Fork, shock, and gearing undermine the Stance 2’s ability, but it’s a terrific place to begin
The Stance has an almost identical silhouette to Giant’s pricier full-sussers but foregoes its twin-link Maestro suspension design for a single-pivot FlexPoint rear end.
The 2×nine drivetrain is a wonder, however, a dropper put up is a welcome inclusion. This motorcycle has aggressive intentions, however, its quick and steep geometry holds it again.
Made from Giant’s ALUXX aluminum, the Stance body is claimed to be 30 percent stiffer than a regular 6061 alloy chassis. It doesn’t skimp at the information, including internal cable routing, a tapered head tube, and wider Boost axle spacing – although that is for a 9x141mm Boost QR quick-release skewer rather than a 12x148mm through-axle.
Use of a press-match bottom bracket probably increases pedaling stiffness however makes protection more of a trouble, and in our revel in, the bearings probable gained’t last up to on the threaded equivalent. There’s room for a 650b+ rear tire, however, this model comes with 2.4in Maxxis rubber.
The geometry is reserved – my huge size had 435mm chainstays, a 455mm attain and a 1,174mm wheelbase.
The Giant has a twin-ring drivetrain – and a 2×9 set-up at that – and it’s difficult now not to attention at the shortfalls of its finances-feeling gearing.
Although the moving is suitable and there are lots of gears to pick out from, the chain has a dependancy of derailing off the large ring when matters get hard. The motorbike also suffers from chain suck while converting to the small ring.
Elsewhere, Giant has specced a few proper kits. There’s 120mm of the tour at every end, courtesy of a Suntour fork and shock, each with adjustable rebound damping.
The personal-brand completing package, wheels and dropper post may want to all skip for branded parts. It’s additionally provided set up tubeless, with 2.4in Maxxis Ardent tires seated on 25mm rims – a great path-using blend.
Giant Stance 2 experience impressions
Hop on the Stance and you’ll notice the upright driving function and comparatively brief cockpit. There’s not anything outlandish approximately the man or woman geometry figures, however, as a bundle, the motorbike makes you feel instead perched.
When climbing, the better the front end accentuates the angle of the ascent, making it harder to hunker down and bury yourself, even though the rear of the motorbike additionally rides pretty high. But on the downhills, it allows to triumph over that feeling of pitching forward while you begin to land up your pace, so that you spend less time fighting going over the bars, and greater making the front tire grip.
The rear suspension is quite firm, which again has positives and negatives. When ascending, there’s little to no bob, whether you’re seated or standing up and mashing the pedals.
The flipside is that small bumps aren’t continually absorbed by way of the again wheel. That does suggest there’s a solid platform to push against if you get rowdy within the turns, even though you may observe some flex from the rear give up.
It’s a similar story up front. While the fork offers good enough support deeper in its journey, it’s no longer so good at smoothing out the path.
When it involves descending even though, the main predicament is the 2x drivetrain. If you’re simply cruising, you received’t be aware too many sick consequences. But as soon as you open the proverbial throttle, chain rattle, chain slap and – if you’re in reality gunning it – chain drop all end up unwelcome partners to your ride.
Not best does this experience like a throwback to days long gone with the aid of, however, in case you’re now not cautious, you may discover your self driving your top tube.
It’s a disgrace because in any other case the Giant is taken care of motorbike to begin your mountain bike journey on. Swapping the dual chainrings for a slender-wide ring and 10-speed Shimano Deore cassette, mech and shifter wouldn’t value lots over £100 and might answer my primary lawsuits.
In the long run, a brand new fork and surprise would release the ability of a capable, upgradable chassis that’s already were given a dropper and tubeless wheels.
