giant bicycles: the 27.5 advantage

Giant 27.5 Ride without limits.

Talon 27.5 Early Launch 2014

The off-road world now has three wheel sizes from which to choose. Through extensive research and ride testing, Giant has thoroughly analyzed how each size performs under different riding styles and in varying conditions. Our findings show that mountain bikes with 27.5-inch wheels deliver superior performance without the compromises of 26 or 29-inch-wheel bikes. So to create the best off-road riding experience, Giant has committed to this superior technology.

There is a common misconception that the performance of 27.5 technology sits squarely in the middle between 26 and 29. But as our data reveals, 27.5 actually displays some of the best characteristics of 26 and 29—and it never measures out exactly in the middle.

When it comes to weight, 27.5 performs more like 26—it’s light and agile. And for efficiency and control, it outperforms 29. One look at the numbers and it’s easy to understand why Giant has committed so fully to 27.5, starting with sport hardtails. Here’s a more-detailed explanation as to why:

GIANT 27.5 RIDE WITHOUT LIMITS.

Lighter Weight• 27.5-inch wheels are only 5 percent heavier than 26-inch. By comparison, 29-inch wheels are 12 percent heavier

than 26-inch.• Overall weights of 27.5 bikes also trend closer to 26 than heavier 29 versions of the same series.

More Efficient • 27.5 wheels accelerate much like 26, outperforming the more sluggish feel of 29-inch wheels. • 27.5 wheels roll over obstacles with much more control than 26. That translates into more efficient cornering,

acceleration and braking capabilities.

Better Control• The larger the diameter of a wheel, the greater the contact patch of the tire. A larger contact patch results in better

traction—which improves acceleration, deceleration and cornering. 27.5 wheels provide a contact patch that is similar to 29-inch wheels.

• The larger the wheel, the larger the frame dimensions must be—and that leads to unwanted flex. A flexing frame causes sloppy handling and slower acceleration under heavy power. A 27.5 frame flexes less than a 29 frame, resulting in better control.

27.5 TECHNOLOGY: THREE REASONS TO BELIEVE

WHY 27.5?

1

2

3

Every rider experiences two types of weight affecting their ride: overall bike weight and rotational wheel weight. Here’s a closer look at these two forces and how different wheel sizes alter the dynamics of your ride:

Overall Bike Weight Compare the weights of identically equipped bikes with different wheel sizes and you’ll see substantial weight differences. As expected, the 26-inch-wheel bike is somewhat lighter than the 27.5, and substantially lighter than the 29 (up to two pounds of overall bike weight savings from 29 to 27.5). Every gram saved helps you ride faster. Wheel/Tire WeightThe overall weight of a 27.5 wheelset (wheel, tire and inner tube) is only 5% greater than that of an identically built 26-inch wheelset. Compare this to the 12% increase of a 29-inch wheelset and you can see how a seemingly small increase in diameter results in substantial weight gain—and poorer performance when climbing or accelerating.

Weight

Weight comparisonStatic wheel weightLighter wheels/tires result in quicker acceleration and lighter overall bike weight--a win-win combination.

x grams x + 5% x + 12%

26” 27.5” 29”

0 % 1 % 2 % 3 % 4 % 5 % 6 % 7 % 8 % 9 % 1 0 % 1 1 % 1 2 %

Comparative Static Wheel/Tire Weight (more is worse)

THREE REASONS DEFINED

Rollover Increased wheel diameter decreases the angle of attack (the angle in which a round object intersects a square object). This is a good thing. A 29-inch wheel rolls over a 6-centimeter square-edge obstacle 14% more efficiently than a 26-inch wheel does. In comparison, a 27.5-inch wheel rolls over the same obstacle 9.8% more efficiently than a 26-inch wheel does.

Another way to analyze angle of attack is the degree of impact—where 26-inch equals X degree, 27.5 equals X-4 degrees and 29 equals X-6 degrees. Again, a shallower angle is better—so 29-inch takes the win, with 27.5 exhibiting nearly the same performance but without the weight penalty.

AccelerationArguably the most important benefit of 27.5 over 29 is quicker acceleration. This is the “snap” that a rider feels when they push hard on the pedals. It is affected not just by overall static weight but also where the weight is distributed throughout the wheel. The farther the weight is from the center of the hub, the slower the acceleration.

