Giant Bicycles (Taiwan) – Giant has added two new off-road shoe models to its expanding collection of high-performance footwear. The Line trail riding shoe and Shuttle DH shoe were both developed in partnership with the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, and have been tested and proven over the past year in the most demanding conditions of the UCI World Cup Downhill Series and the Enduro World Series.

The Line is designed to improve a rider’s performance in the ever-changing scenarios and conditions faced in aggressive trail riding. Its Motion Efficiency System combines a stiff and efficient pedaling platform with just enough torsional flex to reduce pressure and strain in the lower leg. It achieves this with its ExoBeam sole technology, which combines stiffness in the forefoot, where most of a rider’s power is applied, with strategically engineered flex zones. The ExoWrap design of the Line’s upper creates a unique 360-degree enclosure that fully supports the foot for further comfort and pedaling efficiency.

Off-the-bike performance and comfort are equally important in trail riding situations, so the Line also emphasizes traction, stability and protection for walking on off-road terrain. The ExoFlex toe area allows the front of the foot to flex naturally, which boosts comfort and stability on uneven terrain. And a wide, full-coverage rubber tread gives the shoe a sure-footed feel in dry or wet conditions.

The durable QuickFit upper is lightweight and breathable. Hydrophobic materials in the upper resist absorbing water and are quick-drying, a key benefit when riding in extreme conditions. It features a single ratchet buckle system plus two Velcro straps for easy on-the-fly adjustments.

“I’ve been using the new Line all season long in some of the worst conditions you can possibly imagine,” said Giant Factory Off-Road Team rider Josh Carlson. “Lots of six to seven-hour day enduro events, and some all-day rides. I love that I only need one shoe for racing, days in the bike park, and all-day backcountry adventures. One thing that’s really amazing is how quickly this shoe dries after a day in the wet. We’ve had a lot of rain and mud at the EWS this year, the Line has been perfect.”







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The second new addition to Giant’s off-road footwear collection is the Shuttle. Aimed at more aggressive downhill, park and all-mountain trail riders, it features a mid-cuff interior upper for added ankle protection and a special ExoBeam sole technology that’s tailored to the needs of aggressive, gravity-oriented off-road riders.

While Giant’s performance road and XC shoes feature a carbon ExoBeam system, the Shuttle is built with a nylon version. The concept is the same-optimized power transfer, reduced tension and strain in the lower leg-but this version also adds stability and off-the-bike traction on rugged terrain. The sole also features a wide, full-coverage rubber tread for pedal grip and walking traction, plus added protection around the toebox.

The Shuttle’s seamless upper features unique hydrophobic materials to minimize unwanted weight gain due to water retention in extreme conditions. The upper also combines a special ExoWrap enclosure with a wide Velcro strap and laces to provide a secure, comfortable fit. The ExoFlex toe area allows the toes to flex naturally while walking on uneven terrain. A removable insole is made with TransTextura Plus antimicrobial material to help keep the rider’s foot cool and dry.

“The perfect DH shoe needs to be comfortable, stable and durable enough to stand up to some abuse,” said Marcelo Gutierrez of the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, who has ridden the Shuttle shoes to two World Cup podiums this year. “The Shuttle is a shoe that can give you confidence to push your riding to the next level. It feels efficient while pedaling and is comfortable enough that you don’t even think about it on or off the bike.”







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