Talon
Origin
The Talon has been Giant's volume-selling entry-level hardtail since around 2010, sitting just above the recreational ATX and below the trail-focused Fathom. It is the bike most European first-time mountain bikers actually buy. The platform has been refreshed repeatedly — most recently with size-specific wheels (27.5" on XS-S, 29" on M-XXL), 1x drivetrains across the line, internal routing, and an in-house dropper post on the Talon 1. Because ALUXX aluminium frames are built in Giant's own Taiwan factory at a scale no boutique brand can match, the price-to-spec ratio stays hard to beat even after a decade.
Specifications
- Frame
- ALUXX-grade aluminium, hydroformed, disc-specific. Giant's proprietary ALUXX alloy is roughly 30% stiffer than generic 6061. Internal cable routing and dropper-post compatibility on current generation.
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- Talon 1 (2025): 1x10 Shimano CUES — SL-6000 shifter, RD-U6000 clutch rear derailleur, CS-LG300 11-48T cassette, ProWheel Charm crank (32T on 27.5, 30T on 29). Lower trims (Talon 3-4) historically run 2x8 Shimano Tourney/Altus.
- Brakes
- Tektro HDC M275 hydraulic disc, 180 mm front / 160 mm rear rotors (Talon 1, 2025).
- Wheels
- Size-specific: 27.5" on XS/S, 29" on S/M/L/XL. Giant GX03V double-wall alloy rims, 21 mm inner width, Giant Tracker hubs (15x110 front / 12x142 rear thru-axle).
The verdict
- Excellent price-to-spec ratio — a genuine brand-grade ALUXX frame and hydraulic discs under €1000.
- Size-specific wheels (27.5"/29") deliver a properly tailored fit and roll-over for both small and tall riders.
- 2025 Talon 1 ships with a real dropper post and a clutched Shimano CUES 1x10 drivetrain — a clean, low-maintenance setup at this price.
- Strong upgrade platform: frame and geometry are good enough to justify upgrading fork/drivetrain/dropper over time.
- Backed by Giant's dealer network and warranty — easy parts and service availability across the Baltics.
- The budget SR Suntour fork is the weakest link: skinny stanchions flex and flutter under braking and on rough terrain, with non-adjustable, too-fast rebound on lower forks.
- Heavy for an XC/trail hardtail at ~14.6-14.8 kg, which hurts on climbs.
- Wire-bead Maxxis Rekon tires are heavy and an early candidate for a tubeless/lighter upgrade.
- Tektro brakes and entry CUES parts are functional but lack the modulation and refinement of higher Shimano tiers.
- Stem runs slightly long on some trims and paint quality has been criticized; only 100 mm rear travel-free hardtail limits it on technical descents.
Who it’s for
Related models
Where to buy Giant Talon in Latvia
Local shops and marketplaces in your country.
These are searches on third-party sites — URBALT is not affiliated with them and does not sell directly.
Want one?
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