xtc slr 29 1

The Giant XTC SLR 29 1 in Abyss Black is the pinnacle of Giant’s aluminium hardtail engineering, designed specifically for cross-country racing and high-speed trail efficiency. Built with ALUXX SLR-grade aluminium—the lightest and highest-strength alloy Giant produces—this frame uses microscopic grain manipulation to achieve thinner, lighter tube shapes without sacrificing stiffness. The result is a chassis that rivals the weight of many carbon competitors while providing the aggressive, "snap" acceleration needed for race starts and technical climbs. The Abyss Black colourway gives it a sleek, stealthy aesthetic, letting the bike's performance do the talking.

For the 2025/2026 season, the XTC SLR 1 is a "race-ready" package out of the box. It features the Giant Crest 34 RRL air fork, which uses a beefier 34mm chassis (typically found on trail bikes) to ensure steering precision during high-torque XC efforts, controlled by a handlebar-mounted remote lockout. Unlike many pure XC bikes, Giant has equipped this model with a Contact Switch dropper post, acknowledging that modern cross-country courses are becoming increasingly technical. Combined with a full Shimano SLX 1x12 drivetrain and high-volume 2.4" Maxxis Recon Race tires, this bike is built to carry maximum momentum through every corner and rock garden.

Frameset & Fork

• Frame: ALUXX SLR-grade Aluminum, 12x148mm thru-axle, OverDrive steerer, Internal Cable Routing.

• Fork: Giant Crest 34 RRL, 100mm, 15x110mm, Remote Lockout.

• Seatpost: Giant Contact Switch Core dropper post, remote (Travel: 100mm S/M, 120mm L/XL).

• Saddle: Giant ErgoContact Trail.

• Colour: Abyss Black.

Drivetrain & Brakes

• Shifters: Shimano SLX M-7100, 1x12-speed.

• Front Derailleur: N/A.

• Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX M7100, Shadow+.

• Brake System: Shimano BR-MT500, Hydraulic Disc.

• Rotors: Shimano RT-10 Centerlock, [F]180mm, [R]160mm.

• Crankset: Shimano SLX, 32T.

• Cassette: Shimano SLX, 10-51T.

• Chain: KMC X-12.

Wheels & Tires

• Rims: Giant XCT 29, 25mm inner width, Alloy, Tubeless Ready.

• Hubs: Shimano C500, Sealed Bearing, [F] 15x110mm [R] 12x148mm.

• Tires: Maxxis Recon Race 29x2.4", Foldable, TLR, EXO, Tubeless.

Key Highlights

• ALUXX SLR Technology: This is Giant’s "pro-level" aluminium. It uses 6011 alloy and advanced butting to create a frame that is roughly 20% thinner and lighter than their standard ALUXX SL frames, delivering an incredible power-to-weight ratio.

• Shimano SLX 1x12 Groupset: Known as the "workhorse" of the Shimano line, the SLX drivetrain provides the same Hyperglide+ shifting technology as the top-tier XT and XTR, allowing you to shift under load during steep climbs without backing off the power.

• Trail-Ready 2.4" Tires: While most XC bikes stick to narrow 2.1" or 2.25" rubber, the SLR 1 runs 2.4" Maxxis Recon Race tires. This provides a much larger air volume, allowing for lower pressures that increase grip and comfort over roots and chatter.

• Integrated Dropper Post: Rare on a dedicated alloy XC racer, the inclusion of a remote dropper post reflects modern "downcountry" trends. It allows you to instantly drop the saddle for steep descents, significantly increasing your confidence and safety on technical terrain.