I had my MTB of 15ish years stolen recently (A Giant XTC 2) and now in the market for a new one. I checked some local online marketplace listings and sure enough anyone with even a half decent used bike is selling it at near MSRP, if not sometimes over. I compare any listing with some quick googling, to determine if it’s a good deal or not.
One guy had a used Giant Stance 29 2 for 2k, I googled away and pointed out I can buy one new for under a grand after conversion and shipping, and linked him below:
[Sam Bicycles – Giant Stance 29 2](https://sambicycles.com/giant-stance-29-2?gclid=Cj0KCQjwi7GnBhDXARIsAFLvH4k1lyerMBwIr3bYMg4yyWNEIPCAL5mAiyWtl4YUsxjjlechHi82-dsaArLhEALw_wcB)
He immediately blocked me. After, I got looking around this website, and I began to notice some strange stuff. Notably, this deal (and [this deal](https://sambicycles.com/2021-giant-stance-29-1?search=giant%20stance), and probably others) seems to ONLY appear in google shopping search results. I can’t find this deal for this bike anywhere on their site by searching or navigating through their site, no matter what I do or type. Wait, never mind that’s not true. They do show up on the site if I search, but not if I use the filters on the left… but it’s still weird they’re omitted from using the filters as best as I can figure. Also they now don’t show up in google search results anymore…
I’m sorry, I’m becoming aware this is a lot of words and unnecessary backstory to ask:
“Isn’t this a really good deal for this bike?” and
“Why is this deal so good?”
I guess I’m just skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true,
And, since I’ve come this far. I should mention I really liked how my Giant XTC 2 rode. I mostly used it to commute to work and everywhere else but I would do some very light trail riding. All I really want is a full suspension bike that is slightly better than the XTC 2 in almost every way. And hopefully without going over a thousand dollars. Should I go with this Stance 29 2? I was more into a 27.5, as I’m 5’7″, and I know the frame size is what really matters for your height but still just what I was more leaning towards. What’s odd to me is the 27.5 Stance 1 and Stance 2 on that site are both 2 years older I think, being 2019 models, and have 2x drivetrains instead of 1x, and cost a couple hundred dollars more… which also seems weird to me.
Anyway, to best suit my needs should I be looking more at XC or Hybrid style Mountain bikes? Or should I pull the trigger on this Stance 29 2 for just under 1k?
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
by VikingIchor