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Submitted by
jcapewell
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | any, all | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | SAM's Club | | Strengths: | For the novice/beginner like myself - this i-drive 4.0 Large frame setup is the perfect bike. Very easy to climb hills, take quick corners, fearless downhills (OK, on the family trails), very good single-finger breaking, and solid shifts. My son (6'5") rode it/abused it for 5 years and garaged it, then I (5'11") took it over last year and now put about 45 miles a week on it, mixed off-road stuff mostly. Local bike shop does all maintenance other than chain lube and bike wash. | | Weaknesses: | none noticed so far (8 years and counting) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500 (son's new bike) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, after correcting SAM's Club set-up butchery | | Bottom Line: | The most fun on two wheels an amateur weekend rider can have. The technology is pretty outdated now, but still a fantastic, reliable ride. No failures other than replace the chain, which did not break - it was just time. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
raycharlesonacid
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, Ca
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The more uphill... | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Smooth as stock, road and dirt worthy, nice components... | | Weaknesses: | Rockshox Judy so so, damping adjustment for looks; Synchros Big Box front & rear rims spokes always break till re-laced with bigger gauge spokes (but I'm 6'1", 250 lbs, if that matters)... | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond Back, Gary Fisher... | | Bike Setup: | Stock except old school Shimano peddles vs. those crazy clip-ons... | | Bottom Line: | I'm GT (my real initials, lol) and got my 2 GT's around 2001. Had a motorcycle accident so doctors prescribed a wheelchair (a prescription never filled, thankfully). It took 30 days to stand on crutches. When I did, crutched over to bike, started riding EVERYWHERE TO GET BETTER (insisted on leg braces vs. cast, so I could "ratchet peddle" back and forth at first stage of biking recovery). Worked up to 400-600 miles monthly for almost 2 years (people at work thought I was God, but I'm not). Knew I was "well" when laziness kicked in and would rather sit on couch eating Haagen Dazs than ride... My 2 GT iDrive 4.0's (one for parts, one to ride) cured me of this supposedly crippling motorcycle injury through dirt, street, mud, rain and wind with few problems. Today, I am fine and still love these same bikes. If you see one for sale, new or used, buy it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Proxy One
a Weekend Warrior
from Alpharetta GA USA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | I like the bike alot, its got alot of good parts for the price. The suspension geometry works really well with me. Great for downhill. | | Weaknesses: | The front shock is a bit weak like others have said, also I wish it had disc brakes, but those are going on soon. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first real MTB. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Its a great value when getting it for what most of us have paid. Its a good american made pre Pacific bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom c
a Cross Country Rider
from england
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | a mate | | Strengths: | its a comfortable bike to ride | | Weaknesses: | shock seat and wheels | | Bottom Line: | there is a few things wrong with it shocks weak have to keep pumping it up and the over thing is you lot on here bndreads i got it for £25 hahahahahahahaha | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean-François Nolet
a Cross Country Rider
from Magog
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that I can throw at my bike! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | A friend | | Strengths: | The idrive technology at made there rename and it's realy kick ass. No publicity bulls**t, it DOES work! I love the fox floating rear shock and I dont think I'll change it for now. Some people claim that the 4.0 is heavy, but they surely didnt ride a Balfa bobonum like I did :P It's a point-and-shoot bike and at each new rides I'm getting more confident and I enjoy it even more. | | Weaknesses: | The components... sorry but they ar poor... The Judy is too soft and I bottom it out too easy, and it's pretty noisy too... | | Similar Products Used: | I had the heavy weith Balfa bobonum before, which was nice but damn to heavy.. but is was a " Im-sure-I-can-drop-that " anytime bike :P | | Bike Setup: | I WILL upgrade to follow: Dirt jumper 3 front shock, Magura HS-33 brakes, Radica XC D2 seat, TiTec XC seat post, Shimano 105 dérailleur, and I'll change the pedal too... | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks, I realy love it. It's fast, precise and you always want to ride. And with my next setup wich is describe, it will kick as* badly!!!!!!!! :P You get confident realy fast on the bike and it can take pretty nice drop too. The front wheel is easy to lift up (compare to the Balfa I had b4) so it's pretty easy to jump/drop. If you want a good bike for a good price and a good possibility to upgrade, dont search anymore... ;) I realy like to "play" in town,trails, single track and lil downhill too and I'd like to do trial too, is it a good bike to try that!?! I weight 172 pounds and I'm 6' tall and the bike is perfect for my size! :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom orr
a Weekend Warrior
from Pentraeth, Anglesey , Wales
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Karrimore, in coed i brennin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | pauls Cycles.co.uk | | Strengths: | Reliable, low centre of graviy, easy to ride, suspension is always active, i personaly like the geometry. | | Weaknesses: | heavy, | | Similar Products Used: | None, my first full bouncer | | Bike Setup: | slightly different to the one here, Judy xc's, Fox Float rear shock, LX throughout, (when bought, now i have XT here and there), came whith Avid 3 digit v-brakes, but now i have Hayes HFX-9 6" hydraulic discs, well worth the upgrade, whith WTB speed disc hubs and mavic 717 disc rims. Ritchey SPD's | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike. i find the SPD's well worth it and a very comfortable bike. i like the long cockpit, as i have long arms, and at great value for the UK, i have no idea about the US...... handles anytrhing i throw at it, but it is on the heavy side. I find it rides light though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul no
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Brecon/Black Mtns | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords | | Strengths: | super comfortable ride | | Weaknesses: | those silly spokes | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | changed to a shorter (THE) stem, also upgraded to proper brake blocks. | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO A REVIEW I DID 6 MONTHS AGO.
THE BIKE STILL GETS TOP MARKS- (WELL, VERY NEARLY), COS IT FEELS LIKE A MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE MACHINE. THE FOX FLOAT IS GREAT, THE JUDY FORKS ARE A BIT HEAVY, BUT CAN HANDLE ANYTHING I THROW AT EM, AND THAT i DRIVE THING WORKS REALLY WELL.
ON THE DOWNSIDE, THOSE SPOKES DID BREAK AFTER ALL- THEY'RE C**P, AND MY BOTTOM BRACKET SOUNDS A BIT CLUNKY NOW, ALSO THE BUSHINGS ON THE DOG BONE HAVE GONE.
