Submitted by
ACQ
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Strengths: I'm 210 lbs and I bought this bike mainly to handle a beating - and it has. It's a zippy ride too.
Weaknesses: Bars were too narrow and flat and stem was too long. I managed to bend the bottom bracket, but I blame myself for a very hard landing. The components were fine for a while, but when I got tired of the maintenance I just converted it to a single speed.
Bottom Line:
After converting it over to a single speed I found it to be far a more enjoyable ride. Less maintenance, plus I like a quiet bike. All that metal slapping around gets on my nerves. I can keep up fine with my friends riding 24-speed bikes on the local trails. It's simply a matter of adapting. I grew up riding BMX bikes anyway!
Bike Setup: Yeti downhill bars with Felt stem. Converted to single-speed. Still have original rims, brakes, levers, and Rock Shock.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from Naples Florida
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2009
Strengths: Very reliable for 12 years. Ball Burnished finish is awesome. A little aluminum polish every couple years to restore it to a mirror finish. Light enough to ride it like a BMX bike.
Weaknesses: Frame developed cracks in the steering head. GT warranties it for the original owner so they are giving me a big discount on a new bike. Brakes are weak, this is one model year prior to V-brakes. Front fork was Chro-Mo, they expect you to update to a shock on a bike this good, but I prefer smooth trails and the lighter weight without a shock.
Bottom Line:
Almost zero maintenance for 12 years Still has the original tires! I've patched and replaced tubes. COST OF OWNERSHIP WAS about $50 A YEAR!!!!
Strengths: Great frame - light, strong and climbs well. I packed it in nothing but bubble wrap and put it on an 18hr flight with me with no problems.
Weaknesses: Components that came with bike could use some upgrading. Had to replace my rear shifter and derailleur after two years.
Bottom Line:
This bike has held up great over the years. I have not made any changes to the setup so for the price I think it was a great deal. Apart from having to replace a shifter and the derailleur, I really have no complaints. It tackles climbs and downhills equally well and its frame is well worth the price. It's a pity it's not made any longer even though GT is back in business. I recommend it for the beginner biker.
Strengths: It's very strong and light and climbs extreamly well. The bike also looks great because of the triple triangle design. I like it because its a classic, i'll never ride a full suspention bike again!
Weaknesses: stock parts are horrible but O.K. i guess for beginers
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, rock solid after three years and three thousand miles! If you can still find one, buy it on the spot! A great classic hard-tail
Strengths: The GT Backwoods frame is bomb proof! Decent weight, Triple triangle design is unbelievably stiff, Tracks better than yo' mama's Volvo! Best bang for the buck, period. Frame is identical to a ’97 GT Avalanche. You just get lower quality parts on a Backwoods.
Weaknesses: Parts! I paid $650USD when I purchased my 18inch, ‘97 GT backwoods as a complete bike. The components were tolerable at that time, but it benefited greatly by upgrading all of the original components.
Bottom Line:
The Backwoods is an underrated frame. Some of the reviews I read here are worthy of reading, while others were just pure hogwash. I like this frame so much that I just bought another 18inch Backwoods frame that I found on E-bay (2000 model year /w disc brake hanger) for $100USD. My advice to anyone who’s a beginner or a Pro rider is that the Backwoods is a force to contend with when it comes to budget, reliability, strength, and great looks. It was a hit when it hit the market and is still a hit today. It was born to be a great bike, and it is. Once you install some good quality parts and your own assorted flavor of other goodies, you will have yourself a great bike. Whoever purchases this ride will not be disappointed. Enjoy the great outdoors while at the same time enjoying a great looking and performing bike. It’s a bike frame that will last you for many years to come. So whatcha waitin’ for? See ya at the next trail head. Happy trails!
Similar Products Used: Best friends 18”, '97 GT Aggressor, triple triangle Chromo frame (Convinced me to buy my Backwoods) His aggressor was the mother of all Chromo frames. He weighed 270lbs around that that time. He rode his bike for a living as a bike courier in NYC for many years without failure. Then we would leave the city with our 50lbs+ backpacks for a weekend of camping and trail riding. If that doesn't help you make a decision...Then head to your local Wal-Mart and buy yourself a Huffy. Then go ride off of a cliff buddy! J/k
Bike Setup: Upgraded to RST Mozo fork, XT bottom bracket, XT rapid fire shifters /w Levers, XT cassette, XT front and rear derailleur, XT V-brakes, Suntour (Now gone *sad face*) Cranks, Suntour chain rings, GT hubs (Awesome hubs IMO), Rhinolite rims w/ DT spokes, Titec Hellbent handlebar, ODI Grips, Nashbar (Yes, Nashbar! most of their products are worth your $$) Seat post, and lots of other goodies.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
dennisd
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall, Ontario
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001
Strengths: Stiff, responsive frame. Light.
Weaknesses: Kore Lite handlebars were too narrow. Wheelset.
Bottom Line:
A couple of years ago I was in the market for a decent XC bike that woudn't break and wouldn't weigh more than a friggen cinder block. That was all I wanted. I Have to tell you folks that over the past couple of years I've been pleasantly surprised.
This bike is worth picking up primarily because of one reason: the frame. It's bombproof, climbs like a rocket and it's light. It's stiff and it's well worth upgrading. If you were into it, you could race this frame, no problem.
