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Submitted by
Nitrogenus
a Weekend Warrior
from TN
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Fast, lightweight, Giant quality | | Weaknesses: | Not the greatest component set on the 1 or 2. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great starter bike for anyone looking to get into mountain biking. I was not sure how serious I wanted to be when I first purchased this bike, but this bike has led me to learn a great deal of information. I have now invested INTO the bike nearly half of what I paid FOR the bike.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hayseed Dixie
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Power Lines, State Penitentiary | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Weight, decent components. Frame is as good as it gets in this category/price. | | Weaknesses: | For the price and target user- none. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock | | Bottom Line: | Very simple and well done hardtail XC. The welds are fantastic (I still can't believe this is a Chinese bike...)and the bike looks great.
You suspect it's great because of the straighforward appearance and component selection. Then you ride it and you're confirmed.
If you can find these used at sub 450, it's probably the best deal on a hard tail, period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mammoth
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth WA AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | goatfarm | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Everything, seriously light. awesome components, if you buy second hand you get a seriously good deal. I got the 08 for 800 bucks its barely been ridden. I needed a bike to do everythng including the commute to work and this baby does it all.The remote lockout is a very nice feature, you come to an uphill section lock those forks and power up.And the shifting system.... F@CK yes, quick smooth and simple. | | Weaknesses: | Havent had it long enough really. i can see it would be a handful on steep downhill sections i mean its stiff and light. But its not made for that so its not really a weakness is it. | | Similar Products Used: | razor scooter? | | Bike Setup: | Stock as a rock. | | Bottom Line: | Buy it now! value,performance and what about the looks? its sexier than jessica biel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RobXC
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | My Shop | | Strengths: | Great intro bike, decent parts, nothing strong or awesome just...vanilla. | | Weaknesses: | The BB is crap and expensive to replace. Powerspline sucks and nothing is compatiable with it so you have to upgrade the entire crank set. The hubs are also somewhat crappy and loosen easily. The Kenda tires also suck something fierce. | | Similar Products Used: | None, but I have riden and literally thousands of bikes | | Bike Setup: | Full X-9, Speed Dial SL, BB-7, Atomlab P.i.m.p. (last time i checked not a bad word...and a real product too), Reba Fork, | | Bottom Line: | For the value, its a great way to get introduced to real mountain biking. Again, nothing great about it, but it works well with what you get. The basic parts also force you to upgrade and learn about everything if you want to upgrade. As one of tech's said...its good, not great, but not crap...it's just... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hop
a Weekend Warrior
from north dakota
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | everything with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | barrys bikes | | Strengths: | nice frame, a versatile bike | | Weaknesses: | the rear derailleur. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rockhopper, trek 7500 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | a good all around bike for pretty much anything. it is good for pretty much anyone except for maybe downhill or dj obviously. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brett237
a Weekend Warrior
from Devonport, Tasmania, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Launceston | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Derrico Cycles Devon | | Strengths: | Light and on the surface well specified with brakes and running gear. | | Weaknesses: | Poor quality spokes that failed under road riding. Replaced spokes at own cost as they were not covered by warranty according to third party bike shop.
Seat post that failed twice on road riding. Replaced at own cost with a Thompson one as feed-up waiting for replacements that failed within a month.
Gear changing that did not work well. Traced to the standard chain with deformed link. Replaced chain at own cost and now works well.
Not sure on the Mavic 117 rims. I am a Clydesdale so even when respoked the rear for ever going out of true.
Frame geometry is not brilliant on the XL (23") size frame with seat position being extremely close to rear axle hence departures over the rear wheel on hill climbs.
The standard tyres are only suitable for the road.
| | Similar Products Used: | Just a Bianchi road bike in recent history. | | Bike Setup: | Mine is a 2007 model running mainly SRAM gear.
Replacing the following.
Seat post with a Thompson one. Absolutely bullet proof.
Chain replaced with a SRAM one and just so much better plus with 2,500 kilometeres on it still looks new.
Seat with Fzik Aliante Sport. Why did I not do this earlier?
Wheelset with a DT Swiss E22000 and this appears to rock, or be rock solid.
| | Bottom Line: | As one reviewer said a good base to work from but do not be surprised that if you are Clydesdale that you will wind up replacing a fair bit due to necessity rather than just upgrading for upgrading sake. In standard trim it is dubious as even a road bike as everything mentioned failed in the first 500 kilometres on the road. As I am now heading bush everything that was changed has held up superbly with just a few things shaking off such as the Raceface crank extraction nut.
Total cost of ownership is extremely high so maybe I would have been better buying a stronger bike for this rider of 192CM and 105 kilograms. It has cost more to get to a standard for trial raiding than it cost to purchase new. Remarkably economical to buy but that is not the true cost so I have rated it on cost of ownership.
In all love its light weight but hate its compromises as originally specified. In a way the Giant is a collection of components rather than a bike. Just look how the specifications change every year. Giant's range is huge so no wonder that not much attention is paid to the complete package resulting in confusion on what is the goal, lightness or reliability. If I was lighter and smaller then it might be a better package but in the XL size it is just not up to the job in factory trim. With a large cheque book it does appear to be a good building block though.
I have a Bianchi road bike and that is a complete package and love it plus it has cost me nothing except sweat to ride. Ok I did replace the seat.
As for Giant Australia the best words are "all care and no responsibility" to summarise their approach. The bottom line would I buy again if stolen. No. In fact I would not buy any Giant again in Australia.
Do I want it stolen? Not now the way it is set up now but I still do not trust the frame geometry as it turns like a truck and stable as an ice cube on a bush fire. Might be a factor of XL frame size on 26" wheels but me think given that Bianchi manages a brilliant geometry on their size range I think it is lack of attention to detail rather than an intrinsic size issue. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jojo
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | nice ones | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | joes houes | | Strengths: | i like how they used wheels and that kind of stuff | | Weaknesses: | should be heavier | | Similar Products Used: | my trucks gps | | Bike Setup: | wheels, handle bars, all thos things | | Bottom Line: | its a bike | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
harmonix1234
a Cross Country Rider
from Wollongong NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The Secret ones | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Spearmans | | Strengths: | Frames lateral rigity far surpasses more expensive bikes in the same XC style catagory, super light aluminium, beautiful coin stack welds, geometry and ergonomics are well thought out, fantastic climber and very nimble on the singletrack without being twitchy. I have used this bike for Street / urban, commuting, singletrack, XC, and it has taken everything I have thrown at it. I came from riding a more expensive trek 6500 and I will never look back. I have upgraded the forks (at the time of purchase to rock shox w302 air 100mm travel) and the plush but cheap forks have helped this bike a mile. Buy the bike, ditch the forks andget something better and you will not regret it. I have been riding for 10 years on all types of bikes and this is the one bike that from day 1 just 'fit'. (6ft high, chose 19" frame). get one. | | Weaknesses: | Too rigid for downhill or freeride, but your;e an idiot if you buy this bike for these styles of riding. Only thing I would change is having some external holes on the bottom of the lowest downtube for mounting a crudcatcher. This is not even a wekaness of the bike, just an idea. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, trek 3900. | | Bike Setup: | Race face carbon low riser bars, thompson carbon seat stem, shortnened stem to 90mm race face aluminium, odi lock on grips, shimano deore complete groupset, cateye micro wireless, crank bros 5050 flat pedals. | | Bottom Line: | get one. get a credit card, steal ya mums, sell your crap on ebay, just find the money. You wont regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Conrad
a Cross Country Rider
from Honolulu,Hi. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | bike routes ,city sidewalks,road | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | light weight frame, deore hubs,stem, avid brake setup | | Weaknesses: | chain rings,seat post, | | Bike Setup: | rock shox psylo xc,raceface ride xc cranks and chainring,deore hubs front and rear 9 speed,deore rapid shifters,mavic x221 rims | | Bottom Line: | light and fast, great everyday bike for getting around in Hawaii(on and off curbs ,sidewalks, back roads, single dirt trails,best bike for sightseeing in paradise, economical, re- liable, quality, at a resonable price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tommygodxx
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville Nc USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | bent creek (all of them) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Country sports | | Strengths: | Great feel. takes a beating as in I crash and fall of the sides of cliffs alot(scars to prove it)
Light weight and damn! it looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | none, well the dart 3 fork started leaking fluid after 6 months. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 920 | | Bike Setup: | Factory, dart 3 shocks | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike, disc brakes are an amazing thing to have.
