Vintage Giant Catalogs

Unfortunately I was only able to find a couple of Giant catalogs. Although it’s a huge bicycle brand, finding the Giant catalogs proved to be tremendously elusive.

But because there are some awesome models in these catalogs I’ll provide them anyway.

Giant History

Giant Manufacturing Company, founded in 1972 in Taiwan by King Liu and several partners, has grown to become one of the largest and most influential bicycle manufacturers in the world. The company’s vision was to provide high-quality bikes at competitive prices, utilizing Taiwan’s emerging bicycle manufacturing industry.

Early Years (1970s-1980s)

In its early years, Giant focused on producing bikes for international brands, making use of Taiwan’s low-cost, high-quality production capabilities. They initially collaborated with several major brands, gaining recognition for quality but largely staying behind the scenes. The breakthrough came in 1974 when Giant began manufacturing bikes under its own name, focusing on providing high-end, high-performance bicycles.

Prominent Years (1990s-2000s)

During the 1990s, Giant became a dominant force in the global cycling market, particularly after they started producing their own range of mountain bikes, road bikes, and eventually, hybrid bikes. The company revolutionized the industry in the 1990s by introducing aluminum frame bikes, which were lighter and more durable than traditional steel frames. This was a pivotal moment in cycling innovation, as aluminum offered superior strength-to-weight ratios.

In 1998, Giant introduced the XTC, a lightweight, carbon-fiber mountain bike that set new standards for speed and performance. Giant’s ability to combine advanced materials and manufacturing techniques with a deep understanding of cyclists’ needs allowed it to steadily grow and expand into new markets.

Innovation and Growth (2010s-Present)

The 2010s marked a period of increased technological innovation for Giant, particularly with the rise of electric bikes (e-bikes). Giant developed the SyncDrive motor system, which provided smoother power delivery and more natural riding experiences. The company also leaned heavily into women’s-specific designs, releasing bikes like the Liv series, which was designed specifically to accommodate women’s body shapes and riding styles.

In terms of performance, Giant’s Propel Advanced series (particularly the 2015 model) set new standards for aero-road bikes, combining speed, lightness, and aerodynamics. Meanwhile, their Defy Advanced was popular among endurance riders, showcasing a design that prioritized comfort without sacrificing performance.

Most Innovative Bikes

1. Giant TCR (1997): The TCR was a game-changer in the road bike world, combining lightweight materials with excellent handling and stiffness. It was ahead of its time and quickly became a favorite among professional racers, especially in the Tour de France.
2. Giant XTC (1998): This full-carbon mountain bike, offering a combination of low weight and strength, was one of the earliest examples of carbon fiber innovation in mountain bikes. It reshaped the mountain biking world, making it possible for bikes to be lighter and faster.
3. Giant Propel Advanced (2015): An innovative aero-road bike that revolutionized the racing scene with its blend of speed, lightweight, and aerodynamics, helping to define the future of competitive road cycling.
4. Giant Reign (2004-Present): Known for its high-performance suspension and aggressive geometry, the Reign is a standout in Giant’s lineup of enduro bikes. Over the years, it has seen continuous updates that make it a top choice for mountain biking enthusiasts and professionals alike.
5. Giant Trance (2005-Present): A trail-focused full-suspension bike that helped introduce modern geometry and suspension systems to mountain biking, the Trance became one of the company’s best-selling mountain bikes for serious trail riders.

Giant continues to innovate and grow, pushing boundaries with new technologies like their Advanced Pro frame, integrated electronics for data collection, and further advances in carbon fiber and e-bike tech.

Today, Giant is recognized not just as a bike manufacturer but as a leader in the cycling industry’s growth, sustainability, and innovation. Their focus on high-performance, innovative bikes has kept them at the forefront of cycling for decades.

Catalogs

• Giant catalog 1995
• Giant catalog 1996
• Giant catalog 1997

Giant Models

Racing

AR-1	1996
CFR-1	1996
CFR-2	1996
CFR-3	1996
Kronos	1995 – 1997
Kronos GS	1997
MCR 1	1997
MCR 2	1997
Peleton	1995
Peleton 7000	1996
Peleton 7200	1996
Peleton 7400	1996
Peleton 7600	1996
Peleton Super Lite	1995
Perigee	1997
Speeder	1995
TCR 2	1997
Team	1995

Mountain Bike

ATX-840	1997
ATX-860	1997
ATX-870	1997
ATX-875	1997
ATX-880	1997
ATX-890	1997
ATX-970	1996 – 1997
ATX-980	1997
ATX-990	1996 – 1997
Boulder	1997
Bronco	1995 – 1996
Chaos	1995
Chicago	1995 – 1996
Escaper	1995 – 1996
Granite	1995 – 1996
HCM-1	1996
HCM-2	1996
HCM-3	1996
Hollywood	1995 – 1996
Iguana	1995 – 1997
Iguana SE	1997
MCM 980	1997
MCM 990	1997
MCM-1	1996 – 1997
MCM-2	1996
MCM-3	1996
Rincon	1997
Sedona	1997
Sedona SE	1997
Sierra	1995 – 1996
Stonebreaker	1995
Super Sierra	1995
Tachia	1995
Team World Cup	1996
Terrago	1995 – 1996
Track	1995 – 1996
Yukon	1997
Yukon SE	1997

Touring

Avant	1996
Cabriolet-21	1996
Custom Super Lite	1995 – 1996
Expedition	1995 – 1996
Freerider	1996
Squadron	1995 – 1996
Tourer	1995 – 1996
Trooper	1995 – 1996

Hybrid

Chicago-7	1996
Farrago	1997
Farrago 4	1997
Innova	1997
Option	1997
Prodigy	1997
X 1000	1995 – 1996
X 1500	1995 – 1996
X 2000	1995 – 1996

City

All Rounder	1995
BE-U	1996
Cabiolet	1995
Cabriolet-7	1995
Chinook	1995 – 1996
Custom	1996
Expression	1995

BMX

Mosh Pro	1997
Mosh Pro S	1997
Mosh Pro XL	1997