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Submitted by
N23
a Weekend Warrior
from Elk Grove CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban Streets, Some XC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | Light frame, solid brakes, solid shifters. | | Weaknesses: | Horrible seat. Soft forks but hard for me to compare it to. | | Similar Products Used: | First real MTB. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Serfas Gel Seat, DB pedals. Panaracer Fire XC. | | Bottom Line: | Compared to my dept store mtb, this Giant Iguana Disc is rock solid. Smooth to ride, light and easy to maneuver, and confidence inspiring. I haven't taken it to serious xc or trails yet but this bike wants me to try them soon. Just started mtbing this year so this is a step up for me. For a squid riding for the first time, (I ride motorcycles), this is a great bike to get for the first time. Just change the seat, my butt hurt after 30 minutes on it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
<>Alex<>
a Cross Country Rider
from Noosa, QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tewantin State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$164.00 | | Purchased At: | Cash Convertors | | Strengths: | Good Strong frame
Strong Rims
Decent components compared to other novice MTBs
Nice looking
REally nice seatpost | | Weaknesses: | Soft Fork
Stock Tyres suck
Handlebars arent good...
Giant seat is terrible | | Similar Products Used: | Raleighs..
shoguns
BArracuda
| | Bike Setup: | Stock except for :
MAxxis highroller tyres
Velo DH seat
Giant lockon grips
Repco bottle mounts (cheap and cheerful)
Echo Computer
DMR V8 peddals | | Bottom Line: | Very good novice/intermediate XC hardtail, really good strong frame and decent gearset, Fork is soft as, but overally a really good mtb but it ISNT a really high end bike so dont expect the world from a cheap bike.
I paid $250 AUD second hand with like 50kms on the clock, Brakes are a bit weak though... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David C
a Cross Country Rider
from Williamsburg
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to pick from... | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Metropolis Bikes, Arlington, Va | | Strengths: | Super stiff frame. Good components in this price range. Never a problem with shifter/gears; even when crusted with pounds of drying mud. | | Weaknesses: | Not many...Upgrade the seat and tires. | | Similar Products Used: | many... | | Bottom Line: | I have put thousands of miles on my Iguana. By the sound of some of the reviews, I am thinking that the older Iguanas may be more indestuctible than the newer ones. Mine is a simple, straight forward, super durable bike. Sure, it's not a $3K bike, but it is absolutely a better value for the buck than a $3K bike. With upgraded tires, seat, and some tweaks here and there, you'll have a bike that is hard to beat. I ride some mountain terrain, but mostly rugged trail rides. I race my buddies a lot. I almost always win. Their bikes almost always break. Mine doesn't. (Find me some wood to knock on.) I love this bike, and plan on hanging onto it for a while longer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mobiorange
a
from Montreal, qc, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Royal | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles st-laurent | | Strengths: | Good all around trail rider. Front fork shocks have limited adjustment, but I would take on a race anyday. | | Weaknesses: | Noisy brakes! | | Bike Setup: | Stock, SPD pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great entry bike that I put thousands of km on, and it can take a serious beating from strong riders and still come out on top. Indestructible! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Neff
a Weekend Warrior
from Penn Yan,NY USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Geneva Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Bike is built pretty tough. Weight is average not too heavy. Decent components. Double walled rims. Good ride in this price range. | | Weaknesses: | The disc brakes are entry level brakes,Would have done just as good without the disc brakes. The fork is tough but has minimal adjustments. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Cannondale, TREK | | Bike Setup: | Crank Brothers pedals | | Bottom Line: | A lot of these reviews bash the bike for what it has. The fact is it is a $600 bike that a lot of people bought expecting a $1500 to $2000 grade bike. You get what you pay for. If you are just starting out this bike will do good for you in developing your bike skills. This bike cranks well grinding up steep slopes. Descent is OK. You can plush the front fork for rough terrain for relief in your hands and arms but IT IS a hard tail. It gets a lot of bounce in the rear causing fatigue in the legs to ride out of the saddle to absorb these hits. So don't expect an all mountain bike here. THE BOTTOM LINE IS...For the price this bike has no real weaknesses compared to any other hard tail bike of the same price. If your looking for better quit being cheap and shell out some clams. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from oregon
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Autobon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Hutches | | Strengths: | frame is nice and somewhat light, i like the deore rear and shifters | | Weaknesses: | crank and hayes brakes are not my first choice. i have to tighten the bolt on my crank every time i go on a ride and the disk brakes are not as responsive as they should | | Bottom Line: | the perfect bike between an expensive race bike and a recreational bike. this is would be good if you want a cheeper bike and still enter a race or two. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | shorthills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This is my 3 month update on the bike. I'm definitely taking the rims out of the product strengths thing. They've really bent up a lot, and not from really hard stuff either, the bending has come from really small things like riding on trails.
I still really like the gearing setup, however i am going to loose the 3rd gear in the front and put on a bash guard. I've started doing some street riding and i think that i need it. | | Weaknesses: | The fork is the main weakness in my opinion. It is just plain HORRIBLE for anything but what its made for; trail riding. It is the weakest thing EVER.
I think that I'm going to upgrade it to one of the dirt jumper forks. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Ironhorse, Norco. | | Bike Setup: | Stock... | | Bottom Line: | Its good for what its made for. Thats it.
I still really like it. :)
For the price i probabally should have bought the STP2 but i didn't. Too late now... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | local dirt jumps, small trails around where i live | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The frame on this bike is amazing. It basically is indestructible. The stock rims are very strong, and the gearing setup is nice and provides a wide range of speeds. | | Weaknesses: | The front fork is very weak for anything except for its intended purpose; cross country riding. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing for anyone who isn't going down huge drops and huge jumps. It can take jumps, like 3 footers. Anything bigger i would get another bike. The front fork is made for xc riding and doesn't take DJ all that well. Other than that great bike for the price.
