Or, save significant dough by choosing Talon 3 – it boasts similar components to Talon 2, and is otherwise specced to reliably take on any XC terrain, trails, or roads. Riders and reviewers of Talon noted the efficient big-name component group, sleek looks achieved by internal cable routing, and cool frame color graphics. Overall light-weight and quick, confident handling were also mentioned, as was the plushness of the SR Suntour suspension fork. Riders of all three models appreciated the Maxxis tires, citing them as normally not specced on such economical MTBs. 100 mm of plush suspension travel up front – supplied by SR Suntour and RockShox forks – keeps you in control when things get rough.
it does not feel well suited for it, but its what I have and if i can just get a lower gear I can get by for now and can upgrade in a couple of years. There were no cost effective options in these parts for months so I bit the bullet on something that I could get my hands on to bike with my kids for a while. New bike is 1 x 8 with 32t front and Microshift rear components. Frame geometry is designed to optimise the balance and roll-over capabilities of 29-inch wheels or the liveliness of 27.5-inch wheels . There’s still 100mm of travel unless you opt for the XS or S size 29er bike. The drivetrain is a 1×10 configuration that’s mostly from Shimano’s Deore stable and pairs a 30t Prowheel chainset with a 11x42t cassette.
I’m splitting hairs here, but small compromises like this help keep the price of the Talon 29 2 so low. This performance level frame material features 6061 alloy with single-butted tubes to produce strong, lightweight framesets for a variety of different bikes and riding styles. The RockShox XC30 fork is a coil spring fork, so it doesn’t buffer bumps in the same refined manner as an air spring fork.
The ride was harsh at times as I went full speed through rock gardens and over big roots. But the bike never faltered, despite being ridden hard through highly technical trails that most beginner riders wouldn’t consider attempting. A light and lively feel belied its 29 pounds, the extra heft was hardly noticeable in the woods. What was noticeable was the level of enjoyment I was getting from a $750 mountain bike. If the price is in your budget and you’re feeling dirt-curious, this bike is a great ticket to a lifetime of off-road adventures. Take heed though, these addictions have a way of growing.
Multiple adjustments allow you to fine-tune your ride to your preferences and terrain. Tektrohydraulic disc brakes are some of the best and most popular giant mountain in the dirt, so we are glad to see them included on all three build levels. bought the 2015 Talon 0, 27.5 while stationed in Korea and do not regret it.
Don’t need the 3×9 setup as I rarely get out of the 2nd chain ring. I recommend this for anyone who doesn’t have thousands to drop on a bike and is either a beginner or getting back into mtb. Shitty fork, Shitty, transmission, Shitty wheels, the bike can’t handle any format of technical trail without something breaking. The Maxxis branded Ardent Race MTB tires impressed us during the test ride. The 27.5”x 2.20” tires were heavily treaded with bulky buttons and covered the edges as well. These tires were fast rolling on flatter surfaces and could handle rough patches with ease.