The Giant Stance 1 is billed as “the perfect entry to singletrack fun,” and with 29” wheels, 120mm of rear travel, and a sub-$2000 pricepoint it sure looks like it could fit the bill, at least on paper.
It’s built around an aluminum frame that uses Giant’s ‘Flexpoint’ suspension design, a link driven single pivot that does away with chainstay or seatstay pivot and relies on the flex of the frame to allow the suspension to go through its travel instead. It’s a fairly common design on shorter travel trail and XC bikes, and eliminating those pivots does mean there are fewer bearings to maintain.
The 29” Stance is a relatively new addition to Giant’s lineup, so it was surprising to see that the frame still has a front derailleur mount, and uses a quick release for the rear wheel rather than a thru-axle. I can’t think of the last time I headed off-road with a quick release rear end – more on that in a bit.
[continued...]
From Pink Bike
Check out PinkBike.com for the latest in cycling and mountain biking news, freeride videos, photos, events, race results and more. Submit your own biking pictures and videos online.
