Intro
When considering a new mountain bike, there are so many similar-looking bikes on the market being made by so many different companies, it is virtually impossible to (1) know where to begin; (2) quickly figure out which one or two products from a given brand might work well for you; and (3) determine what products from other brands might be the most similar and also worth considering.
So in our new “Blister Brand Guide” series, we provide an overview of the entire product lineup of a brand; highlight how each product stands out from the rest of that brand’s lineup; and help you figure out quickly and easily which bike might work best for you.
In our individual product reviews, we go very deep into the details of particular products. With these Brand Guides, the goal is not Depth, but Breadth. Our Brand Guides and full reviews are designed to complement each other — provide a broad overview of entire company lineups, and then also very detailed reviews of individual products.
Our mountain bike Brand Guides are presented by CBGTrails. Learn more and start planning your trip today at cbgtrails.com, then download the CBG Trails app for info on the 750+ miles of singletrack and 150+ trails in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley, Colorado.
About Giant
Giant was started way back in 1972, making them one of the oldest mountain bike companies. They are also the largest bike manufacturer in the world, making road bikes, off-road bikes, and everything in between. They produce bikes at almost all price points as well, so there’s a Giant bike for almost any budget. Giant makes carbon and aluminum frames, and bikes and builds with “advanced” in the title refer to bikes and builds with Giant’s carbon frames.
About Liv
In 2008, Liv/Giant was launched as a sub-brand of Giant that is dedicated solely to female riders. Then, for model year 2015, they rebranded themselves just as Liv. Liv designs bikes specifically for women from the ground up, with frames and components that differ from Giant bikes (i.e., they’re not just Giant bikes with different colors and sizes).
Giant & Liv are currently headquartered in Taichung City, Taiwan.
Current Warranty (for the original owner)
- Lifetime on all frames (except for “models intended for downhill purposes”)
- Ten years on rigid forks
- Three years on frames on “models intended for downhill purposes”
- One year on paint finish and decals, and all other original Giant parts
- For more information, visit Giant’s website.
Suspension design: Maestro
(For more on different suspension designs, see our Suspension 101 article)
Before we get into their specific models and build options, here are some things to keep in mind when deciding on which build level to go with, and why.
First, when looking at complete bikes, suspension and wheels are going to make the biggest difference in how a bike really rides. Spend money on those before other things like higher-end drivetrain parts, cockpit parts (e.g., stem, handlebars, etc.), cranks, etc.
Tires make an enormous difference in performance, but are cheaper and easier to upgrade, especially since they tend to wear down quicker than other components. Upgrading a lower-end front tire to something better — and saving the original for rear-tire use — can be a good way to improve a bike while still making use of the originals, since front tires are generally a lot more important than rear tires when it comes to traction.
Drivetrain parts can be upgraded piecemeal as they wear out, or if you just want to upgrade down the line. Higher-end cassettes are mostly just lighter, while higher-end shifters and derailleurs get lighter, smoother, and sometimes last a bit longer as you go up in price.
- Best Budget Build: These are the build kits that we think make the most sense for people trying to spend the least amount without ending up with a build that’s going to immediately break or need to be upgraded.
- Most Performance for the Price: These are the build kits that we think make the most sense for people seeking the best balance of performance and cost. I.e., if you don’t need to get the cheapest bike, but you also don’t need the absolute lightest bike or all the newest bling, this is the build we think makes sense for you.
- Suspension travel (e.g., 100 mm of travel, 130 mm of travel, etc.)
- Wheel size (e.g., 27.5”, 27.5+, 29”)
- Frame material options (e.g., alloy vs. carbon)
- A brief description of what the bike was designed for and any notable design details.
- Some of the bike’s most direct competitors from other brands
- Which Giant / Liv bike it’s most similar to
- Reasons why you should buy it
- Reasons why you should not buy it
Giant Mountain Bikes
(Most Cross-Country-Oriented to Most Downhill-Oriented)
- Front: 100 mm
- Rear: Hardtail
- 29"
- Aluminum
Giant’s entry-level hardtail with affordable builds but without high-end specs.
