Giant Talon
The Giant Talon is based around an all-new trail frame designed in the UK which comes loaded with the latest tech. If you’re looking for a long-term upgrade platform, the chassis and handling character make it a cracking option. However as a complete bike the Talon suffers significantly from its low-grade fork and brake spec.
Engineered for better control and increased comfort on the trail. The all-new Talon 29er’s responsive ALUXX aluminum frame is designed with specific geometry to optimize its 29-inch wheels. The larger-diameter wheels roll over obstacles with greater ease, improve your traction and help you keep your momentum on the trail.
Frame : ALUXX-Grade Butted aluminum
Handlebar : Giant Sport, Low rise 31.8mm, Alloy
Stem : Giant Sport, Alloy
Seatpost : Giant Sport, Alloy, 30.9
Shifters : SRAM X5 Trigger
This Best-Selling Giant Talon tend to SELL OUT VERY FAST!!
Ride & handling: With a better fork this would be a sorted trail hardtail
Two components really blunt the Talon’s claws. The Giant Root brakes are wooden and uncommunicative, and really need a 180mm rotor up front for proper bite. It’s the RockShox Dart 2 fork that really spoils the ride though – clunking, twanging and jarring badly in situations where the Tora forks found on other bikes at this price still feel okay.
Two components really blunt the Talon’s claws. The Giant Root brakes are wooden and uncommunicative, and really need a 180mm rotor up front for proper bite. It’s the RockShox Dart 2 fork that really spoils the ride though – clunking, twanging and jarring badly in situations where the Tora forks found on other bikes at this price still feel okay.
The inferior fork performance is noticeable because the ride position and handling is so sorted, which makes the Talon a bike you naturally want to push hard in challenging terrain. The good news is that if you upgrade the fork you’ll immediately be able to appreciate the frame.
Its combination of outstandingly accurate tracking and power placement yet surprisingly compliant and comfortable rear would shame a lot of frames that cost nearly as much as this complete bike.
Though fitted with a 100mm-travel Dart, the geometry will easily accommodate a 120mm fork or even a longer adjustable travel unit. Slap on a bigger front brake rotor and you’ll suddenly have a top-class trail weapon on your hands.
Though fitted with a 100mm-travel Dart, the geometry will easily accommodate a 120mm fork or even a longer adjustable travel unit. Slap on a bigger front brake rotor and you’ll suddenly have a top-class trail weapon on your hands.