Carbon vs aluminium Giant XC Hardtail dilemma
Discussion
Hello all.
I‘m buying a hardtail.
Choice between 2 Giants, an aluminum XTC SLR for 1000€ and a carbon XTC advanced for 1500€.
If both were identical otherwise I would just buy the carbon one. But they’re not. For whatever reason the carbon bike has 15mm shorter chainstays and a max tyre width of 2.25in. The aluminium bike allows 2.4in tyres. I like short chainstays - but I also like higher volume tyres, especially on a hardtail.
What would you do? The carbon bike is a couple of hundred grams lighter, obviously.
I‘m buying a hardtail.
Choice between 2 Giants, an aluminum XTC SLR for 1000€ and a carbon XTC advanced for 1500€.
If both were identical otherwise I would just buy the carbon one. But they’re not. For whatever reason the carbon bike has 15mm shorter chainstays and a max tyre width of 2.25in. The aluminium bike allows 2.4in tyres. I like short chainstays - but I also like higher volume tyres, especially on a hardtail.
What would you do? The carbon bike is a couple of hundred grams lighter, obviously.
First answer is that from the Giant range I'd forget about the XTC and buy a Fathom instead, unless it was mainly for XC racing on not very technical trails (and trying to take the racing seriously).
But of those XTC options (provided I'm looking at the same year models as you), as well as the longer chainstays the SLR also has slightly longer reach and stack (making for a longer wheelbase overall) with a steeper seat tube to keep the effective top tube measurement the same. So handling-wise I'd expect the alloy SLR to be a bit more stable at speed and easier to keep the front wheel down on steep climbs, and the carbon version to be a bit more snappy and agile in tight corners.
I also like high volume tyres on a hardtail (I run 29x2.6" on mine) and 2.25" max is pretty old-school narrow, so I'd go for the alloy SLR if those two were the only options. That also leaves more of the budget for future upgrades etc.
But of those XTC options (provided I'm looking at the same year models as you), as well as the longer chainstays the SLR also has slightly longer reach and stack (making for a longer wheelbase overall) with a steeper seat tube to keep the effective top tube measurement the same. So handling-wise I'd expect the alloy SLR to be a bit more stable at speed and easier to keep the front wheel down on steep climbs, and the carbon version to be a bit more snappy and agile in tight corners.
I also like high volume tyres on a hardtail (I run 29x2.6" on mine) and 2.25" max is pretty old-school narrow, so I'd go for the alloy SLR if those two were the only options. That also leaves more of the budget for future upgrades etc.
Thank you. I really appreciate it.
I will look at the Fathom, though I already have a Canyon Spectral for real (rough) trail riding. The XTC will used for training on numerous fairly smooth but hilly gravel forest roads where I live (in southern Germany). I also ride a road bike, and I did think about getting a gravel bike, but I’m not convinced (or I don’t have the skill!) about drop bar bikes on fast (50-70km/h) but not entirely smooth descents.
I will look at the Fathom, though I already have a Canyon Spectral for real (rough) trail riding. The XTC will used for training on numerous fairly smooth but hilly gravel forest roads where I live (in southern Germany). I also ride a road bike, and I did think about getting a gravel bike, but I’m not convinced (or I don’t have the skill!) about drop bar bikes on fast (50-70km/h) but not entirely smooth descents.
Edited by Kawasicki on Friday 7th July 05:38
Edited by Kawasicki on Friday 7th July 06:26
Ahh I see! Yes in that case I can see the reasoning for the XTC. 
The Fathom is more of an all-rounder 130mm trail hardtail, might be more fun than your Spectral on some trails too
but for gravel roads and easy trails the XTC would do nicely and probably a good amount lighter than the Fathom.
The Fathom is more of an all-rounder 130mm trail hardtail, might be more fun than your Spectral on some trails too
but for gravel roads and easy trails the XTC would do nicely and probably a good amount lighter than the Fathom.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff