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Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$960.00 | | Purchased At: | Local bike shop | | Strengths: | Loves bumps. Excellent rear suspension with almost zero pedal bob when seated. Handles great on high speed decents. | | Weaknesses: | Front shock (Manitou black comp) a bit soft and dives alot under moderate braking. Avid cable brakes worked fine but replaced with magura julie to get more progressive braking. | | Bike Setup: | TT Larsen tyres. Magura julie brakes. 15wt shock oil. 175/50psi for rear shock (rider and backpack = 82kg.Everything else as standard. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent value for money as a second hand bike. Great fisrt dual suspension bike. A fork equal in quality to the swinger rear shock would make this an outstanding setup. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Pine Bluff Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Spoke and Sport | | Strengths: | Great value, Swinger shock, solid build. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires and the rear brake cable guides. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a great deal. It had been nearly nine years since I had done any real mountain biking (job, wife, kids, move to different cities, and several other bad excuses). I went out with a buddy on my old Raliegh with an original Rock Shox Quad 10 and decided that if I wanted to keep up, I should probably make a small investment into some new equipment. Looked at alot of different bikes, but all priced out over $1500, this one seemed a steal and the reviews sounded pretty good. Since making the purchase, I've been riding regulary with guys on much more expensive set-ups and I don't seem to have an issue keeping up (at least on the equipment end). Several have commented on the value of the VT Three as well. The bike has performed well, however I will likely move to a stiffer spring in the fork (I'm 6' and weigh about 215). Also, the stock tires are pretty bad. My rear tire is about worn completely down, and didn't seem to offer as much grip as I would have liked when it had a fresh tread. Overall though, a couple of tires and a new spring set-up on the forks are a pretty small price to pay for what is a great bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ralph
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, CA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Ana River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World | | Strengths: | Very plush yet pedals very well with Swinger SPV shock. Lightweight for 5.7 inches travel, yet seems solid and durable. Great value. | | Weaknesses: | Integrated headset | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth, Titus Locomoto, Jamis XLT | | Bike Setup: | Sherman Firefly Plus, Laserdisc/Mavic XM819 wheelset, SRAM X.9, Avid Mech 8" discs, Shimano 520's | | Bottom Line: | Got the VT frame and Sherman for $650, maybe the best money I ever spent. This is a great all-day epic bike and is very versatile. The bike climbs surprisingly well, especially with the fork set at 110mm. Set it at 150mm for the descents and it can handle just about anything. The rear end is very plush with a quick ramp at the end of the travel, so it feels pretty bottomless. I hope to enjoy this one for a long long time. Can't wait to take it to Mammoth this summer and Moab in the fall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirby Crosby
a Cross Country Rider
from Courtice
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 rocks/Durham Forrest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS (Impala) | | Strengths: | Durable, comfortable. Climbs well and suits me far better than my previous bike. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Reba Team on teh front and shimano 540 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. The geometry just seems to work for me and i find i can climb even better than my old stumpy. It soaks up alll teh bumps but still pedals well. Current setup has teh bike weighing in at 29.5 pounds. Not bad for a bike with almost 6 inches of suspension travel.
Great bike. No problems at all, even teh shifting has stayed true without any rel adjustments since i bought it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudy
a Cross Country Rider
from Kutztown, PA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Weavers | | Strengths: | This is a follow up review to my last post about a year ago. The SPV shock is still kickin butt. Frame is a bear. and the feel of the bike is still pure joy. | | Weaknesses: | Ditched the seat post, it started to squeel enough to irritate me and put on a 30.9mm (i think) and no more squeeking. I also have a little stiffer wheelset, I started to feel the flex of the original ones as I got more aggressive, thanks to the bike. And unfortunately the fork is still on the soft side, but I'm not a big guy (5'7' 175) and it has been 70% ok and 30% bounced me off a few times. Probably going to get the stiffer spring kit like the other guy down below did. That sounds like an easy, cheap and quick fix. Oh yah, the cable rub has been a bummer to the paint, but so have the scratches that I have put on it since last review. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 Disc | | Bike Setup: | Most of what I replaced was either because I busted it or I had some xmas cash to spend. Race Face Evolve XC 30.9 seat post. Mavic 223s with XT disc hubs. LX bb and crankset (bounced the original crank off a rock) and Sram pg990 cog. And a spankin new set of Avid Flak Jacket cables with that cool red protector that covers the whole cable. Looks cool as hell against the blue paint. | | Bottom Line: | I am so happy I bought this bike. I have been able to climb right along with SC Blur riders and really good hardtail guys. I even got the guts to join a riding club with some really talented guys on some really great rigs and the VT helps me hold my own. I even got the guts up to start trying a bunch of small to medium sized freeride stunts. I crash more now than ever but, every time I pick up the VT I jump right back on with no major problems to the bike. I highly, highly recomend a Giant for aggressive trail riding. Now I have my sights set on a Reign 3. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T(b)om
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Grandma's house - Duh! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific (SF) | | Strengths: | Fit; Function; Value; Fun; Components
Good choice for "large"
read: heavy, f.a., "big," "dieting," etc.