BUT AS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A BIKE THAT SHOULD COST £1000+,AND I ONLY PAID £500, THE OVERALL SCORE IS STILL VERY HIGH. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Lawless
a Downhiller
from Hockessin Delaware
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | I think this bike is great and thats all im saying. | | Weaknesses: | I dont have a keen eye to find any. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | Well really have nothing to say since i used to have a trek 820 so this is a big step up. I bought all of this bike but the handle bar and seat for $300!!!!!!! And i put new wheels on that are worse than the gts but these look cooler. I put magura disk brakes and this bike rocks. His name is 8er carried on form the 820. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Downhiller
from Cleveland, Oh, USA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | bought off a friend like new | | Strengths: | Price. Full suspension. I-drive. | | Weaknesses: | Seat mast broke during mild wipe out. Bottom bracket was shot. Derailleur hanger is weak. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Outpost | | Bottom Line: | Not a very good frame design. Definitely not geared up for heavier riders ie. 200 lb'ers. GT went belly up so good luck trying to get any kind of warranty. Lasted a year. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G
a Weekend Warrior
from Salem, MA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Saxon Woods (for the memories) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Sam's Club | | Strengths: | good frame/rear suspension for 180lb rider, price | | Weaknesses: | syncros big box rims need lots of truing, judy c fork blows, truvativ firex stock rings bend/break, deore parts, bottom bracket is junk, rim brakes, aluminum bottle cage bolts like to break (be gentle), heavy but who cares when you're going downhill | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | bomber z3 fork, new gripshift 9.0 all around (hate rapidfire), salsa chainring guard (aka: chainsaw), wtb seat, shimano 535 platform/clipless, all else stock | | Bottom Line: | This was my budget replacement for an ailing hardtail. The price was great but had to put it together out of the box (not too bad if you know where things go). Bike rides great up or downhill with new front fork. Has taken over a year of beating and up to 6' drops with only the usual component damage/wear (gears, spokes broke, derailleur hanger snapped by angry stick, cables). Can't wait to add Sun Rhynolite XLs with Avid Cable Discs and replace the bottom bracket (sounds like an 85 year old's knees). Buy it for freeride/recreational xc but don't pay more than $900. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Jennings
a Cross Country Rider
from england
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed yr Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | halfords | | Strengths: | Value. Upgradeability and if set up correctly a top xc ride. | | Weaknesses: | Weight and forks. | | Bike Setup: | As bought but with new easton seatpost and saddle. | | Bottom Line: | For £550 pounds this bike is a bargain. The weight is not too good and can make climbing difficult but if you set up the suspension correctly it is excellent for singletrack. The only disappointment for downhill is the that you worry about the duke fork handling it. This is a sound all round bike for someone getting ito montain biking. You might want to upgrade but I would say don't bother. get a new seatpost and thrash the arse off it. Mine still has no problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Montrose, PA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | my own or Geisinger trails/Danville | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bikes | | Strengths: | I-Drive system, Price | | Weaknesses: | Should have come with disc brakes. I'm kind of weary of the frame design although ive beat the hell out of the bike and not had any problems. The Judy C sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | hardtails and crappy duals | | Bike Setup: | Stock,.. i'm making changes as i get money | | Bottom Line: | pretty sweet bike for the price. Sucks that GT went belly up. People have complained about the rear shock mounting and the spokes. When i bought mine it was put together like sh#t....my first few rides i did a LOT of tuning. I havent had any problems with the spokes since i trued the wheels appropriately. I put rubber washers and the new "upgraded" bolt in where the rear shock meets the frame...cracked two bolts before that. Since then i have beat the hell out of this bike and not had a problem. Its an excellent intermediate bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from St Paul, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | mah dah hey | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | sams club | | Strengths: | Great price for a full suspensions platform to upgrade. iDrive seems to work well at preventing bob. | | Weaknesses: | I had a lot of spoke troubles, but ended that by replacing the wheel set. Front fork was weak too. On the heavy side. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant rincon with Manitou Xtr | | Bike Setup: | I've upgraded this bike with XT from and rear derailleurs, LX splined bottom bracket and cranks, XT hubs with Mustang rims, Manitou sx le fork, XT cassette, XT brakes front and rear, Kore lite 3 stem. | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike, but it does take some upgrading to make it a dependable ride. Great value for the $$. I'd recommend this to somone that is looking at getting into off road riding but doesn't want to spend the big $$. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
H Rubin
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashua
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Musquash | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Great climber, Nice comfortable ride. | | Weaknesses: | Frame design weak....especially the seatmast. A little heavy.
| | Similar Products Used: | GT 3.0, Fuel 80 and Giant Rainier | | Bike Setup: | Stock truvative Deor, Syncros bigbox wheels. I upgraded the rear derailier ASAP. | | Bottom Line: | Good inexpensive FS, But this frame design is just irresponsible. I am an engineer and I would can sombody if they designed this I cracked my seatpost after 12 rides.
Disapointed!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul no
a Cross Country Rider
from S.Wales UK
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Brecon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords | | Strengths: | FULL SUSS FOR XC USE | | Weaknesses: | SPOKES LOOK WEAK | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | AS IS | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS MACHINE FOR A FEW MONTHS AND AM A BIT WORRIED ABOUT ALL THIS FRAME CRACKING TALK, BUT FOR ME, SO FAR, THIS BIKE IS A DREAM. I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE WEIGHT, AND IT ISN'T THAT HEAVY ANYWAY. AND REMEMBER FOLKS! THE MOST GLAMOUROUS BIKE OUT THERE- CANNONDALE, HAS GOT A TERRIBLE REP FOR CRACKS, HENCE THE NIKNAME "CRACK N FAIL". AND THOSE THINGS AIN'T CHEAP AT ALL. I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE WHO WANTS A NICE FULL SUSS, WITHOUT THE FREAKISH LOOKS AND SILLY WEIGHT OF THE REAL DH MONSTERS, TO GET ONE TODAY!. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barney Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | I think this bike rocks , the suspension is very smooth(idrive rules)I have had no problems with frame cracks. | | Weaknesses: | The bike is a little heavy and some parts are cheap (thats what upgrading is all about ) | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher sugar3,Trek fuel, | | Bike Setup: | xt and xtr drive train ,Duke race front forks ,everything else much original. | | Bottom Line: | I think a lot of people got scared with GT going under. THis is a great bike ,I weight 160 pounds and not many people can catch me on the trails .This bike is a point and ride bike. I am very happy I bought a GT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger Fields
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Clay Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | cambriabike.com | | Strengths: |
1. The I-drive suspension isolates pedal forces from suspension forces. 2. The componentry setup is solid. 3. The price was great! 4. The setup and design is obviously tried and proven. | | Weaknesses: | 1. Although this may sound like a cliche: none. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic, Trek Fuel, GF Sugar, and plenty of hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | 1. The force seperation allows for the absolutely best ride I have ever had: it is a balance of XC suspension and plush comfort. However, even at the most plush settings, there is NO bob- and I weight 180 lbs.
2. The component line is great: Deore steps up as the functional brother of XT. It works the same, minus the weight savings- and XT/XTR is awesome. The Avid brakeset will stop you on a dime. The Truvativ crankset gives little flex... it allows full speed sprints.
3. The price was definitely outstanding: GT went bankrupt... but is now back. All of the people who bought GT with the comfort of knowing they would be back truly got outstanding deals. These bikes have been shelved for a while but are without a doubt a true show of great design.
4. The design is tried and proven. There are absolutely no chain suck issues, the top tube is long enough for XC specifications yet the low center of gravity allows for tight, stable turns.
