New MTB... Giant Talon 0 29er 2012?

EvilFoamy

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new bike around £750 maybe £850 if I can persuade the company I am working for to sign up to the cyclescheme.

The bike shop I went to recommended a Giant Talon 0 29er 2012 model however I am not familiar on the quality of the parts so I would like a second opinion before I decide to go off and purchase it.

Here is the specs of the bike http://tinyurl.com/3ujsvfy

Frame: ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminium
Fork: RochShox XC28, 100mm Travel
Stem: Giant Connect
Speed: 27
Front Mech: Shimano Deore
Rear Mech: SRAM X5
Chainset: SRAM S800 22/32/44
Bottom Bracket: SRAM
Cassette: SRAM PG950 11x34
Chain: SRAM PC951
Front Brake: Avid Elixir 1, 160mm
Rear Brake: Avid Elixir 1, 160mm
Rims: Giant S-XC29-2
Front Hub: Giant Tracker Sport
Rear Hub: Giant Tracker Sport
Tyres: Kenda Small Block Eight 29x2.1 Front Kenda Small Block Eight 29x2.1 Rear
Seatpost: Giant Connect

I'm going to be using the bike mainly for commuting to work but also going on bike trails so... what do you think? I'm open to other suggestions.

supersonic

It has a very average spec. Nay, shite. Far better for the cash: don't get caught up u#in all the 29er hype, take a good look at spec. You want at least a Rockshox tora or recon as the fork.

Long_Time_Lurker

What he said...
The reviews that I read about this bike (albeit the 2011 model), said that the frame was great for upgrading, but was let down by the fork.
My test ride buried any ideas I had of buying it. The fork couldn't cope with anything other than light trail. Add a small tree root and it was all over the shop.

EvilFoamy

What bike would you suggest for the price range (£750-850) that has a better spec and fork?

weeksy59

EvilFoamy wrote:

What bike would you suggest for the price range (£750-850) that has a better spec and fork?

I'll bet £1 it's a GT Zaskar