Giant have updated their aluminium hardtail mountain bike for 2021, releasing two new models of the Giant XTC SLR 29. A few important changes have been implemented, including significantly lengthened chainstays. As such, wheelbases are longer across the S-XL frame sizes. We have all the geometry figures and model info of the 2021 Giant XTC SLR 29 right here.
2021 Giant XTC SLR 29 Hardtail
The important angles of the 2021 Giant XTC SLR 29 remain relatively unchanged from last year’s iteration. The seat tube angle is 0.5° slacker at 74° across the size range. Head angles remain fixed at 69.5° in S and M, and slightly steeper at 70 in L and XL.
The most notable changes are seen in the chainstay length, and resulting wheelbase figures. Across the size range, the chainstays gain 15mm, now measuring in at 440mm. The 100mm travel fork also moves to a 51mm rake, as compared to the 43mm rake we saw on the 2020 model.
Wheelbases are thus significantly longer; 30mm for the S and M, and 24mm for the L and XL. Importantly, reach figures remain unchanged, stretching across a 416mm to 477mm range. Seat tubes are unchanged too, measuring up at 475mm in large. This means frame sizing on the 2020 models should hold true for 2021.
Frame Details
The 2021 Giant XTC SLR 29 gets a lightweight ALUXX SLR frameset, said to deliver fast, confident performance on XC trails and racetracks. It’s composed of 6011 alloy and offers the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any Giant aluminum frameset.
Giant’s microscopic grain manipulation, in addition to the tuned butting profile of the tubes allows for 20 percent thinner and lighter tube shapes than those seen on the ALUXX SL frame sets.
The headset takes 1 1/2” lower and 1 1/8” upper headset bearings and thus, a tapered steerer. Giant say the result is better steering stiffness for more precise handling on the trail.
Cable routing is internal, and hub spacing is BOOST: 110mm at the front, and 148mm at the rear. The frame offers two sets of bottle bosses; one on the downtube and another on the seat tube.
2021 Giant XTC SLR Models & Availability
The 2021 Giant XTC SLR 29 hardtail mountain bike is offered at two price points; the SLR 29 1 and the SLR 29 2.
The top-end XTC SLR 29 1 offers a 12-speed Shimano SLX group with wide range 10-51T cassette, and Shimano BR-MT500 two-piston brakes. The 29″ Giant XCT wheelset is home to Maxxis Rekon Race 2.25″ tires, prepped tubeless. The fork is a 34mm stanchion 100mm travel Giant Crest with remote lockout function.
The budget-option 2021 Giant XTC SLR 29 gets a Deore drivetrain with the same wide range 10-51T gearing paired with a 32T chainring. Stoppers come in the form of Shimano BR-MT200 two-piston brakes. Giant are yet to release pricing info on their website, so contact your local dealer for more information.