The leaking fluid is bad though.I know that it is not specifically Giant's fault because they didn't make the shocks. but they did chose to use the part which as I read reviews it seems like a lot of people have had the same trouble with the DART 3 fork.
Of course the part was warranted and my bike shop http://www.skicountrysports.com/Asheville/
quickly send for a new one for free.
Bottom line is this is a great bike to own, it has lots of perks for a lower price and the average guy/girl can afford it without feeling embraced when your around other bikers with there fancy $2,000 super bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NMcCloy
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, WA, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Oven - Only one I have ridden | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Wembley Cycles | | Strengths: | Rockshox Recon Forks, Brilliant Value for Money, Fantastic Entry Level XC Bike for the Semi Serious. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Norco - Last time I had a bike was 1998 - Loved that to but the XTC is a new level. | | Bike Setup: | Company Standard | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I have started riding again after many years of inactivity. My fitness won't allow me to travel 2km's up the trail hill but that is not the bikes fault. I was looking on Giant's website with a budget of $1300AU and looking longingly at the XTC2 2009 model that was a tad beyond my price limit. I had settled on the Yukon 2009 as the bike I would buy. I went to my local bicycle store, Wembley Cycles, and picked out the Yukon. Very Happy. The guy was adding my bar stems and I was browsing the store. Then I saw her. A 2008 XTC2 model. The shop was trying to sell 2008 models to make way for 2009 models. The price had dropped $400 to my price level. Wammo!!!! What's the difference between a Yukon 2009 and a 2008 XTC2? A lot, as it turned out. The Yukon is a fine recreational bike but the real fun starts with the XTC2. Rockshock Recon's to start with. The travel is smooth, even as I was following my dually inspired friend down a steep decline. This isn't the place for a hardtail and sure he was travelling a lot smoother than I was but the XTC got me through that hazard and burned the dually on the single track. Everything on the bike is Shimano Deore or XT, the only thing I might consider changing are the disk brakes. Why? No real reason, they are just a no name Shimano brand. I might go for the Avid Juicy 5's. I love the bike. Two things I have noticed from my bike and this review page:
1. The American model looks crap compared to the International model.
2. If you are hunting for a bike, and I don't know if this is true for the rest of the world, but in Australia the succeeding year's model comes out in about September of the previous year. Wait for this time as cycling shops are wanting to get rid of their current models to allow for the next year's model. You may just pick up a bike that exceeds you expectations but at a lower price.
Two words: "Very Happy"
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kymac
a Cross Country Rider
from Windsor
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Maybury | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Maximum Edge | | Strengths: | Great handling, smooth and fast gear changes up-hill and regular trail riding, suspension is DART 3 by rock shock and they have great travel (bout 100 mm), bike weighs only 32 lbs which is very nice, frame is pretty solid, rims can take a beating | | Weaknesses: | have had the bike for less than 2 weeks and already i broke a seal on the DART 3 suspension and leaked lube all over my driveway and garage.. :( | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | stock with new forks and single gear ring | | Bottom Line: | sick bike for XC and most jumping, i love it (for the time we had together) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
elmatt97
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zone (Greece, N | | Strengths: | For the price, the bike is nimble and handles well. The brushed alum. finish on the bike's lower half is a nice touch; with it, you don't have to worry about rocks chipping paint off of your frame. | | Weaknesses: | Some cheap components. | | Similar Products Used: | Before buying the XTC2, I test drove a Cannondale F5, Gary Fisher Marlin, Trek 4500 and 6000, Specialized Rockhopper Disk. | | Bike Setup: | For now, mostly stock, except for a new saddle (WTB Rocket V) and tires (Kenda Kross, with Tuffy Liners, for commuting). | | Bottom Line: | A very nice bike for recreational trail riding and commuting. Good frame, which can be upgraded easily.
For me, the Rockhopper Disk (although well made) seemed overpriced and the Treks (although tough as nails) seemed heavy. Actually, the F5 was a frontrunner. However, dealers sold out half way through the summer.
Enter the XTC2. Well priced, and it handles well. During the week, I ride it to work (about 8 miles there) on light trails and road. On weekends, I hit a few trails or tow the kids. I wish I had the $$$ for two bikes (one mt. bike and one road). Since I can only afford one now, the XTC2 is doing it all and doing it adequately. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SoylentOrange
a Cross Country Rider
from Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Pallisade Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Fast, cheap, looks pretty sharp. Shifting is crisp, rims can take a beating, tires grab. | | Weaknesses: | Takes a bit to get everything dialed in and stretched out. Fork feels cheap, will be upgrading to Tora 318. IMO ground clearance sucks. Tires have a lot of rolling resistance on pave but I didn't buy it to ride on the road... Only 18 or 20" frames, no 19? For $800CDN tax incl., I'm not too worried about any of these things. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Ho-Chi-Min, Rocky Mountain Flow 1.0, Rocky Mountain Element 10, Norco Scrambler. | | Bike Setup: | 2008 Model 20" Frame - Dart 3 Fork, X5 trigger shifters/rear derailleur, Deore front derailleur, Cane Creek Headset, WTB Speed-V Saddle, MX-4 Discs, Powerspline BB, Truvativ ISO Flow Crankset, WTB Dual Duty XC Rims, Blue Groove tire up front, Nevegal out back, Revenge Industries Da-Kine Grips :D. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fun and fast. Good specs for the money. Great first 'real' mountain bike. A Trance 2 or X2 would have been a better choice for Jasper, but the XTC2 gets me through the trails for half the price. Buy if you're looking for a decent hardtail on a budget. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fuzzypoodle
a Weekend Warrior
from redmond oregon usa
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | n/a | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Cant beat the price performance ratio. | | Weaknesses: | kind of heavy tires, but there great. i plan to get a second set for commuting whenever possible. | | Similar Products Used: | bmx diamondback viper. giant Yukon(ridden a few times) | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Plan to go to a Reba race fork of something of that nature. | | Bottom Line: | haven’t been riding it long, but feels solid and reliable. LIGHT carried up the side of a local canyon. about 30 feet of jagged rocks. i will report back in a few months to update.
great for anyone who commutes and wants something affordable and a weekend ride.
