{"id":2640,"date":"2023-08-10T01:30:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T05:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=2640"},"modified":"2023-08-10T01:50:59","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T05:50:59","slug":"giant-talon-2-vs-giant-talon-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/giant-talon-2-vs-giant-talon-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Giant Talon 2 Vs Giant Talon 3 Bikes ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Generally, the best cross-country bikes are all about speed and good shock suspension. Two bikes that embody the combination are Giant Talon 2 and Giant Talon 3. So, understandably, comparing Giant Talon 2 vs Giant Talon 3 is not easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Giant Talon 2 and 3 have so much in common, they differ in gear number, prices, and suitability. Overall, Talon 2 is slightly costly, enjoys more gears (18 as opposed to Talon 3\u2019s 16), and is best for aggressive cycling.    <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll also share a few other minor differences in this post. Note that both bikes come in several versions depending on the year of release. To avoid confusion, I\u2019ll compare their 2020 versions.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Giant<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Giant Talon 2 Vs Giant Talon 3: Similarities and Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Similarities Between Giant Talon 2<\/a> and Giant Talon 3<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are the things that the two Talon bikes have in common<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a) Bike Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both are cross-country mountain bikes, thus best for fast riding on less steep trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b) Frame Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Giant employs ALUXX-grade aluminum on the bike frames to give the bikes a lighter weight and promote longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

c) Wheel Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both bikes come with 27.5-inch wheels, which enable you to strike the right balance between speed and control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

d)  Suspension Type and Travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both cross-country mountain bikes come with a front suspension for bump-soaking, thus the name Hardtail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, both forks have 100mm travel, which considerably soaks up bumps and allows you to take on obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, the travel range offers you better bike handling off-road and allows you to ride more comfortably on ordinarily bumpier terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

e) Brake Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two Talon bikes employ strong hydraulic disc brakes that are responsive in all conditions. They guarantee crisp stopping on all terrains regardless of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

f)  Seat post and Saddle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The manufacturer employs a rigid seat post and a Giant custom saddle on both bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

g) Handlebar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both handlebars come in size 31.8mmm and have a traditional Giant Connect design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

h)  Pedals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both bikes have the traditional flat pedals, which allow you to pedal with ease and are much safer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

i) Rims and Spokes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two bikes have double-wall rims and stainless spokes, which promote wheel strength. They generally contribute to the bikes\u2019 enormous strength and load capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

j) Bike Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Though Giant doesn\u2019t state the bike weight on their website, they are estimated to weigh 13.8kg (Talon 2) and 13.7kg (Talon), making the difference negligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

k)  Gender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These two bikes enjoy a unisex geometry to target both genders. Note, however, that Giant now has a women-specific bike line known as Liv<\/strong><\/a>, and that has seen the Giant line<\/strong><\/a> lean towards men.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Is<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

l) Bike Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Giant sizes both bikes the same way. They all come in four different frame sizes, as shared in the table below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you should note that only Talon 2 has an X-Small as the sizing for Talon 3 begins from the small (S) frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frame Size<\/strong><\/td>Rider Height <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
X-Small<\/td>5\u20191\u201d-5\u20195\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
Small<\/td>5\u20194\u201d-5\u20198\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
Medium<\/td>5\u20197\u201d-5\u201911\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
Large<\/td>5\u201910\u201d-6\u20192\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
X-Large<\/td>6\u20192\u201d-6\u20196\u201d<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Is The Difference Between Giant Talon 2 And 3?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now, here are the things that set the two Talon bikes apart:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a) Bike Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When creating this post, the Giant Talon 2 (2020) was $750, while the Talon 3 (2020) was $550.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, even though both Hardtails cost under $1,000, Talon 3 is the cheaper version, suiting budget buyers more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll understand the price difference when I talk about the suspension fork and tire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b) Frame Color<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Talon 2 (2020) comes in two color combinations; pure red\/sliver and metallic black\/orange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talon 3 (2020) also comes in two color combinations, though different from Talon 2. They are metallic blue\/black and black\/olive green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

