Background knowledge: Where are Giant bikes made?

From a small idea to a global corporation - this is the journey of founder King Liu and his brand Giant. It all began when the Giant Manufacturing Company was founded in Taiwan in 1972. For the first few years, the company initially focussed on producing bicycles for other established top brands. Over time, Giant developed into an original equipment manufacturer - as a producer of bicycle components that it does not sell itself - for established major brands such as Scott, Trek or Colnago.

It was not until nine years later, in 1981, that Giant launched its own brand, initially supplying Taiwan with bicycles and then Europe and North America. Since 1992, Giant has also opened factories in China, in contrast to many other companies from Taiwan.

The company expands and in 1986 Liu founds Giant Europe B.V. in Lelystad, near Amsterdam, in order to be able to manufacture bicycles at a production site in Europe. Today, the brand has developed into the largest bicycle manufacturer in Taiwan, with sites in Asia and Europe. In addition to producing its own bicycles, Giant continues to be an original equipment manufacturer for other brands.

Ride Like King - Biking is not a question of age

Behind the Giant brand is King Liu, who, despite his advanced age, continues to make a name for himself with his cycling adventures. At the age of 73, he embarked on a 15-day cycle tour through Taiwan - a total of 927 kilometres. This resulted in an event called "Ride Like King", which was initially only celebrated by employees of the Giant Group. Today, the event brings together people from all over the world - also through a cooperation with Zwift - to follow the spirit of the founder and bring together different cycling enthusiasts.

Where does Giant come from?

The Giant bicycle brand has been around since 1972 and originates from Taiwan in the Dajia district, northwest of Taichun County - as well as many other components and bike manufacturers come from this region.

The company behind the brand Giant Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. has been the largest bicycle manufacturer in Taiwan since 1980. Production has been expanded to several locations outside China and there are now also sites in Europe, the Netherlands and, in future, Vietnam. The product range includes racing bikes and different types of mountain bikes also touring and trekking bikes.

Where are Giant bikes made?

The bikes are manufactured at various production sites in Asia and Europe. For the European market, there is a separate production site in the Netherlands, in Lelystad near Amsterdam. For the Asian market, there are still factories in Taiwan and also on the mainland in China. In addition to Giant, the Giant Group also owns the brands Liv, which offers bikes especially for women, as well as the lifestyle bike brand Momentum and the carbon bike brand Cadex.

Carbon fibre frame

As pioneers in the production of bicycle frames, Giant first used carbon fibre, also better known as carbon, in 1984. One property of carbon fibre is the low weight of the material, making it ideal for bicycle frame construction. Other bicycle parts are now also made from carbon fibre, such as handlebars, seat posts and wheels. Giant manufactures all frames itself and does not use other suppliers.

Liv Giant - Bicycles especially for women

The Giant Group's LIV/Giant brand has been around since 2008. It designs bikes specifically for the needs of women and is characterised by a very lightweight construction. The aim is to make it easier for the female target group in particular to get into cycling. In addition to mountain bikes, such as the current Liv Lurrathere are also racing bikes or simple ladies' bikes for the city.

Vietnam - a new production site for Giant Bicycles

Giant recently announced that a plant in Vietnam - north of Ho Chi Minh - is being planned, which will focus on the production of e-bikes. The reason for this is the large share of profit that Giant makes with electronic bicycles.