2022 Giant Talon 2. Best Beginner Mountain Bike?

#gianttalon #gtagressor #giantbicycles
2022 Giant Talon 2. Best Beginner Mountain Bike?
I finally decided to revisit the Giant Talon per your request. The mountain bike industry has been turned on it's so I wanted to see if this budget friendly mountain bike was still one of the best under $1000. I could compare companies for days but decided to stick with just GT for this video. Look at all of your options and do some comparing yourself with other companies like trek and specialized.
Thank you all for watching!
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[@MossieRidesBikes]

More of an opinion piece than anything but I’d love to hear what you guys and gals think the best beginner sun $1000 MTB is. Thank you all for the support!

[@kings17court]

After watching this video, I would say that either the Talon 1 or 2, both of which are currently on sale if you could find the one you like.

[@snewberry8669]

I am 72 years old, and decided to try mountain biking. After much research the 2021 Talon 2 was my choice. I go on the trails, but don't do the crazy stuff. The bike suits me. I am considering a dropper, but this will be the only upgrade for me. This is a great bike for the beginner. I can recommend it. It is the best bike for the money.

[@ThomCordeiro]

I bought a 2022 Talon 2 XL/29 in the Spring as my first mountain bike and it’s been fantastic. Love the 1x9 and the hydraulic brakes. Solid ride. Great video!

[@bjchang000]

You've single-handedly convinced me to get the Talon 2.....probably the 29er. Can't wait to start riding!! Thank you, good sir!

[@MossieRidesBikes]

I am glad I could help. Happy riding!

[@ehd2012]

Thanks for the video. To go Back to biking I’ve been thinking long time now. Teat ride couple of MTbikes until I come up with the Giant bikes. Pick up my Talon 2 & loving it. Perfect for my budget. Will do some upgrades later on. Thank you & keep sharing amazing videos.

[@brendanroberge53]

Very happy with my 2023 Talon 2. My local bike shop gave me 50$ off and bontrager pedals . Couldn't be happier.

[@TimSwinson86]

Crazy that I have a 2014 Talon and the geometry and parts really haven't changed that much. Over the years upgraded to a Fox 32 air shock, Shimano SLX 4-pot brakes and a dropper post and it's been great for green and even the odd blue trail.

[@LaserLuther]

My 13 yo daughter is progressing very nicely on a 22 XS Talon 1. We upgraded peddals, grips and derailleur pulleys. The next steps will be a dropper and tubeless. Great price point and upgrade path without breaking the bank.

[@pedrock3904]

Outstanding work my friend! You're helping a lot of people and thank you communicating with all levels of riders...I don't know anything about mountainbikes and you clarified many of my concerns without intimidation. Wish you well and keep it up!

[@Libertà_sopra_vita]

You can put run tapered steer on the talon. You have to buy the right headset. Talon has a 44mm head tube and can run both 1 1/8" straight steerer tube forks, or tapered 1 1/8 to 1.5". Honestly the headtube is fine. Id rather them update the geometry and skewers to boost thru axle

[@fractalmonk2398]

The 21 Giant Roam was my favorite bike I've ever had! It got stolen so now I have a Giant Talon 4 2022 and I love it! Thanks for the vids sir!

[@matthewphillips5785]

I started with a 2021 Talon 1, it was a great first bike. Good bang for the buck!

[@MossieRidesBikes]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@brandonvardy1734]

Bought a talon 2 3 years ago and I beat the shit out of the bike and it’s been great! Soon time to upgrade but the ol talon will still be used! Just a great bike over all for the money!

[@drummertsprow]

Excellent video! Brand new Talon 1 (2021/22) on sale for $784.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Before single chain rings, every true beginner started off with 2 shifters. We just get worse with every generation at figuring stuff out, huh. Progress it is called.

[@blackwolfgerdz8943]

My Giant Talon2 2017 🖤💙🧡

[@curtiscampbell4897]

I have a 2021 talon 2. I have about 1200 miles on it. It’s holding up great. I even got a couple of cat 3 podiums this year. The Rockshox recon silver fork is about $260 with quick release axle.

[@MossieRidesBikes]

That’s awesome, congrats on your podiums!

[@FetusK1cker]

Got this bike last year, its a great ride for sure!

[@madtownangler]

I think the Giant comes out of the biggest factory of all of them. Many brands come out of that factory.

