Submitted by
eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Japan
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2006
Strengths: I-drive design, reinforced seat mast area, color scheme
Weaknesses: a bit heavy, but then again...so am I.
Bottom Line:
I posted a review a few years ago on my 2.0. Well, I took it to Honduras with me and it lasted the whole year, but on the way back I noticed that I fell prey to the 2001 frame curse...failed weld at the seatmast!! En route to Japan, I came back to the states and called Pacific only to be informed that they wouldn't honor the warranty beyond the the 2 year purchase date of GT by Pacific. Off to Japan I go and lo and behold I find a LBS where the owner speaks English!!! He worked out a crash replacement frame for approx. 350 bucks. Get this...it's a 2003 0.0! I don't think they are available in the states! Anyway...it shows up a week later and the shop had all my old components on the new frame by the next weekend. This bike climbs VERY well and the weight is deceiving because you don't really feel it that much when climbing on the trail. It climbs better than any bike I've ridden and as far as downhill...a 5 inch fork up front with 4.6 inches in the rear is almost a recipe for disaster for me. I constantly have to rein myself back in lest I plant myself squarely in the bushes. It's a bit heavy for a race bike but I do it anyway...you just need stronger legs and lungs!! This bike ROCKS!!! If you ride for pleasure, i.e. not a dedicated racer, and you want a bike that will go up AND down efficiently, then you need this bike. It's a little hefty but it's worth it and you'll never really notice it anyway...it's all "efficient weight."
Favorite Trail: Annadel State Park, Santa Rosa, CA
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At: kamiya cycles, fussa, JP
Similar Products Used: 2001 GT I-drive 2.0
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Z1 Drop off (130mm), Avid Mech. Disc brakes, Bombshell wheels, LX/XTR, WTB Mutanoraptor, Panaracer Cinder(R)
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Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Easton, PA USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2006
Strengths: Climbs great, with zero bob. Plush and smooth on the decents. Handles very well on twisty technical singletrack.
Weaknesses: People don't take me seriously because its not a prophet or top fuel and I have low cost parts on it. Cable routing under bottom bracket (i cant find those @#!* plastic things anywhere)
Bottom Line:
I bought this frame from a friend. He hade a 2001 and cracked it (shocking) but it luckily got replaced with a 2003. He went on to DH riding and sold me the brand new XC frame for 75 bucks. I built it with a serious budget and used parts. Its better than bikes costing over 2k and it completey cost me under 600. I am so happy with this frame and amazed at the performance of it coupled with the Sid. No bob and climbs jsut as good if not better than any hardtail I have ever rode even with lower shock pressures. Its not a DH bike, but it decends very well, again compared to other bikes in the 2k cost range. I have not experienced the "big hit front derailer skipping a gear" issue. I dont do drops more than 4-5 ft and I weigh 200lbs. Maybe its my cable routing? I specifically allowed for a bit more housing length around the i-drive bottom bracket, so maybe thats it. Overall it weighs in lighter than its peers, and soon to be even lighter once I go with the r7 forks. It handles so well on twisty singletrack I giggle on just about every ride because this bike is so much fun. Rear triangle has disc and v-brake bosses, I'm currently using xt v-brakes. If you can find this frame, by all means build it up and you will not be dissapointed! Lots of fun, but you will get under-estimated by the carbon fiber riding lycra wearing racers. Just make sure you have a bell on your handlebars so you can warn them when your about to pass them. :) Dont give in to the hype and ride what works for you.
Similar Products Used: fuel, jamis, gt hardtail, prophet, many others
Bike Setup: Sid dual air rear, Manitou 80mm budget up front, Truvativ cranks, Sun rims, deore xt or xtr on just about everything else...
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Submitted by
MIchael Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2005
Strengths: Ballanced well and flys through air like pavlova. Responsive. Rigid for composit.
Weaknesses: need for pivot upgrades that are costly but worth the money.
Bottom Line:
Bought this as always liked the design and managed to get a second hand STS 2000 already tricked up. It was the second generation reinforced version and so almost over engineered for strength. Reputation of older week ones that broke limits their market value despite fact that these are probably one of the strongest composit bikes made. Joy to ride with the adaptations as it wants to go fast and will take on anything. Its been fun getting a bike that have always liked and is definate eye catcher. had quite a few bikes over the last 16 years of riding and this is near th top of the list. Recomend getting one if you can, ignore the rumours, avoid the originals and get one with the upgraded pivots if you can.
