We’ve criticised Giant in the past for dumbing down the build kit on its entry-level bikes, but no such complaint can be levied at the latest Stance 2. With wide 780mm handlebars, short 55mm stem and a 150mm dropper post, it has the best finishing kit in test. It also shows just how light the Stance frame really is, because dropper posts typically add 0.5kg to the overall weight of a bike.
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 giant mountain 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.
Weighing in at 54lbs, this full suspension eMTB is heavier than most… especially given the modest 500 watt hour battery capacity. It seems like most competitors in the same price range are in the low 50’s, but at least the 9.5lb battery pack is removable to make the bike easier to lift and transport on automobile racks. The locking core that secures the battery is up high, but on the non-drivetrain side of the bike… which is the side you should lay the bike down on to avoid damaging the sensitive derailleur. I feel that Giant and other companies should put their key slot on the right side of the frame. it’s super low, right in the path of the left crank arm, and the charging plug angles towards the spindle vs. away, so it’s very crowded and feels sloppy to me. The bike looks beautiful with the premium metallic paint and all-black accents.
When ascending, there’s little to no bob, whether you’re seated or standing up and mashing the pedals. Hop on the Stance and you’ll notice the upright riding position and relatively short cockpit. There’s nothing outlandish about the individual geometry figures, but as a package the bike makes you feel rather perched.
I used to live in Orlando and rode places like Santos and Mt Dora a lot, the Trance would just be a better overall bike. It’s still a good bike but the relative small price difference between the two the Trance is a better buy. The suspension design of the Trance is much better than that of the Stance as well. Unless some major technical innovation has taken place, there’s usually minimal changes year to year. The 2020 has a mostly SRAM drivetrain, whereas the 2021 is mostly Shimano. They both work, but some riders have a preference for one over the other A bike like this really begs for a dropper post.
This shock pairs well with the FlexPoint rear suspension platform to provide a plush yet supportive rear end. Our expectations for the performance of this shock were low and were easily exceeded. The shock has a rebound adjustment, but it does not have a compression damping/climb switch.
Smaller rocks seemed to disappear, and when racing through corners, the tires held traction even when the trail got loose. If you’re not planning on getting super gnarly then the Stance 2’s Suntour suspension will be adequate. But if you’re likely to ride bigger and more technical trails, the RockShox suspension on the Stance 1 will provide a smoother ride and give you more confidence, benefits that are well worth $200. The Suntour fork and shock handle choppy sections with small rocks with ease but when I rode in an area with larger obstacles the ride was noticeably rougher than with RockShox or Fox suspension parts .