c) Suspension Fork<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While both bikes come with a 100mm suspension fork, their identity differs. Talon 2 comes with a RockShox XC30 front fork, while Talon 3 has an SR Suntour XCT30 front fork.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Is<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Overall, the RockShox front fork has more vibration-dampening effects, thus best for steeper terrains. That\u2019s one primary reason why Talon 2 is costlier than Talon 3.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

d) Tire Type and Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Talon 2 comes with Maxxis Ardent 27.5×2.4\u201d tires, while Talon 3 comes with Maxxis Ikon 27.5 x2.2\u201d tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, even though Talon 3 is slightly wider, the difference is negligible. After all, both tires have a wire bead profile, which means they should have the same traction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And with the wheel diameter being 27.5 inches, you expect not to notice a difference in their rolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expert cyclists, however, argue that the Ardent has the lowest rolling resistance and enjoys the best all-around grip (in all-weather). That\u2019s another reason why Talon 2 costs more than Talon 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

e) Gear Number<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Talon 2 comes with an 18-speed drivetrain (2×9), while Talon 3 enjoys 16 speeds (2×8). So, Talon 2 is likely to shift much smoothly and go faster than Talon 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

f) Groupset Components<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Talon 2 comes with a Shimano cassette, rear derailleur, front derailleur, crankset, and shifters. Talon 3 also has a Shimano cassette, rear derailleur, and shifters but a Pro-Wheel forged crankset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, both bikes employ Shimano components apart from Talon 3\u2019s crankset<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

g) Giant Talon 3 Vs Giant Talon 2 Bike Suitability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Who Is Giant Talon 2 Best For? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given its 18-speed drivetrain, Maxxis Ardent tires, and RockShox suspension fork, Giant Talon 2 is best for aggressive cross-country cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With it, you can take on rougher terrains. Again, that also explains the MTBs higher price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Is Giant Talon 3 Best For? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talon 3 has a slightly weaker suspension fork, less rugged tires, and fewer gears (16-speed). So, it\u2019s best for terrains that are not too aggressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That includes biking trails, light gravel roads, and paved roads but not rocky options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Talon 2 Or 3 Giant Better? My View<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing between Talon 2 and Talon 3 depends on your budget and terrain. If you are on a budget and plan to ride on regular terrains (less rough ones), a Talon 3 makes sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you plan to tackle more aggressive terrains, consider Talon 2. You\u2019ll, however, pay more.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Giant<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Overall, Talon is hardier and more rugged and enjoys more gears and better vibration dampening.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. What Is Giant Talon?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Giant Talon is a Hardtail mountain bike line by Giant Bicycles that is best for trail riding or cross-country cycling. The bike is tailored for fast and efficient cycling while enjoying sufficient bump absorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Is The Giant Talon 3 A Good Bike<\/a>?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Giant Talon 3 is a decent Hardtail mountain bike for entry-level cyclists who plan to tackle less-rough terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bike enjoys an adaptive geometry and comes with a 100mm travel suspension to soak up bumps and offer you a comfortable ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Is The Giant Talon 2 A Good Bike?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Giant Talon 2 is a fantastic Hardtail for entry-level cyclists who plan to tackle rougher and steeper terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It comes in more rugged construction and enjoys a more robust front fork for optimal bump absorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. What Type Of Bike Is Giant Talon 3?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Giant Talon 3 is a Hardtail cross-country (XC) mountain bike that targets entry-level cross-country cyclists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Which Giant Talon Is Best?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Giant Talon bike line comes in four models; Talon 1, 2, 3, and 4. Overall, Talon 1 and 2 are better suited to rougher terrains and where you have to ride aggressively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, Giant Talon 3 and 4 are better suited to trails and other less aggressive terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Is Giant Talon 2 Tubeless-Ready?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Giant Talon 2, like other Giant Talon bikes, is tubeless-ready. So, you can always switch to tubeless anytime you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Is Giant Talon Good For Trail?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Given that Giant Talon bikes feature lightweight ALUXX aluminum frames, they are pretty efficient on trails. They are, however, better suited to lighter tracks, especially the latest versions (Talon 3 and 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. How Many Gears Does The Giant Talon 3 Have?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Giant Talon 3 has 16 speeds (2×8) for adequate climbing power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. How Many Gears Does The Giant Talon 2 Have?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Giant Talon has 18 speeds (2×9), which is enough for aggressive trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relevant: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n