Giant Maestro Suspension Technology

by Giant Bicycles 
 
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Giant asked Clay Porter, director and filmer of 3 Minute Gaps, to capture the core concepts behind Maestro Suspension Technology. Maestro is the same technology behind Danny Hart and his incredible 2011 season, including his now infamous World Championship run in Champery.

whip contest on crabapple hits whistler bike park during crankworx 2011.

From big-hit to short travel, there's a Maestro Suspension bike for pretty much every riding style. Maestro is the full-suspension platform found on every Giant performance mountain bike - there are seven different travel/frame configurations.

Here are the core concepts behind Maestro technology:

PEDALING EFFICIENCY
Whether you’re climbing for glory or floating over rock gardens, Maestro Suspension doesn’t react to your pedaling power and doesn’t affect your pedaling efficiency.

4-2-1 CONCEPT
Maestro utilizes four strategically positioned pivot points (identified as the four red circles) and two linkages that all work to create a single floating pivot point (blue circle). This single floating pivot point improves pedaling efficiency by counteracting pedaling forces that would otherwise create suspension compression (squatting) or pedal kickback (bobbing). Both seriously hinder performance by sapping energy from you and your bike.

TOTAL BRAKE INDEPENDENCE
Even under full braking forces, Maestro Suspension remains fully active and unaffected.

COMPLETE SUSPENSION ACTIVITY
From high-frequency trail vibrations to heavy-hitting compressions, Maestro Suspension is able to soak up the full spectrum of trail impacts.

CONTACT EQUALS CONTROL
Maestro’s linear spring curve allows the rear suspension to be incredibly sensitive to small bump forces. And the floating pivot point lets the suspension remain completely active while braking, which keeps the rear tire in contact with the ground. The better the contact with the ground, the better the rear brake works. And the more sensitive the suspension is, the better your traction.

Danny Hart s Worlds Bike

Danny Hart s Worlds Bike
Hart's World Cup Giant Glory in full effect.

For more info on Maestro Suspension Technology and the complete 2012 bike line from Giant, visit giant-bicycles.com


161 Comments

  • + 52
flag frdh (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:16)
 I wonder how many kids are gonna have new glory's next year!!!
  • + 14
flag xetal (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:56)
 A lot. Reminds me when Hill signed with Specialized.... Tons of almost forgotten Demo 8 where sold that year ! Good for Giant. Now Giant just have to give the Glory a descent head angle for the mass !!!
  • + 14
flag D-Owen (Sep 22, 2011 at 8:12)
 all i saw was rear end flex under "G-out" the rest of it was an over done video
  • + 5
flag spoonyman (Sep 22, 2011 at 8:24)
 Given that all they've managed to do so far since 2010 is change the colour of the bike and that I have had a 2010 Glory and a 2011 Glory, both of which cracked on the same weld... In the same place - I would have thought 0 cracking is a little bit optimistic!

FUN FACT: The front inner tube actually out lasted my 2nd Glory frame.

FUN FACT #2: I was very underwhelmed by Giant UK's customer service.

Actually, I thought Maestro was a pretty good linkage, it's the cracks in the front triangle (and the customer service) that let the bike down!

In summary, yes they're going to make a f**k load of money, but they've got more important things than the head angle to worry about.
  • + 1
flag xander8 (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:06)
 True! pretty smart idea before christmas
  • + 3
flag cglasford (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:23)
 Well they didn't steal shit they have had that design for years and if you want to go down that road you could say they all stole it from Kona basically the same design and look, either way it works and every company simply has there own variation of a DW link
  • + 5
flag ridingsupreme888 (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:55)
 I'm a geo nerd, and I ride a '11 glory with the stock HA. I've ridden all the steepest stuff in california. (PG, lift access riding) HA doesn't matter as much as you guys all seem to think. This is difficult for me to say being a geo nerd, and its even more difficult to explain to my friends and everyone else who gawks at my 65.5 degrees. Its not the bike.... its the rider. I have to say that I don't mind it. I would ride it down any track, trail, etc. with the same confidence as I would a 63.5 degree bike. I know because my previous bike was 2 degrees slacker lol.
  • + 2
flag marvin-the-martian (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:59)
 I had an 06 reign and loved it. Have a Devinci frantik now. Anyone want to swap? Razz
  • - 1
flag Rider656 (Sep 22, 2011 at 10:01)
 Spoonman opinion doesn't mean shit! He's just a noob who hucks. Giant glory is so good for racing, as for big hucks I would go with the 2009 giant glory.
  • - 12
flag rydindirty (Sep 22, 2011 at 10:39) (Below Threshold) show comment
 it's still a piece of junk
  • - 5
flag Protour (Sep 22, 2011 at 11:03) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Looks alot like a DW link, oh wait, it is a DW link. Giant sucks for stealing another companies suspension technology and then coming up with the stupid “maestro" name and pretending it's their own. Dave Weagal would havre sued but Giant is a huge multi national corporation with a shit ton of ruthless lawyers who wouldn't hesitate one second before they put a knife in the small guys back. That's who you are dealing with here, if you think it's cool to support a company like that then you probably still bought your gas at BP right after the gulf oil spill. BP should co-sponser the Giant race team, that would be appropriate.

