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Giant’s Spinoff Brand Momentum Wants you to ‘Move Happy’ with their New Cruiser Bikes

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Momentum bikes, two riders
Momentum is a new brand of lifestyle bikes that wants people to ‘move happy’ on their comfortable and convenient cruisers. Rising from under the umbrella of Giant Bicycles, Momentum is bringing their parent company’s expertise in a new direction with a line of affordable, fun and functional urban bikes.

The brand seeks to produce stylish bikes with elegant designs that are comfortable and easy to ride, and feature a few interesting touches to help you move through your daily life…

Momentum iNeed Street, blue and bronze
Momentum is starting out with a small lineup of two models – The iNeed Street (above) and the iWant Park, which are not surprisingly named on the basis that you might need one for work purposes and the other you’ll just want for cruising on the weekends.

The iNeed Street has a classic cruiser look and is outfitted for urban commuting. Bike-to-work types will appreciate the sturdy rear carrier rack (with pannier bag mounts and cargo straps included), frame-integrated U-lock carrier, bell, kickstand, and color-matched chainguard to keep your dress pants grease free. And for those who can’t start their day without a caffeine fix, let’s not forget the cup holder built right into the top tube. (But does it fit a beer for after work!?)

Momentum iNeed Street, chainguard and lock carrier Momentum iNeed Street, cup holder Momentum iNeed Street, bag mounts

On the technical side, the iNeed Street has an aluminum frame designed to provide an upright riding position. The bike rides on 700c wheels with Giant alloy double-wall rims and Kenda 700×32 Kwick Roller puncture-resistant tires. The iNeed Street is equipped with a Shimano Revo grip shift connected to a 7-speed rear cassette.

The fork is made from chromoly, and the rest of the component build is primarily comprised of price-point no-name alloy parts like the handlebar, quill style stem, seat post, pedals, cranks, and cantilever V-brakes. The iNeed Street comes with a coil spring seat for comfortably bouncing over potholes.

Momentum iNeed Street, midstep frame

The iNeed Street comes in three frame sizes and with two different shaped top tubes. The Double Diamond style maintains the traditional frame shape it’s named after, with a straight top tube that sits fairly horizontal. The Mid-Step models (like the one above) feature a top tube that kinks downwards for better clearance and easier mounting/dismounting.

Momentum’s iNeed Street is available in five colors- The Mid-step model comes in either Red/Pearl White or Blue/White, and the Double Diamond model comes in Black/White, Blue/Bronze or Matte Green/Orange.

Momentum iWant Park, side
The iWant Park model is designed as a fun cruiser for easy going pleasure rides. Its frame design puts the rider into a comfortable laid-back, foot-forward position and places the handlebars up high. The iWant Park comes in only one frame style, which features a prominently downsloped top tube with low standover height.

Like the iNeed Street, the iWant Park has an integrated chainguard, bell, and kickstand for the rider’s convenience. It also shares some functional bits like the same 7-speed grip shift drivetrain and unbranded alloy componentry.

Momentum iWant Park, pedal position
In terms of differences, the iWant Park rides on 26” wheels with Giant’s double wall rims and 1.9” CST Zeppelin puncture resistant tires. It also uses a chromoly fork, but includes a different saddle with an integrated handle, and nylon anti-slip pedals instead of alloy platforms. The iWant Park comes in two frame sizes and four colors are available- Green, Black, Blue or Orange.

All models of the iWant Park and iNeed Street retail for $425, and are available at Giant Bicycles’ retail partners worldwide. Check out Momentum’s website for full build specs and sizing info.

pedalmomentum.com

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Dave B
Dave B
9 years ago

I suppose these will be attractive sellers but why the new brand name? Are these going to be sold in big-box stores and Giant doesn’t want to damage their “serious” bike dealers by calling them Giants?

Paul
Paul
9 years ago

Congrats to Giant on bringing new product at a price point which Local Bike Shops have had a gap.

The style is new, not retro.

The price is lower than what the bike shop brands have been able to offer.

This should bring customers into LBS and away from big box.

Not generally a Giant fan, but well done.

Paul

Remi
Remi
9 years ago

It was endearing when Electra had the Townie. I’m sure this is a good move from Giant to capture some of the “lifestyle” market… But the use of “i” in front of the bike’s name is questionable. Isn’t that trademarked by Apple? (anyone speak legalese?) Beyond trademark issues, the bikes look like pretty terrible. Those bikes should probably be named “iWill Hit My Knees on that Cup Holder” And “iWon’t be able to replace that rack if there’s shipping damage.”

