. This improves the overall strength and durability of a Giant WheelSystem.
PERFORMANCE YOU CAN FEEL By targeting goals such as best-in-class weight and stiffness, Giant engineers were pushed to develop new solutions. To rethink the old way of doing things and take a new approach. In the end, the test results speak for themselves. But the crowning achievement for Giant WheelSystems is the way they feel on the road, path or trail. Superior efficiency, pinpoint control and engineered durability all add up to performance you can feel. It means more powerful climbing, faster sprinting, more confident descending, and reliability you can count on day in and day out.
SLR 0 On-Road WheelSystem The superlight SLR 0 WheelSystem uses innovative technologies to create three key benefits for road riders: superior efficiency, pinpoint control, and engineered durability. It all adds up to more powerful climbing, faster sprinting, more confident descending, and reliability you can count on day in and day out.
5
1
2
4
3
6
technology 1
DYNAMIC BALANCED LACING
Engineered with more leverage on the “pulling” spoke and less on the “pushing” spoke, DBL technology maximizes the performance benefits of the rear wheel while it is in a dynamic state, delivering market-leading transmission stiffness for the highest level of efficiency.
2 OPTIMIZED ANCHOR POINT
I mproved flange placement on the front hub and an optimized drive side flange on the rear hub increase spoke bracing angles, which boosts overall lateral stiffness. The result is stronger, stiffer wheels that track more accurately for better cornering performance and pinpoint control.
3 CUTTING-EDGE MANUFACTURING
Giant rims are produced in-house using Giant’s unrivaled engineering and manufacturing expertise in carbon and high-strength alloys for improved strength and stiffness with lower overall weight.
4 PRECISION HUB INTERNALS
Proprietary hub shell designs with proven engineered hub internals create dependable performance in demanding conditions. All hub parts are readily available and serviceable by your local retailer.
5 TUBELESS COMPATIBLE
Tubeless Compatible rims provide the ability to run lower air pressure, allowing the tire to conform better to the road surface or terrain for improved traction, lower rolling resistance and a reduced risk of pinch flats.
6 OPTIMIZED AERODYNAMICS
Designed and engineered using CFD analysis to provide a high level of aerodynamic advantage at various yaw angles.
SLR 0 Aero On-Road WheelSystem The SLR 0 Aero WheelSystem combines advanced aerodynamic engineering with proven lightweight performance. With a number of all-new technologies, it offers aero-minded road riders a higher level of efficiency, control and durability.
5
1
2
4
6
3
technology 1
DYNAMIC BALANCED LACING
Engineered with more leverage on the “pulling” spoke and less on the “pushing” spoke, DBL technology maximizes the performance benefits of the rear wheel while it is in a dynamic state, delivering market-leading transmission stiffness for the highest level of efficiency.
2 OPTIMIZED ANCHOR POINT
I mproved flange placement on the front hub and an optimized drive side flange on the rear hub increase spoke bracing angles, which boosts overall lateral stiffness. The result is stronger, stiffer wheels that track more accurately for better cornering performance and pinpoint control.
3 CUTTING-EDGE MANUFACTURING
Giant rims are produced in-house using Giant’s unrivaled engineering and manufacturing expertise in carbon and high-strength alloys for improved strength and stiffness with lower overall weight.
4 PRECISION HUB INTERNALS
Proprietary hub shell designs with proven engineered hub internals create dependable performance in demanding conditions. All hub parts are readily available and serviceable by your local retailer.
5 TUBELESS COMPATIBLE
Tubeless Compatible rims provide the ability to run lower air pressure, allowing the tire to conform better to the road surface or terrain for improved traction, lower rolling resistance and a reduced risk of pinch flats.
6 OPTIMIZED AERODYNAMICS
Designed and engineered using CFD analysis to provide a high level of aerodynamic advantage at various yaw angles.
2016 giant ON-ROAD wheelsystems Range SLR 0 SLR 1 SL 1 SLR 0 aero SLR 1 AERO SL 1 AERO
SLR 0 WHEELSYSTEM POWER UP CLIMBS. DESCEND WITH SPEED AND CONFIDENCE. STIFF, SUPERLIGHT, AND BUILT WITH PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES, THE SLR 0 IS ENGINEERED TO STAY AHEAD OF THE PACK.
