Giant has some of the most incredible mountain bikes on the market, and for a reason, the company is the most popular in the world. It’s like Toyota in cars. Giant bikes lead in sales.
The advantage of buying popular bikes is that they are slightly affordable than bikes from other MTB brands on the same level, and also the spares are readily available.
Here’s a complete review of the Giant brand and its bikes
Best Giant Mountain Bikes
1. Giant Talon
Specs
- Fork: 100 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
- Bike Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail
Giant Talon 3 is an entry-level Giant MTB, and for some reason, most of us started here when we knew almost nothing about bikes. At the time, we thought, “why so much money for a bike?”
Talon comes in five different models, so you have a few options within the category. This is the type of bike to buy if you want to hit lighter trails, ride on the road, or run some errands.
Talon 0 is the most expensive bike in the category, and it has a higher-quality component combo than the other Talon bikes. It features a 1x drivetrain and an air fork. It runs on either 29 or 27.5 wheels, based on what you may choose.
The most affordable bike in the lot is the Talon 4, which is less than $500. These bikes are not suitable for bumpy terrain or rocky patch. Only ride them on soft terrain.
2. Giant Fathom
Specs
- Fork: 130 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
- Bike Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material:
- MTB Type: Aluminum XC
If you want to upgrade to a better hardtail than Talon but within the limits of Giant bicycles, there’s only one direction to look, and that’s Giant Fathom.
The Fathom is an entry-level hardtail with great features than the Talon. This is the bike to grab if you are a beginner and looking forward to representing your town in an XC race.
Despite the great features in a Fathom, it’s still one of the most affordable hardtails at its level.
There are four Fathom options, each model having 27.5” or 29” wheel options. The bikes also have a unique and slack geometry to make your riding even more enjoyable.
Fathom 1 leads the pack as the top range bike while Fathom 2, which is equally a great bike trail from behind in terms of cost.
One Fathom feature that has been around for quite some time now is the triple bottle cage sockets.
3. Giant XTC Advanced
Specs
- Fork: 100 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”
- Bike Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Carbon/Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail XC
One of the most expensive hardtails is the Giant XTC Advanced SL 29 0. It’s more expensive than most full suspensions, and you might wonder why.
The Giant XTC series are premium bikes. There are two carbon frame options and one aluminum frame. The carbon frames are only available from medium to extra-large, while the alloy option starts at small.
The Giant XTC series does not include a 27.5 wheeler. All bikes are 29ers. There were no many updates with the 2021 model. Hopefully, we will see something in 2022.
Giant XTC is an XC bike, and the 2020 update changed the bike’s geometry and helped reduce the frame weight.
For any rider who wants to explore the smooth trails or cross country adventure, this is the bullet you need in your gun.
The XTC is such a great climber that you will enjoy pushing uphill without breaking too much sweat.
However, this is not the right bike for the job when it comes to bumpy descents or technical trails. The bike comes with a dropper seat post as well.
4. Giant Anthem
Specs
- Fork: 100 mm travel
- Shock: 90 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”
- Bike Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full suspension XC
If you are looking for a competent cross country bike that will run over bumps without stressing your body, then Giant Anthem is the right bike for you.
It’s rather evident that 27.5” bikes don’t feature on the cross country races, and for that reason, all Anthems are limited to 29” wheels and no 650bs available.
This bike doubles up like a rocket over the singletrack, and some athletics would do anything to ride it. If you pedal quickly, there is no better bike for you like the Ginat Anthem.
The Anthem is also a proven trail bike for those who can control the pretty fast bike. Also, when you lock all the suspensions, the bike turns into a warhorse uphill and climbs effectively and beautifully.
If you fancy golden chains, the Anthem Advanced Pro 29 0 comes with one, but you’ll have to part with a lot of cash for the luxuries. All in all, the Anthem is a great ride.
5. Giant Stance
Specs
- Fork: 130 mm travel
- Shock: 120 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
- Bike Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Full Suspension Trail
It would be understandable if you didn’t consider the Giant Anthem as a proper full susser because of its shorter rear travel, but Giant would not be late to give you a variety of other options.
One of them would be the entry-level full-suspension bike, the Giant Stance. One of the greatest features of the Stance is its ability to fit plus-size tires, thus providing more traction and allowing the rider to ride their bike with much confidence.
The bike is incredibly first for the 29er, while the 27.5 is super flexible and takes turns quickly at high speeds.
Therefore, if you are on a tighter budget but looking for a trail bike that doubles up as a trail bike, the Stance is an excellent choice.
There are only two Stance bikes available, the 29er and the 27.5. The 29er is known as the Stance 29 2, and it gets the Giant love on the front fork with the custom Giant Crest 34 RCL air fork and a Suntour shock on the rear.
The Stance, as the 27.5”+ bike is known, gets the same love as the big brother. This particular model is fast and on bumpy and technical terrain. However, if you are looking for a relatively forgiving bike, aim higher and get a Giant Trance.
6. Giant Trance
Specs
- Fork: 130 mm travel
- Shock: 115 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”
- Bike Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full suspension Trail/XC
They call Trance Giant’s best Quiver Killer, while others consider the do-it-all model from Giant, and there’s no lie about that.
The Giant Trance is a serious bike in every sense, and you would shower the bike with praises if you rode it. The bike comes in two options, Trance and Trance X.
It’s one of the best bikes I’ve ever tested, and it maintains the fundamentals that make it a top-quality bike.
Even though it features a 115 mm travel on the rear, the bike feels like you are riding a 160 mm travel because of its slack head angle and long reach.
Giant says that the Trance is their most popular bike, and you can tell why. The bike’s geometry has been winning hearts, and it’s also available all over the world.
The Trance is a great climber, just like it conquers the steep descents. It’s fast on both soft and rugged terrain, and technical trails have nothing against the Trance.
This bike will let you have lots of fun at the bike park, and if you don’t get enough, knock yourself out in the trails.
Trance is also the bike that you can confidently take to an enduro race. If you are looking for disappointment with this bike, I’m sorry, you’ll get none.
7. Giant Reign
Specs
- Forks: 170 mm travel
- Shock: 146 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full Suspension Enduro/Trail
If you are looking for a Giant enduro bike for excitement like no other, it will be shooting yourself in the foot for taking another bike instead of the Giant Reign.
The latest model is even more aggressive than its predecessor, which means that Giant is dedicated to fulfilling your needs.
Reign is genuinely a special bike as it’s also unique as the only Giant bike that can give other athletes a run for their money on the endure trail.
This bike is the first on the list with a coil option, meaning a rider can upgrade from a standard shock to a coil shock and vice versa.
However, only one model in the Giant Reign series can do that, and it’s the Reign 29 SX or the Reign SX. The Reign SX runs on 27.5” wheels, also known as the 650b.
The Reign is the bike you deserve if you want a beast that is forgiving on the descents and capable of hitting them like there’s no tomorrow.
It’s the right bike for you if you’re an enduro enthusiast and not afraid of high speeds. The 29” wheels offer you a first rolling experience and more confidence over obstacles.
The 650b option gives you more confidence when cornering and making turns. All the Reigns come with a dropper post.
I know that’s a must-have, but the detail is in the model. The dropper posts, in this case, are the Giant Contact Switch Dropper that is convenient for your riding.
8. Giant Glory
Specs
- Forks: 200 mm travel
- Shock: 200 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
- Frame Size: S, M, L
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Full Suspension Downhill
Some people are not aware that Giant has a downhill model because it hasn’t been popular. The fact that it’s not popular on the fronts of downhill racing doesn’t mean that Glory is not capable.
It’s a race-ready machine with a solid frame and reliable parts. If you are starting as a downhiller, and want a supreme bike that hasn’t received the recognition it deserves, then the Giant Glory is the right bike, to begin with.
You never know. You could be the next world champion. The current champs look like you, and the manufacturer might throw all their support behind you if you lift their model to glory.
One of the champions to ride the Glory to victory was Danny Hart back in 2011 after the model debuted in 2006. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any significant updates on the new Glory.
The only thing that hasn’t changed is the bike’s desire to go fast, and it does have enough space behind the cockpit for the rider to move around with ease.
The Glory is going to be a bike you’ll fall in love with uncontrollably because of the silence. The only thing you’ll hear is yourself panting and gasping for air as you roll down the trail.
Warranty
All Giant bikes enjoy a lifetime warranty. However, all bikes bought in 2011 and earlier are not covered by it. For more information, consult your retailer to learn more about your warranty information.
Giant also offers a limited warranty for the frame, rigid fork, or original Giant components. All these are covered from defects and poor workmanship but for a specific period.
All bikes except bikes of gravity or for downhill purposes have a lifetime warranty. These types of frames only get a warranty for three years. Rigid forks get a ten-year-long warranty from the purchase date.
Giant branded wheels, and seat posts get two years of warranty. Any paint issues and decals, suspension forks, rear shocks, rear shock linkages, and all similar components that are not Giant branded get a one-year warranty.
These warranties come with terms and conditions. They only apply to the first buyer and not the third party.
The warranty also covers bikes bought and assembled at the authorized retailer. The warranty replaces the parts with those of equal value or greater.
The warrant takes effect immediately after you purchase the bike, and it’s not transferable.
However, Giant does not take responsibility for any consequential or accidental damages, including any personal injury caused by property damage or any other results.
What the Warranty Doesn’t Cover
- Normal wear and tear on chains, tires, cables, brakes, gearwheels, and any defects unassociated with assembly and material defects.
- Any modifications to the initial condition of the bike.
- Bikes serviced by an unauthorized Giant retailer.
- A bike used for a different purpose than what it was designed for.
- Damages as a result of failure to follow the user manual.
- Paint scratches resulting from crashes, jumping, competing, or exposing your bike to natural conditions.
- Replacement or changeover costs.
All claims should be made through the authorized Giant retailer, where the bike was bought. The purchase receipt must be provided as proof before the claim is processed.
After-Sales Service
Giant Bicycles have responsive customer care ready to receive your queries at any time. You should first register your bike on the Giant, Liv, or Momentum website for easier tracking of your bike.
Remember to print your registration form upon registering your bike for you to have a written record.
Giant believes that you should not ride with a damaged helmet that was involved in a crash. Once you crash, your helmet’s quality is affected.
The company offers a Helmet Crash Replacement Program active in the first two years from the purchase date.
They also offer a 30-Day return policy to all items, including bikes and apparel bought online through click and collect.
The History of Giant
Giant Bicycles is a company in Taiwan that was founded in 1972 by King Liu. It started by manufacturing equipment and components for other bicycle brands such as Schwinn.
The company was so successful that they decided to go on their own. In 1981, they launched their first bikes, which became popular in Taiwan. But now, Giant manufactures its bikes across the globe, including various European countries.
Giant built iconic models in the following years, including the Cadex 980, the 90s ATX One DH downhill bike, and a tapered head tube technology in 2006.
When the Covid pandemic hit hard in 2020, the demand for bikes skyrocketed because of the need to social distance and avoid buses and trails. Giant was one of the companies that sold the most bikes during that period.
Wrapping Up
The limited warranty and the quality of Giant’s bike are reasons enough to own one of their bikes. They have the best bike for your type of riding. If you have any queries, let us know.
