Belt-driven bicycle with a compact design that, like STRiDA, featured a belt drive. Other folding-bike manufacturers that have implemented a belt drive include U.S. company Bike Friday and Netherlands-based Bernds. In 2007, Gates Corporation developed a high-modulus synchronous belt and sprocket system called the Carbon Drive System. The belt’s pitch allowed for lower tension requirements to help prevent skipping. Lightweight, patent-pending sprockets have mud ports, openings under each tooth, which work to slough off debris. In 2009, an increasing number of bicycle companies, including Trek and "f"8 Cycles, offered belt-driven bicycles. While builders initially focused on single-speeds and internal hubs, in early
Giant Bicycles the 2017 Tour de France. In off-road cycling, Giant sponsors the Giant Factory Off-Road Team. Cyclists include Marcelo Gutierrez, 5 time Colombian downhill national champion, and Jacob Dickson, 4 time Irish junior downhill champion. Giant also sponsors individual athletes, including Tim van Berkel, Ben Dijkstra, and Matt Bottrill. Giant Bicycles Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (commonly known as Giant) is a Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer that is recognized as the world's largest bicycle manufacturer. Giant has manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, the Netherlands, and China. Giant was established in 1972 in Dajia, Taichung County (now part of Taichung City), by King Liu and