Overrall I would reccomend this bike to absolutely anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Holmez
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Santa Marg, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods - Cholla/Rockit loop | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | Decent climing bike and ok on moderate downhill (or so I thought until it cracked). Cheap. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy components - I've replaced everything but the frame which just cracked, so I'll be replacing that as well. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | Marzocci Bomber front shock, Cane Creek rear, XT drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a piece of crap. It cracked without any major jumps, etc. The welds in several places on the frame are WEAK. GT only warranteed it for 1 year, so I'm screwed. I would not buy another GT product...ever. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Radium BC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Mission Cycle | | Strengths: | NO BOB AROUND HERE! It's a great bike. I use it for commuting and x/c. It's basically stock except for new tubes. It's amazing what a cactus will do. Had to pick hundreds just to reuse the tires. NEVER AGAIN! BUY NEW! | | Weaknesses: | FRONT SHOCKS are weak. I have them set on stiff but I'll need to replace them soon. (I'm about 240 LBS....no wonder) Other than that.....no weaknesses so far. | | Similar Products Used: | None only hard tails to this point. Athough I tested a FSR Enduro Comp and didn't find much difference for the extra $1K | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Have 3 other "associates" with the same bike and they love them too.....although one guy had an older frame and it caused some problems. Was replaced without too much hassle. Got a SMOKIN' Deal cause of GT's internal problems. Can't even tell ya how much. Glad to see someone stepped up to the plate to keep an excelent thing goin. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Root Basher
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas,TX
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Johnsons Branch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$491.00 | | Purchased At: | Sams Club | | Strengths: | GT I-Drive setup really works. Only time I notice any bob is when standing and cranking hard. Welds and paint are of good quality. | | Weaknesses: | Stock components need to be upgraded asap. The avid components and truvative cranks are the highpoints. Seatpost really sucks, nearly lost the family heirlooms do to breakage. | | Similar Products Used: | First FS bike. Previously rode rigid GT for 6 years with zero problems other than an occasionally sore arse. | | Bike Setup: | xt/xtr drivetrain cane creek cloud 9 rear shock marzocchi z3 bomber air front thomson seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that the GT I-drive system performs as advertised. Good frame and mediocre components out of the box. Perfect platform to build your future perfect bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from clwyd,n.wales,uk
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | MBR track at coed y brenin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$875.00 | | Purchased At: | bonthrone bikes | | Strengths: | The frame! looks smart and works well,i-drve system works really well you can tell the difference compared to other full sussers also the price.This bike rides really well over rough terrain and its not that heavy really! the handling is confidence inspiring. | | Weaknesses: | the spings in the judy xc forks are far to weak even if you adjust the pre-load to the max you can bottom the forks out on minor drops and im only 11 stone, also the sun tour cassettes heavy and looks cheap but for the price you can easily afford to upgrade! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper fsr (also very good!) dawes fs edge team. | | Bike Setup: | stock set up, syncros bars stem and rims,fox float rear shock,rock shocks judy xc's, avid v's (surprised how good they actually are!) lx rear mech deore frnt mech trutive cranks ,deore hubs and shifters. | | Bottom Line: | If your lookin for a decent full suspension bike that works well and looks the part for stupid money this is the bike for you for under 600 quid you wont find better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sam's Club | | Strengths: | Great mid range bike, even at 2-3 times the price! | | Weaknesses: | For what I do, nothing weak about it noticed yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Have been riding a Canondale M800 for years now and a Ross Mount Whitney (now that was a tank!)for many years prior to that. This is only my third mountain bike in 20 years! | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding mountain bikes since the early 80's and grew up riding Schwinn Stingrays with motocross handle bars and ten speed seats down Mount Tamalpais. As I've stated above, this is only the third mountain bike that I've owned since the 80's (I take care of my things), but I've had the chance to ride a few others along the way.
This is one sweet machine! Are there better, lighter, more "high tech" machines available? No Doubt. But this is a superbly crafted and very capable bike just like it is, and with upgrades to the mid range components as they fail, this bike will serve me well for many years to come. And that's the bottom line! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Mills
a Weekend Warrior
from Newport, Wales, U.K.
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cwmcarn Scenic Drive | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords Bike Hut | | Strengths: | frame design and appearance, I drive system, spec. for the price.Biggest plus was the price. reduced to £499 from £1000 | | Weaknesses: | Too early to tell yet,but front shock will be first change. | | Similar Products Used: | upgrading from Dawes Kirk Revolution, Tested Cannondale F800 | | Bike Setup: | Standard as purchased Rock shoxs judy xc, Fox Float rear, Dx groupset. | | Bottom Line: | Just purchased as first full suspension. Unbelievable price.Halfords stocking full 2002 range so no warranty issues in the old country. At 6'3" I like the big frame and high position. Bike is a little heavy, but I'm only light so not much of a problem. Will upgrade parts as they wear to end up with top notch XC bike for crazy money. At this price you cannot get a better looking intermediate bike.
Big shout to all those who reviewed it before. Have taken youradvice. This bike will suit XC riders who are looking for a quality upgradable package.Seating position good for taller riders | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick S
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Memorial Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Sams Club | | Strengths: | Excellent control and stability on rough terrain | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing compares for the price!! | | Bike Setup: | All factory components | | Bottom Line: | I went from an old hardtail to this Cadillac, no comparison! Good components all around with a cheap price. Excellent bike if your looking for an upgrade without killing the budget. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Schultz
a
from Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Highland Recreation Area | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | So far I love this bike. The price is the main thing. | | Weaknesses: | I bent the #2 sproket in the the front the first time out. But I was shifting while ascending a hill. Not a big deal, since now when I ride I only use 1 gear setting.
Also, the ritchey clipless pedals that come with the bike suck. One side works excellent, but the other doesnt release unless thouroughly coated with wd-40 | | Similar Products Used: | Last bike was a mongoose f/s from sports authority. Also, I've ridden my friends Giant Warp DS/3 | | Bike Setup: | 100% stock with adition of CatEye OS 1.o, and Shimano m959 pedals as soon as they arrive. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, I dont abuse it too much, but so far its taken anything I've thrown at it. Not bad for a first bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Downhiller
from Sioux Falls
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mickelson | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | This bike rides very well on the bumpy terrain, very strong and durable. I'm a tall biker (6.8) and due to that, have an XL frame which increases the weight but the bike handles rocks, hills and road well. | | Weaknesses: | Shoddy parts. Since I bought the bike a year ago, I have had to revisit the bike shop several times. Once for 2 crappy valves that sprung leaks from moderate off road riding, and now around 5 spokes on the rear tire are about to blow. Sounds like I have those annoying beads on my spokes that girls have when they're 5. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Fox RS | | Bottom Line: | Good buy for the buck, however, buy new wheels with it or have better ones on hand. Sucks blowing spokes the first month out.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Monique de Boer
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$645.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | just about everything | | Weaknesses: | the black spokes, they're a bit weak | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-Drive 6.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new wheels (Mavic D521's, LX hubs) and Avid Speed Dial 5 brakes and levers | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike as an upgrade to my i-Drive 6.0 because it's lighter mainly because it has better components and a lighter frame. I am currently using the wheels from this bike on my i-drive 6.0 but other than that I am very happy with the current set up on the i-Drive 4.0, I even like the saddle!