Fab Ordonez
Fab Ordonez
8 years ago
Reply to  Remi

As far as I know you have to ship them to an official distributor to have them built. So if there is a shipping problem, they’ll know on the build. The rack is super strong and won’t have to be replaced like thos cheap aluminum ones that are accessories. [deleted] The cup holder doesn’t even come close to your knees. I own carbon fiber race bikes, 29ers, vintage bikes and a 26″mtb. NONE ARE REMOTELY AS COMFORTABLE AS THIS MOMENTUM iStreet. [deleted] I found it a better ride that the Brooklyn Bike Driggs 7, which is $200 more.

dr_lha
dr_lha
9 years ago

@Remi: No the generic use of “i” before a word is not, can cannot be, trademarked by Apple, unless they want to try to trademark the entire dictionary.

Patrick
Patrick
9 years ago

26″ is back!!

Jack
Jack
9 years ago

DUI just got a whole lot more stylish!

Derek
Derek
9 years ago

For this price, these bikes seem really hard to beat.

I’m really confused if this is related to the Momentum magazine, which is a magazine about bikes of a similar style.

feldy
feldy
9 years ago

To paraphrase “Dodgeball”:

Out bikes have shareholders, your bikes don’t even have cupholders!

MikeC
MikeC
9 years ago

Cheap price = low margin and some accessories — rack, fenders, cup holder — are already included. Maybe upsell helmet, lock, and lights, but these things are not bike shop staying in business friendly…

Gunnstein
Gunnstein
9 years ago

iWant internal hub gear, internal hub brakes, and dynamo lighting. Hard to get at that price point though.

MissedThePoint
MissedThePoint
9 years ago

If I see someone riding one of these with a coffee in it, I’m gonna roll up beside them and do wheelies, and gesture to them to try to do one too.

JR
JR
9 years ago

@Paul,

Trek has a bike for $379 that is spec’ed nicer. Anyone can touch $425.

Jon
Jon
9 years ago

“No the generic use of “i” before a word is not, can cannot be, trademarked by Apple, unless they want to try to trademark the entire dictionary.”

Not sure about that, call them EasyRide and Easygroup will be onto you. There’s a link that’s been established by prior trademarks and that counts for something, legally at least.

I like these bikes, nice to see more focus on bikes for just getting around.

Derek
Derek
9 years ago

@JR, which model are you talking about? The FX? That doesn’t come with a rack, fenders, chainguard or kick stand. It does come with a triple. I wouldn’t say that the Trek is better for everyone or even most.

Craig
Craig
9 years ago

Here’s my take on this: If these bikes get someone into bike riding then that’s great. A shop may not make much money initially, maybe none at all from a net profit perspective, but in my experience having sold thousands of bikes over many years, cheap bikes do a few things.

1) These bikes are what I would call, “people in the door bikes”. If they help to attract people into a bike shop then that’s great. From there it’s up to the shop to get the sale, even if it’s not for that bike.

2) If someone buys a cheap bike and ends up enjoying riding they often upgrade in a few years to a better bike. Whether it’s a road bike, MTB, commuter, whatever. If they enjoy biking they invariably end up thinking, “I like this, I might get an even better bike to be faster, or more comfortable, more practical for my needs, more stylish, or whatever…”. It’s important that the shop sales person points out what the cheap bike won’t do well so that the customer understands that if they don’t enjoy biking due to one of the bikes many compromises then they may wish to come back and buy that better bike later on. In this respect these Momentum bikes create a unique opportunity for customer relationship developing with non-bike riders to work on converting them to be regular bike riders.

3) Cheap bikes need more servicing. Many people who buy a cheap bike won’t get it serviced often, but when they do these are often the type of bike that is easy to make workshop profit from.

Personally I don’t like the design of these bikes at all but they do make some good attempts at addressing several issues. And bike shops need cheap, stylish (that is stylish to non-bike riders) bikes to be able to transition these customers into a more active biking lifestyle and ultimately sell them more expensive bikes.

Allan
Allan
9 years ago

Just more target designs for Huffy and Schwinn to duplicate at $129 for Mr. Walmart.. But hey, the Townie lives strong in the iWant Park so it’s all about perspective. Wondering if Giant is angry Trek doesn’t bring all the Electra production to them so here’s Momentum for the U.S. market.

