Giant 2011 Via City Bike Series
Giant unleashes new images of the 2011 Via City Bikes, apart of their lifestyle series. In total, 3 versions of the Via will release for men, and 3 for women, all going by the Via 1, Via 2, and Via 3. The womens Via comes as a step through for easier access on and off the bike, but only the Via 1 women comes equipped with a front basket.
Choosing the right 2011 Giant Via city bike depends on the style of riding. For example, the Via 1 and 3 are single speeds, but the Via 2 comes with a SRAM 8 speed gearing. No matter which one you choose, the Giant 2011 Via frame is made of double-butted chromoly, so they can take some abuse. Last but not least each Via has a U-Lock holder, bottle water cage, and bolted wheels to give thief’s a harder time. Retail price ranges from $380 – $550.
2011 Giant Via 1 Mens
2011 Giant Via 2 Mens
2011 Giant Via 3 Mens
2011 Giant Via 1 Womens
2011 Giant Via 2 Womens
2011 Giant Via 3 Womens
does anyone know when these bikes are available in the US?
This review states that “the Via 1 and 3 are single speeds”. This is only half correct. Counter-intuitively, the Via 1 is an internally geared three-speed, while the Via 3 is a single speed. A close examination of the photos accompanying this review will confirm the internal gearing on the Via 1. Nonetheless, thanks for presenting the review.
I bought my via 2 (the mens version) in late October and I love it. It rides smooth, looks nice, and has a TON of gears.
As a Brit I first had to get used to the back pedal brake – this took me a couple of days and I now like this way of braking.
It was bought as a town bike and it has exceeded my expectations. It is much more versatile. Steel three speeds of this kind are usually 40lb + monsters. The Via 1 is nearer 30lb in weight. This means it accelerates quickly, handles wonderfully and the combination of the frame, forks and tyres means that the ride is smooth and bumps are ironed out.
The relative light weight means most hills can be taken in 1st gear. The lighter weight of the bike and wheels and the good high pressure tyres means the large difference in gear ratios are easily overcome.
The ride is fairly upright but you can stand up and pedal because of the long top tube. The angles of the seat tube and fork are not too relaxed either, which makes you want to go faster. You can also glide along with a zen like action and take in the view if you wish.
I have found that I can ride a long way on this beauty. I love it and other my bikes don’t get a look in if I’m going local. To me it looks stylish and is far too good looking for me!
This is genuine evolution of the 3 speed utility bike. The fast (or slow if you want) town bike. Well done Giant.
Two gripes. One is the price compared with the USA, where I could have bought one for £160 cheaper and the US version has a rack, another £30 – otherwise I would have given it 5 stars. Surely we don’t pay that much more tax on our goods?
Bought one as a commuter. I looked at more expensive flat bar bikes, but most newer style bike have short chainstays (ie 435mm or less), the Via has 450mm touring length chainstays, which you need for enough heel clearance when carrying a pannier bag.(esp with size 12 feet). Unlike some of the racier bikes I saw, this one has full mudguards, and they are the rattle free type. This bike is a keeper, classic style, its not going to go out of fashion or look old! Easy on the back, fairly upright position, more mountain bike than comfort cruiser. Only mod I did was flip the stem upside down for lower handlebars. The brakes work really well, and the bike is silent, no rattles and smooth as silk on roads that normally jar my wrists and butt on an aluminium bike with the same size tires. The combo of long wheel base and steel frame make it really smooth. Its not a light bike, but it rolls fast, (32c tires are perfect) and top gear is quite high. I have the 8 speed deraillleur version,44T front chainring and the rear cassette is 11-30, evenly spaced, but would trade the top cog for a lower gear for hills. I think it will be a great bike to hotrod too, with some black racing rims (no flashy stickers though!), and leather saddle and cork grips.