After nearly five years, Giant has finally given its Stance trail bike a much-needed update. Initially released in 2015 with 27.5in hoops, the budget-oriented mountain bike was pitched for ‘aspring XC and trail riders.’
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Until now, the Stance has remained unchanged, but for the 2020 model year has revamped its frame with a modernised geometry and bigger wheels — a trend we can see across its lineup.
As Giant puts it, the Stance gets an all-new "long and low" geometry with a steepend 75-degree seat angle and a slightly slackened 67.5-degree head angle, making for a stack of 612mm and reach of 429mm in a size medium.
To put those numbers in perspective, the new Trance 29er sees a 74.5-degree seat angle, 66.5-degree head angle, and stack and reach figures of 612mm and 426mm in a size medium
At the back, the new 29er gets 120mm of bounce built into its FlexPoint suspension, launched on the first iteration of this bike. This single pivot, four-bar system opts for a flexy stay instead of a dropout pivot, and although it doesn't garner the claims of kinematic mastery like the Maestro, it's simple and it does work.
All of this is mated to a 130mm fork at the front.
Given this bike is aimed to hit low price points, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the mainframe, rear triangle and rocker are made using the brand’s ALUXX grade aluminium.
As with the recently relaunched alloy Liv Intrigue, the Stance retains a front derailleur mount despite both models sporting the new SRAM SX Eagle drivetrains.
Giant is also extending its tubeless out-of-the-box mantra to the Stance, with the wheels setup up with rim strips and valves preinstalled, and with enough sealant to get you started.
Giant is offering a Stance 1 for $1,750 with a RockShox Recon RL Solo air fork, Monarch R shock and Giant Contact Switch dropper post, and a Stance 2 at $1,500 with a Suntour Raidon 34 R fork, Suntour Raidon R shock and a solid seatpost.
Giant Australia has confirmed that it will be stocking one of the Stance 29ers, though it wasn't able to confirm which build or pricing. UK pricing and availability is currently TBC.