So a similarly constructed 1000-gram 29-inch wheel is slower to accelerate than a 1000-gram 26-inch wheel—because the larger diameter rim and longer spokes place weight farther from the hub. The key to snappy acceleration is minimizing the weight of the outermost components (rim, nipples, spokes, tire, tube). As you can see, a 27.5-inch wheel is only 1.5% slower to accelerate than a similarly constructed 26-inch wheel, but a 29-inch wheel is 3.6% slower than a similarly constructed 26-inch wheel.

Efficiency

26” 27.5” 29”

x + 3.6%x + 1 . 5%x

0% .5% 1.0& 1.5% 2.0% 2.5% 3.0% 4.0%

Comparative Acceleration Rates (more is worse)

x o x o - 4 o x o - 6 o

26” 27.5” 29”

0 º 1 º 2 º 3 º 4 º 5 º 6 º

Comparative Angle of Attack SAVINGS (more is better)

Traction The larger the diameter of a wheel, the greater the contact patch of the tire. A larger contact patch results in better traction, which leads to improved acceleration, deceleration and cornering. As you can see below, a 27.5-inch wheel has a similar contact patch to the 29.

Frame Stiffness Lateral (side-to-side) frame stiffness can be affected by wheel size. To accommodate larger wheels, frame dimensions must be elongated. Therefore, a size medium 29-inch wheel frame has more lateral flex (bottom bracket and headtube) than a size medium 27.5- or 26-inch wheel frameset. Additional flex compromises handling under heavy pedaling or sharp cornering.

Frame Geometry The larger the wheel, the more difficult it is to optimize geometry, especially on smaller frames. As the frame size decreases, headtube heights become higher (in relation to saddle height). On 26 or 27.5-inch frames, it’s less of a problem, but geometry limitations can affect smaller 29-inch-wheel frames.

Control

29”

9cm

27.5”

8cm

26”

6cm

5cm 6cm 7cm 8cm 9cm 10cm

Comparative Contact Patch (more is better)

26” 29”

x + 5%x + 2%x%

27.5”Y + 2% Y + 6%Y%

0% .5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0% 2.5% 3.0% 3.5% 4.0% 4.5% 5.0% 5.5% 6.0%

Comparative AVERAGE Bottom Bracket and Headtube Flex Percentages (more is worse)

TALON 27.5 1CARVE THROUGH CORNERS AND FLY UP THE CLIMBS WITH THE QUICK AND AGILE TALON 27.5

SpecificationsframeSIZES S, M, L, XL

COLORS Red/Black, Matte Black/Gloss Blue

FRAME ALUXX-grade aluminum

FORK RockShox XC 30 Gold, w/TurnKey lockout, 100mm travel

SHOCK N/A

componentsHANDLEBAR Giant Connect XC, low rise, 31.8mm

STEM Giant Connect

SEATPOST Giant Connect, 30.9mm

SADDLE Giant Contact, Upright

PEDALS Alloy MTB w/toe strap

drivetrainSHIFTERS Shimano Deore, Rapid Fire

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore XT, Shadow

BRAKES Shimano M395, hydraulic disc, 160mm

BRAKE LEVERS Shimano M395

CASSETTE Shimano HG62 11x36, 10-speed

CHAIN KMC X10

CRANKSET FSA MegaExo, 24/32/42

BOTTOM BRACKET FSA MegaExo

wheelsRIMS Giant S-XC2, double wall

HUBS Giant Sport Tracker Off Road, 32h

SPOKES Stainless Steel, 14g

TIRES Schwalbe Rapid Rob, 27.5x2.25

other

EXTRAS

- RockShox XC 30 Gold with TurnKey lockout suspension fork - Shimano XT/Deore 3x10-speed drivetrain with FSA MegaExo crankset - Shimano M395 hydraulic disc brakes - Giant S-XC2 27.5 double wall rim, Giant Tracker hub, stainless steel spoke wheelset

Key Upgrades (over Talon 27.5 4):

The super-responsive ALUXX aluminum frame features classic hardtail design updated with Giant’s innovative new 27.5-inch wheel technology. Designed to make the most of this lightweight yet stable wheel size, and engineered to work with a 100-millimeter suspension fork, it’s the perfect choice for sport and recreational riders that want the perfect blend of quickness, lightweight and control on the trail.

