The Giant "Cypher" turns out to be a true all-mountain weapon with guaranteed fun. As soon as it starts to descend quickly, the bike is completely in its element. No wonder: 120 sensitive millimetres of suspension travel at the front and 130 millimetres at the rear flatten out many a trail and harmonise perfectly. But it's not just the potent suspension that all the testers attested to the "Cypher's" good downhill characteristics. The wide Kenda tyres with plenty of grip, the wide cockpit and the powerful Hayes discs do the rest. And uphill? "The bike is so much fun on the trail that I didn't even notice how hard the tyres were rolling," explained one tester after the test lap. But even if the Kenda tyres don't have the slightest rolling resistance, they still fit the character of the bike perfectly. Thanks to the successful geometry, the Giant climbs quite confidently despite its weight of 12.5 kilos. Relaxed and yet sporty. A bike to sit on and feel good. With "Deore"/"XT" shifting components and Race Face parts, the equipment is commensurate with the price. Another highlight: the bike's elegant and unpretentious look, which was praised almost uncritically by all the testers.
CONCLUSIONSolid all-mountain bike with full suspension for perfect downhill fun. Also in its element on technical single trails. Although not the lightest, the "Cypher" also cuts a fine figure uphill. Buy tip!
TUNING TIP: For extended tours: lighter wheels
