Submitted by
ed bruce
a Weekend Warrior
from wollongong, NSW, australia
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2008
Strengths: nice light frame, good geometry.
Weaknesses: forks twist, resulted in broken front axle and they later snapped on the arch, wheels are very bent, drive train has been replaced after 3000km brakes don't last for long.
Bottom Line:
good for light xc and city bashing, not a very tough bike. treat it like its going to break cause it probably will!!. cheap parts need constant attention.
Bike Setup: stock, now has maxxis crossmark tires, and new deore/deore lx derailleurs, doesn't make it any better though.
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Submitted by
Bun
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen CO
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006
Strengths: Update Review: 2100 trail miles and the Iguana is not moving to second chair. The bike has performed as I had expected, I was looking for a big frame, light and strong, anticipating upgrading components as needed.
Weaknesses: Hutchinson tires are the worst. The Manitou SixSport fork did not provide the performance I needed, the house brand chainrings wore out, and the brad vs scews design and had to replace rings and cranks. The rear wheel had to be replaced due to stress induced flex.
Bottom Line:
this bike has continued to perform just as I needed/expected. It met my price point in '03, allowed me to incrementally upgrade components as needed. It has served me well, and will continue to be part of my stable as my primary hardtail.
This bike is not: -a DH/Freeride bike -a high-end bike in any arena
That being said, this was the best blend of quality and price that I could find...my biggest gripe is with the Manitou shock, if I were keeping the bike long term I would swap that out for something better w/ 100mm travel or so. The front crankset and chainrings are low quality, I ended up upgrading these but only recently to sell...I haven't ridden more than a mile on pavement since the upgrade but I can say the bike lost a bit of weight as a result.
The brakes are awesome for mechanicals. If you feel this isn't the case, than spend the money on Hydros because mechanicals don't get better than this, especially on a bike that comes outta the box at $500.
Same applies to the other components...both front and rear derailheurs have served well, they aren't the greatest but the greatest costs a whole lot more money than this bike.
I upgraded the pedals, for a mere $30, which most good riders do anyway, how often does a bike for less than $1K come with stock pedals you like and/or fit your clips?
All in all, this is a great entry level XC bike for someone on a budget. If you ride hard, or demand the best in performance, than this isn't your bike, so don't buy it.....adjust your budget (up) and buy something that meets your standards, OR, buy this bike and accept that you'll be upgrading the shock, the pedals, the tires, and a few other things of your choice to get what you want out of the bike. It's money spent either way.
In terms of value, anything less than this bike is something you'll find at Target, anything more is going to cost you considerably more. It is a great bike for the money and does exactly what it should for a bike in this price range.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale M400, numerous other test rides (too many to remember)
Bike Setup: stock except for swapping the tires out for Tioga Yellow Kirium 2.3" front and back, and upgraded pedals.
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Submitted by
matt barton
a Downhiller
from ronald WA usa
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2005
Strengths: strong light frame, good stock bars and stem and thats about it.
Weaknesses: got a whole list of em. the front fork cross connecter broke real quick like after 10 riders. rims and tires suck, crank keeps stipping out, seat is too hard, the front brake ajuster stipped while trying to adjust.
Bottom Line:
dont get this bike unless you have the right size allen wrench for the crank screw and if all you're doing is riding it to a friends house. if you dont want anything to break on it, dont ride it.
Submitted by
Nick DeSantis
a Cross Country Rider
from Queensbury
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005
Strengths: Frame, Frame Geometry
Weaknesses: cranks, front derailleur, fork, tires
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike, It can take most anything you throw at is, Get a new pair of tires on there, cause the stock ones suck, and then you notice how much it digs. The cranks suck really bad, I utterly hate them, that was the first thing i upgraded, along with the front derailler. The fork is mushy but with a new one, the bike feels invincible.
I recommend this bike to the fullest, a few minor things but other wise an awesome bike.
Weaknesses: Where do I begin? The wheels, frame, gears, spokes. And what kind of bike these days has a banana seat??
Bottom Line:
I really can't imagine a worse bike for any bicycling purpose. I also can't believe I bought this thing in the first place. I would recommend this bike for my 3 year old cousin, but certainly not for anyone over 5. Can anyone take me to the county dump where I can put this bike where it belongs?
Bike Setup: completley stock except for tires, ( 2 maxxis minion dh)
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Submitted by
Bun
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen CO
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2004
Strengths: Update Review. 1.5 years, 1100 trail miles. bike is holding up well, overall pleased. disk brakes work well, espcially after replacing the factory set of pads to Aztecs, on 4 set of pads so far.
Weaknesses: I broke the arch in the Manitou Six sport, replace quickly under warranty, but upgrade to Manitou Black Super Air. Had to replace factory rear wheel, began breaking spokes on a weekly basis, due to rider weight and riding stress.
