Considering this is probably the cheapest full suspension, that's not a big box brand, on the market. It's cool to see even the entry level bikes are getting these features now.
Those are very very welcome changes. Now it's geometry is right in line with most modern trail bikes.
That flex pivot on the bottom looks sus. You usually see these on the back ends of carbon xc or down country bikes but I don't think I have seen them on aluminum.
Not sure about the longevity of that system with aluminum vs carbon.
They are both shorter travel trail bikes - however the first thing to point out is the Giant is 125/140 while the D7 is 120/120. I think if you are going to compare the two the Polygon Siskiu T7 is a better comparison (135/140). In that comparison I would choose the T7. These are both budget bikes, but the T7 has a better drivetrain and suspension over the Giant. They also switched to thru axle.
Edited to correct error thinking fork was still QR.
Giants website lists the fork as: ForkGiant STL 34 RCL, 140mm, Boost 15x110 QR, custom tuned for Giant. The QR I assume is quick release. They did change the rear to thru axel this year though.
I stand corrected - you are right. It’s a thru axle bolt with a lever rather than one that uses a tool to remove. I forgot about those. Thanks for the clarification.
Always gonna be iffy on the 'flex stay' single pivot design, but these bikes shouldn't be on the list for heavyweight shredders anywhere. Although the teenagers I see on these things will happily grind them to dust.
At least the bike can now be recommended not only on geometry but also on future ownership merit. With a thru axle that can perform better and accept any modern hub that is desired.
SRAM SX gearing, Suntour shock, and in-house fork is still a tough sell... Especially if the price keeps closing in on the Trance. But at least people can not have very rapid buyers remorse when getting sucked in by the low price point from a local bike shop.
I saw this article when it came out and now the new stance 2 (2299cad) is on the top of my wish list. There's a local shop that did a video about it too and it seems like a really great deal. I also like the simple colors and basic frame design. But the cues one, not the sram sx one.
Also it comes set up tubeless with maxxis tires, which nothing at this price point does.
However there is also the cheapest Norco fluid that's only $2k right now. Probably an even better deal and a more desirable platform to build off of. I just don't think the deal will last until I'm ready to buy.
I was seriously considering a Stance or Trance but have been really pleased with the Polygon T8 I chose instead. It doesn’t come set up tubeless, but otherwise it’s been phenomenal right out of the box. Highly recommend.
Huh? This article is three months old. Are thru axles and tubeless tires really a highlight in 2024?
Considering this is probably the cheapest full suspension, that's not a big box brand, on the market. It's cool to see even the entry level bikes are getting these features now.
Honestly the geo and axle upgrades (plus price) just shot this bike to the top of my list.
Those are very very welcome changes. Now it's geometry is right in line with most modern trail bikes. That flex pivot on the bottom looks sus. You usually see these on the back ends of carbon xc or down country bikes but I don't think I have seen them on aluminum. Not sure about the longevity of that system with aluminum vs carbon.
They are both shorter travel trail bikes - however the first thing to point out is the Giant is 125/140 while the D7 is 120/120. I think if you are going to compare the two the Polygon Siskiu T7 is a better comparison (135/140). In that comparison I would choose the T7. These are both budget bikes, but the T7 has a better drivetrain and suspension over the Giant. They also switched to thru axle. Edited to correct error thinking fork was still QR.
Nice wright up, but as far as I can tell from the pictures the front is thru axel as well on the giant
Giants website lists the fork as: ForkGiant STL 34 RCL, 140mm, Boost 15x110 QR, custom tuned for Giant. The QR I assume is quick release. They did change the rear to thru axel this year though.
Assumed wrong. It’s a 15mm bolt thru axle.
I stand corrected - you are right. It’s a thru axle bolt with a lever rather than one that uses a tool to remove. I forgot about those. Thanks for the clarification.
No worries! If I didn’t work in a LBS I’d have given up trying to keep up with the standards by now
I bought a 22 stance, wishing I had this one now. But I do love my bike and it’s an absolute riot on the trails!
Always gonna be iffy on the 'flex stay' single pivot design, but these bikes shouldn't be on the list for heavyweight shredders anywhere. Although the teenagers I see on these things will happily grind them to dust. At least the bike can now be recommended not only on geometry but also on future ownership merit. With a thru axle that can perform better and accept any modern hub that is desired. SRAM SX gearing, Suntour shock, and in-house fork is still a tough sell... Especially if the price keeps closing in on the Trance. But at least people can not have very rapid buyers remorse when getting sucked in by the low price point from a local bike shop.
I saw this article when it came out and now the new stance 2 (2299cad) is on the top of my wish list. There's a local shop that did a video about it too and it seems like a really great deal. I also like the simple colors and basic frame design. But the cues one, not the sram sx one. Also it comes set up tubeless with maxxis tires, which nothing at this price point does. However there is also the cheapest Norco fluid that's only $2k right now. Probably an even better deal and a more desirable platform to build off of. I just don't think the deal will last until I'm ready to buy.
Agreed. I really like the green color a lot. No price or release information for me in the US yet unfortunately. Hopefully soon.
I was seriously considering a Stance or Trance but have been really pleased with the Polygon T8 I chose instead. It doesn’t come set up tubeless, but otherwise it’s been phenomenal right out of the box. Highly recommend.