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Submitted by
lukeorion
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Ingles Field (Bent Creek) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | bought frame from fr | | Strengths: | The frame was strong, and the bike was light and super efficient climbing. It accelerated extremely quickly, and was always predictable on the downhill. The 80mm travel is just enough suspension to cushion the hard hits while maintaining control at all times. This is an ideal cross-country bike and the perfect transition bike for someone coming to it from a hard-tail. | | Weaknesses: | The only fault was that the rear end pivots needed rebuilding about once a year. However, I should qualify that I am 220 Lbs and fairly fast on the downhill sections. A lighter rider might only need to do this every several years. The 2001-2003 NRS bikes had sealed bearings for most of the pivots but the ones by the rear dropouts were actually a "top hat" shaped plastic bushing which wore out twice as fast as the rest of the bearings. The only way to replace these bushings was to order the complete rear end rebuild kit from Giant for $125. (I looked EVERYWHERE else first). Due to this, I felt obligated to rebuilt the rear end before I sold it locally last week. The 2004-2005 bike design changed to all bearing in the rear end. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Jamis Dakar | | Bike Setup: | I built this bike up from a frame/fork:
Front Fork - original SID Hydra Air, lasted four years of heavy riding and is still going with no issues, Rear shock - Cane Creek Cloud 9 which also never had any issues at all, Cranks - Raceface Prodigy, Brakes - Avid BB7 mechanical disk (super tough), Drivetrain - SRAM 9.0 grip shifters, SRAM 971 chain, SRAM cassette, SRAM X9 derailer, Wheels - Mavic x233 with XT hubs, Kenda Nevegal tires | | Bottom Line: | I'm a heavy guy and rode this bike fairly hard and it held up great, thanks in part to my choosing to put upper-end SRAM stuff on it from the start. The frame design may be a few years old but there is nothing outdated about this bike. It doesn't have the travel of an newer bike, like the Trance, but its a more efficient climber than the Trance, and more predictable in tight conditions. You still see guys doing cross-country races on the NRS. It treated me well and if I would recommend it to anyone, especially someone looking for their first full-suspension cross-country bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G Dub
a Cross Country Rider
from Alamo, CA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Wall Point Y'all | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Mikes | | Strengths: | When set right, perfect uphill. Whip-like cornering combined with the right tires makes X-C riding a breeze. | | Weaknesses: | Loose bottom bracket after minimal use. | | Bike Setup: | Stock (out of the box, what with kids and all). Upgraders go girl. | | Bottom Line: | It works for my 3 rides per week - straight uphill, cruising and straight back down; I'm not that demanding, but this bike makes my "workout" easy. After four years of riding it XC, it still feels like new. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andres Puente
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City,Mexico/St. Louis MO,USA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Barryman & Chubb | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle shop | | Strengths: | very light bike, handles great, and doesn't bob much at all. couldn't be happier with any other bike except an NRS 1 or AIR. | | Weaknesses: | has bottomed out a couple of times when comming of some bigger jumps and drop offs | | Similar Products Used: | Gian warp, raleigh M60 | | Bottom Line: | I ride hard and love jumping so I was hesitant to getting the NRS because of the air pump and because it wasn't going to take the abuse like the warp did, but was I surprised with the rgidity and how the NRA doesn't give in. I just put a little more air in the shocks if I know I'll be riding hard or going off jumps.
this is a bike for cross country and weekend warriors. I ride 2 or 3 times a week and have enjoyed every minute of my NRS. it is sprising how much faster I can climb, downhill, and brake. two thumbs up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Double J
a
from NYC/VT
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Giant Bicycles | | Strengths: | Lightness, durability and NRS | | Weaknesses: | Rear derrailleur hits chain stay a problem corrected with 2002 models. | | Similar Products Used: | Came from Hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Race Face stem, bar, Next LP cranks/rings, headset and BB; New Hayes disc (had Avid Arch Rivals rims); SunRingle Disc Jockey wheels; IRC Mythos XC; Marzocchi z.2 Xfly; XTR rear der; XT front der and shifters; thomson post; selle italia flite. | | Bottom Line: | The is an update to my review of two years ago. Since then, many, many miles have been logged on this frame which was a warranty upgrade from Giant XtC hardtails. This bike has been all over VT, the NYC metro area and southern France (Pyrenees) and has delivered unbelievable reliability and performance. I only ride XC and this is and continues to be an amazing frame.
Having upgraded to disc brakes was a great move and as it turns out, these are the brakes that would have originally come with the bike.
An awesome all around XC frame whether eastern riding or any where.
Giant bikes are packed with value and quality, so much so, I bought a road bike for training. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Riggs
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx, NY
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sprain Ridge Park, Yonkers NY | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Manhattan Bicycles, NYC | | Strengths: | Great frame design and rear shock set-up. Lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | not enough rear wheel clearance. rear derailleur bangs on chainstay, even w/ buffer. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar Pro, '99 GT i-Drive, Giant Warp DS1. | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox Psylo fork, club Roost riser bar, Kore lite stem, Thomson elite seatpost, Sun rims (XC), Avid Mech. Disc Brakes, Shiamno Deore 27 speed drivetrain, LX Hollowtech crank | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an agile little F*#@%er!!! it climbs great, accelerates like a hardtail, and it's phenomenal on the technicals. So far it's been very responsive... but since I've only had the bike for a short time, I still have to get used to it. Needless to say I'll be back w/ a follow-up review. Great XC bike! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a
from orono, maine
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything at Plattekill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | The cycle loft in CT | | Strengths: | Takes a lot of abuse, looks great, climbs great, fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Wheelset. The tubeless wheels that came stock suck. I've had nothing but problems with them (and I'm a mechanic!) The tires suck as well.They were the first things to go. Not a huge fan of the SID, but it works just fine. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the crankset and BB (upgraded to a Race Face Turbine with Splined BB), handlebar (got a riser), seatpost (Thomson), saddle (selle italia), tires (Hutchinson in the front and Kenda in the rear) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, but I have lost all faith in tubeless wheels and tires. They suck, bottom line. Got rid of some of the heavier low end race face stuff, which was nice. Brakes are awesome, best part of the bike. The frame design is cool if you have it set up correctly. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR PIVOT BOLTS! Mine have a habit of working loose, evern with locktite on them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV ex SF Bay area USA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | One of the dozens of local single track | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | Great value, light, OUTSTANDING suspension design, Hayes discs ROCK. | | Weaknesses: | A few little details...derailluer bangs on swingarm (Giant fixed this in 2002). Rear cable rubs on frame. Stock seat sucks. Be sure to replace the stock Hayes pads with EBC's...no squeek and far better feel. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I drive 1.0, Klien Adept, GT XCR. | | Bike Setup: | High rise stem, Selle ti saddle, easton seat post. Shimano "bear trap" style SPD pedals. Otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | Now that the bloom is off the rose...well, it isn't. This thing still rocks. I ride hard and fast on downhill single track (almost always first down the hill), do a lot of climbing, and ride a fair amount of technical trails, 4-7 days a week over some really rocky, nasty bouldery terrain. Plus I weigh 190 dressed out, all this is to say I'm not easy on a bike. I've broken one spoke, and I'm on my 3rd chain. That's it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rolinnobs
a
from gvegas
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | leominster state forest, vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | oneil's | | Strengths: | brakes, | | Weaknesses: | dereiller slap, pedals, thin frame, fork, grips, bars, wheelset, tires, rear end flex, rear hubs, BB | | Similar Products Used: | xcr1000, | | Bike Setup: | psylo sl, shim 545's, crossmaxx, crow bar's, KK hubs, xtr BB | | Bottom Line: | i switched out the weak except for the frntderaylerandankset. the wheels are to flexxy for anyone who is going to hammer any tech. fork is to flexxy for anyone going to do any steep tech descents, and not enough travel. after bike got set up the thing rips. can handle 4-5 footers no problem. run the rear shock a little softer, if you don't mind a little bob. the frame is a little sketchy. i would of paid the $ for a bike 2lbs heavier and a tougher frame. I should have bought an AC. i didn't buy this thing still rips. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Birmingham
a Cross Country Rider
from Belle Mead, New Jersey
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wawayanda State Park & Sourland Mtn Preserve | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Hardtail performance, lightness, agility. Love the SID XC front shock. | | Weaknesses: | Frame has chipped in a few places (I ride hard), and I'm wondering how well bike will stand up over time.... | | Bike Setup: | Downspec'd version of the full-blown NRS1. Mavic 517 tubed rims with XT disc hubs and Panaracer XC tires (versus the stock tubeless tires and rims), Avid mechanical discs (versus Hayes Hydraulic). I like the setup exactly as-is! The wheel setup (with the Avid Mechanicals) is awesome!!! | | Bottom Line: | I rode a hardtail (Giant ATX) for years, and this bike outclimbs it!!!! It's awesome. I ride some very rocky, technical trails and this bike lets me clean sections I would have dared try on my hardtail. For the same money you can pick up the NRS2, which is spec'd similarly. That, too is a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Makara all of it. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | VIC Cycles Lower Hutt WGTN | | Strengths: | Climbs really well, no bob unless you really cannot pedal, handles well with a stiff light frame. | | Weaknesses: | Rear Hub in particular the axles, broke two within three months, checked the rear triangle for misalighnemt all was OK , rear hub replaced (XT) by local shop free of charge, hooray for Giant seems to be all good. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro Haro Full squishy | | Bike Setup: | Standard except 2001 Physlo's on the front and sticker tires then the girly ones it came with. | | Bottom Line: | Apart from the broken axles and replaced rear hub has been an excellent buy and a trusty companion for some serious mileage and abuse in the weekends with the occassional race thrown in for fun. Setup of the bike and rear shock is pretty easy but the rear end will start to get noisy after a while. Frame is ersiously light and stiff but some of the Raceface copy parts are a bit on the fat side. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Baton Rouge, LA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Connection - Gonzales, LA | | Strengths: | Overall Design; SID SL Fork; Hayes Hydraulic Disc Brakes; XT Rear Derailleur; TIME Pedals; Light Weight; Paint Job | | Weaknesses: | Koski Saddle; Grips; Deore Shifters | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | All Stock except for KOOBI SI Saddle | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome! It's no wonder it was Mountain Biking Magazine's Overall Bike of the Year for 2001. I can't ride it enough. It's fast, handles great, and it climbs like a goat (better than my hard tail ever did). With the factory suggested set-up for the rear shock, there is no bob that I'm aware of. There is one flaw in the pre-2002 design though. The rear derailleur knocks against the chain stay on rough sections of trail, so they put a piece of rubber on the chainstay for a bumper. This "bumper" flattened out relatively quick, so I made my own out of a piece of a rubber bungee strap. I attached it to the chain stay with electrical tape, and then I covered it with a Lizard Skin for looks. It works just fine, and is a simple solution to a minor nuisance. The 2002 model has a redesigned chainstay that completely eliminates the problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Ipp
a Weekend Warrior
from Frederick Md
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Senaca Creek, Gaithersburg Md | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Frederick Schwinn | | Strengths: | Light! good design ... it works as designed (with no sag!) good components. Came stock with XT hubs even though not called out on specs ... great suprise! Great for you who are looking for good XC bike. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano chain broke in first few days (SRAM upgrade) ... upgraded front derailer also because of popular opinion (these reviews) to XTR and has been riding fine. Frame sounds thin (it is) but no problems! (just not used to illuminum) before you buy one, tap on all the frames of your favorites and let me know what you hear! | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension. looked at all available | | Bike Setup: | Stock except, new front Derailer (XTR) and SRAM chain (great deign and easily removed for cleaning)Air pressure is your weight +10lbs positive and 50-60 negative for rear shock and play from there! my LBS thought it should be your weight positive and your weight negative but that is for other designs! follow Giant's recomendations and you will like what you bought! | | Bottom Line: | Although low miles accrued so far, i like the design, the paint, and the weight. Time will tell how it holds up but Giant garauntees for 5 years ... and keep in mind this is about cross-country riding and switch-backs NOT radical drop-offs down-hill missions. For the radical, ("bike beaters") try the DH or Giant's AC ... it has more travel and a tougher frame (and more weight).