"Normal" people's eyes bug outta they heads!
- not always a strength...
Mech discs rock! I grew up with cablestretchy feel, no prob! After a while, figured out that brake should actuate with levers about halfway closed - that way I've plenty leverage vs. hands more open... 220 lbs. straight down? Get discs baby! | | Weaknesses: | Cable Routing could be neater.
Giant discontinued VT line! I'd be pissed iffin' ah ever wanted to sell and "move up," however, I love-a my VT and my wife would kill me iffin' ah did that.
Didn't like the stock seat at first (prolly not like any seat after 25 yrs. hiatus from cyclin').
Those familiar with fullsus bikes not impressed.
- not really a weakness, though, is it? | | Similar Products Used: | I testrode a lot, including Konas, Jamis, the other Giants (NRS is fastest IMO), Spec'ized, Cannonfodder, SC, Cakes,
Sugar
The VT felt best to me; the 3 was in my price range. Several other machines had better components groups for same money, but not the feel. | | Bike Setup: | Added barends, speedo, cage, minipump, and me.
Replaced 1% "stretched" chain w/SRAM 99 HollowPin; sweet chain that! Forget "bulged" sideplates, gimme tight, slick, sweet, SICK 99! It won't forgive you if/when you cut it with a cogtooth like one o' them bulged chains will though; learn to shift.
Replaced wornout Scorpion tire with.... yup, another Scorpion! Lotta complaints 'bout that tire from others, but I-a like it! It's light, fast, and handles our conditions well. While I'm sure some of the complaints are valid, I think many people just want a more knobby LOOK.
On the other hand, maybe I just don't ride very hard? Hmmm, maybe, but I do ride as hard as I CAN, am getting faster alla time, and haven't danced on limits of the bike in general, let alone the tires (yet).
I use LunarLight tubes. | | Bottom Line: | Well now, ah thought ah bought a XC bike; no wonder I couldn't find the VT3 thread earlier. Duh.
Whatever, the machine's been a joy for me, no complaints, very functional, sturdy, durable, FUN! The suspension is supple and responsive, yet pedaling is efficient. I'm set up quite stiff in back, so there's VERY little bob there in standing position (the fork will bob a bit), but still plenty give on the lumps.
I concur with others' assesment of forks - a lil' soft for a big, but dependable and consistent.
No trouble with the seatpost (there should be a dent in your hand after closing the clamp - read instructions?), nor any wierd squeaks.
Like-a I said before, if you're set on a particular niche, like downhill, XC racing, huge "hucks," leaning some bling against your garage wall, etc., perhaps VT isn't for you, else, TRY IT! Lotta good bike per buck, buckos!
Does check it out too!
See you "out there" pally; be sure to SPEAK UP (onna left)now - ride safe!
'n don't run over the tarantulas.
