XtC 29er combines the best of both worlds. With highly engineered ALUXX SL aluminum tubing and performance XC geometry, it delivers both predictable stability and a surprisingly stable trail feel. Featuring Giant’s OverDrive headtube for steering precision and a 100-millimeter suspension fork, it’s a fast way to elevate your trail-riding skills.
Strengths: Great frame and shock. Wheels just roll over stuff and once moving keep great speed. Bike handles great. This thing is fast!!! This is just a great looking, well built bike.
Weaknesses: Components are ok but I will upgrade when the time comes. Saddle & Grips are nothing to write home about. Those will be upgraded too.
Bottom Line:
This is a really great bike for the price. The frame is well built and solid. The shock works great. The components are really on the weak side for a bike of this caliber but they need to shave some cost somewhere. Components are the reason for 4 chilli's overall.
This is my first 29er and so far no complaints. It weighs in right around 28 pounds.
Similar Products Used: Scott Scale 29er, Trek X-Cal, Specialized Hard Rock
Bike Setup: All stock for now
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Submitted by
Condaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Bentonville AR
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2012
Strengths: Solid, well built, fast and fun. Great geometry for riding fast, flies over obstacles. Recomend the bike to anyone looking for a lower priced 29er that will do everything the more expensive will do but heavier
Weaknesses: Marzzochi for has been rebuilt twice. Tall big bike that struggles in very technical terrain and is quite heavy.
Bottom Line:
Perfect bike for someone who is looking for a fast 29er with solid build but trying to keep the price low. I have ridden FS thta have climber better but for terrain that you can carry momentum and speed this bike excels.
Bike Setup: Mostly Stock, upgraded seat, tires and running spd's
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Submitted by
RobinGB
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2011
Strengths: Its a Giant, the over sized headtube is worth its weight in gold. The frame is awesome, and i have found it super easy to customize to fit me perfectly.
Weaknesses: shifter triggers (see below)
Bottom Line:
The Marzocchi shocks lockout is a silly alignment(easy to change), Didnt come with a QR for the seat post, the shifter indicator windows got in the way of proper break handle alignment (had to up grade to get one without that pesky indicator).
I love this bike and recommend it highly, its a great starting point if you think you want to do some races. As things wear out im going to upgrade them and get the weight a little further down, but i have had no major problems with this bike. The price didnt deter me at all i think its an amazing amount of bike for the price, i found for the price i would rather wait and upgrade the XTC2 components as they wear out rather then shelling for the XTC1.
Submitted by
Ingrid Cold
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2011
Strengths: This frame is second to none! The color combo of white with red and black trim is striking to look at. The geometry and wheelbase feel great on my 5'11 frame. The Bomber forks while a little heavy feel and work good.
Weaknesses: The drive-train is sub-par, the front derailleur is complete junk. The rear derailleur is ok and does the job along with the shifters but I will change those out in time.
Bottom Line:
Just buy this bike!! its awesome and once you can get some upgrades you will love it even more. It will serve you just fine until you can :)
Bike Setup: I Immediately changed the crankset with a red Raceface Turbine. It feels like a tank and I highly recommend one. I went with vittoria randonneur cross tires (love'em,) Salsa red Lip-Lock seat post clamp, Salsa Promoto Stem: Ti, and
FSA K-Force Carbon Low-Riser Carbon Bar (Both look and feel awesome! (also highly recommended) I intend on doing more in the near future!!
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Submitted by
jc48036
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan, US
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2011
Strengths: Amazing frame, good fork, and better comp set than other makes at the same price point.
Weaknesses: Stock handle bar and grips
Bottom Line:
I have to say this is an excellent bike. I have not had one problem in 6 months of riding. I am 6'3" and found the Large to be a better fit than the Xl. I moved from a 26" FS to this bike and there is not a moment when I miss the Jamis. Take the time to fine tune this bike to your riding style and you won't go wrong. 2 in my riding group are selling their Treks to pur this bike. It just has a great riding position that makes you comfortable going faster than you were on your old bike. This bike has all the new tech that will become standard on all 29ers ie. Tapered Head Tube, 15mm air fork and Hydro brakes.
Bike Setup: Race Face Next Carbon bars and seat post. ODI Grips and Conti Mt King tires.