NRS will take abuse (and the bumps) but buy it for what it is designed for! XC | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ant Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Planetary Cycles | | Strengths: | Quick in corners, great climbing, Great braking power thanks to Hayse Disc. | | Weaknesses: | Tubles tiers, Seat, Frt Derailer, Chain slap on hard action, Rear Hub fails but Giant fixed the problem. I added innertubes becouse I was loosing air from hard impacts. Also, a spare tube is lighter to cary then a spare tire and less costly. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Suger 1, Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Seat, "Crowbar" handelbars, XT crank, XT BB, XT Ft Derailer, XT Shifter pods, Sram Chain, innertubes and Wellgo peadels. | | Bottom Line: | Dispite some of the problems I have had with the rear hub, this is absolutly the best XC bike to have. Smooth suspension makes riding over roots and other trail obsticles a breese. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Richards Bay, South Africa
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Logic | | Strengths: | Really good component spec for the price. Suspension works really well, brakes work well, excellent handling | | Weaknesses: | My frame has developed 2 cracks on the shock mount after about 10 months and 2500 km riding. I don't ride extreme stuff or do big jumps and I weigh about 85 kg. If you own one of these bikes inspect the area around the top of the shock mount directly next to the weld very carefully. | | Similar Products Used: | Hammered a Trek 8000 for about 4 years before the buying the Giant: same trails, same races. Never had any cracking problems. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but with Race Face low riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | The South African Giant importer, Dragons Sports, have refused to replace the frame because they say the cracks are not life threatening. The one crack on the top mount is about 10 mm long and the bottom one is about 5 mm long. They say rather to use it till the crack has grown some more in a few months more. So let's see: you cough up some big dough for a bike, in under a year it starts cracking and then you're just supposed to keep on riding it till it grows some more (and possibly fails)? That is totally unacceptable. If the crack started at all there is no way it's not going to grow some more!! Good bike, bad welding and bad back up service. No more Giant's for me. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luis Classen
a Cross Country Rider
from Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cambalache trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Colon's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | no bobbing climbing, plush fron suspension,pretty light, nice looks and colors, great breaks, fast tires. | | Weaknesses: | very hard seat, chain slapping problem | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose nx8.1 | | Bike Setup: | original except speedplay frog peddals, hell bent raiser. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, good components except the front derailluer. This bike gives a great ride, climbs wells and descends fast. Very stable going down and easy to control. Tires are not bad, it's just that tires are designed for hard pack and dry conditions, if you ride in the wet and muddy, buy a pair of the scorpions or Michellin XTS Grippers, they will do the job. This bike is the closest transition from hardtail to dual because of the non-bobbing adjustable rear suspension. So far I am very happy with the bike and competing with it in xc races. Buy one and have fun!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Value. | | Weaknesses: | The rear end locks up under braking | | Similar Products Used: | I have an Intense Tracer also. | | Bottom Line: | After reading most of the reviews, nobody has mentioned how the rear end locks up when you're on the the brakes. It's really noticable on sketchy downhill sections because the rear end just locks up. Hasn't any other NRS owners notice this happening yet? This doesn't happen on my Tracer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Lanthier
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Dud Thames | | Strengths: | NRS Frame, Equipment. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Jeckyl, Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Race Face riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | This is the utimate bike for the moderately dedicated. Excellent stock equipment. Race Face, Hayes brakes and SID XC shocks. The geometry of the frame/rear shock allow for very limited movement during climbing while the rear shock damping allows for a smooth ride. I shopped around for a while to find this bike and I couldn't be more satisfied. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pam
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco Avalon, Schaffer Farms | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Horizon Cycles (horizoncycles.com) | | Strengths: | Rides like a much lighter bike. UST Tubeless wheels/tires! Hayes Hydraulic Brakes! RaceFace components. Excellent bike for the buck. | | Weaknesses: | saddle, brake levers | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Gary Fisher Sugar, Giant XTC SE1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for: RaceFace Low-Riser bar, SRAM 9.0 half-pipe shifters, SRAM 9.0 front and rear derailleurs, Terry Liberator Ti-Race saddle, Razor Rock Stiffy brake levers | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike for the money. There is no other bike company out there putting these kind of components and quality on a bike at this price point. Giant is doing a good thing. I replaced the Shimano stuff because I prefer SRAM. I replaced the saddle, because, well, the one on it sucks, especially for a woman. I had a lot of trouble with brake reach (I always do) so I got these Razor Rock Stiffys (recently reviewed in a couple of MTB magazines. They are truely your one finger friend.) Also put on riser bars because I prefer those. I can't say enough about UST tubeless. Although the Pythons can slip out on you in wet, fast turns. I'm considering getting the Scorpions for when it is nasty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kasey Kump
a Cross Country Rider
from So. Jordan, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | temple quarry, porcupine rim, slic roc | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | South Valley Cycles (They suck, don't buy, stiff owner) | | Strengths: | Hayes brakes, of course the NRS system, the rims, everything pretty much, nice ride | | Weaknesses: | noting, all you seat weanies must be old men, you don't treat it like a couch, you rest for a period, then continue mad action.
| | Similar Products Used: | cannondale jekyll 900 Sl and GT I drive 2.0, specialized rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | stock, with lizardskinz | | Bottom Line: | This bike is cool, and perfect for anyriding, except DH. Great components, and is fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Bristol
a
from timonium, md, usa
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | avalon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | light, hayes, great choice of componentry, doesn't bob when climbing, decends well. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | DAMN... what an awesome bike. This bike rules. This is the bike for any rider whow likes the feel of a hardtail when climbing and the feel of a full suspension when decending. All I have to say is this is an awesome bike for anybody. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don C.
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Daley Ranch, Escondido | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great frame, brakes & suspension | | Weaknesses: | Minor items... such as seat, chain... like I said, minor items. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Selle Italia Trans Am seat, Easton EA70 riser bars and Egg Beater Pedals (awesome) | | Bottom Line: | There is no way to beat this bike for the money.
The weaknesses named in the reviews below are mostly just minor complaints regarding secondary components. This bikes primary components, frame/suspension system, brakes, are EXCELLENT!
You can upgrade those other items a little at a time.
This bike beats all others for value. At $1500 bucks, I have a truly premium ride. The strengths named below are true. It climbs great, and handles the rough stuff without a problem...and stops on a dime!
The only thing that I had trouble with is the stock pedals...I just couldn't get out of 'em easy enough in crash situations. After going down with the bike too many times, I replaced the ATAC's with Egg Beaters. I love those pedals. I've had 1 flat with the tubeless tires, which was caused by a thorn. I rode home with the thorn in the tire (at low pressure) and after roughing the inside of the tire up with course sandpaper, I put a Park self-adhesive patch on it. It's been fine since then. I run about 28 lbs psi. I weigh about 150lbs. E-mail me if you have recommendations for shock settings for that weight (I'm still experimenting).
The bottom line: This is an excellent race-ready bike for the money! If you buy one... I think you'll be extremely pleased with your investment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilkesboro NC
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hobby Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | brakes, tubeless tires | | Weaknesses: | rear hubs, BB | | Similar Products Used: | Rocket's, Fuels | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | A good bike overall. NRS works well. I weigh 220 and have the shock at 220/50 (still doesn't bob). BB creaked from the 1st ride (LBS replaced it) and the rear hub died at the 2 month mark (LBS replaced it as well). The tube walls sound very thin but they have not dented after several crashes. This bike will make you ride over your head. Much quicker than my hardtail.Worth the $. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charley Rome
a Racer
from Baton Rouge, LA
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain, Birmingham, AL | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Frankford Bicycle (frame only) | | Strengths: | Light weight, good design, excellent value, cool black and yellow colors | | Weaknesses: | No lockout on SID XC rear shock
No compression dampending adjustment on the rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 23.3 pounds total weight, SID SL, Mavic 517/Hugi hubs, FSA Ti BB, XT/XTR derailleurs/brakes/cassette (8 speed), SRAM chain, Avid 1.9 SL brake levers, Bontrager Race crankset, Tamer carbonfiber reinforced flat handlebar, Salsa Chili Pepper Grips, Cane Creek Z2 integrated headset (with removable cups), Gore Ride-on cables, Kore seatpost and stem, Selle Italia Flite Bi-color saddle, Specialized Dirt Control Team (front) and Hutchinson Python Airlight rear (both using Stan's tubeless system). | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best full suspension value around. I paid $800 for the frame from Frankford Bicycle Inc. A Sugar frame will cost you $1,200. It ain't 50 percent better. It might not be better at all.
I bought the frame by itself because I did not like the components on the full model. I don't need heavy disk brakes and UST tires/wheels. I running super light clincher wheels and tires with Stan's Tubeless system. Light weight and puncture resistance too, what more do you want? I wanted the bike much lighter that the 26 pounds as a complete bike from the factory. It weights about 23.5 pounds now (size small frame).
The first thing I noticed is how well the bike corners. I sink into the travel and can rail corners. The bike floats down small and moderate drop offs like riding a cloud. Big drop offs cause the derailleur to hit the chain stay (caused by the unusual Horst link design). I hear they fixed this problem with the 2002 model.
I can stay seated and power pedal over rough sections that I would have stood for on my old bike. This allows me to really attack sections and maintain momentum that I would have lost otherwise. I love that!
The big thing about this bike is the "No Bob" characteristic. I won't bore you with the technicals on this. I will tell you that I did not prefer the factory suggested settings on the rear SID XC air shock. Giant recommends 20 psi over rider body weight in the positive chamber, and 50 psi in the negative chamber (regardless of rider weight). I found this setting too harsh. I only weight 135 pounds. I want the rear end to actually work. I don't care if it moves around a little on climbs and pedalling out of the saddle. I don't want to give up the small bump sensitivity that comes with the factory setting.
Overall, a rockin' bike and excellent value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Trelz
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Castelwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Center - EV | | Strengths: | frame; climbing ability; handling; rear suspension; lack of pedalling bob; tires; looks | | Weaknesses: | Seat; chain; f/r derailleurs | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC SE 2; Gary Fisher 2; Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except seat, pedals, chain; front and rear derailleurs | | Bottom Line: | Many of these reviews talk about the climbing ability of this bike and many of them seem to be repeating the same theme, such as "climbs like a goat" or similar words. The descriptions seemed to be trite. I was skeptical until I rode the bike. On the first ride, I took it to the toughest climb in the area. On my hardtail, I never made it all the way to the top. The climb is full of loose rocks, slick roots, loose dirt and gravel which often resulted in back wheel spin and stalls. Additionally, there are difficult switchbacks which always robbed my momentum. On this bike, I made it all the way to the top with no problems on the first attempt! The tires grabbed the ground and propelled me up the hill. It was incredible how much difference a bike could make. Now, I am able to make it up most climbs with little difficulty. This bike was built for climbing and it delivers. I am also amazed at how well it handles. On twisting single track, it simply flows. I am very happy with the bike. It's a keeper.
I have seen criticisms of the tires on this bike. I do not understand these comments because I love the tires. They are fantastic on hard pack and acceptable in mud. I have had zero problems with the beads on the tubeless tires.
