Giant Talon 29 4 GI (2019): ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The Talon 29 4 GI comes with a Giant’s exclusive ALUXX grade Aluminium frame. The hardtail frame has a slanting top tube, which provided an aggressive position yet supreme control on trails. Both the top tube and bottom tube aren’t circular, they are flat which makes the tubes sleek and keep the weight in check.

During the test ride the SR Suntour M3030 front suspension worked well both on harsh urban roads and rough trails. A Suspension lockout could have been included for the price of this bicycle.

The 2019 Talon 29 4 GI which I test rode came in a full Charcoal Grey matte finish primary colour on the frame with Green as the secondary colour for graphics. The internal cable routing made the bicycle look neat and the colour coordinated rims and fork made it look aesthetic.

The gearing in the Talon 4 29 GI (2019) is handled by a Shimano Tourney 3-Speed at the front and Shimano Tourney 7-Speed at the rear. These gears shifted smoothly and had enough range for climbs and acceleration. The Shimano EF500 alloy 21-Speed gear shifters were easy to use.

The stopping power in the Talon 29 4 GI (2019) is taken care of by powerful Tektro TKM 172 Mechanical Disc brakes at the front and back with 160mm rotors. These disc brakes are powerful and balanced which felt safe to engage even at high speeds during the test ride.

Giant is known for their in house componentry, one such component is the handlebar. The Giant Sport Alloy handlebar is lengthy with a very slight rise from the middle. This is a perfect MTB handlebar which means a comfortable and open chested riding posture giving much better control over the bicycle during fast paced trail rides.

The CST Voyager branded MTB tires impressed during the test ride. The 29”x 2.25” tires were heavily treaded with bulky buttons and covered the edges as well. These tires were fast rolling on flatter surfaces and could handle rough patches with ease. The Giant Connect upright saddle is wide with enough cushioning.