I would recommend this bike for anyone who wants a decent bike but doesn't want to pay thousands of dollars. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gaudencio "Jimmy" Tan
a Downhiller
from valenzuela Philippines
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | rough city roads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | extreme bike shop | | Strengths: | light bike easy to pedal, good stopping power brakes, nice color paint, just right for me shocks. | | Weaknesses: | noisy brakes, deore components not too good, there are times I don't know what gear I am . | | Similar Products Used: | Durango, meridian | | Bike Setup: | no modifications | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike. I could have gone for the Durango or Meridian but I did'nt because of It's looks. Nice light to pedal. But there are times I feel that my bike is slow. I can't keep up with a racer. I think I should buy a racer in the future. This bike is good for starters, I have done it for a cclose to 300 kms already. I'm biking almost everyday for conditioning while not scuba diving. This is a good sport. I Love IT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Antonio Gordopilo
a Weekend Warrior
from Cold Spring Harbor, NY/Bustarviejo, Spain
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Stillwell Woods, Rocky Point, Sierra de Guadarrama | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Concept. Frame. Looks. Components. Disk brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires were weak. Cable routing rub the frame in two spots. | | Similar Products Used: | Merida Matts Speed. Marin Mount Vision | | Bike Setup: | Upgrades at purchasing: Shimano Deore LX front and rear. 2.3 WTB tires. Later Upgrades: FSA K-Force DH carbon bar. Specialized 150mm-wide saddle. Easton AM Vice 100mm stem. Marzocchi All Mountain III 130mm fork. | | Bottom Line: | This is the kind of the bikes that represent true mountain bike. Strong, simple, and reliable. You do not need full ss or spend 3000+ dollars to get lost in the trail and enjoy until exhaustion.
I am 220lb and everything in the bike has held perfectly, after 3 years of XC-agressive trail. I love it and trust it so much that I have upgraded it to a capable AM machine (see bike setup).
Bye, I need to get my Iguana y echarme al monte right know! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clark Friesen
a Downhiller
from BC
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | local jumps and skatepark | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$620.00 | | Purchased At: | forget | | Strengths: | Shifters are good, brakes, frame | | Weaknesses: | the stock tires are crappy, they wear out really fast,the tires gave pinch flats like crazy had lots of flats. Also had a few problems with the front derailleur. | | Bike Setup: | stock except i got bonrager big earl 2.40 tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a pretty good bike. It cant take anything too hardcore but ive used it off 3 footers and it works fine. If your going to be doing anything bigger i suggest a more serious bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Cross Country Rider
from England UK
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannock Chase | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | The frame, price, comes in a 23" frame | | Weaknesses: | components not great | | Bike Setup: | mavic xc 717 rims, shimano xc hubs, shimano deore 525 hydraulic disks with sintered pads, shimano LX crank set with integrated bb, shimano cassette, sram chain, maxis tyres, WTB rocket V race saddle | | Bottom Line: | The frame on this bike is great - light and strong. Even though mine is a huge 23", it is just as light as many of my friends mega expensive 17-20" bikes. The components aren't the best, but I have really enjoyed slowly upgrading and personalising everything on the bike, and it is now a pretty useful machine for XC! OK its not a full-susser and in an ideal world we would all be millionares and be able to afford a $3000 bike, but for me the iguana offers pretty good value for money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Weekend Warrior
from melbourne, australia
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | castlemain piney | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | the frame geometry is great and it is a very robust bike. it could be considered overbuilt for racers but for trail riding the extra strength is welcome. | | Weaknesses: | the stock forks were bad. very unresponsive. | | Bike Setup: | 05 model with upgraded fork, pedals, stem, seat, grips and tyres. | | Bottom Line: | thsi bike is fantastic. i got it very cheap as the 2006 models had just come out. since then i have put some upgrades on including a travel adjustable fork. the extra travel this fork offers is very welcome and has made the bike a lot more versatile. the ride of the feel of the bike has not changed dramatically either.
i have used this bike for things that its probably not designed for (drops and jumps) but it has had absolutly no problems after over 3000 kms. with the stok forks this would have been a different story however. the ride feels awsome and the frame is strong. one of the most surprising components of this bike is the rims. the rims are iant branded but have held up to alot of abuse without buckling slightly. while they are a bit heavy they are very strong.
this bike is probably too heavy for racers but for an entry level trail rider it is fantastic.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Weekend Warrior
from melbourne, australia
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | castlemain piney | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | the frame geometry is great and it is a very robust bike. it could be considered overbuilt for racers but for trail riding the extra strength is welcome. | | Weaknesses: | the stock forks were bad. very unresponsive. | | Bike Setup: | 05 model with upgraded fork, pedals, stem, seat, grips and tyres. | | Bottom Line: | thsi bike is fantastic. i got it very cheap as the 2006 models had just come out. since then i have put some upgrades on including a travel adjustable fork. the extra travel this fork offers is very welcome and has made the bike a lot more versatile. the ride of the feel of the bike has not changed dramatically either.
i have used this bike for things that its probably not designed for (drops and jumps) but it has had absolutly no problems after over 3000 kms. with the stok forks this would have been a different story however. the ride feels awsome and the frame is strong. one of the most surprising components of this bike is the rims. the rims are iant branded but have held up to alot of abuse without buckling slightly. while they are a bit heavy they are very strong.
this bike is probably too heavy for racers but for an entry level trail rider it is fantastic.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheung Shui, Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$423.00 | | Purchased At: | Chung Yung Bicycle | | Strengths: | Strong 6061 Fluorform Aluminum, Hayes Sole Hydraulic disc | | Weaknesses: | Crankset is not good at all, not even at sports level | | Bike Setup: | 19" Iguana Disc | | Bottom Line: | I have 2 bikes and Giant Iguana is considered the top end aluminum hardtail model right now (excluding XTC team). Considering me as a rookie, Iguana is more than enough for on-road and some off-road action. Change your tires and cranks for better performance. But it's very good for a beginner to practice on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Bond
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | mix | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | Good frame, acceptable components | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | Deore, Suntour XCR, WTB Speed V saddle, CAT velo 800 | | Bottom Line: | Nice entry level bike good on road and dirt. So far this bike fits for my weekend biking with my bike buddies. Just a minimal upgrades in the near future but, I am satisfied with the parts and components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brendan Skoreyko
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$715.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path | | Strengths: | Frame kicks butt! | | Weaknesses: | Disc Brakes, so far with the limited use they rub on the pads, the chain is rubbing on the front de-railer, rear tire has slight wabble (could be from assembly) | | Similar Products Used: | None, first hard-tail bike. Haven't been on a mountain bike since I was like 15 (I am 22 now) | | Bike Setup: | Factory PLUS wire micro cateye speed-odometer | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a kick butt begginers mountain bike! The compenents aren't bad, but when it comes time I will upgrade the brakes and tires/rims.