The only problems I had were with the seat and, oddly enough, the chain. The seat was miserable to sit on. The chain broke after about one month. I have never broken a chain before. I use an SRAM chain now and a WTB Laser V seat which work great.
When I bought the bike, I was surprised to see that it did not have top of the line derailleurs. At this price, I expected to see top quailty components, across the board. Even though I replaced them, I still believe this bike is a great value when considering the total package.
I tested the Sugar 2 and the FSR when I was thinking of upgrading to a dual suspension. To be frank, I did not ride the FSR because of its goofy looks. It looks like something from a science fiction movie. I did ride the Sugar 2 and I almost bought it. Just before I did, I rode the NRS 1 and could not bleieve the difference. The NRS 1 fit me like a glove. Everything seemed just right.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Racer
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Poto | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Frankfordbike.com | | Strengths: | light, sprints and climbs well, fairly comfortable, adjustable suspension, long-ish top tube. | | Weaknesses: | hmmm...slack seat tube angle, could use a longer top tube. | | Similar Products Used: | super-v, superlight, various hardtails... | | Bike Setup: | NRS1 frame with SC92UL, XT/XTR, pythons, etc. | | Bottom Line: | i'm still tuning the bike, and getting used to it.
it seems stable, fast and comfortable. the rear suspension works very well--no bobbing, yet it takes the sting out of a lot of trail chatter. it also climbs well.
it takes some time for me to set up a bike--position and suspension wise. currently have the shock at 125 positive and 50 negative, with the rebound 2.5 turns in. i weigh 140ish and stand 5'8". still experimenting with the rebound: at 2 turns, it rebounds faster, feels a bit plusher, but seems like it may topout a bit quick (but i cant tell if there is any detriment). at 2.5 turns, the rear is simply dead...an interesting feeling.
i would also like to run a shorter stem than the 120mm that i have on it now, but the top tube is a bit short to allow a much shorter one. might try a 115mm, or maybe a 110. the 120 makes the front end a bit slow, but still very fun and manageable in tight singletrack. a 105 feels nearly perfect, but makes the cockpit tight.
in summary: excellent weight and suspension. climbs and descends well, handles stable and nice. great price. also, flexible suspension: you can raise the pressure a bit for smoother trails or racing...or drop the pressure to get a fairly plush feel, using nearly all of the 3.75".
highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore (ex-Californian)
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest Hills CA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Frankford Bikes Mail order | | Strengths: | The suspension works!! Nice Geometry. Just plain looks good (NRS 1). | | Weaknesses: | A bit flexy but that's it. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR enduro, Stumpy M2, Mrazek Boh FX, Prior edition Giant XTC FS (non-NRS), KHS team, FSR comp ground control, ProCorex | | Bike Setup: | Z-2 Atom 80, Shimano discs, AC XTR-splined cranks, 8 speed 9.0 SRAM drivetrain, Koobi saddle, DT swiss/Sun wheels, Time ATACs, Race Face Stem, FSA extreme headset, Kore elite post, and to top it all off - Onza CWA bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | I'm still stuck in the mid 90's bike technology rut. As an 8 speed bike with all the other parts that I KNOW work and have been using for YEARS, this bike rocks!! I may pay a bit more but since I build all of my bikes myself, I end up with exactly what I want.
The rear suspension matches perfectly with the firm set up of the Z-2 in front. The rear is not as plush as the FSR's I've had but it's not supposed to be. It's a nice medium between my hardtails and my FSR. I'm 200 lbs and have the shock at 210/50. Just enough where the rear suspension 'wants' to bob.
Frame flexes a bit under my weight but I've accepted that in all bikes. The rear triangle is a bit more flexy than I'm used to. This bike and my last Giant can really take a beating though. Trust me, I TRIED to destroy my last XTC when the NRS's came out so I could justify a new frame. Didn't happen.
For a top-out suspension design, this is probably the best value. Enjoy the ride!!! And stock pile as much high end 8 speed stuff now - trust me on this one.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colby
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, VT
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | North Star Cyclery | | Strengths: | Suspension works, great ride, bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: | Seat and grips | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 100, Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the money. As previously stated, upgrades will be cheap on this bike to make it comparable to the $3 to $4000 crowd. I've put about 800 miles on it and have not had a single problem, and have not exactly taken great care of it.....I'm not a maintenance junky. The only changes I've made are the seat, to a Terry Fly, and the grips, Ritchey smooth. I weigh-in at about 175 with equipment on and the rear end works great with 210/50 set up. The fork works well also, I agree that it's a bit shakey at times, but this is another easy upgrade ,and one I don't plan to spend money on. I did a lot of shopping and research before buying this bike and now know that it was the right decision. The NRS does everything as-well or better than it's $3000 competitors, and that's really the big story on this bike. Buy one, you won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graeme
a Racer
from Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Green Valley Utah | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Edmonton | | Strengths: | Light weight, excellent suspension | | Weaknesses: | Fragile frame, noisy drivetrain and poor manufacturer support | | Similar Products Used: | Da Vinci Desperado, Kona Chute, Santa Cruz Super 8 | | Bike Setup: | Original equipment with tubeless tires, Hayes disks, RaceFace cranks | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike in all conditions - from snow, to technical forest riding and slickrock in Utah. Except for a noisy chainwheel/chain it performs perfectly - right up until you crash it (or let it fall over on to a rock as I did). Turns out those tubes are VERY thin and the frame doesn't dent - it creases. Combined with a manufacturer that doesn't provide individual frame sections but will only sell a complete frame WITH shock and you are facing a STEEP repair bill. My frame is now replaced by a Santa Cruz Superlight and the parts switched over! It's a shame Giant doesn't support this bike as it's a winner otherwise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Westwood Cycle | | Strengths: | Bike is light and suspension works as advertised. | | Weaknesses: | reliability | | Similar Products Used: | klein mantra, giant ac air | | Bike Setup: | Psylo race, Race face low riser, LX cranks, Bontrager gel seat. XT 11-34 cassette. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review. Now the tubeless tires have started to leak!!!!!!!! I now use the bike to commute to work. So, every morning I have to pump them up and again every afternoon to ride home. What a pain in the ass!!! Also rear shock is sketchy. It doesn't seem to want to hold enough + air pressure. I weigh 210 so I need about 245 lbs of + and 50 lbs of - pressure. This bike is a reliability nightmare. My Mantra never went to the shop once in two years!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robb
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Amasa back | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Spoke -n- Wheel | | Strengths: | Low price, great parts, Hayes discs, Rockshox SIDs (amazing adjustability!), Raceface prodigy stem, seatpost, and cranks. Rides like a hartail yet tears it up like a FS machine. odd... | | Weaknesses: | Grips are thin and hard, Tubeless tires and wheels (wheel literally exploded at the top of the Colorado trail (9 mile climb) and had to limp bike down (9 miles).) Tubeless flat and are nearly immpossible to get back on correctly, let alone patch (running tubes in both of them since day 2). | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher sugar, feels similar but has far less travel. Trek fuel, ditto. | | Bike Setup: | stock, 'cept for ODI grips and Sella De Italia Prolink seat. | | Bottom Line: | Despite my dislike for the whole tubeless tire thing,(they worked really really well untill they flatted and my wheel exploded), the bike performes like a dream! Comming from a Gary Fisher hardtail, I did not expect the NRS to climb well, big surprise, it climbs much better. Naturally it decends better too.
The bike truly rides and feels like a hardtail, there is no mushy bobbing and loss of power. However it smothes out bumps and helps to keep the rear wheel on the ground over the ruff stuff. I cannot say enough for the Rockshox SID. I have never really ben a rockshox fan but now I understand where the company gets its reputation. And not to forget the Hayes! My lord! Simply amazing stopping power! They are a pain to install and service but their performance is well worth this minor setback.
The bottom line, I went from a hardtail to the NRS. The NRS is better at everything, except for making my rear bruised...This bike is simply amazing. Good price, good parts, what more could you want from a bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Renois
a
from somewhere,CT
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | FRANKFORD CYCLES | | Strengths: | susp.design,came with shims for headset& seattube, | | Weaknesses: | paintjob,rear shock (too stiff),rear triangle twist. | | Bike Setup: | easton ct2 bars & seatpost, thomson stem, marzocci z3 100mm,fox vanilla RC, raceface turbines & rockring, mavic 317 | | Bottom Line: | this bike just about sucked until i switched out the rear shock. it was way too stiff for me. i mean, i only weigh 155 wet with all my gear on, but still.also that rear twist thing can really get to you on a steep tech. climb. other than that this thing climbs like a mountain goat & shoots downhill like running water. i think its a pretty beefy frame considering the 6' drop off i landed the other day.but then again, i dont weigh very much
if you got one, have fun. if you are thinking about getting one do it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron S
a Racer
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville, Tamarancho, Rockville | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Cycles Berkely (Not the Best Place) | | Strengths: | Smooth, agile, responsive, not too heavy, plush ride. | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson USTs, Saddle, short stem, rattling in front rim | | Similar Products Used: | None really, just converted from flyweight Cannondale hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Ritchey 130mm stem, SRAM 7.0 11-34 cassette and chain, new saddle, Shimano 858 SPDs (just 'cause I'm used to them although I hear the stock Time ATACs are good) | | Bottom Line: | Pretty impressive rig. Only have ridden 4x's so far, but gave it a pretty serious flogging in preparation for using it at Xterra this weekend. Climbs well for something that weighs a tad over 26. You really can stand and hammer and not have it bob. Very fast on the flats and eats up the stutter-bumps. Very nimble once I got the stem sized up for me. It was a joy to ride at Rockville and Tamarancho - it scooted right over the gnarly stuff and chewed up the switchbacks.
The Hutchinson Pythons were problematic. Broke the bead seal 4 x's on one ride and they weren't from big hits. Even did the recommended overload of PSI to 100 and back off to 28-29psi for riding and they still went. Not wild about the whole UST system in general. People who want to roll fast in races don't ride that low of psi, so what's the point? Will likely switch to a different wheelset to see what happens. Brakes are great - just get used to the stopping power in that front one if you're not used to it. Over the next year will swap out the cheapy Race Face cranks and update from the Deore front derailleur and maybe new bar and seat post to make the bike not so chubby. Front wheel had an odd rattle/pinging at slow rpm. Shop says it was a loose spoke pin and is not detrimental...hmmm...I'm not sold on that and can't figure out a way to fix it yet.
Overall, it has met my expectations so far. We'll see what it does for me on race day. I've got to believe as I get more and more comfortable on the bike, I will see significant time improvements. Already, I was leaving my usual riding partners in the dust through the fast technical stuff.
Of note, if you can't do your own bike set-up and sizing, do not go to Pacific Cycle. They would not even swap out the stock stem (too short) or trade up for comparably-priced saddle. Come on guys, a good shop will do that. But since they had the only one around in stock, my hand was forced. I'll have to see how their service is when the time comes, but overall they did not leave me with a warm-fuzzy customer service experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat and handlebar | | Bottom Line: | I figured it would be appropriate to do a follow up after owning this bike for about 6 weeks now and (ab)using it in all types of conditions from commuting to work to numerous weekend epics and one adventure race...overall it gets a lot of use. For the most part I have been very happy with how this bike rides. Again, the Hayes kick ass and as long as you don't try to mess with them yourself, they should not cause to many mechanical nightmares. The rear suspension is sweet, whether going up or down. I can't get over how much fun it is to let out a little air and just bomb the downhills--this is (one reason) why we have a FS bike folks, use it! It climbs, and always will I imagine, like a charm. I have not had a single problem with the tubeless and quite frankly the tread works out fine, even here in the NW. Need some grip, just let some air out.
