Description:This sweet dualie has a light, durable aluminum frame perfect for hammerheads. It sports just enough travel (80mm front, 95mm rear) for comfort and control without added weight.
Submitted by
tony vazquez
a Cross Country Rider
from warwickshire , england Date Reviewed: December 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
internet bike shop
Strengths:
good overall ride, takes the big bumps as well as the smoother stuff and does'nt bounce to much when climbing out of the saddle, goes where you point it. reasonable equipment as standard, frame good enough for upgrading. rear shock needs little attention and works fine (i weigh 200lb)
Weaknesses:
'v' brakes not that good if you ride in the wet or mud, rock shox judy tts did'nt last long and bounced alot. unbranded hubs took alot of maintenance, did'nt like mud either. original bottom bracket must have been the cheapest one available, lasted about 250miles. headset lasted about 100mile longer. find it hard to get my legs going fast enough on some of the road sections due to the gearing, when the chain set wears out will replace with with bigger gears, get abit of chain slap on rough sections.
Similar Products Used:
gt i drive
Bike Setup:
as standard with following upgrades - rock shox tora 318 front forks, hope minis front and rear, hope pro2 hubs front and rear on mavic xc 717 rims, halfords lockable grips, syncros downhill handle bars, wtb cartridge headset
Bottom Line:
got the bike for £420 delivered to my door. have done about 1800 miles on the bike, mostly moderate to heavy cross country nothing extreme. well worth keeping and up grading. other than the problems in the first few hundred mile, due to cheap componets, everything has been ok. alot less maintenance than my old i drive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mathew
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Fast and smooth ride. Decent components for the most part. Good for trails.
Weaknesses:
Hayes Brakes, crappy crappy stuff. Pythons, not the greatest. Rear shock, not suitable for a heavier rider.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F400
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for what I paid. It really felt like a steal except for the absolutely horrible brakes which have had to be sent in for warranty and the rear shock which I cannot get set up right for me at 240lbs. It just will not adjust to no sag. Otherwise though everything else is great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bj
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$12000.00
Purchased At:
Cal Coast Cycles
Strengths:
Price, hydraulic setup, weight, tunability
Weaknesses:
Good component set up, but not great....
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great price for an entry level full suspension rig. By entry level, I mean entry into real-deal riding. B4 this bike, I rode a fisher hard tail w/ XTR components; switching to a lesser grade component set (albeit a newer one) has been noticably not as smooth (i.e. uphill shifting requires a little more planning with the LX groupo).... but then again, I'm kind of a wuss.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vincent Ly
a Cross Country Rider
from toronto Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Humber river
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Light frame nice shock that absorb little and big bumps.
Weaknesses:
not as good looking for the ladies to see.
Similar Products Used:
Trance 3, NRS 2
Bike Setup:
LX and deore group.
Bottom Line:
It's a very light bike and is 28.7 pounds for 16 inch I enjoyed it alot and not as much pedal bobbing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from Vermont Date Reviewed: May 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tody's Tour
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Light, Durable Frame. Comes default with good shocks, as well as very good components.
Weaknesses:
None that I have come across yet.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Warp DS2
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS Frame. Fox Float Rear. Rock Shox Duke fork. Shimano Clips and Shoes. Everything else is default.
Bottom Line:
The Giant NRS revolutionized the bike world upon its release in 1999. Most mountain bikes have a few year stints, while only a SELECT few (NRS, Stumpjumper) have kept in production. This bike's light, durable, and well-tested components help to make the NRS an affordable bike that will keep you happy for years. Anybody who has started to become interested in the field of mountain biking should strongly consider this bike as an option.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan J
a Cross Country Rider
from Niagara Falls Ontario Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one with the singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
BikeFit
Strengths:
Quality paint, looks good. Fox shock, custom valved for the NRS with rebound adjustment. No sag, ultra efficient, bob-free, race inspired linkage design, with hydroformed tubes. Tried, tested, refined.
Marzocchi EXR air 80mm. LX derailleurs. Deore crank, hubs, shifters. Giant cockpit. Zac 19 rims. Shimano SPD M-520 pedals. The components were transfered from a 2002 Rainier.