Overall, if you can afford the extra you pay for this bike, go for it! It's a vast improvement over the i-Drive 6.0 in every way! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Crooks
a Cross Country Rider
from long walk home
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords Bike hut | | Strengths: | well this isnt really a review its just to say that when you go out on yours TAKE HEAVY WEAPONARY!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | i wouldnt no some azshole pointed a knife at me and set get the hell off the bike i wasnt gonna argue with some phsyco wavin a 6" blade in my face | | Bottom Line: | well even tho i havnt got it now i have had it only 6 months and it has been the sweetest budget bike ive ever riden as you can see by my first reveiw a couple of months ago | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GARY
a
from ORANGE COUNTY, CA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | sams club | | Strengths: | for only $300, i couldn't complain. this was their display bike that was missing the front skewer and a brake pad. a quick trip to jax fixed all what was wrong with the bike for less than $50..i had to replace the rear cassette also since it was defective...and now rides like a champ. no problems going uphill and downhills are great. no bobbing noticed so far but then again, i've only used the bike five times. this i-drive system is pretty cool. if you can still find one, sams has this bike now at 499.91, grab one if you can! | | Weaknesses: | defective cassette...i guess just mine | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | $300 only? what can I say? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Dummer
a Cross Country Rider
from Guelph
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | i-drive really rocks,fast bike for downhills and smooth over rough ground. Point and shoot bike. | | Weaknesses: | front shocks (judy) soft,a little heavy.stock seat sucks | | Similar Products Used: | Trek (fuel),sugar 3,all f/s in price range | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock, haven't broke anything yet | | Bottom Line: | this bike does rule, I know some people don't like G.T,but I can say I would buy another.It has handled everything I have put it through.I would put it up against the best with confidence. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
craig
a Cross Country Rider
from beale afb
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any and all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Sams Club | | Strengths: | Has handled evrything that all 245lbs of me can through at it | | Weaknesses: | front der, and chainrings need replaced | | Bike Setup: | basics bar ends lizards and whatever needs relaced as i go | | Bottom Line: | great bike 4 the buck almost paid $1199 so 4 699 i cant complain 1 bit until the repair cost reach $1199 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flyman
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The next one | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Excellent all around ride.I can't say enough about the fun factor! Until now, an infallible ride.... | | Weaknesses: | The weld cracked on my seat mast! I can't get a hold of anyone at Pacific bicycles!! They don't answer the phone or any messeges!!! What about parts?!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Special ed, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Rhino-lites,Fox Forx,Avid disc,Time | | Bottom Line: | Unless you have already established a reliable warranty situation, you are making a HUGE mistake! I tried my best to buy the best frame(look at the welds and seatpost cut-out)and i got burned within 2 years!And I do light cross-country. Please e-mail me if you can help! I am trying to be cool about it but EVERY shop I call says almost verbatim,"Sorry your're out of luck!" It would be great if something positive would happen, But the prognosis for GT Bicycles is nothing past zero.If something good happens, I will write back immediately. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Ramona, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Jacumba to occotillo | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Action cyclery | | Strengths: | I Drive system, frame, Great handling solid feel | | Weaknesses: | Forks, blew seals second ride rock shocks suck big time | | Similar Products Used: | nothing compares | | Bike Setup: | now have hayes hydralic front disc and mechanical rear. mavic 223 wheels formula hubs, Lights front www.bikelights.com Great lights great price
soon to be marzocchi forks | | Bottom Line: | id buy another one in a heart beat | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
i-drive 4.0 owner
a Downhiller
from Brighton, Sussex, Engand
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | friston forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | halfords | | Strengths: | good componets, strong enough to jump and do downhill tracks on (i'm 14 years old, but if i were any heavier it might brack) basic all round.
| | Weaknesses: | nothing exept the i-drive system is to complext and it cannot handle more than 2.2" tyers | | Similar Products Used: | non are as good | | Bike Setup: | upgraded stem, pedals, wheels 2 mavic d321, front XT hydrolic disc and rear deor disc. | | Bottom Line: | a good alround bike that you can upgrade. But no need to emediately. If your in for a load of fun then get this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAN
a Weekend Warrior
from NW ARKANSAS
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ANYONE I CAN GET ON | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | SAM'S CLUB | | Strengths: | THE OVERALL BIKE FOR THE PRICE, MAY NOT HAVE THE BEST COMPONENTS BUT FOR THE INITIAL PRICE TO RIDE THIS YOU CAN ALWAYS UPDATE AS THE THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE WEAR OUT. | | Weaknesses: | HARD SEAT AND THE CLIPLESS PEDELS (I WOULDN'T REALLY CONSIDER THE PEDALS A WEAKNESS, I JUST WAS USED TO RIDING A BIKE WITHOUT CLIPLESS PEDALS, SO I EITHER HAD TO BUY DIFFERENT PEDELS OR NEW SHOES, I CHOOSE THE NEW PEDALS FOR NOW) | | Similar Products Used: | GARY FISHER JOSHUA | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | I REALLY LOVE THIS BIKE !!! FOR WHAT I GOT FOR THE PRICE, I COULDN'T BEAT IT AND I SHOPPED LONG AND HARD FOR A FEW MONTHS BEFORE BUYING. THIS MAY NOT BE A REAL FAIR REVIEW BECAUSE THE BIKE I WAS RIDING BEFORE BUYING THIS ONE WAS AN OLD TREK HARDTAIL THAT HAD A FRONT SHOCK THAT WAS PRETTY MUCK BLOWN OUT, SO THIS i-DRIVE WAS LIKE STEPPING UP TO A SLICK BMW FROM AN OLD BEAT UP PICK-UP!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean McGuire
a Downhiller
from Salem, OR USA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mud puddle, tree fort, tanglewood | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Awesome design. I drive works quite well at reducing bob when peddling in the saddle. Great descender; instills a lot of confidence, eats up all kinds of terrain, point and shoot kind of ride. If you pick a bad line, just lean back and let the bike correct it for you. Bike has improved my riding abilities a lot in the short time I've owned it. Best strength of all-----GT LIVES!!!! Pacific bicycles has kept GT intact and if you check GT's web site, you'll find they have their 2002 line up, including a new 4.0. No parts availabilty issues to worry about!!! I am so glad I took a chance on this bike (I bought it at severly discounted price because of the unkown future of GT) | | Weaknesses: | Heavy- It took me a few rides to get used to peddling this hog to the tops of the trails, but once there, it becomes well worth it. Some shoddy componentry on the bike, but I swaped all my good stuff from my old trek and bought a Pslo XC fork, bike tears now. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-11 | | Bike Setup: | Psylo fork, vanilla air rear shock, deore discs, xt hubs, xt rear derailluer, Sun Mammoth rear wheel | | Bottom Line: | If you can still find any of these 2001 4.0 models out there for 600-700, I'd snatch it up before they disappear. I'm willing to bet that when the 2002 line starts appearing in bike shops, it will retail for well over that price (no msrp listed on GT's site yet). Once you get used to peddling the extra weight up hill, the bike is incredible. I like how solid the extra wieght feels once the bike is pointed downhill. I can hit any of my favorite trails at least 5mph faster than I could on my old bike. If your a hucker, you may want to look at beefier frames, but I commonly hit 3-4 foot jumps and the bike has given me no problems. A great bike for the person who lives to go down hills FAST. As for value, 600 for a 4.6" travel bike that rips down hills, what do you think? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S.R
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City Utah
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Good bike for the price Same frame as the higher end I drives | | Weaknesses: | lower end components,but this is the 4.0 not the 1.0
stock fork won't last long | | Similar Products Used: | cadex
fsr sugar3 | | Bike Setup: | It's still stock but it's time to start upgrading | | Bottom Line: | This is a good all around fs bike.I have got the chance to get out and ride it pretty hard and so far it's still rolling.Granted I'm no pro rider taking 10 foot drops and such,but it has put up with some abuse.The stock RS judy fork might have one short ride left,of course thats to be expected.(at 200lbs I'm surprised it lasted this long )Basicaly this bike is fun to ride uphill,downhill, singletrack,slickrock,mud,rocks,sand whatever.If you'r an average joe mountain biker like most of us and just want a bike that offers a good time at a good price then this bike will do just that.You will want to start upgrading in the near future. It's to bad G.T went under but I did see this bike at sams club for about $600.00 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Crooks
