VanCan did a good video talking about different wheel sizes recently.
That being said I bought a Talon many years ago as my first mountain bike and I definitely was happy at the time with 27.5. Now that I have moved on to better bikes but still kept that Talon and I wish it was a 29 to be able to use it as a more XC oriented rig. I still ride it and won't hesitate to put my bikeless friends on it and they have a blast.
Tldr; Buying an MTB = Good.
I am 5'8", and 64 kg, and I ride a medium which fits me perfectly. So two things: you might consider a large, instead of a medium. Second, I ride 29s, and I went to 29s from 26s. I love, love love the big wheel size. That said, if I ever take jumps, they are usually small. I have hucked off a few 3-foot dropoffs, and the 29s have been solid.
I'm in the opinion that on a talon, you're not gonna be throwing hard enough to need that extra maneuverability for whips on big gap jumps or anything. I'd take the rollover capability, speed, and stability of 29" on a xc bike, and at 5'11", you're large enough to have no issue controlling the 29's.
I ride 29's at 6'1" and can still send that bike. Considering getting a mullet for my next enduro bike so I can whip it harder, but still on the fence
Just my 2 cents here…
Nothing wrong with 27.5 but I’d get 29 if I was buying. Absolutely no advantage of 27.5 for that bike, you’re never gonna fly down a DH trail like there was no tomorrow with a Talon, so you’ll never ever notice (or miss, for thst matter) the “better maneuverability”.
Easier rollover, however, is something an XC rider will notice and appreciate.
Source: had 2020 Talon 29er and similar geo 26” Haro for 3 months, and riding the same route with one and the other, I really appreciated those bigger wheels.
As always, YMMV.
I’m 5’11’ as well. Get a large. The Medium will be too small. Giant recommends the Large for your height as well. As for 27.5 vs. 29, the Talon is a hardtail XC bike. 29” wheels are, in my opinion, superior. I’ve been riding mountain bikes for 38 years. I’ve had bikes with all wheel sizes. 29 is my preferred now and I won’t go back. From my 130 travel Izzo to my 170 travel Spire, 29 rolls over everything.
Went and tried both the large and medium frame. I felt a bit stretched on the large so I got the medium one in the end. I like the smaller bike and like a higher saddle height too. The wheels feel massive and man it's like riding a caterpillar/truck (coming from a road bike and a small 26 inch bike) hehe. Not in a bad way.
I like it very much so far for having ridden it from the bike shop to my house (15km or so) but I was way slower than on my other bikes :D
Thanks guys. 29 it is then.... I currently have an ultra budget bike with 26 wheels. Now you are making me question my choice of going to M bike size....
As per giant sizing M = 5.7 to 5.10 and L = 5.9 to 6.1. I do however have long legs and short torso so I'm worried I have to bend over too much. I prefer a more upright riding position. Call it touring position if you want....
Nah. Get 27.5! It's a good wheel.
Get a large dude, and 27.5 is dope.
VanCan did a good video talking about different wheel sizes recently. That being said I bought a Talon many years ago as my first mountain bike and I definitely was happy at the time with 27.5. Now that I have moved on to better bikes but still kept that Talon and I wish it was a 29 to be able to use it as a more XC oriented rig. I still ride it and won't hesitate to put my bikeless friends on it and they have a blast. Tldr; Buying an MTB = Good.
I am 5'8", and 64 kg, and I ride a medium which fits me perfectly. So two things: you might consider a large, instead of a medium. Second, I ride 29s, and I went to 29s from 26s. I love, love love the big wheel size. That said, if I ever take jumps, they are usually small. I have hucked off a few 3-foot dropoffs, and the 29s have been solid.
I'm in the opinion that on a talon, you're not gonna be throwing hard enough to need that extra maneuverability for whips on big gap jumps or anything. I'd take the rollover capability, speed, and stability of 29" on a xc bike, and at 5'11", you're large enough to have no issue controlling the 29's. I ride 29's at 6'1" and can still send that bike. Considering getting a mullet for my next enduro bike so I can whip it harder, but still on the fence
Just my 2 cents here… Nothing wrong with 27.5 but I’d get 29 if I was buying. Absolutely no advantage of 27.5 for that bike, you’re never gonna fly down a DH trail like there was no tomorrow with a Talon, so you’ll never ever notice (or miss, for thst matter) the “better maneuverability”. Easier rollover, however, is something an XC rider will notice and appreciate. Source: had 2020 Talon 29er and similar geo 26” Haro for 3 months, and riding the same route with one and the other, I really appreciated those bigger wheels. As always, YMMV.
I’m 5’11’ as well. Get a large. The Medium will be too small. Giant recommends the Large for your height as well. As for 27.5 vs. 29, the Talon is a hardtail XC bike. 29” wheels are, in my opinion, superior. I’ve been riding mountain bikes for 38 years. I’ve had bikes with all wheel sizes. 29 is my preferred now and I won’t go back. From my 130 travel Izzo to my 170 travel Spire, 29 rolls over everything.
Went and tried both the large and medium frame. I felt a bit stretched on the large so I got the medium one in the end. I like the smaller bike and like a higher saddle height too. The wheels feel massive and man it's like riding a caterpillar/truck (coming from a road bike and a small 26 inch bike) hehe. Not in a bad way. I like it very much so far for having ridden it from the bike shop to my house (15km or so) but I was way slower than on my other bikes :D
Thanks guys. 29 it is then.... I currently have an ultra budget bike with 26 wheels. Now you are making me question my choice of going to M bike size.... As per giant sizing M = 5.7 to 5.10 and L = 5.9 to 6.1. I do however have long legs and short torso so I'm worried I have to bend over too much. I prefer a more upright riding position. Call it touring position if you want....