4 Overall 'cause I want (not need) X9 rear der; sleeker crank; X0 cassette; carbon post, stem, bars; yadda
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Dewar
a Weekend Warrior
from Melborune, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Beechworth | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Ashburton Cycles | | Strengths: | SPV 3Way Swinger rear shock, Geometry, Climbing ability. | | Weaknesses: | Seat shim (changed to 30.9 post) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS2 04, Enduro Expert 03, Jamis XLT 05 and Raceline Comp Hardtail 04. | | Bike Setup: | XT Frt & Rear Del, XT Shifters, Sram PG990, Mavic 223's, Selle Italia Seat, Hayes HFX9 Disc's, Truvativ OS bar & stem, Geax Barro Marathon 2.1 tyres, Shimano 540 SPD's. | | Bottom Line: | Bought this bike after a couple of years riding hardtails. This bike is awesome! Climbs better than my old hardtail, decends like a cut cat, and inspires you to try things you thought were impossible. Back pain was an issue with the hardtail, but that is a thing of the past. Would recommend the VT1, 2 or 3 to anybody who can get there hands on one. I was lucky enough to find an old stock bike going cheap. If you are going to buy one, change the seat post to the right size and ditch the crappy Scorpion tyres. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Wong
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont, CA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Price, swinger shock, component selection, nice smooth ride that soaks up all the bumps. | | Weaknesses: | Tires suck. Black Comp could use a stiffer spring. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FRS, Trek Liquid, Cannondale, Rocky Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Hope wheelset, Thompson post, Precision Billet levers (from my old bike), Salsa skewers. | | Bottom Line: | Get it. Great bike for the money, and you can take it anywhere. SPV rocks. It smooths out all the bumps and you won't notice it when pedalling. Can't wait to test out my new wheelset. The only drawbacks were the tires, and I'll probably get a stiffer spring for the Black Comp. Otherwise you can't beat the value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Davies
a Cross Country Rider
from Lehi, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bingham Cyclery, Sandy ,UT | | Strengths: | Value. This is lots of bike for the money. The Manitou swinger shock is easily tuned once you learn how different settings feel. Fork is easily modified. I added firm ride kit, (spring) rebound and compression/lockout for very little money. Frame is cool looking, rigid and strong. Mechanical disks work very well. (added Cool Stop pads on front). All pivots on RR sus. are sealed bearings. Even the paint job is great. Turns and climbs very well, feels very balanced. Good pedals. (Time Attack) | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson Scorpion tires. These are the worst I have ever ridden. This is like grafitti on the Mona Lisa. Way out of place on such a solid bike. Weight is a tad high, a trade off for strength and typical of freeride bikes. The seat post uses a sleeve or shim to make it fit the large frame tube. Get rid of it and get the right size seat post. It's 30.8 or 30.9mm. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS 2, my old "not suspended in any way" SuperGo Access. | | Bike Setup: | New tires, IRC Trail Bears. Increased spring rate, added rebound adjustment, compression and lockout. Easton Monkey Bars. Rear shock feels awesome at 175 PSI main and 125 PSI in the SPV chamber. | | Bottom Line: | What I have ended up with is a rock solid bike that is plush to a fault yet is difficult to bottom out, a frame that a gorilla can't break, and a respectable list of components that all work very well once set up. I recommend this to anyone who needs a screaming deal on a rock solid freeride bike. If you are a weight weenie, you might not like it, but you won't like any freeride bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy McSnorklebob
a Weekend Warrior
from Cazenovia, New York, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Highland Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Absolute Bikes | | Strengths: | Handles anything with ease. Climbs, jumps, and accelerates amazingly. Back shock is awesome! | | Weaknesses: | Tires wear quickly and don't work very well. Front shock bobs a lot and bottoms out easily considering I'm only 120lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great overall bike and a a lot of bang for your buck.Perfect bike for aggresive trail riders and moderate free riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Kraut
a Cross Country Rider
from Post Falls, ID
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | The Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Spoke and Sport | | Strengths: | Climbs better than a hard tail, descends amazingly. Good on singletrack and switch backs. Strong bike for a burly guy. Manitou Swinger w/ SPV works in your favor. Time pedals, strong Mavic rims, and the Avid mechanicals are awesome. This bike makes the average guy a better rider. | | Weaknesses: | Black fork seems spongy at times, but you can purchase a spring to make it not so spongy. Had a few problems with the Avid's at first but they work great. Seat post squeaks. Had some chain slap noise issues, but a lizard skin voided that problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hard tail, test rode amost every other bike in this category. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for changing out the Hutchinsons for some Panaracers. | | Bottom Line: | I consider myself lucky to have gotten such a great deal on this bike, as it was a left over from 2004. Giant does not sell this bike in the US any longer. I am 6'4" and 240 lbs and opted for the 20.5" frame, which is more than adequate. I am quite sure this bike could handle any abuse that you put it through. I test rode different bikes in this category and decided that the VT was the best fit for me. Overall, this bike has exceeded my expectations of what I was looking for in a bike in this category. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tiny
a Weekend Warrior
from new jersey
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | chimneyrock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1110.00 | | Purchased At: | cranford bikeshop | | Strengths: | light, fast, smooth ride climbs well too | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | marin pine mountain | | Bottom Line: | great ride!!! I love it excellent control on tight turns plush ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TONY McLEAN
a Weekend Warrior
from THIRLMERE NSW AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | LITTLE RIVER | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | PHANTOM CYCLES | | Strengths: | Light enough to have fun cross country racing.Strong enough for the rough stuff,the best all round bike for the money.