I was looking at the Trek 4500 DISC and up to the 6500 DISC but this bike over all was less than most of the Treks and had better components and stronger frame which was a "better bang for my buck." | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Devin Carter
a Cross Country Rider
from Salwa, Kuwait
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere in Europe | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportslines in Dubai, UAE | | Strengths: | Frame is extremely strong for the value. Componentry was decent for the price. Also the frame had rack eyelets to add a frame-mounted rack over the rear tire. It was also very upgradeable. It had the same quick-steering geometry at the XTC line of cross country racing bikes. | | Weaknesses: | The stock Tektro brakes were very too weak for my riding style and weight (185 lbs). The brakes were the only real weakness. | | Similar Products Used: | I have previously owned a Giant XTC cross country bike that was stolen when I moved my household good when I separated from the Air Force. Everything showed up but my bicycle. | | Bike Setup: | The only thing original is the frame and headset. Rockshox 100mm Pilot Air XC, Shimano XT shifters and derailleurs, SRAM PC99 chain, Lizard Skins grips, lever skins, fork boots, chaninstay protector, Race Face Next LP 110/74mm crank, steel taperlock bottom bracket, Race Face Next Carbon XC flat bar and seatpost, LP Composites Carbon bar ends, Schwalbe Marathon Plus w/ tourguard tires, Hayes HFX-9 6" hydraulic disc brakes w/ wavy mudcutter rotors, Crux 5mm billet bashguard, Wellgo titanium clipless pedals, SKS front fender, Tubus frame mounted rack, some misc. accessories- water bottle cages, headlight, tail light, reflectors | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bicycle for two years now and really enjoy riding and upgrading it. Now that my upgrades are almost finished, I can concentrate on getting my other gear for camping and travelling on a mountain bike. When all the accessories are removed, it's a really fast XC bike, with the accessories, it's a little heavy in the dirt, but very road and trail worthy when travelling. I am extremely pleased with it. I would recommend it to someone short on cash for something more expensive, anyone looking for a nice bicycle that they can ride XC on and still have the eyelets for a rack for commuting or travelling, and also anyone that is new to the sport. I have been very happy with Giant mountain bikes overall since I was 14 and I am almost 30 now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blake
a Downhiller
from Canada, Manitoba
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | red rock bible camp (used) | | Strengths: | frame | | Weaknesses: | Everything | | Similar Products Used: | supercycle is the only thing that brakes this fast | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a pile of crap everything breaks i have had to replace everything (this is the 2005 model)dont buy it its a pile of garbage it sucks everything breaks chain broke 5 times handelbars bent cranks bent rims bent | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean
a Racer
from vernon nj usa
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | frame is well built and thats the only real giant part on the bike. | | Weaknesses: | just about evertything except the derailors and shifters | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | giant iuana. easton monkey light bar. hope mono mini, hope xc hubs, mavic 717 disc rims. easton seat post, ODI lock on grips, shimano deore shifters,mrp minime 32t black spire chain ring, kenda karma 2.0 tires, oem seat, chris king headset, 2006 rock shox sid wc with pop lock, hope quick release, race face stem, crank bros smarty pedals, truative carbon bb and crank arms. | | Bottom Line: | all i have left is the frame. excelent bike to start with and and upgrade off of due to the same frame as the xrt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Heifert
a Weekend Warrior
from Dupont, WA USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Capitol Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tec Olympia | | Strengths: | Hayes MX2 Disc Brakes, Marzocchi EXR Fork, Kenda Blu8e Nevegal Tires, WTB Speed V saddle | | Weaknesses: | very little clearance between rear tire and frame, rubbing while hard climbing out of the saddle. Had some small problems with disc brakes rubbing initially, but all is good now. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for bar ends and Trek seat post rack. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first true mountain bike that I intend to ride like a mountain bike. Thus far I am very pleased. The bike is very good for the money. Since I din't want to invest too much in a sport that I wasn't sure I was going to stick with the price point was excellent considering what you get. The quality and durability of the bike has actually allowed me to do more aggressive riding than I thought. With the exception of poping my chain twice due to bad shifting technique, my first ride in the capitol forst here in WA was very smooth and rewarding. I definitely see more riding in my future and maybe even some upgrades on the bike after a while. I love my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Rouse
a Racer
from Houghton
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Down Wind Sports | | Strengths: | Brakes grab fairly well, never had any trouble with the componentry, frame fits wonderfully, shifts smoothly, plus the air shock is adjustable to suit rider tastes. Also I love the tires that it came with. | | Weaknesses: | I would have perfered clipless pedals, and a steel chainring gaurd up front. The stock chainring gaurd is just a plastic toy, so if you're going to be riding 2x4 bridges or jumping fallen trees, probably get a real one. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hardrock, Trek 4900, | | Bike Setup: | Bike was purchased in 2005 model year, it's basically stock with the exception of replaced pedals with a clipless set, and new tires after one season of hard riding. | | Bottom Line: | I'm very happy with my bike, I was looking for an inexpensive way to get into serious riding. This bike always seems to perform when I need it to, I'm not a big downhill or jumps kind of guy, but I probably put 500-700 miles of trail riding on last summer. Just small jumps, 2x4 bridges and a lot of single track. Its perfect for everything I've ever used it for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iulian
a Weekend Warrior
from Iasi, Romania
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | Giant Store, Chisinau, Moldavia | | Strengths: | Light and very good quality frame. Good part (Shimano, Truvativ, SRAM) | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, tires, rims (FEMCO?????) | | Similar Products Used: | Merida matts sport 500 (a friend of mine have one) | | Bike Setup: | Giant frame, Alivio (front), Deore (rear), Shimano Deore (brake levers and shifters), V-brake Shimano), Truvativ cranckset, SRAM x.7 cassette | | Bottom Line: | It's a very light and stable bike. Very good part for an entry level MTB. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Jensen
a Cross Country Rider
from Jamestown, ND USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Maah Daah Hey | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Dakota Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good price / value. Well built with suitable components. Fit and finish of frame and adjustments was very good. | | Weaknesses: | I am trying hard to think of one. Perhaps weight but for an entry mountain bike it is right in there with the rest of them. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Trek.
| | Bike Setup: | Stock except you must ride with a Specialized Body Geometry seat. They are the best. I added a seat post shock and Specialized Armadillo tires. | | Bottom Line: | I owned this bike for 2 years and like it alot. I am handing it over to my son now. Going to a '06 Specialized Epic Comp Disc because of the ride. Much $$$ more than this bike. The Giant served me very well and never had any problems with it. It never lost adjustment, no squeaks and nothing ever came loose.