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | surry | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords Bike hut | | Strengths: | AWSOME! the i drive really works well the fox rear shock really takes the bite out of hard rocks all round brilliant bike | | Weaknesses: | the rear cassette is sun tour which is a bit of a let down but thatswhy it is a value bike so u can customise it to suit you | | Similar Products Used: | specialised enduro fsr | | Bike Setup: | upgraded rs boxxers work exellently and xt disc make it a brilliant ride | | Bottom Line: | Brilliant not a thing wrong with it cheap and all round awsome bike this is a must have bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque NM USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedro Area | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Sam's Club | | Strengths: | As a back country bike it does everything I need it to. Down hills well, handles reasonably big drops and climbs well. | | Weaknesses: | weight, RS Judy C's suck | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike to upgrade as you go. Will be replacing the forks with Zoke EXC ECC's. If you look at what GT designed the idrive (1) for- and upgrade in that direction you can't go wrong. This is a great back country bike able to handle most conditions encountered on a all day affair. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Hamilton
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wood Hill Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Pins cycles | | Strengths: | iDrive does work very well especially climbing, and isolating braking forces. | | Weaknesses: | no major ones a little heavy but hey I'm not really worried, the "ride" far out ways any physical weight issues | | Similar Products Used: | Ok this is my second review of this bike ( see at the bottom of the list for my first submission) | | Bike Setup: | see below submission judy XC coils, Fox vanilla rear | | Bottom Line: | Ok been riding this bike for a while now and have found it a really good performer, very much point and shoot. I find it hard to beleive some of the reviews that trash this bike, as if you spend the time to set it up properly, (like any bike) it works VERY well! I'm no downhiller, don't wear lycra, and not a gram freak. Just plain ole trail rider, and yes I ride all the man made and natural obstacles. The GT iDrive is a great bike that does last if you want a TRAIL bike. Sure some of the components are a bit crappy, but the frame is the same as the top end ones so upgrade the parts as they break! So too conclude if you want a bike to do everything and basically have fun on (isn't that what it's all about?) then do look at the iDrive, thier worth it. And in New Zealand, no warranty problems, just go to a good LBS like Cyco. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob
a Weekend Warrior
from alpharetta
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great Bike, i-drive isnt jsut a gimike | | Weaknesses: | some stock componets but that is why it is a "value bike"! You want something that never brakes then u usually have to spend a little more cash. But i dotn know that. | | Bottom Line: | I downhill, constantly i do doubles, 20 foot gaps, and drops and let me tell you what ive broken, fork (of course by the stuff that i do.) bottom bracket, and rims (i am 190) for 100 i got a pair of sun rynolite rims (nice tuff rims) with lx hubs hand built. A nice raceface taperlock BB that will with stand the abuse(50). And an x-vert super for 180. Bike is running stronger then ever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bellview, Ocala | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Frames run a little large which works great for the tall guys like me, (6'3") | | Weaknesses: | Could stand to loose some weight overall to be a better XC bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Moab hardtail | | Bike Setup: | XL frame. Rockshox Psylo shock, XTR rear derailer, Rockshox SID rear shock, Easton straight bar handlebar, Mavic 517 rims w/ XTR hubs, CaneCreek C2 Headset. | | Bottom Line: | Bought this bike as a "newbee" in the sport. I've slowly upgraded everything on it except the seat. I enjoy the hell out of riding it but if I had only known GT would go belly up. (I also would have looked for a slightly lighter frame setup). Even with the weight this bike is a blast to ride. Granted Florida doesn't provide any great downhill challenges the GT does fine on what downhills I can find. I have enjoyed every upgrade on this bike. The Psylo shock has been the best investment so far. Changed the bike completly. Set for 4" and Blue spring upgrade as well. Bike feels indestrucable. No fear on drops or launching off anything now. Bike just seems to suck it up and move on. Too bad GT won't be working on this I-Drive technology. If someone could lighten this up a little more it would rock! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike rotch
a Downhiller
from rifle, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | bike pedlr | | Strengths: | Good bike good first full ssupension | | Weaknesses: | Bottoms out when i hop more than 5 stairs(can do ten)
bottoms out, but does not harm anything
| | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC 2
Yeti DH9
Santa Cruz | | Bike Setup: | judy c, fox vanilla
deore,xt,truvativ cranx, koski fastback saddle | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the price spend a little more for an all out freeride bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Unknown
a Weekend Warrior
from Lethbridge
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | wherever | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bert & Macs | | Strengths: | Rides nice when you GET A CHANCE TO RIDE IT! | | Weaknesses: | This bike in my opinion is a Piece of S !!!
I've had it for a bout 3 1/2 weeks and it spent 4 trips to the shop already and now its back again for a 2 week visit to the warranty claims (their cheap design in were the shock mounts near the shock cracked). Just so all you know I'm average rider, not a downhiller or jumper! I'm concidered a mild rider at a weekend warrior level. They use cheep spokes at 15 guage stock should bump up to 14 or 13 gauge becuase 2 spokes broke, again warranty! all work has been warranty. Oh the cheap stock seat post broke again warranty! all I can say is F ** n peice of crap you'll notice another post in here from me that the bike rocks and kicks *ss, well I was wrong. I owned a Giant before and it was a cheap cheap bike with no problems, looks like to me if ya spend less but on a good name s**t last longer and better, no warranty work to it and I've had it about 1 yr now :-) don't buy a GT the company has a rumor that they may be going out of business too, thats good to know for warranty :-) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant atx840 , demoing the trek xcr full suspension. while warranty takes care of my peice of crap | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line I'll never buy another gt idrive again again | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Reinheimer
a
from Warrington, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | High Rocks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$834.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikesale.com | | Strengths: | Takes your confindence along for the ride. I really really been having a good time riding the bike. The wheels are nice and fat, the frame is sturdy, the shocks are optimal and the what I like the most is how high I sit off the ground with plenty of ground clearence. Like saddling up on a horse but with a smoother ride. I-Drive - great concept. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is definitely an ass kicker, most stock seats are though. I got one of those gel filled things and put it one istead. Minor detail. I know if you do need to lower the seat all the way, it will hit the back shot, not a problem for me but maybe for someone else. I also wish the cables were fully sheathed. None of this reduces performance. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried a specialized full suspension and a GT 2000 XCR. | | Bike Setup: | Large frame, Judy Rock Shock Front, syncros tires and handle bars, Fox racing shock rear, shimano deore derailers and wheel hubs, truvativ rear cassette, avid brakes and of course I added the gel filled seat by Trek. | | Bottom Line: | The feel of the bike is terrific. Great on decents. Big confindence builder on the downhill after coming from a hardtail. It's definitely the bike to try if you are battling hardtail vs. full suspension in your head. Be prepared for some of the best riding your legs will let you do. If you are looking for a downhill race bike, this may not be for you but like I said the hardtail guy might like this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Cleveland
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything technical | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | City Cycle | | Strengths: | The idrive system...in seat climbing is good.Downhill descents would be great with a better fork with 5 inches of travel. | | Weaknesses: | The weight, out of seat climbing is almost impossible, the fork and rear shock suck, the pedals are too tight even on the loosest setting.GT will not honor warranties anymore.Also medium size feels like a large, which makes it hard to "free ride" with my 5ft8in height. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DS1, Cannondale 900sl | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike if you want to feel as if you just spent a night in OZ... prison that is.I know that you must spend more than a grand to get a good fullsuspension bike, but you would be better off saving for longer and buying a better bicycle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GQPUNKS GQPUNKS
a Cross Country Rider
from south pasadena
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sante Fe Dam riverbed | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | wheelworld...they suck don't buy anything there | | Strengths: | I've been bashing the crap out of this bike for 6 months...here is the good, bad and ugly....GOOD...frame has not cracked, bike still works. | | Weaknesses: | Here we go....judy c's just suck, changed saddle,pedals,.A compromise bike...good at hills, cross country and with a new fronk fork some good downhill...Bent rim just going down the street,changed out the horrible tires for Maxxis 1.9's...
A great bike to up-grade as you go along.
