Built to give Giant World Cup pros every advantage, this is quite simply the fastest XC bike ever produced by Giant. We took the world’s best-performing suspension system, Maestro, and mated it with the incredibly lightweight, stiff and sharp-handling Advanced SL-grade composite frame. With the massive MegaDrive downtube, super-stiff PowerCore bottom bracket and all-new OverDrive 2 oversize headtube, you have a complete high-performance system that takes the mountain bike beyond integration.
Fox F100 FIT RL Terralogic with QR15 thru-axle, OverDrive 2 tapered steerer suspension fork and Fox FLOAT RP23 Adaptive Logic rear shock with Kashima coating
Shimano XTR componentry
Giant Contact SLR composite stem, handlebar and seatpost
Submitted by
Along81
a Weekend Warrior
from NY, NY
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2011
Strengths: I just picked this bad boy up at half off to clear inventory for the 2012 model. The thing is a frigging work horse. It's quick, can take a beating and is really the best bike I have ever ridden.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Like everyone said, if you have the cash this is one of the best bikes ever made.
Similar Products Used: Marin Eldridge grade, cannondale trail 2
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Letourneau
a Racer
from Prevost, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2011
Strengths: In fact, the bike it self ! Great stability, took rough sections with ease (even if you are tough with), very light, great rear suspension (Maestro) : the bike seems to look at you with a smile and asking you «give me more»...«come on, you're not fast enought»...
Weaknesses: With very powerfull strokes in pro-pedal mode, you can still feel a little bit of rebound.
You have to use your imagination and change some parts to give it a «attractive» and «killer» look (but that dont change his strenghts).
Bottom Line:
If you have the cash, go for it. You can't mistaken. It would help you to race like a champion, like Ned Overend.
Take great care and clean it, the bike always repond as well as the first day you bought it. Even if the bike didn't look very attractive when you see it, you can make some changes and give the bike a very great look, if you want to...
Bike Setup: Stock + Fulcrum Red Metal Zero rims, Maxxis Larsen TT and Continental race king tires and Fox F series front forks
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
oatmeal
a Cross Country Rider
from orange county, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2010
Strengths: This is got to be one of the best all around bikes I have ever rode. Extremely fast and stable while quick to respond to inputs
Bottom Line:
If you have the cash do not hesitate to pick this bike up. It really is a true cross country full supension race bike. I really cannot say anything negative about the bike.