Bike Setup: tricked up with all sorts from hope, azonic, fsa, x-lite, syncros, sunn
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Submitted by
mudsweat'n'gears
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne,Australia
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005
Strengths: great all round trail bike!
Weaknesses: Front derailler cable routing
Bottom Line:
Great bike! No problems at all and I am 90+ kilos and ride it hard! The bike is a bit heavy, but hey,...so am I! Would dearly love to replace the duke front shock but for the price it is a good allround unit. Great hill climber, good on the downhills, frame is strong,.. forget some of the dissing it gets which are obviously older models!! I have noticed some of the areas they have cut corners (Cheap spokes, and cheap rear cassette). Overall a great steed!
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, CT
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2005
Strengths: The bike climbs the way it was made to, brakes are not bad but needs more bite but i'm sure differant pads will fix that. Frame with the upgrade handles everything i can throw at it and good equipment.This big has good travel i'd say for most people but could use more if bombing.
Weaknesses: luckily the shop i bought it from swapped out the crappy tires that came on it with what i wanted (valosrapter <--spelling?) shock tend to lose air if big sits never had that happen before but guess maybe par for course. The brake squeek a bit kinda like your car if it needs brake but pads look fine prolly just hard pads.
Bottom Line:
definatly would buy again, good bang for the buck rides with out a hitch and never left me stranded
Bike Setup: just about stock excepet tires and added some good bar ends. i might change out rear shock this year for something better. Bought a SS rock ring. but i'm happy with it for the most part
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Whidbey Island Wa.
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2004
Strengths: With a 34 cog casette and the fork's ETA swiched to the 30mm travel setting, the climbing ability of this bike is amazing.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
The suspension design is superior to anything that I've seen in eliminating power robbing rear suspension bobbing. My hat's off to GT for standing behind their products.
Similar Products Used: This 2003 I Drive 1.0 frame was a replacement for my cracked 2001 I-Drive 4.0 frame. I rode that hard for two seasons after buying it new in 2003. I'm 6'4" and weigh 230 lb.
Bike Setup: A Marzocchi MX comp with ETA fork, Avid mechanical disks, Deore XT derailleurs.
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Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Truckee
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2004
Strengths: Price/Performance ratio - Uphillability - Durability
Weaknesses: Since it isn't real expensive other bikers may ignore you.
Bottom Line:
I too broke my 2001. Thought it wouldn't happen to me. Same deal, crack in the seatmast area. I weigh between 210 and 230 depending on the season. While looking for a replacement frame, I came across a dealer that told me they could warranty it. Two weeks later, I received a brand spankin' new 1.0. I have put over a thousand miles on it and am happy to report no breaks yet ( I put about a thou on the old one before it broke.) I regularly do 20 mile cross country type rides with lots of vertical and find this rig to be a reliable steed. Keeps up with the five thousand dollar bikes no problem. The only potential downside is the lack of a dealer network makes it so you have to be able to work on it yourself. I replace the cables annually and do not have any shifting issues. I relube the Idrive twice a season and the rest is set it and forget it. If you are considering this bike, are a handy XC style rider and don't mind riding a kmart - get it!
Submitted by
Rob Essley
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004
Strengths: Climbs very well, no discernable bob or bounce, descends with confidence. Cheap used frames abound, strengthened seat support area prevents breakage as with prior models.
Weaknesses: Instills too much confidence, friends pissed about the low price I paid, phantom front shifts.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 03 I-drive 1.0. This bike was an easy deal on ebay, for just over $200. I built it up, and have been smiling since. It is a phenomenal handling bike. It climbs better than all of my friends' bikes, and I am way faster than I was on my HT. It devours the downhills and causes me to think I don't need my brakes, making for some hairy spills so far. My only complaint about this bike is the front der. cable routing is just plain bad. It shifts out on big hits, and returns on rebound, which can screw you up on rolling singletrack. My solution was to lengthen the housing and stiffen up the rear shock. Overall, this bike rules and I wish I had another one to keep in the closet for a replacement. Be aware, they strengthened the seat support area tremendously, and it has not given me any trouble at all(I weigh 200ish). Buy the frame used, you will not be sorry! The ideal buyer is someone with shallow pockets and a hankering for sweet singletrack. The unsuited buyer is someone with a logo boner and lycra tights.
Bike Setup: 03 I-drive 1.0, Marzocchi Z1 MCR, Avid mech. disc, UST wheels, hutchinson pythons, XTR der, dual control shifters, cane creek ad10 shock, selle italia flite gel, titec hellbent, titec stem, king headset, ODI grips, sram cassette, 04 LX cranks(amazing value), time atac alium pedals.
