Giant Talon 2 (2025)

The Giant Talon 2 (2025) is currently run-out stock. It's mechanically the same bike as the current 2027 model though; same frame, same 32mm fork, same 1x9 microSHIFT Advent drivetrain, same Boost thru-axle, same 2.4-inch tyres.

There's one difference that matters more than the price:

This is the only Talon 2 available in an XS frame and on 27.5-inch wheels. The 2027 Talon 2 is 29-inch only, from size S up.

So if you're a smaller rider (from 10 years old) who wants a trail-capable hardtail, this is the one.

Why 27.5-inch wheels for smaller riders?

Bigger wheels roll over obstacles more easily. That's the case for a 29er, and it's a real one. But it isn't free, and the costs land hardest on smaller riders.

A 29-inch wheel is taller, which raises the front of the bike.

On a small frame that means less standover clearance and a higher handlebar relative to your body. So you end up sitting more upright than you want, with less weight over the front wheel when you're cornering.

A bigger wheel is also heavier and further from the centre of the bike, so it takes more effort to get moving and more effort to change direction.

On a light rider that's proportionally a much bigger penalty than a taller rider.

And a 29er has a longer wheelbase for the same frame size, which makes it steadier in a straight line but slower to turn. The opposite of what most smaller riders want when they're learning.

27.5-inch wheels give up a little rollover ability and get back standover, a lower front end, quicker acceleration and easier steering. On an XS or S frame, that's a good trade. It's why Giant specced them that way.

Who should consider the 2025 Talon 2?

You should consider it if you:

• Need an XS or SM frame with 27.5-inch wheels, and want more bike than the Talon 4.
• Are riding suburban bike paths and dirt, gravel and unsealed roads.
• Want to start riding easy mountain bike trails.
• Are riding trails with small jumps and rollers.

What you're getting

The parts that make the Talon 2 more capable than the Talon 4 are all here.

A stiffer, stronger front end.

The SXC32-3 RL fork has 32mm diameter stanchion tubes rather than 28mm. It sounds small but it makes a significant difference.

And the front axle is a 15mm Boost thru-axle rather than a 9mm quick-release.

A thru-axle passes through the hub and clamps both fork legs together, so the front end behaves like one piece. It doesn't twist over rocks and roots the way a quick-release front end does. The fork also has a lockout lever for road and bike path sections.

Gears built for trails.

microSHIFT's Advent family is designed for mountain biking; robust enough to handle constant vibration and impacts. The rear derailleur has a clutch, which holds chain tension over rough ground so the chain doesn't slap the frame or drop off. A single front chainring paired to 9 rear gears gives a broad 418% range.

Hydraulic disc brakes, with a 180mm front rotor and 160mm rear. Less hand effort than cable brakes for the same stopping power. This matters more, not less, for a lighter rider with smaller hands.

Large volume 2.40-inch Maxxis Rekon Race tyres that act like micro-suspension, adding grip and smoothing out harsh impacts.

What's different on the 2027 Talon 2?

• Brakes. The 2025 uses Tektro TKD143 hydraulic discs; the 2027 uses Tektro HD M3121. Both are hydraulic, both run 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors. The M3121's use an updated lever design.
• Colours. The 2025 comes in Asphalt Green, Dried Matcha and Pure Red. The 2027 comes in Icicle White, Eclipse and Phoenix Fire.

Frame, fork, drivetrain, wheels and tyres are unchanged. If you're on a 29-inch frame size anyway, see the 2027 Giant Talon 2.

Sizing and availability

This is run-out stock, so the above shows what's still available. Check our Giant Talon size chart, or come into Heidelberg Heights, Hallam or Hoppers Crossing.

Every bike is fully built, adjusted and safety-checked by a qualified mechanic before it leaves us, and includes a free service adjustment in the first six months.