There are a few things I just don't like about it though: the SID. Yes, I know this is a great fork...on a racing hardtail maybe, but on this bike no thanks. Coupled with the power of the Hayes, this shock flexes so much it scares me sometimes. Once I get the cash, this is going to be the first thing I get rid of--go with a pyslo of black possibly. Also, the wheels. Since day one they have had a slight deformity and I have already brought the rear in for a serious re-tru. Now I sit here with no bike because I blew out the rear hub this past weekend. Aren't these Formula hubs supposed to last more than a month?? Where's good old Shimano when you need 'em. The frame itself seems rather chincy but I won't complain unless it breaks in half.
Small complaints I know and fixable. The bike is a blast to ride and it is amazing how much better you feel after a long ride compared to a hardtail.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern California
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycles, SF | | Strengths: | Suspension system, brakes, value | | Weaknesses: | Wimpy nobbies, pedals squeek (have to lube them every 2-3 rides) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Comp, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Mostly Stock | | Bottom Line: | You simply CANNOT beat this bike for the $.
To the majority of the weaknesses named in the reviewers below, I say "WAAHH"! You just can't have high-end SECONDARY components (pedals, seat, hubs, derailleurs, etc.) combined with high-end PRIMARY components (frame/suspension system, brakes), for less than $2000. What this bike gives you is HIGH-end primary components w/ MID-level secondary components at an unbeatable price--so you can upgrade the small stuff at your leisure.
I did a lot of research before I bought it, and there was no other bike in the ballpark for value. And all the strengths named below are indeed true. It rides beautifully up hills AND over the bumps, and stops on a dime w/ one finger on levers. The only thing I can whine about is their choice of stock tires...the nobbies are just too wimpy for higher speeds on even semi-loose dirt. So I'm looking forward to upgrading a few minor components to fine tune it.
If you truly demand the BEST of EVERYTHING and have a sizable budget, just buy the frame, customize it yourself, and end up w/ a 24 lb FS bike w/ zero flaws. Otherwise, complain NOT about a fantastic race-ready bike for this price! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Landry's | | Strengths: | Hill climbing, braking, the whole full suspension thing | | Weaknesses: | weight is a little high at 26.5 lbs | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to SID SL, XTR BB, crank arms and front chain rings. XT shifters and rear derailler | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic bike!
My first Full susp.
I was concerned about the full susp. not climing as well as a hard tail, but this bike climbs incredible! I'd even say it climbs better than my hard tail, because the tire is on the ground more. Not bouncing over stuff.
The Hayes disc are great. This bike is a joy to ride. Over a days ride, I am definately faster on the Giant than my previous Hard tail (Klein).
No problems with the 9 speed set-up. It rolls and accelerates faster then the 26.5 lbs would lend you to think.
The tubeless tires are nice on the rear, but had to change out the front to a tubed Team Control for better traction. The selection available for tubeless is limtited right now. But I'm sure it'll get better.
If you like cross country riding and are considering a decent full suspension, this is the bike to get, bar none. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris carlson
a Cross Country Rider
from peoria,il
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bottom Line: | great bike,but the disc brakes are crunked up.if any of you have had the problem when you take off your front tire my disc brake tightens up and then my disc rubs and it sucks.let me know if any of you can help me | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kerry
a Cross Country Rider
from South Boston
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam (Milford MA) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | ATA Cycles | | Strengths: | This bike Climbs well, tracks well in banked corners, comes with SOME good parts. It does what it says as far as bob goes. The shocks work great. I love the disc breaks. | | Weaknesses: | Seat -- Sucks (I've had it replaced twice. Both times it ripped in half)
Wheels -- Suck (Mavic needs to do some more work on the design. the rims are warped (I weight 220 but come on) and I've gone through two rear hubs
Shifting - Sucks every ride I need to readjust the rear - someone please give me back my 8 speed
FRAME - This is the most aggravating.... because of the design when you really crank down on the pedals the the rear triangle twists and the rear wheel rubs the frame. this happens at the most inconviant time. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FRS LTD | | Bike Setup: | Standard - but slowly getting rid of the junk | | Bottom Line: | This bike, when working, kicks ass. I bought it in the hopes to improve my downhilling and skills on drops. The Sid (front and rear) have save my from going to the hospital a couple of times. But between the rear tire rubing the wheels constantly breaking and the chain skiping it brings the rest of the ride down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seok Kew Hong
a Cross Country Rider
from Seoul, Korea
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Surak Mount | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | http://www.bikenara.co.kr | | Strengths: | NRS! It really works well! Light. Paints. Hayes Brakes.
Time pedals. Almost all of the things~! ROCK SHOCK! rocks
| | Weaknesses: | The saddle kicked my ass. I just changed to Specialized Geo~
I didn't have any problems using tubeless tire dure riding~
But..It sucks to me...Handle grips made my hands harder than a stone -_-; | | Similar Products Used: | Alton-smart Jump 1.5 , Attack-beta , ProCorex,
Specialized M4(Hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | Changed to Shiman XT/LX drive~ Saddle to Special-Geo
Rims to Mavic 317. Tires to Panaracer X.Fire XC. Selled Hayes and changed to Shimano Disk break. | | Bottom Line: | P.S "I am weak in english grammer! Forgive me!"
NRS? That just worked in amazed! Wow! I'd never seen this kind of Anti Bob system working like this! Just feels like
a hardtail! I just flew up the mountain
Hey~ guys...Just sell the Hayes brakes and recover to Shimano Disk brakes. You can save the money with same act.
If you wanna be a semi-pro XC rider? Just take it!
No bikes can be better in this price.
Americans! U guys are lucky! U can buy bikes cheep...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Patton
a Cross Country Rider
from Morgantown, WV USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cooper's Rock State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1875.00 | | Purchased At: | Pathfinder | | Strengths: | It is a great bike. I have ridden it for several months now and it flys both up and down hills. Gotta love the Hayes disc brakes and the suspension works well. It does what it is supposed to do, not bob. The suspension is also easy to set up, just add or release air pressure and adjust the rebound to your liking and you are set. For the money, you absolutely cannot beat this bike. It is a great deal. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle is terrible. Replace it just like everyone else says to when you get the bike. The first time I sat on it I thought it would be o.k. but it isn't. I also have been less than amazed with the tubeless wheels and the tires could use some beefier knobs. So far, I have broken a chain twice and sliced up the sidewall on my rear tire. Most of this is actually not that big of a deal and I still would recommend the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Old bike: hardtail
Tested only: Trek Fuel, Cannondale Jekyl, Specialized FSR XC, Klein Adept, Fisher Sugar, Santa Cruz Superlight, etc | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: 9.0 SL halfpipe shifters and rear derailleur, Titec Berserkr Ti saddle, Sram pc 59 chain | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the $$$. Makes lots of noise and not all that tough. Great for light XC rider who wants full suspension with No Bob. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | E Bay | | Strengths: | NRS kills the MotoBike (I'm dating myself) bobbing. Brakes are amazing, hauling me down from top speed in seconds. Climbs like a goat, downhills like a race horse. Wow. Did I mention wow? | | Weaknesses: | You're kidding, right? Tires it came with (from the guy I bought the bike) are Conti Double fighters. Goes straight fine on hardpack. Otherwise they suck. Seat was a killer. On this bike it's like complaining about the dealer provided air freshener on your Jag. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I Drive 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | WTB Laser V Seat. Conti Double fighters. Titec stem. | | Bottom Line: | I did say WOW right? It just plain works. Great urban warrior bike too. Couldn't find one in stock new. Now I see why. And to think I was going to buy a Schwinn. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Proline | | Strengths: | Weight, Geometry, Hayes Discs | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Frame, Wheels, Seat | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Flyin Monkey, GT I-Drive 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Psylo Race Fork | | Bottom Line: | A solid X-country amature race bike but with a few flaws. It is super light, an amazing climber and solid on the downhill. The Hayes Disc brakes work as advertised, perfectly. The bike does have some tradeoffs for the reduced weight. On a light downhill I bent the frame and destroyed the front wheel on a moderate wreck. It was probably a fluke but it made me doubt the bike. Also the tubeless tires are nothing but trouble. Both of them developed slow leaks from thorns after the first couple of rides and I basicaly had to patch the front tire weekly. After the wreck I changed to a sun ryno light tube system that I was much happier with. I am not sure about Giant's policy on frames because the bike was stolen soon after the wreck. With the insurance money I bought a GT I-drive 2.0 which is still to new for me to review. Also the saddle is useless but that is almost universal on new bikes nowadays. Drivetrain somewhat weak for the class of bike but not bad considering you get discs, a solid suspention, and race capable weight. Great for pure X-country racers who are on a budget and gentle with their ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Farmers Branch,TX 75234
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedar Hill State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun&Ski Sports | | Strengths: | Hayes Brakes Rule!Sid Suspension front and rear | | Weaknesses: | Koski saddle was replaced with Selle Italia Ti Flite and
handlebars changed to Race Face lowriser 1in bars... | | Similar Products Used: | None,first FS bike. | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock except replaced saddle and bars.. | | Bottom Line: | After 3months still no complaints.Aftermaking a few cockpit changes this bike is kicking some serious butt!!
Thank You to Sun& ski grapevine mills mall grapevine,tx
The bike dept know how to take care of customers...Five stars to them and this bike....Gotto go ride now see ya!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Northern California
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything fun | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle (shop *SUCKS*) | | Strengths: | - Great value
- Solid mix of components
- Hayes Disc brakes... LOVE THEM
- NRS suspension is great for the rougher XC riding | | Weaknesses: | - Still undecided on tubeless tires (I don't pinch-flat)
| | Similar Products Used: | Test-ridden many, many bikes before this one | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Specialized saddle | | Bottom Line: | This bike simply rocks. I have the rear suspension set up for no sag - if it moves at all on the climbs, I can't feel it. Even out of the saddle hammering, there's no mushiness. The Hayes disc brakes are absolutely awesome - I ride hard year-round, and they are always perfect. I've done everything up to 45-mile rides on it, and the NRS 1 has been nothing but a joy to handle. If you're more into descending hard stuff, you might want to soften up the rear suspension a bit. I cannot recommend this bike enough - you MUST test-ride this. I was looking to spend up to $2500 on a bike, and the bike blew away everything else. Great for aggressive XC riding, just a ton of fun to ride.
Incidentally, do NOT buy from Pacific Bicycle stores. They have good prices, but crap-ass service.
See ya on the trails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Northern California
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything fun | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle (shop *SUCKS*) | | Strengths: | - Great value
- Solid mix of components
- Hayes Disc brakes... LOVE THEM
- NRS suspension is great for the rougher XC riding | | Weaknesses: | - Still undecided on tubeless tires (I don't pinch-flat)
| | Similar Products Used: | Test-ridden many, many bikes before this one | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Specialized saddle | | Bottom Line: | This bike simply rocks. I have the rear suspension set up for no sag - if it moves at all on the climbs, I can't feel it. Even out of the saddle hammering, there's no mushiness. The Hayes disc brakes are absolutely awesome - I ride hard year-round, and they are always perfect. I've done everything up to 45-mile rides on it, and the NRS 1 has been nothing but a joy to handle. If you're more into descending hard stuff, you might want to soften up the rear suspension a bit. I cannot recommend this bike enough - you MUST test-ride this. I was looking to spend up to $2500 on a bike, and the bike blew away everything else. Great for aggressive XC riding, just a ton of fun to ride.
