Bike Check - 2019 Giant XTC Advanced 2

We’ve used plenty of different bikes for the development of our XC wheelsets, but one of the most heavily used has been our founder Will’s XTC Advanced. In this feature, we’ll do a deep dive into the specs, discuss this particular bike’s role in development as well as future plans for the bike.

Spec Overview

How did you come to own the bike?

Well, it was originally a Giant aluminium hardtail that got me back into XC riding, so I had a hankering for a carbon framed version of my old bike. I found this one on Pinkbike and the spec was too good to turn down for the price. Ideally I’d have liked the newer model XTC, but unfortunately Giant no longer sells these new ones in the U.K.

What modifications does the bike have?

The most obvious would probably have to be the fork. This generation originally came with a Fox 32 Float SC. The previous owner upgraded it to the Rockshox Sid Ultimate in bright blue - I personally prefer the stealth look so I had them resprayed in black.

I also swapped out the original carbon seatpost for a Brand-X dropper. Suffering a weight penalty (350g), but in my opinion it’s one of those upgrades that is worth the weight penalty. I’ve still kept the old post so I can refit that if I’m doing a non-technical race.

In terms of the drivetrain, I replaced the original 32t with a 34t. Ideally, I’d like to go bigger but unfortunately 34t is the biggest this particular frame will allow (the newer XTC can go to 38t). I’ve also replaced the original cassette (11-46) with a slightly lighter and closer ratio 11 speed (11-42).

The brakes have been swapped from a fairly basic Shimano model to much more powerful Shimano Deore XT - though I have thought about swapping these over on my heavier XC bike which is currently running regular Deore callipers.

Finally, I’m running the Levati XC32. These were a huge improvement over both the stock wheels and other aftermarket options we have tested. They’re by far the lightest and most responsive wheels I’ve tested - I’ve taken more than a few local KOMs and PRs since fitting them. 

What role did this bike have in the development of Levati XC wheels?

We did a lot of durability testing with this bike. Being a 120mm hardtail, it doesn’t naturally lend itself to trails and/or jumps/drops - but we wanted to test these wheels in real conditions for all eventualities. With XC racing getting more and more technical, we needed to ensure that the wheels we are producing are up to the demands of modern XC racing. 

What are your future plans for this bike?

I’m not 100% sure. I have thought about upgrading to either 12 speed Deore XT (for the 10 cog cassette) or 11 speed Deore XT Di2 (to be flashy). This isn’t a huge priority though.

I’d like to get into more XC racing next year. I also have an Orbea Oiz H10 TR, so I’ll save that for the rougher stuff but for the lighter, less technical courses the XTC will be super quick. 

Finally, being a hardtail, it’s easy enough to load the bike up with bags for multi-day adventures. A friend and I have been planning to do King Alfred’s Way over two days, so perhaps when it’s dried up a bit we’ll give that a go!