I've always thought Giant was a really dumb name for a bike company, though Glory is a decent name for a DH bike.
  • + 4
flag fox13 (Sep 22, 2011 at 11:51)
 they seem to be making out as though the maestro link is this new amazing linkage when in fact it's been around for years! i have it on my 07 glory zero!
  • + 1
flag marvin-the-martian (Sep 22, 2011 at 12:03)
 I wish I had maestro, I doesn't like horst link. Frown
  • + 3
flag tstep3 (Sep 22, 2011 at 12:48)
 They are putting an integrated angle set headset in the 2012s. that is what i heard from my friend who rides for them atleast.
  • + 6
flag RaleighVoid (Sep 22, 2011 at 13:47)
 why are people calling it a 4 bar single pivot??? thats what a kona is. with the giant, the axle does not pivot around a pivot thats on the frame...?
  • + 2
flag tonyp86 (Sep 22, 2011 at 14:49)
 spoonyman,

That's interesting to hear that Giant's customer service is shocking???

I have just had an anthem X frame swapped out within a week from Giant UK, they asked for a picture, and proof of purchase and then sent out a new frame....

Giant also offer a life time warranty on all there carbon frames Wink.
  • + 1
flag crazyoldcoot (Sep 22, 2011 at 15:18)
 Maestro same as Trek ABP?!? Hell no! Ohh this bike looks like this, this design was stolen from them. Quit making up stupid accusations! If someone did indeed steal something, you can be sure there would be lawsuits. And if you think it looks like another bike, buy the other one. Jeese...
  • - 3
flag archi-magus (Sep 22, 2011 at 15:56)
 So nice of DW to design suspension for Giant and let them have it for free.
  • + 5
flag angusprox (Sep 22, 2011 at 15:58)
 @mnorris122: man it was funny to have a look at "the small canadian company" Opus from which Giant allegedly stole its design Big Grin In fact, Opus does not produce nor even design its frames. They are just buying them, like many other small companies, from big Taiwanese producer Astro Engineering www.astroeng.com.tw/products.asp Smile Smile
  • + 2
flag thegringo (Sep 22, 2011 at 16:12)
 Wicked link m8.Very interesting indeed.Nice one.

Gringo. Big Grin Beer
  • + 3
flag D-Owen (Sep 22, 2011 at 21:53)
 @angusprox and thats why its funny that opus frames are so much better quality than giant haha, never had an issue with an opus

and at geo nerds, the biggest thing with head angles is under sag not when the bike i sitting without weight on it. if you have a10" rear travel and 8" front running 30% sag on both the rear sinks further and therefore affects our h/a and makes it steeper so dont just gawk about h/a without consideration of rear/ front travel ratios
  • + 5
flag spoonyman (Sep 23, 2011 at 1:52)
 TONYP86:

When the first frame failed, it took them no less than 12 weeks to replace it. This was even more infuriating given that they had told me it would take 6 weeks.

The 2nd time it cracked, I returned the frame to shop on Saturday 23rd July. I tried phoning them and it was incredibly difficult to speak to the manager dealing with me. He never returned my calls (e.g. Spoke to him on a Friday and he said he would call back on Monday... I called Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and eventually got hold of him the following Friday). I was severely unhappy with Giant at this point, for fairly obvious reasons and given that I had already gone 12 weeks of the year without a bike - I didn't want it to happen again. After 3 weeks they managed to deliver a 3rd frame to the dealer. However they delivered a small frame. I am on the border line between medium and large, so this was unacceptable.

I basically told them where to stick it after this - having two frames fail and poor customer service on a bike of this value is unacceptable to me, so I demanded a refund. Somewhere between Giant UK and the dealer I am still waiting on this refund - which I need to pay my debts on the replacement frame I have bought.

######################################

RIDER 656

I am not a hucker - I have done a few med/large gaps... But nothing I would consider a 'huck' - this video: www.pinkbike.com/video/207269 - features the biggest stuff I hit on the bike. Also Danny Hart has hucked to flat in a few of his race runs, it happens on a DH bike and it should last more than 3 months.


