Giant Stance Review

Giant use their ALUXX grade aluminium for the Stance frame. It uses a four-bar single-pivot linkage that they have labelled as "FlexPoint". Simpler and easier to manufacture than the Maestro linkage seen on the majority of their full-suspension bikes, the FlexPoint set up is still very capable. Both the 27.5 and 29er bikes have  120mm of rear travel, slotting the bike firmly in the Trail bike category. Able to take on a little bit of everything, the Stance is a great introduction to full suspension mountain biking, or even as a first MTB for those wanting the comfort, grip and confidence-inspiring feel of a full suspension set up.

The previous version of the Stance has been around for five years and needed updating, Giant has brought the Stance up to date with the "longer, lower, slacker" treatment making the bike more confident and capable on the trail, it provides a balanced feeling when climbing and descending. Finishing touches include a bottle cage mount, front mech ability, and internal cable routing.

Both wheel size versions of the Stance come with 120mm of rear travel and 130mm forks, The Stance 1 and Stance 2 are available with either 27.5" or 29" wheels . The Stance 1 is the higher-spec version of the two using RockShox suspension front and rear. Upfront is the dependable RockShox Recon RL fork that shares a crown and lowers with the well respected Revelation, it has the plush Motion Control damper that features external low-speed compression adjustment from fully open to lock-out. The rear uses the Monarch R shock with adjustable rebound.

The Stance 2 bikes use forks and shocks from SR Suntour. The Raidon fork and shock work perfectly together to give a balanced ride feel. SR Suntour suspension create a great platform for an entry-level full suspension trail bike. Every model and version of the Stance come with air sprung forks and shocks, this means they can be set up easily for different rider weights and riding styles, all that is needed is a shock pump.

Only a few years ago 1x12 drivetrains were the reserve of the highest spec bikes. The previous version of the Stance had a 2x10 set-up, so it is great to see Giant are able to give 1x12 on this newest Stance. The SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain uses a 32t front chainring and an 11-50 rear cassette giving a huge gear ratio while offering great chain retention and reduced chain slap.

Brakes are from Shimano, the simple to set up and reliable MT200's are on every bike. Bars and stem are from Giant, short stems and wide 780mm handlebars help confidence and control on the trail. Apart from the suspension, the main difference between Stance 1 and 2 is that the Stance 1 has a dropper seat post. A dropper post has become an essential part of mountain biking, with the press of a lever on the handlebars you can lower the seat while you ride to get it out of the way, allowing you to move your weight back for steep descents. Another press of the button raises the seat allowing you to pedal again with full efficiency.

As mentioned, the Stance comes in either a 27.5 or 29" wheel version. There is no real right or wrong answer to what wheel size is right for you, though essentially it comes down to how you like the bike to feel on the trail. The larger 29" wheel will suit riders looking for a smooth and composed feel, though some feel the larger wheel has less "fun factor" and are best for long-distance riding on flatter terrain. Some feel that a 27.5" wheel can feel more engaging on the trail than a 29er, the "fun factor" can be higher as the bike can feel like it is interacting more with the trail, it can feel faster as it asks for more rider input, and for some, this is more fun.

The wheelsets themselves are made from Giants own rims and hubs, they are tubeless-ready, strong and fast-rolling. Tyres are from Maxxis on every bike, the 27.5 bikes get wide 2.6" rubber while the 29er bikes have narrower 2.35" tyres, both suit the characteristics of the wheel size well and compliment the balanced suspension platform of the Stance.