Giant Talon 4 Review (In-Depth)

Photo of a black Giant Talon 4 on a white background.

Looking for a reliable mountain bike that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the Giant Talon 4. With its lightweight ALUXX-grade aluminum frame and SR Suntour suspension fork, this bike is designed to handle a variety of terrains with ease. Whether you’re hitting the trails for a weekend adventure or just cruising around town, the Talon 4 is a great choice for riders of all skill levels.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Giant Talon 4 is a budget-friendly mountain bike option that offers good value for money.
  • The bike features a lightweight ALUXX-grade aluminum frame and an SR Suntour suspension fork, suitable for various terrains.
  • Notable features include a 1×8 drivetrain for simplicity, microSHIFT SL-M718 shifters for smooth shifting, and Giant GX03V wheels with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for control.
  • The Giant Talon 4 is designed to handle XC and trail riding, making it suitable for riders of different skill levels.
  • The bike is available in different wheel sizes and sizes, including XS, SM, MD, LG, and XL.
  • The geometry of the Giant Talon 4 provides a balanced riding experience with stability and agility on different types of terrain.

Overview of Giant Talon 4

If you are looking for a reliable and affordable mountain bike that can handle XC and trail riding, the Giant Talon 4 is worth considering. This hardtail MTB is built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame, which provides a classic design and balanced riding characteristics. The bike is available in two wheel sizes, 29-inch or 27.5-inch, and comes in a range of sizes, including XS, SM, MD, LG, and XL.

The Talon 4 has a 1×8 drivetrain, which provides a good riding experience for entry-level trail riders. The bike is equipped with SR Suntour suspension, which helps to absorb shock on rough terrain. The front fork is an SR Suntour XCE, which is a decent fork for beginner mountain bikers. However, the durability of the fork is questionable.

One of the advantages of the Talon 4 is its cost-effectiveness. The bike is priced at $600, which is very reasonable for an entry-level mountain bike. The Talon 4 is a great option for those who are just starting out with off-road skills and want to explore the trails without breaking the bank.

It is important to note that the Talon 4 has some limitations. When the trail gets rough, the bike may not perform as well as more expensive models. However, the Talon 4 feels controlled and balanced, and the brakes provide enough power and precision to give you the control you need to really let loose and have fun.

Giant Talon 4 Specifications

When it comes to the specifications of the Giant Talon 4, there are a few things that stand out. Firstly, it is built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame that features a classic hardtail design and the balanced riding characteristics of either larger diameter 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels. This makes it a great choice for XC and trail riding.

The frame size of the Giant Talon 4 is available in a range of sizes, including XS, SM, MD, LG, and XL. This means that you can choose the size that best suits your body type and riding preferences. Additionally, the frame is made from ALUXX-Grade Aluminum, which is a high-quality material that provides excellent durability and performance.

In terms of geometry, the Giant Talon 4 has a frame geometry that is optimized for roll-over capabilities and wheel size. This means that it can handle rough terrain with ease and provides a comfortable ride even on bumpy trails. The suspension fork offers 100mm of smooth travel for added XC control, which is perfect for those who like to ride aggressively.

The Giant Talon 4 also features alloy performance wheels that are designed to provide excellent traction and stability. The 29-inch wheels are great for riders who want to roll over obstacles with ease, while the 27.5-inch wheels are perfect for those who want a more nimble and responsive ride.

Giant Talon 4 Size Guide

When it comes to buying a new mountain bike, getting the right size is crucial for your comfort and safety. The Giant Talon 4 is available in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL, so it’s important to find the right fit for your body type. In this section, we will provide you with a size guide for the Giant Talon 4 to help you make the right decision.

Sizing Guide

The sizing guide for the Giant Talon 4 is based on your height. To determine the right size for you, measure your height and compare it to the chart below.

Rider HeightBike Size
5’0″ – 5’4″XS
5’4″ – 5’8″S
5’8″ – 5’11”M
5’11” – 6’2″L
6’2″ – 6’6″XL

Keep in mind that this is just a general guide, and other factors, such as your inseam length and riding style, may also affect your bike size.

Small vs. Large

When choosing between a small and a large frame, it’s important to consider your riding style. A smaller frame will be more nimble and easier to maneuver, making it a good choice for technical trails. However, a larger frame will provide more stability and comfort for longer rides and descents.