I will be putting a new fork on it soon, Z3 or white brothers.... | | Similar Products Used: | giant, cannondale | | Bike Setup: | changed to platform pedals, Maxxis 1.9's, speacialized road "nut saver seat". otherwise stock...oh yea i didn't dot my i...i just messed around with it till it felt right.... | | Bottom Line: | good bike and up-grade as you go along.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from SB, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | cold springs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1149.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | I-drive good for climbing and bumpy terrain, turning | | Weaknesses: | Blew out front spring in Judy C fork, cracked frame at upper joint of rear suspension... | | Similar Products Used: | GF sugar 3, DB x-link, various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | stock, w/stx cranks | | Bottom Line: | Good XC bike, due to Idrive. Kinda of heavy tho 4 XC. Don't beat it downhill, Frame shouldn't brake under 165 lb rider, but did. Since GT went under - no more frame warranty - bd news for GT owners incl me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mustang
a Cross Country Rider
from Vail, Colorado
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I find first | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Awesome frame and price | | Weaknesses: | FORK!! and weight | | Similar Products Used: | I-Drive 3.0, GF Sugar, Giant XTC NRS 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, but I am goin to buy a 3.0 at bikesale.com cuz of the weight and fork! The fork is not good. I broke it after only 2 runs down Vail. I then aired a 3 three foot drop (five stair), and the thing then went on squeeking and bottoming out the rest of the day. I would get a new manitou or rock shox, stat! although it might of been a fluke, i don't care, i am not risking it. Other than that though, this bike rules! The frame works so incredibly well. Have fun, and wear armor! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Robertson
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, Florida
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any place, any time | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Spectrum | | Strengths: | Amazing capability in all terrains. It has a RS Judy on the front that makes for a better ride than most stock suspension bikes. (I saw some companies putting Jett`s on their $1000+ bikes!! The I Drive is amazing soaking up everything that mother nature can dish out. I went to every bike shop in Jax. and test rode everything and by far this was the best for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Havent found one yet...... | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3 which was really close but about 300.00 more.
| | Bike Setup: | Roxx Shox Judy...Avid SD 3's....Deore hubs.....Truvativ Cranks....WTB Velociraptors. | | Bottom Line: | I was initially looking for a sub 600.00 bike full suspension or not. I went to every bike shop in Jacksonville(over 2 months) and test rode everything that they had in stock. It came down to the Gary Fisher Sugar 3 which had pretty much same components except Cane Creek rear shock.
Botom Line is....you can get a high end full suspension for less money and wait until components wear and then replace them later......why buy a bike that allready comes with everything and is too overpriced. You take a little more pride in it when you can say, I built it up to exactly what I wanted. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy Fuchs
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Spectrum | | Strengths: | Great suspension and climber. I climb so many more hills than I could on my hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Derailers are not the best. I get the ocasional clicking, but it is getting better everytime I ride. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Outpost | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Swapped peddals with my Outpost. | | Bottom Line: | Overall good bike. I am still breaking it in and doing some fine tuning. It seems to get better with every ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Coulee Rider (Not on here Sorry)
a Weekend Warrior
from Lethbridge
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Paradise Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1036.00 | | Purchased At: | Bert & Macs Sports Shop | | Strengths: | This bike doesn't bob while pedling like the Trek Fuel 80 or 90 does. Even though I have had a Giant bike before and a fan of there products I have to say this bike blows the other ones away for the way it rides. The floating rear bar (my un-technical terms) makes for a smooth ride and looses most chain suk which KICKS *SS Climbing is excellent as well even though heavier @ 31lbs as some in its class are around 28 lbs. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavier than some bikes, the avid brakes (not the levers though, just actual brake components) Had Store switch them over to the Shimano LX Brake systems which was a nice upgrade. Other than that the bike is not really week at all. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed the Trek Fuel 80 which bite the big one! And the Giant NSR 3 or 2 which wasn't bad but A little bit of bobbing while peddling. Also owned a Giant ATX 840 Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Judy XC Rock Shox, Avid levers, LX Brakes, Syncros (big Box) rims Shimano Deore hubs (fr & Bk) WTB Vlociraptor 2.1 Tires Which I have also used the slighty more narrow tire on my Giant. They make great tires! Also the Truvativ crank which shift very crisp :-) | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks I love it, if I had to do it again I would in a heartbeat. If your thinking of getting one don't hesitate it, you won't regret getting it.
It is a KICK ASS BY FOR THE MONEY !
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Wilson
a
from Corning, New York, United States
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ANYTHING | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Hillside Bicycles | | Strengths: | Lots of travel on the suspension.
Tremendous value.
Great components out of the box. | | Weaknesses: | None as of yet. Strong Runner! | | Similar Products Used: | GT ZASKAR
GT PANTERA
GT AVALANCHE
GT BACKWOODS | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great! It has everything you need and nothing you dont. A+ in my book! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a
from San Jose, CA, United States
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Fast Bicycles | | Strengths: | i-drive works well in absorbing bumps
solid feel to the bike
overall suspension works great
| | Weaknesses: | stock derailleurs suck...after just one run on my bike during an average days ride, my rear derailleur was already off. That is, whenever I go onto a steep hill, and I'm on the second to the largest gear in the rear, my bike would click back and forth indecisive between which gears to be in. This is just flat out annoying. In addition, the front shocks began to exhibit quite a bit of noise. I don't know about other shock manufacturers but the Judys on this bike did this.
The front derailleur was not exact on the first day that I bought the bike. I had to click about 1 1/4 clicks on the system's rapid fire system to move from the bottom gears to the higher ones. When I asked the bike shop why this is so, they said that it was due to the manufacturing of this bike. Needless to say, I'm not too enthusiastic about this flaw when I'm riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DS1 warp, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Replaced the stock pedal with clipped DeoreLX pedals and also added a bike computer. Otherwise, the bike has a stock setup. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, this bike is pretty good although the components on it definitely sucks. I would replace the front and rear derailleurs first thing with XTs. The front shocks are also ok, but not the best. This bike is meant for the avid riders (beginner to intermediate) but for experienced riders, I would spend the extra money on another bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james dumbass (dont make fun)
a Downhiller
from duncan
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any one i havent riden | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | experience cycles | | Strengths: | the frame is killer | | Weaknesses: | this product aint weak | | Similar Products Used: | kona cindercone | | Bike Setup: | XTR | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a AWESOME bike for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james dumbass (dont make fun)
a Downhiller
from duncan
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any one i havent riden | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | experience cycles | | Strengths: | the frame is killer | | Weaknesses: | this product aint weak | | Similar Products Used: | kona cindercone | | Bike Setup: | XTR | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a AWESOME bike for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rafael
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Soquel Demo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I love the feel of this bike, really strong and sturdy frame. The I-drive works. I had tons of confidence to try drops that I never thought I would do in my ifirst summer of riding. I think this bike turned me from a beginner to a decent intermediate after 3 rides. The price is pretty decent even tho ts cheaper now. | | Weaknesses: | the components svck $#!t. on my 4th ride, I blew out the front shock, after bottoming out once. The deore parts should be upgraded. Bike is a little heavy, but can be lowered with new parts. I'm not a good climber and cant really compare so don't know its good or bad. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'ed Giant NRS XC2, DRS Warp1, Fisher Sugar 3... | | Bike Setup: | Changed to Heavy Duty springs in the front (temporarily until i get my tax refund for a marzoochi). Switched to platform pedals. And removed just about all the plastic parts.. Plan to switch to all XT and disc brakes by next summer | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike the best of all I tried, so I got it. I was very impressed at first, but the quality of the components have dissapointed lately. Overall, I would still get this bike if i had to do it over again. Can't wait to upgrade. Value would be higher if it didn't need upgrades so quickly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rommel Rivera
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | JPL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Recycler Ad | | Strengths: | The i-Drive system works as advertised. A little on the heavy side, but more than makes up for it on the down hills. Same frame as the higher end models. | | Weaknesses: | The stock components suck. Upgrade when you can. I'd start with the Crankset and Bottom Bracket. XT with Hollowtech arms and ES-70 BB will reduce some of the overall weight. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Specialized Stumpjumper XC. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded the entire drive system to XT. XT BB, XT Hollowtech Cranks. Future upgrades: Rock Shox Psylo Race fork or Marzocchi Z1 MCR, Fox Float RC rear shock, Hayes hydro disc brakes, Mavic X317 wheelset, Hayes/Hugi hubs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks butt!!! It rides smooth as butter on the climbs and rips on the down hills. If you find this bike for under $1000 like I did, then AWESOME! Upgrade ASAP. You can build this bike up to the higher end models and have money left over for...a vacation in Maui! Make sure you take the bike with you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Firehunden
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville North Carolina
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1149.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World in Goldsboro | | Strengths: | It's been a few years since my last bike, and this is also my first suspension bike, but.......I ride faster and smoother with this bike than any other one that I have had. It took a few good rides to get used to the difference in riding style for the full suspension, but even so, suspension is faster and inspires more confidence. It's just fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | I had the store swap the clips for straps. I am thinking about stiffer front springs also ( the Judy C's work well so far ) The Deore components require regular attention to run smoothly. Seat stem is too long. (Cut this with a hack saw) It seems a bit heavy at first, but I think this helps it handle the rough stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous bikes....Giant Iguana(circa 1991) I tacoed rims and eventually broke the frame(probably due to bad riding not frame weakness). Many no-name bikes in my earlier years. Including a Western Auto Mountain Bike from 1986. | | Bike Setup: | Front shocks at stiffest. Rear shocks at manufacturer setting. Bar ends are a plus. I trimmed the seat post. (This alows me to drop the seat post down for any trials type of riding) (ps. I suck at trials riding) | | Bottom Line: | For my first full suspension bike it has been nothing but fun, it's like a whole different world of riding. Not as intimidating as you might think. It provides an excellent foundation for improvements as well.....can you say, "disk brakes"? (all it needs is hubs/rims) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Valiquette Sports | | Strengths: | PRICE! $1350 Canadian! What a deal!