And finally, my original comment questioning how many will crack has mysteriously disappeared from this Giant advert hahaha!
  • + 2
flag xxslopestylerider9x (Sep 23, 2011 at 3:47)
 That bike should be called The legend edition for Danny Hart lol
  • + 0
flag MadMax883 Plus (Sep 23, 2011 at 22:57)
 i wonder how this compares to fsr and treks abp/full floater. Cause i have always heard and thought that giant was of the worse of the main bike brands.
  • + 1
flag D-Owen (Sep 25, 2011 at 0:22)
 I just don't know how the can advertise pedal efficiency like they do cause to be honest they pedal mediocrely.
  • + 2
flag xander8 (Sep 26, 2011 at 5:30)
 @Protour is right no matter what any of u say
  • + 1
flag tstep3 (Sep 26, 2011 at 10:20)
 kind of but not really at the same time because the links have a curve in them making the suspension act slightly different and dw links are bolted on the inside of the frame
  • + 1
flag xander8 (Sep 27, 2011 at 13:16)
 there will be millions of pros and cons, but theres one thing for sure, if Dave Weagal had not found this extra link stuff out, we wouldnt be looking at this pic now...
  • + 3
flag Protour (Oct 3, 2011 at 9:16)
 Tstep3, it makes no difference that the links have curves, it is still the same axle path. Same with the links being mounted on the inside; same axle path, same design.

It's a blatant rip-off, and a decent, respectful company would have paid DW his due royalties.
[Reply]
  • + 17
flag cherouvim (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:26)
 In order to really demonstrate the claimed "total brake independence" I'd like to see in 2:10 that rear wheel skidding locked and the suspension still fully working.
  • + 17
flag aceospades1250 (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:41)
 im pretty sure there is no such thing as "total brake independence" unless you have a floating brake. Any time there is a force acting on the rear triangle it is going to affect suspension performance in some way.
  • + 4
flag brit-100 (Sep 22, 2011 at 1:20)
 I said something similar to a Giant design engineer earlier this year at a conference. He damn near threw his coffee over me. He (literally) swore than Maestro, VPP and the Marin/Whyte 'Quad Link' system are the only designs that offer true braking independance.

From his words: DW Link and FSR squat slightly under braking, and ABP/Split Pivot behave very much like single pivots under braking.
  • + 5
flag davex123 (Sep 22, 2011 at 2:42)
 At around 2:00 it looks like some one needs a tensioner. Plus, with the suspension still be proper even the rear wheel is locked at awround 35 mph? Just my 2c
  • + 15
flag WAKIdesigns (Sep 22, 2011 at 4:32)
 Sorry for my aro/i-gnorance but I find Brake Jack and Pedal Kick to be frame design independent to a greater degree.

They seem to me to be fictional characters coming to life in the heads of people with too little problems. If you worry whether a bike you are up to buy is having Brake jack issue, then worry a bit more about stuff like braking technique, line choice, pre-corner/obstacle setup etc. If you experience pedal kick when you uphill, maybe you should lift your lazy arse more often instead of ramming into roots and rocks seated...
  • + 3
flag cherouvim (Sep 22, 2011 at 4:57)
 @WAKIdesigns: Pedal kick on uphill? You are a bit offtopic mate.

The problem here is the boldly stated "total brake independence" which is not demonstrated in the vid. He who claims it must prove it.
  • + 3
flag deoreo (Sep 22, 2011 at 5:10)
 WAKI, Go test ride a 2000 Giant NRS to understand what really bad brake jack is. Seated, standing, pretty much whenever you touched the rear brake with momentum, the pedals would tug at you feet, and lock-up. Trust me, unless you've experienced bad brake jack, you don't know what it's like.

I also agree that current frame designs have really minimized this to the point of being pretty much a non-issue (all brands.)
  • + 0
flag justincs (Sep 22, 2011 at 5:25)
 cherovim.. just to let u know i have the bike in the video, i'm 220 and on the rear brake alot, the rear end works fine, rocks roots stairs up or down, pedal bob only when i stand up , that might be just weight transfer and i don't use propedal. i have the 2010 reign one with a fox 160 float rc2, my only complaint is dropping chain, but the slow mo vid shows why! my last bike was single pivot and yes brake jack is very real and it sucks when you're learning. pedal bob is a minor annoyance that doesn't bother me, but then i'm not in a cross country race!
  • + 9
flag WAKIdesigns (Sep 22, 2011 at 5:33)
 Pedal Bob? - is that the name of that Demon pervert, molesting people with full suspension bikes making them forget why they switched from a hardtail?

