Giant 29er Mountain Bikes
Bikes, High quality down to lower
Twenty Niners are becoming a real force in mountain biking, with their ride qualities becoming a factor in a greater number of models being made available each year. But before we get too involved, let's answer one very frequently asked question.
What is a 29er?
At the most basic level, a “29er” refers to a mountain bike with a larger wheel diameter than a “traditional or regular” mountain bike. The “29” is actually a bit of a misnomer though, as it refers to the approximate 29" diameter of the entire wheel (with a tyre mounted), whereas a regular mtb is approximately 26” in diameter. To be more specific about rim size, the 29er uses rims of the exact diameter of a road bike or hybrid rim, usually referred to as “700c.” This larger wheel diameter reduces rolling resistance by some 10% while simultaneously reducing hub bearing resistance and wear and tyre wear also by at least 10%. Stability when rolling over obstacles is enhanced both while climbing and descending enhancing your feeling of safety and well being. Following a longer ride most riders will feel less fatiqued due to the improved comfort. Grip and cornering balance is increased and traction, especially when climbing on loose surfaces is also improved enabling more saddle time before you feel the need to get off and walk to the summit. It also seems that pinch flats are a less common occurence when using a 29er.
Not all is gold at the end of the 29er rainbow though as a 29er is heavier by 300-400g when compared to a comparably equipped 26" bike. This extra weight decreases acceleration rates by around 2%, and the extra mass will have a similar effect on braking. Bike control in technical situations is a little less nimble and wheelies or front end lifts over ruts etc is more difficult, but wheel stiffness and strength is improved and a greater range of tyres and tubes are available for the more common 26" wheel.
For most people though the benefits and rideability of a 29er far outweigh these small negative points. Many International riders competing in World Cup and World Championship events choose to ride 29ers because of the momentum that the larger wheels provide, but the benefits of being able to roll over many obstacles without having to lift the front of the bike makes for faster riding over rougher terrain even by less skilled riders.
Giant Xtc Composite 29er 0 Price was $2,999, now just $2499!
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The needs of Professional racers was the catalyst for the birth of the Composite 29er.
In a sport where handling precision can not only be the difference between winning and losing but also between winning or ending up chatting to the first aid personel, the massive MegaDrive downtube and OverDrive headtube of the Composite frame combine with the 29" wheels to provide a responsive, sharp handling bike that will take you direct to the podium.
Giant's Composite frames are well known for their reliability and light weight and also for their continuing evolution. The 2012 29er XTC 0 Composite has all of the most up to date features coming from the engineers at Giants Composite factory.
Features such as the OverDrive over sized head tube which has a 1 1/2" lower headset bearing and a 1 1/8 upper bearing which permits the use of a tapered steerer tube on the Fox suspension fork. This makes for a stiffer, more precise, safer and confidence inspiring feel when you are diving down through some technical single track. It is almost point and shoot riding.
The OverDrive head tube, MegaDrive downtube, PowerCore bottom bracket, assymetrical chaistays and Composite frame material may be cutting edge, but Giant's history, in composite production and innovation is unsurpassed and ensures all of these innovations are for a reason.
So, Light? Tick. Fast? Tick. Stiff? Tick. Handling? Tick. Reasonably priced? Tick. Ready to race? Tick...........and, just like many of those Professional riders choose, the bike is equipped with SRAM components |
Giant Xtc 29er 0 Price was $2,399, now just $2,099!
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This is Giants top of the range 29er with the ALUXX SL aluminium frame. This frame in its 26" version has long been one of the lightest, most comfortable and most reliable frames available and is just as formidable in this 29er option. The frame is designed and built with the specific demands a 29er experiences. A smart mix of low weight, a comfortable ride and sharp handling are built into each frame, offering the most advanced aluminium hard tail 29er available.
The great ALUXX SL frame is fitted with an array of high end performance components to ensure an outstanding ride, both for the racer and keen recreational off roader. Equipped with a Fox F29FL suspension fork, the ride quality and the speed at which obstacles can be attacked is amazing and will convert many sceptics to the 29er way of thinking. Hugely popular in the USA where cross country mountain biking is a major sport and also leisure activity, 29ers, especially of the quality of the XTC 0, will see them soar in popularity here too.
The Shimano XT components are exceptional and have a long lived reputation for durability and reliability. The 30 speed gear system operates so well that users of older bikes will be amazed at how crisp and precise gear changing is. Braking will also be a revelation as the Avid Elixir 7 hydraulic disc brakes are state of the art and operate awesomely well in any weather or riding conditions. The remainder of the components are also of a high standard and have been chosen to compliment each other to provide a great overall package. The Schwable Racing Ralph tyres for instance are lightweight, fast and durable and are ideal for all except the muddiest conditions.
Available in sizes from 16" to 22", only shorter riders won't be be able to participate in the 29er revolution. For these riders the standard 26" wheeled XTC are more than capable of holding their own. |
Giant Xtc 29er 2 2012 Price was $1,499, now just $1,299!
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Please take note. The price is not a misprint! This bike is now only $1299!
Twenty niners are really taking off with an increased range for the 2012 season available from many suppliers including 6 models from Giant, one of which is the XTC 2 featured here.
Given the first impression gained from their size and appearance, 29ers are a surprisingly agile and stable bike that transforms your trickiest trail into something to be attacked with vigour rather than trepidation. The larger wheels easily roll over most obstacles usually a hinderance to regular 26" wheels, virtually smoothing out the trail before you. Momentum is another big plus for the larger wheels with speed being carried further, which is particularly noticeable as you finish a descent and begin to roll up the next hill. Your momentum sees you further up the hill before the hard yakka begins again, than would be the case on a 26 where momentum is practically non existent.
Although designed and intended to be a sporty off roader, the XTC 2 is just as capable as a city commuter where bumps, gutters, broken bitumen, dirt trails, tram tracks and various other obstacles are a real enjoyment dampener. Some people who never intend actually going bush actually fit Hybrid tyres and hey presto, you have a sporty, robust, suspended, disc braked, flat bar/hybrid/29er do it all city bike. |
Giant Talon 0 29er 2012 Price $1,199
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The 2012 Giant Talon 0 is available in a great range of sizes from 16" upward, so only very short riders won't be able to benefit from the 29er experience. For everyone else the Talon is a real option and taller riders will finally feel like they have a bike that is proportion to their build.
The Talon 0's frame is crafted from the super light ALUXX aluminium tubing which has been hydro formed providing strengthening shapes and gussets for increased frame strength and reduced weight. A great basis from which to start and to which a nice range of commensurate components, such as Avid hydraulic brakes, SRAM X5 drive train, Sun Tour lock out forks and matching front wheel with a 15mm through axle have been fitted. The result is a really great bike that is fast and fun to ride and a bike that will be encouraging to the rider and a little forgiving where another bike may not be.
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