24" Giant Talon 24 (2024)

Giant Talon 24 (2024)

The latest Giant Talon 24 was previously known as the Giant XTC Jr 24.

Giant uses the Talon name for their adult mountain bikes. For 2024 and beyond, Giant applied the Talon name to their kids mountain bike range too.

There are 2 versions of the 24-inch Giant Talon; the Giant Talon 24 and Giant Talon 24 Disc. The Disc version uses disc brakes instead of rim brakes.

In this preview, we'll go through what the Giant Talon 24 is and why you should consider buying it.

What is the Giant Talon 24?

Giant designed the Talon 24 to be a kids mountain bike that uses 24-inch diameter wheels.

It's designed for suburban bike paths, Rail Trails, light dirt and gravel roads.

In the shops, we suggest this bike to kids who are at least 7 to 8 years old.

Talon 24 Sizing

We like the Giant Talon 24 because of its ergonomics and sizing.

Giant have used a really low frame to accommodate different height riders. We use this to our advantage in store.

It allows us to fit riders who are borderline between a 20-inch and 24-inch bike onto the bigger 24-inch size because the low-frame allows for a lower seat height.

Then, if needed, we make the reach to the handlebars shorter by moving the saddle forward.

The lower frame also means a lower centre of gravity, making it easier for kids to move the Talon 24 around. especially cornering because it's not so top-heavy.

Ergonomics on the new Talon 24 have also been improved.

The end of the handlebars taper down to 19mm instead of 22mm that most other brands use.

The slimmer profile means kids with small hands can get more hand wrapped around the bar, providing a secure grip.

The kids Explora Jr saddle isn't oversized. It's supportive and well proportioned for small riders.

The Talon 24 Build

Consists of Shimano gears. 1 front gear is paired to 7 rear gears.

It's an easier setup for kids to use - especially if they've never used gears before. And it's easier to maintain because there's no front gears and extra moving parts.

Short-reach hand-brake levers allow riders to easily grab the brakes and control speed. There's also an adjustment on the lever that allows us to adjust the lever even more for smaller hands.

Like any mountain bike, the Giant Talon 24 has front suspension too.

The downside is suspension adds a little but of weight.

But it also adds stability and control, especially on uneven surfaces. 

Another benefit is that it lifts the front of the Talon 24 up by 50mm.

So as the seat gets raised over time, riders are not leaning over the handlebars; delivering better long-term ergonomics.