Wheel Size

The Giant Talon 4 is available in both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheel sizes. The larger 29-inch wheels will provide more speed and stability on rough terrain, while the smaller 27.5-inch wheels will be more nimble and easier to maneuver.

Final Tips

When trying out the Giant Talon 4, make sure to sit on the bike and test the reach and standover height. You should be able to stand over the bike with both feet flat on the ground and have a comfortable reach to the handlebars.

Components of Giant Talon 4

When it comes to the components of the Giant Talon 4, there are several noteworthy features to consider. The bike is equipped with a SR Suntour XCE suspension fork that provides 100mm of travel, which is perfect for tackling rough terrain. Additionally, the bike has a Giant Sport seatpost and stem, which are both designed to be lightweight and durable.

The Giant Talon 4 also features a microSHIFT 1×8 drivetrain, which provides a wide range of gears for tackling any type of terrain. The drivetrain is paired with microSHIFT shifters, which are designed to be precise and responsive, making gear changes quick and easy.

One of the standout components of the bike is the Giant GX03V wheelset, which features Kenda Booster tires with wire bead construction. The tires are designed to provide excellent traction and durability, while the wheelset is built to be lightweight and strong.

The bike also features a front derailleur and rear derailleur from microSHIFT, which work together to provide smooth and reliable shifting. The crankset is from ProWheel and is designed to be lightweight and efficient.

The handlebar on the Giant Talon 4 is from Giant Connect Trail and is designed to be comfortable and responsive. The bike also features Tektro TKD-172 hydraulic disc brakes, which provide excellent stopping power in any weather conditions.

Giant Talon 4 Performance

When it comes to performance, the Giant Talon 4 is a solid choice for both XC and trail riding. The bike is built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame that features a classic hardtail design for proven alloy performance. The balanced riding characteristics of either larger diameter 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels provide stability and control on different types of terrain.

The Talon 4 is equipped with a SR Suntour suspension fork, which provides up to 100mm (3.9 inches) of travel to smooth out impacts from the trail. This suspension fork is perfect for riders who want to tackle technical terrain with confidence. The fork rake is 42mm, which balances the bike’s handling and steering.

The bike’s tires are available in either 27.5-inch or 29-inch sizes. The 27.5-inch tires are more maneuverable compared to the 29-inch tires, while the 29-inch tires will do a better job of smoothing out impacts from the trail. The tires provide excellent traction and control on different types of terrain, making the Talon 4 a versatile bike.

The Talon 4 is equipped with a Shimano drivetrain, which provides reliable and precise shifting. The bike features a 1×8 drivetrain, which is perfect for riders who want a simple and efficient setup. The bike’s mechanical disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, which is essential for riders who want to stay in control on technical descents.

The bike is available in a metallic black color, which is part of the Giant Custom color program. The program allows riders to choose from a variety of colors to customize their bikes. The Talon 4 is a great choice for riders who want a cost-effective bike that provides a good riding experience.

Giant Talon 4 Geometry Details

When it comes to mountain bikes, geometry plays a crucial role in determining how the bike handles and performs on different terrains. The Giant Talon 4 is a hardtail trail bike that features a classic hardtail design and a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame. Let’s take a closer look at the geometry details of the Giant Talon 4.

