Submitted by
Garett Doornwaard
a Weekend Warrior
from Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2004
Strengths: Surprisingly light for the look of it. Nice climber considering the travel, which makes the other side of the ridges fun as hell. I ride hard as hell and my partners cant beleive the things I can break..I've heard about these frames cracking and only assume that these guys are following their buddies who are riding Stinkies and Jokers...this bike is not meant for monster hucking.
Weaknesses: havent found any glaring ones yet. I bought it ues and have had a few of the normal wear and tear issues..except for the time my mavic rim split all around the sidewall (not a GT issue)..anyone EVER seen anything like this?
Bottom Line:
I ride this rig in what , I guess they are calling, an all mountain type situation. fast rocky hills, lots of climbing and a few pretty gnarly hucks , for guys without 2 crown 50 pound rigs. I like the bike and it works well and handles a few drops at the park pretty well. If you find one used Snatch it up (if the price is right) If you want to make that jump to bigger travel without bobbing like a pornstar on the hills, this rig will do 'er. Hope this review helps someone out. GITERDONEBOYZ!
Strengths: Climb so much better than my old Specialized. Nice paint job (Mango/Egg plant) which really stand out when I got red rims, crankset, headset and front shock.
Weaknesses: The i-Drive intended to make a lot of noise and have to keep maintenance very often.
Bottom Line:
This bike does whatever I wanted to with it. Although I heard and had seen a lot of negative thing about GT i-Drive. But so far I haven't heard anybody crack or broke this frame model yet. I weight almost 200 lbs. been riding 4 times a week (hard core) I have no complaint about this bike. Except that noise with the i-Drive. Other than that I'm one happy son of the gun!
Strengths: rides flawless- climbs well- downhills ok
Weaknesses: still paint job- heavy if you race
Bottom Line:
I'm still having no problems with mine wish they were in bussiness yet. So many deals on them now hard to turn down buying another for backup. I total only 162 lbs with gear and frame is holding up well, I now ride somewhat easier on drops knowing warranty will be about hard to get
Submitted by
tired of GT
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Strengths: Stock wise it’s a hybrid of a dowhill and a cross-country bike. Performance wise the bike just bombs on the downhill. Seems like the more aggressive you are with it the better it responds on the downhills. If you pick a good line the bike will make it happen when it needs to. Response it a little slow though in a rough situation. Short hill climbs are ok as long as you can flick the rear shock in time before you start the bobbing effect. Climbing in the saddle can be a pain due to the weight. No bio-pace movement though. The reason I know this is that I had GT’s original RTS-1 dual susp and this bike had serious bio-pace issues. But then again back in the day the technology was just evolving. The RTS frame snapped and thankfully GT’s warranty was still in effect. Kudos to them for that. This is how I got the XCR 1000. GT was great and sent me a new shock and rear shock as well.
Weaknesses: A bit of a pig in the weight category unless you got some extra cash to trick your bike out. I have had this XCR 1000 frame for less than a year and its been back to the shop 3 times. Each time for the I-drive/eccentric spinning out of its threading. The shop monkey's couldn't solve the problem and GT has yet to solve the problem for the 3rd time. They keep suggesting ½ a$$ fix jobs. blah blah blah. Also I have done some research on the frame as well and like many of the other owners on this page thereis a high probablity the seat post area will crack and bust in time. GT will not tell you this but its true. This gives validation to their steller warranty program.
Bottom Line:
A couple shops I’ve talked with think the I-drive system rocks but they were not really sure what market GT was trying to capture with this bike series. (either semi down hill types or cross country riders) I tend to agree with this idea. But I do love the downhill performance.
By the way folks GT as you might all ready know have filed for chapter 11. Which means to you “the loyal consumer of GT’s products” and I are out of luck for the moment. As of date they are not answering their phones nor are they doing any warranty stuff until the buy out goes through. If I had the choice I would smash this frame and melt it down into a chain lock for my new bike. But since I’m under the warranty program I’m just gonna wait until my time and go back to a light weight hard tail. Hope your experiences with this bike are much better than mine.