It is a very attractive bike and the paint and finish is very good.
Buy one and you'll love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Grantonic
a Cross Country Rider
from New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Spruce Creek Preserve & Little Big Econ St Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | Loco Motion, Winter Park, FL | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry, Deore Rear Deraileur, Marzocchi Forks, Disk Breaks | | Weaknesses: | Alivio Front Deraileur, Pedals and Handle Grips | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Fire Mountain, Klein Pulse Comp | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Exr Forks, Alivio Front Deraileur, Deore Rear Deraileur, Kenda Blue Groove and Nevegal Tires, Double Wall Rims, Truvativ Isoflow Cranks | | Bottom Line: | Due to the fact that I'm a right arm amputee frame geometry means everything. When I set out to buy a new XC Hardtail I had my sights on another Kona Fire Mountain, since I owned one previously and that bike fit me great. I learned to maneuver that bike as well as many two-armed bikers so it made since to get another one, however the bike shop that I bought my Kona (Loco Motion) no longer stocked that brand of bike, but they could order it if I wanted it. I looked around the bike shop for another brand with similar geometry and had the sales clerk take the Giant Iguana down of the rack so I could take it for a test ride around the parking lot. This bike felt just like my old Kona and within minutes I was convinced to buy the bike. Since my Kona I havn't done any serious cross-country montain biking which has been about 6 years, but within a matter of the first time out on the trail it was like I didn't miss a day of riding on the Giant. It's great to be back out in the woods on the trail again and I would recommend the Giant Iguana to anyone especially those that are just getting into cross-country mountain biking. I plan on upgrading my Giant starting with the padals and front deraileur. The other components I will upgrade as I wear them out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Tarbell | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike n Hike | | Strengths: | Tough, very affordable, great adjustable Marzocchi shocks, high-end components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | So far the only weakness is that the chain guard broke after a few rides. | | Bike Setup: | Giant Iguana with clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great first time bike. I am sure after I get more comfortable in the saddle I will upgrade or go to full suspension. Well made, fairly light, very dependable and tough. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Mankiw
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain Creek, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | my back yard | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Barrys Bikes | | Strengths: | kenda nevegal sp? and blue groove were good in corners the seat is good | | Weaknesses: | my bike tipped over and the break lever broke left crank is always falling off grips suck tubes dont hold up tires wear easily shifting isnt that great and the fork is sticky | | Similar Products Used: | giant boulder se | | Bike Setup: | stock exept 4 grips | | Bottom Line: | bike is crappy save your money and dont buy it this bike sucks the yukon is the same thing exept for fork and is $100 cheaper. I hate this bike. I have had more problems with this bike then my boulder se. Its not the way its set up either. I had 3 dif mechanics try fixing it with dif setups but nothing works. Again dont buy this bike!!!!!!! save for the trance 3 for xc im converting to freeride/dh so i have no plans to buy another xc bike. if you get this bike you will be sory. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dd vv
a Downhiller
from ca
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | sda | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | the store | | Strengths: | sucks frame broke in a week | | Weaknesses: | the frame and all the gay parts on it | | Similar Products Used: | none it sucks to much | | Bike Setup: | wheels and a frame | | Bottom Line: | the bike sucks never buy it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Allen
a Racer
from Newark, ny
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ellicottville | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Geneva Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Tires, mine came stock with the wtb wierwolfs | | Weaknesses: | frame cracked (I'm only 150lbs), seat bent, handlebars bent, axels broke, all under normal cross country riding. Fork became way too plush after about 600 miles of singletrack. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | wtb laser stealth saddle (awesome!), time atac alium pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great first bike, and I bought it never thinking that I would become a serious rider. However, This bike was so much fun to ride, that I became a serious rider and trashed it. I bought it in April and by August I was racing regularly, including a 6 hour endurance race on this thing and it held up for quite a while. It has roughly 600 miles of mostly singletrack on it, and by now it is pretty much useless. But I would recommend it to anyone who just wants to knock around in the woods a little bit, cause thats what it is built for and you cant beat the value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Muddshovel56
a Weekend Warrior
from Bagdad ,Az
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikesmith Prescott,Az | | Strengths: | Good sturdy frame,integrated headset, Marzocchi Exr forks are great, hayes disc brakes work great no squealing so far
Clay Gray color is sweet. | | Weaknesses: | none yet pedals had toe clips could'nt get my fat feet in to them so I removed the clips. | | Similar Products Used: | Wallyworld mountain bike/ no comparision to Giant | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Iguana 19"Aluxx SL aluminum butted frame, Marzocchi Exr fork 100 mm travel ,Wtb Speed v seat, Hayes MX26"rotor disc brakes, Avid brake levers, Truvativ ISO flow crank 23/32/42T for powerspline, SRAMPG950 11-34 9 speed T cassete, Shimano deore rear derailer/and shifters, Alivio front derailer, Shimano HG53 chain, AlexCR18 32H rims(double wall), Formula 32 hubs, Kenda Blu8egroove/Nevagal 26x2.1 tires w Slime added to the tires at the bikeshop. Serfas frame mount pump | | Bottom Line: | I just purchased this bike a few days ago and have not had much time to ride yet. I was refered to the bike shop and the Giant brand by a friend who rides road bikes and mountain bikes and has for many years. I chose the Iguana because of the Marzocchi fork I looked at the Yukon but the Sun fork seemed really weak. I probably won't change much on this bike now until I find out over time what I need to change. I plan on buying clipless pedals and shoes after I get used to this bike. Also go with some more accesories such as a headlamp for night riding. Also wedge and tools /E kit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | FRIM | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Taiwan | | Strengths: | Mine is the iguana disc model.Great Ride and derailleurs. Comfy seats from what i used to use (Trek 820). Brakes are really effective especially in tropical rains and muddy trails. | | Weaknesses: | In 3 months use... have not found any yet. | | Bike Setup: | deore LX front and back. Hayes hydraulic discs. suntour forks. | | Bottom Line: | Superb buy. Solid frame... in sleak mat black.
