Brakes: Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes, 180/160mm rotors.Drivetrain: Shimano Alivio and Deore18 speed.Fork: Suntour Raidon XC RL-R, 120mm Travel, Tapered Steerer Tube, 15x100 axle.Frame: ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminium, Tapered Headtube, Semi-Internal Cable Routing.
The Fathom series also offers a more rugged component selection, giving aspiring trail riders the ability to climb technical terrain with less effort and have more fun on the descents. The frame features more forgiving geometry, including a 67-degree head angle designed for a 120mm suspension fork - so it’s well-suited to modern mountain bike trails. It’s built around a lightweight ALUXX SL aluminium frame that’s designed specifically for 27.5 wheels. This new off-road bike blends the efficient ride quality of a classic hardtail with the can-do capabilities of an all-around trail bike. THIS ALL-NEW HARDTAIL IS BUILT FOR ADVENTURE. Fast.CLIMB CHALLENGING TRAILS AND CARVE CORNERS WITH CONFIDENCE. Take heed though, these addictions have a way of growing. If the price is in your budget and you’re feeling dirt-curious, this bike is a great ticket to a lifetime of off-road adventures. What was noticeable was the level of enjoyment I was getting from a $750 mountain bike. A light and lively feel belied its 29 pounds, the extra heft was hardly noticeable in the woods. But the bike never faltered, despite being ridden hard through highly technical trails that most beginner riders wouldn’t consider attempting.
The ride was harsh at times as I went full speed through rock gardens and over big roots. I didn’t take it easy on this bike-I pushed it through some of the roughest and rockiest trails we have around the Bicycling office. On the trail, sharp steering and a lively response to pedaling put a smile on my face. Rear rack mounts add to its appeal as a mixed-terrain commuter. The tires are light and fast, great for dry trails and cinder paths while not slowing you down much on pavement. But it’s one of the best bikes you’ll find that can seamlessly transition between rugged commuter, weekend fitness bike, and entry-level racing bike. The Talon 29 2 embodies the great developments that have been happening with low-cost bikes, although it can be easy to overlook a rather unassuming bike like this one. Compared to the Marlin 7, which skews toward the aggressive side with a longer and lower fit, the Talon 29 2 gives riders a more upright riding position. Throughout the range of sizes, reach and stack are on the short and high side of the spectrum. When you’re bashing over rocks and roots every little bit counts and this small difference was perceptible. The 69-degree head angle doesn’t count as slack in the modern sense of long, low, and slack mountain bike geometry, but is more relaxed than the Marlin 7. A steep 73.5-degree seat angle helps you keep power on the pedals and maintain traction on steep climbs. On paper you’ll see it has the chops to be a hard-charging, aggressive XC bike. This bike is a great mix of performance, value, and practicality. Stem: Giant Sport Ready to be Ridden Hard Handlebar: 780mm Giant Connect Trail, alloy
If you prefer 27.5-inch wheels, the Talon 2 and the Talon 3 have identical builds and prices to the Talon 29 2 and Talon 29 3, but with 27.5-inch wheels. If this is a little more bike than you need, the Talon 29 3 has the same aluminum frame hung with cheaper components to bring the price down to $550.