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‘Peaks upon peaks and glaciers after glaciers’: What to expect at Wrangell-St. Elias

Wrangell St-Elias is a big deal, literally.

It’s America’s largest national park.

“Wrangell-St. Elias encompasses one of the largest concentrations of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and wildlife in the world,” said Mike Townsend, Visual Information Specialist at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

There is so much to see across its Alaskan landscape, but with its remote location, it saw just over 78,300 visitors last year, making it one of America’s least visited national parks according to National Park Service statistics .

Here’s what folks are missing at Wrangell-St. Elias, the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

Where is Wrangell-St. Elias?

Wrangell-St. Elias is located roughly 200 miles northeast of Anchorage and 250 miles south of Fairbanks, according to the park’s website. The park recommends flying into either city, then taking a car or private shuttle service to the park.

The visitor center is a short drive from the town of Glenallen. There are no fees to enter the park.

How large is Wrangell-St. Elias?

Wrangell-St. Elias spans 13.2 million acres. 

“It equals six Yellowstones, with peaks upon peaks and glaciers after glaciers,” the park says on its website.

What is Wrangell-St Elias famous for? 

In addition to being America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias features the largest wilderness area in the National Wilderness Preservation System, according to the park’s website.

It’s also part of “one of the largest internationally protected ecosystems on the planet,” Townsend said. Together with Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska and Kluane National Park and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in Canada, it protects 24.3 million acres, which have been recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Why is Wrangell-St. Elias worth visiting?

Wrangell-St. Elias boasts nine of the 16 tallest peaks in the country. That includes the nation’s second highest peak, Mt. St. Elias at 18,008 feet, and one of North America’s largest active volcanoes, Mt. Wrangell at 14,163 feet, according to the park’s website. Only Denali , at 20,310 feet, is taller than Mt. St. Elias within the U.S.

The park is also home to Malaspina Glacier , a National Natural Landscape that’s larger than the state of Rhode Island, according to the park’s website. It’s so big that Carrie Wittmer, Interpretation Specialist at the National Park Service Alaska Regional Office, says it can be seen from space.

Another site she highlights is Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark , which lies within the park. She describes it as “a place to experience an early 20 th century mining mill site in a truly spectacular geologic landscape of mountains, glaciers, and rivers.” 

Can you drive through Wrangell-St Elias?

There are two gravel roads into the park that are owned and operated by the state of Alaska. The park’s website says Nabesna and McCarthy Roads are “usually passable” in the summer, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended for some portions of Nabesna Road. Additionally, heavy rains can make streams impassable.

Townsend said the road aren’t plowed regularly in the winter and “require extreme caution because they are narrow and icy with no services and limited emergency response.” 

No matter the time of year, drivers are urged to check road conditions before heading into the park and to bring along plenty of emergency supplies, including spare tires, extra fuel, and plenty of food and water. “Visitors also need to ensure that car rental companies allow vehicles to travel on dirt roads,” Townsend said.

What else should travelers know about visiting Wrangell St. Elias?

“Visitors should be aware that Alaska is an incredible, inspirational, and wild place, but its remoteness, terrain, wildlife, and environment also make it a potentially hazardous place,’ Wittmer said. “Visitors should come adequately prepared for their visit.” 

They’re advised to: 

• Learn about backcountry safety .
• ”Be bear aware” and keep plenty of distance from wildlife, including moose.
• Leave No Trace behind them.

When the journey is the destination: What to know about seeing Alaska by cruise

Who are the Native people of Wrangell-St. Elias?

“The lands now called Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve have been home to Alaska Natives for thousands of years ,” the park says on its website. “Today the Ahtna , Upper Tanana , Eyak and Tlingit are the four Alaska Native groups that call Wrangell-St. Elias their home and continue to live from the land and practice traditional subsistence activities .”

Giant Reign Review

by Kyle Scott | Jan 4, 2021 | Bike , Long Travel Mountain Bikes , Mountain Bikes

Table Of Contents

Build options.

• The Bottom Line
• Price Comparison

Best Budget Long Travel Bike of 2021

• Climbing Ability 70% 70%
• Downhill Ability 80% 80%
• Overall Fun 80% 80%

Travel: 146mm rear/ 170mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 64.6

Seat Tube Angle: 76.4

Reach: 488mm (large frame)

Weight: Varies With Frame Material

Price: $3,499

What We Like: Maestro Suspension Platform, Price

What We Don’t: Could Use Some Better Brakes

Giant , though late to the 29” party, have produced some impressive 29ers. The Reign is their second 29er after the Trance, and they are definitely dialing it in. The Reign is a solid climber with the Maestro system and a steep seat angle to keep the rider in a good position. Turn the bike downhill and prepare to bash through anything in your way. The 170mm fork is composed and all-business, while the fairly short rear chainstay with the snappy rear shock keeps it lively and poppy. At the prices Giant is offering on their carbon and alloy frames, it was a fairly easy choice to name the Reign as the Best Budget Long Travel Bike of 2021 , though you can still splash out if you so choose.

Compare to Similar Products

See Our  Best Long Travel Mountain Bike Review 2021 Article HERE!

Santa Cruz Hightower Review

Buy Now at  Backcountry.com

Compare Best Prices

• Climbing Ability 90% 90%
• Downhill Ability 90% 90%
• Overall Fun 90% 90%

All-around Ability in a Variety of Terrain

Weight of some of the build options.

Travel: 145mm rear/ 150mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 65.2

Seat Tube Angle: 76.3

Reach: 470mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting at 29 lbs

Buy Now at Giant-bicycles.com

Maestro Suspension Platform, Price

Could use some better brakes.

Yeti SB150 Review

Buy Now at Aventuron.com

• Climbing Ability 80% 80%

Really Playful Bike

Expensive build options.

Travel: 150mm rear/ 170mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 64.5

Seat Tube Angle: 76.9

Reach: 480mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting at 31 lbs

Specialized Enduro Review

Buy Now at Specialized.com

• Downhill Ability 100% 100%

DH Bike That Can Climb

Needs steeper seat tube, price.

Travel: 170mm rear and fork

Head Tube Angle: 63.9/ 64.3

Seat Tube Angle: 76

Reach: 487mm (S4 frame)

Weight: Starting at 32.5 lbs

Ibis Ripmo Review

Buy Now at  JensonUSA.com

Climbing Ability, Ripmo AF Option

Stock shock not being fox float.

Travel: 147mm rear/ 160mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 64.9

Reach: 475mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting at 28.9 lbs

Pivot Switchblade Review

Buy Now at Backcountry.com

• Overall Fun 100% 100%

All-around Performance

Travel: 142mm rear/ 160mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 66

Seat Tube Angle: 75.5

Weight: 30.2 lbs

Canyon Strive Review

Buy Now at Canyon.com

The Shapeshifter

Also the shapeshifter.

Travel: 150mm rear/ 160mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 66 - 67.5

Seat Tube Angle: 73.5 - 75

Reach: 470mm (large frame))

Weight: Starting at 31.2 lbs

Orbea Rallon Review

Buy Now at JensonUSA.com

Amazing Climber, Custom Paint Job Option

Short reach and cost.