SPECIFICATIONS Aesthetics / Color Wheel size Rim material
UD composite rim; Black hub Black/Gray/Blue graphics 700c Ultralight full composite
Rim type
Clincher
Tubeless
Tubeless Compatible using the supplied rim tape and valve kit
Rim height
30mm
Rim width
23mm
Etrto
622x17
Front hub type
Giant Alloy
Rear hub type
Giant Alloy, Star Ratchet driver
Bearing type
Precision-Sealed Cartridge
Front axle size
100x5 QR
Rear axle size
130x5 QR
Spokes (front)
DT Aerolite stainless steel, straight pull, bladed
Lacing (front)
16H, Radial
Spokes (rear)
DT Aerolite/DT Aerocomp stainless steel, straight pull, bladed
Lacing (rear) Nipple type, color
21H, Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Alloy Locking, Black
Warranty
2-year
Weight (pair)
1335g
SRP
US$ 2,300
INTENDED USE Top-level performance for the highest level competition. With innovative technologies including Dynamic Balanced Lacing and a proprietary composite braking surface, the SLR 0 delivers efficiency, control and durability in a stiff, lightweight and race-ready package.
KEY UPGRADES FROM SLR 1 WHEELSYSTEM • Star Ratchet driver body • Lightweight DT Aerolite and DT Aerocomp spokes
TECHNOLOGIES Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Optimized Anchor Point Giant Composite Manufacturing
SLR 1 WHEELSYSTEM FROM STEEP CLIMBS TO TWISTY DESCENTS, THE SLR 1 DELIVERS LIGHTWEIGHT EFFICIENCY AND CONFIDENT HANDLING. SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE FOR TRAINING OR RACING.
SPECIFICATIONS Aesthetics / Color Wheel size Rim material
UD composite rim; Black hub Black/Gray/White graphics 700c Ultralight full composite
Rim type
Clincher
Tubeless
Tubeless Compatible using the supplied rim tape and valve kit
Rim height
30mm
Rim width
23mm
Etrto
622x17
Front hub type
Giant Alloy
Rear hub type
Giant Alloy, Pawl driver system
Bearing type
100x5 QR
Rear axle size
130x5 QR
Spokes (front)
Sapim Race stainless steel, straight pull, butted
Lacing (front)
16H, Radial
Spokes (rear)
Sapim Race/Sapim Laser stainless steel, straight pull, butted
Lacing (rear)
21H, Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Alloy Locking, Black (hidden)
Warranty
2-year
Weight (pair)
1425g
SRP
Lightweight, stiff and ultra-efficient, the SLR 1 is built with Dynamic Balanced Lacing technology for high-performance road racing and riding. Ideal for road races, criteriums, gran fondos or group rides, the SLR 1 is engineered with the highest quality composite construction and innovative features to deliver maximum efficiency, control and durability.
KEY UPGRADES FROM SL 1 WHEELSYSTEM • Full carbon, tubeless compatible rim design
Precision-Sealed Cartridge
Front axle size
Nipple type, color
INTENDED USE
US$ 1,300
TECHNOLOGIES Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Optimized Anchor Point Giant Composite Manufacturing
SL 1 WHEELSYSTEM RELIABLE ROAD PERFORMANCE YOU CAN COUNT ON DAY IN AND DAY OUT. FOR TRAINING, RACING OR LONG WEEKEND ADVENTURES, THE SL 1 COMBINES A LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL WITH IMPROVED STIFFNESS AND EFFICIENCY.
SPECIFICATIONS Aesthetics / Color Wheel size Rim material
Lightweight alloy rim; Black hub Black/Gray graphics 700c Lightweight alloy
Rim type
Clincher
Tubeless
Tubeless Compatible using the supplied rim tape and valve kit
Rim height
24mm
Rim width
23mm
Etrto
622x17
Front hub type
Giant Alloy
Rear hub type
Giant Alloy, Pawl driver system
Bearing type
Precision-Sealed Cartridge
Front axle size
100x5 QR
Rear axle size
130x5 QR
Spokes (front)
Sapim Race stainless steel, straight pull, butted
Lacing (front)
16H, Radial
Spokes (rear)
Sapim Race/Sapim Leader stainless steel, straight pull, butted
Lacing (rear) Nipple type, color
21H, Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Alloy Locking, Black (hidden)
Warranty
2-year
Weight (pair)
1585g
SRP
US$ 500
INTENDED USE Built with Giant’s Dynamic Balanced Lacing technology, the SL 1 features lightweight, Tubeless Compatible alloy rims for all-around performance and reliability on the road. Ideal for competitive cyclists who demand a balanced approach of efficiency, control and durability, the SL 1 can help boost the performance of any ride.
TECHNOLOGIES Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Optimized Anchor Point
SLR 0 AERO WHEELSYSTEM AGAINST THE CLOCK. AGAINST THE WIND. AGAINST THE ENTIRE FIELD IN A FINISHING SPRINT. THESE ARE THE MOMENTS WHEN THE SLR 0 AERO SHINES BRIGHTEST.
