Submitted by
Michael Levitt
a Cross Country Rider
from Canoga Park, California
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001
Strengths: The bike handles like a dream. It sucks up big hits and loves to climb. Though it has a lock out on rear shock...never needed it. I like the Formula Disc brakes when they are working well(very finicky)
Weaknesses: Time alium pedals sucked for me. I changed them to shimano pd858's befor I needed orthopedic care. At first I thought the 26x1.95 tires were to narrow because I didn't get them but I got used to them and I love them now...they're fast! Bike NEEDS gortex cables. Clear coat is a joke
Bottom Line:
This bike is the bomb. I love it more than any bike I have ever owned. Retail price is a joke, but if you can deal on it like I did it makes sense to buy it. You won't be sorry. If you are over 225 I would look at a little beefier bike. If you are under 225 buy it ride it and love it.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Superlight, Specialized Sworks FSR, and Cannondale Jekyl.
Bike Setup: Satellite Seat, Shimano 858 pedals, Rockshox Sid SL and fox float rear. Formula Brakes, Michelin Wildgripper Comp S tires, Hollowtech XT cranks, wtb wheels, Easton Monkey lite carbon fiber riser bars.
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Submitted by
Zack Kamen
a Racer
from Bedford Corners, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001
Strengths: This bike pedals like a hardtail. There is absolutely no bob while sitting. When you stand, depending on how you stand depends on if there will be some bobing or not, the correct way is more weight over the front and pull on the pedals hard, which also makes you go faster. This bike also handles any terrain. I have gone of 6 foot ledges, striaght down, and it just takes the beating. At high speeds you can lean this thing so far, and make any turn you want. These disk brakes are also my favorite
Weaknesses: The pedals. While i love the bike, the only thing i did like was the pedals. MOst people like them, and they work the best in mud, but you cant adjust the tension on them, so i ended up falling a lot.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best buy i have ever made. Yeah it costs a lot, but the quality that you get is outstanding. This is going to be my last mountain bike for a while.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale F3000. Moots YBB. Cannondale jekal and Raven.
Bike Setup: As baught. I added bar ends, and changed the pedals to shimano platform spd's.
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Submitted by
Jeff Elliott
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Strengths: I-drive design - no bobbing & climbing ability
Weaknesses: Too many cracked frames! The first day on the trails with the other team riders two different riders had to come over and show me where their XCR-LE frame cracked. Then less than three months later I find out that my frame has cracked. The frame cracked in roughly the same place for all three of us; right around the top bolt on the rear shock, or just slightly above that near the seat post. At least GT has been good about replacing the cracked frames, but it is still a time consuming hassle to be without a bike for +/- 4 weeks.
Bottom Line:
Great bike performance wise. But I picked it out and spent what is big bucks for me because I thought it would have "indestructable qualities" since it was the top of the GT line. Needless to say I am very disappointed that it did not hold up better.
Strengths: It's ability to take whatever comes at it. I have thrown 6 foot drops offs at it, and I am not a little guy too. It take beating and keeps on ticing.
Weaknesses: Ckear cioat flakes like snow.
Bottom Line:
A great bike it you can live without a really good clear coat. I can and do, this thing is the best thing since pants.
Weaknesses: Price for specs, the stock Formula disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
I LOVE this bike. So far, it's taken a hell of a beating and has handled everything I've thrown at it. 4 foot drops, technical climbs, I've gone through everything. Although my wife still reminds me of how much I spent, 13 months later, I have NO REGRETS.
Submitted by
John Frenshaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001
Strengths: Relatively light(after swapping out disc brakes, mine tipped the scales at 25.1 in a large), Nice paint scheme, agile handler, no bobbing, grips the trail.
Weaknesses: Retail price, clearcoat over the decals, can still shave some weight off the beefy I-drive, stock stem too high (15 degrees lifts the front end on technical climb)
Bottom Line:
1 year and I still look forward to riding this bike. 4.6 inches of rear travel and it's still one of the most efficient climbers I've been on for a FS. After swapping out the "freeride" 15 degree stem, the front end felt a bit more secure and stuck to the ground during the climbs. Although the "LE" stands for Limited Edition, I feel like I see so many out here on the trails in Orange County (although Orange County is GT territory). But the paint job still turns heads.
