Maestro has an edge in pedaling efficiency and braking performance, but the Flexpoint proved capable in our testing and handled all the rocks and roots we came across. It even looks cool—it has great lines, and the paint scheme is simple and modern. Giant believes the Giant/Liv/Momentum retailer is an essential part of the cycling foundation.
The new Stance 29 sets the rider up in a comfortable climbing position. The top tube and reach are moderate in length and you feel neither cramped nor stretched out when seated and climbing. Even during out of the saddle efforts, giant KIDS BIKES there was minimal pedal bob, especially when compared to the Hawk Hill 1. There is no compression damping/climb switch on the low-end Suntour Raidon R rear shock, though testers never really found it to be an issue.
The Stance 29 2 is new for 2020—Giant has had a Stance 27.5 model for several years now, but this is the first year it gets bigger wheels. Due to COVID-19 and continued supply chain disruptions it may take 3-7 business days before your order ships and you receive a shipment confirmation. Most shipments leave our warehouse within 48 hours of placing an order. Once your order has shipped a tracking number will be e-mailed to you with a delivery estimate. Free Shipping Promotion We’re happy to offer FREE shipping on orders over $75 within the continental United States. For example bikes, wheels, trainers, indoor bikes, car racks, etc. see your shopping cart for more details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most of the cockpit is comfortable and modern, except for the fixed-length seat post. This is a new addition to SRAM’s drivetrain lineup and it is quite impressive to see a bike in this price range come with a 12-speed/Eagle drivetrain. It has an tooth cassette paired giant mountain with a 30-tooth front chainring giving it by far the biggest range and easiest climbing gear of all the models in this test. Giant chose Shimano MT200 brakes for the Stance 2 and they worked well enough for slowing and stopping this bike once they broke in.
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 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.