Giant Stance 29 Review | Giant's Cheapest Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Introduced as a budget alternative to the popular Trance 29, the Giant Stance 29 is an entry-level full suspension mountain bike that packs in a lot of the right ingredients to create a fun and agile ride on the trail. After several months of testing, we discovered that it isn't entirely perfect though...
Giant Stance 29 2 Review: flowmountainbike.com/tests/20...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020 Giant Stance 29 2 Review
0:00 - Intro
0:21 - Video Contents
0:54 - Giant Stance Overview
1:04 - FlexPoint Suspension
1:36 - Frame Features
2:04 - Geometry
2:37 - Price & Specs
3:05 - Weight
3:13 - Strengths
4:59 - Weaknesses
6:40 - Upgrades
7:18 - The Verdict
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Love mountain biking? Be sure to follow Flow Mountain Bike online and on our social media channels for all the latest bike news, reviews, videos, travel features and more!
Website - flowmountainbike.com
Facebook - / flowmountainbike
Instagram - / flow_mtb

[@hypersailor]

I bought a Stance 1, 2020, 29er, awesome bike, all it needed was a 203mm front rotor and it rocked! Giant gives you a decent ride, high resale value and excellent local bike shop support.

[@Mububban23]

Another brilliant review, especially of a more affordable bike that will get more people into the sport

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the review! [Wil]

[@holdenhenry2301]

pro trick : you can watch movies at kaldroStream. I've been using it for watching all kinds of movies during the lockdown.

[@miguelchris6374]

@Holden Henry Definitely, I've been watching on Kaldrostream for years myself :D

[@GettingthruLife]

Those trails look very inviting and fun to ride. Love the landscape! A good rolling surface.

[@dinodavanzo8536]

Brilliant Will as usual. Great review mate.

[@jonathanmcdonald8530]

that flex in the rear makes roosting so sick

[@ChrisLeadley]

I bought this bike a couple of months ago after watching this review (and others), its a really good , informative review and pretty much spot on. Also, the UK version comes with 780mm bars so that took care of one of the issues found!

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Good to hear Chris! Glad you found the review useful, and hope you enjoy the new bike! [Wil]

[@MehediHasanSizan]

This is a very simple yet valuable review just like the giant stance ❤ I would love to see you do a Roundup of all the full sus mtb's under 1500$

[@kenzohkw]

Good review and In context with the type of folk who will be riding it. Unlike other reviewers who will tell u it's too flexible compared to 5k bikes and how it's not good enough for shredding. This bike isn't aimed at hardcore riders and this review targets that perfectly.

[@tannedstan4511]

Thanks for the review, it’s great seeing reviews on entry/beginner bikes. And even better, Aussie reviews! I’m currently trying to decide on which way to go for my first full suspension bike. I’m 6’2 (188cm) and 95kgs, so thank you for touching on the flex in the Stance. It’s a downside by the sounds of it for someone my size, and makes me think the Polygon D7 might be a better way to go? I do love the sound of a more comfortable ride though as I like doing rail trails and longer flowing tracks here in SE QLD (few rocks and root drops but no jumps yet). Is there anything I should be considering other than a Stance or D7 that’s in the same price range? There’s a couple second-hand 27.5 Stances that are available locally, but I think I’d prefer a 29er. Thanks again!

[@mojaverc1585]

I am not interested in this bike, but this was an absolutely amazing and well laid out review

[@CourtyardPigeon]

I bought this bike back in July and I really love it. I have bottomed out a few times on 7 foot drops, but it didn't send me sideways. It's a lot of bike for the money and unless you are riding black diamond trails it will suit you just fine.

[@wrighty7458]

Can it hold up on jumps?

[@mattharvey2327]

Hi Will, Another great review, Curious to know what your preferred tyres are? I'm currently running Forekasters on my EX8, and love the riding at Harcort too. Interested to know your preference, as i'm sure you've tested heaps and ride the same kind of trails as myself. Cant wait to get back up there. Thanks, Matt

[@Mattrides04]

thanks this helped a lot

[@omarmalik3513]

Love your videos

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks Omar!

[@matthewhill4420]

Big up ur review of the bike . question what kind of headphones is that ? clips on to the frame?

[@robertocarlosfernandezroma2211]

Hello bro, I have a query, what happens if I change to a 150mm front suspension, do you think the shock can go to the same compass?

[@Daniel-xg3ul]

I Got a 2021 27.5 Stance last week and am loving it. It's all I need as a beginner. I ordered a dropper post and hopefully will have it installed soon.

[@quarter_moon_and_a_guitar]

What're you paying for the post plus install? Need one...

[@Daniel-xg3ul]

@@quarter_moon_and_a_guitar The bike was around $1850, the post and the post remote added another couple hundred, throw in the pedals with metal pins, a cage for my bottle, and a mount for my phone and it comes to around $2300. Not bad considering mid-level bikes are around $5500 starting.

