Giant Talon 0 vs Giant XTC 2

[Crowz]

I think I will take these two out for a test ride. The price difference is $250 odd and i'm just wondering if anyone on here has any opinion on either of the bikes, or has bought a hard tail 29er for around $1000, in which case what did you get?

[mrsly]

Me any my girlfriend just entered the MTB world...

I got a Trek Superfly, (AT) ~$2000, but my gf opted for a 2012 Model Trek Cobia (AT) $1000. Depending on size, you could probably find one of these somewhere around the traps... I think the full RRP on the Cobia is ~$1300...

So far, so good. But we're new to MTBs so could hardly be considered authorities. Good luck!

[silentbutdeadly]

XTC 2 has a far better fork and driveline group than what you could get spending $250 to upgrade the Talon 0.

So I'd spend the extra $250...and then save some money for some much better wheels which will (I can assure you) transform the bike no end.

[Crowz]

XTC 2 has a far better fork and driveline group than what you could get spending $250 to upgrade the Talon 0.

So I'd spend the extra $250...and then save some money for some much better wheels which will (I can assure you) transform the bike no end.

What sort of price point would I be looking at for wheels that will give a noticeable difference? (85kg if it matters)

[open roader]

The price difference is $250 odd and i'm just wondering if anyone on here has any opinion on either of the bikes,

I faced the same decision in 2010 and opted for the superior spec XTC 2 - no regrets on that count.

What sort of price point would I be looking at for wheels that will give a noticeable difference? (85kg if it matters)

Depending upon your use/requirements, tyres can make a huge difference to speed, braking, grip and overall handling of these bikes. Having said that I have two wheelsets for my XTC, the second after market set being a Greg Ryan TWE alloy wheelset (circa $550 the pair) which I am very pleased with in both dropping a little weight and being very low maintenance. I use the OEM Mavic rims for knobbies and the TWE wheels for gravel/bitumen road training.

I'd look very hard at tyres before adding / switching wheelsets.

[Crowz]

Thanks for the help guys. Just to update you, I found a 2013 XTC 2 for $1250 and jumped on it (literally) and loved it so bought it. I've been on a few rides and WOW! So much better than my circa 2006 Giant Boulder... The air suspension realllllly makes a difference. Love it! To anyone facing the same decision as me, I'd definitely suggest putting in the extra $250 for a much better bike.

[env1romelza]

I love love love my XTC2. I also have a Talon (womens) and my XTC2 is just so much more fun to ride, all I needed to do was change the saddle!

[mick243]

the XTC2 is quite a bit nicer than the talon......

I'm currently in the market for a new hardtail 29er as well - visited my local giant store yesterday to be told they couldnt get any more of the 2013 model XTC2, and if I wanted the talon0 it would be a few weeks wait at best.....


hopefully you have better luck with your local store......

[drnick79]

I grabbed a XTC 2 '13 a month or so back and am very happy with it. I run some Sammy Slicks on it and it rolls great on the road. The tyres do a good job on my local rail trail as well. Brought it more so as a trail/road bike (jump gutters, etc, etc).

S