Not really for black diamond trails but that’s now what you spend 700 bucks for.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
I like to sit on bikes.
a Cross Country Rider
from Dubai
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | . | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 7800$ | | Strengths: | I like how when you peddle the bike it goes forwards. The tires smell nice when they are new. | | Weaknesses: | This bike does not have reverse!! This was quite dissapointing. Also if you lick the frame it makes your tongue sting. | | Similar Products Used: | my uncles tricycle. | | Bike Setup: | i spray painted it yellow but besides that mostly stock. | | Bottom Line: | All in all this bike was not worth the 8000 dollars it cost me. I had a hard time deflating the tires to ride across a river. If you like to ride on the ground this bike is for you!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeWays | | Strengths: | Component set is well above average for a bike in this price range. New ALUXX frames are very light. Love the style. Can't go wrong with black and alum. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, grips and Tires!! They are terrible. Nothing a quick upgrade can't fix. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Cannondale F5 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Azonic Big Drop saddle, Sunline V3 pedals, Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires | | Bottom Line: | Be aware that the US XTCs are very different from the international models. Bike has treated me well. I am a tall rider 6'6' and found Giants 22 felt better than the rockhopper and F5 by far. Some may tell you to buy the bike for the frame and I defiantly had this in mind in my purchase. There isn't much information on the butted ALUXX frame but I love its light weight and sturdiness. I have taken it of 3 and 5 foot drops. The dirt fork also does a fine job. I haven't bottomed it out yet. The lockout is alright. When on it still allows about 30mm of give which brings up the front end on steep uphills. But thats about every spring fork so no sweat.
Overall I love this bike and its profile. Truely stylish and without all those wacked out colors some companies offer in this price range. Best value in the $650 range in terms of style, components, frame, and fun factor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony GERSBACH
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Yarramundi | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Panthers | | Strengths: | Absolutely everything. The frame is sweet, the Mavic/DT Swiss/Deore combo wheel set are bomb proof. Recon fork is race air fork with lock out, nice an light and easy to set up. As I said the wheel set is bomb proof. I have ridden this bike over rough trails 2 or 3 times a week and have not bent or broken a spoke, the wheels are still true and have not had to tighten a thing. Rear XT shadow derailieur, front Deore and LX shifters shift superbly every time. Have had no probs with the Deore cranks either | | Weaknesses: | The only real weekness on this bike would be the no-name Shimano brakes. Take care on the supplied Hutchinson Python Air Light tyres, while VERY light, are no good apart from in the hands of experienced racers. Lightning fast but have no grip on typical Australian bush trails. Recon Race fork a bit stiff when set at recomended pressure for weight, never reached claimed 100mm travell. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose, Norco. | | Bike Setup: | standard apart from Avid Juciy 5 brakes, I stuck on 2007 Recon 351 U/turn coil forks, and Larsen TT on rear and Ignitor on front. | | Bottom Line: | Amazing bike off the shelf, light, fast, climbs like a mountain goat, handles rough stuff very well for a hardtail (sometimes i feel like I am riding a soft-tail). Excellant componants (Deore XT/LX, Mavic, Raceface, Cane Creek Recon etc etc), all this for AU$1600?!.
This bike is aimed at the XC race market on a budget and is a pleasure to ride and to own. Is definately a bike for the rider who wishes to make an investment for long term riding whithout spending an arm or a leg.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C. P.
a Weekend Warrior
from SF Bay Area
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Water Dog | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Ramp | | Strengths: | Decent components for the price, and rides nice. Great all-around bike for most XC/AM trail riding needs, and good for peddling around town too. Solid. Put together well and seems to be able to take a beating so far. | | Weaknesses: | Flats, with the Kenda Nevegal/ Blue Groove tires that came stock. I got three flat tires in about a month and a half. Changed to Panaracer FireXcPros and haven't had one since. Dumb luck maybe. Also a few generic parts, like the stem, bars and seat post. | | Similar Products Used: | Older model Giant MTB. | | Bike Setup: | Stock - Rock Shox Dart3 Fork, SRAM X5/ Shimano Drivetrain, TruVative ISO Flow Cranks, Hayes MX-4 Discs, WTB Dual Duty Rims. | | Bottom Line: | Great "weekend warrior" mountain bike for the average rider, at a fair price. I ride the bike mainly on fire roads and some pretty rugged single track and it has performed great. Climbs like a goat, and bombs the hills. I could have bought a $2000 bike to inflate my ego and make me feel like a better rider then I am, but then sensibility kicked in. I'm very satisfied with this bike, and still have plenty money left to go upgrade a few parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mathew
a Racer
from Wodonga, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | The Destroyer | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1348.00 | | Purchased At: | The Full Cycle Albury | | Strengths: | light frame, SRAM spec., | | Weaknesses: | The shifters are in a bad place, you knock them when you hit bumps, also the racing tyre it came with arent good in wet conditions, you cant get traction. | | Similar Products Used: | Gt avalanche | | Bike Setup: | SRAM X9 r/d, SRAM X7 shifters, SHIMANO DEORE f/d, Race face cranks, Shimano clipless pedals, Rockshox Recon, | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike for trail riding and racing. It is extremely light (for the gram counters), a really good hill climber, the forks remote lock out is extremely useful for quickly locking for hill climbs / unlocking for downhill. I have been racing on this bike for over 6 months and it has been very reliable and nothing has broken. It has been an awesome bike to race on and i highly recommend this bike to anyone who is racing or just wanting to get fit riding some trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dyno
a Weekend Warrior
from Norwalk, CT
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Mianus | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Smart Cycles | | Strengths: | For the Money the bike seems to be fairly well equipped. I have the 08 model. Which appears to be toned down from the previous years. I love the lockout on the Dart 3 fork. It is great for street riding. I am 180 lbs and havent bottomed it yet and have done some 3 and a half foot drops onto concrete without any issues. The brakes stop quite well too. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness I have found isnt really a weakness . I have had a lot of things get loose on the bike. The wheels and seat mainly. Maybe shoddy assembly? its fine after I tightened it down though. | | Similar Products Used: | First mountainbike Ive owned. | | Bike Setup: | All stock WTB dual duty rims, kenda tires, WTB speed v Saddle, Rock shox dart 3 fork, Truvativ Iso flow crank, SRAM X-5 shifters, Deore front and SRAM X-5 rear derailleur, Hayes MX-4 disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | Overall I love the bike and it has taken a fair beating so far. It rides quite well on the street too thanks to the lockout. Im looking forward to putting some upgrades on it.
I also think it is a great entry level XC Hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Pennant Hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesports, Thornleigh | | Strengths: | Value for money seems good; frame & forks are both very impressive for the price. Brakes are better than expected | | Weaknesses: | Tyres are hopeless around local trails;Rattling brake cables(both easily fixed) are obvious ones, as other reviewers confirm | | Similar Products Used: | Trek & Specialised- various models in this price range | | Bike Setup: | Standard save for pedals & stem | | Bottom Line: | So far the bike appears to be an excellent buy....though admittedly it's early days! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | SIC bikes St Ives | | Strengths: | Great bike, traded in an old duel suspension Mongoose Nx 8.3 for this and it ROCKS!! great geometry, awesome componentry for the money. I used to have an old ATX and loved it too! this bike is fast, climbs like a demon, and the SRAM gear is great too. Lock the poploc and climb like a demon! | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet, the wheelset may not be the best out there but there is no compromise anywhere else | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX something, Mongoose NX 8.5 and 8.3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a custom made Cree LED light and semi slicks, oh yeah, a new seat cause the other one was rock hard! | | Bottom Line: | A nice tight bike, great value for money, if your looking for a hardtail in this price range $1500 AUD BUY IT!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Light weight, handling, strength | | Weaknesses: | Wheels and cranks | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Have used this bike for adventure racing and training. It has been through hell, including several multi-day races and rough Australian fire trail conditions. Have had to rebuild rear wheel and replace cranks with XT, replaced cables. Seat post creaks when new. Having said all that I love this bike. Size is perfect, beautiful to ride, affordable and tough as all get-go. Great value for a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, NewZealand
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Any where | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | R&R sports | | Strengths: | Light weight, good components, very nice color..... | | Weaknesses: | Poor wheel set | | Similar Products Used: | Kona blast | | Bike Setup: | Just change flat handle bar(and shortter stem)
Just same as 07" set up | | Bottom Line: | Very nice color.Good component.Hard to find around
this price!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Flag | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | TBE Belmont | | Strengths: | Oh-so light frame, good componets, budget price. Good geometry and due to the weight feel very nimble. | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson Pythons terrible choice for local single track. They are fast but feel like they roll to much when cornering esp. off camber. | | Similar Products Used: | 2006 Avanti Ventura | | Bike Setup: | Factory standard | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an excellent entry level XC racer, wouldn't recommend it to any one wanting to huck cos' the frame is on step away from carbon. Would only change tyres on purchase.