SPECIFICATIONS Aesthetics / Color Wheel size Rim material
UD composite rim; Black hub Black/Gray graphics 700c Ultralight full composite
Rim type
Clincher
Tubeless
Tubeless Compatible using the supplied rim tape and valve kit
Rim height
55mm
Rim width
23mm
Etrto
622x17
Front hub type
Giant Alloy
Rear hub type
Giant Alloy, Star Ratchet driver
Bearing type
Precision-Sealed Cartridge
Front axle size
100x5 QR
Rear axle size
130x5 QR
Spokes (front)
DT Aerolite stainless steel, straight pull, bladed
Lacing (front)
16H, Radial
Spokes (rear)
DT Aerolite/DT Aerocomp stainless steel, straight pull, bladed
Lacing (rear) Nipple type, color
21H, Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Alloy Locking, Black (hidden)
Warranty
2-year
Weight (pair)
1535g
SRP
US$ 2,300
INTENDED USE The SLR 0 Aero blends proven aero performance with maximum transmission stiffness. Engineered with Dynamic Balanced Lacing technology for top-level racing performance when every aero advantage counts, it’s the ultimate blend of efficiency, control and durability on the road.
KEY UPGRADES FROM SLR 1 AERO WHEELSYSTEM • Star Ratchet driver body • Lightweight DT Aerolite and DT Aerocomp spokes
TECHNOLOGIES Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Optimized Anchor Point Giant Composite Manufacturing
SLR 1 AERO WHEELSYSTEM ENGINEERED TO GIVE YOU AN AERO ADVANTAGE. THE SLR 1 AERO COMBINES A SLEEK PROFILE WITH LIGHTWEIGHT EFFICIENCY.
SPECIFICATIONS Aesthetics / Color Wheel size Rim material
UD composite rim; Black hub Black/Gray graphics 700c Ultralight full composite
Rim type
Clincher
Tubeless
Tubeless Compatible using the supplied rim tape and valve kit
Rim height
55mm
Rim width
23mm
Etrto
622x17
Front hub type
Giant Alloy
Rear hub type
Giant Alloy, Pawl driver system
Bearing type
Precision-Sealed Cartridge
Front axle size
100x5 QR
Rear axle size
130x5 QR
Spokes (front)
Sapim CX stainless steel, straight pull, bladed aero profile
Lacing (front)
16H, Radial
Spokes (rear)
Sapim CX stainless steel, straight pull, bladed aero profile
Lacing (rear) Nipple type, color
21H, Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Alloy Locking, Black (hidden)
Warranty
2-year
Weight (pair)
1700g
SRP
US$ 1,300
INTENDED USE Ideal for road racing, criteriums, group rides and triathlons the SLR 1 Aero features a lightweight composite rim and innovative technologies to boost efficiency and control. With its Dynamic Balanced Lacing technology, this aerodynamic package provides an instant boost in efficiency, control and durability.
KEY UPGRADES FROM SL 1 AERO WHEELSYSTEM • Full carbon, tubeless compatible rim design • Proven aerodynamic rim profile • Bladed spokes
TECHNOLOGIES Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Optimized Anchor Point Giant Composite Manufacturing
SL 1 AERO WHEELSYSTEM FROM CITY LIMIT SPRINTS TO SOLO ESCAPES, THE SL 1 AERO HELPS YOU SQUEEZE OUT EVERY LAST BIT OF SPEED ON ALL TYPES OF ROAD RIDES.
SPECIFICATIONS Aesthetics / Color Wheel size Rim material
UD composite/alloy hybrid rim; Black hub Black/Gray graphics 700c Lightweight composite/alloy hybrid
Rim type
Clincher
Tubeless
Tubeless Compatible using the supplied rim tape and valve kit
Rim height
55mm
Rim width
23mm
Etrto
622x17
Front hub type
Giant Alloy
Rear hub type
Giant Alloy, Pawl driver system
Bearing type
Precision-Sealed Cartridge
Front axle size
100x5 QR
Rear axle size
130x5 QR
Spokes (front)
Sapim Race stainless steel, straight pull, butted
Lacing (front)
16H, Radial
Spokes (rear)
Sapim Race stainless steel, straight pull, butted
Lacing (rear) Nipple type, color
21H, Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Alloy Locking, Black
Warranty
2-year
Weight (pair)
1860g
SRP
US$ 800
INTENDED USE Lightweight, aerodynamic, and engineered with innovative new technologies including Dynamic Balanced Lacing to boost efficiency and control, the SL 1 Aero is built for race day and everyday training. With its composite/alloy hybrid rim material and precision hubs, the SL 1 Aero helps you slice through the wind and stay ahead of the pack.
TECHNOLOGIES Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) Optimized Anchor Point
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