Similar Products Used: To many to list. This is an average dual sus bike and you have tons of options to look at. My advice to is really read your reviews and do your homework about this frame series.
Bike Setup: XT,XTR, judy shox, fox-float, and lots of miles
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Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Strengths: Uphill traction, great handling, excellent suspension action.
Weaknesses: It's a little heavy.
Bottom Line:
Still rock solid performance since my last review. Now I've put a few 4 foot drops on it, I can say I'm convinced of its durability. I wish it was a little lighter, but that would detract from its downhill capability, which is bountiful. This bike rocks downhill. I weigh 200 lbs, and I've beat on this bike with abandon and had plenty of fun on it. I'd be happy to recommend it to anyone.
Similar Products Used: 1999 XCR 2000, Y bikes, Trek VRX, and a few hardtails.
Bike Setup: Z-1 X Fly, XTR r. der., STI's, cassette, XT f. der., Race Face turbine LP cranks, Thompson post, Easton stem and monkey lite bar, bunches of other good stuff.
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Submitted by
lou1s
a Cross Country Rider
from minneapolis
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001
Strengths: smooth ride when not broken.
Weaknesses: i originally purchased a 1999 XCR 1000, which was nice until the frame cracked on the "seat pod" portion of the frame...right on a weld in front of where the seat post is held. GT sent a replacement, no questions asked. now the replacement frame sent (2000 XCR 1000) is cracking in exactly the same manner. the first frame lasted a whole season, but the second frame didn't even last 3 months before cracking. the third frame will break as well...the XCR 1000 is a pile of junk. worthless. i am very disappointed with this bike.
Bottom Line:
don't buy one of these. they break too easily. they ride nice but there are plenty of other bikes which work as well and are far more durable.
Bike Setup: stock except for new XT v brakes and mavic crossmax wheelset.
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Submitted by
Dean
a Weekend Warrior
from Beaver Dam
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2001
Strengths: Very smooth, great components, Good gear selection 11-34,
Weaknesses: Cane Creek headset clicks no matter what, loosened stem then it rocked, small frame has only 1 bottle mount, Very poor paint job
Bottom Line:
Love the bike, don't know what I'll get next time, most likely i-drive 1, I would rate it 5 Chilies but the paint job is less than great, love color just poor quality
Bike Setup: All stock, serveral different tire choices, but Michelin s-comp kevlar are great
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Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001
Strengths: Lightweight, i-drive, rear lockout
Weaknesses: Expensive
Bottom Line:
A lot lighter than the XCR4000, will be swapping the Z1's (too beefy for my riding style) with SIDs bring it under 29lbs. I've always wanted a bike I can commute to work with and ride trails on weekends. The lockout is excellent for that, transforms your bike from full susp. to hardtail with a flick of a switch. Like to try it with the front lockout on the Psylo SL too. Don't get this bike for huge drops, because all you'll do is complain about how weak it is. You don't see sport utes at monster truck rallies, right? XCR means cross country and this is a sweet bike for it if you can afford it new or used.
Bike Setup: Float Vanilla RC, Z1 Dropoff, XT drivetrain and brakes
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Submitted by
Caesar
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001
Strengths: Suspension, Components
Weaknesses: Brakes, SID fork
Bottom Line:
I had a '99 xcr3000 and loved it except for the weight. I wanted a lighter bike with the same geometry and suspension and went with the Y2K xcr1000. Absolutely love it. First thing I did was swap out the SID for a Psylo SL only because the Psylo fits my riding style better than the SID. I also swapped out the v-brakes for a set of Hope disc brakes. Also slapped on a Chris King Nothreadset because I had one laying around from my old bike. My rear shock has a lockout lever that I have yet to use. Climbing on this bike is incredible, no bobbing. I also swapped out the XT Hollowtech cranks for RaceFace Next LP carbon cranks for looks (no other advantages over the XT except maybe the weight, but sure looks good on this bike). With the Psylo, this bike descends like a champ. I have it set at 5 inches in front to compliment the 4.6 inches in the rear. Off-the-saddle or on, the suspension works great but not too active like the Heckler. When the trail flattens, you forget you have suspension. Overall, I'm happy with it and I would recommend this bike without reservation.
