Testers found this moderate reach to be quite comfortable on the descents while the 67-degree head tube angle and big 29-inch wheels inspired the confidence to roll down just about anything in its path. Don’t get us wrong, this isn’t a super hard-charging bike on the descents, but with a calculated approach, we found that it’s capable and fun while taming most trails. I was surprised that the bike isn’t setup with a seat post dropper, especially given the high quality of the frame and other components. I’ve gotten very used to these for mountain biking and feel that they are worth having, especially for full suspension models. While they do add a bit of weight, the bike is already heavier than average. At this price, simplistically shaped heavy gauge tubes would be entirely passable but the Stance offers much more.
If you’re beginner to intermediate, this bike is suprisingly good for it’s cost. If you’re planning on sending off huge jumps at your local bike park, it riding very fast rough downhill singletrack look for something else. BUT if you want a casual bike that can climb and have loads if fun shredding downhill sections, maybe this is for you. It’s not a $3000 bike, but still very functional and fun for someone looking to improve their skills.
Despite the lower sticker price, Giant has brought in many of the hot-ticket items. You get Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, air-adjustable suspension, a 1×12 SRAM Eagle drivetrain, and tubeless-compatible wheels and tyres. There’s no giant ROAD BIKES dropper post as standard, but the frame is ready to fit one. Wider than standard yet narrower than fat, plus-size rims and tires hit the sweet spot in grip, stability, and speed, giving you more confidence on technical terrain.
Stance 29 gets you in sync with the terrain, so you can ride with more confidence and have more fun. The lightweight and durable ALUXX aluminum frame features Giant’s giant mountain FlexPoint rear suspension system for a smooth, balanced ride that keeps you in control. It gives you 120mm of smooth suspension travel in the rear and 130mm up front.
With the assistance of a SyncDrive Sport motor the Stance-E+ 2 laughs its way up hills boasting 360% of tuneable power and 70Nm of torque. Tune your assistance levels, track your rides, make the most out of the 500wh frame integrated battery, and much more through Giants Ride Control app. The firm and high-riding fork clashes with the pillowy read end to create an unbalanced ride—the contrast in feel is quite stark. Despite this mismatch, the Stance still performs well in certain situations.
It has a modernized design that makes it a very versatile option for anyone trying to take on steep bombs and rough terrain with ease. One of the best features of Stance 2 is that it is affordable, so virtually anyone can get their hands on one without having to spend a fortune. The 2×9 drivetrain is a surprise, but a dropper post is a welcome inclusion. This bike has aggressive intentions, but its short giant mountain and steep geometry holds it back. A proven single-pivot design that uses the flexing action of the chainstay/seatstay junction to produce a lightweight and durable suspension system with 4.7 inches/120mm of rear travel. This Performance level frame material features 6061 alloy with single-butted tubes to produce strong, lightweight frame sets for a variety of different bikes and riding styles.
A hardtail however will be robust and light at the same price point, and it’ll probably have more durable running gear too. I called my local bike shop and they quoted me $10 for resizing the seat tube. Most people on the forums throwing shade on this bike have never ridden it.