Mountain Biking - I think I may be in love...

Road and CX rider here, never done much on mtbs.

Visited the local shop today, looking for a commuter bike to free up my CX bike for CX. Nosing around, came across the Giant Talon 29ers. Looks like a sweet ride.

Any comments, before I jump in and enter another long term relationship?

Are you looking to explore, trail ride, downhill, ski resorts, just have a blast and see trees. What are your hopes? Sounds like you know about bikes and are in shape. What do you want to do with what you got?

As long as youre not looking to go blasting down mountains a hardtail 29er is a good bet for a mountain bike. Just built one up myself for the more xc oriented rides and absolutely love it. The bigger wheels are certainly more forgiving. Not familiar with that exact bike but Giants always a safe bet as I'm sure you are aware of. I say go for it :)

Are you looking to explore, trail ride, downhill, ski resorts, just have a blast and see trees. What are your hopes? Sounds like you know about bikes and are in shape. What do you want to do with what you got?

Well, I was initially looking for a commuter to free my CX bike for CX. Now, I am thinking of a mtb for mtbing. I really like the white frame paint scheme on the 2011 (I have a white Fuji, and a white BMC, so why not a white mtb). I just like to ride.

My experience with single track is this: My first two cross races were my first two runs on single track last summer.

And n+1 isn't limited to road bikes - I really, really was taken by the Giant today, and just want to do a teeny bit enough research to keep it from being a total impulse buy. Already have a good part of the battle won - it is about $400 less than the touring bike I was looking at.

..... Looks like a sweet ride.

Any comments, before I jump in and enter another long term relationship?

looks can be deceiving. ride it and then see what you think.

Those are nice bikes and it would be a great bike to commute with. You would be commuting in style. They are also great bikes to ride on trails.

They're a nice looking bike, but just a little less serious than say a Hard Rock 29er. We sell both at the shop I work for, and I would pick the HR for overall performance, though not for looks. The Specialized models below the Rockhopper I just cannot stand to look at this year.. Personal taste I know, but still. If you like the look of the Talons, then go test ride it. Definitely spring for the Talon 1 though. Might as well get the hydros and nicer derailleur setup. The silver/beige and red model is very nice looking, I have to admit.,,,,BD


http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/giant-talon-29er-1-2012-zoom.jpg