Rear swinger shock works really well especially with the spv. | | Weaknesses: | Standard tyres suck.Standard forks flex and just dont feel strong.Rims are a bit weak if you ride like gumby. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS. Rocky Mountain Switch. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla 125R Forks. Hayes Hydro brakes.50mm BBB stem for going down hill.STD stem for cross country.WTB moto raptor tyres | | Bottom Line: | This bike handles everything i can do easily. I just did the 25 foot gap at the down hill track for the first time and it loved it!!!!
I have raced it cross country to and find it great for the rougher tracks.
The fox forks are unreal the hayes hydros are excelent.
PERFECT ALL MOUNTAIN BIKE!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudy
a Cross Country Rider
from Kutztown, PA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | If my bike and I are on it, it's a favorite. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Weaver's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Solid Frame, Great parts spec, SPV and travel, Smooth and flowing handling. | | Weaknesses: | P.O.S. Hutchinson tires, Seat post tough to adjust (doesn't squeel though), Thin Paint, Poor rear cable routing set-up. | | Similar Products Used: | '02 Trek Fuel 90 Disc, '03 Specialized Enduro Comp, '03 Giant NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Fire XC Pro's, Time Z pedals, the rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I got the VT3 for $900.00, because it was the Giant Reps '04 Demo Bike. The owner of my LBS recently bought it from the rep. It wasn't in new shape, but it wasn't beat up either and it was for sale. I bought it on a day when I was just dropping off my Fuel after a ride to get a tune-up. Could you pass up that deal if it fell in your lap, like it did mine.
Anyway, I was already researching and saving for a new bike and had narrowed my decision to either a VT2 or a Specialized Enduro Comp. Both had great specs and handled very similar. I spontaneously bought the VT3, because the sacrifice of the upgraded parts on both bikes was not strong enough to overcome the good parts spec I was already getting for the money I was paying on the 3.
As far as performance, once I got the SPV set up, I was grinning from ear to ear. What nailed me immediatly was how smooth and flowing it felt underneath me. What a difference from my Fuel. I can now ride more aggressively and feel in complete control; which is something that my Fuel started to lack as I got more aggressive. I even caught myself riding off the trail because I was looking down at the Swinger shock to see if I could tell if it was bobbing or not. I certainly couldn't tell if it was bobbing otherwise. What a great Ride. The only thing I MIGHT upgrade in the Spring is the spring of the Black Comp. It's not that it bottoms out on me(I'm 185), but it moves through the travel easier than my Black Elite did on my Fuel. We'll see how it goes in another 100+ miles.
The best part is how much more fun going down hill is now. Brakes, we don't need no stinking brakes, let her rip. Some new stunts with low to medium drops have been built at some of our local trails that I was afraid to take my Fuel on. I didn't think it could handle it. Now with the VT3 there is only the fear of my body not handling the drops, not the VT3 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Cieply
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything around Jasper, Alberta | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Head | | Strengths: | - Solid frame. The frame looks sweet, its pretty light,
great overall geometry, and solid as hell.
- SPV works like magic. Minimal bob when riding
uphill and is very forgiving on the way down.
- Takes everything I could have possibly put it through.
- Avid break work amazingly.
