Giant SCR 1 and SCR 2 Road Bikes: Specs, Differences and Weight
Posted by Jason - 2023-04-11T00:00:00.000+08:00 - 2025 Road Bike recommedation
Last updated: 8 October 2026 (added a discontinuation notice, a comparison chart and an FAQ)
No longer sold
Jollymap has stopped selling the Giant SCR range (SCR 1 and SCR 2) and will not restock it. For a similar aluminium entry-level road bike, see our Giant Contend review and SCR comparison or our entry-level road bike guide (in Chinese).
The Giant SCR is Giant's aluminium entry-level road bike range. The SCR 1 has Shimano Sora 2x9 gearing and a carbon fork; the SCR 2 has Shimano Claris 2x8 and an alloy fork. Both share the same frame and geometry (Giant Taiwan, 2022 specifications).
This English version summarises our March 2023 Cantonese video: the Giant technology in the SCR, and how the two models differ.
What technology does the Giant SCR use?
The frame is ALUXX aluminium; Giant Taiwan describes three decades of in-house work on aluminium tubing, including hydroformed tubes that balance weight and strength. The head tube is tapered, narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, which Giant calls OverDrive, for stiffer and steadier steering. The SCR 1 adds a carbon fork, which is unusual at this price, and both models use Giant's D-Fuse seatpost: round at the front and flat at the back. Giant Taiwan says this shape flexes 2.4 times more than a round post, so long rides are less tiring.
Is the SCR frame suitable for beginners?
Yes. The frame uses Giant's Compact Road design, with smaller front and rear triangles that save aluminium and add stiffness. Does a stiffer frame make it hard work to ride? "Definitely not," Jason said in our SCR video: it is an entry-level bike, Giant knows new riders do not want an aggressive position, so you sit more upright, do not have to stretch so low, and your lower back gets less tired, which suits beginners and long rides. In size M the stack-to-reach ratio is about 1.49 on Giant Taiwan's chart (563 mm stack, 378 mm reach).
SCR 1 specifications
Jason called the SCR 1's kit "very generous" for an entry-level bike (video, 3:18). It uses Shimano Sora for the shifters, derailleurs and chainset, with 50/34T chainrings and an 11-28T 9-speed cassette. Brakes are Tektro TK-B177 rim callipers, the wheels are Giant's own S-A2 alloy rims, and the tyres are 700x25c. The cables are routed internally, the frame takes two bottle cages, and the saddle is a Giant Approach.
What is the difference between the SCR 1 and SCR 2?
Same frame, different parts. In the 2023 video Jason suggested the SCR 2 for riders on a tighter budget (4:49); Jollymap no longer sells it. The SCR 2 has Shimano Claris 8-speed shifting with a Prowheel chainset, an alloy fork, standard alloy rims and a Selle Royal saddle. Gearing is otherwise the same: 50/34T and 11-28T.
What can I buy instead of the SCR?
The closest replacement is the Giant Contend 1. On Giant Taiwan's charts the 2024 Contend 1 has the same stack, reach, top tube and angles as the SCR, but its biggest sprocket grows from 28T to 34T and its tyres from 25c to 28c, with the same carbon fork and Sora 2x9. Weight is almost identical: we weighed a size S SCR 2 at 9.64 kg and a size S Contend 1 at 9.625 kg, both without pedals.
Read our Giant Contend review for the full comparison and our four Contend models, or see sizes and pre-order details for the Giant Contend 1 2024. You can also browse our adult road bikes. Before you buy, message us on WhatsApp or call 2342 0780 to check your size.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Giant SCR 1 and SCR 2?
The main differences are the gears and the fork: the SCR 1 has 9-speed Shimano Sora and a carbon fork, the SCR 2 has 8-speed Shimano Claris and an alloy fork. The frame, geometry, 50/34T chainset with 11-28T cassette, Tektro rim brakes and 700x25c tyres are the same; the SCR 2 also uses a Prowheel chainset and a Selle Royal saddle (Giant Taiwan, 2022).
How much does the Giant SCR 2 weigh?
Giant does not publish an SCR 2 weight. In our January 2025 video we weighed a size S SCR 2 at 9.64 kg without pedals.
Has the SCR been discontinued, and what replaces it?
Jollymap no longer sells the SCR and will not restock it. Giant has not announced an end to the range, and Giant Taiwan still had a 2024 SCR 2 page in October 2026. The Giant Contend 1 is the nearest alternative, with near-identical geometry, a 34T sprocket and 28c tyres.
Further reading
- Giant Contend 1 review: specs, weight and SCR comparison
- Entry-level road bikes by budget (in Chinese)
- Adult cycling helmets
Update log: 8 October 2026. Added a notice that Jollymap no longer sells the SCR, an SCR 1 / SCR 2 / Contend 1 comparison chart and an FAQ; corrected the stack-to-reach ratio to about 1.49 from Giant's figures; replaced links to discontinued products with the Contend review; replaced short links with full URLs; added this English version (the page was previously in Chinese only).