  • Seat Tube Angle: The seat tube angle of the Giant Talon 4 is 73.5 degrees, which provides a comfortable and efficient pedaling position.
  • Head Tube Angle: The head tube angle of the Giant Talon 4 is 68 degrees (69 degrees for the XS size), which offers a good balance of stability and agility on the trails.
  • Reach: The reach of the Giant Talon 4 varies depending on the size of the bike, ranging from 390mm to 460mm. This measurement determines how stretched out or upright the rider is on the bike.
  • Alloy: The Giant Talon 4 frame is made of ALUXX-grade aluminum, which is a high-quality and durable material that offers a good balance of strength and weight.
  • Double Wall: The wheels of the Giant Talon 4 feature double-wall rims, which provide extra strength and durability for off-road riding.
  • Seat Tube Length: The seat tube length of the Giant Talon 4 varies depending on the size of the bike, ranging from 355mm to 495mm. This measurement determines how high or low the saddle can be adjusted.
  • Top Tube Length: The top tube length of the Giant Talon 4 varies depending on the size of the bike, ranging from 570mm to 630mm. This measurement determines how long or short the bike feels from the saddle to the handlebars.
  • Head Tube Length: The head tube length of the Giant Talon 4 varies depending on the size of the bike, ranging from 95mm to 130mm. This measurement determines how high or low the handlebars are in relation to the saddle.
  • Wheelbase: The wheelbase of the Giant Talon 4 varies depending on the size of the bike, ranging from 1072mm to 1143mm. This measurement determines how stable or nimble the bike feels on the trails.
  • Bottom Bracket Drop: The bottom bracket drop of the Giant Talon 4 is 60mm, which provides a low center of gravity for better stability and handling.
  • Stack: The stack of the Giant Talon 4 varies depending on the size of the bike, ranging from 591mm to 634mm. This measurement determines how tall or short the bike feels from the ground to the top of the head tube.
  • Chain Stay Length: The chain stay length of the Giant Talon 4 is 435mm, which provides a good balance of stability and agility on the trails.
  • Stand Over Height: The stand over height of the Giant Talon 4 varies depending on the size of the bike, ranging from 682mm to 798mm. This measurement determines how much clearance there is between the rider’s crotch and the top tube of the bike.
  • Handlebar Width: The handlebar width of the Giant Talon 4 is 780mm, which provides plenty of leverage and control on the trails.
  • Stem Length: The stem length of the Giant Talon 4 varies depending on the size of the bike, ranging from 50mm to 70mm. This measurement determines how far or close the handlebars are to the rider.
  • 29″ and 27.5″ Wheels: The Giant Talon 4 is available with either 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels, depending on the size of the bike. The larger wheels provide better rollover ability and stability, while the smaller wheels offer more agility and maneuverability.
  • Balance and Stability: The geometry of the Giant Talon 4 is designed to provide a good balance of stability and agility on the trails. The low bottom bracket, slack head tube angle, and long wheelbase provide stability and confidence on descents, while the short chain stays and steep seat tube angle provide agility and responsiveness on climbs.

Price of Giant Talon 4

When it comes to buying a new bike, price is often a major consideration. The Giant Talon 4 is a budget-friendly option that offers great value for money.

As of August 16, 2023, the Giant Talon 4 is priced at $600. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are just starting out with mountain biking or who are looking for a reliable and affordable bike.

Despite its low price, the Talon 4 still offers a range of features that make it a great choice for both beginners and more experienced riders. These include a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame, classic hardtail design, and the option of either 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels.

While the Talon 4 may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive bikes, it still offers a solid performance that is perfect for those who want to get out and explore the trails without breaking the bank.

FAQ: Giant Talon 4

What is the weight of the Giant Talon 4?

The weight of the Giant Talon 4 varies depending on the size and the components of the bike. However, on average, the bike weighs around 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms). This makes it a relatively lightweight bike, which is ideal for trail riding.

What sizes are available for the Giant Talon 4?

The Giant Talon 4 is available in a range of sizes, including XS, S, M, L, and XL. This means that riders of different heights can find a bike that fits them comfortably. It is important to choose the right size to ensure maximum comfort and performance.

What are the differences between the Giant Talon 4 and the Giant Talon 5?

The main differences between the Giant Talon 4 and the Giant Talon 5 are the components and the price. The Talon 5 has slightly better components, such as a 9-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, but it is also more expensive than the Talon 4. The Talon 4, on the other hand, has an 8-speed drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes, but it is more affordable.

What are the new features of the 2023 Giant Talon 4?

As of 2023, the Giant Talon 4 has not been released yet. Therefore, there are no new features to report. However, based on previous releases, we can expect the 2023 model to have updated components and a fresh design.

What color options are available for the Giant Talon 4?

The Giant Talon 4 is available in several color options, including black, blue, and red. The exact color options may vary depending on the year and region, so it is best to check with your local dealer for availability.

Is the Giant Talon 4 considered a good trail bike?

Yes, the Giant Talon 4 is considered a good trail bike for beginners and intermediate riders. It has a lightweight frame, responsive handling, and comfortable geometry, which makes it ideal for tackling a variety of trails. However, it may not be suitable for more advanced riders who require more advanced components and features.

I've been riding bikes for 30 of my 35 years. Nothing gives me more pleasure than grabbing my Enduro bike and take on the mountains. Learn more about me here.