Frame design

*Seat angle is actual**Toptube is measured from the center of the headtube horizontally back to the top of the effective extension of the seattube***Standover height is based on the largest size tire that will fit the bike, not necessarily the included size tire

Size Part Number

Head Angle

Seat Angle* Toptube** Headtube Chainstay Wheelbase Standover

Height***

Inches Degrees Degrees Inches Inches Inches Inches Inches

S/16 40040124 70.0 73.5 22.4 4.1 17.3 42.2 28.8

M/18 40040125 70.0 73.0 23.4 4.5 17.3 43.0 29.2

L/20 40040126 70.0 73.0 24.2 5.1 17.3 43.8 30.1

XL/22 40040127 70.0 72.5 25.2 5.7 17.3 44.6 32.1

frame geometry

Specifications and availability subject to change without notice.



COLORS Satin Black/Red

FRAME ALUXX-Grade Aluminum

FORK SR Suntour XCT MLO, w/Preload Adjuster and Lockout, 100mm Travel

SHOCK N/A

componentsHANDLEBAR Giant Sport, low rise, 31.8mm

STEM Giant Sport

SEATPOST Giant Sport, 30.9mm

SADDLE Giant Connect, Upright

PEDALS Alloy Platform

drivetrainSHIFTERS Shimano Acera, Rapid Fire

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Alivio

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Alivio

BRAKES Tektro HDC300, hydraulic disc, 160mm

BRAKE LEVERS Tektro HDC300


CHAIN KMC X9

CRANKSET FSA Dynadrive, 22/32/44

BOTTOM BRACKET FSA sealed

wheelsRIMS Giant Alloy, double wall

HUBS Giant Tracker Sport, 32h


TIRES Giant Sport, 27.5x2.1

other

EXTRAS

- SR Suntour XTC MLO with pre-load adjust and lockout suspension fork - Shimano 3x9-speed drivetrain with FSA Dynadrive crankset - Tektro HDC-300 hydraulic disc brakes

Key Upgrades (over Talon 27.5 5):


Frame design



Size Part Number

Head Angle


Height***


S/16 40040614 70.0 73.5 22.4 4.1 17.3 42.2 28.8

M/18 40040615 70.0 73.0 23.4 4.5 17.3 43.0 29.2

L/20 40040616 70.0 73.0 24.2 5.1 17.3 43.8 30.1

XL/22 40040617 70.0 72.5 25.2 5.7 17.3 44.6 32.1

frame geometry



COLORS White/Blue, Matte Black/ Gloss Green


FORK SR Suntour XCT MLO, w/Preload Adjuster and Lockout, 100mm Travel

SHOCK N/A

componentsHANDLEBAR Giant Sport, low rise, 25.4mm

STEM Giant Sport


SADDLE Giant Connect, Upright


drivetrainSHIFTERS SRAM X4, Trigger Shift

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Altus

REAR DERAILLEUR SRAM X5

BRAKES Tektro Novela, mechanical disc, 160mm

BRAKE LEVERS Tektro


CHAIN KMC Z8

CRANKSET SR Suntour NEX, 24/34/42

BOTTOM BRACKET SR Suntour sealed

wheelsRIMS Giant Alloy, double wall

HUBS Alloy, 32h

SPOKES Stainless steel, 14g


other

EXTRAS

- SR Suntour XTC with pre-load adjust and lockout suspension fork - 3x8-speed drivetrain with Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes - Light and durable double-wall alloy rims

features


Frame design



Size Part Number

Part Number

Head Angle


Height***

InchesWhite/Blue

Matte Black/Gloss Green

Degrees Degrees Inches Inches Inches Inches Inches

S/16 43140814 43140824 70.0 73.5 22.4 4.1 17.3 42.2 28.8

M/18 43140815 43140825 70.0 73.0 23.4 4.5 17.3 43.0 29.2

L/20 43140816 43140826 70.0 73.0 24.2 5.1 17.3 43.8 30.1

XL/22 43140817 43140827 70.0 72.5 25.2 5.7 17.3 44.6 32.1

frame geometry

Tempt Early Launch 2014

Liv/giant 27.5 LivgiantUSA.com

TEMPT 0SMOOTH OUT THE TRAIL. A LIGHT, STABLE 27.5-INCH WHEEL DESIGN MAKES THIS XC BIKE YOUR ALLY FOR OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE.