Will probably upgrade brakes from Juciy 3's to 5/7's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian Wagner
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Graham Hills (NY0 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Fix Bike Store, Perth | | Strengths: | The lightness of the frame and the rims is simply unbelievable. I'd say it even beats my friends Merlin Alu frame. Just beautiful. I took it for some nice XC single trailing, on a 10 day cross country tour and on several long road rides...there is very little that I don't like about it. The shock lock-out is something I wouldn't want to miss anymore now. | | Weaknesses: | The shock seems to loose pressure a little too quickly. The Hutchinson Python tires wear down fast and don't provide too much grip out here in Western Australia's sand and gravel. I had some chain jams at high speed when shifting from top to middle chain ring on the road. And in fast single trail down-hills I still I struggle to control the front wheel - but I think this is still due to me getting used to the weight of the bike. Shift/break cables rattle. A minor thing. | | Bike Setup: | Factory 2007 set-up. Changed the handle bar and the saddle stem to get a bit more aggressive set-up. Currently have Shimano XC flat pedals on it. They are great, if you want to ride with flats. | | Bottom Line: | This is great value for money! I shopped around for a while, test rode a few bike like Specialized Rockhoppers, Hardrocks, Stumpjumpers and plenty of Giant bikes. The 2007 XTC2 was clearly sticking out - the next step up would have been the Stumpjumper - at a hefty 2900 A$. So price-value ratio was by far best for the XTC2. It climbs brilliantly, rolls on forever and already took quite a few hits (including a beauty of a 'over the handle bar' after a log jump) and had no scars (well except for some scratched color). I don't know about semi-professional riders...but for your standard 'a few times a week' rider, this is a brilliant buy. It takes you a step up from the heavier bikes and doesn't completely deplete your funds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Government Track - Dunedin | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Gladstone | | Strengths: | Super light weight, great brakes. Great bike for XC. | | Weaknesses: | Forks (Skareb Comp)are cr*p and standard Python Airlight tyres are no better. | | Similar Products Used: | Various Bauer, Diamonback and GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Rock Shox Reba Comp fork, WTB handlebars, tyres (WTB Weirwolf and various Maxxis) to suit the occasion. | | Bottom Line: | Cannot go wrong with this bike. Light, strong and able to withstand lnocks that some advanced XC can throw at it.Best value for money I've come across. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rachid
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver/Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Orleans Cycle | | Strengths: | Light, components | | Weaknesses: | Wheels & tires | | Similar Products Used: | Miata tripple cross modified for XC | | Bike Setup: | stock with Hayes Hydraulics and easton carbon bar | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, have taken it free ride, DH, dirt jumping and XC with no problems other than a bent rear derailler bracket due to an intense DH crash, nothing that couldn't be bent back. The wheels are weak for anybody over 160 pounds so I changed those to disk specific DH wheels by Vuelta and i've been a happy boy. I keep a 2.2 on the rear and switch up the front wheel to the mavics (2.0's) when riding street or light XC and back to the vuelta's (2.5 tire) when FR/DH. It's been great. Buy this bike, it's great, try to find an 04, the 05 & 06 models aren't as well spec'd. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ivanhoe cycles | | Strengths: | nice and light weight for the price, componentry is great, recon forks work beautifully especially with lockout | | Weaknesses: | standard tyres (hutchinson pythons) are terrible | | Bike Setup: | stock '06 model but with maxxis minions on front and high rollers on back | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great value for money. i got it for a bargain but even at full price i couldn't find another bike out there that was as well spec'd as this. the frame build is great and proved to be very versatile, i've actually taken it down hilling a couple of times and it has taken some big hits for a xc frame, but still stayed in great working order. it climbs like a beast and is ultra fast. the tyres are really fast but if you are going off road at all then they are not very grippy at all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pierre bourgon
a Weekend Warrior
from cornwall, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | light, strong stiff. good handling. efficient | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | none as good | | Bike Setup: | built from the ground up:
24 spd, mostly xt parts except STX RC rapid fire shifters and cassette. used stem control tech 150g 7075 23" bars, XTR chain ($5 more than XT) tires: dart, demolition bontager mustang rims f/r specific | | Bottom Line: | super XC, I would not recommend this bike for freeride use, at about 1500 grams you will just break it. that said it would make an excellent trail bike or XC bike.
efficient: on the bike I replace I used to cruise in 42/18 now with this bike 44/16.
this bike rocks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Bribie Island
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Wellington, Tasmania | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | Light weight, solid frame, very fast, Stock XT componentry good value for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Python Airlights wore out quickly. Replaced with maxxis crossmark and have lasted well. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona cindercone | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2005 XTC2 LE. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. I got it for a bargain at just 6 months old, when the old owner was upgrading to dual suspension XC bike. Use it as my commuter knocking up about 28km /day, and as a weekend XC bike. With the maxxis crosmark's it's quick on the road and quick and predictable on loose gravel/sandy trails. It Climbs very well too. My only initial concern when buying it was all of the stories i'd read about the Manitou Skarebs cracking. I contacted Manitou Australia and they informed me that they'd rectified the problem and it was only limited to the early forks. I checked the serial number of mine and they were manufactured after the problem batch, and so far, no drama's at all despite some abuse. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt cootha | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | Lightweight, Great frame geometry, handles like a dream, speced very well. oh yes,, hydraulic disc brakes too. | | Weaknesses: | Rims | | Bike Setup: | XTC 2 LE | | Bottom Line: | This bike handles extremely well, it seems to take anything and it is fast rolling.
I was after a light bike as i do a bit of road riding and only really want 1 bike. Out of all the brands i checked out, the xtc was the lightest.
The bike was also the best speced bike for the money i could find.
My only gripe would be the wheels, i`ve had to retrue the wheels a couple times in the past year. They are light and fast though so it`s not so big a gripe and i can say it was mainly my fault that they had to be retrued.
The python tyres are light and roll very fast but the tread looks a bit on the lean side.. after riding them for a while, my fears we dispelled as they handle very well in the conditions i generally ride..they just dont handle thick mud well as the tread clogs up easily.
Driveline is great for the price and i really enjoy the dual shifters. The hydraulic disc brakes are fantastic for the price.