Brake Jack and Pedal Bob yea... rode a SC Heckler and never even thought of these two guys. I'd rather worry about numb willy syndrome from seated pedalling...
  • + 2
flag poozank (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:13)
 haha well said ^ +1
  • + 1
flag Rasterman Plus (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:25)
 brit-100: You should have said: Awesome, please show me the video and test results that proves it!
  • + 1
flag brit-100 (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:30)
 I don't know about that Rasterman, he was a pretty big guy, and he used loads of long words. I thought nodding and smiling seemed like the best idea at the time. I'm wound him up a fair bit about OD2 earlier that day too, I didn't want to push my luck!
  • + 2
flag WAKIdesigns (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:59)
 Good one brit-100 - never trust people who use long words Big Grin
  • + 1
flag skylerm (Sep 22, 2011 at 8:11)
 the fsr suspenshion is good over break bumps if your plowing through them but if your slamming breaks it starts to bounce a little depending on the size. bigger one it bounces a little but on small it floats over it.
  • + 1
flag brit-100 (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:55)
 ABP really isn't the same at all. The best way to compare is to look at axle paths.
In VERY basic terms: ABP has a simple arc around the main pivot. Esentially, it's a single pivot with a linkage accutated shock.
  • - 1
flag rydindirty (Sep 22, 2011 at 10:43)
 take the shock our of ANY bike then spin the rear wheel up and hit the brake ( protect frame bits with a towel to protect them) if the rear assembly moves , that's bake jack. Every single bike with rear suspension on the planet will do this. Hence, why they make rear shock absorbers with rebound and compression adjustments. Hype is alive and well. Shut up and ride.
  • + 7
flag hamncheez (Sep 22, 2011 at 12:03)
 Rydindirty: that isn't brake jack. Thats the transfer of rotational or angular inertia from the tire into the frame. the way to see brake jack is to compress ur rear shock and see if the part of the frame that the brake caliper is mounted on rotates at all.

As u ride and apply the rear brake, the rotational torque from the ground pulling back on ur wheel is transferred into the brake caliper, mount, and then frame. The wheel is spinning, and its trying to get the brake to spin with it. If the brake is mounted on a piece of the frame that rotates when compressed, the rotational torque will transfer into the frame and compress it somewhat. If (like a good FSR, floating brake or APB) the frame part doesn't rotate when going through its travel, then brake roational forces don't affect the rear suspension.

that said, who cares about brake jack? Some people like it because it compresses the rear end a little, slacking the angles of the bike. Some bikes (like vpp) have some rotation in the initial stage of travel, then none deeper in. I rode a dh FSR bike last season, now im on a single pivot with 9.5" of travel. I don't notice that big of a difference. If i raced, then maybe i would, but i actually ride my bike because its fun.
  • + 1
flag brit-100 (Sep 22, 2011 at 12:36)
 That's an excellent way of putting it. I happen to understand and admire the Maestro system a lot, and I work with it everyday. But my own bikes? A Yeti and a Specialized, because I don't really like Giant's geometry. Suspension deisng is NOT the only issue.
  • + 1
flag justincs (Sep 22, 2011 at 19:27)
 brake jack is when u apply brakes at speed and the rear suspension fully extends locking the rear sus (single pivot), horst link was invented to solve this common problem, most new bike designs eliminate this (FSR, DW-link, VPP, etc), the other option is just stay off the rear brake.....floating brake kits r also a good fix!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 13
flag JnorcoD (Sep 22, 2011 at 3:38)
 Was anyone else just looking at the chain wobble throughout that whole video?
  • + 3
flag justincs (Sep 22, 2011 at 5:39)
 i have that bike it needs iscg tabs, chain guide is a must, i 've had the chain caught under the rear rocker a few times............
  • + 1
flag WAKIdesigns (Sep 22, 2011 at 12:28)
 Can't you buy a bb mount cg?
  • + 1
flag justincs (Sep 22, 2011 at 19:21)
 yea i have one..... but bb mount moves up and into chainstay when traversing logs, big rocks, and smart cars..........
  • + 1
flag UncleCliffy (Sep 23, 2011 at 0:05)
 Too bad the BB's press fit anyway...
[Reply]
  • + 9
flag oldfaith (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:49)
 That was awesome! I laughed the whole way through! so dramatic and so futuristic, I hope they were having a laugh when they put that together, LOVED the sound effects. @goxbigxorxgoxhome Maestro is at least 6 years old they are just power branding their product, and now you know about it
  • + 1
flag WAKIdesigns (Sep 22, 2011 at 12:33)
 C'm on! These days you can guess the amount of hypeshyte looking at title only. "Giant Maestro Suspension Technology" what can we expect to be inside? Book of Revelations? Big Grin I just think they aim it at people new to the sport, that never ever thought that problems this suspension is said to solve exist!
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag LeftCoastVisuals Plus (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:21)
 Is shot with a RED EPIC? cuz that frame rate is really over cranked and looking sooo good. And the stills they pulled from the video look beautiful as well. Didnt mean to geek out, but beautiful video Clay, verry well done.
  • + 4
flag somemorestuff (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:59)
 according to the vid on vimeo - www.vimeo.com/27326182
its filmed with the Phantom HD Gold and the Canon 7D
But yeah, very nice - a mate just got himself a red epic, so hopefully he'll be bringing it out on a ride soon
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag WAKIdesigns (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:34)
 Cool vid but it's like Opera, great for conneseurs but fro most it's 2/3s too long. At the same time I have never seen a better example what impact riding clipless pedals can have on your feet suppleness. Heels up all the time, even during landing off the jump, amazing.
  • + 2
flag aceospades1250 (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:39)
 just ask my friend who broke his ankle because he dumped the bike (a Giant coincidentally) in a loose corner while clipped in how awesome they can be Smile
  • + 8
flag dom69foco (Sep 22, 2011 at 2:51)
 well that sounds like it was all his fault!
  • - 7
flag goosh (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:36) (Below Threshold) show comment
 It seems like a spin off of the trek float... oh wait it is essentially.
  • + 3
flag ninjatarian (Sep 22, 2011 at 7:09)
 Um, lol, what? How the hell does this have ANYTHING to do with the Trek Float design which came out after anyway?
  • + 3
flag PHRANQUY (Sep 22, 2011 at 7:16)
 I think the clipless issue is more of a rider thing, Ican tell you that I am heels down when going down a hill... and working on it when mid-air too. Nothing worse than catching a toe on something and getting ripped out of the pedals!
  • + 1
flag dingo-dave (Sep 22, 2011 at 8:06)
 Heels up is poor form... even on a road bike.
  • + 1
flag WAKIdesigns (Sep 22, 2011 at 13:55)
 With flats you pretty much can't ride heels up Smile in clipless you can still be fast doing things wrong
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag Urchinboy (Sep 22, 2011 at 5:43)
 Perhaps they could have just got Clay Porter to shoot Danny Hart at Champery. A much better example of Maestro working brilliantly?
[Reply]
  • + 9
flag emotion-captured (Sep 22, 2011 at 1:42)
 4:2:1 concept? You mean just the same as every other dual linkage design?
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag alazamanza (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:46)
 "Maestro sounds like a gay bar in the west village but it def works legit on the trails. I been using the maestro on my reign for 5 years and it does everything they say and more. Brake independence and pedal efficiency are two aspects of suspension most companies over look.