Consider If:
- You are a beginner looking to get into the sport
- You race XC and are looking for a good entry-level bike
- You are on a budget
Don’t Bother If:
- You often ride or race steep, technical, and bumpy trails
- You like a bike that is forgiving on descents
- You are willing to spend some more money for more overall performance
- 2: $1,200
- 1: $1,500 – Best Budget Build & Most Performance for the Price
- Specialized Chisel
- Trek X-Caliber
- Kona Kahuna
- Scott Aspect
- Front: 100 mm
- Rear: Hardtail
- 27.5"+
- Aluminum
A great confidence-inspiring option for beginners thanks to budget-friendly builds and grippy, high-volume tires. More like the Fathom 29 than the XTC Advanced 29.
Consider If:
- You are a beginner looking for a confidence-inspiring bike
- You ride trails that have loose surfaces
- You are on a budget
Don’t Bother If:
- You often ride very steep, fast, technical, bumpy trails
- You like a bike that is more forgiving on descents than it is a good climber
- You are looking for a lightweight, cross-country race-style hardtail
- You are willing to spend more money for some more overall performance
- 2: $1,200
- 1: $1,500 – Best Budget Build & Most Performance for the Price
- Trek Roscoe
- Santa Cruz Chameleon 27.5”+
- Kona Big Honzo
- Rocky Mountain Growler
- Devinci Kobain HT
- Front: 100 mm
- Rear: Hardtail
- 29"
- Carbon
Giant’s hardtail XC race 29er. Redesigned for 2020, the frame lost some weight and got updated geometry. More like the XTC Advanced + than the Fathom.
Consider If:
- You race or ride cross-country style on more smooth trails
- You appreciate a lightweight hardtail that climbs well
- You ride or race cross-country-style for long distances on more smooth trails
Don’t Bother If:
- You often ride or race steep, technical, and bumpy trails
- You like a bike that is forgiving on descents
- 2: $2,500 – Best Budget Build
- SL 1: $5,000 – Most Performance for the Price
- Specialized Epic
- Trek Procaliber
- Scott Scale
- Pivot Les
- Santa Cruz Highball
- Canyon Exceed
- Front: 130 mm
- Rear: Hardtail
- 27.5"+
- Carbon
Can fit 29” wheels & tires as well as the stock 27.5”+ wheels & tires. Features horizontal dropouts for wheel size and drivetrain customization. Longer fork than the XTC Advanced. More like the XTC Advanced than the Anthem 29.
Consider If:
- You appreciate hardtails, but want one that has slightly more aggressive geometry
- You often ride trails that are slightly steep, bumpy, and technical
- You are looking for a bike with plus-sized tires
Don’t Bother If:
- You often ride very steep, fast, technical, bumpy trails
- You like a bike that is more forgiving on descents than it is a good climber
- You are looking for a lightweight, cross-country race-style hardtail
- XTC Advanced +: $2,300
- Trek Roscoe
- Santa Cruz Chameleon
- Kona Big Honzo
- Rocky Mountain Growler
- Devinci Kobain HT
- Front: 100 mm
- Rear: 90 mm
- 29"
- Aluminum or Carbon
Giant’s full-suspension 29” XC race bike. More like the Trance 29 than the XTC Advanced +
Consider If:
- You race or ride cross-country style on slightly bumpy, steep, and technical trails
- You appreciate a full-suspension bike that climbs well
- You ride or race cross-country-style for long distances on trails that are more bumpy and / or technical
Don’t Bother If:
- You often ride steep, fast, technical, bumpy trails
- You like a bike that is more forgiving on descents than it is a good climber
- 2: $3,000 – Best Budget Build
- Advanced Pro 1: $5,350 – Most Performance for the Price
- Advanced Pro 0: $12,300
- Specialized Epic
- Santa Cruz Blur
- Scott Spark RC
- Cannondale Scalpel-Si
- Pivot Mach 4 SL (World Cup Builds)
- Intense Sniper XC
- Norco Revolver FS 100
- Canyon Lux
- Front: 130 mm
- Rear: 115 mm
- 29"
- Carbon or Aluminum
The Trance 29 is less of a XC race bike, and more of a “fun” or casual XC bike. Features progressive head tube and seat tube angles, shorter chainstays, and longer top tube. More like the Anthem 29 than the Stance.