[@quarter_moon_and_a_guitar]

@@Daniel-xg3ul Not bad. Didn't think i needed one, but that seat is getting in the way

[@camperp195]

I have a stance 2 2019, ive swapped the 2x9 for a 1x11 and swapped out the rear shock,780 mm bars and a dropper as standard are good bonuses mine is 27.5 i dont like 29ers ,also tubeless set up as standard is good too,ive had this bike 18 months now and its done BPW lots of times and DYFI takes whatever i throw at it,im 95 kg and ive never had a problem with the bike,would recommend it

[@maxwhiting1651]

I've had the 2020 27.5 stance 2 for over six months and its great and its survived many a hard case

[@dylangibson8959]

thats good to know, I was thinking about getting one so im glad it will last lol

[@orlandovelastegui1391]

I just finished getting this bike. I see most of the reviews and I see the 29 stands from giant has SRAM SX crank arms but, mine came with prasix cadet crank arms.

[@RACM-26]

Man love that RED! I got the ash blue version but would of love to get that RED instead!

[@jakenikiforidis9915]

Hey will, what’s the biggest size tyre can I put on this bike? I’m looking to upgrade with the Maxxis DHR 2

[@genotabby]

Hi, I am looking to get a bike that can be used in urban areas and the occasional trail. I know that I am definitely having a front suspension but am not sure about a full suspension. Is it harder to pedal while standing?

[@kristianrabor458]

Hello question is the stance 29 2 fork can be upgraded to 160mm travel? I have a stance 29 2 and I want to upgrade the fork to sr suntour durolux. Thanks

[@Zeroplanetz]

Giant Stance 2 or Fezzari Abajo Peak, (29ers), which would you choose?

[@ErickHelena]

Hello . question , could you add a remote lockout for the front suspension ?

[@seojayden2053]

Thinking to buy secondhand Polygon siskiu d6 2018 vs. GT avalanche expert 2014 vs. Giant fathom 29 2 2017. Which one would be the best choice if its conditions and prices are same. Please help me any advice and suggestions? Thanks!

[@1188clean]

Beautiful bike.

[@aguynametom2066]

Hey guys. I've been looking at this bike for a while and I wanted to ask. Is the quick release a big deal compared to fixed axles nowdays? Stance 2023 come on market with telescopic saddle. I'm a hobby rider. I'm going for rides permanently but mainly forest roads so roots, rocks and smaller drops/jumps and flow trails.

[@fixhead562]

What stem and bars did you use and do you have the link?

[@eliassanchez9247]

Does any one knows what Fork rake offset/Rake was on the bike tested , 51mm or 44mm ?

[@rcast3763]

Great review! This or Siskiu D7? Thanks

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Good question. While they're both capable bikes, they do ride pretty differently on the trail. The Giant Stance 29 is much more compliant in both its suspension performance and in its handling, and overall I found it a smoother and more comfortable bike to ride. It's fairly upright at the front, so it settles into a nice position for long rides. In comparison, the geometry is a little more progressive on the Polygon, and the frame is rock-solid, especially with the beefy back end and thru-axle dropouts. That makes it a studier and more planted bike on the descents, and along with the wider handlebar, I felt more comfortable at higher speeds on the Polygon. In general, I'd recommend the Stance 29 for everyday trail riders and recreational riders who are newer to mountain biking, and the Polygon to those who are wanting to push their limits a bit more on the descents and on technical singletrack. Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@rcast3763]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin thanks for the great feedback, more power to the channel!

[@gpearce11]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Good breakdown between the Stance and D7. Would the same diffences also apply compared to the Stance 29 2 vs Marin Rift Zone 1, with the Marin's slacker geometry?

[@chefboyarleezy4162]

The ones at the bike shop where I live at come tubeless and with a dropper post

[@maxwhiting1651]

Hey mate I was thinking about upgrading the rear shock for this bike would you recommend doing that and if so what would you recommend. Cheers max

[@camperp195]

Suntour unair or duair,both much better shocks

[@paulbergin6301]

Brilliant review pal, over here in Ireland, and I'm between a stance and a trance29, 2, im 6f3inch 17 stone, there's a price difference of a about 1200 euros in the 2 bikes, would the extra money for the trance be well spent or would the stance get me out, I'm out twice a week on forest trails with loads of roots and some nice little down hills there too, and on the mountain once a week with some lovely down hills tracks, we're mostly on red and blue tracks, you opinion would greatly be appreciated, from ireland, sound pal.

[@OliCM3]

For a heavier chap like yourself, I’d recommend the much sturdier Trance. I’m 6ft, 13 stone and I really notice the flex through the bigger drops & gnarlier sections on my 2019 Stance 1

[@richardcrisologo1756]

Can you ride it also on enduro trails?

[@YoutooWins]

Can you put a dropper post on the bike?

[@matevzkoren5547]

How did you get it in red color ??

[@youliian]

I want to buy that Giant Stance 2! But I have one question... I´m 169cm and i don´t know what size I should buy so what size do you recomment??