I can't believe Danny Hart is running a 350lbs ti spring, what a light weight. He needs to bulk up a bit over the winter so he can throw down with the big dogs. I think eating that nasty british food would make anyone skin and bones riding 350's."

is it just me or did someone REALLY tell the worlds champion dh rider how to ride !!!!!!
what a douche!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag jankesdh (Sep 22, 2011 at 1:58)
 I have to say that my glory works well and it's fun to ride but I suppose that most of current suspension systems got about equal performance...

Definitely to much pathos in that video Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag cglasford (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:54)
 Maestro is bad ass, It is probably one of the best platforms out there and that bike is great I have the 2011 model and the rear end is very active under breaking, the suspention feels bottomless and plush. I haven't noticed any brake jack and the pedal bob is very minimal at all. I would rather ride a maestro suspention bike over most any other platform but this bike, as a couple people mentioned, needs a chain guide bad unfortunately it doesn't have ISCG tabs and has a pressfit bottom bracket so I haven't found anything out there that will work. The chain slap is out of control! Giant needs to fix this for this bike and at that point will have one of the top 3 all mountain bikes on the market! Not sure if the reign x has tabs or not and I would say its a safe bet that the glory along with the new trek will be in the top 3 selling DH rides next year!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag ninjatarian (Sep 22, 2011 at 7:00)
 I think the real story here is that sick overdrive 2 headtube!!! Rolleyes Anyone else think the water bottle squirting the guy in the face at 1:55 was extremely random?
  • - 3
flag deadatbirth (Sep 22, 2011 at 7:27)
 whats so "sick" about it? just another "standard" that industry is trying to force down people's throats
  • + 4
flag ninjatarian (Sep 22, 2011 at 7:28)
 The rolling eyes meant sarcasm bud... figure it out. Thanks for the neg prop.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag freakbike (Sep 24, 2011 at 19:39)
 I have a 09 reign0, love it, there is a strange pedal feedback when blowing through the travel under power... but big hits and hucking are not maestro's design! Fast and gnarly is where these bikes shine both up and down, I love the tech peirced downtube of the older models!
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag aceospades1250 (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:15)
 Great video, but this technology is in no way new or unique.
  • - 1
flag goxbigxorxgoxhome (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:25)
 When i first saw the "MAESTRO" on the linkage i thougth it is Dannys new nickname ... i cant see any difference to the 2010th GIANT linkage
  • + 2
flag mkirk05 (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:45)
 thats cuz there is no difference... maestro has been giants design for a looooong time
  • + 0
flag luigi (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:49)
 ill probably regret saying this, but I have always found the glorys suspension looks kind of like a shortened version of jonas suspension.
  • - 6
flag emotion-captured (Sep 22, 2011 at 1:41) (Below Threshold) show comment
 looks even more like a shit version of DW Link Wink
  • + 0
flag Protour (Sep 22, 2011 at 11:12)
 Thats exactly what it is. Shouldn't be called maestro, should be called DW-rip-off.
  • + 3
flag mkirk05 (Sep 22, 2011 at 13:16)
 or if you understood how suspension was designed, the slightest change in pivot positioning changes the whole feel of the bike. DW link bikes and Maestro bikes ride quite differently. Yea they look similar, but majority of bikes out there today look like some other bike. Oh and the bike your riding is probably made in giants factory in taiwan...like 70% of all other bikes out there in todays market.
  • + 2
flag bxxer-rider (Sep 22, 2011 at 16:16)
 mkirk05 if think you will find all vpp suspention designs are built on the same priciples, they jut change little things to make them slightly different from the rest enabling them to maket the differences saying it will make you "such and such faster" but all it is is a marketing fed market, without making differences for marketing purposes then no company would be different, giant are just saying all this trying to point out that maestro works in such and such way, when infact dw, vpp, horst, fsr, fps and what ever other comapnys want to call it should all be called vpp, and aim for exact same pedaling, braking and axle path, just slight variations in ratio giving the different ride. but they all aim for the same charatistics. and for arguments sake, bmw had vpp suspention first Smile