Superb ride in all conditions and weather.
I never thought I'd be spending so much time and effort maintaining the bike out of sheer love for it.
Cycling mostly on sandy/muddy/gravel trails, the bike takes a good pounding and jostling around. I have a great time maneouvering it and it feels very nimble and easy to control.
Great bike for anyone thinking of taking up riding seriously. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from N-B
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the street | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Intersport | | Strengths: | light,very strong frame | | Weaknesses: | tires,rims | | Similar Products Used: | giant yukon(demo) | | Bike Setup: | psylo,bmx pedals,new stem,street tires | | Bottom Line: | good bike for crosscontry and can be used fore street if short on cash. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
colby benton
a Downhiller
from glencoe illinois USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything w/ some fun stuuf | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | very strong for weight, looks decent, can be easily upgraded | | Weaknesses: | not forserious riders(duh) | | Similar Products Used: | giant boulder, kona cowan, jamis eureka, specialized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | 05 giant iguana w/ 03 morzhocchi DJII, stomp peadals, lock on grips(lizard skin nrtshr) and hayes MX1, michlin all mountains | | Bottom Line: | this bike is pretty cool for new guys. i put some better stuff on it to make it more for my feel, and it works awesomely w/ all of them. if you're nwe to this sport, i would highly reccomend this cus it has some great stock componenets and alotta room to improve your ride w/ cus thats really half the fun of this sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Value. This bike comes with a lot of good parts for the money and as a package it really performs well. Nice feeling crank (main seller for me). Quality shocks and brakes. Good climber. | | Weaknesses: | It is a little heavy, but I like the geometry. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassahara, Specialised Rockhopper, Cannondale F300 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Oury grips. | | Bottom Line: | I tried out all the major brands in this price range and the Giant felt like the most solid product to me. I bought it to replace an old mongoose dx.5, feeling that I was ready to upgrade. Going from steel to aluminum I expected more of a weight difference, but I can't really complain. The bike performs well in all categories and I am able to ride with more confidence. I'm happy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph McDonald,
a Weekend Warrior
from South Lyon
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mayberry State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$495.00 | | Purchased At: | South Lyon Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame is outstanding, good disc brakes, good components | | Weaknesses: | Little heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc-Antoine Mageau
a
from Port-Cartier, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the short downhill trail behind the "Bureau Bleu" | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Sports | | Strengths: | (Price paid in canadian dollars: 1000$ )Strong frame, Deore front and rear derailleurs , 9 speeds drivetrain, Rock Shox Pilot is a good fork for that price level. | | Weaknesses: | The Hayes mechanical disk brakes are doing a good job but they are very noisy, you may want to upgrade to hydraulic after a while. | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 Norco Charger | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2005 model | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for cross country and even some little harder riding. Good components, strong, gussetted frame make a great package for somebody who doesn't want to pay 5000$ for a mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Platte River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Waynes Cyclery (Grand Island, NE) | | Strengths: | 05 modifications to bike make it superior to previous models -fork, seat, tires
disk brakes
| | Weaknesses: | grips not very grippy once your hands get a little sweaty
alvio isn't that great | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn mesa | | Bike Setup: | all stock 23" | | Bottom Line: | 05 stock parts - major differences on 05 version
Marzocchi EXR fork great fork for the money check the reviews http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2005_front_shocks/product_124616.shtml
05 stock parts - major differences on 05 version Marzocchi EXR fork,
Kenda Blue Groove(front)/Nevegal(rear) great for wet rocks
and do fine on dirt- will want different tires for urban riding though
WTB saddle is good for longer rides without butt-soreness
Deore shifters are good but take some careful tweaking to work great.
Great bike. I searched high and low for good trail bikes and this one was the best price/components in the 400-600 range.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | rocky road | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | durable rims, great frame, deore derailleur, | | Weaknesses: | Crappy fork, cheap shifter pods, grips | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2003, except for shimano chain rings | | Bottom Line: | This is the perfect entry level mountain bike. You can find it for a great price, and all the components are quality. The shock is a piece of crap though. It is a manitou comp six, and it is an elastomer shock, which sucks cause they wear out so quickly. Mine bottoms out by leaning on the front too hard. Now i have to buy a shock which cost more than the bike. But if you are just getting into mountain biking this is the perfect bike for you to last a couple years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pitto
a Weekend Warrior
from Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Blacksnotts - Gold Coast | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Ferry Rode | | Strengths: | Frame, SRAM x7 shifters & Derailer, Hayes Sole Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Cheap Ass pedals.
Grips.
Plastic shim next to cassette.
Soft compound of the Scorpion Tyres | | Similar Products Used: | Trek,Avanti,Specilaized | | Bike Setup: | Crank Bros Mallet C's Pedals.
Odi Rogue Lockon Grips.
Removed Cheap Plastic shim next to cassette
Removed Reflectors and Streamers from handlebars ;-) | | Bottom Line: | [following is based on the AUS spec]
Its an awsome bike to get you out on the trails. the Judy TT arnt as bad as many make them out to be. I have hammered this bike for the last 6 months and i love it. I weigh 95Kgs and have really thrown alot at it. the SRAM x7 gear is great, the frame is nice and strong and all in all, a great bike to get stared on. the Hayes SOle brakes take about a good month to bed in, so be patient. once they bed, they are great.