Travel: 160mm rear/ 170mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 65

Seat Tube Angle: 75.5/ 76

Reach: 455mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting at 30.95 lbs

Kona Process X Review

Buy Now at Konaworld.com

• Climbing Ability 60% 60%
• Overall Fun 70% 70%

Chainstay Chip Makes A Difference

Sluggish at slow speeds, super long.

Travel: 161mm rear/ 170mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 63.5

Seat Tube Angle: 78

Reach: 490mm (large frame)

Weight: 32.8lbs (large frame)

Norco Sight Review

Buy Now at Norco.com

Strong Climber, Stable Descents

Not as playful as older versions.

Seat Tube Angle: 77.7

Weight: Starting at 32.23 lbs

Scott Ransom Review

Buy Now at Scott-sports.com

Made For The Downhills

Twinloc system needs some work.

Travel: 170mm

Seat Tube Angle: 75

Reach: 466.5mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting Around 30.20 lbs

Nukeproof Mega Review

Buy Now at Nukeproof.com

Now Comes With A Water Bottle Mount, Sportier Geometry

Climbing could be more efficient.

Head Tube Angle: 64

Weight: Heaviest Build 34.2 lbs

Giant was slow to the 29” wheel bike party. They held strong in the 27.5” world waiting for everyone to regain their sanity. Sadly for Giant, the 29” party was just too much fun, and I don’t think we’ll see a majority return to 27.5” for some time, if at all. Giant does have a 27.5” version of the Reign that has longer rear travel, but this review will focus on the 29” Reigns. Some think that the delay in getting to 29” wheels was because their Maestro rear suspension system wasn’t developed for the larger wheel, and it took some time to get the chainstays sorted out and everything up to spec. This may also explain why most of Giant’s 29” bikes have shorter travel than their 27.5” counterparts. I digress—let’s talk about the Reign 29”.

With 146mm of rear travel in Giant’s Maestro system attached to a trunnion pivot, the rear suspension is quite supple for how (relatively) short it is compared to others in the trail/enduro class. The 170mm of travel in the front does pair with the rear shock to create quite a hard-charging duo, even if slightly unorthodox. In 2021, Giant is releasing a more expanded line of Reign bikes that includes three carbon-framed options.

In terms of geometry, Giant has gone with a pretty modern set up. The reach is 488mm of a large frame, pretty long, but paired with a 76.4-degree seat tube angle, it works. The head angle is a steep 64.6-degrees to get that downhill control. Giant has also opted for a 44mm fork offset, which is quickly becoming an industry standard.

The Giant Reign alloy models are heavy. The carbon frames are a snappier climber, and the alloy frames seem a bit more sluggish. The entire rear suspension setup does keep the rider in a good climbing forward position and high in the rear travel to improve pedaling efficiency. The Maestro suspension system helps to keep rear wheel traction through choppy terrain even when you are out of the saddle and pedaling hard over bumpy stuff. The rear shock has a lockout switch, and thanks to the vertical shock mount, it is very easy to get to when you’re pedaling up smooth fire roads to get to the fun stuff.

Overall the climbing of the Giant has been a pleasant surprise. There is a noticeable difference between the carbon frames and alloy frames in terms of liveliness while charging uphill. Thanks to the Maestro system, it is a competent pedaling platform that everyone will be able to enjoy.

You would think that with only 146mm of rear travel things wouldn’t be that tidy while plummeting down trail chunder. Well, you would be wrong. The Giant Reign seems to come alive when the trails get really nasty—like real nasty. The 170mm of front travel helps to keep everything buttoned up, and the short chainstay paired with the “shorter” rear travel helps keep things lively. Basically, Giant has created a mullet bike with two 29” wheels. There’s some kind of witchcraft going on.

The geometry of the bike does keep the wheels planted a bit more than some riders will prefer. The fork and reach keep you in a hard-charging downhill position ready to crash through anything that gets in your way. The Maestro again shines as it keeps the rear wheel on the ground. Now as you’re flying through some spicy single track, the brakes are one thing that may be in the back of your mind. Giant has gone with some less than spectacular brakes on their lower-cost models, and with the style of riding the travel and geometry promotes, you’ll want some beefier brakes. You know, because it’s really cool to be able to get the bike to stop when you want—or need—it to.

As mentioned earlier, there are three new carbon frame Reign options in their 2021 line. The Reign Advanced Pro line consists of all of the carbon frames and range from $9,999 to $4,799. The $9,999 model of the Advanced Pro comes with a coil shock made by FOX for the Trunnion system.

The two alloy framed bikes are the SX 29 ($4,499) and the Reign 29 2 ($3,499). As of right now, there is no frame-only option, but the Reign 29 2 comes in under the cost of some stand-alone frames. While there is a fairly large gap in some of the pricing, the ability to get on a carbon framed build for under $5,000 is pretty good in today’s biking world. Sure, it may need some upgrades, but it’s a good starting point.

The Bottom L ine

While it took Giant some time to get behind the whole 29” concept, they have created a sweet bike! It climbs well and crushes the roughest downhills with agility and composure. The Maestro suspension system helps to make the 146mm of rear travel a smooth feel and a longer stroke. The rear suspension has been set up really impressively, and it can handle Enduro style riding without much complaint. On the downhills, it is really composed with the 170mm fork and a long reach to keep the rider in a central position to bash through rock and other detritus.

Overall, we were really impressed with the Giant Reign . All of the models of the Reign are great, and obviously, if you go carbon, the climbing will be easier on a lighter and snappier frame. At $4,799, it is pretty easy to get onto a carbon-framed bike, and for that reason, we have named the Giant Reign our Best Budget Long Travel Bike of 2021 .

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Asteroid headed toward Earth? NASA simulation explores how the nation might respond

Nell Greenfieldboyce

NASA asteroid simulation

Asteroid moonlet Dimorphos as seen by NASA's DART spacecraft 11 seconds before the impact that shifted its path through space, in the first test of asteroid deflection. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/NASA hide caption

Imagine if scientists discovered a giant asteroid with a 72% chance of hitting the Earth in about 14 years — a space rock so big that it could not only take out a city but devastate a whole region.

This is the hypothetical scenario that asteroid experts, NASA workers, federal emergency management officials, and their international partners recently discussed as part of a table-top simulation designed to improve the nation’s ability to respond to future asteroid threats, according to a report just released by the space agency.

“Right now we don't know of any asteroids of a substantial size that are going to hit the Earth for the next hundred years,” says Terik Daly , the planetary defense section supervisor at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.

“But we also know,” says Daly, “that we don't know where most of the asteroids are that are large enough to cause regional devastation.”

NASA experts and federal emergency management officials dealing with a hypothetical incoming asteroid threat in April of 2024. Ed Whitman/NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory hide caption

Astronomers estimate that there are roughly 25,000 of these “near-Earth objects” that are 140 meters across or larger, but only about 43% have been found to date, according to materials prepared for the table-top exercise, held in April in Laurel, Md.

