“A reliable bike you can have fun using without spending a fortune.”

The latest issue of Dirt Rag (issue #147) puts the new 2010 Giant XTC 29er 2 to a thorough product test, and the results are found on a two-page spread written by Editor Shannon Mominee.

After subjecting the XTC 29er 2 through several days of rigorous riding, Shannon has some very nice things to say about this new Giant bike: “The multi-shaped, hydro-formed aluminum tubeset provides stability and strength as needed, without the use of gussets or welding extra material. An oversized 1-1/8” (top) to 1-1/2” (bottom) tapered head tube adds torsional and lateral stiffness to the frame, and the XTC 2 rides as stiff as it looks. The brushed smoke finish with white and black decals makes it pleasing to the eyes. My size large tester has a 24.2” top tube with a 71.5° head and 72.5° seat tube, with plenty of standover clearance for the unexpected ejection.”

Shannon also gives kudos to the Giant proprietary P-29 wheel set:
“Giant’s house brand deep-V-style P-29 rims are laced with 32 spokes in a three-cross pattern to a Formula rear hub and a Giant Tracker 15mm thru-axle front hub. The P-29s look amazing, ride super stiff, and add to the accurate steering of the Giant. They have held up nearly perfectly and have been trouble free. The P-29s are a great wheel choice for this price tier, albeit a little on the heavy side, but should last quite awhile.”

A few quotes about the ride and control quality of the XTC 29er 2:
“Out of the gate, my first ride began with an uphill switchback. The XTC 2 climbed with no perceivable flex while standing, pedaling, and torquing on the bars and frame.”

“Short 17.3” chainstays allowed for easy maneuverability while negotiating turns in the climb and also tucked the rear wheel close to the seat tube so my body weight could aid traction when seated. They also make bunny-hops and launching off kickers easier, while providing enough mud clearance for the 29”x2.35” tires that I used.”

“As fast as I could ride, the bike remained stable and handling was accurate or at least predictable even on sloppier trails, and as long as the tires matched the conditions.”

Shannon offers this closing assessment of the Giant XTC 29er 2:
“It offers quality engineering with a lifetime warranty, a fork with useable features and a 15mm thru-axle, plus a decent wheelset, and components that will hold up to use without an astronomical price tag . . . Riders exploring 29”-wheeled bikes should take a look at the XTC 2, and those already racing and riding will benefit from the stiff frame’s handling and energy transfer. More importantly it’s a reliable bike you can have fun using without spending a fortune.”

Want to know more? This copy of Dirt Rag is on newsstands till early April 2010. If you want to see the 2010 Giant XTC 29er 2, contact your nearest Giant dealer. Click on the “DEALER FINDER” at the top of the page.