Note, This is an XC bike, so kids at home, dont think about 6 footer drops. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a Cross Country Rider
from Marquette
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Superior Bike Fest Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Down Wind Sports | | Strengths: | The frame is strong and it looks good. The WTB Weirwolf tires have been great. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost & handlebars. But at this price they have done their job well. The Pilot C fork is decent. I haven't noticed that it bottoms out, but when you are speeding down a rocky road it feels like you are working a jackhammer. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose A40r | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Stock, except I replaced the cages with Ritchey Pro 3 clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | After riding this bike for a year I have realized a few things. This bike is a great value. The Hayes disc brakes & Rock Shox Pilot C fork are nice. The bike holds it own with other XC bikes. I have gone on rides with bikes two to ten times more expensive than this bike and this bike hasn't let me down. But since I raced with it for the first time after owning it for a year I decided that I would like to upgrade to a full suspension XC bike in the near future. The Iguana is a great bike for recreational off road trail riding but not competitive racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Rivers, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | tight cowtrails in ravines | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | camp | | Strengths: | good strong frame. Deore rear derailer. | | Weaknesses: | bad stock tires. replaced mine after 3 months. Manitou six is such a soft fork. alivio front derailer. soon as hubs get loose at all, axel bolt shifts. | | Bike Setup: | all stock except IRC tires | | Bottom Line: | great for trails and it has a light solid frame. They could do much better on the fork but they did that for '05. It's started me out fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seth
a Weekend Warrior
from Ruston, Louisiana
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lincoln Parish Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$515.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes, Etc. | | Strengths: | Sturdy frame, disc brakes, decent fork, looks good | | Weaknesses: | Cheesy seatpost, cheesy handlebar, Alivo front derailleur, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | My first bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock except adding clipless pedals and bar ends. Will start next with seatpost, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I have a friend that got me started, and he helped me pick this out. I'm very pleased so far, but I have nothing to compare it to. I like the looks, and I've already put it through quite a bit. I was told the frame was good and I could upgrade this for quite a while. I looked at bikes in a similar price range, but this had the best frame and components for the money. Good bike for beginners who want to continue riding and upgrade in my opinion. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Y
a Cross Country Rider
from Frenchville
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Local Anything | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$565.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Looks good, rides decent. | | Weaknesses: | Gear combo doesnt work out to well, finish is very thin and wears easy. | | Similar Products Used: | 2005 Fuji MT Fuji PRO; 2001 Fuji Nevada; 1999 Fuji Sunfire; 1997 Giant MTB | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall, very good beginner bike but has its issues. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOSE MURILLO
a Cross Country Rider
from VENTURA ,CA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | RAYS BIKE SHOP | | Strengths: | FRAME IS STR0NG | | Weaknesses: | NONE AFTER REPLACING EVERY THING | | Bike Setup: | XT SHIFTERS, XT V BRAKES, XT HUBS, XT F/R DER, MAVIC RIMS
ROCK SHOX DUCK RACE, LX CRANK, TITEC ENDURO HANDLE BAR.
| | Bottom Line: | GREAT BIKE FOR CLIMBING, XC RACING. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josiah Elliott
a Weekend Warrior
from Wheaton, Illinois, USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos Heights | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay.com | | Strengths: | Nice frame, good for everything i have used it for | | Weaknesses: | when I got it the tires were worn down as were the brake pads | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock with Kore handlebars and stem, titec seatpost, performance bike store pedals, and titec grips | | Bottom Line: | This is a 2002 model and I bought it last year it is a great bike and is great for beginners and not to expensive i recomend making sure your shifting is ok befire you ride because with these components it can go pretty bad pretty soon | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Kenmore Cycles | | Strengths: | Solid and light is the most accurate thing I can say about the bike. My background is in BMX so the higher center of gravity makes it feel a bit twitchy, but I am very impressed with the light weight of the bike, I can bounce it over curbs and gutters no problem and the rims and frame feel really strong.
I got the 21" frame which is a good fit for a 6' rider.
Kenmore Cycles have been really good with after sales service and advice. Definitely recommend them. | | Weaknesses: | You will need new pedals and I will porbably get different tyres for urban riding. The disc brakes are tricky in the wet, but feel very good on dirt. | | Similar Products Used: | I was comparing this to a Kona Stuff when I bought it. But the Giant suited me better for long, track rides. | | Bike Setup: | Standard with grippier pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great starters bike that you can build on. Really suits someone who hasn't ridden much and wants to start getting serious into MTBing. Comfortable enough to do long, all day rides and a bit of jumping and urban riding inbetween (as long as you don't slam it too hard, I suppose). The frame and rims are the best things about the bike. And it is so light and strong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james brown
a Cross Country Rider
from maroochydore qld australia
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | obi obi | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | spin city cal no a/sales service! | | Strengths: | light for price has lasted punishment | | Weaknesses: | metal plate 'standoff'? where gears attach to frame bent and spin city cycles at caloundra have no intention of providing after sales for a one piece part!! which i wish to purchase and fit myself, this was speaking to the owner who became quite rude!! i was so re-assured of a/sales parts availability when purchasing- a huge lie and disappointment never again from this store - i have heard of kawana waters cycles helping beyond the call will advise - trying them today | | Bike Setup: | occasionally using a saddle bag as in future, travelling on the bicentennial national trail will no longer have me lugging my rations and gear on my back with large gradients and 18-24k walking to be much easier riding :) | | Bottom Line: | never purchase a bike if you expect service and helpful advice from spin city cycles sunshine coast au you willnot find it there unless your dress and demeanour , 'wreaks of just put it on the credit card now!' | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua beasley
a Cross Country Rider
from omaha
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lewis and Clark Monument | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$579.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Masters | | Strengths: | Frame, Rims stock componets are good for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Front Alivio | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanch | | Bike Setup: | Shimano SPD, Serfas Titaniam saddle and bar ends | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. I have put 700 miles of hard XC and light all mountain on it without any trouble. Rims are very strong I havent even had them trued yet. The front shock has only bottomed a few times and has performed very well in all condtions. The drive train is great for the money but could use some upgrading. Bottom Line; great bike for the money and all around use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Buckwallow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$615.00 | | Purchased At: | Silent Sports | | Strengths: | Well-made frame. Great frame to upgrade from if you find the need to.