Bottom Line:
Overall Pleased, the bike has performed as I needed. Best, lightest frame in a 23in size. Would reccomend buying this bike.
Bike Setup: factory with changes: Manitou Black super air fork, profile bar ends, ritchey clipless, suntour rear wheel.
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Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004
Strengths: Light frame, discs stop good. I like the way the frame looks.
Weaknesses: Tires are too weak. Seat is too hard. I dont like the parts on it.
Bottom Line:
I bought my Giant used, and now I realize it's been tinkered with. The chainguard was broken, which lead to locking my cranks today, with a 1-3 shift, somehow it got stuck in between my derailleur. It's been about 4 weeks, and I've noticed the tread on my tires are getting rather minimal. The Judy XC forks are squishy, and okay for the stuff I do, but I'd like to upgrade to something like a Z1 when I get the money.
My complaint about this bike, is that I dont really like the parts (Ahead steam makes me lean over too much, seat hurts, forks are old, tires suck.) My 21" is surprisingly light and solid, but as a whole the bike doesnt exactly show it's potential.
I dont mind having mediocre parts, but when it comes down to it, I was expecting a little more value for the dollar. I can see myself putting in another 500 to where I'll be 100% satisfied, but I dont mind, I would be upgrading anyways. If you're looking for a good bike, for maybe commuting or mild riding. I wouldnt advise doing crazy stuff with it unless you've upgraded it with wider tires/better forks.
Similar Products Used: (tried friend's) 2003 Norco 1hun
Bike Setup: 2000 Judy XC forks, Kona pedals, Hutchinson Mosquito tires, Shimano Deore front caliper, Hayes rotors, Hayes HMX-1 rear caliper, Acera front derailleur, Deore rear derailleur.
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Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2004
Strengths: Disk brakes
Weaknesses: Cheap tires, which wore out in two months of weekend riding. Bottom bracket the broke in 1 month. Front derailer. Cable routing, my front brake cable is wearing through my front fork.
Bottom Line:
Great starter bike. It did everything I wanted it to do. Wet, dry, up, down and cross country. The tires wore out way to quickly. Upgraded to some nicer tires and she can really dig. The front fork has recently started to show it's weakness (after 1yr). This bike is easy to upgrade, though the water bottle holes get in the way of the post mounted derailers. Good starter, but if your more than a weekend rider go bigger!
Weaknesses: fork tires rims... although they were decent i have replaced everything on the bike with new components
Bottom Line:
this is a decent bike although i have customized it heavily i dont think anything is stock... i have been building it up gradually started just replacing broken things. and things incompatible with eachother i love the fame.. and i have a lifetime waranty on it so why buy a new frame? by the way if u have any questions with sizes or anything like that send me and email i will be glad to help
Similar Products Used: gary fisher tass, P2, P3, azomic steelhead, cannondale gemini 900, specialized stumpjumper
Bike Setup: '04 marz. z1 drop off 2 forks, xt rapid fire shifters, avid levers, easton ea-70 bars, ea-70 stem, xt front and rear derailuers, sun single track rims with XT hubs, powerglide cassette, hope gothic rotrs, hayes hfx-9 brakes (6 inch) wtb laser v Ti. thompson seat post. race face evolve Dh 2 spd. bashguard. truvativ giga pipe Dh team
Strengths: Strong, durable, and great performance for climbing and the hayes disc provide excellent stopping power.
Weaknesses: the bottom bracket could be stronger and the front fork is a bit mushy and the pedals are modified to accept cages.
Bottom Line:
this is an excellent bike that will take want ever you throw at it. the only problem i had was from shoddy maintiance at a LBS wich was dealt with as nrecessary. its a djustable fork allows for flexablity for riders of all calbers and sizes
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher, Haro, Specialized
Bike Setup: Stock, getting clipless and new LX crank.
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Submitted by
Louis
a Weekend Warrior
from Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2004
Strengths: strong frame takes big hits. the brakes. very light
Weaknesses: fork and wheels. tires
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for every type of riding. i have done urban, freeride, xc, and dirt jumps and it hasn't broken yet(except for the fork but that was warranty) i upgraded the fork for more travel. the components could be better(eg 9 speed and/or clipless pedals)
Submitted by
brian I.
a Racer
from mountain view, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004
Strengths: frame is super light, steers fairly well, the disks work well
Weaknesses: fork is kind of soft and mushy, front derailur is junk, rear derailur is ok but could be better
Bottom Line:
this is a good bike it upgrades very well and it handles some big hits good. ive raced it for about 1 season then i did a full on restore on it new derailurs fork etc...this bike is very easy to upgrade im 14 years old and i can do all the upgrades on it but ive been around bikes all my life. the disk brakes work well but the hayes rotors tear the hell out if the brake pads with such big vents.
Hi everyone, i am posting for a friend. He is kind of new to the whole mountain biking scene. He is interested in the 05 iron horse warrior disc and the 04 iguana. He will be m Read More »