[@MossieRidesBikes]

You got that right!

[@carlod5818]

what is different from,the talon 3 that it does not get mentioned ?

[@albertoecheverria776]

Great video and info, thank you

[@znsh18]

Another great video Mossie. Thank you. I bought my first MTB Talon 4 after watching your video during the pandemic when any bikes were hard to get. Did the Tuck Fest 13.1 MTB race on it. And now feeling the need to upgrade mainly for more travel and maybe a dropper post. How about a future video on XTC and Fathom? What are the differences? Big bang for the bucks.

[@MossieRidesBikes]

I appreciate the support and I have an xtc vs fathom video on my list!

[@Bodzio1982]

I’m thinking about Talon 2. I just want to drive maybe couple a times around house and go to park or mountains but not do any fancy trails. Would this bike be suitable?

[@JustAPersonAndYou]

Great points. You described me as a new mtb'er. What are your thoughts on the gen 3 Trek Marlin 5? Thanx

[@WGazeon]

I got the 2017 Talon 1 the specs vs. price is very compelling at the time and am still using currently... albeit with a few upgrades here and there :) I did compare this bike with the comparable bikes from Trek, Specialized and Cannondale it would seem that Giant bikes are more generous with their components at a given price bracket.

[@yengsabio5315]

In my case, I have the Giant Talon 2 (2017). It came with a 2 x 9 transmission system. I only replaced the wheelset for a more trail-abled mountainbiking. So far, I have no complain with the bike. But the fork is already old no matter how I try to maintain it. Planning to replace it with a Manitou Machete or SR Suntour Epixon. Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking

[@kings17court]

I got my son a 2021 Giant Talon 2 with a small frame and 29" wheels, and it has served him well. He's now 15, and has grown a bit. We are looking for a new bike, mainly to upsize a little. I was looking at other options at a max of about $1,000, and feel like I'm coming back to the Talon, either a 1 or 2. The 1 is currently on sale for less than $800. Neither is available locally, though. I was also looking at the Marlin 6, but even with my limited knowledge I could see that it's a step down from the Talon in components. But they offer it in an yellowy orange color that is beautiful.

[@alhammadisaeed1647]

What is the Difference of talon 1 and talon 2 & talon 3& talon 4 and whats the best in 2023

[@mariopejovic]

it seems like great beginner bike. and I'd highly recommend to everyone to save up some cash and go straight to 1x. I see lots of people buying cheaper 3x bikes and doing upgrades to 1x straight away. to me, it seems waste of money and time. and as owner of Giant bike, I love how reliable their bikes are. they might not be as flashy as some other brands, but you get quality products for decent price. Mossie, in your opinion, what do you think when situation on the market will start to look like prepandemic? do you think will prices start to drop at the end of the next year, early 2024? and when we can expect for bikes to be specced as advertised, with more know brands like Shimano and SRAM, instead Microshift Advet, Tektro brakes and likes?

[@Libertà_sopra_vita]

Converting to 1 by is pretty cheap depending the crankset you choose. You can buy a 1x crankset and bearings for $50 and up.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I am not a fan of the "chain stays" lower than the "top tube" where they are welded on the seat tube. There is a pretty big sheer stress on that small section of seat tube between them. From a bike manufacturing shop I worked at, it is enough stress to break Ti Tubing if the insert and seat post did not overlap them both for internal support.

[@bowieread6355]

This and upgrade the fork and the issue with needing a. New wheel doesn’t matter because I e mounted a 29” front wheel instead of matching the rear with a 27

[@manuelbringas2]

I can upgrade this to 1x12 with the same rear hub thanks

[@MauricioBond23]

Hi there, newbie here. I'm looking to get the Talon 2, but on the specs it says 2x9 instead of the 1x9 that he mentions on the video. Any advice? Thanks

[@Keepingupwiththekirks]

I’ve had two talons they are good bikes. I recently found a specialized rockhopper EXPERT for $950 and its a better bike all around.

[@daveguimbarda3540]

Had my 11 year old grandson try on a Talon 1 small because of his size and for longevity. Recommended by local bike shop. What do you think

[@kamiledytawerpachowski3215]

Up until now we had Trek FX 7.2 that we used mainly on pavement. We are thinking about upgrading to MTB so we can use them on off road trails, gravel and hard packed roads as well as paved city streets. How would you compare Giant Talon 2 to Specialized Rockhopper Sport? They are both $750 with hydraulic breaks. Specialized has 2x9 drivetrain where Giant is 1x9.