SPECIFICATIONS FRAME DESIGN

KEY UPGRADES (OVER TEMPT 2):

FRAMESIZES XS, S, M

COLORS Gloss Metallic Black/Bright Yellow


FORK Fox 32 Float CTD Evolution, 100mm travel

SHOCK N/A

COMPONENTS

HANDLEBAR Connect XC, low rise, 31.8mm

STEM Giant Connect

SEATPOST Giant Connect, 30.9mm

SADDLE Liv/giant Contact, Upright

PEDALS Alloy MTB w/toe strap

DRIVETRAINSHIFTERS Shimano SLX, Rapid Fire

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano SLX

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore XT




CHAIN KMC X10

CRANKSET Shimano M552, 22/32/42

BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano Hollowtech II

WHEELSRIMS Giant S-XC2, double wall

HUBS Giant Sport Tracker, 32h



OTHER

EXTRAS

With an agile aluminum frame featuring geometry designed specifically for women, plus a suspension fork and powerful disc brakes, Tempt can take you from your first dirt foray to more advanced singletrack adventures. The all-new 27.5-inch frame design, featur-ing plenty of confidence-inspiring stand-over height, gives you just what you need to go farther and faster.

- Fox 32 Float CTD Evolution suspension fork - Shimano XT/SLX 3x10-speed drivetrain with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes - Giant S-XC2 27.5 double wall rim, Giant Tracker hub, stainless steel spoke wheelset - Giant Connect handlebar, stem and seatpost


SIZE PART NUMBER

HEAD ANGLE

SEAT ANGLE* TOPTUBE** HEADTUBE CHAINSTAY WHEELBASE STANDOVER

HEIGHT***


XS/14 40042023 69.5 74.0 21.7 3.9 17.3 42.0 23.8

S/16 40042024 70.0 73.5 22.4 4.7 17.3 42.4 26.2

M/18 40042025 70.0 73.0 23.2 5.3 17.3 43.0 27.3

FRAME GEOMETRY




KEY UPGRADES (OVER TEMPT 5):

FRAMESIZES XS, S, M

COLORS Charcoal/Cyan Blue


FORK RockShox XC30, w/lockout, 100mm travel

SHOCK N/A

COMPONENTS

HANDLEBAR Giant Sport, low rise, 31.8mm

STEM Giant Sport


SADDLE Liv/giant Contact, Upright


DRIVETRAINSHIFTERS Shimano Deore, Rapid Fire

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano SLX




CHAIN KMC X10

CRANKSET FSA Mega-Exo Two-Piece, 24/32/42

BOTTOM BRACKET FSA sealed

WHEELSRIMS Giant Alloy, double wall

HUBS Giant Tracker Sport, 32h



OTHER

EXTRAS


- RockShox XC30 with lockout suspension fork - Shimano SLX/Deore 3x10-speed shifting with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes - Schwalbe Rapid Rob 27.5x2.25 tires



SIZE PART NUMBER

HEAD ANGLE


HEIGHT***


XS/14 40040313 69.5 74.0 21.7 3.9 17.3 42.0 23.8

S/16 40040314 70.0 73.5 22.4 4.7 17.3 42.4 26.2

M/18 40040315 70.0 73.0 23.2 5.3 17.3 43.0 27.3

FRAME GEOMETRY


12


FEATURES:

FRAMESIZES XS, S, M

COLORS Gloss Black/Purple


FORK SR Suntour XCT, w/Lock Out, 100mm Travel

SHOCK N/A

COMPONENTS

HANDLEBAR Giant Sport, low rise, 25.4mm

STEM Giant Sport


SADDLE Liv/giant Connect, Upright


DRIVETRAINSHIFTERS Shimano Acera, Rapid Fire

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Altus

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Acera

BRAKES Tektro Novela, mechanical disc, 160mm

BRAKE LEVERS Tektro HDC300


CHAIN KMC Z8

CRANKSET SR Suntour NEX, 24/34/42

BOTTOM BRACKET SR Suntour sealed

WHEELSRIMS Giant Alloy, double wall

HUBS Alloy, 32h



OTHER

EXTRAS


- SR Suntour XCT with lockout suspension fork - Shimano 3x8-speed drivetrain with Tektro disc brakes - Light and durable double-wall alloy rims



SIZE PART NUMBER

HEAD ANGLE


HEIGHT***


XS/14 43140913 69.5 74.0 21.7 3.9 17.3 42.0 23.8

S/16 43140914 70.0 73.5 22.4 4.7 17.3 42.4 26.2

M/18 43140915 70.0 73.0 23.2 5.3 17.3 43.0 27.3

FRAME GEOMETRY

Giant 27.5 Ride without limits.

giant-bicycles.com

LivgiantUSA.com

giant bicycles: the 27.5 advantage

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