Shimano LX & Deore
Judy XC - plush & adjustable. 63-100mm | | Weaknesses: | Long stem. good for climbling, but i dunno why i dont like it. maybe just personal preference...
The Rims. warped them on puny little drop.
Clipless pedals. again, personal preference. swapped em for some platforms.
After a couple of hours riding, the rear derailler started to come up with some automatic shifting. very annoying. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS, iDrive 3.0, No-name CCM! HAHAHAHAHAHAH!! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the pedals. switched with some platforms | | Bottom Line: | Tested this baby from a friend of mine on a trail.
overall great bike. though GT might want to spec this bike with some beefier rims.
5 flamin turds for the deal. $1350 Canadian!!!
5 flamin turds overall. great bike. go buy one now. (but i dont think you gonna get one at this price! :) ) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
swine .
a Weekend Warrior
from ga
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | roswell bikes | | Strengths: | way more fun to ride aggresive and jump then on my zaskar. very forgiving. | | Weaknesses: | crap gt stuff(nothin big) little hard to climb but the i-drive is pretty efficent. it pisses me off that the 4.0 has deore rear derallier then the 3.0 has xtr. why not an lx or xt on the 4.0. but oh well still a great bike. | | Similar Products Used: | lots | | Bike Setup: | stock except for 546 pedals | | Bottom Line: | most defantly a fun bike. thats exactly what i was looking for. Very fun to jump on, even can do some mini-freeriding with 4.6 of rear travel. also a very fun trial bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glen Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, VIC, AU
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | studley park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Melbourne Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Smooth. | | Weaknesses: | Strange components, heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanche, GF MT Tam | | Bike Setup: | Swapped out riser bar for a flat kore, ditched pedals for my 646 SPDs. Unlike the US idrive 4.0, the stock AU release has LX rear. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a pretty crap rider, so I'm nowhere near pushing the limits of this thing, but it's such a well built machine, I don't think I ever will.
My biggest problem was the choice of components - the front shocks (Judy XCs) are noisy (I'm not used to any noise after my Z2s) and the shifting has already started to feel flakey. The plan is to get some marzocchi front shocks and full XT whem I get a bit more dosh. I still haven't set up the rear shock properly, either.
Due to the height of the bottom bracket, I have my seat as high as it will go, makes the whole bike feel a lot bigger. It's just like getting into a 4WD after riding around in a mini.
Pedalling while off the seat tends to produce a bit of bouncing, fortunately, this doesn't affect me as I'm very much a sit 'n spin rider. The increased traction is awesome - short steep bits are much easier than on my avalanche (if a little more tiring.)
Given that most of my riding is done to/from work, I'm finding that this is a beautiful footpath machine - cobblestones and treeroots are absorbed, meaning that after a hard day's programming, I can take it easy on the ride home. There's a reason why my friends have labelled this 'the magic carpet'. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Schneller
a Weekend Warrior
from Springpatch, Illinois
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel Fast | | Strengths: | This bike is the bomb! I am a big fat boy (6'2" 220) and I want a bike that could take the abuse. The i-drive rocks, and rear shock is very strong. I don't care about how much the bike weighs since i don't care how much I weigh, this thing is good for a heavy rider and very fast and technical. Springfield is the flatest of flatest, so there is alot of technical trails. This bike runs very smooth and has had no problem with any of it. | | Weaknesses: | The front shock could be upgraded, but get your use out of it first. looking to but disk brakes and new front fork on. This winter I am going to all XTR. Buy for the looks and then upgrade to what you want. Seat and pedals blow big juicies. | | Similar Products Used: | don't care | | Bike Setup: | All stock except time atac pedals better seat. | | Bottom Line: | I dig the @#$% out of this, I am just a newbie to riding but the confidence I get from riding this bike is great! I can push myself to my limits and not worry about busting up the bike. If you are a big dude who looks for bumps in the rode, go and buy this ride!I I give it a big sloppy 5 flamin chilis overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Hamilton
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Woodhill forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Pins cycles | | Strengths: | Great frame, very strong and very little energy sapping flex. With a shorter stem very comfortable riding position, and very responsive, both in technical and fire break speeds. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the stock components were,......well..........needed swapping out, stem, handle bars, cranks, seatpost, to start with, then upgrade as bits destroy themselves. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Enduro, Cannondale JEKYL, Giant XCS DS-2, (all tested only) | | Bike Setup: | pretty stock except for, Titec 105mm stem, Azonic bars, LX Hollow tech cranks, Double clamp seatpost, Shimano 545 pedals, Fox Vanila coil, Rockshox Judy XC 100mm blah blah. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full susser, very pleased with it so far, very srong, agile handler, very efficient energy transfer in the drive train (i-Drive does what the ads say! no marketing lies here) very much a point and shot fun bike to ride. I've found I'm definately pushing my riding level up a few notches as I feel way more convidient about how the bike "feels" when your pushing the boundaries. Once you get used to the extra travel and bounce @ both ends I will never go back to a hard tail, (as much as I loved my Kona Killiaweiugh) All in all GT i-Drive is a great system! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Morgan
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Wood Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1049.00 | | Strengths: | After 3 mo. of riding i have yet to have a problem with any components. My only modification so far has been to cut off part of the seat post and add a computer. It has handled all the uphills and downhills superbly. By far a great bike for the price. Two thumbs up. | | Weaknesses: | It's weakness is in the reflectors. They were too heavy so I took them off. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Comp and Hard Rock Sport, Both good bikes but stolen from me. | | Bike Setup: | I still have all the stock parts installed. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for an intermediate to advanced great bike for $1050 that is great uphill and downhill, buy this bike. The i-drive is not just a gimick. My riding experience is only a couple years old but so far this had been my favorite bike. For the money, this bike rates a nine out of ten. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tribal GT
a
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Excellence frame design, great looks, fabulous stability and has definitely lived up to their reputation, never disappointing my expectations in GT bikes. | | Weaknesses: | Mainly on the overall weight & the stocks components needs to be upgraded. | | Similar Products Used: | GT 98'Zaskar & GT Aggressor | | Bike Setup: | Stock currently except for my wheelsets, upgraded to Mavic Crossride & still buliding up. | | Bottom Line: | My first FS bike and I've never regreted my decision in purchasing my dream bike - a yellow i-Drive 4.0. I'm a diehard GT fan knowing that they produced excellence & gorgeous bikes for riders like me. When I first laid my eyes on the i-Drive series in one of the mtb mag, I knew it would be my next bike. It took me almost 3 mths before I finally found one bike shop that sells it. It climbs like a mountain goat, runs like a horse and best of all fierce like a tiger; i-Drive handles the bumps, ruts & roots real well so to all riders out there, I'll say this is one of the best full suspension bike. You'll never be disappointed! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DKW
