Giant Talon 2 (2027)

For 2027, the Giant Talon 2 is the next level up from the Talon 4. Making it the Giant Talon 2 is the third-best Talon in the range. It's also the most affordable Talon if you're going to be spending real time on easy mountain bike trails.

It shares the same frame and some smaller parts but there's a lot of upgrades that most people don't see. We'll explain who should consider buying the Talon 2 and what sets it apart.

What is the Giant Talon 2?

The Talon 2 is a recreational mountain bike. Giant designed it for riders who want something that's robust and more capable on off-road trails.

Like the other Talon models, the Talon 2 will happily spend time on suburban bike paths, rail trails and unsealed roads.

But unlike the Talon 4, the Talon 2 has a genuine off-road focus. Important parts have been upgraded to handle the extra impacts that off-road trails bring, such as small rocks, tree roots and drops.

We'll explain what those components are below.

Who should consider the Giant Talon 2?

You should consider the Talon 2 if you: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.
• Want the least expensive, better-than-average robust mountain bike.

One thing to know before you get attached to it:

The 2027 Talon 2 is 29-inch only, in S to XL. If you need a XS frame with smaller 27.5" wheels, consider last season's Giant Talon 2.

Key components of the Giant Talon 2

Before we get into the build kit, it's worth knowing that the frame is exactly the same across all Talon models. What you're paying for is the parts hanging off it.

The front end

There are two ways to increase front-end stiffness, and therefore deliver better handling and control:

• Increase the size of the suspension fork.
• Increase the size of the front axle.

Giant did both.

The SXC32-3 RL suspension fork has 32mm stanchion tubes, compared to the 28mm tubes on the Talon 4. Thicker tubes twist less under load.

The front axle steps up from a 9mm quick-release to a 15mm thru-axle, and the hub widens from 100mm to 110mm (known as Boost spacing). A thru-axle passes right through the hub and clamps both fork legs together, so the whole front end behaves like one piece instead of two.

The result is a front end that doesn't twist and flex over uneven ground; especially where there are exposed rocks and tree roots.

It's not just size.

The damper inside the fork reacts more smoothly over rough terrain, and the fork has a lockout lever so you can firm it up for road and bike path sections.

Gears built for trails

The Talon 2's gears come from microSHIFT, and specifically from their Advent family, which is built for mountain bike trails.

It's designed to be robust and able to handle the constant vibration and impacts that off-road riding involves.

The rear derailleur has a clutch built into it.

This holds chain tension over rough ground, which stops the chain slapping the frame and dramatically reduces the chance of dropping it.

The derailleur also sits closer to the frame, reducing the chance of impacts. Neither of those is standard equipment at this price.

A single front chainring is paired to 9 rear gears with a broad 418% range. That's enough to climb steep inclines easily and still pedal on the flat.

Brakes

Tektro HD M3121 hydraulic disc brakes, with a 180mm rotor at the front and 160mm at the rear.

Hydraulic brakes need less hand effort than cable-pull brakes for the same stopping power, they control speed better on descents, and they self-adjust as the pads wear.

On a bike meant for actual trails, that matters more than almost any other upgrade.

Tyres

Large volume 2.40-inch Maxxis Rekon Race tyres act like micro-suspension. As well as delivering more grip, the extra air volume smooths out bumps and harsh impacts.

What's changed for 2027?

Not much on the bike itself. The frame, fork, drivetrain, wheels and tyres all carry over from the 2025 Talon 2.

The brakes change to the Tektro HD M3121, and there are three new colours: Icicle White, Eclipse and Phoenix Fire.

The bigger change is the size range.

The 2025 Talon 2 was available in XS and S on 27.5-inch wheels; the 2027 is 29-inch only, from S up. If you're a smaller rider, that's worth knowing.

Compare the full Giant Talon range, or come and ride one at 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.