also giant your talking bulshit "Maestro’s linear spring curve allows the rear suspension to be incredibly sensitive to small bump forces" that is a false statement! using a more linear ratio over a more progressive ratio means that the initial ratio at the start of the travel is stiffer then a progressive one due to the fact thir ratio's HAVE TO average out the same (same stroke/travel) meaning that a linear ratio is actually a lot less sensitive to small bumps, also makes the shock work harder to keep the rear end from bottomening more often leading to more chance of shoc failure, then the fact that you use a stupid size shock in the glory (8.75x2.75) meaning the shock has to work harder again, a more progressive ratio means the shock is more sensitive, better controled, doesnt have to work as hard meaning heat and wear is less of an issue. yes heat is an issue no matter how much you guys think those days are over, do a decent DH run, touch the compression shimstack casing in the shock (and its not the main piston on fox shocks Wink )
  • + 2
flag bxxer-rider (Sep 22, 2011 at 16:16)
 and you will feel that the shock is warmer then the rest of the shock, that extra heat is a big issue when your dealing with parts that are 0.1mm thick! the mk2 v10 + santa crus syndicate wc team shows perfectly why its an issue, why do you think they havn't been on stock frames for many years? beacuse when they were running 2.75inch stroke shocks they were having problems with their shocks regually blowing up or needing regualr service, so they put the syndicate team riders on 3inch stroke shocks and this delt with the issue a bit, but heat is still there and causing the shock's tune to actually change between the top of a wc run and the bottom.
  • + 1
flag aceospades1250 (Sep 22, 2011 at 22:01)
 If you look at the suspension curves in linkage all of giants frames are fairly progressive...so I think Giant is really just talking out of their ass or deliberately spreading misinformation
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag taletotell (Sep 22, 2011 at 4:10)
 I'm not convinced. Even after the recall part came in a lot of people had brand new linkages break and I know a few guys who ride DW who have tried the maestro and say it feels flexy. I tried it on an xc bike and had no complaints but I didn't push it that hard either. I'll still with my Knucklebox for know.
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  • + 3
flag Colk45 (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:45)
 Was that propedal not fully turned on? If it was on how is that showing the pedaling efficiency of the suspension not the pro pedal?
  • + 11
flag emotion-captured (Sep 22, 2011 at 1:41)
 Ill be prepared to bet they set the suspension up differently for every shot
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  • + 1
flag HON82 (Sep 22, 2011 at 7:02)
 That chain slap worried me a little bit Also being the fat bastard that I am I wonder how the maestro would take heavy preloads. I really like the bike though. I wonder if for the amount of cash to be dispensed for that kind bike I could find something more fat ass friendly
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  • + 1
flag dugglesthemuddled (Sep 22, 2011 at 3:39)
 Mint Video, but all the techy chat in it is complete rubbish, independant braking? No chance, as already said only bike that have that are ones with floating brake arms, (Kona DOPE ect) or bikes with near vertical wheel paths (FSR). Some shots look like the suspension was ridiculously soft too.
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  • + 1
flag ZMC888 (Sep 22, 2011 at 18:13)
 Lovely swanky video, but..............

