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Submitted by
Crazy Dude
a Downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Yu-Yangs | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | it's my friends bike | | Strengths: | The Bike is good for its value. The breaks are good and the frame is pretty strong for its weight. This bike weighs nothing. It is also a fairly fast bike and would be good for racing or entery level freeride biking. Also has good grips and a comfortalble seat. It is also a BEAUTIFUL looking thing. However this bike doesnt suit my off road style of riding. | | Weaknesses: | Forks are small and extremely soft. If you move onto doing big drops you will need to get forks with more travel. This is not a true downhill or free ride bike and is better off for street use. If that is what you are useing it for you will be extremely happy. If you want an off rode bike, this will not hold up on the bigger stuff. I did a fw 2 foot drops and a few dirt jumps on it but the back end is uncomfortable to land on. The cranks are crap too. For street use this bike is great, if you want an off road bike then spend an extra few hundred bucks and get an off road bike | | Similar Products Used: | Shogu Trail Breaker, Norco Sasquatch | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for street riding. Really light and very easy to manual. It will also take small drops/jumps and othe minor off road riding. It is extremely good for its value. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Wolf
a Downhiller
from hamilton, ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | ancaster cycle | | Strengths: | nice light frame, great value for bike, smooth riding, I've taken it over 6ft drops and its still fine -(except for bottom bracket) | | Weaknesses: | the components- even though they are good for the price you pay, they don't last long. The shocks are terrible, they wore out so much they bottm out over speed bumps now, plus they only have 3 inches of travel. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | bought this bike in 03, still totally stock, have to replace the BB | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for cross country, local trails or for beginners, but even though its nice and light and looks good its just not strong enough for what i would like. If you want to do downhill, freeride, dirtjumping, or something like that, this bike isn't going to be able to take it. I reccomend this bike to anyone who wants a fast, smothh rolling and light bike for really cheap. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Neally
a Weekend Warrior
from wichita, ks usa
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | sedewick county park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | L and M schiwn | | Strengths: | I like the color and stock rims are tuff, I weight 215lbs and can't seem to break em on jumps. | | Weaknesses: | the overall gear range seems weak | | Similar Products Used: | trek | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | For the cash it can't be beat, I love it and will ride it till it falls apart which may be next week. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Jhonson
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance bike shop | | Strengths: | I like that its light and easy to ride. | | Weaknesses: | The rims are junk and the crank is too. | | Bike Setup: | none | | Bottom Line: | I really like to bike but it needs alot of new parts and care | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Prescott, Arizona U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | White Rock | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Smith | | Strengths: | Good frame. | | Weaknesses: | Headset, cranks and wheels | | Similar Products Used: | Jammis Durango Sport | | Bike Setup: | LX shifters,derailers,deore v brakes, alivio cranks and Rock Shox Judy SL u Turn. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. I really enjoy the frame and after three years of riding seems strong. Upgraded most of the componets after two years even though I did not have any problems with most of them I just like working on bikes. The stock cranks did bend on one ride and one of the plastic bushing covers on the headset broke soon after I bought it. The stock RST shock worked fine for XC, downhill, rocks and some two foot drops. Only had to adjust the derailers once but it was a new bike and cables stretch. Great bike for the XC rider but less expensive to buy a bike with all the upgades than doing it a part at a time unless your like building bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Value... | | Weaknesses: | Components Durability. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock. | | Bike Setup: | "Spring Edition" with the "Dream" paintjob, regular componentry. | | Bottom Line: | I really have enjoyed this bike as an entry level bike, but I ride some very hard trails and the bike has had quite a few visits to the shop to get things repaired and replaced, I was quite disappointed by the durability, but considering the price and what i put it through it did. O.K. I think that this bike is good for people who are looking for a value entry level bike, but should plan on upgrading in the future if they continue for a few year with tough riding. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything at bolton valley | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Strengths: | solid ride. even though its a hardtail, when your downhilling it does bounce around but it it is very controllable. the frame hasnt broken yet even after jumping off a chevy van and a few 4 footers. the seat is the most comfortable thing ever. | | Weaknesses: | over time... the gears require a longer and harder pull on the shifters, it takes forever. the rim brakes have to constantly be adjusted to keep from rubbing but im used to discs so i could just be being picky. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | dukes in the front | | Bottom Line: | buy it for any type of riding on a budget | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Urkuski