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Submitted by
RollinOn2Niners
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2011
Strengths: This bike is amazing. It is my first 29er and I love it. Out of the box the large frame fit my 6'1" stature perfectly. After test riding the bike I knew that it was going to fly and it does. The Giant P29 factory wheelset is unbelievably stiff and strong and does not stop for anything. When building the bike, I stressed the spokes and couldn't get a single one to ping, threw each wheel into the truing stand and they were both dead nuts right from the factory. After one whole season of riding Michigan's UP the wheels are still perfect. The stock Shimano Shadow Deore drivetrain is very snappy and responsive for the low cost, this makes it an affordable replacement for any new riders not looking to upgrade until they know what to look and feel for in a shifting system. The integrated headset from FSA is super quality and you can't go wrong with the matching anodized parts like the headset, the fork lockout cap, and the derailleur hanger that Giant threw into the mix. The Kenda Karma Pro tires that come stock have been suprisingly durable and fast rolling. I have been running them around 28 psi and have never had a flat during this first year of riding. I have been running the 700x38c Serfas Vida tire for commuting and doing some long spinning rides on the road for endurance training. The versatility of a 29er is far above the rest. The Marzocchi TST2 Bomber fork is a tank! It is actually designed for all-mountain riding and feels stiff and burly, the air pressure adjustmants are very responsive as well as the rebound adjustments. Need I even mention the brushed aluminum appearance and hydroform tubing? Ride a Giant!
Weaknesses: The weaknesses found in the stock bike set up are most prominently the Shimano BR-MM45 hydraulic brakes with 160mm rotors; they are weak in their braking power and a hassle to bleed and adjust. The stock grips provide no support and reduce blood flow significantly. The bike is initially a little heavy, weighing in at 29lbs 4oz. The largest components that make up this weight are the TruVativ ISIS crank and bottom bracket, the Bomber fork which is a whopping 5.02lbs(also in need of a fluid level adjustment as the lock out has failed after one season but I never lock out anyway, the dust caps and seals seem to be holding well though) and the wheelset(sometimes a heavier wheelset is worth the lifetime and stiffness you achieve with the Giant P29's)
Bottom Line:
The Giant XTC 29 2 is one of the most affordable and versatile 29ers out there. It makes a great first 29er and makes a great race bike. It is a solid foundation to upgrade and make your own. There is nothing to be dissappointed with on this bike, only places to go and terrain to roll over.
Similar Products Used: Tested: Specialized Camber 29 Elite, Specialized Stumpjumper 29 Elite, Giant Anthem X 29, Niner Jet 9
Bike Setup: 2010 Giant XTC 29 2 (Large). Upgrades from stock: Avid Elixir 5 braking system with 204mm front rotor and 185mm rear rotor (the larger rotors help a lot when stopping these huge wheels!), Shimano XT Dyna-Sys Drivetrain (weighs 1.5lbs less than the Shadow Deore drivetrain), ODI Xtreme LockOn grips. Soon to add: Stan's No Tubes Crest 29er Wheelset and Kenda Small Block 8 tires. Dream addition: Fox Talas 29.
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Submitted by
nikojan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2011
Strengths: Incredibly light, marz fork is brilliant,
Weaknesses: The stock shifter sticks at times
Bottom Line:
This bike is brilliant. The 29er wheels shred through everything in sight (logs, ditches, rock gardens), the marzocchi fork comes with a lockout and rebound, the bike is A LOT lighter then anything I've ridden in the past, the list goes on. This bike is perfect as a road bike with the fork locked and a pair of slicks due to its geo and weight, and even better as a mountain bike. All around amazing.
Similar Products Used: Giant Revel 0, Cube attention
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
MadmanQC
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal,Quebec,Canada
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2011
Strengths: Fast bike, light, good climber and fork
Weaknesses: Shifts are a bit rough,
Bottom Line:
My first 29er just amazing bike good balance, light,fast and i love the Marzocchi fork it does a great job. For brakes they're good so far but i prefer Hayes stroker Trail.Good on road and perfect in trails. Good choice so far
Submitted by
Dummyrunner
a Weekend Warrior
from Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2011
Strengths: Really nice Geometry which looks as good as it feels. I'm exactly 6' and went with the large frame. Was pleased I did as it feels perfect. Great value for money. Was keen on the XTC2 but budget constraints limited me, however I have no regrets. The Bombers are sooooo much better than other brand shocks used on similar priced bikes. It handles and brakes well and sitting in the saddle is a really nice place to be. Its also lighter than other bikes I looked at. Forget what brochures and retail people tell you, weigh it yourself. If your going to spend the bucks, do the due dilligence.