Consider If:
- You appreciate a bike that climbs well, but want some more capability than a pure cross-country bike
- You want a bike that is relatively well-rounded
- You ride a mix of terrain and styles
Don’t Bother If:
- The trails you ride are mostly smooth and flat
- You’re looking for a bike that is very capable and forgiving in steep, technical, fast, bumpy descents
- You’re looking for a cross-country race style bike
- 3: $2,100
- 2: $2,900 – Best Budget Build
- Advanced Pro 3: $3,350
- Advanced Pro 2: $4,500
- Advanced Pro 1: $5,200 – Most Performance for the Price
- Advanced Pro 0: $10,500
- Advanced Pro Frameset: $2,950
- Specialized Stumpjumper ST 29”
- Santa Cruz Tallboy Version 4
- Pivot Trail 429
- Transition Smuggler
- Ibis Ripley
- Devinci Django 29
- Scott Spark
- Canyon Neuron
- YT Izzo
- Front: 130 mm
- Rear: 120 mm
- 27.5"+
- Aluminum
Entry-level Trail option for riders looking for the improved traction provided by plus-sized tires. More like the Stance 29 than the Trance 29.
Consider If:
- You are a beginner looking for a confidence-inspiring bike
- You are on a tight budget
- You often ride trails that are somewhat steep, fast, bumpy, and technical
- You often ride trails with loose surfaces
Don’t Bother If:
- You are willing to spend a little more to get more performance out of a bike
- You often ride flat, smooth, hardpack trails
- You are looking for a very capable, forgiving bike
- 2: $1,550
- 1: $1,800 – Best Budget Build & Most Performance for the Price
- Santa Cruz 5010 27.5”+
- Pivot Trail 429 27.5”+
- Front: 130 mm
- Rear: 120 mm
- 29"
- Aluminum
Entry-level option for riders looking to get on a versatile bike with fast-rolling 29” wheels. More like the Stance than the Trance.
Consider If:
- You ride trails that are somewhat steep, fast, bumpy, and technical
- You are on a tight budget
- You are looking for an entry-level full suspension bike
Don’t Bother If:
- You are willing to spend a little more to get more performance out of a bike
- You ride mostly flat and smooth trails
- You are looking for a very capable, forgiving bike
- 2: $1,550
- 1: $1,800 – Best Budget Build & Most Performance for the Price
- Specialized Stumpjumper ST 29”
- Trek Fuel EX
- Santa Cruz Tallboy Version 3
- Kona Satori
- Norco Fluid FS
- Cannondale Habit
- Canyon Neuron
- Front: 150 mm
- Rear: 140 mm
- 27.5"
- Aluminum or Carbon
Giant’s best Quiver Killer, designed for a bit of everything. More like the Reign 29 than the Stance 29.