Top bike overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudy
a Cross Country Rider
from Neenah, WI
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$920.00 | | Purchased At: | Gear'n'up | | Strengths: | Lightweight | | Weaknesses: | Rock shox duke's rebound adjuster doesnt stay on and i already lost it the 3rd day! | | Similar Products Used: | giant yukon | | Bike Setup: | factory setup, XTR rear | | Bottom Line: | This bike is what ive always been looking for! its so lightweight and i cant wait to race on it...because just riding it on the roads you soar! whoo hoo! go Giant! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Racer
from sydney, australia
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | oxford falls | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | ashfeild | | Strengths: | Awesome all over
x.9 rock
recons are awesome, pop lock works like a dream
superlight, juicy 5's, easton parts are quality | | Weaknesses: | hutchdson python tyres are crap in wet
| | Similar Products Used: | trek 4300, avanti rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | stock, +speedo 06 model | | Bottom Line: | the best bike for the money, highly recommended | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Yarra Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Weight, Price, Looks trick, SRAM X9 Kit is the best performance / value component out there, It's a Giant, Manitou Australia have excellent service. | | Weaknesses: | Wheelset is really poor why not at least have deore hubs and add the $40 onto the price????, Forks - Manitou forks are very poor (needed servicing after 2 mths after blowing oil out the top, completely locked up at 4 mths,). Giant's Warrenty, if raced its void. Hayes 9 breaks, lots of problems with original setup, although that may have been the bike shops poor setup/maintenance. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Rockadile, Giant NRS XTC1, Scott scale 30. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Good performance bargain for Weekend Mountain biker or entry level XC racer. If you are after something for hardcore XC racing, look seriously into the XTC1 or upgrade the Wheelset/forks, recommend Rockshox SID or FOX FR80L. I am happy with the performance. The 2006 model ($200 more) actually has Deore hubs, Rock shox forks, Avid breaks, so Giant have made the 2006 model a bike I will consider buying (I will still swap the hubs though). Pitty about the Warrenty. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
faecolith
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Silvan-Olinda | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | XTc2 2005: Light and well equipped for the price. Looks great and immediate kudos on the trail. | | Weaknesses: | No lockout on the forks, but it's not a great issue if doing short xc racing in Aus. So light it skips around a bit on uneven ground - but that's what knees are for. | | Similar Products Used: | Kmart bike (ahh the memories), Jamis Durango, KHS Alite 1000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2005: Manitou Skarebs, Deore/SRAM x.9 drivetrain, Hayes HFX9, Easton EA50 kit... | | Bottom Line: | Excellent choice for cross country racing or weekend expeditions. Good kit. Suits a lighter rider and will give great speed uphill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Giant XTC2
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Awesome bike, great value, good components | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti, GT | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike, great value, good components | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudi
a Cross Country Rider
from Johannesburg, South Africa
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Knysna | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Toney Impi | | Strengths: | Bougth the frame as an upgrade on my cracked Yukon. Ended with a cheap bits and expensive frame. Couldn't believe the difference a frame makes! Done about 2000 mile (3200km) on it and still can't wait to get back on it. The frame is alive and talks to me. I do a lot of XC racing but spends too much on the road (Argus Cycle tour 109km etc.). Ideal geometry for enduro's. I am supposedly too short (1.7m) for this 19' frame, but have just enough clearance(ouch!). I have also fitted a longer(100mm) stem to stretch out more. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post creaking-Giant seatpost with shim. I have greased it to no avail... | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon, Diamond Back Sorento | | Bike Setup: | RST Gila T4 shock, LX groupset, Hayes mechanical discs, Easton EA50 bar, Pazzaz stem, WTB V speed saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I absoluteley love this bike. I keep spending money on upgrades, but, hey, it's worth it! It is way better than I will ever be! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
oshri brofman
a Cross Country Rider
from israel ashqelon
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | great body frame (light) and great accessory for the mony | | Weaknesses: | setpost wtb was tough | | Similar Products Used: | non | | Bike Setup: | seatpost serface handgrip serface | | Bottom Line: | great performance very unpreticteble , very fast on road and xc.
maby the best value you can get in this category today !
i use them 2 month .
very recommend ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | chain reaction | | Strengths: | Lightweight, great geometry and component choices. Hayes work great after they have been set up properly and the addition of easton stuff is better then house parts. Great value | | Weaknesses: | The seatpost squeaks sometimes but am to laxy to fix. The LX front derailer is a bit of a let down. | | Bike Setup: | stock, except new pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great value bike for XC riders or racers that are just stratin out the package as a whole is great value and compared to anything else on the market its hard to find anything the same price with the same standard of equipment. Its a great bike that can really handle anything from going up/down mountains to 4-5 foot drops. Awesome bike that looks and feels like its much more expensive then it really is. I love this bike and will probably be riding it and upgrading it for a long time to come. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rain
a
from Portland Oregon
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | I bought a complete bike because the red trim matches my Skareb super. The frame is surprisingly stable for its light weight. I weigh 125 lbs and the "liability insurance" gusset at the head junction just screams "beat me". I own an '02 NRS which proved unacceptable for XC racing regardless of corporate hype and graphs to the contrary. The second I powered up this baby I knew I blew it when I sold my Trek 9.8, I bought it on the spot. I save 8-10 minutes per 90 minute ride because of this bike on the same exact trails, so maybe the marketing pukes at the big bike companies will fess up with some integrity pretty quick or even slo-mos still glued to the TV will read this and figure out they're LYING. Hardtails, especially single speed titanium hardtails simply KICK ASS. Dual suspension is being sustained to tap a different market for the big corporate investors who increasingly own the "bike biz". That being people who can't wait to own a bike . . .as long as they never have to pedal that is. | | Weaknesses: | The components hung on this beautiful frame were produced to feed the LBS and mail order upgrade parts industry. There oughta be a law against any and all of the following: Rapid rise derailleurs, cast brake arms, anything except the 161gm cnc'd stem that has EA-50 painted on it, any Mavic rim that isn't top of the line, el cheapo fake plastic saddle with 'WTB Laser V' logo on it, (my real laser V wieghs 215gms, the fake one is over 300 gms) wire bead tires, reflectors, and the rest of that stock schwag. My point here is that it would be a lot nicer for everyone if Shimano and their corporatized larvae would just cut the crap and build only XT and XTR. Think of the overhead they could eliminate by not building trash so you have to spend over 50 bucks to get rid of an ass backwards derailleur for instance! Everyone would benefit by concentrating on top quality instead of total f'n domination of some stupid market plan. Enough of my anti corporate c---sucker rant. weak parts suck and no reasoning justifies their existance. | | Similar Products Used: | I owned a 2001 Trek 9.8, the benchmark. If there was a better one it woulda been Rolands! | | Bike Setup: | Skareb super, XT driveline, Spinergy cyclone wheels with Avid disc up front and single digit Ti out back, eggbeaters and Titec carbon post. I weigh it at 20.5lbs with racing semi slicks. | | Bottom Line: | My XTC2 is just what its name sez. . .
I used to baby my 9.8 in the rock gardens and downhills for fear of cracking the BB shell area. I fear no more!! This is one bike that demands a good healthy sweat every time I saddle her up. BRAVO! 2 stock, 5 scorchers as I built it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Mildura, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Strong, lightweight, well spec'ed XC bike for those on a budget. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major that can't be fixed, creaky seatpost (grease and tighten), rear shifter cable cut too long at SRAM X-9 derailer (shorten to increase shifting performance).