Incidentally, do NOT buy from Pacific Bicycle stores. They have good prices, but crap-ass service.
See ya on the trails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Palmer
a Cross Country Rider
from Greymouth, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | No Name Road | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Coll's Sportsworld, Greymouth | | Strengths: | Excellent rear suspension. NRS is the dog's bollocks.
Good forks. Good tyres (mine are Michelin and came with tubes). Brakes are out of this world. Easy to set up and very progressive. Mine don't squeel either now that they are bedded in. Brilliant colours. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock died after 5 minutes. Got replaced immediately under warranty, and no complaints since.
Front wheel bearing crapped out after 3 months. Replacement was $3.50 so I wasn't too worried.
The cables rub on the frame and take the paint off. Surely they could design something better? The rear suspension arms have drain holes to allow them to fill with mud. Why didn't Giant make the parts fully sealed?
Pretty minor quibbles really though. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR XC Comp (tried)
Previous bike was a Marin Bear Valley SE (1993) so anything was going to seem better! | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for chain stay protectors (old inner tube threaded on and secured with cable ties). Oh, and a natty little red seat post Q/R that I found in the parts bin at my local shop. $2 - what a bargain. | | Bottom Line: | I managed to score mine for NZ$4000, so I'm pretty pleased. This bike is a fantastic ride. Very good on the climbs, and superb on the downhill.
For me, I am the weakest link, not the bike.
Bottom line: This is a winner. Buy now while you can! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
victor perez
a Cross Country Rider
from dallas, tx
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rowlett creek preserve in Garland, TX | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike O Rama | | Strengths: | Sid XC front and rear shocks, Hayes disc brakes and Mavic rims | | Weaknesses: | grips, handlebar, seat and heavy seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | None, first FS bike | | Bike Setup: | stock except Monkeylite hi-rise H-bar with specialized grips | | Bottom Line: | I've only put in about 15 trail miles and I'm still treaking the suspension. A few similar complaints as previous reviewers. Chain slap along with brake cables rubbing on the frame and also slapping the frame and making a ping-ping noise. Both can be remedied with some Lizard skins. Seat is hard but tolerable at this point but WILL be replaced eventually. I will put in couple more miles/months on the bike and give a update. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Racer
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bike shop | | Strengths: | Climb until you cannot climb anymore! Stop faster than you've ever stopped before! | | Weaknesses: | SEAT AND GRIPS SUCK | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper owner for 4+ years--this is my first FS | | Bike Setup: | Stock except replaced saddle, handlebars and grips after first ride | | Bottom Line: | Yes yes everyone will say it, this bike climbs like a mtn goat. I would probably even say it climbs better than my Stumpjumper, seriously. But going up is only half the fun--you have to come down too. Take the time to dial in the rear end. After racing a hardtail, I am still getting used to a rear end that bounces around and may seem flexy at times. Play with the + and - pressures, as well as the rebound until it is just how you want it. For me, the negative air makes a HUGE difference in taking the big bumps. As for small bumps...just cruise right over them.
What about everything else: the Hayes kick some serious ass! Be forewarned: if you are taking off the wheels, DO NOT hit the levers as this will screw up the caliper settings. Other than that, the discs are sweet-amazing power with the touch of a finger. ALthough I have only used the bike for a few weeks now, everything seems pretty solid. Check bolts around pivots as they seem to come loose every now and then. You could probably shed some pounds(grams?) by tossing the lower end Race Face stuff, but if it holds as good as everyone says, then what's the point.
The frame could feel a little beefier but this is minor(I hope) So far so good. Let's see how it races and then I'll give another report.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Cross Country Rider
from farmers branch,tx usa
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | cedar hill state park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | sun &ski sports Gravine Mills Mall | | Strengths: | This bike works!!!Awsome climber,great on descents,This bike is built for cross country racing!! | | Weaknesses: | Only found one annoying weakness.The seatpost tends to slip down into the post after a couple hours of riding,and the paint does tend to scratch easily... | | Similar Products Used: | None,this is my first full suspension.. | | Bike Setup: | Every stock right now.Had to replace the grips and seat after meeting a tree head on on a singletrack course..Called Koski and they replaced the seat with a Titanium Team Koski for 45 buckaroos... | | Bottom Line: | If you want the ultimate xc full suspension bike that can make you faster,more confident t5his is the bike..This bike has not failed me and has made me a better rider...Go now and get one before they are gone!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich T
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Harbin, Huston, Landen, Ceasar | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Montgomery Cyclery | | Strengths: | Frame engineering (NRS), matching SID XC front fork & rear shocks, Hayes Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Color Race Yellow with Red/Black detail, Mavic UST wheelsets, Hutchinson PYTHONS Tubless. | | Weaknesses: | Deore shifters, Titec Enduro XC bars, Grips are too stiff and thin. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose (custom NX 8.1 - see my review to read about my first customized full-suspension bike), Specialized FSXC | | Bike Setup: | Stock as mentioned above but since it was a special order I upgraded to Easton Monkeylite CT2 Carbon Fiber 24" Low Riser Bars, XTR Rapid Fire Shifters and replaced the grips with Salsa Yellow Grips. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to my 06/27/01 review:
I know I said I would give a three month follow-up review, it's actually been only 2 months and counting but I have had lots of time to ride.
To give you an idea, here is how I spec'd and tweaked my bike:
I stand at 5'9" and weigh 158lbs. I figured 12 pounds extra for clothing, shoes and water pack. The front SID XC fork has 65 PSI on each side and the SID XC rear is set at 185-190 PSI for the upper and 50-55 PSI for the lower chamber.
The NRS 1 RULES!!! That's my bottom line. The bike is the best full-suspension climber on the planet! I have no complaints and already have a ride buddy who bought one last week. He loves it!
The bike shoots extremely fast and staight. The SID rear shock and SID XC fork are in sync with each other and the Hutchinson tires are flawless in dry hard pack and rate above average in medium to loose stuff. Definitely not made for the sloppy/slimy mud which can tear up any bike in the long run... and can be very damaging to the trails.
The Hayes disc brakes are very powerful and already adjusted to them... no more squeak since they are broken-in (which didn't bother me in the first place)... did not lose any power at all.
More and more people are looking for a FS bike to replace their existing FS or debating on leaving their hard-tail, and for those especially interested in efficient climbing ability... LOOK NO FURTHER... the NRS 1 is for you!!! I hear the price is dropping to around $1500 for the NRS1... THAT IS IF YOU CAN FIND ONE! This is the best FS XC bike... PERIOD! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate, NY
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Galbraith Mt. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS that shall remain nameless | | Strengths: | Hayes Disks, SIDs, hardtail ride | | Weaknesses: | poor assembly from the factory. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested: Sugar 3, Jeckyll 700 SL, Klein Adept. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I only got to ride this bike three times. I ended up having to return it due to poor contruction at the factory and even worse "repair" at our local bike shop.
The first ride, the main pivot behind the bottom bracket worked it's way loose and had about 10mm of play. I had to walk the bike out. I brought it to our "authorized Giant dealer" where the kid behind the counter proceeded to hammer every pivot home with all the force he could muster. When I asked him "What's the torque spec on those pivots?" he says..."Um, I'm not sure but I tightened em down really good." "You should do that every coupla rides." Yeah...apparently without the aid of a torque wrench.
He probably did more damage than anything.
I normally do all my own maintainance, but I didn't want to void any warranty so I bring it back to their sister store where they have a mechanic with experience. The rear end gets rebuilt. All is well after the second ride.
Third ride. The pivot works it's way loose again. And funny noises are coming from the rear hub. So I pull the cassette and frehub off to find that the axle nut on the drive side came loose and with the extra lateral play, the free hub consumes two of the three sets of pawls. "Cool. New silent hub...hooray! Hey, how come I'm pedaling and not going anywhere?" Oh, and the headset begins making awful noises.
That's the history, now the review.
The bike rides as advertised and is a great all-round XC ride. It climbs beautifully and decents are a blast. The slack angles make it more stable at high speed. (My '93 hardtail is a steep angled, east coast technical, bike) The Hayes discs are amazing. The tubeless tires, much to my amazement, worked flawlessly. The fast rolling tread is great for dry conditions and hardpack, but wet roots and mud are are a problem.
The wheels are not Mavic CrossRocs, the rims are similar but pull apart the hub, and you'll see that this is where Giant saved money. Not too big a problem if you keep up on the maintainance.
Buy this bike if:
You are a hardtail holdout with an extensive collection of Park tools. And have been wrenching your own bike for years.
Skip this bike if:
You're new to the sport, are not mechanically inclined, and are only buying it because it was Mountain Bike's bike of the year. You're probably better off with a hardtail and some extra cash in your pocket.
That said, I'm giving it another shot. The bike handled that well. I'll post another review when I get some time in on the 2002. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Johannesburg, South Africa
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban Assault and Rhino Park route | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Incredible spec and value-for-money. Hayes brakes. Climbing and all-round ability. Light weight (lighter than my hardtail, as well as my buddy's GT XCR LE i-drive:) | | Weaknesses: | Thin frame. Uncomfortable Koski saddle - was replaced after first ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Only hardtail (Giant ATX 880). | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for upgrading to XT shifters and front derailleur, and swapping out Time Aliums for Time ATACs. In South Africa, our bikes are specced without UST tubeless due to our crappy exchange rate, but the Mavic X139 rims together with the Michelin WildGripper Comp S treads specced instead are super-light, so I'm happy. | | Bottom Line: | After 8 months of riding and some racing, I love my bike ! Its light weight and effective suspension has made me faster (and less fatigued) everywhere - from windy singletrack to rock fields, to technical descents, to neverending climbs, as well as 40 to 50 mile races with a range of conditions. Those Hayes brakes are incredible i.t.o. power and modulation, and so easy to bleed. Having tried out XT RapidFires on my bike, I won't be going back to SRAM. I also love the adjustability and plushness of the SIDs (although they're obviously not as stiff as my old Marzocchi Z3 Lite). My only gripe is the thin frame which dents easily, but I don't mind the paint chips - gives it character, don't you think ? I'd heartily recommend this bike for hardtail converts, XC geeks, and those who like to climb to earn the descent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Omar
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cochiti Trail, NM | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1749.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle (Fremont) | | Strengths: | Value. (SID XC, Time, Hayes, UST) relatively light at 27.0 lbs. Mechanics at Perfomance Fremont are the best I've ever dealt with. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy generic parts. UST leaked air. Fixed at Perfomance. (Burr on valve hole cut the valve) | | Similar Products Used: | Various FSRs, Fuels, and Superlights. | | Bike Setup: | Stock NRS1 with Specialized stem, 140g bar, '94 LX crank, Flite seat and Thomson seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Positive: Hayes are easier to deal with than I thought. SID XC, Times are great. (I was a Marzicchi/SPD person) I've patched three thorn punctures with simple foam tape. 24 hours, no air loss yet.
Negative: OEM parts are too heavy. Prodigy post+shim is pushing 400g, crank is 750, stem is 215. I saved a half pound by putting LX level parts from my old Stumpjumper.
Tips:
1)On your test ride, make sure to the shock is set up right then ride UP a flight of stairs. That's when you can decide if you like the fact that this suspension locks out the small bumps (but not the big).