Consider If:
- You’re looking for a do-it-all trail bike
- You appreciate a good, fast, technical, and / or steep descent, and are willing to climb for it
- You enjoy riding lift-served bike parks or shuttling to the top of descents occasionally
Don’t Bother If:
- You want a bike that is a quick, lightweight climber
- The trails you ride are mostly smooth and flat
- You want a very capable and forgiving bike that crushes descents and are willing to sacrifice some climbing ability
- 3: $2,100 – Best Budget Build
- Advanced 2: $3,150
- Advanced 1: $5,600 – Most Performance for the Price
- Specialized Stumpjumper 27.5”
- Trek Remedy
- Santa Cruz Bronson
- Pivot Mach 5.5
- Yeti SB140
- Kona Process 153 27.5
- Rocky Mountain Altitude
- Norco Sight 27.5”
- Canyon Spectral
- Front: 160 mm
- Rear: 146 mm
- 29"
- Aluminum or Carbon
Consider If:
- You want a bike that is capable and forgiving on the descents
- You race enduro and / or like to shuttle to the top of descents and / or ride lift-served terrain
- You want the benefits of fast-rolling 29” wheels
- You enjoy pushing your limits on fast, steep, chunky, and technical terrain
- You want a long, stable bike
Don’t Bother If:
- You ride mostly smooth and flat trails
- You are looking for an cross-country-style bike that climbs very well
- You want a more freeride style long-travel bike
- 2: $3,000 – Best Budget Build
- Advanced Pro 2: $4,000
- Advanced Pro 1: $5,000 – Most Performance for the Price
- Advanced Pro 0: $9,000
- Frameset: $2,950
- Santa Cruz Megatower
- Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Edition
- Intense Carbine
- Nukeproof Mega 290
- Evil The Wreckoning LB
- Scott Ransom
- Canyon Strive
- Ibis Ripmo AF
- Front: 170 mm
- Rear: 146 mm
- 29"
- Aluminum
Consider If:
- You want a bike that is capable and forgiving on the descents
- You race enduro and / or like to shuttle to the top of descents and / or ride lift-served terrain
- You want the benefits of fast-rolling 29” wheels
- You enjoy pushing your limits on fast, steep, chunky, and technical terrain
- You want a long, stable bike
- The Reign 29 is appealing to you, but you want more downhill capability out of it
Don’t Bother If:
- You ride mostly smooth and flat trails
- You are looking for an cross-country-style bike that climbs very well
- You want a more freeride style long-travel bike
- Reign SX 29: $4,000
- Specialized Enduro (2020)
- Santa Cruz Megatower
- Pivot Firebird 29
- Yeti SB150
- Nukeproof Mega 290
- YT Capra 29
- Norco Range 29
- Devinci Spartan 29
- Scott Ransom
- Front: 170 mm
- Rear: 160 mm
- 27.5"
- Aluminum
Consider If:
- You want a bike that is capable and forgiving on the descents
- You race enduro and / or like to shuttle to the top of descents and / or ride lift-served terrain
- You enjoy pushing your limits on fast, steep, chunky, and technical terrain
Don’t Bother If:
- You ride mostly smooth and flat trails
- You are looking for an cross-country-style bike that climbs very well
- 2: $2,700
- Santa Cruz Nomad
- Pivot Firebird
- Transition Patrol
- Rocky Mountain Slayer
- Nukeproof Mega 275
- Norco Range 27.5”
- Devinci Spartan 27
- Cannondale Jekyll
- Ibis Mojo HD5
- Front: 180 mm
- Rear: 160 mm
- 27.5"
- Aluminum
Consider If:
- You want a bike that is capable and forgiving on the descents
- You race enduro and / or like to shuttle to the top of descents and / or ride lift-served terrain
- You enjoy pushing your limits on fast, steep, chunky, and technical terrain
- The Reign appeals to you, but you want some more capability out of it
Don’t Bother If:
- You ride mostly smooth and flat trails
- You are looking for an cross-country-style bike that climbs very well
- Reign SX: $2,700
- Santa Cruz Nomad
- Pivot Firebird
- Yeti SB165
- Kona Process 165
- Commencal Clash
- Transition Patrol
- Rocky Mountain Slayer
- Nukeproof Mega 275
- YT Capra 27
- Norco Range 27.5”
- Devinci Spartan 27
- Cannondale Jekyll
- Canyon Torque
Liv Mountain Bikes
(Most Cross-Country-Oriented to Most Downhill-Oriented)
- Front: 100 mm
- Rear: 100 mm
- 29"
- Aluminum or Carbon
Consider If:
- You race or ride cross-country style on slightly bumpy, steep, and technical trails
- You appreciate a full-suspension bike that climbs well
- You ride or race cross-country-style for long distances on trails that are more bumpy and / or technical
Don’t Bother If:
- You often ride steep, fast, technical, bumpy trails
- You like a bike that is more forgiving on descents than it is a good climber
- 3: $2,050
- 2: $3,000 – Best Budget Build
- Advanced Pro 1: $5,350 – Most Performance for the Price
- Advanced Pro 0: $12,300
- Pivot Mach 4 Carbon (Race Builds)
- Juliana Joplin Version 3
- Scott Contessa Spark RC
- Front: 130 mm
- Rear: 120 mm
- 27.5"
- Aluminum
Entry-level, shorter-travel Trail bike. Features wide 2.6” tires for confidence-inspiring traction. More like the Intrigue than the Pique 29.