Bottom Line:
Well, my Giant Rainier cracked, and i needed a new frame. Giant agreed to warranty it. The NRS was my dream bike, but i got the Rainier to save money. At times, I regretted that decision, yet still loved my Rainier. At this time i took the opportunity to test ride a Trance 4 and an NRS C2. The trance was ok. A relatively heavy frame, very compliant, yet a little soft for my liking, and a poor match for my 80mm fork. I loved the NRS as soon as i tried it. I could just hammer, with no bobbing at all, and it still provides 3.75" of forgiveness. For a fee, Giant allowed me to upgrade to the red aluminum NRS frame. Swaped the Rainier components, and am very happy. The bike gained a little weight i guess, but that went basicly unnoticed by me. For casual XC riding, the NRS does well, yet does not amaze. It provides a firm ride that softens things up a little over the bumps, and takes hits nicely. Coming from a hardtail, i like a firm ride. It's not as compliant as some other designs. The sag/bob free design allows it to remain capeable for such a variety of conditions including road. Great for when you need to ride to the trail, as i often do. Where does this bike shine the most? On the race course. It allows you to carry so much more momentum over uneven terrain. It also saves fatigue. This bike loves to go fast! It's an XC bike, so i try not to catch too much air with it, but the 3.75" does well on the bigger hits too. Most air mine has seen was a 2.5' wheelie drop to flat. It used all the bikes travel, and i would not suggest consistantly dropping this bike much over 2'. It's aluminum, so if you abuse it too much, it will fail sooner or later.
Overall, I really, really, like this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Trail of Tears
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
ATA Cycles
Strengths:
Great handling, quick XC bike that climbs well and doesn't beat you up. Great product mix for the price.
Weaknesses:
A little porky, but not totally overweight. Tires not the best for the loose stuff.
stock except for lighter wheels, SGF links, and SRAM shifters.
Bottom Line:
Back in 98 I bought a left over Proflex 850. It had a great fork that needed a new frame and rear suspension. It didn't climb well at all, and bobbed alot. It kept me from thinking about another FS for about 7 years. After becoming a Giant fan, and reading magazine reviews on the NRS, I decided to try FS again as my HT was just beating my aging bones up too much. After a couple of rides on my new 2005 NRS, I can say I'm really impressed. As others have stated, this bike climbs very well with no perceivable pedal induced bobbing. It soaks up the sharp-edge bumps with ease, and even though my 18.5" frame is noticably taller than the 17" XTC I was previously riding, it handles very well. Very quick to react and flickable. I do notice the extra weight going up hills, but it's only a minor difference. And on level surfaces I don't notice it at all. Coming down is a whole new ball game for me. The rear soaks up all the bumps, and the Duke XC front shock does a good job, too. The Duke isn't as plush feeling as the rear suspension, though, and I have a Marzocchi on the way to help that out. I don't get thrown around like before on the HT, and don't have to worry as much about where I'm going 'cause I know the NRS will soak up the rough stuff instead of passing it onto me. This allows me to travel faster and more confidently that on the HT. And therefore I have more fun. I've actually laughed out loud a couple of times 'cause I was having that much fun. Overall I'm happy I made the switch back to FS, and think the NRS is a great choice. 4.5 flaming turds 'cause I wish it was a bit lighter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bun Tadlock
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen CO Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle
Strengths:
number 1 for me is frame size, and I like/need a big frame, so the 22.5 is perfect. Component set is good, the Hayes Sole, Duke XC and Fox Float R, the air fork allows for easy tuning to my weight. The NRS, no sag, no bob systems climbs well, almost like a hardtail, absorbs the trail nicely at speed. 85 trail miles so far, no complaints
Weaknesses:
Hutchinson Python tires, the tread is not at all an off-road tire, they saw less than 20 miles.
Similar Products Used:
Test rode Santa Cruz Heckler, Ironhorse MKIII.
Bike Setup:
Stock with the addition of Profile Boxxer bar ends, Panaracer Dart and Smoke tires and eggbeaters pedals
Bottom Line:
Really like the bike, although previous review regarding its use by heavier riders, I have experieced no concerns, as I am currently at 250lbs. This is a good bike for a "more than recreational rider".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spangels aregreat
a Weekend Warrior
from Kirknewton Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Velo Ecosse
Strengths:
Lightweight, easily maintained, good paintjob, rides like a hardtail when needed.
