Giant XTC 29er 1: Outside's "The Year's Best Gear"

The Summer 2010 Buyer's Guide from Outside Magazine picked the Giant XTC 29 1 as "The Year's Best Gear."

Giant XTC 29er 1 $2125

"For years, carbon fiber and full suspension have been the driving forces in mountain-bike innovation. But the industry's recent embrace of big-wheeled rigs has breathed new life into aluminum frames and hardtail designs. 'This bike reminded me that aluminum hardtails are incredible climbers,' wrote one tester. 'Extremely comfy for a hardtail," said another. Plus, cheaper materials and simpler designs mean more bang for the buck. Here, two grand buys a plush Fox RL fork to take a lot of the sting out of the trails, plus Shimano XT and SLX drivetrain components and and Avid Juicy hydraulic brakes. 25.3 lbs. (medium)

We've got a Giant XTC 29 1 in stock (size Medium), available as a demo model, so you can take it out on your favorite trail to give it a true test-ride workout!