Stops great with the Hayes mech discs.
| | Weaknesses: | Might have a couple of nuts loose (my brake lever moved and needed to be tightened down.)
The front derailleur is crap and I replaced it before even hitting a trail (from Alivio to Deore LX.) | | Similar Products Used: | None... I had a cheapo brand mtn bike before. | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Giant Iguana Disc.
XT rear derailleur, LX front derailleur.
Mavic 717 Disc rims.
Specialized Team Control tires (26x2.0)
Shimano SPD pedals.
Vetta Titanium saddle
Everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | Basically, I bought this bike with the hopes of further upgrading in time. I ended up upgrading the derailleurs (the front derailleur was an Alivio and I changed that immediately.)
The rear was a Deore but I wanted something a little better so I went with the XT.
I switched up my old saddle, tires and pedals and the shop cut off some of the price since they were getting the stock stuff back.
Switching the rims to Mavic was just personal preference.
The bike has endured quite a bit of riding in the past few months. I've endo'd twice and it stood up to it (first time with discs... what can I say? heheh.)
I've been on very technical trails and the bike has handled jumps, drops (within reason) and rock climbs and whatnot.
If you're looking for a good bike to hit trails with, this is the one... and the frame is an excellent base foundation to start building from. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Cook
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Otero Canyon West | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World | | Strengths: | Frame (both geometry and build), Wheels, Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, Drivetrain (mainly the chain and rear derailleur), Front Shock, Stem and handlbars, and weight | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized rockhopper, Trek 5800 | | Bike Setup: | Titec bar ends, Performance grips, Easton ea50 stem, Easton EA 70 flat bar, SRAM chain, lots of finish line lube. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike to be an entry level rider which was anticipated to last only a year while i was riding hard to get back into the sport. I have hade mine for just over a year and riden it very hard...I have estimated the bike as having well over a thousand miles on it now...99% of which has been done all on intermediate to advanced level trails. I typically ride with friends who have fancy santa cruzs on extremly technical bone shaking trails and this is how it has held up in the long term report.
The manitou six becomes very plush very quickly and tends to bottom out and stay there on technical rocky descents so if you ride alot of that don't plan on the convienience of front suspension. The v-brakes are nice but in went conditions are a little loose, and on very steep descents again have a very slick feel.
At about the one year mark the front hub has had some issues and has been rebuilt twice in one month, the bearings are quickly wearing out following the damage to a seal during a ride which allowed some of the gritty NM sand in. The chain caused problems from the first ride and had to be replaced with a SRAM chain which has worked out much better, however when descending and climbing the bike can be slow to respond to shifts due to cheap componentry in the drivetrain...so if climbing steep hills pick your gears early...
The cockpit felt big...mainly because of the steep angle of the stem on my 21 inch frame..so that was swapped with a lighter 0 degree rise easton stem (see above) which is also short at 90mm. To complement I swapped the very wide riser bar with a 580mm easton ea70 flat bar which the combo of bar and stem lightened the front end...but also lowered the riding position to help keep the front wheel planted when climbing steep hard climbs. The bike also is much more responsive to slow speed steering on the trails.
Prior to swaps.the bike is nimble and quick on the technical but could be quicker to respond and slow slow technical. The bike seems to fly over things at high speed and the geometry makes it very very stable...i fealt like i could let go of the bars and it would keep a straight line over the big technical descents...
After new parts the bike is much better at slow stuff and sitll has great high speed handling...the only disadvantage is having to work a little harder on the climbs that those with lighter bikes...but that just improves your leg strength...
On a couple of other notes...the wheels are light as long as you do not have to add thornresistant tubes which starts adding alot more weight to an already heavy bike...otherwise they have held up to all of the abuse i have thrown them into...they have been trued once.
I have ridden the bike in a couple of races and although it doesn't want to...it fairs not to badly although...i recommend spending more money if racing is your lifelong dream...
I am planning on upgrading bikes this winter to a newer f/s bike...but will keep this bike as my beater/trainer...its weight makes it good for leg strengthening especially if climbing is your bag...
All in all its a good bike...if you will be keeping it a while plan on upgrading alot...and it can take all the stuff that the big bikes do...but it might groan for a bit as well...for what you get its a good bike but plan out your intentions before you buy budget rather than whole hog | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Oliver
a Weekend Warrior
from Mobile, AL
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$595.00 | | Purchased At: | Cadence 120 | | Strengths: | frame is durable
nice blue paint scheme
rims hold up
rear deraileur shifts pretty good
weirwolfs are great
price/value | | Weaknesses: | stock handlebar looks a little cheesy
Pilot C fork is just OK
brakes are ok but lack some desired power
stock its kinda on the heavy side
| | Similar Products Used: | cannondale M800 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for carbon fiber handlebar, barends, and seatpost, avid mechanical disc brakes, shimano XT crank | | Bottom Line: | This bike is all about the frame. I have done countless 1-2 foot drops and a 5' drop three times and this frame has remained very solid. I have put about 250 miles on this bike and the drivetrain seems to be sound. I upgraded the crank because my LHS installed the stock one too loose and it eventually came out and bent from jumps and drops. The brakes are decent but they just lack some power compared to other mechanical disc sets. The tires are down right excellent. I rode a 62mi. rode trip and they only show slight wear. The bike is a little heavy but just with the upgrades ive added, its lost around 1.5 pounds. Overall its a great bike for the money and a very good platform for potential upgrades if your planning on riding alot in the future. This frame will last a looooooong time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Dibdin
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ourimbah State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$685.00 | | Purchased At: | Inner City Cycles, Glebe | | Strengths: | Solid feel, nice spec, stiff frame, looks all right, price was decent enough by Australian standards (A$950, or about US$685), comfortable riding position, sweet shifting, all-round nice bike. | | Weaknesses: | No disc hubs (I've got the v-brake version, obviously, and wouldn't mind upgrading but it's such a hassle...), pretty heavy (my old '96 ATX870 is WAY lighter, even with a bunch of cheap crap on it). | | Similar Products Used: | Just my old ATX870, have ridden other bikes but I wouldn't say I've 'used' them. | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Kenda slicks, Shimano SPD-M520 pedals, Oury grips, plus the usual lights, computer, chainstay protector etc... | | Bottom Line: | Not a bad bike, all things considered. It's a price point where spending a bit more gets you a lot more, but you have to draw a line somewhere. If you want a bike that can slog it out in the dirt, handle your daily commute and anything else an average rider wants to do then I recommend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Burdick
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos, Ocala FL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Strong frame, aggressive geometry, good component mix for the money. Disc breaks work suprisingly well for being entry level. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailer, pretty heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Jamis Durango | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great entry-level bike for the money. I have put 195mi on my iguana in the last 2.5 months. It has been split mainly between fast winding single tracks and some technical rock riding. It handles both great. I know the tires are an issue with some, but mine look new. I ride with 2 guys who raced professionally one on a hard tail the other full suspension, and my bike has taken everything we throw at it. I just have to work a little harder. I can't expect any more for what I paid. I have done two 30mi paved road rides, and it is not great for this type of riding, but anything off road has been great. However, being in FL I can't tell you how it handles long climbs or big descents.