Weaknesses: If anything, the gear changes are a tiny let down. Not so much that I will be rushing out to upgrade but I will probably look at that after about 12 months.
Bottom Line:
Giant got it right with this bike. It's a great looking, functional bike priced for people like me without the big budget, but want to get out and have some serious fun. I use it for work during the week and a bit of single track and x country on the weekend. Its as much at home on the street as in the forest. It's not a jump bike or an all mountain bike so if thats how you get your jollies this isn't fot you. But if you want a bike that climbs, handles, rolls and looks great, this could be for you. Iv'e come to really like this bike. I actually went shopping to buy another model but on paper, the Giant won and It's proven to have been a good decision.
Submitted by
iluvdrt
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Co
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2011
Strengths: Light, awesome looks, decent componet group, rigid frame, Climbs like a billy goat. Bomber shock is great. Rolls over anything. Very fast bike
Weaknesses: Shifts are a tad rough, but probably due to the lesser quality componets (Deore).
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have purchased to date. It replaced my worn out Giant ATX 870 I bought in 96, and my 2011 Specialized Rockhopper. I decided to go with the 29'er because I like hardtails, but wanted a smoother ride. This bike has certainly performed very well. The first ride was about 12 miles through Denver's foothills. The bike was very nimble and felt like a 26. My climbs were way faster, and I felt in control. I opted for the 2 mainly due to price. I figure I can upgrade to better componets later on. The gearing on the bike is awesome and I didnt feel the larger tires at all. It feels like I am riding a monster truck. Awesome bike!!
Submitted by
nobleflyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Wichita Falls, TX USA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2011
Strengths: Good sturdy bike. Overall good appearance. Rides good.
Weaknesses: None yet.
Bottom Line:
I was comfortable with the bike on the first ride, and had a lap time close to what I normally do on my Scalpel. Just for a little different workout, I have been inflating my tires up to 65 psi and doing some group road rides. Once you get those 29" wheels rolling, you cruise. It kinda freaks out the roadies when I am with them stride for stride, even when we hit around 40 mph on hills or tailwind. It has been a fun bike, on or off the trail.
Similar Products Used: GT XCR 3000, Cannondale Scalpel 3
Bike Setup: I upgraded the bike with SRAM XO red annodized shifters, red rear derailleur, and Race Face Turbine crank with red annodized crank arms. They blended in well with the stock hubs.
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Submitted by
ecker362
a Cross Country Rider
from Saskatchewan, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2011
Strengths: Very fast and an excellent climber. Good value components for the price.
Weaknesses: none found yet
Bottom Line:
Great bike, ton's of fun. Nice to have a bike the fits me at 6'4". My buddys on their 26"s have to work hard to keep up to the big wheels.
Submitted by
sushibarb
a Cross Country Rider
from loveland, co
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2011
Strengths: light, short wheel base
Bottom Line:
I am only 5'4" (female) and this is the first 29er I have found that really fits me. This bike is so much fun to ride. It's perfect for the local trails here, Very easy to climb with. Bang for the buck you can't go wrong. I bought two frames and made one a single speed. This bike helps be keep up with the guys I ride with, and at 50 I need all the help I can get.
Similar Products Used: I road a motorbecane ti for the past year, Great ride but to long & big for me.But I was hooked on the 29er and needed to find a frame that fit me better at 5'4"
Bike Setup: I bought the frame only. Small. The factory build is heavy and low end. I used a standard 1 1/8 fork (reba race) with the Crane Creek step down adaptor ($40). Riser handle bars. 240 DT swiss wheels. Race face Ti cranks. Black Sheep Bikes built me a TI seat post which really soften the ride. pretty much XTR/XT build.
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Submitted by
mrdepo
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2011
Strengths: Light for a 29er with nimble geometry. First 29er.
Weaknesses: The bike's drivetrain could be better, as a lower cost specialized comes with XT.
(I rode the specialized, not worth it.)
Bottom Line:
This is a good bike for someone who wants to start racing with a 29er. Remember, THIS IS A 29ER. It still has some of the weaknesses of big wheels, but the effects seem to be minimized compared to other bikes. Overall, a great value and a good choice!
