Submitted by
blindmonke
a Cross Country Rider
from Vernon, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2009
Strengths: extremely lightweight frame, highly suited for cross country riding. non upgraded works great for beginner or non agressive/recreational rider.
Weaknesses: if not upgraded, componets are definate weak point.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for agressive cross country rider but to be competent it definately needs major overhaul and upgrade.
Similar Products Used: Giant Rincon, Rocky Mountain Hammer
Bike Setup: Only Frame is stock, Rock shox Tora 302 fork, Shimano Mechanical disc, Upgraded Octalink bottom bracket & shimano crank, DT Swiss double wall rims with deore hubs, Shimano Alivio front and rear derailers, FSA pig threadless headset and stem, Race Face evolve low XC bar
Strengths: VERY FAST! With my raod tires on have reached over 40 mph down hill, about 5 mph slower with trail tires on same hill. Gears are smooth shifting and the speed shifters are great for trail riding where "shifting is everything". A nice comfortable bike that handles well in most circumstances due to its exceptional balance and light weight. I ride this bike 12 miles a day to and from work as well as trail riding and have only thumbs up for its performance.
Weaknesses: Here its lite weight is a draw back, on the trail. The frame flexes over serious trails giving a floating sensation that is rather unnerving and I am very hesitant to take any leaps of faith because I am not confident the welds would hold up. The highest I have dropped was 6' onto a 45 degree slope and although the bike held up I heard a very distinct cracking sound from the stress. Upon inspection at the shop no problems were found but I would not recomend trying it!! The front shocks though adjustable are a little stiff on the bottom end
Bottom Line:
A great bike all around for the price but I would not use it for any trails above novice and stay away from drops or jumps. Even after a year I still look forward to my long rides to and from work because I really like this bike! If like me you are riding alot, I have two wheel sets, One with road, one with trail and the quick release set up makes changing them painless. An all around good bike for moderate use and the price is good.
Favorite Trail: None here, Mickleson trail in SD where I moved here from.
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$183.00
Purchased At: Used, Bucks Bike Shop
Similar Products Used: Cannondale f700 (I broke the whole goose neck off this bike on the jump mentioned above) Mongoose Tyax comp
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
greg c
a Downhiller
from mt kisco ny unided states
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2007
Strengths: this bike is a good starter bike. Get it if you like cros country and are doing easy trails. the brakes lock well, strong frame
Weaknesses: the rims on the bike are relitivly weak and bend when you need to ride it hard. The stock peddals crack easily
Bottom Line:
this bike is great for starting cx but if you want to do beginer size stuf than this is the bike for you. when i got this bike it was great for me. until i started jumping, for a cros country bike this actualy holds up well for jumping 4 to 5 footers. i once tryed a 6 but then i snaped a weld.
Strengths: awesome shifting, lightweight frame, great shocks, extremely fast
Weaknesses: paint chips easily
Bottom Line:
awesome bike! i've had this bike for over 2 years now and everything works like it did the day i got it (and since then, my speedomiter says that i have 1,073 miles) this bike is great for offroad riding and its first gear is great, making it easy to ride in otherwise difficult trail conditions. this bike is also great on the road and can go about 27 mph on a flat road. SO DONT HESITATE IN BUYING THIS BIKE! IT'S PROBABLY GOING TO BE THE BEST BIKE YOU'LL OWN FOR THE PRICE!
Submitted by
ian
a Weekend Warrior
from grants pass, Or., US
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Strengths: Holds up to hard hits, I've beat the hell out of this bike, drops, jumps, whatever is in front of me. It still wants more. Very light, a great trail/all mountain bike! CHEAP!
Weaknesses: Slight flex to the frame, but hasn't effected anything. As long as you take care of it it should take care of you.
Bottom Line:
Great beginner bike, strongly recommend! Even the rims are still true!
Submitted by
Austin Olij
a
from Langley, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Strengths: It's still a good bike for XC but that's about it.
Weaknesses: Parts not durable after 6 months. Starting to break stuff.
Bottom Line:
Don't buy it if you freeride. I learned the hard way and now I'm starting to break stuff. It's a sweet bike for XC because it's pretty light and the components are fine for that, but it won't stand up to even light to moderate freeriding. Ie: 4 foot tranny drops, jumping down stairs, skate park, dirt jumping, pedal kicking onto benches, etc. It's still a good bike, just use it for what it's meant for.
Bike Setup: Shimano Exage 300LX cranks, VP565 pedals, Kenda Kinetics 26x2.35 tires, Kenda tubes, ATI grips, Alonzo brake pads, 2003 Marzocchi Bomber EXR Pro Coil 4" fork
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Austin Olij
a Weekend Warrior
from Langley, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004
Strengths: The frame. It's really light and it seems to withstand a good amount of abuse. I'm no hard core hucker but I know for a fact it can take 3 foot drops. The tires are great too, they have excellent traction on everything! One thing: THE PRICE!! You can't beat it
Weaknesses: The front RST Capa TL fork. On one hand, it's nice and plush and rides nice, but on the other hand, it doesn't have near enough travel. 3 inches is not enough. The brakes wore out too quickly as well. Also, they overheat during long downhill racing.
