Giant Stance 1 MTB Review

giant stance review

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Price	$$$$
Pros	Tires, drivetrain
Cons	No pedals
Summary	In the realm of single track trail bikes, Giant’s Stance 1 packs some power into a slight frame at a veritable bargain price.
Our Rating	88/100
Manufacturer	Giant

The full-suspension Stance 1 gives technical and single track riders an edge.

Its lightweight frame plus a forgiving rear suspension setup mean you can tackle multiple types of terrain with one bike. Plus, with Giant’s reputation for innovative technology and trendsetting, you know the 2018 Giant Stance 1 will prove a valuable investment whether you ride it for one year or ten.

Tech Specs

FRAME SIZE: 5’2” to 6’4”BRAKE TYPE: Shimano Hydraulic Disc BrakesSHIFTER: The Shimano SLX ShifterRIMS: Giant XC-1 Disc RimsTIRES: Maxxis Ardent Tubeless with 60TPI

Giant’s Stance 1 aims to shine on single track trails, and its lightweight frame and responsive suspension help achieve that goal. Performance shocks and tubeless tires round out the package, so you can hit the trail hard without worrying about bumpy terrain and sharp obstacles.

In comparison, the Stance 2 starts out at a lower price point, but with less range thanks to its 9-speed cassette.

The same tubeless tires and a dropper seat post aim for a seamless ride, and the Stance 2 caters to a subset of trail riders who are either just starting out or are unsure how much they want to spend to get the features they’re after. Giant’s Stance 2 comes in at an MSRP of around $2000, meaning you might have to pay a little extra after the fact for performance or comfort add-ons.

Single-pivot rear suspension makes this bike durable, and its ALUXX aluminum frameset contributes to an overall slim profile. A huge 120mm of travel means you won’t feel every bump in the road, but that the Stance can handle obstacles without flinching.

Its official title puts it in the single track category, but other technical and trail terrain won’t intimidate the Stance, either. A Fox Performance rear shock and Fox 32 Rhythm fork with Boost thru-axle are the keys to this bike’s performance, and its geometry allows for 27.5″ wheels that grip the trail.

Frame Size

Frame sizes range from extra small to extra large and can accommodate riders from 5’2″ to 6’4″, according to Giant’s specs sheet.

The lowest stand over height is 28.6 inches while the highest is 30.3 inches.

Brake Type

Shimano hydraulic disc brakes bring you to a timely stop. The front brakes are 180mm while the rear are 160mm.

Shifter

The Shimano SLX shifter gives you control and power on any type of terrain.

Rims

Tubeless Giant XC-1 Disc rims accommodate tubeless tires. Sapim Race spokes and Giant Performance Tracker sealed bearing hubs mean less pit stops during your rides.

Tires

Your Stance 1 will come with factory tubeless tires. A 27.5×2.4 front tire and 27.5×2.25 rear tire are both Maxxis Ardent tubeless with 60TPI.

Price Range

Giant’s MSRP on the 2018 Stance 1 is under $2000, but their manufacturer website supports payment plans on this model through Affirm, a commercial bank service.

While this bike might otherwise seem out of reach, payment plan options (based on sound credit) range from 3 to 12 months long.

What We Like

The suspension package of the Stance 1 is impressive, and all riders will appreciate the nimble handling and comfortable ride.

This mid-level ride’s color package options even impress, but there’s more to love than just its looks. In addition to its robust suspension design, a dropper seat post makes on-the-go adjustments more accessible than ever, and an 11-speed drivetrain means you’ll have power where you need it.

Pros:

Blue/neon or red/dark blue
TranzX YSP-19 dropper seat post
Tubeless tires
11-speed drivetrain

What We Don’t Like

While you always have upgrade options on a Giant or any other bike, at this mid-range price point, we’d expect to see a few more features when it comes to gearing up for the trail.

Starting out with the Giant Connect Trail handlebar set and Giant Connect stem, you might expect more from the saddle and the non-existent pedals.

Cons:

No pedals included
No specific weight listed

What Users Say

[rt-testimonial id=”1027013″ title=”Giant Stance 1 MTB Review”]

Buying Advice

The relatively low price point makes this well-equipped trail bike accessible to more riders than ever before, so we can’t complain about the price.

At the same time, the Stance 2 offers comparable features for a slightly lower cost, so Giant appeals to multiple segments of the trail market.

That said, the Stance 1’s competitive features mean you might even get what you need from an older model rather than splurging on the 2018.

You really can’t beat the new Stance 1’s suspension package and the control it offers across varying terrain.

The focus is on performance here, and it shows. Even new riders can hop on this bike and go, but it takes a seasoned rider to appreciate all the features. If you’re planning on spending a lot of time on mountain trails, even without a ton of experience, you’ll adapt to this bike as you go.

If you’re looking for a Giant mountain bike, check out our review of the Giant Boulder bike.

Even if you have the cash in hand to buy this bike, if you’re not a serious single track or trail rider, you’re better off going entry-level or in a different category altogether. Cruising city streets or touring the countryside doesn’t require an action-packed suspension setup or ultra-lightweight frame. It’s not a commuter or early beginner bike, and the price point reflects that.

Finally, the only real limitation for buyers considering a Stance 1 is the sizing.

If you’re somewhere in the middle of the size charts, this bike aptly suits average heights. However, if you’re under 5’2″ or over 6’4″, you might have difficulty sizing correctly. That said, Giant makes the geometry specs available, so you can double check before ordering online or making a trip to see the Stance in-store.

Conclusion

In the realm of single track trail bikes, Giant’s Stance 1 packs some power into a slight frame at a veritable bargain price.

Single-pivot rear suspension and performance shocks set you up for a responsive ride while the hydraulic disc brakes give you the stopping power you need on challenging technical terrain.

For serious riders who want a bike that will work with them on the trail, Giant’s 2018 Stance 1 fits the bill. Its tactical setup welcomes challenging terrain, and its extensive suspension means it’s nimble without staying too rigid.