Giant Talon 27.5 4 review

Giant Talon 27.5 4 review

Budget 650B off-road hardtail

Our rating

4

700.00
525.00
849.00
Giant Talon 27.5 4 2014 - a trail worthy entry-level hardtail. The very blue colour is for the AU/UK, while a Satin Black/Red is sold in the US

David Rome/Future Publishing

David Rome

Published: October 21, 2013 at 7:00 am
Our review
Confident handling and respectable components in an entry-level package
Giant Talon 27.5 4 2014 - a trail worthy entry-level hardtail. The very blue colour is for the AU/UK, while a Satin Black/Red is sold in the US David Rome/Future Publishing
The Giant Talon 27.5 4 was let down by its under-performing fork. But given the price, there's still plenty of bike on offer David Rome/Future Publishing
We had to lower the bar height to get the Talon 27.5 to handle well David Rome/Future Publishing
The Giant Talon 27.5 frame features solid oversized tubes and consistent welds David Rome/Future Publishing
The Giant Talon 27.5's frame has enough tyre clearance to handle some wide rubber David Rome/Future Publishing
A look at the Giant Talon 27.5's shapely top tube David Rome/Future Publishing
The down tube on the Talon 27.5 tapers to a shallow, yet wide shape at the bottom bracket David Rome/Future Publishing
The Giant Talon 27.5 4 2014 has a mostly-Shimano 27-speed drivetrain David Rome/Future Publishing
The FSA cranks are basic and hold a fair amount of weight, but they worked fine David Rome/Future Publishing
The Giant Talon 27.5 - no question it's the middle sized wheel David Rome/Future Publishing
Giant uses its own rubber on the Talon 27.5 4. These tyres performed admirably well in a wide range of conditions David Rome/Future Publishing
Basic Tektro Hydraulic brakes are fitted, they worked well but a lack of lever reach adjustment isn't ideal for riders with small hands David Rome/Future Publishing
Giant use their own-brand of finishing kit across the bike, the saddle was comfortably padded while still narrow enough for easy manoeuvrability David Rome/Future Publishing
Hydraulic brakes - just another sign of trickle down technology benefiting the entry-level bikes David Rome/Future Publishing

The Talon 4 was our first experience with a 650B wheeled bike at this price point, and we liked the outcome.

650B makes a lot of sense at the budget price point – it provides a lighter feeling and more playful ride compared to a 29er, while still providing greater control to 26in wheeled bikes.

Ride and handling: handling and control beyond its price

The Talon 4 is an entry-level bike that’s full of surprises. Taking the Talon off-road, we were immediately surprised by its confident handling and playful ride nature. We’d previously ridden the Talon 29er and found it slow to accelerate and hard to throw around, but the 27.5 does away with these traits.

It was sprightly and easy to get up to speed, yet never felt twitchy. This characteristic made the Talon a joy to ride, encouraging us to find the limits of the tyres in and out of every corner. Large volume tyres meant it didn’t feel harsh – they numbed much of the trails buzz.

The Talon’s tall handlebar height was a hindrance, creating a nervous tipping feel and washing of the front wheel. We lowered the handlebar height and these issues disappeared, rewarding us with inspiring handling that was quick to throw through tight singletrack.

On fast descents, the Talon felt balanced and controlled, with the short stem placing the rider slightly rearward. When it was time to go back uphill, the 650B wheels gave a helping hand in roll-over ability without feeling heavy. With the bar height lowered, steep climbs presented no problems and we didn’t have to fight to stay on our desired line, even with the bike's high overall weight.

The Giant Talon 27.5 4 was let down by its under-performing fork. But given the price, there's still plenty of bike on offer
The giant talon 27.5 4 was let-down by under-performing fork. however, given the price - there's still plenty of bike on offer: the giant talon 27.5 4 was let-down by under-performing fork. however, given the price - there's still plenty of bike on offer David Rome/Future Publishing

The SR Suntour XCT fork was the low point of the Talon 27.5 4

The Giant-labelled SR-Suntour XCT fork was the weakest link in the handling, as is often the case of this price point. The non-adjustable rebound was a little too fast, creating an unstable bounce back over big impacts and small jump landings. This same fast rebound drew attention to the harsh top out from the fork when the front wheel is lifted, which gave an unsettling knock through the bars.

Frame and equipment: Solid quality with a poor fork

The Talon’s frame is solidly built and Giant’s predictable heavy manipulation of aluminium tube shapes is present. One example is the sturdy down tube that tapers to a wider, yet shallower shape as it nears the bottom bracket, in an effort to minimise frame twist under hard pedalling without increasing weight.

The down tube on the Talon 27.5 tapers to a shallow, yet wide shape at the bottom bracket
The downtube on the talon 27.5 tapers to a shallow, yet wide shape at the bottom bracket: the downtube on the talon 27.5 tapers to a shallow, yet wide shape at the bottom bracket David Rome/Future Publishing

All tubing is heavily manipulated. Here the down tube tapers to a shallow, yet wide shape for stiffness without the weight

The front fork's crown mounted lock-out is a useful addition. However with a rider’s weight on the bike stopping us from using it, we had to stop and unweight the fork in order to turn the lockout on. Turning the lockout off was no problem and this could be done while riding.

The mixed, mostly Shimano 27-speed drivetrain shifted through gears without hiccup. For off-road use, we recommend fitting a chainstay protector to reduce the bothersome chain slap noise and protect the paint. The basic FSA cranks shifted without issue, although the square tapered bottom bracket axle is a sign of limits at this price point.

The Tektro HDC300 hydraulic brakes were a surprise. While not hugely powerful, their power is easily controlled (modulated) where required and with no unusual pulsing or noise. A lack of lever reach adjustment may pose an issue for riders with smaller hands.

The Giant rebranded Kenda tyres gripped well over a range of surfaces, but the open tread pattern isn't the fastest on road. Depending on your ambitions with this bike, a racier or smoother tyre could provide a nice speed benefit if it's likely to see more road use.

Giant uses its own rubber on the Talon 27.5 4. These tyres performed admirably well in a wide range of conditions
Giant uses its own rubber on the talon 27.5 4. these tyres performed admirably well in a wide range of conditions: giant uses its own rubber on the talon 27.5 4. these tyres performed admirably well in a wide range of conditions David Rome/Future Publishing

Giant's own tyre was grippy in a variety of conditions, but a little slow on the road

Like many larger brands, Giant are heavy users of house-branded components. Luckily, the Giant branded parts are reliable, well-designed and offer great features given the price point. From the comfortable saddle to the durable wheels, it’s all good gear.

A solid frame, inspiring brakes and components up to the task, the Talon 27 4 is a worthy starter for hitting the dirt, just watch out for those suspension fork quirks.

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