-Loads of Reigns actually busted their Maestro suspension didn't they?
-Some Reigns still come without any ISCG tabs!
-Giant customer service sucks in many countries.
-The chain slap in the video is hideous, surely a child could see that a bash-guard and a $20 stinger would be loads better?
  • + 1
flag iwantapinkbike (Sep 22, 2011 at 23:17)
 The chain slap is pretty mental. I don't know about the 2012 Reigns but there is no iscg mount for a chain guide on the 2011 Reign.
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  • + 1
flag ebxtreme (Sep 22, 2011 at 10:01)
 I loved how my old Reign rode. Seriously, it was an awesome pedaling and descending bike. However, it was the early gen model with the high BB (since lowered) and had way-too-small seatstay pivot bearings didn't last at all - especially in the PNW. I was blowing through those a couple of times a year. I'm curious how those are holding up for real riding nowadays?
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  • + 1
flag alazamanza (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:40)
 xetal (3 hours ago)
A lot. Reminds me when Hill signed with Specialized.... Tons of almost forgotten Demo 8 where sold that year ! Good for Giant. Now Giant just have to give the Glory a descent head angle for the mass !!!

for 2012 giant have slackened the head angle off and stuck in an angle adjust headset across its whole range of 3 builds starting at around 2500.....
you cant even buy a santa cruz frameset for that and as hart proved it aint any faster............ Smile
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  • + 3
flag llarrggee (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:14)
 GO TO 2:24 SECONDS

Is it just me or

DOES THAT BACK WHEEL WOBBLE LIKE MAD FROM SIDE TO SIDE AT THE TOP?
  • + 1
flag bluechair84 (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:34)
 I spotted this too and couldn't believe my eyes at first Smile Not sure if it's the rear triangle / linkages allowing the flex or a rear wheel about to pop free! Though it's got me wondering if all bikes jiggle about this much.
  • + 2
flag alazamanza (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:48)
 sure you tightened the axle up propperly?????
ive been using this for a while and theres no flex in it prob due to the huge mass of steel in the axle..... worls great though
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  • + 0
flag alazamanza (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:34)
 spoonyman (1 hours ago)
Given that all they've managed to do so far since 2010 is change the colour of the bike and that I have had a 2010 Glory and a 2011 Glory, both of which cracked on the same weld... In the same place - I would have thought 0 cracking is a little bit optimistic!

FUN FACT: The front inner tube actually out lasted my 2nd Glory frame.

FUN FACT #2: I was very underwhelmed by Giant UK's customer service.

Actually, I thought Maestro was a pretty good linkage, it's the cracks in the front triangle (and the customer service) that let the bike down!

In summary, yes they're going to make a f**k load of money, but they've got more important things than the head angle to worry about.




so spoonyman works for specialised????
  • + 2
flag BenStephens (Sep 23, 2011 at 0:00)
 No, he works for a software programming company. He did genuinely crack two frames in less than a couple of months, then got a summum instead.
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  • + 2
flag colinsick (Sep 22, 2011 at 17:34)
 This whole Maestro suspension topic realy makes a person realize how stupid some people on this site are. Saying that the Maestro is the same as the Trek ABP??
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  • + 4
flag bretttippie (Sep 21, 2011 at 22:02)
 Great tech info and well laid out article!!!
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  • + 3
flag gravitysgirl (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:06)
 Bloody hell, its just a fucking bike! Excellent filming and all that jazz, but that was actually cringeworthy.
  • + 1
flag IrishTom (Sep 23, 2011 at 6:42)
 I ride a Giant, and quite like their bikes. Although I am trying to get a problem with my 2010 Glory sorted atm and they are not being very helpful. That aside that video was so cringey, so god dam rotten and oozing of a promo made by some people who don't really get biking...

Also the rider's pedalling technique is all over the gaff, very weak video...