GT's suggested retail is a bit ugly (the 2001 bikes' prices are even uglier) for what you get, but I have to give these guys credit for their tech support and service every time I've called.
Bike Setup: Swapped out discs for standard XTR V brakes, swapped 15 deg. Syncros stem for 5 deg. Thomson.
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Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001
Strengths: Quick & agile frame. Very responsive. Does not bob a bit and the suspension has no effect on pedaling. Looks sweet! The Fox RC shock is extremely durable and plush.
Weaknesses: The clearcoat flakes off very easy. The frame is a tad bit on the heavy side.
Bottom Line:
The is a follow up to my previous review. This bike truely rocks. It's very responsive and feels like a racing machine. It's been taken of a few 4 foot drops with no problems. Climbing is not a problem, there is absolutely no pedal induced bobbing if it's set up correctly. The only problem I've had is the clear coat chipping all over the place... but that's minor. Great bike, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Bike Setup: Sram 9.0 SL shifters, 9.0 SL Woody R. Derailler, XT F Derailler, XT hollowtech cranks, Manitou MARS 1, Hayes hydraulic disk brakes, Rolf Dolomite Disk wheels.
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Submitted by
Andre
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Strengths: Paint job, strength, customer service from GT Reps
Weaknesses: Price if you bought it at suggested retail. Clear coat finish isn't the most durable. For the price, should spec full-XTR.
Bottom Line:
Probably not the lightest full suspension bike out there (my setup puts my bike at 25.4 pounds according to my LBS) but man, I can't even feel the weight on this bike. The I-drive is one hell of a design, (lots of possible ways to shave off some weight though). Very smooth and supple suspension from the small to large bumps. Power isn't lost through the suspension, even when hammering hard.
Biggest drawback is the price. Suggested retail $3584? And not even full-XTR? Come on GT, when are you guys going to learn. Luckily or unluckily, a guy that had an accident on his road bike had to get rid of his brand new XCR LE to replace his road frame. Bargain at *cough* $1600. 5 flamin Chilis for my "deal."
Similar Products Used: 99 GT XCR 1000, Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: Dumped the Formula disc brakes and WTB Rims, XTR V brakes and levers, XTR Hubs on Mavix 517's. Switched out to Thomson stem and post. Shimano 858's. The rest is stock.
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Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Strengths: Looks cool, awesome suspension design. i-drive system works great, it absorbs hits extremely well. The lockout is a great feature, even though it isn't needed because of the lack of bobing during climbing.
Weaknesses: clearcoat chips easily. A little heavy, but can still be built up to be a fairly light bike.
Bottom Line:
This is a great all around bike. I have the weight down to a hair over 26 pounds. Which is light enough for long XC rides. I also wouldn't hesitate to do some downhilling with the bike. If you're the type of rider who likes to do it all such as drops, and high speed descents, this bike is for you. If you're a super weight weenie, you could definitely get something that 3/4 pound lighter....but you wouldn't have the same 4.6" of plush travel as the XCR-LE offers.
Strengths: the light weight 25.5 pounds (no disc brakes)all xt.xtr componets.rear shock w/ lockout only $2000.00
Weaknesses: I think the only potential weekness would be the front shock. my last bike 99 xcr 2000 had a morzochi which was nice. but heavy.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is my wife got pissed, but after seeing how much other people paid, it not such a bad thing. This bike is the best one to date. I get the same handling as my xcr 2000.
The rear lock out shock is usefull for flat climbs or road rides. If it is a technical climb leave it unlocked. I gave my bike the ultimate test this weekend at noble, and did about 17 miles of serious downhill action. This was the best ride of my life. The only thing that can be improved is the front shock. marzochii needs to make a lighter shock with 4 inches.I thought about waiting till 2001, but the prices are hugh just for a 3.0. so I figured this is the most bang for the buck. Happy trails. p.s. only hamsters were, the tight black shorts.