This event was just the latest in a series of drills that planetary defense experts have held every couple of years to practice how they’d handle news of a potentially planet-menacing asteroid — and it’s the first since NASA’s DART mission , which showed that ramming a spacecraft into an asteroid could change its path through space.

This time around, just after the fictional asteroid’s discovery, scientists estimated its size to be anywhere from 60 meters to almost 800 meters across.

Even an asteroid on the smaller end of that range could have a big impact, depending on where it hit the Earth, says Lindley Johnson , NASA’s Planetary Defense Officer Emeritus.

While “a 60-meter asteroid impacting somewhere in the middle of the ocean” wouldn’t be a real problem, he says, the same asteroid hitting land near a metropolitan area would be “a serious situation.”

Because telescopes would see such an asteroid as just a point of light in space, says Daly, “we're going to have very large uncertainties in the asteroid's properties, and that leads to very large uncertainties in what the consequences would be if it were to hit the ground, as well as large uncertainties in what it would take to stop that asteroid from hitting the ground.”

What’s more, this particular scenario unnervingly stipulated that scientists wouldn’t be able to learn more about this threat for more than six months, when telescopes could spot the asteroid again and do another assessment of its trajectory.

Exercise participants discussed three options: simply waiting and doing nothing until those next telescope observations; starting a U. S.-led space mission to have a spacecraft fly by the asteroid to get more information; or creating an effort to build a more expensive spacecraft that would be capable of spending time around the asteroid and possibly even changing its path through space.

Unlike previous asteroid-threat simulations, this one did not play out to a dramatic ending. “We actually stayed stuck in one moment in time for the duration of the exercise. We didn't fast-forward,” says Daly.

As a result, attendees had plenty of time to discuss how to communicate both the uncertainties and the urgent need to act. They also discussed how funding and other practical considerations might play into the decision-making processes in federal agencies and Congress.

Daly says in previous discussions, technical experts tended to assume that access to funding wouldn’t be an issue in such an unprecedented situation, but “the reality is, absolutely, cost was a concern and a factor.”

NASA’s report on the exercise notes that “many stakeholders expressed that they would want as much information about the asteroid as soon as possible but expressed skepticism that funding would be forthcoming to obtain such information without more definitive knowledge of the risk.”

While representatives from space institutions had a clear preference for quickly taking action, “what would political leaders actually do?” says Daly. “That was really an open question that lingered throughout.”

Getting some kind of spacecraft ready, finding the right launch window for it, and having it travel through space to an asteroid “eats up a decade of time pretty fast,” says Johnson. “So that is certainly a concern, looking at it from the technological standpoint.”

But something like 14 years of advance notice will seem like tons of time to emergency managers and disaster responders, says Leviticus “L.A.” Lewis , a Federal Emergency Management Agency employee assigned to work with NASA.

Lewis notes that emergency managers would have to think about devoting resources to this seemingly far-off threat while also responding to more immediate hazards like tornadoes and hurricanes. “It’s going to be a particular challenge,” he says.

In the meantime, NASA is on track to launch a new asteroid-finding telescope in the fall of 2027, says Johnson.

“We’ve got to discover what’s out there, determine their orbits, and then determine whether they represent an impact hazard to the Earth over time,” he says.

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Giant Trance 29: Short Travel For Long Rides

Today we’re talking about the 2022 Giant Trance 29. It’s fast, efficient, and has looks that can kill. If you’re the type of rider that likes big days and covering lots of ground, stick around —this is the bike for you.

Giant trance 29 Geometry and Build Details

Be a little careful when browsing Giant’s website for the Trance 29. There are two listings for “Trance Advanced Pro 29.” One is the older model (the one with the small point behind the seat post), and the other is the current one we’re reviewing here. They don’t have any model year information to differentiate between the two. Let’s dive into some of the essential updates with the 2022 model. 

The Trance 29 saw a 5mm bump in rear travel to bring it up to 120mm. The front end is designed around 130mm of fork travel. The frame has a flip-chip to switch between two different geometry settings. I did all of my riding in the low mode. I’m not an XC racer or have any delusions that I’m fast uphill. I didn’t feel the high mode was necessary. In the low mode, the head tube angle is 65.5° paired with a 76.3° seat tube angle. I’m 6’2,” and I fit nicely on the XL with a 507mm reach. The wheelbase is a well-rounded 1263mm with 439mm chainstays.  All these numbers add up to a proper trail bike on paper but does it ride that way? Let’s get into it. 

The build I’m testing in this review isn’t an off-the-shelf option. We built this from the frame up. I have a 130mm RockShox Pike up front a Fox Float X for the rear. The drivetrain is a Sram AXS setup with a RockShox Reverb dropper. For the stopping duties, I have a set of Sram Code RSCs. The wheels are a set of Enve M6 with 2.4” Kenda Pinners. I won’t focus on components when I do this review as I’m focusing on the bike as a platform in general rather than the specific build.

Giant Trance 29 Review

Giant knows how to make a bike that climbs exceptionally well. Per category, I think they’re some of the best climbers out there. The Trance 29 is no exception. It goes uphill very well. I think it leans more toward uphill performance than it does downhill capability. On the climbs, it does all the things you’d expect out of an XC bike, except it fits and feels a bit more like your standard trail bike. 

The Suspension feels very firm and efficient. There’s little to no pedal bob, even when standing up and chopping at the pedals. It certainly has that XC bike feeling suspension platform on the climbs. It does seem to have a bit more traction than a standard XC bike, though. However, that could be the tire selection as much as the suspension design. I couldn’t get the rear wheel to break loose even on steep, loose climbs. I purposely stood way too far forward and mashed the pedals on a few climbs, trying to find the point when the back end no longer stuck to the ground. I never saw that point. 

The climbing position feels like the Trance X—centered to maybe a little forward-focused. The stem on this bike is shorter than the stock 50mm stem. Even with the shorter stem, I still felt my weight was slightly forward. It’s a great body position for steep climbs as it keeps the front end weighted properly. There’s no wandering or wheelieing here.    

Overall the Trance 29 is one of the better climbing bikes I’ve ridden. It’s fast, efficient, and easy to maneuver through tight corners and technical sections. I remember the Trance X being one of my favorite climbers in technical terrain —the Trance 29 is as good or better. Its endless traction and firm suspension platform make it deadly on the climbs, whether smooth or technical.

In the right terrain, the Trance 29 is an incredible descender. The key here is “in the right terrain.” It’s not a bike made for aggressive descents and steep trails. It’s at its best on fast, rolling, and mellower trails. On said trails, it’s one of the more fun descending bikes I’ve ridden recently. 

