We purchased these Giant 'Expedition' tourers back in 2000 just before our trip to Poland. We needed something that was going to be reliable after all the hassle's we had with the Claud Butlers in Denmark.

They have certainly have been reliable, they have now done over 5000 miles over some tough terrain in Finland, Sweden and Norway and they have been excellent. The only slight problems we have had have been with the 'Magura' hydraulic brakes (leaking master cylinder, but that was soon fixed) and a broken front carrier, due to a slight collision with a boulder on the Rallarvagen.

We have found the Aluxx 6061 frame to be strong and with it's frame geometry, gives us a very good ride.
The bikes came fitted with Vredestein Spider tyres. The 'Butterfly' style multi positional handle bars have been excellent, giving us several hand positions and an upright but very comfortable riding position over extended periods. These are much more comfortable than the flat bars and bar ends that we had on the Claud Butlers. Most people seem to swear by drops, however, every time I see tourers with them, they are always seem to be riding with their hands on the tops! - need I say more? Yes, I know that drops give you more of an aerodynamic shape, but come on, when you are loaded up with front and rear panniers you have the aerodynamics of a Sherman tank!

We have made some slight modifications from the the original specs.

You may be wondering what the red bag is under the cross bar? - it contains a small delta wing kite, great for a bit of fun in the evenings, on the campsite or the beach or park en-route.

The 'loaded rigs' on our tour in Poland complete with suspension seat posts and new bottles.

The 'loaded rigs' on our North Sea cycle route tour complete with new Ortlieb rear panniers and racpacs.

Latest rigs on the Lofoten isles Norway with new front Ortlieb panniers, Brookes saddles, Bike buddy fuel bottle carriers and Frank's anatomical bars!