2) The seat tube inner diameter is 30.8. I shoved a 30.9 Thomson in without problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Omar
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cochiti Trail, NM | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1749.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle (Fremont) | | Strengths: | Value. (SID XC, Time, Hayes, UST) relatively light at 27.0 lbs. Mechanics at Perfomance Fremont are the best I've ever dealt with. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy generic parts. UST leaked air. Fixed at Perfomance. (Burr on valve hole cut the valve) | | Similar Products Used: | Various FSRs, Fuels, and Superlights. | | Bike Setup: | Stock NRS1 with Specialized stem, 140g bar, '94 LX crank, Flite seat and Thomson seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Positive: Hayes are easier to deal with than I thought. SID XC, Times are great. (I was a Marzicchi/SPD person) I've patched three thorn punctures with simple foam tape. 24 hours, no air loss yet.
Negative: OEM parts are too heavy. Prodigy post+shim is pushing 400g, crank is 750, stem is 215. I saved a half pound by putting LX level parts from my old Stumpjumper.
Tips:
1)On your test ride, make sure to the shock is set up right then ride UP a flight of stairs. That's when you can decide if you like the fact that this suspension locks out the small bumps (but not the big).
2) The seat tube inner diameter is 30.8. I shoved a 30.9 Thomson in without problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vesa Iikkanen
a Cross Country Rider
from Jyväskylä, Finland
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Laajavuori | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Kauppa Veljet, Helsinki Finland | | Strengths: | Weigth 12,8kg no bobbing at all when set up propely, none! Great climber, extremely fast in every situation. | | Weaknesses: | Perhaps too ligth weigth, Hutchinson tyres have poor grip in wet, shim in seatpost, some pivot bolts left without locking glue at factory, expensive. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Scott, Gt | | Bike Setup: | My bike is Giant XtC Mt Snow NRS, wich I believe is about the same bike as NRS 1 in USA
Standard setup
Sid xc, Xt rear, Lx front, Lx shifters, Giant mph disk brakes, RaceFace prodigy cranks, Hutchinson tubeless tyres, Mavic rims Selle Italia saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I used to be a happy Tunturi Equillar hard tail rider. Anyway I wanted more control and speed to downhills and extremely rocky terrains without losing any speed in uphill. And boys, I really got it. Grip during climbs is actually better than in my old hardtail, in small bumbs it´s like hardtail so it´s not as comfortable bike to ride like many it´s competitors. The main point is it´s faster both in decents and climbs than any bike I have tested or owned before.
Freme is exremely thin, DO NOT park it in public place! After owning the bike one week I left my bike for few hours and when I returned it had 2 dents on upper tube, one 4x2 cm and another smaller.
However greatest problem so far had been loose bolt in main lower pivot just behind cranks. Five days ago after 13km hard driving both left and rigth side bearings and the bolts had came out some 5-6mm. Everyone knows what happends if you loose your tail in downhill. Why 4 flames? The shop´s first service didn´t impress me and Giant hasn´t so far replyed to my calls to replase damaged pivot bolt. Bike itself is I believe about the best xc bike you can buy.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo, CA, US
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | mt.tam | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | Great weight, shocks, brakes, tires, rims, and overall performance. it works really well on tam, and at camp tamerancho(single track). I used to be a DH/freeride biker, until i broke my old bike and set out for a new one, and stumbled upon this, and now i am an xc rider! | | Weaknesses: | sadle, h-bar, stem, grips(for some ppl) some ppl dont like the tubeless and the weight, but i dont have a prob | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel, schwinn rocket, gt i-drive | | Bike Setup: | Stock, sid xc, fox float, hayes disc, tubeless, etc | | Bottom Line: | GET RID OF THE H-BAR AND SADLE QUICK! BUT GET THE BIKE ANYWAYZ, GREAT PERFORMANCE, EASY CLIMBER, RESONABLE PRICE(IF U JOIN THEIR LIL CLUB U GET 10% OFF), EASY TO MAINTAIN. I HAVENT HAD ANY OF THE PAINT PROBS LIKE THE OTHERS, SO I DONT KNOW ABOUT THAT. BUT GET THE BIKE!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tj
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | corte de madera | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | performance (although it was a pacific bicycle price match) | | Strengths: | NRS, good component spec, great value!
This bike will force any hardtail bigot to rethink what they know is true | | Weaknesses: | Thin down tube, chain slap, rapid fire (sorry, I love SRAM), heavy koski saddle, hutchinson tires. I wish there was a lockout on the front shock. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond back hardtail with ritchey prestige tubing and breeze dropouts - steel is real! - Well maybe not... | | Bike Setup: | Stock but converted shifters to quarz and fizik saddle. Going to add either cane creek bar ends or singletrack solutions bar ends as soon as I get more $$ | | Bottom Line: | Been riding the bike for 2 weeks. I absolutely love it. This is my first FS bike - Im a hardtail convert and convinced 3 months ago that a Ti hardtail or softail was in my future. I read and test rode a lot of rigs (hard, soft and FS) and convinced that this bike is the best value around. Why go soft tail when I can have 4" of travel? I have been riding this bike on bay area trails - long grinds to loose ascents and fast to technical trails (braille trail in santa cruz) and I know for a fact this bike has made me faster and more confident. It completely adds a new dimension to cycling! No more pouncing - standing on the peddles on technical sections - keep your butt down and power over crappy lines and MOTOR! The NRS does not bob and is the only reason I went FS. The hayes disk brakes are incredible. Its a joke being behind guys with V brakes. I can stay off the brakes while everyone is feathering on a decent and I dont modulate them until the very last bit - no fade - they are so solid.
Now for the weaknesses - 2 flats in 2 weeks with the tires. Both from thorns. The tires can be repaired with an old rubber repair kit. The cool thing about tubeless is that if you leave the thorn in, the air stays in the tire. Downtube already has a dent from my cleat during a crash. Bummed about the battle scar. The chainslap is annoyance although a stay protector should take care of most of it. Paint seems a little thin - the cables are already rubbing the finish.
Giant has a crash replacement policy - theyll replace the frame at 15% less than wholesale no matter what the cause even if its your fault. Giant told me that the wholesale price is $600 for the frame.
If your considering the bike, better act fast. The NRS AIR is out of stock and apparently the NRS1s are hard to get from Giant. My LBS they are expecting the 2002s next month. I guess the end-of-year closeout is happening in August. There are plenty of NRS2s and 3s from what I understand. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown's Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | At Work | | Strengths: | Amazing suspension design - Climbs better than any bike I have ever ridden, yet takes the descents like a champ.
Nice part set - Hayes, Sids front and rear, nice wheels... | | Weaknesses: | Um yeah the saddle blows. Chuck the Koski. | | Similar Products Used: | Spec. FSR, SC Bullit, Azonic DS-1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the saddle and a Thompson stem. | | Bottom Line: | This bike puts a smile on my face everytime I ride it. It climbs and keeps on climbing, even when you think you've had it. Giant spec'ed this bike wonderfully. Sure it could be lighter but for 2000 bucks what do you expect?? A big suprise for me were the Hutchinson Python tires. The tread looks weasely, but man they stick. Even in the loose stuff. Though I'll probably swith em' out when the winter rains come.
I've ridden a few FS bikes and this one is by far the best pedaling of them all.
Buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon Cheryl
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Paul, Minneasota
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$925.00 | | Strengths: | When set up properly the no bob really works. It is great on climbs and handles well on downhill and single track too. | | Weaknesses: | Chain slap. Paint chipping. I didn't like the way the bike was spec'd. It was too heavy and I didn't think I needed the Hayes brakes or the tubeless wheels (not until they make some improvements and have better tire choices) so, I bought the frame and built my own. I probably spent $1000 more than if I bought the bike as it was spec'd but I would have spent more than that over the next couple of years in upgrades. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Only bought the frame from Giant. Full XTR set, SID SL, Mavic 517 ceremic wheel set, Thompson stem and seat post, monkey lite riser bar, Time atac carbon pedals, Panaracer fire XC's, Bontrager FS 200 seat. | | Bottom Line: | 24.5 pounds | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton, TX
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Grapevine Lake North Shore Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike O'Rama | | Strengths: | Suspension design really smooths out the rough stuff. Even on out of the saddle climbs, the pedaling is super efficient (as long as you set the sag properly). The bike is speced really well with some quality stuff. The tubeless tires do add some nice cornering grip. I have so much more confidence descending now. Part of that is probably the brakes. Although, I'm not on them that much anymore, the Hayes rock the house. You coud stop on a dime with these and the modulation is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | Good God could the saddle make my ass any more sore. My new one hadn't come in and that Koski thing beat my ass to pieces. I felt like I was riding my hardtail again. The Pythons are a little on the thin side. I punctured the wall after just a week or two riding. Remember kids, always have a tube handy. I am going to try out some of the new Kenda Kharisma tubeless when I need new ones. Some of the stock parts are a little heavy, especially the bottom tier RaceFace stuff. The Grips suck ass too. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel, Ti Hardtail, FSR | | Bike Setup: | stock except for Monkey Lite riser, Thompson stem and seatpost, Selle Italia Pro Link Genuine Gel saddle, Serfas Grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. It climbs like a hardtail and sucks up all of the bumps you can throw at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T.
a
from Greensboro NC
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Owl's Roost | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles De Oro | | Strengths: | Mega bang for the buck. Best value going , best suspension technology going. Disc brakes, decent drivetrain, no bobbing, amazing climbing , nice downhiller. | | Weaknesses: | The frame is strong when it comes to riding forces but if your bike is leaning against a tree and falls over, expect the worst. If you crash, expect a dent . Paint chips if you stare at it long enough. I am honestly considering a applying some Krylon clearcoat. Also, it weighs 27.5 lbs (medium) and the OEM Titec parts weigh more than the same part you would get in the store. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Fuels, Sugars, and Kleins and owned a Cannondale.
| | Bike Setup: | Stock but ditched the grips and seat. I would recommend changing out the stem, seatpost and h-bar when you have $$ to burn. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is fast and has made me a better climber. I weigh in around 205-210 and wouldn't recommend this bike to anyone weighing much more than that.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robb Fernald
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the ones i have yet to ride | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Spoke -n- Wheel | | Strengths: | Suspension design, parts choice, Sid front and rear (both very adjustable), Times, Hayes. I challenge you to find another $2,000 bike that has Sid front and rear, Hayes Hydro, Times, mavic UST tubless, and Race face stuff on it that performs as well as the NRS. | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat is very uncomfortable, Hayes Discs are a pain to set up! (I built the bike myself). Hutchison Pythons not agressive enough for nasty muddy Cleveland conditions. The grips do not grip as well as my old ones (WTB) and they feel kinda thin. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuels, Fisher Sugars although NRS 1 has different geometry and a bit more travel | | Bike Setup: | stock 'cept for a sella de italia XO saddle | | Bottom Line: | Wow am i impressed with this bike! The SID front and rear are very easy to adjust and they work like a dream. Hayes discs are amazing! I love the TIMES too.
This bike is excellent, it rides extrememly well! The suspension is rigid when im pedaling but springs into the plush travel as soon as the terrain gets rough. There is little to no suspension bob and no loss of energy when pedaling. The light wheels and tubless Hutchison Python tires make this bike an extrememly fast accelerator.
The only real weakness are the seat and grips. And if you are setting up the bike yourself...good luck with the brakes! You will wish you had 3 hands. But i cant really call that a weakness because the Hayes more than make up their pain in the arse installation with their awesome performance and power!