The firm suspension that I love on the climbs makes the bike feel very lively and agile on the descents. It gives you an excellent platform for pumping, cornering, and jumping. It’s easy to unweight the bike and jump over trail obstacles. I think most of the bike’s magic is in how lively that suspension feels. The Trance doesn’t feel plush by any means, but it doesn’t feel like there’s a lack of traction either. It sticks to the ground just fine in the corners. The shorter wheelbase and steeper head tube angle make it feel precise and snappy. It’s effortless to get it around all types of corners—wide-open West Coast style corners as well as tight New England style ones. On the flip side, the bike doesn’t offer a ton in terms of forgiveness. If you’re going to ride the bike aggressively, you will have to bring your A-game. The great thing about a bike like that, though, is that if you want to fart around and take it easy, the bike isn’t going to feel slow and sluggish like some longer, more stable options would.

One of my favorite things about the Trance 29 is its ability to accelerate even downhill. It’s like those videos of two cars driving side by side at 80mph on the freeway, and suddenly the one accelerates impossibly fast and disappears into the horizon. That’s how the Trance feels—throw in a couple of pedal strokes, and it just takes off. Out of a corner, it gets back up to speed quickly. On a straightaway where you’re already doing 20, it somehow has more in the tank to go faster with a couple of pedal strokes.

Overall, the Trance 29 is a quick and snappy descender. It’s not my top choice for steep and rough trails, but on smooth, fast, and rolling terrain, it’s one of the best out there.

Giant Trance 29 Comparisons

Giant trance vs giant trance x.

I wish Giant would pick a different name for either this bike or the Trance X . They’re not similar enough to share the same name. This one blurs the lines between XC and trail, while the Trance X is a trail bike with all-mountain travel numbers. I’ll stop complaining, though, because both of them are fantastic bikes. It does make sense to compare the two, though. In my opinion, they both sit in the trail category. Let’s start with some similarities. They both are some of the best technical climbers around, with tons of traction on offer. They both have quick and lively handling on the climbs and descents. I think they differ the most in their ability to maintain speed through rough and rocky sections of trail. The Trance X is much more stable, especially at speed. The Trance 29 is quicker in and out of corners and a little easier to get off the ground. If your riding style leans a bit more toward the climbs, the Trance 29 is the bike for you. If you want a more well-rounded choice, go with the Trance X.

Giant Trance Vs Transition Spur

I couldn’t help but be reminded of the Transition Spur while riding and filming aboard the Trance 29. They’re very similar both on paper and the trail. Now, it’s been a long time since I owned a Spur, but I’ll do my best to compare them. The Spur rides a bit lighter. It has more of that XC feeling than the Trance. The Trance feels solid and stiff—you’d never think of it as flexy. I believe both climb very well, with the Trance having the edge in technical uphill terrain. On the descents, it’s tough to differentiate them. The Trance is a bit longer and slacker, but I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a better descender. They both shine on mellower and flatter descents. The Trance’s suspension platform feels more firm and supportive for better pumping and cornering, but the Spur feels a little plusher for better control through the bumps.

Who is The giant trance 29 for?

I see the Trance as an excellent option for two types of riders. The first is the rider who wants to knock out a ton of miles in mostly smooth and rolling terrain. They occasionally find themselves on some rough, steep, and rocky trails but aren’t trying to push the pace or take the scariest lines. They value speed and efficiency over capability.

The second group I see liking the Trance is endurance event racers. I raced the True Grit Epic on the original Trance 29, and think this current version would be even better suited to that riding style. It’s a bit faster uphill with better geometry and suspension for climbing. Endurance riders are looking for efficiency and comfort over long days in the saddle. They’re looking to toe the line between the fastest bike on the climbs and something that can handle the rough and rugged descents. The Trance 29 fits the bill.

One-Line Giant trance 29 Review

The Trance 29 makes little work of big miles.

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5 responses to “giant trance 29: short travel for long rides”.

Fantasticly well written review that pretty much to the word tells me what i wanted to know! Answers all my questions regarding merging my 2 bikes (spesh enduro and scott spark 10) into one to fit my type of riding and terrain in west wales. Great site keep up the good work 🤟 oly

Best reviews in the business Connor. I’m in love with my ‘21 Trance X Advanced 29 1. I’ve ridden far more than my share of bikes from all categories in my 30 years of riding (10 in the bike industry) and am (was?) a serial bike swapper. This is the bike I opted to keep longer term (on year 3 now) and it still impresses. I ride it on long, high mountain epics, xc burners and even at the local lift access park (Big White – Kelowna BC) with my kid on flow trails and the odd natural black run too when I can sneak away. Does it all.

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you’re loving the bike.

Terrific write-up, such good real-world analysis. I settled on another shorter-travel rig, largely on the basis of the rear travel points made here, much appreciated!

If you already have an Anthem and Trance X, and are considering selling both and getting just one bike, would you consider the Trance a good middle ground? Would you miss the speed of the Anthem and the burliness of the Trance X?

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• Rider Notes

2023 Giant Reign 2

A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension enduro bike with upper mid-range components. Compare the full range

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In Stock: SM, MD, & LG

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The Reign was both the easiest and the hardest bike I’ve tested so far. The easiest because it was exactly what I expected and hoped it would be: an aggressive enduro bike with excellent suspension performance. The hardest because, well, I’m just not that aggressive of a rider so I had to step out of my comfort zone and I had to be at the top of my game to get the most out of the bike.

Read Review

May 2023 · Robin Weaver

Giant’s updated Reign offers comfort and confidence when the going gets steep, with a solid parts package that’s very well considered for the price

Meaningful geometry adjustment

Reasonably efficient climber

Very confident and capable in steep terrain

Practical parts package

Bar/grip/stem combo feels a little harsh

Not the quietest bike in the rough

May 2023 · Blake Nielsen

Giant’s engineering team completely overhauled the Reign Advanced for 2023 with a frame redesign that has now moved away from the somewhat ‘freeride’ style geometry numbers that the Reign has adopted in the past, and instead they set out to create a purebred, no-compromise enduro race bike! Reviewer // Blake Nielsen  Photos // Matt Staggs Let’s get straight to the point, does it seem like they’ve hit the brief and how much ‘speedier’ is the bike now compared the previous […]

Featuring a new frame with more travel and mullet compatibility, the new 2023 Giant Reign is a big step up over its predecessor.

Incredibly calm and composed on rough terrain

Plush & highly adjustable suspension

Maestro linkage offers terrific efficiency

Great geometry for high-speed brawling

Flip chip is useful & offers mullet compatibility

Fantastic tyre spec

Internal storage hatch is too small

Rear hub pickup speed

35mm bars are very stiff

Dec 2022 · Jessie-May Morgan

2023 Giant Reign has 160mm of rear wheel travel with a Flip-Chip offering 3 Geometry Settings and the possibility of a 29" or 27.5" rear wheel

Dec 2022 · Matt Beer

The Reign now has 160mm of rear travel and a three-position flip chip.

Jan 2021 · Christoph Bayer

There are bikes that make it easy to ride fast. They offer a lot of grip, the rider is positioned centrally on the bike and they're easy to handle. The GIANT Reign is NOT that kind of bike. Still, it's a lot of fun!

Good poppy suspension

A lot of fun with an active riding style

Its length adds stability in steep terrain

Suspension reaches its limit on rough tracks

Requires an active riding style

Sizing excludes a lot of riders

Jan 2021 · David Gould

Giant reckons their Reign 29er could be the ultimate Enduro machine but what do we make of it after subjecting it to eight months of testing?