Check out Devinci's offering:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW5dfMeduNM
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  • + 5
flag nagelthebagel (Sep 22, 2011 at 3:31)
 THAT CHAIN!!!!!!!!!!
  • + 1
flag samjam (Sep 22, 2011 at 3:56)
 yeah i have a new Trance and i have some footage of me riding in slow-mo...1st thing i see every time i watch it is this bloody chain looking like its about to fall off.....still there though.
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  • + 1
flag jrjess (Sep 23, 2011 at 8:54)
 Anyway its a cheap bike everyone can enjoy......over here in Malaysia, Giant bike are known as the cheap and good go to bike....
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  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Sep 22, 2011 at 10:26)
 What's wrong with blowing through your travel? This rider did. So what? Marketing jibber jabber could have cited progressivity of the suspension design. Whatever.
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  • + 1
flag Icculus19425 (Sep 22, 2011 at 3:54)
 I dont notice any brake jack under hard braking when riding my Regin X2, even on downhill runs at Diablo with lots of brake bumps.
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  • + 1
flag teamdoa (Sep 22, 2011 at 1:00)
 Hmm, I will have to check if my bike is "compliant" with small bumps. I know it has 4 pivots and a rear shock as i've been riding it for 10 years.
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  • + 1
flag gnarbar (Sep 22, 2011 at 7:08)
 Regarding comments about the chain, most people running big travel VPP/Maestro suspension trim a few links off the chain to cut down on slap and noise
  • + 3
flag deadatbirth (Sep 22, 2011 at 7:28)
 thats not going to solve that problem. plus running a short chain can cause problems with ripping your derailleur off
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  • + 3
flag czlenson (Sep 22, 2011 at 2:28)
 look at the chain on fourth photo
  • + 5
flag MRMP (Sep 22, 2011 at 3:09)
 thats what I dont understand.. GIANT!!! please put ISCG tabs on you pressfit BB frames!!
It puts maybe 15g extra on the frame but at least you got the option to run a chaintensioner...
like the vid and the pics show: it would make sence!!
Other than that, great bikes...
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  • + 1
flag Urchinboy (Sep 22, 2011 at 5:41)
 Tooooooo mmmmmuuuuuuccccchhhhhh ssssssslllllllooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwww mmmmooooooottttiiiiioooonnnnn. Does Maestro make you ride extra slow?
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  • + 2
flag NorthEasternDH (Sep 22, 2011 at 3:10)
 hey clay, when will 3mg be on itunes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????
  • + 1
flag KeithWhiteAudio (Sep 22, 2011 at 13:52)
 Oct 4th
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  • + 1
flag konarider76 (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:29)
 sweet video...can someone tell me what the name of the background music is?
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  • + 1
flag PaddyD (Sep 22, 2011 at 2:34)
 Oh Clay!!! Your a wizard behind the lens, pure wizardry!!! Loved the slow mo.
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  • + 1
flag dmik (Sep 22, 2011 at 21:34)
 Giant does make good cycle, but the rider still makes the bike,not the bike the rider.
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  • + 1
flag fraserbritton Plus (Sep 22, 2011 at 10:03)
 This isn't a third party - it's giant's global marketing person writing it.
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  • + 1
flag listeryu (Sep 22, 2011 at 12:05)
 excellent vid - but dude, get a chain device - 3:05 min - man that chainstay gets it really hard :-)
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  • + 1
flag Downhill340 (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:29)
 Im not gonna lieIts make me want to buy a Glory next year...Now only if there bikes were fucking affordable
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  • + 1
flag over9000ninja (Sep 22, 2011 at 16:09)
 my faith from 2005 still has this linkage
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  • + 1
flag misterpeanut (Sep 22, 2011 at 11:50)
 That was a really cool video! On par with some of the Moto manufacturers.
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  • + 2
flag pieters (Sep 23, 2011 at 21:47)
 looks like a slow bike
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  • + 1
flag jedras (Sep 22, 2011 at 12:56)
 wszystko powyższe potwierdzam Smile
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  • + 1
flag bradwalton Plus (Sep 22, 2011 at 10:22)
 now that is how you make a product video! awesome
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  • - 1
flag dirtbitchin (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:18)
 I have a Brand New 2011 Giant Glory Race Ready, up for grabs. will sell for $3750 if you mention this thread. thats $500 less than im asking for. Check it Out Byaaach!
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  • + 1
flag Bashment (Sep 22, 2011 at 2:13)
 damn sick movie terminator style
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  • + 1
flag psynide (Sep 22, 2011 at 3:32)
 in the last photo, the bike looks so wicked !
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  • + 1
flag JnorcoD (Sep 22, 2011 at 3:39)
 I'm not hating or anything, it was just mesmerizing.
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  • + 1
flag rhys-the-rider (Sep 22, 2011 at 1:15)
 There's something magical about a Danny Hart whip.
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  • + 1
flag baftijari (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:59)
 simple is just Mega Maestrooooo! Smile
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  • + 1
flag powderturns (Sep 22, 2011 at 1:44)
 that's it. I am buying a giant.
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  • + 1
flag GeorgeOconnor (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:23)
 Great article, stoked for the 2012 glory's!
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  • + 1
flag cooch (Sep 22, 2011 at 8:42)
 cool video but i'll keep my DHR
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  • + 1
flag slowridejoe (Sep 26, 2011 at 23:04)
 nice bike
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  • + 1
flag fraserbritton Plus (Sep 22, 2011 at 9:43)
 nice informercial.
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  • + 1
flag Ogalosh (Sep 22, 2011 at 11:57)
 SLOW MO!
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  • + 1
flag freeriderdeluxe1231 (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:51)
 megaaa mooooooooo
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  • + 0
flag rider243 (Sep 22, 2011 at 7:50)
 sexy swing arm
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  • - 2
flag tworldsmine (Sep 22, 2011 at 0:50)
 jesus! it is like watching porn!!! or is it only me doctor...?
  • + 2
flag poozank (Sep 22, 2011 at 6:15)
 its only you, go back to sleep
  • + 1
flag tworldsmine (Sep 23, 2011 at 2:24)
 long and unnecessary as any porn... minutes of exactly the same content as few pictures... just like porn... I'm off to sleep now doctor...
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