GIANT Talon 2

The "Talon 2" model from GIANT, released in 2023, is a versatile and robust mountain bike that is ideal for both beginners and advanced riders. Priced at 899 EUR, it offers excellent value for money.

The Talon 2’s frame is made from AluxX aluminium, with a maximum tyre clearance of 2.4 inches and a maximum chainring size of 32T. This ensures a stable and comfortable ride across a wide variety of terrains. The fork is an SR Suntour X1 RLR DS with handlebar lockout and offers 100 mm of travel (80 mm on size XS), providing additional control and comfort.

The braking system comprises Shimano BR-MT200 disc brakes with 180 mm front and 160 mm rear rotors, operated by Shimano BL-MT200 brake levers. This combination delivers reliable braking power in all conditions. The drivetrain is a Shimano Deore M592 Shadow 9-speed system, combined with Shimano Alivio SL-M3100 shifters and a Shimano Alivio FD-M3120-M front derailleur, which enable precise and smooth gear changes.

The crankset is a Shimano MT101-2 with 36/22T chainrings and a 49 mm chainline, whilst the cassette is a Shimano CS-HG200-9 with a 11-36T range. The drivetrain is completed by a KMC X9 chain. The bottom bracket is a cartridge type, known for its durability and low maintenance.

The Talon 2’s cockpit consists of a GIANT Connect Trail handlebar, 780 mm wide, and a GIANT Sport stem, 80 mm long. The grips are GIANT Sole-O, which provide extra comfort. The saddle is a GIANT Sport model, mounted on a GIANT Sport seatpost with a diameter of 30.9 mm.

The wheelsets consist of GIANT GX03V rims with an internal width of 21 mm, fitted with Kenda Booster tyres (27.5" x 2.2" for sizes S–M and 29" x 2.2" for sizes M–XXL). The hubs are M50 / M504 models, connected by 14G stainless steel spokes.

Additional features of the Talon 2 include compatibility with GIANT KSA18 kickstands and GIANT Rack-It Metro (Lite) luggage racks, which further enhance the bike’s versatility. The frame geometry comprises a reach of 454 mm, a stack of 644 mm, a seat tube length of 535 mm and a top tube length of 639 mm. The head tube angle is 69 degrees, whilst the seat tube angle is 74 degrees. Other dimensions include a head tube length of 140 mm, a chainstay length of 455 mm, a bottom bracket drop of 55 mm, a fork offset of 51 mm and a standover height of 839 mm. The crank length is 175 mm and the wheelbase measures 1192 mm in total.

Overall, the 2023 GIANT Talon 2 offers a balanced combination of stability, comfort and performance, making it suitable for both leisurely rides and more challenging trails.