The reasons for this are revealed by the test sheets: the curved handlebars prevent a sporty, low cockpit, while the slack seat angle and cranked seat post shift the centre of gravity far back on steep climbs. In addition, the 2.1 mm tyres with Schwalbe's cheap rubber compound lack reserves. If you steer the Giant through the trail on the Olympia mountain, you have to stay focussed because the steering is slightly nervous, which is not typical of a 29er. There are also some minor issues with the solidly equipped carbon hardtail: open shift cables, a seatpost clamp with two screws or the poorly glued chainsuck mudguard. On the other hand, Giant offers a lifetime guarantee on the carbon frame.
Conclusionvery agile carbon 29er with average equipment. It would rather collect touring kilometres than finisher medals.
PLUS Available in five frame heights
MINUS Favourable tyre rubber compound, nervous handling, open cables
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