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hello mate! Sounds like you'll probably fit the Small. I stand at 175cm tall and have been riding the Medium size, and it fits well. You're a bit shorter than I am, so I think you'd find the Medium to be too long. Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@robertocarlosfernandezroma2211]

Nice review man ... so, i have a questions... it is possible to increase the travel of the front suspension?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

That's a good question mate, I'm not 100% sure. Lemme check in with Giant and I'll get back to you! [Wil]

[@robertocarlosfernandezroma2211]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin thnx Bro. another question, do you know the shock travel percentage based on weight. thanks again

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

@@robertocarlosfernandezroma2211 - I've just gotten a response back from Giant - 130mm is the maximum fork travel that is recommended for the Stance 29 frame. Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@robertocarlosfernandezroma2211]

Flow Mountain Bike thanks Bro,

[@gpearce11]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin I must admit that I'm impressed you actually came back with an answer. Most reviewers would have admitted to not knowing (or guessed, which is arguably worse), and then just left it at that.

[@pogman8296]

I’m gonna buy the new one from this year

[@everywherelocal]

cool clip 🤙

[@rickymarumade]

what kind of bird in the background?

[@dksantos14]

Is this 24 in?

[@ubisoftgamingyt2165]

Hi i know I am so late. I have the option of buying the Giant Stance 29 2 (2021), and the Polygon Siskiu T7. The Giant is at my local shop so I can personally see it, find the perfect size, and it is cheaper. I found the Polygon online but I obviously can't find the perfect size. I will just use my height. The giant is $150 cheaper and is 4 pounds lighter. I was told by a few people that overall the polygon is a better bike (not using price just material and build). Both are pretty much the same overall. I really cannot choose which one I should get.

[@hollenjoe]

The polygon has wayyy better geometry, The geo of this giant sucks in my opinion....

[@avalongday]

Was this filmed in Harcourt?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Certainly was Harry!

[@engineergaming4295]

I saw a 2019 stance 2 27.5, and it comes with a dropper post for $999. Is that a good deal?

[@Skatelyfe1993]

Hell yes where is it??

[@camperp195]

Its a great deal,i have one myself,but ive specced mine up,a lot!

[@joshpettersen5814]

I am upgrading from a old HT wanting to full sus. I have a budget of $2400au what would you recommend? This Stance was in my price point the new updated version with boost is now $2600

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Good question Josh! The Stance 29 is a great bike for the money, nice and comfortable, and the suspension is quite active and supple. There's plenty of upgrade potential (going tubeless and fitting a dropper post would be worthwhile) and being such a large brand, Giant offers solid backup service and support. I'd also consider the Merida One-Twenty and the Norco Fluid FS, both are terrific trail bikes. If you'd prefer to buy a bike online, then it'd be worth considering the Polygon Siskiu D7, which is incredibly well-spec'd for $2400 AUD. I tested last year's Siskiu D6, which had a great frame with excellent geometry and handling, but a few too many compromises in the spec for proper mountain biking. Have a squiz of the review here if you fancy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooCskK2fa9droKs Hope that helps mate! [Wil]

[@joshpettersen5814]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Thanks for the reply! great info there, I will be looking into it all. PS Love the content you guys are doing. I can even get the wife to sit in on some of the featured trails :D

[@connplayz610]

Would it be worth saving up for a dropper post on it

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

For sure - a dropper post would be a great upgrade on the Stance. We've listed a few other key upgrades in the written review, which has quite a bit more detail about our experience with this bike if you fancy checking it out: flowmountainbike.com/tests/giant-stance-29-2-review/

[@connplayz610]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Thanks

[@leeteruel4007]

What's the length of the rearshock?

[@leeteruel4007]

What's your recommended rearshock with lock?

[@24jct]

What is the 1" square metal part just behind the rear shock?

[@KN-ko8ez]

Mount for a chain guide. I installed one on mine.

[@mctg9043]

Where were those trails?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

The video and photos in this review were shot at the Harcourt MTB Park in Victoria. Nice spot! [Wil]

[@mctg9043]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Yeah looks fun 😀

[@wolfranger1682]

This bike is just a good mountain bike cheap Basic but still very good bike

[@jonathandjing1065]

As a beginner and poor who can save more than 1k I would love to have it !

[@azurecoast45]

The seat collar and narrow bars will need to be changed out straight away, and the QR wheels limit upgrades in the future. I know 2 grand is entry level as far as DS MTB's go, but I'd want something good to go out the box for my money. Maybe people looking at MTB media aren't the target audience, but rather just average joe wants a full sus.

[@saadhubi]

Everything functions properly kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of KZbin. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!

[@tehalexy]

5:26 thx for saying your own weight. as a 120 kg buttergolem i need a bike that supports my coronabelly

[@johnconarty3762]

I have been riding a 2021 stance 2 29er since June 2021 at 265#-270# (so right around your weight) and it has done just fine thus far. I am not a major sender but it has left the ground some and I like to ride some rooted out trails. I sometimes worry about the flexpoint but so far it has not been an issue.

[@Habaneroranger]

Qr on a $2000 bike. Shame

[@brnzhut]

I don't get the work, ONLY $2399, it's a fucking MTB, not motorbike, 2399 is a lot money, don't use "only" for it/

[@liwx]

definitely worst full susser at this price point... better off having a long trail AM hardtail instead of this

[@taylormorgan1509]

Care to explain your comment, or list the better FS bikes at this price point? Your comment is useless otherwise.