In fact, the Stance 2 would do really well with a few select upgrades. Hydroforming is also one of Giant’s trademarks, and is used across every tube on the front triangle. In this case, Giant has placed the main pivot fairly low on the frame and just forward of the bottom bracket.
But when it comes down to it, the Stance is way more capable and fun than a hardtail on rougher trails, and price wise that’s what it’s competing against. Giant has chosen Suntour for the suspension components on the Stance 2. The 130mm of front wheel travel is controlled by a Suntour Raidon 34 fork. This fork has 34mm stanchions and beefier chassis than the RockShox Recon forks often found on budget bikes. This fork works surprisingly well on the front of this bike and provides pretty good small bump compliance, adequate mid-stroke support, and a progressive ramp-up at the end of the stroke. It doesn’t feel like a high-end fork by any means, but we found it hard to complain.
Giant’s 150mm Contact Switch dropper post is lengthy enough for taller riders and gives the Stance 2 plenty of potential for fun rides. Even the twin-ring drivetrain has advantages, the new style front derailleur doing a pretty good job at keeping the chain in place. No mean feat given that the Shimano rear derailleur on the Giant does not sport a chain-stabilizing clutch to add tension to the lower portion of the chain. And with no chain stay protection, the Stance is every bit a loud as it is fun to ride. With all of the revisions Giant has transformed the Stance 2 from a timid XC bike into a rowdy trail slayer. The riding position and geometry are dialled, the cockpit is sorted and the supple response from the balance suspension gives you the confidence to really motor.
Air suspension is lightweight and highly adjustable for different rider weights. Designed with trail-friendly geometry, the new Stance E+ 2 Power helps beginner or intermediate riders experience off-road E-bike riding at its best. Its lightweight, strong and stiff ALUXX SL aluminum frame with FlexPoint suspension makes tricky single-track trails easier to ride. At just $2,399 AUD, it comes in at a whole grand cheaper than the entry-level Trance 29.
For your inside leg measurement, stand against a wall and using a book hold it in between your legs into your groin and make sure it’s flat against the wall. If your height is on the cusp of the size range, your reach is often the deciding giant mountain factor in which size to go for. To find out if you have short or long reach you will need to measure your ape index. If you have a positive ape index then go for the larger size, or if you have a negative ape index go for a smaller size.
Thanks to a combination of the efficient Maestro dual-link suspension design, versatile geometry and a value-oriented build kit, the Trance has earned favour with many riders giant KIDS BIKES for many years. Indeed the latest model is one of our favourite short-travel trail rippers. It’s a great bike for riders who want a capable yet affordable trail bike.