[@osvaldocardoso9316]

what is the standing clearance on the 26" tekton?

[@todd92371]

I have this bike. I want to upgrade the wheelset. Do you consider the stock wheelset on this bike heavy?

[@rashman763]

Which one u orefer fathom 2 29 or fuse or roscoe 7 im in budget less than 2 gran

[@Libertà_sopra_vita]

That isn't true. The headtube is 44mm. I bought a fox 32 tapered thru axle fork for my 2021 talon 2. Most headset companies make an adapter now a days that work on a straight 44mm. I went with FSA. Also upgraded my groupset with a 1x11 sram gx eagle. Upgraded the rear 160mm rotor to a 180 and besides some odds and ends i plan to upgrade next, shes almost complete. the bike has held up well and im not a small guy by any means.

[@TheParadoxMachine]

I bought a Talon 2 a few weeks ago to get into MTB. The only complaint I have about it so far is the forks. They really aren't good. There is even a warning sticker on them that says "no downhill, dirt jumps, or hard riding". Given, I'm not planning on doing any of that until I get a handle on more of the basics of riding. But still, I wish they weren't going to have to be upgraded as soon as they will be. And on the subject of upgrades, they are few and far between. Like the video mentioned, the straight steer head really limits your options. And the ones that I've found cost more than 50% of the cost of the bike(around 400-500) or are barely considered upgrades. On the bright side, Suntour does have and upgrade program. If you're upgrading from a suntour product, you get $100 off the upgrade. Which is nice. But once again, your options are limited. Other than that, it's a great ride for the price point. I would still recommend it to a new rider.

[@shantanu766]

Hey would you recommend Giant Talon 0 over Trek Marlin 7, Merida Big 9 300, United Clovis 6.10? Getting Giant Talon 0 for around 890 USD

[@conormalinois]

GIANT TALON 29 3-GE vs TREK Marlin 6 2023 vs CUBE AIM EX 2023?

[@chumak7046]

I just bought talon 2 knight shield last week.. And now i am thinking some upgrades maybe changing the hubs and sprocket. . This bike is too silent.. I like noisy one, like my wife

[@itr0863]

These talon 2 are on sale for $588. I have been looking for a Hardtail for my wife. I can’t seem to find anything around this same price range that has a 1X drivetrain, hydraulic brakes like this talon 2. Talon 1 is $788 as well on sale

[@kings17court]

Yes, this current sale makes the Talon 1 and 2 even more appealing if you could find one.

[@itr0863]

@@kings17court thank u for the reply! Ended up getting a liv tempt2 which is the women’s version of the talon2. I had no idea giant had a women’s division of Bikes. I picked it up last week at my local giant dealer. Can’t beat the spec for the price. I was looking at the trek marlin, but that was $599 + and only a 2x.

[@lambertj.2892]

@@itr0863 Absolutely nothing wrong with a 2x. I actually prefer it over 1x.

[@jumpropestairs6129]

Best buy for new buyers base on the shiting

[@barnacleheart9479]

I have a talon 2 and love it as well - though I am starting to find its limits. Quick question though, I could have swore the suntour forks were 100mm of travel on the larger sizes and 80mm of travel on the smaller sizes. Did they change the spec? Mine is a 2020 ….or maybe a 2021…. Can’t remember off hand.

[@MossieRidesBikes]

you are not mistaken! I just measured two of the same bikes that came out of a batch that sat in at the ports forever. One measured 85 and one was 100 both the same size. The spec sheet does specify different travel for different sizes but I will chalk this one up to parts being hard to get🤷‍♂️

[@barnacleheart9479]

Honestly it only occurred to me because I keep debating if I should put on an air shock and a pair of minions and call it a day (ride it till she falls apart) or upgrade. Though mine has the old 42 tooth microshift in the rear, so I could really use that newer 46…. …..or I could upgrade. But here’s the million dollar question, where does one go from a talon? What the best 2nd bike 😂

[@davidmulhall.8711]

They do ....Giant is the king 🤴 factory... they make Trek & other's too.... cheers Ď

[@mikeb.2166]

Good video. I'm not pro but IMO spend on the Fathom or XTC or punt and go to Costco and buy their Northrock XC27 that I have read is made by Giant, or at least their (Talon?) frame. Thing is pre-COVID this Northrock was around $320 and now it is over $450 - still less than the Talon. It would be interesting if this Northrock comes through the shop what a review and comparison would be vs. Giant. Anyway I got a Northrock xc27 for my teen about 3 years ago for $350 and its a good entry level bike even if its one size/flavor fits all.