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Submitted by
David Reeves
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2004
Strengths: Good value.
Weaknesses: Frames break. Would not recommend purchase of new or used GT product if you are over 180lbs or don't have money/time to get it replaced.
Bottom Line:
If you buy a GT product, make sure to buy it new from a dealer and keep your sales receipt. I bought a 2001 Idrive 3.0 (retail = $1,600) from a local guy I know. He paid $900, rode it less than 10 times and was asking $700. I rode it gently less than six times and the frame broke around the seatpost. I bought a 2003 Idrive 1.0 frame new off of ebay and rode it less than six times before the frame broke. The big round part that holds the Idrive unit (like a big bottome braket) just came appart while I was riding up a hill (what did I do, press down on the peddles too hard or something?). I never jump or anything like that - I just ride along. Now I have a pile of nice parts and no bike to ride. Moral of the story: Support your local shop when making a purchase - they will take care of you. Bike frame warranties only apply to the orginal owner, if you bought it new in a shop, and have your paperwork. PS - I weigh about 250lbs.
Similar Products Used: 2001 GT I-drive 3.0, 1987 Schwinn Seirra
Bike Setup: Man. SX-R forks with stiffer than stock spring, XTR R.D., V-brakes (stock).
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Submitted by
beetle bailey
a Cross Country Rider
from portland, me
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004
Strengths: smooth ride, stiff rear end
Weaknesses: can I still get a rebuild kit for the eccentric?
Bottom Line:
I broke 3 of the old ones, (I'm 145lbs.) and have a solid year on this frame that was a replacement from Pacific. They've fixed the weakness issue and the bike reminds me of the reason I bought the i-drive in the first place. It rocks! Fully active, plush, and a pioneer in the no-feedback arena. VPP and all the others have just added more choices to the isolated-drivetrain category. I'd love to check out the new i-drive system but it's sure hard to find a shop who carries the brand. At the end of the day these bikes are a great XC ride, not for hucking. It's not the lightest thing out there but whatever, if it's fun ride it.
Similar Products Used: a whole bunch of broken i-drives
Bike Setup: king, thomson, xt-all over, hadley disc hubs and a crappy old saddle
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Trevor
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2004
Strengths: Bio-pacing is just not evident even at low sag. Climbs well and is a good handling bike in just about all conditions with the right fork. At 220lbs the bike takes everything I give it including 9 hours of downhilling at Mammoth. No lockout needed.
Weaknesses: Head tube length and angle not designed for 5 inch travel forks. Cable routing underneath bottom bracket induces ghost shifting under big hits and 3 inch or so high speed repetitive hits. Pops back into original gear when done though. Cable guide under bottom bracket not sufficient to keep cable from rubbing on weld. Replacement parts hard to come by since nobody sells GT anymore. Could use more tire clearance for the rear. Heavy. Have noticed some suspension induced kickback in the pedals in granny. not enough to really complain about.
Bottom Line:
Good full suspension value for the Ebay price. Would not buy for retail due to the non-support from dealers. Accelerates quickly and absorbs the big and small stuff depending on how you setup your suspension. You would think that if you give 4.6 inches of travel in the rear GT would have designed the head for a 5 inch fork. The reality is that it is meant for a 3 or 4 inch fork. I used it with my Marzocchi MX comp 105mm. Had good steering response but not enough travel and too much flex for a big guy.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Fr SL 5 inch fork, Fox Float rear, Shimano Disc, Mavic 317s,
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Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from L.A. County
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2004
Strengths: Great Bike for its XC purpose.
Weaknesses: Componetry choices.
