The 2012 Giant Avail 3 is guaranteed to be one of the most popular bikes in this years range. The Avail 3 ticks most of the boxes for many ladies. Built specifically for women the Avail 3 is priced at an encouragingly low price, to assist many new road riders into this increasingly popular form of cycling.

 

Built from a lightweight aluminium with carbon fibre front forks the Avail 3 frame is a sophisticated platform to which has been assembled a range of efficient, reliable and yet economical components. Shimano components are used extensively including the entire drive train which features 27 speed gears. This may sound daunting to the newcomer, but their ease of operation and the ease their use brings to cycling will benefit both experienced and beginner riders alike. Available in extra small, small and medium sizes the Avail 3 will suit riders from around 150cm right up to 180cm, which may also include junior riders of either gender.

 

Some years ago Giant took what was at the time an unprecedented step of introducing to the market a range of bikes designed specifically for women. Not just a bike painted a pretty pink or purple, but a womens road bike actually built with the female anatomy as its criteria. Given the normal variations in height, build and other body dimensions Giants engineers and designers have come up with 5 key features for their female specific models, including the 2012 Avail 3. These five points are a shorter headstem and short reach handlebars to allow easy reach and control while the handlebars are also narrower than those found on regular road bikes allowing for the generally narrower shoulder width of most women. The bars also feature a shallower drop which once again nicely accommodates smaller hands while also lessening lower back strain due to the rider not having to bend so far when the hands are “on the drops”. Short reach brake levers are also fitted so ladies with smaller hands can still comfortably operate the vital brake and gear lever controls. The crank length is also shorter on the 43 and 46cm models to better suit the leg length of those ladies in the height range up to 175cm. Finally, a saddle designed specifically for the female form, to ensure the rider not only fits the bike well but is comfortable while doing so.Taller ladies will easily find one of Giants other models that fit, but for the height and build of the greater number of ladies, the female specific models are a blessing and in many cases are the only real way to safely and comfortably get on a road bike.