Last updated June 22

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UNC Basketball Secures Official Visit From Top-Shelf Guard

Matt giles | 6 hours ago.

• North Carolina Tar Heels

When Greenfield-Central School (Ind.) guard Braylon Mullins announced last week the scheduling of six visits , including three of the official variety, he noted that he was still considering a trip to Chapel Hill to check out the UNC basketball facilities in person.

ALSO READ: Giant Prep Cuts Numerous Suitors From Recruitment

And on Tuesday, the 6-foot-5, 180-pound rising senior revealed that his list of official visits now includes Hubert Davis' Tar Heels . He's also added an official visit to UConn to his slate, 247Sports' Jeff Rabjohns reported .

Mullins, a high-energy athlete who ranks No. 75 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite but is due for another massive jump after recently skyrocketing to No. 24 overall in the eyes of 247Sports alone, will begin his UNC visit on Sept. 14.

First, he'll be at UConn beginning on Aug. 1 and Michigan on Sept. 7.

Following his UNC visit, he'll head to Indiana on Sept. 21 and Tennessee on Oct. 19.

This week, Braylon Mullins has taken an unofficial visit to Kentucky, leading to an offer from the Wildcats. He'll take an unofficial visit to Purdue on Wednesday and Ohio State on Thursday.

While Mullins has not named finalists in his recruitment, it's safe to say all of the above programs are among the top contenders.

He landed his UNC basketball offer in May.

Hubert Davis and his crew are currently pursuing 15 targets on the 2025 trail.

ALSO READ: New Schedule Intel Confirms UNC Trip to Big Apple

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of FanNation's Blue Devil Country and All Tar Heels, covering the Duke Blue Devils and UNC Tar Heels on SI.com.

Who's visiting Mojave Desert's Giant Rock? 'Hoodlums,' conservationists, seekers ... aliens?

F or some, the enormous boulder in the Mojave Desert is a sacred site. For others, it's a gathering spot to camp, climb, off-road or party.

On a recent afternoon, the aptly named Giant Rock is the first stop on a tour from a UFO convention whose guides tout it as the place where, in 1953, extraterrestrials visited a man and instructed him to build a time machine that is now one of the area’s main tourism draws, helping to spawn a movement of “contactees” who still periodically gather there.

A woman kicks off her shoes and buries her feet in the sand. Some wrap their arms around the rock’s worn face or press their faces into its sun-warmed surface.

“This is a very big landmark for ufology ,” says Julio Barriere, 75, as he lights sticks of palo santo. The retired actor traveled from Queens, N.Y., to attend the Contact in the Desert Convention . He carries a bag with crystals, a singing bowl and a tuning fork designed to activate the pineal gland, which some believe can enhance telepathic abilities. “If there was a history book of this stuff, you would put Giant Rock in it.”

But the seven-story rock on federal public land has also become a tinderbox of tensions over who gets to enjoy this patch of desert, which has rapidly gentrified since the COVID-19 pandemic . There's no signage to inform people of its beloved status. Its face is often splashed with graffiti. Unsanctioned concerts and parties have left it littered with trash and human waste. And recently, troublemakers have been menacing volunteers who try to clean it up.

“There’s some aggression that’s been coming to a head these past six months,” says Karyl Newman, an artist who has been organizing community cleanups at Giant Rock since 2016. She raises her voice over the buzz of a pressure washer that’s blasting spray paint off the rock’s massive face. In its shadow are the mangled remnants of a folding table.

The night before, a group of kids had driven through her campsite, tied the table to their truck and dragged it around until it broke apart, she says.

And it’s not the first time: During a cleanup campout a couple of weeks ago, someone fired a shotgun, swore and called the group hippies, Newman says.

“I do think that there is this kind of territorialism,” she says, noting that in the most recent incident, the kids yelled at the volunteers to go back to Los Angeles. Newman lives in nearby Yucca Valley.

When a fellow volunteer tried to reason with them, she adds, “They were like, ‘This is our rock. You don’t need to be here.’”

Giant Rock isn’t on the way to or from anywhere.

To reach it, visitors must drive a couple of miles down one of several washboarded sand roads, taking care not to get stuck in a soft drift or to veer onto an offshoot that will transport them deep into the desert backcountry of boulder-studded mountains north of Landers.

And yet the charismatic hunk of granite has been drawing all kinds of people for centuries, if not millennia. Located on the ancestral land of the Serrano, it’s reputed to be a sacred site for Indigenous groups that lived in and traveled through the area.

In 1932 , prospector Frank Critzer started living under the rock, reportedly using dynamite to excavate a living room and bedroom and constructing a windowed wall beneath the overhang. He dug out roads and built an airport, telling a Times reporter that he hoped to open a winter resort on site.

But as World War II ramped up, Critzer and his backcountry landing strip came under scrutiny from law enforcement. In 1942 , he died in an explosion as a trio of Riverside County sheriff’s deputies sought to question him about some local thefts. News reports say Critzer detonated dynamite he stored beneath the rock, although some suspect the explosives went off when a deputy lobbed a smoke or tear gas grenade inside.

A new tenant soon moved in. George Van Tassel had become acquainted with Critzer — and enamored of Giant Rock — after helping to fix Critzer’s Essex at his uncle’s repair shop in Santa Monica years before. He relocated there with his family, taking over operation of the airport and opening a restaurant, the Come On Inn, where his wife, Evelyn, cooked hamburgers and apple pie.

By then, Van Tassel had made a career in Southern California’s booming aviation industry, working as an engineer and test pilot for companies that included Douglas, Hughes and Lockheed Martin. But his beliefs belied his sober, dark-suited image. In the rooms beneath Giant Rock, he began conducting weekly group meditation sessions in which he claimed to channel messages from extraterrestrials.

One night in 1953, Van Tassel reported being awakened by a being from Venus who levitated him aboard a spacecraft and gave him a formula to build an antigravity time machine that could inhibit aging. The being, Solgonda, reportedly wore an amulet that received power from Giant Rock and the surrounding boulders, helping to fuel the site’s reputation as an energetically significant place, a kind of portal between worlds.

Van Tassel began to market the site as a different kind of resort — one where like-minded people could gather to discuss otherworldly beliefs without fear of ridicule or persecution and, perhaps, even hear messages from other planets. He held yearly spacecraft conventions that drew thousands of attendees to Giant Rock, during which he solicited donations for his machine.

In 1957, he broke ground on what would eventually come to be known as the Integratron , a dome-shaped building of laminated plywood designed to have no metal, including screws or nails. It was intended to one day act as a sort of electrostatic energy generator capable of recharging people's cells like batteries. Howard Hughes, Van Tassel’s friend and former employer, was a major backer.

In fact, Van Tassel’s enterprise quite literally put the town of Landers on the map, said Justin Merino, vice president of the Morongo Basin Historical Museum . Its namesake, Newlin Landers, owned an L.A. aviation parts business and was fascinated with tales of Van Tassel’s exploits. He flew into Giant Rock Airport and befriended Van Tassel, Merino said.