Bottom Line:
I own an XCR and looked into purchasing a new 1.0 iDrive. I wasn't too thrilled about the components, Tiogas and weak coil suspension. The bike rides well (a bit harsh), good geometry and for trail rides and singletrack use i'd say it holds its own. I think though my XCR is way better set-up and even though my original frame is a bit heavier, it feels stronger and more stable on descends. I don't and never have jumped over 4 Ft. drops and after 3+years of use, never cracked. Sure, it rides very plush so I guess the impact is not as hard as it would if it had a different shock. I weigh 175 and the bike comes in at 30lbs. The iDrive design is great for climbing, it really helps, hardly NO BOB and its the same as on the late 1.0 iDrive. Personally, I wouldn't buy this bike if you're 190lbs. or more and plan on hucking it a bit (4Ft. plus drops) on an average basis. This is more of an XC bike. Sure it can take more abuse with a better fork and rear shock but why would you spend the money and have to invest more on it. If you're a XC rider, 180lbs. and under, you should never have any problems with this frame. The components are good and it shold last for years to come. I've upgraded mine in the last year, spent almost $1000 and only did it cause I like the geometry of the bike, it's been good to me and now with the upgrades, it rides like a total new beast. I'm sure I can do much more with it now but I won't. Eventually, when I get to that urge, I will purchase a new Turner or Ellsworth frame and swap all of my parts over. And finally, I guess if i'd ever had any problems with mine and sent it back to GT/Pacific and wait over a year to get a replacement, i'd be a couch potato and would be dissapointed with my purchase as well and probably never buy one ever. It's too bad that they had so many problems with a lot of their frames and people had to suffer the consecuances and due to that, making GT not a very good company to purchase from. Regardless, my review is based on the tested 2003 1.0 iDrive considering my personal experience with my older version.
Bike Setup: 1.0 Tested (stock) My XCR, Psylo U-turn fork, Cloud 9 shock, XT/XTR Drivetrain, Thompson, Easton Components, Mavics on Panaracers.
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Submitted by
Michael Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwich
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003
Strengths: Frame design and value.
Weaknesses: Weight, only 4.5", no option of a good front shock for this frame, no option of good disc brakes for this frame. Therefore, pourchased as a good enough bike with lots of room to upgrade.
Bottom Line:
Seems to be a good bike for the money. I am curious to see how strong the 2003/4 frame is compared to the older models that cracked for many people. I am a litte POed at many of these reviews that are obviously talking about pre 2003 frames. This review is under 2003, not all previous models from this manufacturer and rumors of those same models that your freinds may have told you. Personal experience on a 2003 GT I-drive 1.0 only please! If anyone has broke a 2003 frame, please let me know. Also, I would love to see how this bike works with a Romic or a fifth element rear shock and a 120mm Black elite. Anyone with experience in this area, please let me know.
Purchased At: Adventure Bikes and Boards in Hamilton, NY
Similar Products Used: Many
Bike Setup: Still stock
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Submitted by
Kevin Vernagus
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomfield, MI
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2003
Strengths: Great value! I originally purchased a 2001 I-Drive 3.0 because of the bargain - full suspension, good components, ability to upgrade to disc brakes, looks good. I have ridden many more expensive models and like this one just as well.
Weaknesses: Frame cracked at seat post! Was able to work with my GT dealer and local Pacific Cycle rep to get a new 2003 I-Drive 1.0 frame in 2 weeks. Rear brakes were weak after a few weeks of use. Replaced with Avid mechanical discs. Stock seat way too hard!
Bottom Line:
Great value, if the new frame holds up like I expect. They definately appear to have addressed the weak seatpost frame on the 2001's. With a few mods, its as good as much more expensive bikes. Pacific Cycle should be thanked for honoring the warranty.
Similar Products Used: Giant NRS, Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup: Avid mechanical discs - able to install myself, work great. Thompson stem, new seat, shortened seatpost, bar ends.
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Submitted by
Cosmo
a Weekend Warrior
from Salem, VA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003
Strengths: Good components for a $900 bike. Geometry suits me.
Weaknesses: Colors! Looks like something from the 70's. Of course this is personal preference
Bottom Line:
Very nice. I had the shop build this one for me so it has a little different equipment. I'm a big guy (230 lbs or so) so I can't ride a 24 pound bike. Holds up well so far. Rides smooth. Brakes have no problem stopping me. Suspension is plenty for me. However, any bike that comes with an air shock should come with a pump too! That's the only thing keeping me from giving it a pair of 5's.
found the frame on craigslist for 75 bucks so I figured what the hell. The guy was selling because he has a friend at GT and got the newer model frame. Everything seems to be in Read More »
So I was inspecting and shortening my cables and discovered that the cable guide under the bottom bracket had split right up the middle, allowing the front derailleur shift cable t Read More »
Hi just curious if anyone can tell me what year my i-drive is, the frame number on the bottom bracket is as30600056 bi 1313
I was guessing either 2003 or 2004 but not sure which Read More »
I have a GT I-drive 4 1.0 that I have purchased secondhand, minus forks, to re-build. I'm not sure what headset it requires. Appears to be integrated typenbut not sure if it need Read More »