Also, if I had paid $800-1000, I would be disappointed.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seamus Murphy
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicopee
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Highland Bike and Hardware, Holyoke Ma | | Strengths: | Nice frame for a nice price. Disc brakes. You will have fun riding this thang. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting problems. The derailers aren't great, but should work better than they do. I think there is some sort of mismatch going on in the drivetrain. Unless you're familiar with adjusting derailers, try a different bike.
| | Similar Products Used: | I had both a Giant Rincon and a Giant Sedona LX. | | Bike Setup: | Stock save for suspension seatpost and bar ends, also replaced WTB Weirwolf on the front with a Geax Beaumont, and reversed the rear Weirwolf. | | Bottom Line: | I have had a LOT of fun with this bike! I think the price is pretty decent for the package too. I like how it rides, but it needs a lot of tweaking. Part of the problem might be the way my LBS set up the bike. The front derailer won't work well if it's set up to not rub in the extreme positions (small chainring, small cog/large chainring, large cog). Until I reset the high/low on the front derailer, downshifts meant throwing the chain.
I have to regularly adjust the rear derailer also. Shifting is often hard, slamming into each rear cog. Rock & Roll chain lube helped with this a bit, but during a ride I usually have to work the barrel adjusters to keep things fairly smooth. I've also had to reset high/low and the cable position for the rear derailer far more than stretch would account for.
When I get totally fed up, I suppose I'll upgrade to XT.
The front shock is a RockShox Pilot C, not the Answer Manitou Six Sport that's listed in the description above.
I changed the front tire within a week. The Weirwolf has good traction on the rear (reverse it though), but skates like crazy on the front.
I love the disc brakes, I love the frame, I love the price, I like the tire on the rear, I'm not thrilled with the drivetrain.
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Submitted by
Paul Jensen
a
from Jamestoen, ND, USA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Maah Daah Hey | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Dakota Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great looking bike, rear derailer works very well, disc brakes work great, tires are suitable aggressive, welds look very good at all joints. | | Weaknesses: | Standard pedals need to be replaced with your clipless ones. Would be nice to have had a seat post shock. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Specialized Hardrock Pro | | Bike Setup: | Clipless pedals, Specialized seat ( the best seat on the market!! ) switching to my Armadillo Kevlar tires for the conditions where I ride. | | Bottom Line: | Quality is very good, great looking bike, love the disc brakes, tires are very nice, components all work well together. I just bought the bike a few days ago and just got back from two days riding the Maah Daah Hey trail in North Dakota. The bike worked great and was very responsive. Would have liked a seat post shock. My first good mountain bike and I'm very pleased so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont,CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | Very tight. Light Frame. Fork needed to be replaced. | | Weaknesses: | Bad front deraileur. Rear not the best either. Bottom bracket and crank needs to be updated. | | Bike Setup: | Currently Installed Manitou Black Elite w/lockout front fork with the xtra firm spring stack. Also have changed front and rear deraileurs to Shimano XT. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great beginner+ bike. For the price you could easily ride this til you gain minimal amount of skill and then slowly upgrade parts. Learning as you go. The frame is good enought that it is worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Tasmania, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Geard's | | Strengths: | Good Frame
Good Components for an entry level bike
27 gears! | | Weaknesses: | Tyres wear out VERY quicky!!
Stuff tends to bend on it - it could just be me tho | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing really | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for RS Pilot SL, IRC trailbears, etc | | Bottom Line: | But this bike if you are just getting into the sport. I have just been told that i am goin to have to fork out $260 AUD for it to fixed!!! I am only 15 and can't afford costs like this!
I ride aggressive XC with regular drops (i know i'm not supposed to!) But i would have thought that the components like the BB would hold up - but obviosly not
I would buy something better like a KONA next time - something more hardcore | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | Good value, Attractive paint scheme, Above average frame for the price. Mechanical Hayes disc brakes are a nice feature. | | Weaknesses: | Wish it was a tad lighter, Pilot C shock is just ok. Doesn't come with clipless pedals. | | Bike Setup: | As is. No mods yet.
| | Bottom Line: | Great ride for the money. You'll probably want to invest in some clipless pedals. I weigh 220 and can give it a beating without it complaining.
Good starting bike, shock is ehh, looks good.
That about covers it for now.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Treadlies | | Strengths: | Strong frame
Very manouverable
Strong braking power | | Weaknesses: | Front & rear derailer problems
Gears and derailers keep needing adjustments
Front disc very weak already replaced twice
Buckled rear rim after easy riding | | Similar Products Used: | My first decent bike. | | Bike Setup: | Standard appart from tires.Standard tires wear very quick. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for a beginner who dosent yet know what they want from a bike. I have had many problems in the short time that i have had this bike. I have bent the front disc twice and replaced them. I have allreay used one set of front pads. I am forever trying to get rid of rattles caused by the gears and derailers, and i buckled my rear rim and i havent abused the bike. This bike got me started but after only three months I am thinking of getting a new bike. This time i think i will have to spend 3 times the money to hopefully get a much better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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