Landers then gathered a handful of fellow flying enthusiasts and convinced them to homestead nearby, Merino said.

“That’s how Landers came about,” he said. “The alien theme and Giant Rock definitely play a huge part of what Landers is.”

Van Tassel died in 1978 with work on the Integratron incomplete. But the otherworldly mystique he lent the town endures, although it tends to be promoted tongue firmly in cheek. Residents jokingly call themselves “Landroids.” Next to the sign welcoming visitors to town is an art installation featuring the silhouette of a flying saucer, a classic bulb-headed alien peering from each window.

Giant Rock and the Integratron, now a privately owned venue that can be visited for sound baths or rented for spiritual retreats, continue to be the town’s main draws, along with an exotic orchid farm . There’s little other commerce: a liquor store, a thrift shop and the museum, located in Newlin Landers’ former home, which often fields calls from production companies that want to peruse its archives for documentaries on extraterrestrials.

Still, Merino said, “I don’t think the residents are sitting here waiting for the second coming of the UFOs to take us all away. If anything, the community is more concerned about the damage done to the rock with the graffiti.”

Overseen by the federal Bureau of Land Management, Giant Rock is a designated off-road area. People can camp there for up to two weeks at a time, but there are no facilities. Some pack out their trash; others leave behind broken glass, debris from fires and shotgun shells from target shooting. The secluded spot attracts illegal dumping.

The rock is studded with more than 80 pieces of climbing hardware, according to Newman, although she says some local rock climbers recently agreed to remove some of it.

And Giant Rock has long served as a spot to party. In 1996, 15-year-old Lucas Bielat died beside a campfire during what authorities described as an impromptu rave. A local aspiring musician was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter for providing the teen with a fatal quantity of homemade GHB.

These gatherings have in recent years included unsanctioned large-scale events like generator shows and dance parties whose organizers sell tickets or charge cover fees. One group left behind makeshift toilets, Newman says, although they eventually came back for them after they were shamed on social media.

Those who frequent Giant Rock say it’s rare to see a ranger or officer. The BLM’s Barstow field office, which manages the site, oversees 2.7 million acres of public land in two counties.

Still, the BLM supports the community cleanups, says Park Ranger Art Basulto, who came to the recent event armed with tools, trash bags and water.

Patty Domay, a proud Landroid who volunteers with multiple conservation groups, has a couple of choice words to describe the vandals: “A bunch of young hoodlums,” the 83-year-old says as she drags a magnetic sweeper across the sand to catch nails from burned-up pallets.

Nearby, volunteer David Walsh ducks beneath Giant Rock to swig ice water in the shade. He’s been coming here for so long that he used to eat pie and play shuffleboard at Van Tassel’s restaurant, although he declines to give his age. (“Some things we get to keep,” he says.)

“It’s a wild and crazy place,” Walsh says as the morning warmth gives way to afternoon heat. “I got to go into the rock, too. There was a piano down there, and lots of books.”

He recalls how the military would land “all kinds of weird stuff” on Van Tassel’s airstrip, how 5,000 people might show up to see speakers give addresses from a makeshift stand on the sand at one of his conventions.

Even if you don’t consider its history, the rock’s size alone makes it a worthy attraction, he says, noting that it was reputed to be the largest freestanding boulder on Earth until a piece cleaved off in 2000. “It's the biggest pebble on the mudball.”

Like everything else about Giant Rock, the split was intensely mythologized, with some saying it fulfilled a prophecy relayed by a South Los Angeles spiritual healer and others attributing it to damage from the large bonfires that are often built beneath it.

Much else has changed since Walsh’s childhood, with the pace of transformation intensifying during the pandemic . Landers saw a massive influx of new residents as hordes of city dwellers, untethered from their offices, sought solace in its starry skies and sandy hills.

Some became residents; others flipped properties or converted them to short-term vacation rentals. Home values rose faster than anywhere else in California , pricing out locals. Complaints of absentee landlords rose. A company began selling stickers that read, “Go Back to L.A.” They aren’t an uncommon sight on bumpers across the Morongo Basin.

Some have posited that the tensions at Giant Rock may be fueled, in part, by the same kind of backlash.

“This was just different cultures merging, and one being way more endowed with resources than the other,” says David Gadsden, 50, who purchased a 5-acre plot about a mile from Giant Rock roughly five years ago and maintains it as a getaway and nature preserve. “So you can imagine that locals are like, ‘We’re getting taken over.’”

Most are supportive of the cleanups and many participate, he says. But a small group seems to see Giant Rock as an isolated place to blow off steam, a no-man’s land where they’re entitled to do whatever they want.

That’s where Karyl Newman’s work comes in. The 53-year-old director of nonprofit Positional Projects, which coordinates with artists to spotlight neglected historic sites through installations and events, is drawn to Giant Rock precisely because it’s the nexus of so many diverse stories.

She began collecting those tales, going so far as to travel to Kansas to interview Critzer’s relatives, and then sharing them while volunteers clean up. She calls these events stories and stewardship sessions.

And the public education efforts appear to be paying off. By the end of the recent cleanup, about 20 volunteers had collected more than 520 pounds of trash and removed more than 800 square feet of graffiti. But they no longer need a dumpster to haul out all the garbage as in years past, Newman says.

“These stories are really interesting," she says. "I think we can share them and other people can build their own appreciation for the site and all the different things that happened there and be inspired to clean it up.”

She recalls that after one cleanup, she met an Indigenous healer who had traveled from out of state to perform a ceremony there with others. As it came to a close, a group of off-roaders pulled up in side-by-sides.

“What was beautiful is the medicine woman was talking to the kids who had climbed out of these RZRs about how this place needs to be looked after, and how the boulders are ancestors,” Newman says. “It was an incredible confluence of things, and that’s the special thing about Giant Rock. It brings a lot of different people together.”

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .

The 14 Best Giant Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

One of the highest-volume bike manufacturers in the world, Giant consistently outperforms competitors on value and performance.

The Giant Manufacturing Company in Taiwan has not, as one might suspect, always produced Giant brand bikes, but it has always manufactured bicycles. King Liu founded his company in 1972 as a frame manufacturing subcontractor for a variety of bicycle brands. It wasn’t until 1981 that the cycling brand Giant, as we know it today, came to exist. It was only then that Giant began engineering, manufacturing, and selling its own models, while still manufacturing frames for other brands.

Below, check out quick info on five of our favorite Giant bikes, then scroll deeper for more in-depth reviews of these bikes and other great options, as well as more background on the brand.

1x10–speed drivetrain and tubeless–ready wheels

TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc

Hydraulic disc brakes and an Ultegra drivetrain.  

Trance Advanced Pro 29 1

115mm carbon frame with a 130mm fork.

Revolt Advanced Pro Force

Generous tires clearance for up to 45mm– wide rubber.

Aluminum frame and fork, 8–speed drivetrain.