Bike Setup: I had the sho trade the disc brakes for xtr v brakes,and they traded the rims for mavic crosslink which are lighter.in san diego you dont need disc brakes.
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Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Strengths: Climbs almost as good as my hardtial, decends like a machine, excellent handling, great brakes, light weight for a DS, Fox Float RC is a nice bonus, 4.5" rear travel really makes a differance, decent parts mix.
Weaknesses: MSRP is $$$$, brakes required a few tweaking sessions. Would prefer a Marzocchi on the front. Derailuer hangers were on back order from GT all summer.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike and the i-Drive really rocks. What is gained by the added i-Drive weight, is made up for in performance. It took me about 3-4 rides to really get the F&R suspension and brakes dialed in. Now that it's setup properly, the bikes rides like a dream. I replaced the F&R tires because I ride mostly in loose, muddy areas. As much as I love this bike, I would never pay MSRP for it. If you've got $3700 to spend, build a decked out Intense Tracer to your spec's. I got mine for A LOT less than $3700. If you're thinking of getting this bike, remember, the idea behind it is weight savings. The design concept is a raceable full suspension X-country bike. If you're thinking freeride and want the benifits of the i-Drive, go with the XCR-1500. The 1500 weights a lot more, but is decked out better for getting hammered.
Submitted by
Joey
a
from Orange, CA. Orange County
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Strengths: RIDE
Weaknesses: PRICE
Bottom Line:
Great handling bike, especially on the "Oh s..t!" sections! Took the WTB skewers off and replaced it with Deore XT skewers. They don't lock in place very well and rattled loose, even though the lever was in the closed position while riding at speed down "Rock It" at Alicia Woods...NOT FUN! Otherwise, faultless ride so far. Tires are don't hook up too well in the sandy conditions with underlying hardpack. Otherwise, on hardpack, awesome! Has anyone else had problems with the WTB skewers?
Favorite Trail: Alicia Woods, El Morro, Carbon Canyon, The Oaks
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Z
Bike Setup: Stock from mfg.
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Submitted by
JAY CHAVEZ
a Downhiller
from DANVALLE. CALIF
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000
Strengths: NICE PAINT JOB, THE IDRIVE ALL OF IT.
Weaknesses: $$$$$$$$$
Bottom Line:
ONE KICK ASS BIKE.. THE CHIRS KING DISC-O-TEK HUBS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD,THEY KICK RIGHT IN. THIS BIKE GOES UP THE HILL AS FAST AS IT GOES DOWN. THIS THE ALL AROUND BIKE!!!!!!
Bike Setup: WELL WHER TO START. I GOT THIS FRAME FROM GT,BECOUSE I BROKE MY XCR 1000 TWICE. I HAVE XTR CRANKS,XT FR & XTR R DERAILLERS. A WTB GREASE GUARD HEADSET,AZONC BAR WITH OURY GRIPS & XT PODS.AND A Z-1BAM WITH 5INCH TRAVEL.FOX COIL ON THE REAR.KORE STEM & KORE LITE 2 SEAT POST BLACK.A SDG ALL KEVLAR SEAT.AND I JUST PUT ON A PAIR OF GRIMECA DISC BRAKES ON BLACK SUN RHYNO LITE RIMS WITH KENDA TIRES AND LAST BUT NOT LEST CHIRS KING DISC-O-TEK HUBS.
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Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Wood-Ridge, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Strengths: Bike is extremely light! Improvement over my ProFlex 857. Handles much better too. Find tight singletrack easier to negotiate. Fox shock is awesome. I-drive excels in climbs.
Weaknesses: Took several hard rides to finally have brakes feel right(and several adjustments). Components should be better for price. Michelins that come with bike suck for North Jersey riding. Get rid of those fast!
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike! Price is a little steep if you pay MSRP ($3,600). Luckily, I didn't have to pay that. I would recommend this bike to anyone who rides XC frequently. You won't be disappointed! Climbing feels easier, and I can really push it going downhill. As I mentioned before, the handling is great! Get out and take one on the trails if you can.