- Can adjust rear suspension for softer, more downhill
type riding, or for stiffer, X country riding with the
change of one bolt. (quick, easy, painless) | | Weaknesses: | -seatpost is a pain in the ass to adjust.
-the Scorpion tires are garbage. Buy new ones as soon as
you get your hands on this bike.
-Front suspension is too soft. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to name or remember. | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock for the 2004 season. Better tires, XTR rear der, and XT shifters to come in the 2005 season. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best bang for your bike if you are looking for a good bike to grow with. Wicked bike for new riders wanting to go big, and only needs minor upgrades as you get better and more technical.
I've never been a big fan of Giant but from the second i tested the VT3, i instantly fell in love with it and it has never let me down yet!
Wicked buy. Too good to pass up! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | AJ Barnes, Brandon, FL | | Strengths: | Great suspension, SPV really works, SOLID frame, great geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Creaking seatpost/shim setup | | Bike Setup: | Thomson Stem, Thomson Seatpost, Avid SpeedDial 7 levers, XT hubs/Sun Rhyno Lite Rims, Panaracer Fire XC tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I was riding a Fuel 80 for about three months before I bought this bike. What a huge difference. Much better for technical stuff, with more travel and less of a stretched out geometry. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Fuel, but this just is more my style. I was initially concerned I would loose some speed on the XC trails over the Fuel, but I was wrong. This bike flies. Climbing is great with the SPV system. The only issue I had was the stupid seatpost/shim creaking all the time. I swapped it out for a Thomson 30.9 and have had no issues since. The Avid Mech brakes are great, have had no issues with them. Overall, I'm constantly amazed at what a great bike this is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a
from somerset, virginia
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Killington Vermont as a whole | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Cycles | | Strengths: | First of all, the Manitou 3-way SPV shock is great. Stay in the saddle and it remains bob-free on any climb. On the way back down it soaks up anything that is reasonable for a 5.75 incher. Geometry is roomy, but when the trail tightens up you and the vt3 become one. The avid discs and calipers are the best deal for dependable disc brakes-i have only had to adjust them once in 3 months filled with many hills. A strong bike indeed. | | Weaknesses: | The seatpost sounds like a whale trying to find its lost brother. The scorpion tires suck. Bad. Paint is rubbed off on the head tube. | | Bike Setup: | New michelin hot-S wildgrippers(red)....they take you anywhere | | Bottom Line: | THis bike works very well on the flats for having 5-5.75 inches in the back. 90-120mm adjustable manitou black suits any condition the bike is capable of. If you want a solid all-mountain bike get this one. It will take you up the hill and back down with a smile at the end. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob wotzapollohimalaya
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | manly dam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | phantom cycles | | Strengths: | just get better and better
quick, tuff & smooth! | | Weaknesses: | seatpost/shim/clamp
the black comp is a little too soft
set up more for XC than freeride | | Similar Products Used: | first duallie
rode a friends kikapu, the VT rips in comparison... not that there is anything wrong with the kika | | Bike Setup: | standard.... added rear mutanoraptor for offroad
commuting, Geax roadrunner slicks
enduro8 cateye computer
armadillo chainstay protector
specialised body geometry seat
BBB stumpy bar ends | | Bottom Line: | this bike is amazing, big travel yet rides/pedals as good as a XC hardtail! amazin'
can't beat value for $$ in australia
no complaints except for the tyres, seatpost (about to get the Titec Sooper) and fork a little too soft (but oh so compliant)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ty
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Razorback, Santos, markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Locomotion - Winter Park, FL | | Strengths: | Tough!! I knew this bike was considered a trail (all mountain bike)bike - but after careful selection of components I have a light freeride machine that is a lot tougher that I ever imagined! Smooth suspension, very tight, sturdy. You feel very comfy in the cockpit! | | Weaknesses: | Thin Paint! I have applied stickers at allthe rub points on the frame - looks kinda sweet after the fact! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid, Specialized enduro, etc.... | | Bike Setup: | 04 VT 3, Marz Z1 Drop off II 130mm, Swinger 4 Way Coil, Salsa Gordo Rims w/ XT hubs(indestructible), 2.5 Wtb Weirwolf tyres, Avid mech brakes w/ 203mm rotor up front, I replaced the avid rotors (after a crash)put the Hope Universal Gothic rotors on. How Trick!!! | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Now I want a dedicated Xc bike to fly with for Adventure races I participate in. I may need a full fledge Freeride bike if my skills continue to elevate! I had use this bike on drops up to 9 ft so far. Handles like its nothing! The only thing that ever broke on a crash was 'bent rotors' - that AVID! ha ha ha This bike rocks!!!!! Buy it and you will not ride the same way - it makes you want to push your own limitations.... Careful and ride on!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SlyGuy
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | Handles everything I have thrown at it. Great value for the money. Nice looking bike (can't hurt). | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except XT Front and Rear derailers and Panaracer XC Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | Replace the tires before you leave the shop. The stock tires suck badly. Just check the reviews here on the Hutchison Scorpion tires.