Since then, Giant has popularized at least two significant technological advances that have become the industry standard. First, in 1987, with the high-volume production of its CADEX carbon-framed bike, Giant was the first big bicycle company to mass-produce a carbon road bike. And in 1997, Giant debuted a road bike with “compact geometry.” The bike’s sloping top tube and smaller rear triangle are now used across the industry. Giant’s technology wins are worth noting, but they aren’t the only thing that separate it from other brands, Giant’s Global Marketing and Communications Manager, Doug Barnett, said.

“What makes Giant different from our competitors is that from ideation, to raw material, to finished bicycle, Giant controls the entire process in-house,” Barnett said. “While many competitors either outsource their manufacturing or source raw materials before manufacturing, Giant owns the entire process from the creation of the actual raw build material, whether that be metal alloy or carbon composite material.”

Why It May Be Harder to Find a Bike Right Now

Ever since terms like “shelter in place,” “stay at home,” and “social distancing” took root in our daily lexicon, we’ve had to find alternative forms of entertainment that don’t involve large crowds, indoor activities, or risky situations (such as travel). More people have caught on to the idea that outdoor escapes like hiking, running, and bike riding are safe, sanity-saving ways to get out and do something—away from others. This has led to a surge in bike sales and, thus, a depletion of stock. That’s a good thing, because it means more people have discovered bikes . But it’s also frustrating if your goal today is to place an online order for a shiny new bike only to find out that you may have to wait weeks or even months to get it. If you see something on this list that catches your eye, and you hit the out-of-stock roadblock, patience (waiting until inventory is fulfilled again), perseverance (it may be available somewhere else online or even somewhere locally), or just being proactive (pre-order is available for many out-of-stock models) might be the way to go. We’ll keep our eye on inventory and update links as often as we can.

Whether you’re a road racer, mountain bike lover, or Sunday spinner, Giant makes bike for you. Here are our 14 favorites from the brand.

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} ―BEST ROAD BIKE―

Tcr advanced sl 0 disc, giant tcr advanced sl 0 disc.

At first glance, the 2021 Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc might not appear much different than its predecessor. But a closer look reveals that this ninth-generation TCR has been completely redesigned to be both lighter, stiffer, and more aerodynamic. This new version is one of the best all-around bikes currently available. It’s insanely light (our Large test bike was 14.5 pounds) and has a beautiful balance of stiffness for superb pedaling efficiency with just the right amount of lateral flexion for hard cornering. SRAM’s wireless RED eTap groupset aids a clean look, although the cockpit isn’t as aero or fully integrated as other similar bikes. The Cadex carbon rims are tubeless ready, and laced with carbon spokes, and the SRAM RED crank is fitted with a Quarq powermeter.

―BEST VALUE ROAD BIKE―

Giant tcr advanced pro 1 disc.

Stiffness. Comfort. Speed. There’s a lot to love about the TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc, one of the more affordable models in Giant’s TCR range. The bike’s Shimano Ultegra drivetrain and wide-range 11-30 cassette give you all the gears you need to take on any terrain, even after a hard day. Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes offer great modulation and reliable stopping performance every time. Plus, this bike comes stock with Giant’s tubeless wheel system.

―BEST ELECTRIC ROAD BIKE―

Road–e + 1 pro, giant e+1 pro.

Although e-bikes in America have grown in popularity, it’s still rather rare to see someone riding a performance road bike with a pedal-assist motor. Giant is one of the brands trying to change that, and the E+1 Pro is proof, with features that cater to the road rider who wants help riding longer (or faster). This capable road machine has an Aluxx-SL aluminum frame with a geometry much like Giant’s Contend endurance model, a Giant SyncDrive Pro motor, a rechargeable Giant EnergyPak lithium-ion battery, and a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain. Giant offers this bike in four sizes: S, M, L, XL.

―BEST VALUE ENDURANCE ROAD BIKE―

Defy advanced 3, giant defy advanced 3 hydraulic.

The carbon-fiber Defy Advanced 3 rides smooth, light, and fast, with a peppy responsiveness that’s ideal for fondos and hard training rides. With a Shimano Tiagra groupset, cable-to-hydraulic disc brakes, and an upright riding position, this bike offers value and performance, which is part of this reason it won a 2018 Editors’ Choice award . Confident handling on descents, tubeless rims and tires, and sweet paint complete this solid, affordable model.

―BEST AERO ROAD BIKE―

Propel advanced 1 disc, giant propel advanced 1 disc.

In its attempt to build the ultimate high-performance (UCI legal) road bike , Giant took just about every top-end feature and popular technology and crammed it into one bike: the Propel Advanced SL 0 Disc. That bike was discontinued for 2021 because the new TCR Advanced SL closed much of the aerodynamic gap. But if you have a soft spot in you heart for unabashedly aero road bikes, the Propel Advanced 1 Disc maintains the same aerodynamics that make it such a fast bike, but it's hung with Shimano's second-tier groupset, Ultegra, to bring the price down to a more affordable level relative to Giant's top flight bikes. This Propel also has a standard (albeit aero) seat post in lieu of the integrated seat mast from the previous edition.

―BEST CHEAP ROAD BIKE―

Giant contend 3.

By combining an aluminum frame and fork with name- and house-brand components, Giant has built a dependable bike suitable for most types of road riding. An 8-speed cassette includes a 34t cog that’s smaller than what you’ll usually find on comparable bikes and is great for new or seasoned riders who like an extra gear when climbing. The 28mm tires help make the bike feel more stable and the ride smooth. Shimano Claris dual-action brake levers double as gear shifters, and the same design can be found on more expensive groupsets. They shift smoothly, and the shape of the hoods provide a comfortable position on the handlebar.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW MORE IMAGES

―BEST GRAVEL BIKE―

Giant revolt advanced pro force.

Of all the fast gravel bikes we’ve tested, this may be the easiest to slide into. There’s the price, to start. Giant delivers a ton of value across the six-bike Revolt line, which starts at $1,000 for a version with an aluminum frame and climbs up to this one, which comes with better parts than almost any bike at this price (hey there, carbon wheels and wireless shifting). The ride is incredibly accessible, too. It’s fast and stable when you sink low into the drops and hammer, yet cooperative when you’re cruising on rail trails and broken-up dirt roads. The Revolt comes with 40mm Maxxis Velocita tires, which are best on hard dirt and packed gravel, and feel better on the road than knobbier options. If you want something bigger, you can squeeze a 700c x 45mm tire in there. In a segmented world of gravel bikes built for niche purposes (long races, short races, touring or singletrack), the Revolt is one of the few that remains open to it all and ready for almost any adventure.

―BEST VALUE CYCLOCROSS BIKE―

Tcx advanced pro 2, giant tcx advanced pro 2.

The Giant TCX Advanced Pro 2 uses stability-inducing geometry and vibration-damping technology to make even the roughest courses feel fast. A slightly shorter reach and long chainstays (relative to those of its competitors) help the bike feel planted in sloppy conditions, and Giant’s proprietary D-Fuse seatpost improves ride quality while you’re in the saddle. Shifts from the 11-speed SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain are immediate, and the flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes have 140mm rotors for race-level stopping power. At less than $3,000, the TCX Advanced Pro 2 is a great value for a smooth-handling ’cross bike.

