Giant has long been a powerhouse in producing bikes that are a good bang for you buck. Recently though their lower end offerings seemed to be falling behind in component spec and geometry. The new Stance 29 looks to change that with an update geometry, two formidable build under $2000 and the look of a modern trail bike.
The Stance 29, as the name suggests is a 29er platform with 120mm of travel in the rear and 130mm of travel up front. The rear linkage is not the usual Maestro link that Giant’s more expensive bikes do. Instead, the Stance 29 follows in the footsteps of the old 27.5″ Stance and uses Giant’s FlexPoint suspension. This suspension is a single pivot design that uses a flexing chainstay/seatstay junction.
There are two builds to choose from a that come in at $1500 and $1750. They both share SRAM’s lowest end SX Eagle drivetrain. The drivetrain uses a traditional Shimano driver instead of the SRAM XD driver. Unfortunately, the rear end of the bike uses a weaker 141 QR axle. Both bikes are also equipped with Shimano MT200 2 piston brakes.
The two models diverge in specs for their suspension. The lower spec Stance 29 2 comes with a Raidon 34, Boost, 130mm fork and a Suntour Raidon R shock. The $1750 Stance 29 1 comes with a RockShox Recon RL Solo Air at 130mm and RockShox Monarch R rear shock. In addition you get a house branded dropper post with this spec.
When putting together full suspension bikes in this price range compromises will always be present. The lack of a rear through axle is a bummer as that is not an after market upgradable item. Other brands have made compromises in other areas and kept the same frameset for their lower priced bikes. For example the Stumpjumper ST is missing a dropper and utilizes lower end Shimano SLX drivetrain. However, the frame you get is the exact same as higher end Stumpjumpers.
In my mind this may be a better strategy as things like the drivetrain are largely made out of wear items that will need to be replaced every few years if you decide to keep the bike. There always be compromises and I would recommend thinking about how long you plan on owning your bike when looking at the Giant Stance 29.
Any idea as to why they would’ve raised the price on their website?
Just bought one of these and pick it up tomorrow. The article states that the rear hub is not boost spacing, but is it?. 141QR is boost spacing in a quick release version from all I have read.
https://pubwheels.com/blogs/news/know-your-hub-standards
Sorry that was a mistake on my part in the wording. 141QR is boost spacing but not through axle. I accidentally conflated the two. I would personally still rather have a through axle in the rear. I’ve seen back wheel QR’s lose their grip under the power of an XC race start and the extra stiffness is valuable in keeping the rear end tracking well.
I agree totally! Almost didnt buy because of QR141 but found it’s not an uncommon spec.
My guess on the price increase is that nobody is buying up the 2’s. My dealer just told me I would have to wait weeks for a 29-1, but that he had several 29-2’s in stock and waiting for assembly.
I bought the 2.
FYI qr141 is boost spacing.
https://pubwheels.com/blogs/news/know-your-hub-standards
My first impression of the bike is good, but I’m a realist.
The Suntour stuff is OK at best. IMHO it is out of place on a bike otherwise this nice.
On the trail, the fork feels pretty good, but it shouldn’t be compared to the revelation or float, as I have seen folks trying to do online.
My main complaint is how cheap the adjusters feel, and not necessarily how it rides. On trail junk, the fork is actually similar in feel to the revelation on my trailfox, but thats as good as it gets. The rebound adjuster was stripped out from the factory, and is either weeping oil or still has assembly residueI oil on it. I’m going to let the dealer know, and try to live with the fork… I didn’t buy this thing to change it around… I bought it to use it up.
I feel the same about the SRAM SX, it plastic! Like the other Eagle stuff I have used, it was finicky to get working decent, but once the magic spot is found, it operates impressively. The end stop adjustment screws are course thread self tapping screws run through a plastic derailleur body. This is just like what you find on RC cars. I’m an old RC car hobbiest, and I know these type fasteners can stand some serious abuse, but plastic just seems wrong on a decent.
The shock is utterly forgettable, but that’s not bad. It just means a cant remember anything to say about it. Lol.
After day 1. My recommendation is to get the 29-1.. not the 29-2.
The worst part of the Stance 2 is the rear shock. No adjustment
It is adjustable, but only rebound and no lockout.
It does have adjustment, but only rebound and no lockout. It’s great for the price.
Any lock out capability on the rear shock on either model? If not, do folks see this as a worthwhile upgrade?