The bottom line....this bike is rad.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pam
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Frederick Watershed | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Horizon Cycles | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price. Able to take the big hits well. Smooth on tight curves. Lightweight for this pricepoint. Good component setup:Tubeless wheelset, Hayes brakes, Time ATAC pedals, RaceFace crankset, etc. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano shifters and derailleurs, handlebars, brake levers, saddle. (see bike setup). Get a lot of chain slap. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar and Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock. The Shimano shifters and deraileurs were replaced by SRAM 9.0 deraileurs and half-pipe shifters. The Hayes levers were replaced by Razor Rock Stiffy levers. The straight Titec handlebar was replaced by a RaceFace Low-Rise handlebar. The Kioski saddle was replaced by a Terry Liberator Ti Race saddle. I also have a Cateye Enduro cyclo-computer | | Bottom Line: | I was very skeptical about moving to a dual suspension bike. I do some racing and was afraid that a dual suspension would hinder me. But after long hard rides I had been feeling quite beat up. So I made the decision to go DS. I had to trade in my hard tail (a 2000 Giant SE1) because I couldn't afford not to. At first the bike felt *so* very different from my hard tail - to the point that I thought I had made a horrible mistake. But now I feel myself going faster. I'm not beat up after a long ride either. I can push through knarley sections with ease. In general obstacles such as logs and log piles have become less "ouchy." The bike is a lot more responsive that I thought. I find myself pushing through sharp turns easier and faster. My legs are less fatigued as well. I'm not a big rapid-fire fan, so that's why I switched to the SRAM stuff. Also, I have a lot of trouble with brake reach, so the RazorRock Stiffys work real nice. I've been getting a lot of chain slap. I noticed some good gouges already, so I taped on some pieces of an old tube using electrical tape on the chainstay. This works real well and is cheap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Fort Dodge, IA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Snodgrass/Upper Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Whole Package | | Weaknesses: | My rear SID has a bypass leak to the negative chamber, just a fluke I guess. Hutchison Pythons are NOT mud tires. | | Similar Products Used: | trek VRX (POS) | | Bike Setup: | XTR cassette, Easton CT2 bars/post, flite ti saddle, Icon Maggie stubbies. | | Bottom Line: | Ok, I was the first to review this baby, and now I'm doing a longer duration test. The UST wheelset saves my rear, but when the trails here get damp I end up riding slicks. I need those new Michelin tubless. I'd highly recomend going with the carbon post/bar setup.
This baby hauls up hill- it has made me a better rider by inspiring confidence in tricky situations. Plus when you get over-zealous those Hayes kick in to save you.
I spent a week in Crested Butte Co. flogging this puppy. I really expected the frame to dent as much as I was falling over. But, the only damage it incured was torn off grip ends due to diggers on the trail!
As much as I crashed on this thing I'd expect things to be going wrong. It still looks new (when clean!). The only thing I've had to do is adjust the front der. every now and then.
Three months, still going strong, no regrets.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris carlson
a Cross Country Rider
from skokie,il
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything i can find | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | the pony shop | | Strengths: | this is a follow up to my first review.after a few weeks of heavy riding this bike is great,when running.i have had a couple of problems with it so far.but the suspension is amazing,as well as most of the components. | | Weaknesses: | shifting blows.i have a lot of random shifting when i was sprinting.stock seat sucks,and the cranks are horrible.i have had xtr cranks in the past,never heard a creak before,i get onto these race face prodigys and they talk to me.although the brakes are awesome,i cannont get them to stop rubbing.this really is starting to annoy me. | | Bike Setup: | stock except moots ti post w/wtb saddle.will eventually upgrade the shifting system and the cranks,also the post/stem/and handlebar. | | Bottom Line: | great bike.but it does need some work,hopefully after some upgrades it will be fine.i was just really pist off b/c i thought i wouldnt have to upgrade the bike at all but i was wrong and get to spend more money.overall the bike is amazing and can handle anything,i guess i got a lemon | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gilles Monvoisin
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Power Line and #17 in Gatineau Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Fresh Air Experience | | Strengths: | Price, great components, i.e., Hayes hydraulic brakes, SID front and rear, Time pedals, Race Face cranks, seat post. NRS system really works. Very light for a FS bike. | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson Pythons: While these tires perform very well, they are on the thin side. I managed to puncture the casing after my 3rd ride. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a preliminary review after a week ridind the XTC 1. I will submit another review later this fall.
This bike rocks! Climbs like a mountain goat and descends like a rocket. Handles very well in fast tight turns. The Hayes discs stop on a dime. The front and rear SIDs really smooth out the bumps. I rode a hard tail for 8yrs and switching to this XTC 1 was a sinch. It really improved my riding, the bike is a lot easier on the body, I am definitely less fatigued after I ride. If you are thinking about switching from a hardtail to a full suspension, this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Mckenzie
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmond, OK USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | you name it! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle 360 - Austin Texas | | Strengths: | light for a full suspension - good looking - great handling - Python's grip like there on rails - NO BOBING - good selection of quality componest | | Weaknesses: | Disks breaks can sqeek when dirty - Frame "seems" not as beefy as other brands - some cables will rub the paint off due to their routing. Saddle looks good but kinda hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale V500 - Haro | | Bike Setup: | XTR all over (except front derailer) monkey lite bars, rear triangle switched at purchase to triangle option with v-break posts. Stock Hayes disk breaks, tires and rims. | | Bottom Line: | This is one sweet bike. Handles great, has absolutely NO bobing, suspension works just as advertised - feels like a hardtail but activates when needed, front Sid XC forks are butter smooth. I have ridden on many diffrent types of terrain from rock-strewn decents and climbs to sand to hard packed, to tree root infested forest and I can testify this bike performs excellently. I would highly recomend the Giant XTC NRS 1 if you are looking for full suspenders front and back. With the XTR componets the bike weighs 26.1 lb. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Skokie,Il
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Pony Shop.Evanston,IL | | Strengths: | Frame tough as fuc!.Great parts,everything | | Weaknesses: | saddle,deore parts,stem,and tires | | Similar Products Used: | nothing.i have a cannondale hardtail turned jumper | | Bike Setup: | all stock expect moots ti post w/wtb saddle | | Bottom Line: | great bike.you wont get anything like this for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from jamaica estates, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | graham hills or rocky point (for now) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | peak pro shop in douglaston, NY | | Strengths: | the frame is very lightweight and the spec'ed parts are very good. Good angles on the frame makes for easy riding in a variety of conditions | | Weaknesses: | the tires (python tubeless)....i do not care what anyone says...if you ride those things in anything but solid dirt, they stink, even running low pressure. i have a ding on the bottom of the frame's downtube (maybe TOO lightweight). some deore parts that were swapped out. thin paint. | | Similar Products Used: | none. i had a GT hardtail before this one. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for XT front derailler and shifters, hellbent riser bar, IRC mythos 2.1 f/r, rockshox psylo sl. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is everything that i wanted in a full suspension set-up. it has just the right amount of rear travel for any condition (even mild downhill riding if you lower the positive pressure a bit). Since the swap to the psylo sl in front, the bike soaks up bigger hits then the sid xc can handle with minimal weight gain. i am a bit upset about the dent in the frame, but riding off the concrete tends to do that sometimes. overall, the parts are great and the frame and geometry are perfect. i would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a full suspension machine that will handle any riding condition. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich T
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati, OH
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Harbin, Huston, Landen, Ceasar | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Montgomery Cyclery - Cincinnati (Montgomery Road Store) | | Strengths: | Frame engineering (NRS), matching SID XC front fork & rear shocks, Hayes Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Color Race Yellow with Red/Black detail, Mavic UST wheelsets, Hutchinson PYTHONS Tubless. | | Weaknesses: | Deore shifters, Titec Enduro XC bars, Grips are too stiff and thin. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose (custom NX 8.1 - see my review to read about my first customized full-suspension bike), Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock as mentioned above but since it was a special order I upgraded to Easton Monkeylite CT2 Carbon Fiber 24" Low Riser Bars, XTR Rapid Fire Shifters and replaced the grips with Salsa Yellow Grips. | | Bottom Line: | This is an early review and will be submitting a 3 month review later this summer.
I wanted to get a second full-suspension bike that I could race this summer. The NRS 1 is positively everything I have read. I have been researching and going to bike shops doing demos for 4 months. My choices were:
1.)Giant XTC NRS 1
2.)Gary Fisher Sugar 1
3.)Trek Fuel 90
4.)Ellsworth Truth SE.
All are serious contenders!!!
For buyers looking for a new full suspension bike this is how I went about my selection. The choice came down to who had the most innovative/functional rear suspension that would climb like a mountain goat and bullet down descents, the best of the newest mountain bike technology and of course the flare/appearance. Heck, if your gonna spend $2,000 plus on a bike, you'd better like the way it looks!!! Oh, yeah... it doesn't hurt that the NRS 1 was awarded Bike of the Year Award for 2001 by Mountain Biking Magazine.
The Giant XTC NRS 1 convincingly won me over All Da Way!!!
I do highly recommend swapping out the bars for an Easton MonkeyLite CT2 24" low-riser bar and DEFINITELY change the shifters to XTR's.
It is only my first week and it is SWEEEEEEEEEEEET!!! It is a straight shooter, hauls azzzz like a hardtail on the climbs and the flats... seated or sprinting!!! The NRS soaks up the fast and technical descents, logs, rocks... other fallen bikers...HAH!!!
Giant... You guyzzz ROCK!!!
P.S. - A special thanks to Jeremy at Montgomery Cyclery in Cincinnati, Ohio for the great customer service and for handling my purchase!!!
Rich T. in Cincinnati, Ohio | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Mammoth Cycles Noosa | | Strengths: | Hard tail climbing, full suspension downhill. What more could any cross country rider ask for? And does this thing stop quick!!! | | Weaknesses: | Seat gives unfavourable sensations, bit of chainsuck and the tires are a little weak on the loose stuff. | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup plus onza bar ends | | Bottom Line: | Wow what a bike. I had done a lot of research into my purchase, and I have definately made the right choice. Three weeks after I bought the bike I had a huge crash, and all I did was bend the brake lever... a pretty tough little bike! Seat is a little hard & i'll be changing that soon, and the tyres are ok, as long as a low tyre pressure is run (30psi or lower). Shock setup front and rear is spot on by the book. A bit of chainsuck now and then, but nothing more than annoying. Slightly heavier than a hard tail, yet it isn't noticable when riding and a lot lighter than my downhill bike.. The hayes hydraulic disc brakes are the most awesome things i've used. No fade, lots of feel and yes they stop.
In conclusion you can't go wrong. Giant looks after their customers and if you want to race XC with a full suspension, this is the bike for you. I have a smile from ear to ear when I sit on it...and no it's not because of the seat... 8-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jondavid
a Cross Country Rider
from Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vultures Knob | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Strengths: | Lightweight, Hayes brakes and Hutchinson Python Tubeless tires. Value. | | Weaknesses: | None as of yet. | | Bike Setup: | XT, Hayes, SID XC fork and shock, Mavic UST | | Bottom Line: | This bike was my first full-suspension and was hesitant in going full. The NRS systems does work, although I varied from factory air pressures for a more supple ride. The Hayes are incredible stoppers and have made me a more confident rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CRAIG GOODMAN
a Weekend Warrior
from GRAY, TN
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | WARRIORS PATH STATE PARK | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | UNDERGROUND BIKE SHOP, Galax,VA | | Strengths: | Light-weight, fast, NRS no-bob REALLY works.
Rock Shox Sid XC w/ rebound adjust, 3.75" rear travel.
Hayes Hydraulic Disc.
Hutchinson Python 26x2.0 Tubeless Tires | | Weaknesses: | Time ATC clipless, very hard to get out of.
Dangerous on technical trails.
Thin paint. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Darkar Expert and Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except the pedals, replaced with Wellgo | | Bottom Line: | Finally a bike that gives you a good reason to get the benefits of full-suspension (like speed, control, less fatigue) without losing the climbing ability of a hardtail.
