Submitted by
B.Redmann
a Weekend Warrior
from Waupun, Wis., U.S.A
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2011
Strengths: Smooth effortless operation. Gears hit home every time. No wobbles, squeaks, or rattles.
Weaknesses: A little heavy. Also not real crazy about the red, white, and blue color scheme. Not sure what year. (Base white)
Have not been able to find one that matches the color scheme.
Bottom Line:
This is obviously an older bike and has been well maintained but ridden a fair amount of time. For it's age I am very impressed with it's functionality and smooth operation and ride. Dollar for dollar I a great deal.
The bike was originally $125 used but I added a cargo rack and new hand grips to make it $162 after tax.
Similar Products Used: 2003 Giant, Boulder SE.
Was lighter and nicer line (aesthetics are important).
Bike Setup: To the best of my knowledge all factory Deore and Suntour.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
dudezer88
a Weekend Warrior
from Longmont, Colorado, United States
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2008
Strengths: Bulletproof Chromoly frame, decent Shimano dérailleurs, sealed cartridge bottom bracket. All parts will take a beating.
Weaknesses: Stock Nylon pedals (just go clipless), Suntour fork is pretty basic, hard stock seat (never rode with it, I switched it out immediately), maybe a little heavy.
Bottom Line:
I've owned this bike for about 7 years and it still works great, though I have done some upgrades.
Overall it is a great bike that is very tough, no flexing or bending. Upgrade the fork and pedals, and you have yourself a great beginner XC bike.
If you can find one of these used for cheap, get it.
Weaknesses: than chain falls off sometimes but the bike was really beat up and w/o brakes when I got it
Bottom Line:
this bike is really great and nice for riding anywhere. I found this bike cheap so look at "recovered property" police auctions or simply said stolen and ditched Stuff
This bike works for anybody who wants a bike that can do it all
Submitted by
Matt Lussier
a Downhiller
from North Collins,NY USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2004
Strengths: It's relatively lightweight, even compared to newer aluminum TREKs, Specialized Hardrock, Avalanche 2.0, etc. Even though they're alum., and the Saddleback is Chro-moly. The frame will not break or bend for anything, great riding position(I'm 6'0",and ride a 16"), The fork is very durable and easily adjustable(suntourm8020).
Weaknesses: The Shimano Acera Derailleurs are very touchy and need adjustment often. I also have had problems with my headset loosening up after hard rides(tiny bit).Horrible stock pedals(plastic).
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike, even if it were alot more, I'd still buy it after knowing what a value it is. Perfect beginner bike,or even someone seriously into MTB. (I'd advise buying a rebuild kit for any fork purchased with any bike just because it's hard to find them a few years later.) Bottom Line: can't break it!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Hardrock, TREK 820+4100, GT Avalanche 2.0
Bike Setup: Suntour XR11 Crank and sprocketswith 175mm arms, suntour m8020 fork with Rock Shox preload adjustable only(bottom).Y2000 Alex rims, SHIMANO Acera derailleurs with suntour rear 7spd. cassette, Maxxis tires, etc.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Bondy
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagan, MN , USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003
Strengths: Very very strong, dependable, solid, great gears for hill climbing, great beginner bike, great for riding off road cross country
Weaknesses: The crank started to come loose and after a while, the chain starts to skip due to wear and tear, the seat is very uncomfortable, and the bike is FRICKIN HEAVY. I would not recomend jumping this bike off of anything 4 feet and higher because after a few jumps the crank lever tends to come loose.
Bottom Line:
The bike although it has shown some weaknesses, is a good beginner bike and will not break for anything. good overall bike for the money.
Bike Setup: steel frame, sr suntour fork, shimano v-brakes, shimano alivo parts, maxxis tires, GT factory grips and saddle.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Hagen
a Weekend Warrior
from Saukville WI USA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Strengths: Fine looking, lightweight, acceptable performance functionally. Comfortable positioning. Adequate hill climbing gears.Strong, rust resistent. Good guest bike.
Weaknesses: Little heavy now that aluminum is prevalent. Poor top end. Needs adjustment after only few hills of moderate skill.
Bottom Line:
Good beginners choice for the dollar, used would be a steal by now. I am moving up in performance but buying used. Many bargains out there.
This is a good, heavy bike for a heavy person. I haven't really bashed it around, but its stood up to my weight (The front fork isn't adjustable, but it seems to handle my weight with out compressing when I'm on the bike.
This has been a good begining bike with reasonable components for the money. I can recommend it to the beginner and the occasional cyclist. Its good on the road, but I'd put slicks on it instead of the noisy, knobby tires that come stock if that is where you're doing most of your riding.
Strengths: This bike is one of the most durable bikes i have ever owned. The weight is a good factor also. I use this bike for doing all of my stunts because i have faith in it not breaking no matter the stunt i have the guts to do.
GT's are great bike but the Saddleback is no way near up to GT standards. The bike does not run over rough track in the in which it should, the running gear is not great. Thank God GT has now drop it form it's line up for 1998. But for the price there are better bikes to by from Diamond Back and Trek.
When I saw this bike and it's price, I could'nt beleive it. The things a monster for the price, decent components (Shimano Altus front/rear derailleur & brakes & crankshaft, Gripshift MRX-170 shifters. oversize CRMO tubes etc...). I used to ride a Diamondback Apex and beat the s++t out of it (single tracks, mountain passes, downhills, rocks, small jumps) it creaked and flexed to beat the band, and the price for all this good stuff now is about $759.00. For $330.00 the GT is way better. The only complaint I have is about the front shock, not user serviceable, not good. The shock is adjusted for someone of average weight, which I am not, but at this price, who cares, it works fine. If you are looking for a great bike at a decent price, you'll be hard pressed to do better than the GT Saddleback.
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