Cranks (Raceface Ride), bottom bracket (Raceface SRX) and forks (Manitou Skareb Comps) and maybe the wheelset are some of the parts that I would be looking at upgrading ASAP. | | Similar Products Used: | 1996 Avanti Hammer | | Bike Setup: | Medium frame (19"), (I'm 6'3", seat post is 2mm from the limit mark.) Its the way I like it.
All standard as per Aussie XTC 2 specs, except longer 4 bolt Ritchey Pro stem, BBB 11-32 cassette. | | Bottom Line: | It's all good, handles tight singletrack and climbs with ease, accelerates quickly and efficiently. I'm not real keen on the Raceface cranks and bottom bracket though. No need for a 73mm bb spindle and spacers on a bike with 68mm bb. Shifting pins on large chainring catches chain when using middle chainring and 11 & 12 tooth sprockets.
Reach adjustment on the brake levers need some loctite too.
Love the SRAM gear too, shifts very well.
I am intending to use Stan's No Tubes as the prickles around here are bad, and the Pythons offer bugger all protection.
The bike as a whole is great value for blasting around as fast as you can, and its comfortable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Guerguy
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | 1100 | | Strengths: | Very sweet deal on the bike. The quality of components for the price is exceptional! | | Weaknesses: | Tires (pythons, horrible in rocky terrain. The rear tire kept slipping on climbs until replaced with smoke/dart combo. The tires are also very thin, and give way to several thorns if your not riding with liners. I didn't like that the shifters and front derailuer were Deore, and not LX too. I also had a lot of trouble with the drivetrain adjustments when first purchased. The cables eventually stretched, but the problems persisted. | | Similar Products Used: | Other hardtails in same price range. | | Bike Setup: | Aluminum frame, Rock Shox Duke XC 80mm fork, XT rear, Deore front, Race Face XC Isis crank, easton post, Wtb saddle, Easton bars, Avid direct pull v brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Exceptional value like I said. Wonderful hardtail to start out on, and very comfortable. Recomendations is switching out tires and upgrade drivetrain, including cassette. If youre looking for a good priced, nice riding hardtail, go with the XtC 2. If your looking for a plush full suspension, it will cost you more. Check out the Superlight, Blur, and NRS 1 (All starting around 2,000). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Xzen
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill valley
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Tam | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$975.00 | | Purchased At: | peformance | | Strengths: | Lightweight (for the price)
climbs very well because of the very wide 11-36 rear gearing
positive shifting
fork soaks up a LOT of the small and big stuff
very nice cartrage style brakes (avid rules)
cranks are very stiff
time pedals
BLACK color scheme!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | though it has VERY nice shifting the front derailer and shift pods should be LX IMO. Also giant apparently changes the specks of there bikes at random, so all the xtc2s in the store had assorted LX XT and XTR rear derailers. The 17" (my size I'm 5'8") had an LX but I talked them into switching it out to an LX at no charge. Finally the tires that came on it(pythons) suck in lose rocks, anything wet, rocks & roots, lose gravel, and mud, which coincidently is what you use this kind of bike on! | | Similar Products Used: | assorted low and middle of the line rigids. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the XT rear and the Panaracer Dart/smoke combo(rule) | | Bottom Line: | This bike (with the LX rear) is a collection of all the latest cycling tech, just heaver. The thing with the pana tires is somewhere between 25 and 26 pounds, and since the frame is excellent and only 1500 grams that means you could easily build it up to a INSANELY good race bike. But I am going to hold back on that for now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Cycles | | Strengths: | Value for money. 2005 bike has the skareb shocks and hayes hydraulic brakes and SRAM shifting | | Weaknesses: | paint rubs off easily | | Similar Products Used: | numerous other hardtails | | Bike Setup: | factory standard | | Bottom Line: | Bought as a race bike for XC/multisport and as a loaner for friends. For the price it is exceptionally well spec'd with the only exception being the quality of the rims/wheels.
I have raced it with no problems and despite normally riding a 6 inch travel trail bike had no problems getting on and thrashing it about. No sore bits from the change in riding style and it went downhill surprisingly well for its geometry. Sram shifting is great
Bottom line is it is better spec'd than any of the other hard tails in it's price bracket and suitable for being competitive with the vast majority of the field without jumping into the ultra expensive league. It has passed plenty of bike twice its price and only been passed by peoply I know are fitter anyway!
Ideal for entry level racers, multisport racers. First time bike buyers should look at its little brother the xtc3 as it provides everything you need to get started.
The XTC range are designed as XC bikes and the frame design and strength is not suited to being used a jump/free ride bike. Best suited to those who intend staying connected to the ground and wanting get from A to B quickly.
Another little surprise is that while it comes with two drink bottle holder mounts you can't get the upright bottle into a cage unless the bottle is very small, effectively it has only one bottle holder and a second mount for pumps etc! (small frame).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ash
a Racer
from Tauranga New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Redwoods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Responsiveness, lightness, strength, looks, climbing ability, equally ballanced | | Weaknesses: | Mavic XM117 bend REALLY easly (i true them before and after a race), Duke U Turns are heavy and break doun easily (iv replaced the u turn assembly all ready includung the spring), seat / seat post makes a creaking noise when seated and really pushing hard, Avid single finger 3R's vee brakes Suck in the mud but have excellent braking power in the dry, Original Tyres are useless in mud and loose stuff. shimano Spds | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Hardrock specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Amobea Bar ends, Crank Bros ss egg betters, LX Cassette, Nokian Boazabena Tyres and Continental Explorer Protection tyres | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great entry level racing bike it handles almost anything i through at it. I race the bike hard and the only parts ive had to replace are the free hub, Cassette, chain, Brake pads, U turn assembly, cones. If your just getting into XC racing and are looking for an edge buy the XTC2 it is a pure bread racing bike.
The only things i can suggest are if your getting into really competitve stuff up grade the rims to the superlight Mavic Crossmax SL's or similar, better forks (Manitou skarebs, Rock shox Sids or Rebas, or some good fox forx.),
bar ends about 75mm ones, Crank Bros eggbetters or Candys, and definitly buy some disk brakes Shimano Xt with the intergrated style schifers/brake leavers.