Bottom Line:
It's not a hardcore bike. It's more for the new guy or the younger kid. It's a great bike for cross country racing. I know because I've used it for just that. It's light weight is also very good. The gearing is good, and it's reliable, unlike some Sears or Wal-Mart bike. All it needs is some more travel and slightly wider tires. The Giant Boulder SE delivers excellent quality, reliability, performance, and bang for the buck. GO BUY NOW!
Bike Setup: All stock except for the addition of: custom aluminum bashring, Kenda 26x2.125 Puncture Resistant tubes, CCM mini pump, custom chainstay guard.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Schuele
a Racer
from Florence, ky, usa
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2004
Strengths: Frame is light and looks real good
Weaknesses: Rims,Components, and the fork it bottoms out on almost everything
Bottom Line:
good bike to upgrade for 550 you get a good racer also good intro bike to take out and get started in the sport. looking at getting a giant xtc frame and building it up so if anyone know where to get a 03 xtc frame cheap drop me a line at prosoccer2115@yahoo.com
Strengths: The RST fork is a very smooth. It has been soft for the whole year. Also the shifting is good. the rapid fire is a nice edition.
Weaknesses: The deralliuer that came on the bike was weak and wasn't the greatest. I had to get an upgrade on that and the back tire
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is for a teenger this bike is great for a first mountain bike. It works great off road and has nver let me down. I liked it and I'm sure so will you.
Submitted by
Jdog
a Weekend Warrior
from Holland, Mi, USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004
Strengths: -Very nice frame -light for the price -good components for the price -nice shock, tires and pedals
Weaknesses: The rear deraler wasn't the best until i got it replaced. I got the same one now and its fine. I think mine was just a lemon
Bottom Line:
For some one who is new the mountain biking this a great bike. This bike is also good for someone that just likes to ride for fun. This bike wounldn't be for the hardcore racer. Overall this is a great entry level bike from a great company "GIANT"
Bike Setup: Stock with sigma sport wireless computer and replaced rear deraler. I also replace a tube and some wires.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Tauwolf
a Weekend Warrior
from Toledo, OH
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2004
Strengths: It's a ton of quality for the price. Possibly the absolute best choice for someone getting into XC riding.
Weaknesses: Low level components. Man is it heavy (but it's an absolute tank, which is a positive!).
Bottom Line:
I'm just getting back into XC biking after about 5 years off. Expecting to shell out $500+ for a new starter bike, I was super impressed with the Boulder SE - and you can still find 2003 models for around $200-230!
I am 200lbs so I need a sturdy bike, and this thing is a tank.
I can see this being my "oldy but goody" backup bike in a few years. Slowly change out the components for newer, lighter stuff and you'll have yourself a great bike for years to come.
For now I am loving this bike. The components probably won't take uber-heavy abuse but I'm still a long ways from that level of riding.
Don't hesitate, you absolutely cannot go wrong buying this bike.
Similar Products Used: An old late 90' model Trek.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock. Panaracer Fire XC Pro 1.8 on the rear, Ritchey Z-Max Millennium 1.9 on the front. Oury grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
DC
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004
Strengths: Low Price, stands up to use well. Good all around bike for use in the mountains, trails and road. Worth a look if you are buying a first bike or getting into the sport.
Weaknesses: Stock Tires and brakes. Weight.
Bottom Line:
This bike has been up and down a lot (over 1200kms in a year) and has not failed me at all. It has been used for cross country, commuting and also for aggressive xc/light fr. I have upgraded the tires, brakes and saddle as a neccesity and the stem was a bonus off my other bike. I have since purchased a full suspension bike but will hold on to the Giant for lighter trail rides and for commuting. The drivetrain has not failed me yet but will likely be upgraded to 8 or 9sp when the time comes. The wheels have not had to be trued at all. The service at McBike is second to none. This bike is definitely worth a look and worth upgrading as part wear.
Bike Setup: Roll X Tires, Deore V-Brakes Easton Stem, new saddle.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Sashko Boboshko
a Weekend Warrior
from Kiev, Ukraine
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2004
Strengths: The main advantage is a rigid Al 6061 frame, a light and durable one. nice Giant seatpost. A-head stem. Great price and a well-known brand.
Weaknesses: Most of the components are lowest-level Shimano. Weak rims. No-name hubs. the frame is not a Fluid Form (r) one. RST Capa TL fork can not be used for XC riding
Bottom Line:
It's the best choice for beginners. Those who want to buy a good frame for good money should buy this bike or Giant Rincon. I bought it after my Author Mystique was stolen. Besides Rincon it's the best choice for those who plan to upgrade soon. I personally now have only the frame left. I've upgraded the entire bike to LX/Deore level and I'm happy!:-))
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Wynnewood
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004
Strengths: it is a great bike for entry level riders, and is very affordable. I personally think the frame looks great too.
Weaknesses: Very enty level. Lots of the parts are lower level shimano, but for the price it was worth every cent.
Bottom Line:
If you are a beginner, or a person lookin to buy a cheap bike to get around on or upgrade later, this is the one. It is a freewheel setup, which has led me into some problems, but other than that it has been a great buy for me.
