Price-performance comparison: The affordable Giant XTC SLR 1 hardtail on test

In BIKE 11/23, we invited 11 best-selling MTBs to take part in a big price-performance comparison. Among them: the Giant XTC SLR 1 with 100 millimetres of suspension travel. As an aluminium hardtail, the Giant scores higher in terms of price than any other bike in this test. For just under 1800 euros, the Taiwanese combine components from their own brand and parts from Shimano to create an appealing equipment package.

The Giant XTC SLR 1 on test: How the aluminium hardtail rides

Despite the bargain price Giant as the largest bike manufacturer in the world did not hesitate to deliver the XTC tubeless. Even though the Maxxis Rekon tyres are only 2.25 inches narrow and have a low profile, the Giant has nothing to hide in terms of grip and comfort. Less pleasing is the in-house suspension fork, whose compression damping lacks support.

Going downhill on the Giant XTC SLR 1, the sagging fork, the steep 70-degree head angle and the long, low cockpit quickly give you the feeling of being too far forward. Even the generous wheelbase cannot conceal the lack of confidence on fast, steep descents. At least the rigid seat post can be lowered in an instant thanks to the quick release. With ergonomic levers and good deceleration power, the simple Shimano brake system delivers a better performance than the cheaper competition from Sram.

The Giant XTC SLR - An MTB to go the distance

Sporty and stretched, the Giant XTC makes rapid progress on the flat. What was still too much on the downhill, the bike lacks on steep ramps: Due to the setback seatpost, it is difficult to put enough pressure on the front. If you want to climb a lot of metres, you should push the saddle all the way forward and lower the stem further. Or you can simply pedal uphill in the cradle. It's great that the Giant fork can be locked out from the handlebars. The function of the Shimano SLX XT shifting compound gives no cause for criticism.

Technical data and notes on the Giant XTC SLR 1

Manufacturer information

• Category: Cross country hardtail
• Price¹: 1799 Euro >> available here
• Available from: Specialist retailers
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Wheel size: 29 inch

Measured values

• Suspension travel (BIKE measurement): 102 mm
• Weight without pedals: 12.01 kg
• Frame weight: 1725 g
• Weight of wheels: 4820 g
• Acceleration of running wheels: 3210.36 kg x cm²
• Handlebar width: 740 mm
• Seat comfort: 7.3 mm
• Frame rigidity (absolute): 55 N/mm

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Equipment

• Wheels: Giant XCT
• Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.25
• Fork: Giant Crest 34 RRL
• Brakes: Shimano MT 500 / 501, 180 / 160 mm
• Gear system: Shimano SLX/XT, 1x12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
• Seatpost / Ø: Giant Connect AL / 30.9 mm

Valuation

• Driving behaviour uphill: 26.25 from 35
• Front suspension: 13.5 out of 15
• Rolling resistance: 13.5 out of 15
• Weight: 7.5 from 25
• Inertia impellers: 9 out of 15
• Bottle cage: 10 out of 10
• Seating comfort: 6 out of 10
  
• Driving behaviour downhill: 21 from 30
• Front suspension13 of 20
• Saddle retractability 8 out of 10
• Brakes7 from 10
• Tyre grip10.5 out of 15
• Driving stability3 out of 10
  

TOTAL MOUNT: 85.75 from 125
TOTAL RECOVERY: 61.75 from 95

• Miscellaneous: 19 from 30
• Ease of maintenance: weak

BIKE test rating²: Good - 166.5 out of 250 points

Conclusion on the test of the Giant XTC SLR 1

Thrifty riders will find the affordable Giant hardtail a successful overall package for scrubbing up the kilometres. The XTC feels most comfortable on moderate tours. On steep terrain, the riding performance suffers mainly due to the under-damped fork. - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor

¹ Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.

² The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.). The weighting of the points in the individual assessment criteria varies depending on the bike category.