A couple of things though. GT is bankrupt now, and the "Backwoods" label is now defunct. So if you happen to find one used you might take a look at it. But don't expect a "lifetime frame warranty". Also ditch the Jett fork and wheelset as soon as you can. I don't think you need to put a SID on it or anything but the frame justifies a better setup.
Submitted by
Joel M
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Cloud, MN
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Strengths: 16" frame good for dirt jumps... I can put the seat down real low. Frame is tough as I've cased many a landing with this purple turd and it's still holding out... and i'm 200 lbs. This is a good frame to take your aggression out on, as long as you are ready to pay for the upgrades.
Weaknesses: Crappy components. By the time you upgrade this thing to something that can take a beating, you could have bought the Ruckus, which can't take a beating either. Zak rims are junk, LX cranks are crap. Jett shock is a joke.
Bottom Line:
This bike is good for what it says... the Back woods. I give high value cuz it is a good bike for the average person, but if you ride hard, this bike will literally fall apart at the seams.
Submitted by
Seth Petro
a Weekend Warrior
from Ramsey, MN USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001
Strengths: Great frame, wonderful bang for the buck
Weaknesses: fork is soft and short, bottoms out too easy. low end components, but very easily upgradable
Bottom Line:
Great serious beginner bike. Wonderful bang for the buck yet very easily upgradable. The frame is very strong except for the paint. I chipped mine the first time I rode it, but that's my fault. Strong drivetrain, despite the low end. My bike was well setup and very well tuned. Had no problems from day one, unless I created them. =) bike is an awesome Freeride bike when equipt with the right stuff, yet still climbs decent. I think this is a great bike the the guy/gal that is looking for a good starter bike, low price, yet easily and in expensively upgradable. A good starting place to build your own bike.
Similar Products Used: Fisher aquila and trek 4500
Bike Setup: it has a crappy fork (like i said before) but all of the components in general are good for the price
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Scot Bontrager
a Cross Country Rider
from Frisco,TX, US
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2001
Strengths: Frame, frame, frame.
Weaknesses: stock comps are a bit weak, I have the 98 and seriously need to upgrade the rear derailer. Stock pedals gum up too frequently. The 'grass' paint chips too eaisly. 2.5 years of moderate abuse and it's about time to find someone to repaint it. Front break (great otherwise) clogs up when riding in soil with a high clay content--but who's don't? (disc break seriously needed up front).
Bottom Line:
For the price it's a sweet ride. Does well in mud and on soft dirt. Not much for mountains in North Texas but around the lakes you can get nice and muddy. Does well across fields and eats dry creeks up in the summer. This year's been very wet so I've had a ton of fun keeping it in the mud.
Similar Products Used: DiamondBack, GF, Bontrager Privateer (so I could have a bike with my name on it...)
Bike Setup: Jett XC, Salsa risers - looks just like the picture above...
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
doink the Clown
a Cross Country Rider
from fairbanks
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001
Strengths: BULLET PROOF FRAME! the frame is incredibly strong. i have the '97 version and have done enough to test this frame. but if you want to step it up a notch, upgrade is definitly in the future
Weaknesses: nothing really, the components need to be upgraded. the stx derailleur system has worked great for a long time. but i would agree jumping up to the XT. doesnt come with the best handle bars either. kore lite bar can be upgraded. needs better crank and rims if to make lighter
Bottom Line:
GREAT BIKE. Solid frame and light for the components used. sweet design for the frame. GT has done the right thing for a inexpensive bike. Heard the '01 is coming with something sweet. look for a backwoods if trying to deside on one!
I bought this bike after riding a Diamondback Apex (great bike) because I wanted an aluminum-frame bike. It`s frame is strong and solid although the paint (my is solar grass) easy scratches off. I wasn`t satisfied with the mixed components especially the drivetrain was poor. I replaced it with my old STX-rc drivetrain and it is good so far. The Shimano Ig chain is a piece of crap (SACHS chains are much better).
My bike cost a lot because I didn`t get it with a front suspension like other reviewers here. So I will have to think about buying a front shock (probably Marzzochi).
I`m satisfied with the frame (probably the main reason I`ve purchased this bike). Good things here are WTB tyres and Avid brakes (smooth and effective). I believe that with some new components this bike can be well upgradable.
I ask some GT 1999 Backwoods owners if they have any information about this frame weight and aluminum composition ? I tried to gather this information by official GT website, but no answer so far ! Thanks !!!
Submitted by
Jason L
a Weekend Warrior
from Evansville IN
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2001
Strengths: Triple Triangle frame strength Easily upgradable Solid component selection for beginner to intermediate rider
Weaknesses: Paint easily scratches down to exposed aluminum Mavic 221 Wheelset leaves something to be desired STX_RC crankset is flimsy Saddle is just plain hurtful
Bottom Line:
This bike is great to begin your mountainbiking life with. It can be upgraded to fit your level of progression. Besides the minor things that one will no doubt experience with a bike in this price range, I can find no faults with the Backwoods. It is lightweight and sturdy, what the hell else do you need? Overall stock bike gets four hotpoops, the way I have my bike set up gets a five for personal reasons.
Similar Products Used: Diamondback Topanga GT Aggressor Raliegh stuff
Bike Setup: 2000 Rockshox SID 100 Full XT Mega 9 9spd component group Avid 25's brakes Truvativ Stylo Team ISIS Drive Crankset Truvativ Sealex SL splined bottom bracket Time ATAC Alium clipless Easton CT2 carbon straight bar Specailized BG saddle **Truvativ hubs and tubeless wheelset to come