Consider If:
- You are a beginner looking for a confidence-inspiring bike
- You are on a tight budget
- You often ride trails that are somewhat steep, fast, bumpy, and technical
- You often ride trails with loose surfaces
Don’t Bother If:
- You are willing to spend a little more to get more performance out of a bike
- You often ride flat, smooth, hardpack trails
- You are looking for a very capable, forgiving bike
- 2: $1,550
- 1: $1,800 – Best Budget Build & Most Performance for the Price
- Juliana Furtado 27.5”+
- Pivot Trail 429 27.5”+
- Front: 150 mm
- Rear: 140 mm
- 27.5"
- Aluminum or Carbon
Consider If:
- You’re looking for a do-it-all trail bike
- You like a playful bike
- You appreciate a good, fast, technical, and / or steep descent, and are willing to climb for it
- You enjoy riding lift-served bike parks or shuttling to the top of descents occasionally
Don’t Bother If:
- You want a bike that is a quick, lightweight climber
- The trails you ride are mostly smooth and flat
- You want a very capable and forgiving bike that crushes descents and are willing to sacrifice some climbing ability
- 3: $2,100
- 2: $2,900 – Best Budget Build
- Advanced 2: $3,150
- Advanced 1: $5,600 – Most Performance for the Price
- Specialized Stumpjumper 27.5”
- Trek Remedy
- Juliana Roubion
- Pivot Mach 5.5
This Brand Guide (the only bike one I’ve looked at so far) is missing something critical: whether a particular bike is suitable for smaller or larger riders. Many bikes are not available in the “extreme” sizes and this is particularly important for small women since VERY few full-suspension mountain bikes are available for them. It would be nice if such guides pointed out which bikes come is very small (or very large) sizes.
Why, you ask? Well, find some beginner mountain bikers and take them down a moderately challenging trail on a bike they cannot stand over and ask them.
Jacquie,
Thank you for your thoughts.
Fit on a mountain bike is very subjective. Each person’s body is unique and two persons of the same height may find that the same bike fits differently. Personal preference has a big role here, too. Many bike manufacturers will recommend each size for a range of heights, but ultimately the best way of understanding which size is best for you is by throwing a leg over the bike.
We will note when a bike has an exceptionally low standover height; but other than that, it is difficult to generalize which bikes will fit shorter or taller riders well. Adding which sizes each bike is produced in could be a helpful starting point, and we appreciate your feedback.
Thank you!
Dylan
I can’t agree on your Trance 29 assesment. Having ridden various bikes over the past, including Trance 27.5, I’d say T29 is more capable and aggressive bike when things get steep and point down. It’s got slacker head tube, more reach and longer wheelbase than it’s 27.5 variant. The difference in travel isn’t really noticable due to geometry and and better suspension.
By your description, you made it look like a beefier Anthem 29 which it definitely isn’t.
Having owned Pivot Switchblade before it, Trance 29 is definitely just as capable on the downs, but quicker uphill and on the flats since it’s lighter.
The Trance 29 is certainly capable for the amount of travel it has, but it is not by any means a Reign 29. I believe riders who constantly ride very steep, technical, and fast terrain will prefer more suspension and more aggressive DH-oriented geometry.
While we would love to go in-depth in the comparison of all these bikes, these Brand Guides are supposed to be general, objective, and just a starting point.