Our take on the Talon 4

The Giant Talon 4 is an aluminum hardtail mountain bike built for new riders who want a reliable trail bike. It has a redesigned lighter frame, a suspension fork, and clearance for 2.4-inch tires. Higher-end features like thru-axles and a 1x drivetrain appear only on select models. Compared with rivals, it offers Giant's build quality and geometry at an entry level, but the base model uses more basic components.

Best forNew mountain bikersTrail riding on a budgetRiders wanting a lightweight hardtailUpgrading from a department-store bike

Pros

Lightweight aluminum frame
Suspension fork smooths rough trails
Fits wide 2.4-inch tires for traction
Internal cable routing for clean look
Geometry tuned for confident trail riding

Cons

Thru-axles and 1x drivetrain only on select models

About the Talon 4

The Talon 4 is an aluminum hardtail mountain bike for riders moving into trail riding. It has an all-new ALUXX aluminum frame with updated shaping and a lighter overall weight. It pairs the frame with a suspension fork and disc brakes.

The geometry is made for trail riding with front suspension. XS frames use 27.5-inch wheels and an 80mm fork. SM-XL frames use 29-inch wheels with either an 80mm or 100mm fork, depending on frame size. All models clear tires up to 2.4 inches wide.

Cable routing is internal, including for a dropper seatpost, and an integrated chainstay protector is fitted. Select models also have a tapered fork steerer tube, thru-axle hubs, and a 1x drivetrain with a clutch-equipped rear derailleur.

Frame

ALUXX-grade aluminum, disc

Fork

SR Suntour XCE, steel steerer. XS: 80mm travel (27.5). S: 80mm travel (29) or 100mm travel (29)

Rear suspension

None (hardtail)

Wheels

Giant GX03V, 27.5 or 29, alloy, double wall, 21mm inner width

Hubs

Alloy, sealed bearing. Front 15x110 thru-axle, rear 12x142 thru-axle

Spokes

Stainless, 14g

Tires

Maxxis Ikon, wire bead. 27.5x2.2 (XS) or 29x2.2 (SM-XL)

Max tire size

Up to 2.4-inch

Crankset

ProWheel Forged, 33t (27.5) or 30t (29). XS: 165mm (27.5). S: 165mm (27.5) or 170mm (29). M: 175mm

Bottom bracket

Cartridge

Chain

KMC 8.3

Questions and answers

What is the difference between the Talon 4 and higher Talon models?

Higher models add features like a 1x drivetrain with clutch derailleur and thru-axle hubs. The Talon 4 has a more basic build.

What wheel size does the Talon 4 use?

XS frames use 27.5-inch wheels; SM through XL frames use 29-inch wheels.

Can I fit wider tires on the Talon 4?

Yes, the frame has clearance for tires up to 2.4 inches wide.

Does the Talon 4 have internal cable routing?

Yes, including routing for a dropper seatpost.

Is the Talon 4 good for beginners?

Yes, it's designed for aspiring mountain bikers with a stable geometry and suspension fork.

Where is the Talon 4 cheapest?

At Mike's Bikes, for $649.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Talon 4?

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings.

Talon 4

Best price now

$649.99at Mike's BikesChecked Nov 11

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Price facts

Last seen at $649.99 at Mike's Bikes on Nov 11.