User:JaffaMan11/Giatex

Giatex

Giatex is an Australian manufacturer of folding bicycles, or more correctly, "stretching" bicycles. The Giatex frame is a patented stretching design, which brings the front and rear wheels together. Whilst when compacted the bike is not as compact as some other folding brands, the compacted bike is significantly smaller than a full size bike, and they are easy to transport inside normal cars.

Pros of this design include complete adjustability making it a good bike for children to use and grow with. The lack of a central hinge in the main frame also enables the bike to be rated to carry higher weights than most folding bikes (which often have a weight limit around 95kg).

Like all folding bikes, the bike does have a little more "flex" in the frame than a normal bike with a full triangular frame, but due to the lack of the hinge in the frame and the fact that the moving part is clamped in two places, the flex should be less than most folding bikes.

Giatex has manufactured three models of bike.

1. A 16" wheel single speed - the smallest, (90 x 60 x 25 cm when compacted) but best suited to flat paved surfaces.

2. A 20" wheel 6 speed (115 x 70 x 25 cm when compacted)

3. A 20" wheel 8 speed in both steel and alloy frames (115 x 70 x 25 cm when compacted)

The 20" 6 speed comes fitted with a front chain ring of 52 teeth, and a Shimano SIS rear cluster and derailleur of 12-28 teeth. Several examples are known of Giatex 6 speed bikes having been fitted with multiple front chain rings and a front derailleur to create a 12 speed bicycle.

The 20" 8 speed comes with the same front chain ring of 52 teeth, and a Shimano Acera 8 speed rear cluster and derailleur of 11-30 teeth.

The bikes are built around standard components, so they can be upgraded or modified with parts from non-folding bikes.

Links
http://www.giatex.com.au/