Test ride / Eurobike: For 2017, Giant has taken on the well-known XtC Hardtail line and renovated it a bit. The result is a versatile base that can appeal to different types of riders thanks to various structures. We rode the Giant XtC Plus on the Eurobike test track.
The frame of the Giant XtC provides the basis for various configurations of the bike. The frame can be equipped with 29″ wheels and also with 27,5+ wheels. The 29″ configuration can be designed more as a race hardtail and the 27,5+ version can be defined more as a sporty tourer with more downhill reserves. Since the Giant Racehardtail shares the same frame with the Plus version, the geometry of the bike is more sporty and racy with a steering angle of 69 degrees and a seat angle of 71 degrees. Only the slightly longer travel fork with 120 mm instead of 100 mm ensures a higher front end and therefore a slacker steering angle compared to the race version. The design of the frame is very successful. The seat clamp in particular was discreetly hidden under a cover in the frame. Overall, the frame does not lack any modern features, such as internal cable routing for a clean look. A front derailleur can also be mounted on the frame to enable double drives. The equipment of our test bike was chosen solidly and is ideal for the purpose. At the front, a 2 mm Fox fork with a very solid performance, as always, provides the necessary comfort and shifts with a 120×1 XT shifter. The in-house seat post also fits perfectly into the overall picture of the bike and is only visible at second glance because it is very well integrated into the frame.
Due to the very race-oriented geometry, the bike can be moved quickly on straights and uphill, despite the wide tires. Unfortunately we couldn't check it on the test track, but we are sure that the bike is a real weapon on rough, steep, technical climbs. Despite the sporty geometry, the seating position is very comfortable thanks to the short stem and wide handlebars. The cockpit also shows its positive qualities on downhills. The bike is very easy to handle and remains very agile. With the lowered support, there is also enough room for steeper descents. However, one would wish for a slightly slacker steering angle for steep technical passages with a plus hardtail. The plus tires offer a lot of comfort with the right air pressure in combination with the 120 mm Fox fork at the front and you feel like you're rolling over every obstacle. The Shimano XT parts on the bike also provide solid performance as usual.
Conclusion: We would say that the Giant XtC Plus is the perfect bike for a quick evening lap, as you can quickly race down the trails with little effort. In the new category of plus hardtails, we would rather give the Giant the title "plus race hardtail" because its sporty geometry makes it look more like a race hardtail with thick tires. All in all a very harmonious bike!