This is an awesome XC bike. Super fast, super light and really handles all conditions well, particularly northeast.
Excellent bike, it is impossible to go wrong with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Makara | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | No bob, climbs better than my Cannondale F1000, fast | | Weaknesses: | SID XC (too flexy), Hope XC4 brakes (can't handle a half decent downhill without overheating) | | Similar Products Used: | No full suspension -- finally got off my Cannondale F1000 | | Bike Setup: | SID XC, Hope XC4 brakes, Hope hubs, Mavic 517, Easton MonkeyLite CT2, EA50 seatpost, XT/XTR, RaceFace Ti BB, Raceface cranks, Time ATACs | | Bottom Line: | Finally a bike that gives you a good reason to get the benefits of full-suspension (like speed, control, less fatigue) without losing the climbing ability of a hardtail.
I was used to a hardtail so I played around with the PSI in the rear shock. I started really stiff (30 PSI above riding weight in the positive chamber) and then dialled it back to 10-20 PSI above riding weight as I got used to it, still like it firm though.
Disappointed with the SID XC -- way too flexy compared to the HeadShock I was using on my F1000, and I weigh less than 160lbs. Will upgrade the fork next Southern Hemisphere summer, maybe try the new Manitou Blacks.
Will also swap out the Hope XC4s, no problems with quality, just that they can't handle average grade descents at Makara like Leaping Lizard without overheating.
Buy this bike if you want a cross-country full suspension rig that will match or better a hardtail uphill. That's what I wanted, that's what I got. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Double J
a Cross Country Rider
from New Yawk
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Giant Manufacturing | | Strengths: | Light-weight, fast, NRS no-bob REALLY works. SID rear XC. | | Weaknesses: | Low bottom bracket position. | | Similar Products Used: | Formerly a hardtail rider. No others tried. Came from XtC SE frames. | | Bike Setup: | I build this frame up with full xt on hubs, cassette, brakes, derailleurs; and race face SyStem, Air Alloy Riser Bar, Turbine LP cranks and RF Chromoly bottom bracket; thompson elite 410mm post, mavic x517 with panaracer fire xc pros. 1.8. Marzocchi X.2 XFly. | | Bottom Line: | This frame was a warranty upgrade from Giant to replace two cracked CU92 hardtail frames. And they really took care of me standing behind their products. THANKS LOU!
This is an awesome XC bike. Super fast, super light and really handles all conditions well, particularly northeast/new england rides. Great in VT as well as surrounding areas of CT, NJ and NY. It's a really fast accelorator and climbs like a mt. goat. Downhill is amazing as I've been able reach speeds that almost make me pucker-up.
As I understand it, the stock bike is well set up with hayes hydraulic and tubeless tires.
Get this bike, particularly if you are a XC rider desiring to make a move to a FS bike that delivers. Go Giant and Go big!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
evan
a Weekend Warrior
from nyc
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | westwood cycle | | Strengths: | climbs, and descends with the best xc or freeride. | | Weaknesses: | reliability | | Similar Products Used: | klein mantra | | Bike Setup: | race face 1" risers, xt rear cassette 11-34, lx cranks, psylo race set at 100mm | | Bottom Line: | WHEN THIS BIKE IS RUNNING, IT IS GREAT! PROBLEM IS I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO THE SHOP 5 TIMES SO FAR! CHAINSUCK CAUSED A BROKEN CHAIN. REAR BRAKE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FRONT BRAKE DRAGGED. SKIPPING GEARS. ALL PIVOTS LOOSE ON SUSPENSION! HOLY SH!T!!!!! COULD ANYTHING ELSE GO WRONG? I GUESS SO SINCE FRONT BRAKE IS DRAGGING AGAIN! AND CHAIN STILL SKIPS!THIS IS A FOLLOW UP ON MY FIRST REVIEW. LIKE I SAID, WHEN IT IS IN TUNE IT WORKS GREAT. PSYLO HAS SAVED MY ASS NUMEROUS TIMES! GREAT VALUE FOR PARTS SO 5 FLAMIN TURDS FOR THAT! RELIABILITY PROBLEMS DROP OVERALL RATING TO THREE FLAMING TURDS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Marney
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Loon Lake Loop & Hole-in-the-Ground | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Feels very fast on flats & climbs. Extremely fast on descents. Extremely stable on gnarly and smooth descents. Hayes brakes are so very, very good, there's almost too much braking. Be careful with them. Be kind to them and they will reward you with improved late-corner braking. | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson tubeless tires easily punctured by thorns and sharp rocks. At $40 they are expensive to replace. Wheels need special tool to true. Ride feels similar to a hardtail at speed ONLY on slightly rocky terrain. On really rocky terrain it's SWEET!!! I don't like yellow, and that's the primary color. Oh well. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Mt. Vision full-suspension. Specialized M2 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Added 1/2" rise bar, and a lighter & lower stem. You need that 3 to 6 centimeter drop from seat to grips for optimal rider position. | | Bottom Line: | RUN, don't walk, to the store to get this bike. It's amazing. It eats so many other full-suspension bikes on the trail you'll get a permanent grin on your face. When word gets to the masses the bikes will disappear from the stores like hot cakes off fresh off the griddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Powell
a Racer
from Nevada City,CA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1610.00 | | Purchased At: | Samurai Bicycles | | Strengths: | The NRS system is as good as Giant made it out to be, Hayes Hydro Disk, tubeless, pretty much everything. | | Weaknesses: | Stupid shim in the seatpost..like Giant ordered the wrong size post. Some heavy components, like the cranks, seat, post. Nothing important. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 970, Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for i put on my Thompson Elite Seat post and Selle Italia Flite saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike, it is impossible to go wrong with it. Anybody who disagrees is a moron. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommo Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney,australia
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | olympic track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | phantom cycles | | Strengths: | (for the frame)design,un-interrupted seat post,sid rear shock, it's a giant? | | Weaknesses: | paint - way too thin | | Similar Products Used: | lots of hardtails, last bike an FSR | | Bike Setup: | custom build - nrs2 frame ( same as nrs1 but the colour scheme is alot racier - red goes faster you know ), hayes hydro, xt/deore mix,x223 with xt hubs, azonic riser, judy T2, oury, | | Bottom Line: | nrs - it works. i did ALOT of research before buying this frame and the design lives up to it's reputation. set it up right and there's no bob when spinning but the sid kicks in when you hit stuff. fairly harsh transition from my plush fsr, but the acceleration and pedal efficient motion is well worth it. you can set it up plush, but it kind of defeats the purpose of the design. i'd say the frame is heavier than alot of hardtails but you don't notice it at all when on the bike.
if your hardtails' too hard and your duallie to plush - nrs - enjoy the rush
ps - i don't work for giant but if they're willing to throw the nrs air my way, there's plenty more good reviews where this came from.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Mannion
a Weekend Warrior
from LaCrosse, Wi USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bluebird Springs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1899.00 | | Purchased At: | Smith's LaCrosse, Wi | | Strengths: | Where do I begin. I was very leary of the dual suspension thing. I had a very nice, very light Trek OCLV that climbed extremely well. I read reviews here, test rode the bike, and purchased one. I fully expected it to be a slug on the uphills. It is anything but. I rode with our local aerobic billy goat and was able to stay on his tail fairly well. There is no bob IF YOU SET IT UP AS DIRECTED. It is incredibly smooth on the trail and allows me to ride like never before. I can "cheat" by riding over roots, rocks, and downed limbs that I would have had to ride around or dismount before. I am amazed at the ride. The suspension works perfectly when set up for "no sag". The disc brakes are nice and although heavier than y brakes, I think they are worth the tradeoff. I upgraded to a SID SL and switched to SRAM. The lockout on the SL is great. The tubeless tires are really nice for climbing and rolling over rough terrain with less psi. No appreciable loss of speed on the flats and downhills. | | Weaknesses: | The derailleur hanger broke on one of my first rides. The Giant rep admitted that they made them a little thinner this year to prevent any potential frame damage. My shop is ordering a couple, "just in case" | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode several Trek Fuels and Gary Fischer Sugars. Rode a Trek OCLV hardtail for many years.
| | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to SID SL, changed to SRAM 9.0 shifters and derailleur, XT front der. Stock otherwise. | | Bottom Line: | I know I've only ridden the bike a few times, but I had to write. It is so much better than I had imagined. It has brought my mountain biking to a new dimension. FUN. My fears that I would be dropped far behind on the hills are unfounded. It truly climbs better than my hardtail OCLV TREK. Much better traction with the suspension. I can lean through turns with much more precision and confidence.
Several shops set the bike up too plush trying to show off the rear suspension. Set it up with "no sag" (like the Giant manual describes) and it will reward you with great climbing and super confident, fast descents.
I'll never look back at my hardtail again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Lombard
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chino Hills Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Fullerton Bicycles | | Strengths: | The Specs. and the NRS system. I wanted a bike that would climb like a goat, and this one does. The NRS system does its job, just point and shoot. Now, take a look at what you get in this package, RockShox Sids front & rear, Hayes Hydros, Mavic USTs, Hutchinson Pythons Tubeless, Raceface cranks-seat post-stem, XT rear derailleur. | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Umm, Umm. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Specialized M2 Hardtail, GT XRC-1500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Easton Monkey CT-2 riser bars. | | Bottom Line: | If you’re in the market for a Cross Country Bike, this is it. It climbs like a hard tail, descends like a rocket. No flex, weakness or creaking noises in the rear suspension. Ball bearings in the main pivot points do their jobs. The rear Sid is rock solid, and the front forks don't even leak air. I can't believe it either. This bike loves twisty single tracks; the handling is awesome and inspires confidence. No mushy travel, just smooth compression and rebound. The front Forks show no sign of flex, and that’s a good thing when you weigh 190lbs. I have heard some people talk about the rear suspension locking out under braking, well they obviously haven't rode the bike. I have tested this theory several times, and under hard braking if you hit a bump the system works, and works well. Remember this is a true cross country bike not a freeride, so don't even start comparing it with the freeride suspensions, besides all of your freeride buddies will be sucking wind, while your waiting at the top of the hill. I had reservations about the tubeless tires, no worries they rock. After ten years MTBn, this bike has me excited again to get up early Saturday mornings. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric P.
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Dodge, IA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleson Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1798.00 | | Purchased At: | "The Bike Shop" | | Strengths: | EVERYTHING! Look at the specs, UST wheels, Hutchison Pythons, Hayes Hydro's, Race Face, SID's x2! You can't spec a bike better for this price! | | Weaknesses: | Weaknesses? Where? Ok, the seat, but come on! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, except XTR casette, Easton CT2 post and bars, Selle Italia Oktavia (waiting on the Flite TT!) | | Bottom Line: | Have you even looked at this bike? I challange anyone out there to find something better put together than this rig, for XC this is the thing. Yes the NRS Air is a little lighter, but you have to pony up another two grand for her..So, I upgrade as I can and am happy with what I've got! As far as weight goes I'm right in there with the best of them, sub 27 lbs on a full suspension with hydro disks!
Every piece of the bike is well chosen, the only thing I would have done differently was put a SID SL on the front, I kind of like that lock-out. Seriously, get on one and go! You set this baby up and there's no monkey-bob while spinning, unlike my dreaded VRX! This is like riding a hard tail on the climbs and flats, except when you hit a bump, and then all of a sudden the rear SID kicks in, and you just go faster!
The only bikes that even begin to compare are the Fuel/Sugar/Adept series, and all the reviews on those mention bob in one gear or another, plus- only the Sugar 1 has the UST wheelset, and the price is 3500!
Just try and find a better all-around bike, I dare you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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