[@adamrobson80]

Member the Raleigh activatior

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I am just average height. Do they make a regular sized Talon? :)

[@jumpropestairs6129]

Yes with a drop post

[@joseargueta6884]

I'm 35 years old, weigh 240 pounds and I want to get into mountain biking to lose some weight. Would you recommend the Talon 1 or the Talon 2 for me?

[@kings17court]

I would say either one. With your weight, if you are going to be aggessive, probably the 1 so you could adjust/increase the pressure in the air forks. If you don't plan on being aggressive, the 2 should be fine.

[@chazzthaspazz4475]

well tbh im not surppperr new i had a diamond back hardtail 26” it was $300 at dicks lol and it broke i was pretty rough on ir anways lookin to get this bike i would say im intermediate but theres really isnt a whole lot of options but ive liked this bike out of the handful of bikes ive looked at was opting for the kona fire mountain and jamis durango really wanted that kona but cant find em anywhere i liked that jamis beside the color but at same time its nor a big company and couldnt find enough reviews on em. this bike from what im seeing is growing on me. yes ik the fork is rough i heard but at this proce point what do ya expect. i do jumping and stuff ik it probably wouldnt be a good idea to bring to a bike park but its okay. but it will give me a good introduction to a 29” wheel never had that gotta get used to it.

[@stefslyfe]

I have a 2016 Talon 4 and I’d put it up against any sub $1000 Mtn bike on the market.

[@anthonyboudreau6966]

I bought a M, talon 2 2022 29er, it's my first mountain bike. What PSI should I run my tires?

[@anthonyboudreau6966]

I'm 5'10 and it fits perfect but might be a good idea to go to a bike shop and get yourself fitted.

[@jr5389]

Talon 2 for the £€$¥ = Best MTB in The Milky Way…& Possibly The Andromeda Galaxy toooooooooooooooo 👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😎 Ps Upgrades = pedals + Grips + saddle 🤪

[@anonymousperson2782]

I wouldnt recommend the giant talon 2. I was shredding downhill on Enterprise South Nature Park and my back brake is crooked now.

[@lucasrocha633]

I own GT Agressor Pro for 399 CAD dollars 290$ USD. (new Sportchek sale)..

[@conradofm]

nice

[@Cmc7799]

Kona fire mountain is my choice for sub $800

[@MossieRidesBikes]

I will admit, I have always had a soft spot for Kona

[@Cmc7799]

Loved my Honzo. Riding a Fathom currently.

[@wiggypop]

WHAT IF YOU WEIGH 240 LBS? AM I TOO HEAVY?

[@demri123]

No way. Just get a little heavier bike

[@jithuchandradas4950]

Polygon xtrada 5 and 6 is a better choice

[@AA-dx4ql]

The talon is upgradable, but u do have to donsome work, I have a talon and I upgraded the whole bike.

[@wiggypop]

taLON 4 FOR?!?!?!?!

[@eckdavid2472]

New riders can't figure out front shifters!? The sport must be really dumbing down.

[@shredderofstrings3223]

Whats the point of front shifters? Please explain o'smart one

[@FranciscoRodriguez-hb1ht]

Giant is a good bike, but other brands are becoming better & cheaper.

[@jeffcarr2265]

You call this a beginner bike ? You haven't owned a Huffy or any Walmart bike

[@jumpropestairs6129]

Hoe was the industry turned on its head

[@armandojuan64]

Those two bicycles suck . That is Walmart's crap with a fancy name like Giant . your video , awesome ... as usual .

[@DonVergas-100]

I have one and I can tell you the bike is trash

[@5ChG]

Hydraulics breaks sucks….when it goes wrong you can fix it,,you got to walk with the bike. Okay? Fluid leaks…you are fucked up in the middle of road or mountain. Hydraulic cannot be fixed with Allen wrenches.