Dirt jump is a smaller space in mountain biking, but thanks to the fact that the bikes are generally more affordable, it’s one that’s growing surprisingly quickly. It’s an accessible genre too, with potentially more spots to ride closer by. Joining the likes of Merida, Giant has stepped into the DJ ring with its new STP, and it’s bringing both kids and adult sizes to the mix.
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Built for progression, the STP comes in three models, with the STP 20 FS being the smallest in the range. It’s built with 20-inch wheels that are shaped to fit with kids who are just swinging their legs over their first dirt jump bike, or even a proper mountain bike. Giant hasn’t just built the frames and wheels to fit, as it’s taken little proportions into mind. The STP 20’s hydraulic brakes are easier to pull for littler hands, and there’s a 105mm crankset.
Cranking the volume a touch is the STP 25. You’ve guessed it, it comes built with 24-inch wheels. With that, it’s built for slightly taller riders, but it’s also built for a more capable rider. It gets a 100mm Giant Crest suspension fork to help handle the bumps with more control, and the bike’s geometry is shaped for easy manoeuvrability. But the STP 24 is not all about dirt jump as it’s kitted with a dropper post, so if it’s proper mountain bike duties you’re after, it looks like this bike is capable of that too.
Topping the range is the full-size STP 26. Yep, there’s a pair of 26-inch wheels, and it’s all about dirt jump. Its frame is constructed of Giant’s ALUXX aluminium. An interesting note on that frame material, the aluminium contains 90-100% pre-consumer recycled aluminium.
Moving on, the STP 26 is kitted to the nines with a 100mm Marzocchi Bomber DJ fork and apparently bombproof Giant’s TRA 2 wheels, as well as a hydraulic brake. This one’s compatible with a gyro, and it uses a sliding dropout that sorts chain tension while maintaining frame stiffness. It features internal cable routing too, and while that may not please everyone, it should keep its brake cable well out of harm’s way.
Of course, all of these bikes are available as women’s specific Liv machines, and they’ll set you back from £649 for the STP 20 FS and up to £1,500 for the STP 26.
