GIANT Talon 3

The "Talon 3" model from GIANT, released in 2023, is a versatile mountain bike that stands out for its robust construction and well-thought-out features. Priced at 679 EUR, it offers excellent value for money for both beginners and more experienced riders.

The Talon 3’s frame is an AluxX frame with a maximum tyre clearance of 2.4 inches and a maximum chainring size of 32T. The brakes are Tektro HDC TKD 149 with 180 mm discs at the front and 160 mm discs at the rear, ensuring reliable braking performance. The brake levers are also by Tektro and offer precise control.

The gear system consists of a Shimano Altus M310 8-speed groupset, combined with MicroShift TS 39 shifters (2-speed) and a MicroShift FD-M282 front derailleur. These components enable smooth and reliable gear changes. The fork is an SR Suntour XCE with 100 mm of travel (80 mm on size XS), which provides additional comfort and control on uneven terrain.

The bike comes with pedals and features an FP-B902W bottom bracket as well as a Shimano FC M315 crankset with 36/22T chainrings and a 49 mm chainline. The cassette is a Shimano CS-HG200 with a 12–32T range, whilst the drivetrain is supported by a KMC 8.3 chain.

The handlebars are GIANT Connect Trail 31.8 with a 20 mm rise and a width of 780 mm, complemented by GIANT Sole-O grips. The stem, also from GIANT Sport, is 90 mm long. The rims are GIANT GX03V with an internal width of 21 mm, fitted with Kenda Booster tyres (XS-M: 27.5"; M-XXL: 29") x 2.2", which are supplied with inner tubes.

The hubs are M50/M504 models, and the spokes are made of stainless steel (14G). The saddle is a GIANT Sport model, mounted on a GIANT Sport seatpost with a diameter of 30.9 mm. The bike is compatible with the GIANT KSA18 kickstand and the GIANT Rack-It Metro (Lite) luggage rack.

The Talon 3’s geometry features a reach of 469 mm, a stack of 658 mm, a seat tube length of 565 mm, a top tube length of 658 mm, a head tube angle of 69 degrees and a seat tube angle of 74 degrees. Further dimensions include a head tube length of 155 mm, a chainstay length of 455 mm, a bottom bracket drop of 55 mm, a fork offset of 51 mm and a top tube height of 856 mm. The crank length is 175 mm and the wheelbase measures 1213 mm in total.

Overall, the 2023 GIANT Talon 3 offers solid specifications and well-thought-out geometry, making it suitable for both everyday use and sporty rides.