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Marsh | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Weavers Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The frame isn't great but it takes a beating and absorbs the shock of the roots and rocks of the Marsh okay. The rims held up to a year of abuse. | | Weaknesses: | The bottom bracket disentegrated after about six months. Crank set is a piece of junk, shredded the middle chain ring teeth in about eight months. Deraillures need constant adjustment and must be kept spotless and well lubed to have any kind of consistency. Performs poorly in muddy conditions. The shimano brakes are deplorable on downhills unless you start breaking early. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | For very light trail use and some road work probably an okay bike. For single track or for climbing it will not cut it. Great on hard pack flat surfaces. Front RST Capa shock should be replaced immediately. Bottoms out on an ant hill!! For light excersize or very occasional trail use ONLY!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Morgan B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Catherdral Pines, Long Island NY | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$310.00 | | Purchased At: | Carl Hart | | Strengths: | Light weight, handles well, easy to shift | | Similar Products Used: | GT iDrive 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with peddle cages | | Bottom Line: | Loved that bike until it was stolen in September 2003. I rode it all through Long Island NY and brought with to Honolulu. Was a great tough bike for getting around single track, and city traffic. I'll miss that bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | Harper's | | Strengths: | Light, attractive, easy to handle, great value for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Front shock is adjustable, but doesn't get as rigid as I like at times. Too mushy for smoother rides. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro X-2, Giant Boulder SE | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I just got into mountain biking from bmx. Many bikes that I have ridden just don't ride the way that I like, on or off road. The Giant Rincon has a perfect ride. It has the touch to go from dodging trees and crossing streams to dodging cars and pedestrians while crossing the streets. Excellent value for such a great bike. This bike has made me a fan of Giant bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jakeda snake
a Weekend Warrior
from riverside ca
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | diamond bar cyclery | | Strengths: | the price is a plus. nice frame and i like the huge giant logo. the bike shifts and brakes well. | | Weaknesses: | i do not like the tires there is too much resistance. cant upgrade to disc brakes. | | Bike Setup: | stock with clips | | Bottom Line: | I cannot see how people complain about a 300-dollar bike. If you want a high performance bike, you should go out and get one. I will upgrade the bike as things break and end up with sweet machine. The disc upgrade is not really an issue because I do not like the way disc brakes feel. If you are looking to get into the sport and do not want to break the bank buy this bike. I saw the past reviews with people swapping out everything on the bike before leaving the store and wonder why they did not buy a better-equipped model. The bike feels solid and high performance parts break just as easy. I am sure the NRS Air shifts and rides smoother but it also costs $$$$$ dollars more. The bike can handle what you through at it. BUY IT, RIDE IT AND HAVE FUN. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie, PA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$285.00 | | Purchased At: | Frontier Bike Shop - Erie,PA | | Strengths: | Good overall value, new models have upgraded front forks(now have SR XC-60). This corrected one of the biggest weaknesses of earlier models. Lightwwight and comfortable bike with slick paint jobs. | | Weaknesses: | Low end Altus front derailleur & lower quality rims. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, the weaknesses are expected for the price - remember that this bike is more of a starter or casual rider level. With the great frame, it could be upgraded in the future. Excellent ride and great look. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt O
a Weekend Warrior
from Surret B.C Canada
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Watershed | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | ? | | Strengths: | Mine is a big one 21' hahaha big aint it but i love it i like how the frame is light and looks strong brakes were ok till i fixed them to what i wanted to be at. | | Weaknesses: | Did not like the fork i got an old school stiff fork i got a factory 2.6 dh tred cause when i hit a jump with the old tred i didnt feel safe so i got a bigger 1 and its great. dont like the cranks ugly as hell dont like no disc mounts that just pissed me off the stem to long uggraded to a shorter dh stem very nice easy to cat walk how ever the colors not a big fan of the blue and whote thank god i dont got that i got the black and silver!!:) | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Short stem old school stiff fork i think a mozo rally nice ride hasnt bottomed out yet! factory 2.6 dh tred soon to get new cranks and a 04 dj3 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great beginers bike and does not cost alot but be warned to spend a bit upgradeing like me but i love it owell | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leonard
a
from Homer Glen, IL
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Giant Rincon frame (red/black), stock seat (extremely comfortable), stock seat-post, Rockshox Pilot SL, WTB Speedmaster rims w/Momentum hubs, 2.1" Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Shimano Deore crankset, Deore F/R derailleurs, 11t-34t 9speed cassette, Shimano HG-93 chain, M536 clipless pedals, Deore integrated brakes/shifters, XT V-brakes, Titec Hellbent handlebar, and a Titec Lil' Al stem | | Bottom Line: | (THIS IS AN UPDATE ON MY PREVIOUS REVIEW)
Let me start by saying that this frame is DEFINITELY worth upgrading. When I first started shopping around for a bike, the first thing I looked for (like most people) was a quality frame. As a college student with limited funds I was looking for a bike at a reasonable price that was worth upgrading. The Giant Rincon is it!!!