Weaknesses:
Original Rock Shox SID gave up after 4 months. Giant own brand replacement shock still going strong thoough. Bushings on Horst Link, but have now replaced with BETDs bearings.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Reba Teams, SRAM XO gripshift, X9 Rear Mech, XT Front Mech, Race Face Turbines, Shimano UN72BB, Race Face Prodigy seat pin, Profile Stiffy stem, Profile Bar None, Hope Mono Minis, Hope XC on Mavic 317, Panaracer Trailrakers, Flite saddle, Time ATAC Alu
Bottom Line:
I have been using the NRS for 3 years and it is still sweet. Replacing the Horst Link Bushings with BETD custom bearings makes it much plusher. I have just serviced the Giant shock and it is working better than ever. Combined with the Rebas it is a great fast trail bike.
It does occaisionally come unstuck if you hit a bit bump in the saddle but overall it does what it is designed too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JB
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura Date Reviewed: December 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Gridley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
I find the frame real comfy, The Easton composite seat post and handle bars are great. The raceface crankset is good too.
Weaknesses:
I have already had a brake problem, and the Hayes disc have been getting great reviews, so maybe it's just me. I find the Mavic 117 to be a little low end and very heavy, but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized stumpjumper, Gary Fisher Joshua XO
Bike Setup:
Hayes Brakes, Shimano Derailer, Raceface Cranks, Mavic wheelset, Duke front shock, Fox rear. err..... I'm just going off the top of my head hear
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money, although I have riden it less then three months, I already see upgrades in my future. I would have bought a fancier bike, but I got a great deal on the bike on a going out of bussiness sale. So I guess I can't complain. The brakes don't seem as responsive as disc should be. The shocks have treated me well on climbs. Overall I love the frame. I think is fits me perfect and comfortable. I'm very happy with the purchase
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Sun Bikes, Milpitas CA
Strengths:
Hayes Sole Disc Brakes, Race Face Crank, overall suspension feel is tight.
Weaknesses:
Rear Shock can't handle Clydesdales, Front Shock needs help - overally; Geometry and Suspension need to be dialed in for bigger riders - BTW: I'm 6'1", 240 lbs.
Similar Products Used:
Bridgestone MB-3, other full sus XC setups.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 2005 - OEM setup: Fox Float R Rear, RockShox Duke XC Fork, Hayes Sole Disc, RaceFace Crank, Shimano Shifters, Hutchison Python Tires...soon to be replaced with Panaracer Dart & Smoke.
Bottom Line:
Bike felt great on test rides around LBS, but after buying it, I found that the rear suspension bobs substantially on uphills, even with proper setup, sag and checkout. BTW - this is a Fox Float R rear shock. And it leaks and has to be pumped up routinely, otherwise damage can occur! Like...uh, unwarranteed damage!
I pumped the rear shock to 260 lbs (!!!), which helped a bit, but now it feels like it's not doing what a shock should do...soak up the bumps. The NRS (no resonance suspension) idea is really what I was after, but on further review I should have carefully checked into MTBR when considering a bike for my size.
I'm switching to Romic Rear shock with heavier outer spring to accomodate my size, reviews claim almost no bob for heavier rider and soaks up everything. Another rider said changing out front suspension springs on the DUKE to heavier ones made a huge difference; and changing oil to 15 wt from OEM 5 wt made all the difference for his 230 lbs size - my next plan of action.
Current geometry of the bike isn't what I came to love about my Bridgstone MB-3. I feel like my legs are out in front of me, with the seat far back and the front handles are dropped forward and below my knees, causing my rib cage to compress under my legs...and no, I'm heavy at 240 lbs, but it ain't because of a big belly in the way. It might be due to pogo-ing of the rear shock, or some stem / seat changes that are due. Only time and modifications will tell.
Overall, I'd rate this bike a 4 in value (not totally screaming - GAWDIJUSSS'LUVVITT!), and a 3 overall due to the issues that I still have to work out.