Very nice bike so far, handles well and soaks up a lot.
SPV 3-way rear shock works as advertised. No bob at all.
If you are looking for a great all around trail bike don't look any further (unless you have more money to blow and can afford the VT2 with the nicer Minute One SPV fork ). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Oakes/ManlyDam/Narrowneck | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | $A... phantom cycles in tahmoor | | Strengths: | Soaks up everything
only bike in thie $$ range that has SPV
awesome overall package... well specced, light,
nice geometry for epic riding | | Weaknesses: | nothing i can think of....
maybe theft cause it is too much bike porn for others ;p
the scorpion airlight SUCK!!! | | Similar Products Used: | none really... last bike was a '96 Apollo Himalaya... b4 that a '92 Scott Boulder... first duallie
did consider a Kona Kikapu and Dawgmatic... and a GT idrive 3.0... they either didn't come close for specs, weight or price.... or all three | | Bike Setup: | stock as a rock except for speedo, barends, chainstay protector and mutanoraptor on the back | | Bottom Line: | can't fault this baby... nuthin in this price range has this spec... unlike other brands giant prices correspond to US prices....
it floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee!
i am needing to readjust what i can and can't ride because this bike can do so much more than i dare to do
BEWIDIFUL!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neal
a
from San Diego, CA,
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Warehouse (San Diego) | | Strengths: | Do anything go anywhere attitude, value (components wise), sleek lines, and it's lighter than advertised. | | Weaknesses: | clearance is a little high for shorter riders. I'm a shorter rider, but the bike felt comfortable to me. | | Similar Products Used: | StumpJumper FSR, VT2 | | Bike Setup: | bone stock. | | Bottom Line: | A light all-mountain, value packed, bicycle that's pimped by onlookers as you pass by. Heavy you say? I had the LBS weigh both the VT2 and VT3. Both weighed in at about the same weight, 28.5 IBS. It's a great bike for beginners to advanced riders who want a bike that has the suspension travel to do it all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maciek Dudek
a
from Poland
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lagiewniki trail:) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Dynamo £ódŸ!! best shop ever:) | | Strengths: | rear suspension + Manitou Swinger Air 3 way = THAT's SUPER PLUS!! Avid brakes | | Weaknesses: | the shim thing, bobing front suspension | | Similar Products Used: | KOna Coiler | | Bike Setup: | wheels (Formula e-hub front, XT rear, Mavic F219, Schwalbe Fat ALbert Light, this ones ROCK!!!) the rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my second Enduro bike and it is far more better then the previous one.