Dee
Dee
9 years ago

@JR: I have searched for Trek’s mysterious $379 bike that is spec’ed nicer. No luck finding it. the cheapest one was $489 without any of the features that come with the Momentum iNeed, which I just bought btw. In order to really have a bike meet your needs as an urban dweller, as corny as it may seem to some, you need to be able to carry things like coffee and groceries. I used mine for a early morning workout and then to carry cupcakes yesterday. Some of us aren’t avid, highly skilled riders or rolling in $, but we care about the environment. Bikes like these fill the gap, which is where we are.

Marcos terron
9 years ago

I just bought the street version in blue/brown… I was looking for a 150 beach cruiser but then I saw this and say I work hard let me enjoy myself a nice bike.. I only went by what the press had to say.. not to many reviews yet… it’s fast!!! Not your road bike fast.. and it’s nice to look at..

Jamie
Jamie
9 years ago

Those of you making comments about “cheap bikes”. …get over it! In a time where obesity has sky rocketed, who cares how much the bike costs! I personally bought the momentum ineed street 2 weeks ago and love it! I ride it to work and all along the bike trails around town. Before this bike I had a $300 schwinn. It too did the job for me. Not everyone needs to own a $2000 bike to get exercise.

Steve
Steve
9 years ago

Hooray, a bike I can ride without wearing a spandex unitard with sponsorship logos plastered all over.

Jill
Jill
9 years ago

I bought the street bike version a couple of weeks ago; I ended up switching out the seat for something a little wider and more comfy, but otherwise I am enjoying this bike. Since I just want something to tool around town on (I’m not looking to do any speed trials) this really fit the bill. I did 20 miles on it today at a leisurely pace and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Lynn
Lynn
9 years ago

In the bike shop I’m shopping at they have a S-Small, R-Regular and L-Large. Im not seeing the S on the website. I ordered the small but, now I’m second guessing myself. I can’t find the specs on a S. I’m 5’5″ and according to the website I should be on a R. Does anyone know why the specs for a S are not on the site? Anyone else have a S?

Lizzyrolls
Lizzyrolls
9 years ago

I rode the size regular, blue “I Need Street” Momentum a couple of times. It felt sturdy, comfortable, fit great, and had a zesty ride. I think the price is a good deal, esp. since it’s utility design has many commuter requirements built in. This is a bike designed around people’s needs. I thought the step-through model colors very attractive. [The men’s version colors are a bit dull, but that’s just my opinion.]

Lynette callaghan
Lynette callaghan
8 years ago

Just purchased this bike and great to ride and totally comfortable.I ride for exercise n fun and this bike ticks the boxes at a great price.

Mike S.
Mike S.
8 years ago

Bought this bike yesterday after excessive (on my part research and comparison). The deciding factor: It just looks so cool in a retro sort of way. It’s also quick and has a very nice ride. Test rode it in a strong wind and it rides so much nicer than my old road bike. Can’t wait to really put some miles on it.

Herb
Herb
8 years ago

I have had this bike for a year, it has been spectacular. No complaints. I shopped all the major brands and once I saw this bike it was far less expensive and came with a lot of “add ons.” I think the built in bike rack that is part of the frame adds a lot of stability to the bike. I use to to commute to work 3 miles in Atlanta almost every day.

KORAY KOYUNPINAR
KORAY KOYUNPINAR
7 years ago
Reply to  Herb

Hi Herb, happy to hear you like this bike 🙂 I am also considering to get one but I could not be sure about its weight. Normally this kind of city bikes are too heavy. Do you know how much it weighs?

Tino F
Tino F
8 years ago

A pity this bike isn’t available in Europe. Does anyone know if Giant has plans to sell it in Europe? I can’t even buy it online and get it delivered. Thanks

Thom
Thom
7 years ago

I have the iPark, and like it very much.My background in biking is long, dating since the ’70s when I rode “10 speeds”, various road and MTBs and worked in many bike shops over the years. I have worked with and been, a bike snob. Eventually, neck pain took its toll, and I no longer can ride drop bars or even flat bars without excruciating pain. I like riding recumbents, but they are expensive and complicated. Various financial and time constraints had me choose this bike. On sale for $360, just over half the price of the equivalent Electra. For short rides of 10-15 miles, the iPark works well for me because of the very upright position. There are several issues with the bike as delivered. The saddle is too hard and narrow. A crank forward bike can have a much wider saddle without chafing, Momentum chose not to exploit that feature. The mega range freewheel sucks, because of that stupid “double jump” between the two lowest gears. WTF is that about? Every bike I’ve ever had I haven’t needed a low gear two steps lower. The rear derailleur is just a bit better than reaching down with a pair of pliers to pull the chain over a gear. I’m constantly fiddling with the cable tension while riding to quiet things a bit. At first I thought the cup holder was the stupidest thing ever, after the first several rides, I think it is very cool, a good place for phone or glasses if riding smooth pavement! The crankset pictured on the website is much better quality than the crank that came on the bike.

