For 2021, Giant has updated the Talon. It's an entry-level bike that's designed for XC and trail use but for this year it gets a tonne of options from wheel size to gear choices. It promises to be a solid choice for those dipping their toes into mountain biking.

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Built around the brands' ALUXX aluminum frame, choice is at the heart of the Talon. The new bike comes with either 29" hoops or 650b wheels and size-specific suspension travel, with all 29" bikes coming with 100mm of travel and 650b with 80mm on the XS and Small sizes, and 100mm on Medium and Large sizes.

The frame gets full internal cable routing with space for a 2.4" tyre in either wheel size. It's also compatible with aftermarket dropper posts and 2x drivetrains if that's what you would prefer. 

New for this iteration, Giant has lowered the seat stay junction of the Talon not only to save a bit of weight but to make the frame slightly more compliant for a comfier ride.

As with the range of choices with the Talon, there's a lot going on with the geometry of each model. On a 29er, the bike gets a 68.5° head angle with a 439mm reach (on a Large) and 455mm chainstays.

On a 650b equipped bike you'll get a frame with a 67.5° head angle, a 440mm reach (on a Large), and a 440mm chainstay. So the smaller wheels comes a slightly more aggressively shaped bike.

Cheaper bikes in the range get suspension from SR Suntour but go over the £600 mark and you'll get Giants own fork, the well-named SXC32-2 RL. Brakes come from Tektro, tyres from Maxxis and shifting from Shimano on all bikes in the range.

Prices for the Talon start at £400, going up to £850.

• www.giant-bicycles.com

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