Rear susp. is bob-fre when SPV i set to max and sensitive, with little bob when u decrease SPV pressure a little. Front bobs when standing, but I didn't expect it no to:)
I am very satisfied with the Schwalbe tires, but these are not stock. Avid brakes, works well and are easily adjutable (not after every ride as some say:)
I ride XC trips , and ake some little drops like 1.5 meter the bike takes all of these in an outstnding manner. I would reccomend it to anyone looking for Endur, all mountain bike! (if u've got more money go for VT2 with Minute with SPV in front!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Ulbrich
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Backbone Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend who works at GIANT BIKES | | Strengths: | Great "All Mountain" bike. Good for beginners & great for the value. This bike is super fun to ride! I got an unbelievable deal on this bike, but I would definately spend the $1,600.00 it is going for at your LBS, for this bike. | | Weaknesses: | The Python Scorpions that come stock on this bike suck for the Santa Monica Mountains around Los Angeles. The Scorpions are fast, but terrible on sand, loose gravel, or loose stuff on top of hardpack (like in Los Angeles). Also the seatpost/shim thing is stupid. Mine squeaks on every ride. If you are going to buy this bike, you better budget for a new seatpost (probably $80) and new tires ($40 a piece for me). | | Similar Products Used: | Have not tried any similar products. I think some similar mountain bikes are the Santa Cruz Heckler, Gary Fisher Cake, and some Specialized bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock VT3 with Continental Vertical Pro tire on the front and Continental Survival Pro on the rear. These tires work great in LA (no rain). | | Bottom Line: | I am a beginner and I love this bike. It has 5.75 inches of travel in the back (Manitou 3 way swinger) and an adjustable shock in the front, 90 - 120mm (Manitou Black Comp Fork). I am happy I purchased an "All Mountain" bike. This bike is probably to heavy if you want to race, but perfect for fun downhill and jumps, and also climbs back up the hills well, no bob while in the seat - does bob when you are out of the seat. If you are a serious climber you might want to go with the Specialized Epic the Santa Cruz Blur, the Intense Spider, or the Giant NRS. All of those are much more stable out of the seat, but all have 3.5" of travel - they are much more XC bikes, not all mountain like the VT's. The Intense 5.5 PPV is probably a better bike than the VT all the way around, but also probably costs twice as much as the Giant VT3. I usually ride with the front fork at 100mm. I crank it down to 90mm if there is a lot of tough uphill single track and up to 120mm if I am bombing downhill singletrack.
Figure out what kind of riding you are going to be doing, look at the wallet, and if you are like me, you will get the Giant VT3. 5 Flaming Chilis, from The P.U. Ripper! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CLINT PETERS
a Weekend Warrior
from WHITEFISH, MT USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Pig Farms & Spencer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportsman and Ski Haus | | Strengths: | Light,components, comfort, performance for the $$, all around great bike | | Weaknesses: | None as of yet. I will post if I run in to any. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC 1, Specialized Rock Hopper (2002) | | Bike Setup: | Factory stock but what else do I need other than handle bar extensions? | | Bottom Line: | Been riding this bike for just about a month and I love it. I had the AC 1 stolen from my front porch when I was moving and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. The VT3 has been perfect for the local trails and is lighter than I expected. This bike is about as good as it gets for the price (I payed $1600. I haven't ridden it more than a dozen times just yet but so far I am very impressed. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an all around bike that can take just about any trail you throw at it. Not only that, but it makes you a better rider and more confident the more you ride it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam-I-Am
a Weekend Warrior
from Syndey, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ourimbah State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Greate bike that allows you to peddal easily up hills and descend with confidence.
Not as heavy as a freeride bike but tougher than a XC bike.
The manitou Swinger rocks. It Sucks up drops and jumps easily with the 5.75" of rear travel.
* The brakes work well and it's great to be able to adjust them on the fly. | | Weaknesses: | * Stock tyres suck. Rip them off straight away as they pinched too often.
* Manitou Black Comp forks are to soft for a big fella. I am 6.2 and 183kgs. Still waiting for the spring upgrades to arrive in the country. Would like to get the Sherman Firefly's. | | Bike Setup: | Std +
* WTB Weirwolfs (Awesome tires!)
* Crank Bros Mallet C | | Bottom Line: | I am not a downhill demon or a xc marathon rider. I consider myself an aggresive trail rider. Someone who likes to hit all the jumps and drops along the way down, but needs to peddal back up again. She handles drops and jumps well but its not design for anything bigger than a few feet. If you want more, buy an AC. I would also consider the Santa Cruz Heckler. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jameson hinkle
a Weekend Warrior
from roanoke, va
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | carvons cove off of cove road | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1549.00 | | Purchased At: | cardinal bicycle | | Strengths: | handling, it's very nimble when set below 100 mm in the fork, spv rear shock is great for climbs and eats up small jumps as well, hutchison tires handle well in any condition | | Weaknesses: | i would like some hydralic disc brakes, cause i don't like to adjust the discs after every ride, i would like to see some avid juicys as standard, although it would probably jack the price up | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock.......for now | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, give this bike a trail and it will ride it. It will ride in rain, heat, dust, mud, and even snow. It will take small jumps (the highest i've done with it so far is a 6 foot drop), and will maneuver down any small single track. Take it up a hill and it won't bob unless you stand up. Overall, this bike is good for damn near everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Strengths: | Price, frame, Manitou`s excellent Swinger rear shock, Avid mechanical discs | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson Scorpion tyres, seat clamp | | Similar Products Used: | Felt Nasty Sanchez dually | | Bike Setup: | VT3, Panaracer Fire XC 2.1 tyres, Selle Italia Flite Titanium saddle, Shimano 545 clipless | | Bottom Line: | If you`re looking for a bike that will do it all, then look no further.