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Great build, good components, stable at speed, great on tight technical trails. Idrive is excelent and works as advertised. | | Weaknesses: | Long stem, replaced that almost immediately. Seat is pretty hard, but bearable | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit, Marin Wolf Ridge, Giant XCX | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | Because it was my first FS bike, I really had little idea what was going to work for the style of riding we do in our local area. I discovered that the bike is essentially a cross country machine and didn't work well on the steep, rutted and narly tracks we have here. In most cases we tend to ride up to go down, and this isn't the bike for that purpose. I now have a Giant XCX DS1 - much more capable bike for downhill, jumping, and climbing back up again. I guess this isn't a weakness as the bike isn't pushed as a freeride, but it is considered by many as a good all rounder. I weigh 200+, stand around 5.11 and because the head angle is pretty steep and the cockpit is placed well forward, steep downhill sections with ruts had a tendency to throw me off no matter how far I hung off the rear end. Overall this is a great bike for cross country, but if you like more downhill thrills than uphill hauls, then there are better bikes out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from MI
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Rides great -- soaks up the bumps and climbs well, and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Ritchie Comp pedals -- I have to swap these out. They are difficult to clip in and out even when set on the loose setting. The bike frame can be a challenge for some car racks – I’m using an extra tie-down on my Thule rack. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalance
Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Stock -- for now | | Bottom Line: | The idrive 4.0 gives you what I think is the best full suspension frame on the market plus idrive for a great price. I ride single track XC and this bike handles everything I can give it. It took me a couple of rides to dial it in and it is now by far the best bike I have owned. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wolf River Bottoms | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeWorld | | Strengths: | Great stability, pedals over bumps and roots easily. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, not so great for long climbs, standover height a bit high, and stock components definitely need upgrading. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX-200 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except upgraded fork to SID XC, drivetrain to full XT, and added a more comfortable saddle. | | Bottom Line: | If you love fast singletrack with some moderate downhill areas, the i-Drive is a great choice! Thanks to plenty of travel, the i-Drive can fly over bumps, roots, and other obstacles without a problem. I love the fact that you can pedal hard without feeling the suspension soak up your power (like it did on the Trek VRX-200). The suspension's action does not affect your pedaling at all. Don't buy this bike if you enjoy getting beat up on every little root that's in your path.
The weight may turn some riders off, but with the upgraded components I used, I got the weight to 28 lbs (down from 31 lbs). The weight may affect the bikes ability to take on long climbs, butI haven't noticed it being any worse than my hardtail was. Also, I'm only about 5'9", and the standover height on a medium is just barely enough.
Overall, I wouldn't trade the i-Drive 4.0 for any other bike in it's price range. I hope GT continues to develop the i-Drive design, because I can guarantee that I would buy another one. The i-Drive rocks!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine,CA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cholla | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1125.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax | | Strengths: | Strength is the one thing I was concerned with being a 230lb rider. This bike climbs like a billygoat. Same exact frame as the higher end i-Drives...not true for the 6.0 | | Weaknesses: | The stock components are crap, but you can swap those out. I am swaping them out as the break which hasn't taken too long. I had to replace the chainrings with RaceFace, after the first ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar3, Klien Mantra (demo) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for chainrings...more to come soon. Looking to go to XTR cranks, and derailuers. Adding Ringle front hub. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike is a horse...It has been perfect for a bigger rider like me when weight doesn't matter so much. It can take the beatings that I have given it so far and still rides like a champ. This was my first full suspension bike and I love it. I would recomend this bike to anyone, and especially to the bigger riders. You won't be dissapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Meyer III
a Downhiller
from Beaverton, OR.
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | CYD's Drop Off | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Copelands Super Store in Portland, OR. | | Strengths: | Excellent I-Drive technology, abosulutely love climbing with it. Has a tough frame, with nice rear suspension with the Fox Shox with Coil over. Replacable Drop out always a plus, I just bent mine recently, but derailleur is fine. | | Weaknesses: | Stock components are weak. Water Bottle cake on back of seat is worthless. Stock seat will give you the ultimate sleepy peepie. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS FXT Pro, Specialized FSR, Foes DH, Santa Cruz Bullit. | | Bike Setup: | Azonic Bars, Pazzaz Stem, Haro BMX Pedals, Oury Grips, MOFO Tires, Specialized Comp Pro saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Best bet is to get the lower end I-Drive's, and swap out the stock parts for quality. Start with the saddle and new drivetrain. I really love riding this bike, but it was heavy compared to other XC rigid frames. So you sacrifice weight for suspension of course. If your just getting into riding and are looking for a full suspension, then I highly recommend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Roe
a Cross Country Rider
from Troy, NY
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Skidmore, Toga-Town, NY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1049.00 | | Purchased At: | Yankee Doodle Bikes | | Strengths: | The design of the i-Drive's bottom bracket is ingenious, and the added strength/stability of the coil-over Fox shock is definitely worth the additional weight, to not have to deal with pumping up an air-shock constantly. | | Weaknesses: | The components groups on all of the i-Drives are meant to make the company $$$ (i.e., to make you buy the next higher model), which really sucks. Tru-Vativ crank has been alright, but they should really offer the Shimano LX Hollowtech on this middle-of-the-line model. I chose the 4.0 for the frame color and then had the shop trick it out with the parts I wanted. This is the way to go. I ended up spending an extra $450 total to get what I wanted, not bad. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd K2 Razorback, Rocky Mountain Cycle F/S, Giant Warp 2001, and Cannondale Jekyl before deciding to buy the i-Drive for my first F/S XC bike. | | Bike Setup: | Swapped out following comp's. . . . piece of crap RockShock for a Marzocchi Z2 BAM, Deore drivetrain --> Mega-9 XT, Stock no-name GT wheelset --> Custom Mavic 571's w/ LX hubs, GT headset --> Cane Creek C2 w/sealed cart. bearings,
piece of crap Ritchie comp pedals --> Shimano 646 SPD platforms. | | Bottom Line: | Start with the color you like on this bike, using the lower end models, and use the $$$ you save to buy custom components and make swap-outs with the bike shop. Even with the Team i-Drive, you are going to want to get rid of some of the stock stuff. The design of this bike is the most solid I've seen on the market for a F/S XC bike. I only weigh 130 lbs, myself, and this bike, as I have it put together weighs only 28 lbs, so I give it 2 thumbs up!!!!!
Here's to custom built bicycles!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 1149.99
