2021 Giant Talon 2?
09-21-21, 11:16 AM
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2021 Giant Talon 2?
Howdy folks, I have the opportunity to score a great deal on a new Giant Talon 2. I'd be using it twice a year out in Colorado for intermediate level trails, plus for the much more rinky-dink trails here in the flat Midwest. I've rented them before and found them to be perfectly adequate for my needs. I'm not doing jumps, drops, etc, just steep rocky uphills followed by steep rocky downhills. My only concern with this bike is the gearing; for 2021 the Talon 2 is going to a 1x with an 11-42 cassette. The ones I've rented in the past were 2xs with 22/36 in front and 11/36 in back, if memory serves correct. So, my main question is, how much of a loss of climbing power does the 2021's gearing incur over the previous 2x setup? Uphills are the big challenge for me out in CO, what with the thinner air and my middle-aged (but fit) status.
Any other input or opinions on the bike would be most welcome. Thanks as always. Bike is linked below.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/talon-2
Any other input or opinions on the bike would be most welcome. Thanks as always. Bike is linked below.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/talon-2
09-21-21, 11:27 AM
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I have a 26/36 with 11/42t 11 speed on my carbon frame Felt, 29" wheels. 26/42 would be sufficient for pretty much any climb. i think you should be fine with a 30 or 32t ring (depending on which wheel size you are looking into) , but if we are talking about very crazy hills, it can prove to be slightly challenging. 30t might spin you out going down the hills, but you wouldnt need to be going any faster for safeties sake.
I would prefer 27.5 for climbing, acceleration/braking/handling response. it should work better for your needs. only thing to note is that low end suntour fork. Never liked them. heavy, slow response, not very good dampening. You might want to replace it with an air fork if you get this bike.
I would prefer 27.5 for climbing, acceleration/braking/handling response. it should work better for your needs. only thing to note is that low end suntour fork. Never liked them. heavy, slow response, not very good dampening. You might want to replace it with an air fork if you get this bike.
09-21-21, 11:32 AM
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I have a 26/36 with 11/42t 11 speed on my carbon frame Felt, 29" wheels. 26/42 would be sufficient for pretty much any climb. i think you should be fine with a 30 or 32t ring (depending on which wheel size you are looking into) , but if we are talking about very crazy hills, it can prove to be slightly challenging. 30t might spin you out going down the hills, but you wouldnt need to be going any faster for safeties sake.
I would prefer 27.5 for climbing, acceleration/braking/handling response. it should work better for your needs. only thing to note is that low end suntour fork. Never liked them. heavy, slow response, not very good dampening. You might want to replace it with an air fork if you get this bike.
I would prefer 27.5 for climbing, acceleration/braking/handling response. it should work better for your needs. only thing to note is that low end suntour fork. Never liked them. heavy, slow response, not very good dampening. You might want to replace it with an air fork if you get this bike.
09-21-21, 11:42 AM
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Yeah, I've ridden both 27.5 and 29 out in CO and I prefer 27.5 so that's what I would go with. Given the limitations of this bike, I was wondering if it was worth buying at all, deal or no, or if I'd be better off just continuing to rent when I go out there and keep riding my GT back home here in the Midwest.
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03-28-22, 02:34 PM
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Dear Talon owners - if you don't mind can you scale your model and post how much it weights? Giant doesn't post any weight stats officially.