The VT3 is in my opinion one of the best value bikes available, and given the excellent frame and rear shock it really lends itself to being easily upgraded as your budget allows.
I`ve found the VT3 to be a superb descender, dial the Manitou Blacks out to 110mm travel, pick the line you want and enjoy the ride. Trails that had me struggling to hang on with my previous Felt just get eaten up by the VT3, and its great being able to carry this additional speed into the next hill youre about to climb.
As for climbing...stay seated and the Swinger rear shock will give you a bob-free climb.....stand up and mash the pedals and it`ll bob, but given how good it climbs whilst seated you wont feel the need to stand.
The Avid mechanical discs are very good discs indeed....great power, modulation, and VERY easily adjustable (just dial the pads in or out with the red dials).
When climbing on front fork settings above 100mm, the steering can get a bit light...I keep it wound down to 90mm on some of the tighter single track climbs and have found this handles switchbacks etc exceptionally well.
I overcame the seat post slipping by simply tightening the clamp bolt with pliers (not too tight though) and then clamping it shut (no more probs).....finger tight just wasnt enough to stop the seatpost slipping.
The Mavic X117 wheelset that comes with this bike is extremely fast and great for XC riding, but for those who prefer to do drops and jumps, look for some a little sturdier to upgrade to.....as for the Hutchinson Scorpions that come with these, check the reviews on this website under "tyres"...enough said.
5 flamin` chillis for this bike....excellent value and componentry | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DirtMan Weiss
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL 32804
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Locomotion Bike shop-Orlando | | Strengths: | *Plush ride, Great Climber, Fairly light as well...
This bike just eats up all bump you encounter. Although I have the Vt3 with the Manitou Black Comp (much rather had the Minute) but $$$$ was a little tight. I will probably upgrade to a Marz or Fox TALAS or comprable. I swithed out the wheels for a more durable pair (Salsa Gordo laced to XT)w/ IRC Kujo 2.25, and up'e the rr der to Xt as well. Very tight and stable ride - can eat up the XC tracks and play in the in the rough and technical with ease and pleasure. I also do 5-6 ft drops with it and no problems... Love it! I am considering using Stan's Tubless Kit to lighter her up a lil bit more. And try a lighter tire as well. Great bike if you don't want to shell out the $$$ for two or three bikes for your different riding styles - this bike can do it all pretty much. If you specialize in a certain area, buy the best bike you can for that specific style - This bike will handle an all day play fest and then the ride home!!! | | Weaknesses: | *Cable routing seems to rub the paint off is certain areas (used Carbon patches to solve that lil prob)
*Damn seatpost shimmy thingy! I hate it, it sqeaks the entire ride! I am certainly going to replace the post with the correct size seatpost soon!
No other pressing weaknesses at this point - Will review again in another 6 mos or so. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin agrro xc hard tail
Mongoose Dualie (1st mtb bike)
| | Bike Setup: | Vt3
Xt drivetrain, Salsa Gordo Rims w/ XT, IRC Kujo 2.25, Swinger 3 way, Manitou Black Comp 90-120 RTWD, Avid disc, Easton touches. | | Bottom Line: | This a great do all bike that will put a smile on the toughest critics out there! Great ride and great suspension that enable you to rip uphill without thinking (I consistently fly by my riding partners up hill all the time, he he he)Tight and precise handling and it's a GIANT!
Try it out, you will not be disappointed! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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