Happy trails | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from okc,oklahoma.USA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1068.00 | | Purchased At: | the bicycle store two | | Strengths: | almost everything. | | Weaknesses: | front derailleur should have been lx,rockshox duke xc sucks.just got the bike one week ago.and only been able to put 40 miles on it when the seals blew out.on a rollin! come on rockshox whats up with that? | | Similar Products Used: | first mtb,mongoose bmx | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | excellent bike for the cost.a heavy rider may want to upgrade fork. to something better with more travil.like a white brothers vt 1.3 fork 3.93 Lbs (80-130MM)coil. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Garden of the Gods, Colo. Springs, CO | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1060.00 | | Purchased At: | All Star Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This bike is light. Plus it fits me perfectly -- I am 5'8", 140lbs. I got a 17" frame and it feels lighter and tighter than any other bike I test rode except for a shockless titanium bike the shop owner had. The Specialized was a close second, but cost too much and the geometry wasn't just right for me. I test rode 8 different bikes and this one was absolutely the best hardtail of 'em all. | | Weaknesses: | The seat post creaks terribly. Tightening the bolt helped for a short while, and then it got worse. Now I just tune it out. Worse than that, though, the Duke shock went almost completely flat less than a week after taking the bike home. I took it down only a few stairs and it lost all its air. I took it to the shop and they pumped it up and told me to try it out for a while. It went flat again after only a day. So now the bike is in the shop and they sent the shock into the dealer. I am just waiting to find out what's up. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Outlook; test rode Cannondale F600, Specialized Stumpjumper, Giant Rainier, Giant Iguana, a Trek, Ibex trophy 880 disc, and some titanium bike. | | Bike Setup: | Duke U-turn fork; Shimano Deore hubs and derailleurs; Avid V-brakes; Hutchinson Python tires; SRAM cassette; Easton handlebar and stem; I traded out for Shimano SPD compatible pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I shopped for a long time to get the right bike. I wanted a hardtail I could ride to school every day, but also take on the trail. I expect a lot out of my bikes and I didn't want some heavy beast I couldn't jump over stuff with or climb hills fast with. I also wanted something that would last a long long time -- I had my Diamondback 10 years. But I also couldn't afford much more than what I got. This bike is just about everything I was looking for. I like the colors; I like the Python tires -- they are great for both road and dirt. I thought I wanted discs, an option that only comes on the Australian version; but now I am glad I have the Avid v-brakes. They are lighter and I am familiar with the setup and adjustment. I did get the bike on sale, but it was still more expensive than I saw others getting it for in other parts of the country, so I am giving only 4 chilis for value. And with the problems I have had with the fork and seatpost I am giving the overall only four chilis, though I really love the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Lumpkin
a Racer
from Ballwin,Missouri,USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The Chubb Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Granada Cycling | | Strengths: | Very light, very good for CX racing. nice componints, never failed on me yet. Very nice front shocks for CX | | Weaknesses: | the frame makes a weird cracking type noise when applying force,but no big deal. Not wanting to get off. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall, this bike is very good for the money. I've done about 300 miles on it already and in has never failed yet. The derailer never studers. Very light and good for CX racers. The Duke cx shocks are very effective and light.
You problably wont want to buy it if you are a downhiller because it has short travel (80mm) and it is a hard tail.
Awsome for CX though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bevan hornsby
a Cross Country Rider
from henley-on-thames,england
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | aw cycles | | Strengths: | very strong and light good for downhill and x-contry comes with good componts | | Weaknesses: | the brake levers pop out | | Similar Products Used: | giant boulder | | Bottom Line: | good bike light and farst | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything I can handle | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$880.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Show | | Strengths: | light frame, easton handle bar and seatpost, seat, pedals, deore xt | | Weaknesses: | rims (should be mavic X221), fork ( okay but for this price specialized offers a fox float), front Derraileur (should be lx at this price)Deore works ok but copuld be better | | Similar Products Used: | 04 stumjumper, trek 8000, rockhopper prto intl | | Bike Setup: | stock ( plan on upgrading to deore xt front derraileur soon) | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for really freakin cheap. 1100 cdn no tax at the bike show. I was expecting a rockhopper pro but when i saw this deal i had to take it. The bike is great though. I took it through some trials and its awesome, duke works fine for me but 100mm of travel would be nice. Shifters work great no flaws in that category. For a cross-country mtb this is great but if you are goig to spend this much money for a bike buy the stumpjumper it has a lot more for the money. I would have bought it if i could of got it for 1100 cdn , but i only found the giant at that price. I'm still freakin happy with my giant though it works like a dream | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Light!! the bike is very light, great for lifting over gates, etc and especially for climbing.
The Rockshock Dukes are awesome, can adjust them to whatever you want.
hayes hydros are just awesome! | | Weaknesses: | Headset makes weird cracking noises when applying force when you are off the seat. | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 giant rincon | | Bottom Line: | For the price of the bike, this is the best you can get. I spent a lot of time looking around to try and find the biggest bang for buck. Not only was this the best speced bike in the price range it is by far the lighest. Awesome for XC riding.
So far ridden 600km and there are no signs of anything going bad at all. Its all perfect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow Fork - Oquirrh Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1390.00 | | Purchased At: | Taylors Bike | | Strengths: | Great shock, frame and components. | | Weaknesses: | Comes default without Disk-brakes and had to change out the entire wheelset. Not really a weakness, I just wanted to go with disk brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain - Vertex 50
Trek - 8000
Gary Fisher - Big-sur (disk) | | Bike Setup: | RD - XT, FD - Deore, Duke-XC fork, Time atac Alium pedals, wheel set upgrade for Avid Mechanical Disks. Raceface cranks and equation rims. | | Bottom Line: | I conducted alot of research before buying this bike. As stated above, I was torn between a Rocky-Mountain Vertex-50 and this bike. Even with the added weight from the disk brakes, the XTC-2 is light, mine is just over 25-lbs. The fork is just sick. I was going to upgrade to a Marzocchi fork with more travel but decided that 80mm was enough. I'm glad I stuck with the Duke-XC. This is a great higher-end hardtail bike for the money. Great frame, great components, great price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Steel
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | noob smasher gulley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Tom Wallace | | Strengths: | The shocks are awesome. Never ridden anything like them. They're awesome. The bike is nice and light. | | Weaknesses: | It gets a bit of chain slap, but after a lizard skin its alright. I'm thinking of changing the handlebars to some downhill bars. The ones that are on there are too straight and hurt my wrists. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond Back Sorrento, Giant Warp DS1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If you're looking for a cross country champion, or something you can launch, then this is the bike for you. Nice and light. The forks let you go big, or adjust them nice to suit cross country. Very comfortable, though I'd suggest changing the handlebars to something more confortable, and putting some stickier tyres on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darran
a Cross Country Rider
from Blue Mts, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Blue Mts | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ashfield Cycles (Sydney) | | Strengths: | This is a superlight bike with awesome component for the price. Supercool matt black paint work. Great frame. Duke with U-turn. Easton finishing kit. Shimano LX/XT drivetrain.
Hayes hydrolic disc brakes are unbelievable. Stopping power is simply AWESOME. | | Weaknesses: | Headset seems to make noises when climbing. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanche 2.0,GT Zaskar,Giant ATX860,Giant Rainer | | Bike Setup: | Thomson stem, Raceface lowriser bars, everything else standard | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the XTC2 Disc. This is an awesome bike for the price. Nothing even comes close for the money. Similar spec'd bikes will cost atleast Aus$400 more. I looked at almost every bike on the market around the A$2000 mark before deciding on the XTC2.
The forks are very smooth, and the U-turn feature is nice but just a gimmic.
The frame is superlight, very stiff and responsive (sounds almost pornographic). Fluid forming is very cool.
Components are very well spec'd.
If you are in the market for a XC hardtail bike in this price range the XTC2 is unbeatable.