Similar Products Used: 1999 GT XCR3000, Santa Cruz Heckler, Specialized FSR-XC
Bike Setup: RaceFace Next LP Cranks, Hope Disc Brakes, RockShox Psylo SL (set to 5 inches), Chris King Headset
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Submitted by
Michael Herbert
a Cross Country Rider
from Staten Island
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001
Strengths: climbs the highest of highs with the easiest of ease... then down the other side like a bat out of hell
Weaknesses: Mud gets into every little nook and crannie
Bottom Line:
This is actually for the 2001 idrive 1.0.... This is definately the Lexus of bikes. Without having to spen 5k or more that is. Drop-offs steep hill climbs and hard core downhills.. this baby eats up everything. You do however, need to maintain this baby a little more than other bikes. The idrive system has lots of moving parts so theres plenty of room for mud to get into. The onoly mechanical problem was the bottom bracket needed to be replaced. Im a big boy (225lbs) so I ended up bending the LX that I originally put on. I upgraded to a White Industries cromo BB. So sweet so far. I still have the summer to go through though.... This is not a beginners bike due to the upkeep. And it is a little expensive...but oh so good looking.
Bike Setup: XTR derailleurs, brakes and shifters. White industries crank and BB. Raceface rings. Psylo XC forks. Fox Vanilla coil over rear shock.Chris King headset, Icon riser bar and seatpost.
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Submitted by
Loi Nguyen
a Cross Country Rider
from West Covina, CA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001
Strengths: I-Drive. XTR/XT Components. Syncros handlebar, stem, and seatpost. Disc Ready WTB Laserbeam wheels. 4.5" of travel on the rear!
Weaknesses: No Disc Brakes, but disc-ready wheelset.
Bottom Line:
It's been raining lately, but I managed to ride my bike through my regular trail. I'm new to using clipless pedals, so I ride a little more cautiously on the trail. Suspension is plush. Tuneable all around. I-drive kicks ass. I ride this thing better than my old hardtail. How does it compare. My old hardtail set me back $400. This one $1600. I HOPE IT RIDES BETTER.
I thought the rear suspension would screw my climbing up. Not on the I-Drive. Besides the nice plush ride, I can't even tell the difference between this and my hardtail.
Descending on this thing rocks. I take up all the hits. Still getting used to the new setup, so I'm riding a little slower. OR MAYBE I AM RIDING FASTER, but the smooth ride just make it seems slower. hmmmm???
MUD! MUD! MUD! Not a problem. It sticks to the bike, but the I-Drive keeps on going. MUD sucks though. I have to wash down my bike after every ride.
Cleaning is easy with a nice Park Gear Brush and/or a toothbrush. Just don't pressure spray the bike!
If anything changes in a few months when I start to ride other trails, I will let everyone know. I DOUBT THERE WOULD BE!
Similar Products Used: Specialized S-Works FSR. Raleigh M50
Bike Setup: RockShox SID SL, XTR Rear Der., XT Front Der. Cranks and shifters, Avid Brakes, Syncros handlebar, stem, and seatpost. Fox Float RC, SDG Satellite seat, Ritchey Pedals, WTB Laserbeam Wheelset
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Submitted by
Victor
a Cross Country Rider
from Tumon, Guam
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001
Strengths: Light weight, i-drive system, Mfgr Reputation, looks, novelty of frame design, and hill climber.
Weaknesses: Over-priced, seat post design looks really flimsy with 4-main welds, and with all those openings encouragment for corrosion to take root. I don't think it could handle heavy loads, especially for bikers that stay in the saddle most of the time. It's not a frame for creating a freeride bike.