Mountain Bikes

―best trail bike―, giant trance advanced pro 29 1.

The 2019 Trance Advance Pro 29 was, simply, one of the best bikes that we tested all year, and the 2021 version keeps the fundamentals that make it such a great ride, but adds some component upgrades by switching from a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain to Shimano XT 12-speed. Its suspension has only 115mm of rear travel, but thanks to a long reach and slack head angle, it can be ridden like it has 160mm—and you still get the snappiness of a cross-country bike. This isn’t groundbreaking in itself—several other brands make burly short-travel 29ers—but Giant did double down on its commitment to making this setup its new normal. The world’s largest bike maker adopted the geometry for its most popular bike and is making it available through its massive dealer network. As our Test Director, Lou Mazzante, wrote in Bicycling ’s 2018 Gear of the Year article , “This isn’t a flicker of things to come; it’s a bonfire to convention.”

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―BEST XC BIKE―

Anthem advanced pro 29 1, giant anthem advanced pro 29 1.

A cross-country race bike made to rocket over singletrack, the Anthem Advanced 29 1 is an XC rider’s dream. With a carbon frame, a 100mm Fox 32 Float SC Performance Elite fork, a Fox Float DPS Performance Elite shock and Maestro suspension with 90mm of rear wheel travel, and carbon XCR 1 29 wheels, this mountain bike is built to power over steep sections of trail, be quickly pedaled away from competitors, and be enjoyed even when time and distance aren’t being measured.

―BEST CHEAP HARDTAIL―

Giant talon 1.

This hardtail is an excellent choice for both the dirt-curious wanting to explore singletrack and riders wanting to try their hand at racing. This newly updated bike has numerous upgrades, including Giant's own SXC32-2 RL suspension fork (100mm), a 1x10-speed drivetrain, wider and more rugged tires, and updated geometry with a slacker head angle. The new frame is also compatible with internally routed dropper posts. Like the Trek Marlin 7, this bike is equally well suited to entry-level racing as it is to recreational rides. It shares many of the same attributes as the Marlin, but a shorter reach and lower stack make it a good alternative for riders who want a more upright and comfortable riding position. Possibly the Talon’s best feature, and a big perk on a bike at this price, is the tubeless-ready aluminum rims (although you’ll need new tires, sealant, and valves).

―BEST CHEAP FULL SUSPENSION―

Stance 29 2, giant stance 29 2.

We’ve loved the Stance with 27.5-inch wheels, and we’re stoked to see that Giant is now offering the low-cost full-suspension bike with smoother-rolling 29-inch wheels. The updated geometry is optimized for the larger wheels, and the bike retains the Aluxx aluminum frame and FlexPoint rear-suspension system. The end result is a bike with a 120mm shock, a 130mm fork, 1x12 drivetrain, and tubeless-ready 2.35-inch tires that can roll quick and bite hard into the trail. It’s an excellent combination: The bike rides better than you’d expect out of any $1,550 full-suspension bike, let alone those that cost far more. The suspension is good enough to smooth out rocks and bumps, and the whole thing is damn light—30 pounds for a size small.

―BEST VALUE HARDTAIL―

Xtc advanced 29 3, giant xtc advanced 29 3.

With its composite frame and 29-inch wheels, Giant’s XTC Advanced is ready to rip your local cross-country track or help you win your next weekend ride. For 2021 the Advanced 3 gets Giant’s in-house Crest 34 RRL fork with 100mm of travel to smooth out the bumps. Shimano’s Deore 12-speed drivetrain offers reliable shifting for the 10-51t cassette. The XTC Advanced 2 also gets the 2.25-inch Maxxis Rekon Race EXO tubeless tires, which save weight and allow for trail-gripping low tire pressures.

―BEST COMMUTER―

Escape 1 disc, giant escape 1 disc.

The Escape 1 Disc comes ready for adventure on urban streets and cinder rail trails alike. Fenders and racks are no longer standard for 2021, but mounts let you add them if you'd like. The upright riding position helps you keep an eye on traffic or take in the surroundings, and the Escape’s damped ride won’t beat you up on longer adventures. The double-chainring drivetrain offers a wide range of gearing that can handle most situations and terrain. And since inner-city roads are fraught with potholes, glass, and other debris that can wreak havoc on tires, the Escape 1 Disc has puncture-resistant rubber.

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Tame the Trail

Take to the trail with a new level of confidence. With its grippy plus-sized tires and smooth-riding suspension, Stance gobbles up rocks, roots and ruts so you get maximum traction and control on rough, technical terrain.

Key Performance Factors

Plus-sized compatible.

27.5+ wheel and tire compatibility gives you added confidence and control on the trail.

Proven suspension setup

FlexPoint rear suspension offers 120mm of travel (plus 120mm fork up front) for smooth-riding confidence on climbs and descents.

High-quality aluminum frame

The lightweight, stiff and durable ALUXX aluminum is hand-built and engineered in-house by the world leader in alloy bicycle technology.

Built with a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frameset and our innovative FlexPoint rear suspension, Stance is the perfect way to improve your trail-riding game. Its 27.5+ wheel and tire compatibility gives it a plush ride quality that soaks up bumps and adds more traction and stability. Combined with 120mm of smooth suspension travel front and rear, it’s a confident ride that will have you nailing new lines.

ALUXX-Grade Aluminum

Formed from raw materials in Giant’s own forging facility, this proprietary alloy features 30 percent additional stiffness over traditional 6061-series aluminum, while also reducing overall weight.

Flexpoint Suspension

A proven “single-pivot” design that uses the flexing action of the chainstay/seatstay junction to produce a lightweight and durable suspension system with 4.7 inches/120mm of rear travel.

Designed to provide precise front-end steering performance, the system’s oversized headset bearings (1 1/2” lower and 1 1/8” upper) and tapered steerer tube work in conjunction to provide optimal steering stiffness.

A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 86-millimeter-wide bottom-bracket design. Asymmetric chainstays provide additional stiffness on the driveside and stability on the non-driveside.

130mm of travel up front allows you to easily navigate trail obstacles and singletrack terrain.

Techs & Features

This Performance level frame material features 6061 alloy with single-butted tubes to produce strong, lightweight framesets for a variety of different bikes and riding styles.

A proven “single-pivot” design that uses the flexing action of the chainstay/seatstay junction to produce a lightweight and durable suspension system with 4.7 inches/120mm of rear travel.

Giant’s original oversized fork steerer tube technology. Designed to provide precise front-end steering performance, the system’s oversized headset bearings (1 1/4” lower and 1 1/8” upper for road, 1 1/2” lower and 1 1/8” upper for mountain) and tapered steerer tube work in conjunction to provide optimal steering stiffness.

A massively oversized bottom-bracket/chainstay area features a fully integrated, 86-millimeter wide bottom-bracket design (92-millimeter wide for off-road bikes). Asymmetric chainstays provide additional stiffness on the driveside and stability on the non-driveside.

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