I would give it an overall rating of 6 out of 5 hot chillies if I could.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Westwood
a
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Victor Cycles Brisbane | | Strengths: | Light weight and value for money. | | Weaknesses: | Easton seat post creaking and crap brake pads. The LBS re-greased the seatpost twice but it didn't make much difference. In the end the LBS changed the seatpost with a Bontranger unit and now it's rock solid. As for the break pads, they were making all sorts of grinding (metal on metal) noises until I replaced them with some VeeStop units. Now they are very quiet and stop me as well as my Avid Mechanical Disks used to. I can't believe they sell a bike of this value with such crappy brake pads. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rainier | | Bike Setup: | Standard with Geax 1.25 slicks, replacement Bontranger seatpost and VeeStop brake pads. | | Bottom Line: | Overall I am satisfied with the bike, but I shouldn't have to replace parts in the first couple of months. Fortunately my LBS looked after me and I now have a bike that I am completely happy with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAVID
a Cross Country Rider
from NSW
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The Royal National Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction Cronulla | | Strengths: | Value for money,specification level.Because of the weight & gearing it eats hills for breakfast. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox Duke XC tends to be a bit to soft (been over the bars a few times).I,m told Rock Shox have firmer spring available,so I will try that option & report back.Other than that the bikes PERFECT. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Aggressor '99 model,Giant Yukon '02 model. | | Bike Setup: | Standard except for - Easton EA50 low riser bar fitted,replaced Shimano M520 pedals for Shimano M424 (caged pedal for when the going gets rough - but still clipless). | | Bottom Line: | If your after a light, fast, comfortable XC hard tail from a reputable manufacturer.The GIANT XTC DISC (as it's called in Australia),is for you.It's the most fun I've had on two wheels in the dirt,and I use it for Epic weekend rides to the odd XC race. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren
a Cross Country Rider
from Winkler MB Canada
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Super light, great price, drivetrain's decent, duke xc air is light but rigid, easton cockpit seems to stand up well | | Weaknesses: | shimano spds | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant ATX 870, 2002 Giant XTC SE2, 2003 Giant XTC SE2 | | Bike Setup: | Only things I've changed so far: Egg beaters, XT cassette and chain | | Bottom Line: | Unbelievable bang for your buck...I;ve raced these bikes the last few years and had absolutely no problems. Very worthy of upgrades (and for the price you can actually afford them :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Toowoomba, Qld, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Brian Page Cycles | | Strengths: | Weight, Equipment list(RockShok Dukes and Hayes disc's :)), responsive handling and reasonable $price$ | | Weaknesses: | Paint; matte finish scratches and wears easily. Hayes Brakes seem to touch the disc's when not in use, may change in time. Time will tell. Would have prefered the Shimano M555 disc brakes only for the fact that they use mineral sprit hydraulic fluid rather than the corosive stuff hays uses. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheep stuff and a couple of friends comp bikes (specialised and Merida). | | Bike Setup: | Standard with Cateye enduro 8, and shimano M034 spd shoes. | | Bottom Line: | As and entry level comp bike it seems to be good value for money.I would recomend the bike to anyone who wants preformance at reasonable cost. The bike is well equiped for the money. Had I had bought the non-disc version to upgrade to disc in the future it would be AUD$250 per wheel in comparison to the extra AUD$200 purchase cost. Will have to wait and see how it goes in the long term. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark wilkie
a Cross Country Rider
from Tasmania,Australia
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | montezema falls | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | geards cycles | | Strengths: | light,strong frame,great rockshoc duke u-turn forks,easton bars,seat post hayes discs great componets for money | | Weaknesses: | standard tyres ,cable rub on frame paintwork | | Similar Products Used: | raceline expert xc | | Bike Setup: | hayes discs ,irc trailbears,xt rear,lx front and shifters,deore hubs, | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the price ,light strong frame well spec,ed, I bought this bike 5 days before a 4 day varied terrain (mountains to sea) multi stage race(wildside) and I believe this bike helped me finish ten places higher up the finishing order than my old bike would have, after just three rides on it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dion Fraei
a Racer
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | karapoti classic | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | VIC cycles | | Strengths: | PICE PRICE PRICE (and its black) | | Weaknesses: | aluminium frame (gets a bit bouncy on fast rocky downhills) | | Bike Setup: | basicly stock! | | Bottom Line: | this is a great, light weight, CHEAP racing bike! as I'm getting back into XC and the budget is not what it used to be and after looking around at all the other models in the under NZ$3000 ($1500 US ish) I thought it bet every thing else hands down alought the avanti competitor was close the price differance (around $600) sealed the deal.
although its not a full on XTR group set carbon every thing race bike it is light enough to be competive at any thing below the elite level and you can always ad trick bits latter | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from sydney Aus
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | oaks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | SIC(St ives cycles) | | Strengths: | Looks, weight, price, spec, everything! | | Weaknesses: | ????I guess it makes weird cracking sounds when tiny pebble like things hit the downtube, cause it's so thin. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant yukon(2002) | | Bike Setup: | Giant XTC2 disk, hayes hydro, egg beaters, wtb/VXC wheel combo, oury lock on, stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is for the Aussie version with hayes disks, but I got the normal V brake version and put disks on cause I couldn't wait for the disk model(3 week wait).
This bike is just plain fast! If you are on a budget and need a bike to race or be serious, this is it.
I just got some new wheels for no other fact that they save alot of weight, but there was nothing wrong with the stock wheels.
Sadly my duke fork is clunking but this seems to happen to most rock shox forks and when it does happen I just use my u-turn and get rid of the clunk(I have the Aus model).
I reccomend putting clear tape or similiar every where cables touch cause before your eyes the paint will disapear(well after 300km).
I love how they spec easton parts now, they are awesome. The WTB sadle is also quite nice.
I like the little detail they have done to, like the carbon headset spacers and the kenda/salsa light weight tubes with gold valves(very pimp!).
Althought the frame is very thin I have alot of faith in it, look at jeff lenosky(WHO?!, like the worlds best trials rider, IMO), he uses the xtc frame, although he probably gets a new one every month or so it still proves this frame can handle what most xc riders can dish out.
Any questions, feel free to email me.
5 flamming turds cause this bike rocks!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Kaohsiung Taiwan
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$720.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS in Taiwan | | Strengths: | The price - about $400 cheaper to purchase the bike in Taiwan, but I live here so I guess thats one of the benifits. No complaints about Giant's international warranty, either. | | Weaknesses: | Rockshox Pilot shock is set at 80mm instead of 100mm. Requires taking apart the fork to switch travel. Giant is Rockshox distributor in Taiwan. It would be nice to be able to request the travel setting before taking delivery of the bike. 99.9% of the LBS owners in Taiwan are not familar w/ taking apart the shocks so you either have to do it yourself or send it back to the factory.
14" frame has only one water bottle mount. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC SE3, Giant Yukon | | Bike Setup: | Swapped flat bar for a riser, added a Rockshox suspension post, Welgo SPD compatable single side pedals (bike came w/ Shimano 505 or 515 pedals - good quality - I'm using them on a different bike), Hutchenson Mosquito Lite tires, different spec Giant grips (softer), WSD saddle (WTB is too narrow) | | Bottom Line: | I'm writing this review for my wife. Her last bike was the XTC SE3. It is several lbs heavier and spec'd with several cheaper Giant brand components as well as the hefty Judy TT fork. It was actually cheaper for her to buy a new SE2 and sell her SE3, than to upgrade the wheels, fork, and cranks on her SE3.
Her first complaint was the flat Easton bar. She prefered the swept back angle of a riser bar as it was more comfortable on her wrists (swapped the old one off of her SE3). The stock grip are as hard as a rock, so it was a cheap $2 swap for some softer Giant grips.
In Taiwan the bike comes w/ Kenda Klimax tires. Lightweight and good for hardpack... just want you don't want to use for the trails in Taiwan. She is using the Mosquitos off of her SE3 - perfect for gripping loose rocky terrain.
The Rockshox suspension post is a must have upgrade. 50-60mm of travel really takes off the edge. She really likes it.
My wife is 5'6". She went with the 14" frame. She likes the low standover height and the compact geometery. The 17" was definately too big and spooked her on the downhills. The frame is lightweight and easy for her to carry (she weighs 100lbs). I believe the bike's weight is between 22 - 23 lbs.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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