Bottom Line:
I thought the frame was over-priced, but quality wise it was excellent. The i-drive mechanism makes going up inclines such a breeze, but to have a rear shock with a lockout seems so redundant. Also I believe a coil shock would be better instead of an air shock, when it comes to getting an accurate control to tweaking the suspension to get those "dots" to align so you can get "optimum performance from the i-drive. As for maintaining the i-drive system? As long as you follow GT's instructions, you won't have any problems. Even if you ride on trails with fine gritty soil. With the bike being light you cannot help to blast your way on the trails, and going up inclines needn't be an obstacle anymore. For bikers who are already great climbers, this bike would only enhance their abilities, while for novice/intermediate bikers it would eliminate their dread for taking on inclines of any degree. The use of the triple clamp or single crown forks, depends on the user's needs. But for more rigid/stable control I'd go with the triple clamp setup, being that the bike is light. I'm satisfied with this frame, and look forward to making many treks with it.
Similar Products Used: This is my first GT frame. But have used other f/s bikes (Intense, Kona, and Giant.)
Bike Setup: Bought only the frame with FOX Float RC rear shock: RS-Psylo xc fork; Cane Creek SL5 headset; RaceFace DH stem; Hayes xc disc brakes F&R; Shimano bb, XT cranks, and 9-spd XT derailleurs; Shimano XTR m-952 9-spd shifters; Shimano M-646 pedals; Easton E50 seatpost; Azonic saddle; LP Carbon straight handlebar; ODI grip system; CODA wheelset; Avid Flakjacket cable housing; and Tioga 26x1.95 xc tires.
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Submitted by
Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Danville, CA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001
Strengths: Good idea, the i-drive works great and i think it is a great idea
Weaknesses: This frame has no strength!!!!!! The rear triangle is very weak, it has bad welds and they have craked, frame has no strength it will break seat tube area paper thin it broke , i got a warenty sold it and now have an awesome FS cross country bike. GT needs to rethink it's strength.
Bottom Line:
GT still builds crappy bikes. i love the components XT stuff rules, good prices and light too. if you want a decent xc bike look somewhere else. Too much money for nothing.
Bike Setup: race face stem and xy seatpost, XT disk brakes, full XT componetry, fox RC with lockout, RS SID 100.
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Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN USA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2000
Strengths: weight, very smooth suspension, excellent traction uphill, option of locking out rear suspension (silly idea), no bob, good customer service (they kissed my arse to make me happy)
Weaknesses: It's still a little heavier than most high end suspension bikes, but the xcr 1000 is noticably lighter than the xcr 2000 that I actually bought in the first place.
Bottom Line:
I beat my old xcr 2000 into submission (broke the seat tube) and GT sent me a replacement frame. I bent the seat mast. To make me happy and to hopefully keep me on the trail, they sent me a polished XCR 1000, which is a HUGE upgrade, not to mention that it is just plain beautiful to look at. Right off the bat, I could tell the difference in the weight. Now, it climbs the hills even faster than it used to as an XCR 2000. But who really cares about getting up the hills, right. Who buys a full suspension bike with just under 5 inches of rear wheel travel, and doesn't put the down side of the hill at the top of the 'priorities' list? This bike is smooooth. Hamilton Creek has oodles of (very many) rocks, roots, big rocks, roots, little clusters of rocks, rock gardens, drop offs, logs, roots, little rocks, and a few roots, too. There's one section that is only about 200 yards long that I typically have to wait about a minute for my hardtail riding friends to catch up. This bike rocks. It handles very well, too.
Similar Products Used: DBR V link 1.2, Trek Y bike, Trek VRX, 1999 GT XCR-2000, Trek 930
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Z1 X-fly, Race Face turbine lp, XTR: Rr. der., cassette, shift/brake levers, Avid mechanical disc brakes, Easton monkey lite bar and EA70 stem, Girvin rock ring, Time pedals, KMC chain
Umbelivable I had two polished alluminium xcr 1000, frame only, and both brokes up by weld in the same point ( where the seat post come in frame ). Now I think this should be a fabrication failing; so I'm going to buy a new Rocky Mountain Slayer. Well the bike is good, i-drive sistem rock and you will uphill like an hardtail; but if you use your XCR for some freeriding, as I had done, soon you wiil be able to recognize that lateral stiffness is really poor. I think that this bike, without any welds failure, will be great for xc competitions but not for high jumps or drops.