Still, Mike at Sun Bikes (and the other guys, too) are the best when it comes to working with riders. They stand by everything they do and I've bought from them for years because 'they get it.' I would recommend this bike at $900, but with the previously mentioned caveats. And I highly recommend Mike & crew at Sun Bikes in Milpitas, CA.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toe Jam
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Very good bike for the buck. Not as good as a high end frame like the Ellsworth Truth (the bike it emulates) but reasonably close. The NRS does bob a little and the basic level components keep it from being GREAT, but it's one of the best values on the market for a mass produced dual XC bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G. S.
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Bike World Albuquerque
Strengths:
Frame/NRS rear shock system is absolutely great.
Weaknesses:
None for the value. A front fork Fox FRL80 would have been perfect, but the price would have gone up.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel EX 7 - Stumpjumper Expert 120 FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The short story. The frame is superior to anything else I have tried, the components are very good. A great bike for the value, very efficient. It’s a competition-type bike, so you might want to consider the Trance or equivalent for a plusher ride and a more upright position. If you like XC, and you do not want to spend as much as a pro (or his/her team) for the NRS-C1 or equivalent, this bike is for you.
The long story. I had two (false) concerns when I bought it: the single-piston Hayes So1e disc brakes, and the Rockshox Duke front fork. The brakes work great, they give you confidence, they are progressive and powerful, and also quiet in almost every condition. The Duke XC does the job, with predictable reactions, and a solid feeling thanks to the U-shaped stiffener. Apparently, it is one of the most reliable forks too. Of course the Fox FRL80 has superior dynamics, weights 1 pound less and costs about 400$ more. Maybe in two years or so I would upgrade, but the Duke is pretty good so far.
The frame and the rear suspension are ABSOLUTELY GREAT: no bob uphill unless you bump into some rocks, and a fairly soft ride downhill. Giant was racing with aluminum until last season (or so) with practically the same geometry. For the same amount of money or less, Giant gives you frames that are far superior to any other competitor. Don't be fooled by fancier components on other bikes in the same price range. The Shimano LX/Raceface package is quite good: it’s a light, great frame (and your legs) that will make you climb faster.
I tried the Trek Fuel EX-7 with Hayes HFX-9 and Deore XT: very nice all-around bike, but the frame does not compare. I still cannot accept the fact that a high-end, 2600$ Stumpy FSR 120 would bob uphill. Forget about the rear lock-out: are you going to lock and unlock every 100 yards on the trail? The NRS geometry locks and unlocks automatically, without any electronics (that would sooner or later fail): it’s just a masterful mechanical design by Renault Formula 1 Engineering.
My NRS weights 28.5-29 pounds (20.5” frame), about 4-5 pounds more than the slimmer composite sister. For a rider like me, it does not make sense a carbon fiber NRS: 400$ every pound less, and I carry anyway 3/4 pounds of Camelback when I ride. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel that only a pro-racer deserves a NRS-C1 or similar.
With the NRS you would devour single track as if you were flying, and this is pretty much what I do 4/5 times a week in New Mexico. I hope I’ve been helpful, have a nice ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan Allen
a Downhiller
from Oviedo FL Date Reviewed: June 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Fast and light, I also own a Haro X1. This bike is a great choice for a 24 hour race bike. Pedals uphill alot better than the Haro. Nice components and a great bike at a fraction of the cost of the Intense, Turner, and Ellsworth.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
If you are tired of pushing your downhill bike while riding with your friends on XC bikes this bike s for you. A great value!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Clearfield, PA 16830 Date Reviewed: April 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1325.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
anti-bob rear suspension, overall parts spec.
Weaknesses:
Hutchison Python stock tires
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Joshua XO
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I researched for over a year to buy my next bike. I wanted a cross-country bike with minimal suspension. There are a lot of bikes out there that have way too much suspension travel. I test rode some other full suspension bikes that were bobbing terribly, with very innefficient pedal stroke, wasting a lot of energy, these bikes were not made for going up hill. The Giant NRS does not bob while climbing. I would recommend it for anyone who climbs hills, which has to be almost everyone, except for ski resort lift riders. It is not a plush ride. Giant has the best parts spec for the money. What "sold me" the bike were the hydraulic disk brakes, the splined bottom bracket, Easton parts(stem, bar, and seatpost), a flat top-bar for carrying the bike on my shoulder over rough terrain. The sizes seem to run a little large, so stand-over one before you buy it. I am 5' 10" and the medium, seems slightly big. Overall very pleased.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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