Giant Talon from Sycamore Cycle - Making the Decision

 

  Friday April 8, 2022

 I bought the Talon 1 small frame 27” wheel from Justin, a bike mechanic, at Sycamore Cycle for 980 plus tax minus 15 discount. Total was 1031-735 Capital one points so it cost me $296 dollars. Justin tuned up the bike right then and there in order for me to ride it. I asked if the Giant Talon 1 was as good as the Specialized Rock Hopper and he said it was actually better and pointed out the derailleur and the sprocket and seat. He said Giant actually makes bikes for other brands. I decided to get it because a small frame is rare and I think the small frame is easier for me to handle and get on and off of. The tires are 2.4 inch and I can get a little wider. I just think that the Giant is a much better brand name than the Mongoose Fat Tire and has better components. This is an 11 speed cassette with one small front sprocket. It has a clutch which keeps the chain tight and I think he said the large granny gear has 42 teeth. Just watching him tune it up made me realize that it was well worth the difference in price if I had ordered from Amazon and built it myself. They charge 180 build it which brings it right up to equal cost. I took it for a quick ride at the shop and put it in my car CRV to bring home. It has the quick release Front and back wheels which he demonstrated. Flip lever-Finger loosen the non lever side DO NOT Squeeze Brake. To reinstall slide disk brake into place and finger tighten. I took a short ride on the ECUSTA as soon as I got home. The ride was solid and I can steer over rough loose gravel. It’s still hard on my body but I think better than the Specialized hybrid. It’s lighter and easier to get on and off. Tess wants me to get rid of one bike. I’ll ask John if he wants it. I might give it to the homeless shelter by Marcos pizza if he doesn’t want it or I could try to sell it on the club’s website. I’ve been feeling a lot of stress about the invasion of Ukraine and how horrible Putin is and how similar Trump is to Putin and feeling guilty about spending money on myself but now that I’ve done it and I’m a little more rational I spent 1000 on a new bike that’s a good quality and will last the rest of my life. I’ll need to motivate myself to ride it on the trail because it’s still a challenge but I will do it and enjoy it and get more use on the trail while it’s under construction and continue after it’s paved. In reality this is something I’ll be doing by myself because I don’t think John will get into it but we’ll see. I want to ride the Ecusta because it’s safe from car traffic and safer than mountain trails and right here in front of my house. This trail is my dream come true since we bought our townhome in the Cloisters in 2005, 17 years ago. So I got the bike now go for it! YouTube Review