The neutral riding position and wide tires make the Stance 2 feel comfortable almost immediately. The suspension paired with the wide tires keep the ride feeling smooth and the bike feels stable and planted through choppy terrain. The Stance 29 we tested has what Giant refers to as 29-specific trail geometry. We measured our size large test bike and found that has a 1200mm wheelbase, a 622mm effective top tube, and 448mm reach. The head tube angle is 66.5 degrees and the seat tube measured 74.6 degrees.
Rather than putting extra pivots near the rear dropouts, the seat and chainstays are one piece. They are designed to flex slightly throughout the suspension travel—Giant has dubbed it the ‘FlexPoint’. In addition to reducing mechanical complexity, it also and serves to keep the price down and makes the frame lighter. Numbers wise the Stance sits somewhere between the Anthem and Trance.
This trait is less apparent in the granny ring but it’s best to remain seated and smooth on the pedals when you’re using the two larger chainrings. The Stance 2 is packing a lot of intuitive features that will aid any beginner or intermediate rider in their riding performance and capabilities. Before buying any trail bike, you need to take a close look at what you value most as it relates to reliability, versatility, design, and accessibility.
The Stance 2 comes outfitted with Maxxis Rekon 27.5×2.6 wide tires in the front while having Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5×2.6 wide tires on the back. The amount of traction added giant KIDS BIKES to the bike by way of these tires delivers a smooth ride regardless of where you are riding. The Stance 2 is considered an entry-level full-suspension mountain bike.
The product you have selected is currently out of stock in our warehouse but there may be a store in your area that has the product in stock. Ideally you want at least 2cm of clearance between you and the frame. It it worth measuring your inside leg with your shoes on so you can establish your stand over height. Should you need to jump off the saddle quickly, the clearance between you and the frame will prevent any injuries.
The Giant Stance 2 integrates a lot of unique elements that combine to deliver a robust and surprisingly stable ride through and through. One of the primary features of this bike that stood out to me was the premium quality ALUXX aluminum frame that is lightweight yet very durable. The fork on the Giant has fantastic small-bump sensitivity that generates lots of traction and control – the 15mm QR increasing steering precision, tracking and confidence even further. Having a dropper post dramatically improves ride quality as I can always ensure I’m in the best possible riding position. The added width gives more traction, a smoother ride, and can inspire confidence in new riders as the ride feels more stable, though the wider tires do incur a small weight penalty. The Stance 2’s wheels and tires come tubeless with sealant, a rare feature at this price.
Packing the perfect combination of grippy, rock-eating, plus-sized tires and smooth-riding suspension, Stance gives you more traction, more control and more fun. 27.5+ wheel and tire compatibility offers option for more added confidence and control on the trail. I was a little confused to see Boost hub spacing and a sturdy 15mm thru-axle on the front wheel, but a less sturdy 9mm axle with skewer and non-Boost spacing at the rear. It’s a minor thing, but having 148mm and 12mm thru-axle in the rear would have been nicer for a high performance mountain bike.
When the leaves start falling and the weather becomes more unpredictable, the Forekaster is the late-season tire of choice. I applaud giant for being able to hit that price point for full suspension but there are a lot of things you’re just not going to find on most modern full squish bikes. Maintain a steady spin in the granny ring and you’ll crest the climbs with minimal fuss—slow and steady is the best way up on the Stance. In regards to tire pressures- need to know your weight with riding gear, are you set up tubeless, and what size tires are you running to get you into a ballpark range.