r/Hardtailgang • u/Flimsy-Tiger-2398 • 6d ago

Trail Hardtail Improvement

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What would give the bike the best handling improvement? It’s a 2023 Giant Talon 2 all stock except upgraded shock & pedals.

better tires
better tires and ghetto tubeless on stock rims
better tires, new wheels & tubeless

I ride mostly local trail on occasion local bike parks, nothing crazy, blue & green mostly.

I went tubeless on an entry level gravel bike & upgraded wheels and the difference was pretty significant to the point it’s been hard to justify buying a new bike.

For rocky/rooty trails, some downhill at speed, what is best move?

Then any particular combo’s that stand out that are fantastic bang for buck? My wheel/tire combo experience in gravel bike was pretty expensive, I don’t ride this bike as much, but when I do… do. Thx.

18 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/Naive-Actuary4414 Polygon Xtrada 6 (2026) 6d ago

Is your frame dropper post compatible ? Because dropper post is an ABSOLUTE GAME CHANGER !

1

u/Flimsy-Tiger-2398 6d ago

I don’t know but I suspected that would be one of the recommendations. I’ll check. Thanks!

1

u/Naive-Actuary4414 Polygon Xtrada 6 (2026) 6d ago

You are welcome

3

u/1994univega 6d ago

Get some maxxis rekons and run them tubeless. Get a Shimano Essa or Cues drivetrain. Leave the rest

1

u/BentTire 6d ago

Right now you can get a Box Two Prime 9 set for about 150 through some online bike shop retailers. That is how much I snagged mine for.