Some guy named Dave
Some guy named Dave
7 years ago

A quick review of the 2017 Street model: We recently rented three of these for a ride from St. Pete to Tarpon Springs, Florida, and back the next day. From shop to hotel in Tarpon Springs, including a small navigational misunderstanding, was just under 80 miles round trip. There is a fairly nice rail trail, marred by a few stretches with way too many closely spaced stop signs.

I found the riding position natural and quite comfortable. I am 5’7″ tall with short legs and long torso and long arms. My wife, who is about 5’2″ found the version with the curved top tube to be fairly comfortable.

All three of us (2 male, 1 female) thought the seats were terrible after the first ten miles, so add in the cost of a seat or at least a gel cover if you’re going to ride it on a long commute or a day tour. After 80 miles, we were ready to sit in ice to numb the pain.

These aren’t exactly high-performance bikes, but that’s not what you expect. Two of us thought the bike was a bit heavy, I didn’t notice because my main bike is an old mountain bike I modified for commuting; with fenders, rack, bag, bell, lock, lights, etc., close to 35 lb, and I’m used to riding hills. D and R normally ride much lighter bikes and don’t ride up hills as much..

You might want to replace the pedals so you can use toe clips for a bit more performance on your morning commute. Carry a wrench because it does not have QR hubs. Maybe you could get big wingnuts like European bikes in the 1950s and earlier.

One writer above objected to the big step between 1st and 2nd. Didn’t bother me, but I only used 1st a couple of times, on steep overpasses trying to match the speed of a slower member of the party.

The red bike had bare aluminum rods for the pannier attachment, but the blue ones had painted bars, which would most likely start to look bad once the pannier hooks would scratch them. Apparently they didn’t think that through all the way.

The bikes we used were on their maiden voyage, and needed some loose screws tightened up, and brake cables adjusted. One came from the factory with the front brake not toed-in properly, so it shrieked.

I have some concern about the durability of some components, not an issue for occasional use, but could be one for frequent commuter use.

3 stars out of 5. With a decent saddle, that would be 4 stars. With higher-end, more durable (but more expensive) derailleur and such, I might consider 5. I would not buy one for myself because I have steep hills, unless I retire and move to Florida.

doyle estes
doyle estes
7 years ago

I bought my INeed street bike last March 2016, I love the bike but have had problems with the spokes on the rear wheel, I broke 4 coming home from a 16 mile ride and had it repaired at the shop where I bought it, I got it home and bang, another spoke broke and another was so loose it was ridiculous – when I got back home I checked all the spokes and had to tighten up a lot more and stopped riding it. The bike has sat in my garage since last September because
I want to have all the spokes replaced. I have other bikes to ride so it just sits now, waiting fro the time til I take it back to the shop.

Ken Klauss
Ken Klauss
6 years ago

I did a lot of research when I was looking for a new bike. I really liked the iNeed Street and went to a local bike shop to see and ride it. I loved it and bought a red mid-step frame model. I have owned it now for about three months and I’m thrilled with my choice. It is the perfect bike for me and I get comments about it practically every time I ride it.

Ken
Ken
5 years ago

Bought Street version in 2018. Biggest complaint: no pannier under $150 will work for me because my size 10.5 shoe heel kicks the pannier. Beware, the pannier mounting bars on these bikes are too low and/or too far forward for bigger feet. Fortunately the bars are removable (2 screws each), so perhaps I will rig up some kind of adapter or make an entirely new bar because I’m a cheapskate which is why I bought this bike in the first place!

Juan
Juan
4 years ago

When could we buy momentum bikes from Europe. I’d like to have them available in Spain.

Jim
Jim
3 years ago

Does anyone have a Momentum beach cruiser for sale? I had a pair fall off of my Jeep bike carrier on NJ Parkway and lost both…

Rebop Kwakuba
Rebop Kwakuba
7 months ago

I just bought a used, 2019 Street in red and absolutely love it! I ride mostly to local shops and also nearby trails in the woods, so no fast cross-country work needed here. The bike is very comfortable, smooth and easy shifting, (compared to my vintage Motobecane Mixte). The integral rack, chainguard and cupholder mean no rattles. This was a senior-owned bike and looks brand new, with no wear or scratches. The best part was finding this $500 bike for $225 used!

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