Giant Toughroad

2017 Giant Toughroad SLR2

It took a triathlon at her school to convince our daughter, Astrid, of the speed and freedom potential in her bicycle. That day her scooter became a driveway amusement, and we all became cyclists. Work, school and summer camp commutes - weekend park trips and gravel rides; with Astrid finally pedalling, we were all unleashed on bicycles. But, I am getting ahead of myself - when Astrid pedalled across that finish line I did not own a bicycle. I had moved a lot.

Through my personal google search algorithm I discovered bikepacking.com in 2 clicks. Far away destinations, go-anywhere gear, purpose built bicycles in weld-anywhere steel, and niche manufacturers welding frames and sewing travel bags between continent crossing rides - inspiring. Bicycling had changed since my splatter paint Fiori and 26' mountain bike. In the 2000’s, cyclists are expanding that freedom potential and manufacturers are responding by blurring the lines between road, mountain, fitness hybrid and even the wheelbarrow (check out the Surly Big Fat Dummy). Choosing a bike is challenging.

I began my search by reeling in my imagination and made an honest assessment of my bike requirements. I needed a bike that was fast and efficient during city commutes and capable on dirt roads and mild single track - 70% pavement and 30% unpaved. Even aspiring to bike packing required braze-ons - the frame mounted fasteners for cages, holdalls and bags - I needed those. I went back to the internet with my ideal bike and budget in mind.

The purchase I made shortly after Astrid’s triathlon finish was a 2017 Giant Toughroad SLR2. This bike was at the intersection of my budget, requirements, aesthetic and imagination; I even liked the colour. Here are some riding impressions of the bike:

Giant ALUXX-SLR grade aluminum frame is light, compliant and provides a zippy, solid frame worth potential component upgrades in the future.
Proper XL size with a moderate top tube length provides a comfortable, upright seating position.
Carbon front fork is light weight and provides rigidity and road feel while minimizing hand-numbing vibration.
Wide handlebar stance provides comfort and control through rutted tracks and commute potholes and streetcar tracks.
Shimano Acera front and rear derailleur is entry-level-enthusiast with a 3x9 gearset that shifts precisely and provides gearing for speed and hill climbs (gear ratio options are great when you're developing your cardio).
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide all-weather stopping power and modulate to maintain grip on slippery tracks and wet commutes.
29” tires dampen road and trail, provide clearance for unpaved travel, and are available in tread patterns from commuter to single track.
Braze-ons on the frame and front fork provide convenient, rigid mounts for cages, racks and packs.

With a cycle season of commuting, pleasure riding and some light trail work on the pedals the Giant Toughroad SLR2 has proven a great fit for my cycling requirements. My other hobbies and interests require wild spaces, so cycling has proven a great way to exercise, spend family time, and efficiently get around my urban downtown Toronto, Canada home.