Intro
6 Best Giant full-suspension mountain bike, Full suspension mountain bikes provide greater comfort and traction on rough terrain, but tend to be heavier and require more maintenance compared to hardtail models.
Built around Giant’s ALUXX SL aluminium frame, the 2022 Reign 29 1 features Fox 32 Float SC Performance fork and GRIP damping, shifting is managed using Shimano SLX components including MT501 levers and callipers and it rolls on Giant’s own XCT wheels with Maxxis Rekon tyres – perfect!
Trance Advanced Pro 29 1
The Trance Advanced Pro 29 1 is packed with features, not least its Fox Live Valve suspension system with 130mm travel. While this works very well, initial setup must be carefully attended to in order to achieve maximum benefit from it.
In particular, “Firm” doesn’t fully lock out suspension but allows more aggressive climbs to seek traction instead.
Giant’s Trance V4 is their most progressive to date, featuring geometry tailored to prioritize descending proficiency over climbing prowess.
But it still makes an ideal option for riders searching for an aggressive short travel trail bike to tackle blue/intermediate trails with ease – thanks to its agile frame design and outstanding components (Lyrik Ultimate fork, Super DLX rear shock, Praxis Girder carbon crankset, Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain and Deore XT trail four-piston brakes).
Trance Advanced Pro 29 2
Giant has updated the Trance for 2022 with updates that place more of an emphasis on climbing than descending, thanks to its beefier chassis, additional travel and more aggressive specifications like tubeless-ready Maxxis Minion DHF/Aggressor tires and smart features like its massive head tube junction and boxy downtube hiding internal storage; yet with low BB spacing (in our XL test bike’s case 170- or 200mm drop TranzX post), this bike remains capable of descents too.
Live Valve is an invaluable performance enhancer and significantly expands the Trance’s versatility. Not only does it smooth out rough climbs, but its responsive feel also helps cut seconds off our best times up pitted fire roads and steeper trail sections.
Anthem 29 1
Giant’s Anthem 29er wheel size and 100mm travel XC racer boasts an uncompromising 29er wheel size for maximum XC performance. Constructed with ALUXX SL double-butted aluminum, its Maestro suspension system now includes trunnion mounting to further decrease shock leverage ratio for improved pedalling efficiency.
A one-piece carbon swingarm saves 160g when compared with its alloy counterpart, while its forged composite rocker link powers a trunnion-mounted shock that features sealed cartridge bearings for improved anti-squat performance and responsive pedalling performance. Its one-piece construction also helps save weight.
At the forefront is a Fox Step Cast fork with 100mm of smooth travel, and Giant’s Live Valve technology, allowing for instant suspension adjustments with just the press of a button. In addition, Giant Contact handlebar, saddle, and stem complete this build kit.
Stance 29 2
A versatile trail bike with 125mm of rear travel, the Stance is an economical and responsive choice that won’t punish poor line choices like some more racey designs would. Marzocchi suspension provides comfortable yet responsive performance on rough sections while its rear shock can absorb off-camber hits while conforming around ledges. Although not responsive when climbing or on technical trails, its lack of response doesn’t penalize as much when taking turns off trail or changing terrain than more racey models would.
The frame features a tapered zero-stack head tube and press-fit bottom bracket shell that performed exceptionally during testing, both of which performed perfectly as planned. Instead of choosing Giant’s more complicated rear thru-axle system, which features single pivot platform alloy seatstays that flex slightly when the suspension travels through its travel, Giant went with their simpler FlexPoint system instead – saving weight as well as money when it comes time for parts and assembly costs.
Shimano Deore 1×10-Speed drivetrain was effortless during our test rides. Tubeless tyres included with this package were great at providing optimal balance of traction and speed on our trails.
Talon 3
Make yourself feel at home on the trail with balanced and confident handling combined with a plush suspension fork on this aluminum hardtail designed for aspiring cross country riders. Push through climbs before letting loose on descents!
This bike features an ALUXX-grade aluminum frame with increased lateral stiffness available in sleek Black or vibrant Yellow colors, featuring Shimano components and an SR Suntour XCT 30 fork to ensure reliable performance.
Internal gear cables reduce maintenance, while hydraulic disc brakes enhance stopping.
Giant Connect Trial Handlebar provides a comfortable riding experience with its long reach and 7 degree stem angle, helping riders attain an open chested riding posture more easily.
Talon 5
The Talon 5 hardtail mountain bike offers a safe ride to enhance off-road skills. Built with lightweight ALUXX aluminum and classic hardtail geometry, it supports 29″ or 27.5″ wheels for optimal performance.
This frame features a slanted top tube to put riders into an aggressive riding position, combined with the Suntour XCE 100mm front fork for excellent trail control and confidence-inducing riding performance.
Our test model featured Tektro HDC300 hydraulic disc brakes, which proved responsive and powerful; however, they produced some noise and vibration when coming into contact with the rim. With 27.5-inch tires gripping well on varying terrain and 3×10 drivetrain options providing plenty of climbing options, the only drawback may be no lever reach adjustment on shifters for riders with smaller hands.
