Giant's new XtC hardtail

Giant have made some updates to their XtC hardtail to bring into line with modern XC racing and riding.

Mike Blewitt 03.10.2019

Giant have released an all-new range of XtC 29 mountain bikes with lightweight composite framesets. This shows that Giant believe the hardtail is not dead – and we agree. Hardtails can have a much wider performance window than some riders imagine. But the Giant XtC is designed for going fast in cross-country and marathon races.

There are two series: the XtC Advanced SL 29 and the XtC Advanced 29. They share the same updates bbut have a difference in carbon. In order to offer any rider the same ride,  each frame carbon layup is custom-tuned based on its size, aiming to perfect the combination of compliance and rigidity for riders of different sizes. No noodles in the XL sizes, no planks of 2×4 in the small size.

One of the biggest changes in any XC bike relesase is geometry. The Giant XtC geometry has been updated to meet the needs of Giant’s pro XC racers, something we all should appreciate as well. A 69.5-degree head tube angle allows for quick front–end handling, while the 73.5-degree seat tube angle keeps you forward for climbing. It's not as crazy steep as some bikes, but with a 100mm fork and agile front steering – it doesn't need to be.

Both frames are designed for a 100mm suspension fork and 30.9mm diameter seatposts, which makes it easy to add a dropper post.

Hooray for round and wide seat posts!

Boost hub spacing helps with better geoemetry, a stiffer back end and even greater tyre clearance. Bikes are delivered with Giant Wheel Systems and tubeless ready tyres, as friends don't let friends ride tubes.

THE GIANT XTC ADVANCED SL 29

The superlight chassis is handcrafted with pro-level Advanced SL composite for a total weight of 920 grams (size medium). The bike is adorned with SRAM Eagle AXS, Giant carbon wheels and a SID Ultimate and sells for $10699.

$6299 gets you the Giant Xtc Advanced SL 1, with a Shimano XT/XTR 12-speed drivetrain and RockShox SID Select, and a few less carbon parts.

 

The Giant XtC Advanced uses, you guessed it, Giant's Advanced-grade composite, the XtC Advanced 29 frameset weighs just 995 grams (size medium) compared to the previous generation’s 1259g. Like the pro-level XtC Advanced SL 29, this one features Boost hub spacing, which improves wheel stiffness and adds clearance to run larger tyres. 

At $3699 the bike has a RockShox Recon fork, Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed drivetrain and Giant tubeless wheels – put a number on the bars and it's ready to go!

Need more details? Drop in to your local Giant dealer