rekon

Hello,

I'm looking to buy my first mountain bike. I've been riding the trails with my CX bike and I'm fed up not be able to keep up on descents. I put the CX bike on craigslist recently. I've been looking into mountain bikes lately. However, i'm not familiar with the components of a MTB.

Here are my questions:

My LBS has this bike (Talon 27.5 5 (2014) (2013) | Giant Bicycles | United States) black and green for $510. Is it good price?

Are the components any good? They seem entry level... so, i'm assuming they would be comparable with Sora on a road bike.

How tough is it to climb in one of these? I know this MTB has to be heavier, although not sure by how much. In comparison, my CX bike weighs 25 lbs and it was pretty tough to climb.

rekon

100 views and no responses? C'mmon! Help please... I'm planning on buying this bike today.

Zephyr11

It's a fine bike. Test ride it, see how it fits and feels, and if you like it, it'll treat you well.

rekon

Here she is!!

Canker

Its a good starter bike and should last you a while. Should climb better than your CX bike despite it's weight because it is geared much lower.

pbass

Congrats! I have a 2014 Talon 4 that I got this past winter and love mine---my first MTB as well. Has served me quite well so far--very pleased with the purchase. I'm in LA too--doing plenty of climbing over here in the Pasadena and surrounding area mountains and hills. I actually prefer the color scheme of your bike BTW....

roccobike

Nice bike. Can't go wrong with Giant, excellent brand. I see you got a good price on the bike. That model has a few advantages, one of them being the 8 speed (vs 7speed). The 8 speed rear wheel is a free hub so you can upgrade to 9 or 10 speed if you so desire. The 7 speed is a freewheel design so to upgrade, you'd have to buy a new wheel. Congrats and enjoy it.

rekon

Thanks! The Talon 4 is a cool looking bike! I like the red scheme...

I'm in woodland hills and ride the victory trailhead all the time. What's your favorite trails around Pasadena?

pbass

I've mostly been riding Arroyo Seco (considered a "beginner" trail by some, but I find parts of it pretty challenging!) and working my way up to El Prieto which is out here by JPL. Haven't tried Brown Mountain yet as I hear it's quite advanced. I also have been exploring Cherry Canyon which is by Descanso Gardens. Great views up from the top there.
Will look into Victory. I took the CORBA skills class out at Monterey Creek State Park and that park seemed REALLY nice--intend to go back there soon to ride.

is giant talon5

hey dude i am gonna buy this bicycle but i am wondering 1. what size frame is that looks like a small 2. what are the gears like? are they the wons on the handelbars that u twist around? if you can tell thanks. P.S i am getting the white one