The stock 2004 Rincon is a great buy as it is. Before I upgraded I had no complaints with any of the bike's components, but I am a fairly aggressive rider and I wanted a little bit more out of my ride. Thanks to Ebay I was able to upgrade practically my whole bike at nearly half the cost. There's a lot of bike shops selling new and quality-used bike parts on Ebay (check it out). If I had the money at the time, I would have bought a bike with all the components that I wanted. I am extremely happy, though, that I had the freedom to mix-and-match the components that I wanted.
To sum it up, the Rincon frame is worth the money for anyone looking to gradually upgrade components. With all the new parts installed and tuned to perfection (thanks to Cycles 'n' Sports in Worth, IL), my bike rides like a dream. It is significantly lighter, feels tight, and rides extremely smooth. I no longer second guess my bikes capabilities when I'm out on the trail (If I'm second guessing anything, it's my own cojones). This bike leaves my buddies in the dust (some of them ride high-end bikes $$$). My only complaint is that the frame does not have mounts for disc brakes. I am giving the 2004 Rincon 5 flamin' peppers for both value and overall rating because it is a solid-worthwhile performer off the showroom floor, and even better when you upgrade it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Tower
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$349.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Value for the money. Shift pods, deraillers have been rock solid with little adjustment. Nice weight and feel for a starter bike. | | Weaknesses: | RST Cappa front shock is crap and will hold you back as your skills improve. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Raleigh, Schwinn, Kona Kahuna, Jamis Dakar | | Bike Setup: | Added ODI Rogue grips and large platform pedals to otherwise stock bike. | | Bottom Line: | This bike feels great except for the front fork. If you are looking for an entry level trail bike, spend a little more for the next level up in the Giant line (better front fork). I have had this bike for 6 months and am about to purchase a much higher-end bike that can handle the some of the more technical trails. If I would have known enough to buy the Giant NRS or even the Iguana, I could probably have gone much longer without upgrading. For the price however, you can't beat this bike. The components are durable and the frame is rock-solid. If you have a tight budget this frame is worth buying and upgrading later. This bike climbs and corners well. Steep downhills can get squirrely but only because the cheap RST fork bottoms out under the weight of my Camelbak. The 2004 model does have a better fork on it which will probably make it one of the top bikes in this price range in terms of value. If you are just starting to ride off-road and flat trails, this is a great bike to learn on without having to worry about trashing a $1K+ bike. I give the 2004 model all 5 chili's based on the upgraded fork and great value for the $$ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | unamed local single track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Award Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame, Alivio rear derailer, shifters, brakes, seat comfort, has a neat transparent plastic chain guard on the big sprocket, the two available frame colour schemes are excellent | | Weaknesses: | Fork springs were too soft, seatpost ridgid, rear cassette, lacked 34T, large crank sprocket has probelms, seat creaks, tires had too much rolling resistance, steel pedals injure legs when foot slips. Crappy looking black painted parts everywhere. The frame Giant logos are too big. | | Similar Products Used: | $4000 carbon fiber custom XC bike, Trek 4300, various others | | Bike Setup: | Changed to 11-34T cassette, change to RST Capa TL hard springs, change to suspension seat post, changed tires | | Bottom Line: | I ordered two almost identical 2003 Giant Rincon bikes for my wife and I, her's has a smaller frame.
First the good stuff.
The bike is quite light, but the frame seems very sturdy. The seat is comfortable. The brakes are very good, the Alivio rear derailer is excellent. I like the shifters. The available frame colours are my favourites of all the bikes I have ever seen. I would have bought the blue and white frame to match our blue and white Sun Velocity Kayaks, but the shop only had the dream silver. This proved to be very nice in the end.
For overall feel, joy of riding, these bikes rate very high IMHO. My wife loves her new Rincon, and would not change a thing, except that I had a number of things changed before she got it. We both find them a joy to ride on the road and offroad.
I like the fact there is a nifty clear plastic chain guard on the big sprocket of the crankset. I sometimes ride with regular pants, and this has kept my pants clean and out of the machinery. Nice touch.
Now the bad.
I think they could reduce the size of the painted on Giant logos. I feel like I am cruising on a billboard, advertising Giant. A friend of mine commented that the bikes would look much better if I could remove the offending logos altogether. I agree. This is a rec bike, not a comp bike, and Giant is not sponsoring my riding. Imagine, if everything you bought had such ridiculously large logos. I think that if they can't make the logos smaller and more subtle, they should make them so you can peel them off.
I did not like the ridgid black seatpost and had it changed for a Tranz-X JD-415 aluminum finish suspension seatpost. Cost $30 CDN.
I test rode the bike and found the tires had too much rolling resistance. I changed to a Kenda OEM crossover tire with good offroad qualities, but less rolling resistance. (The weakness of these Kenda tires is deep sand and mud, but I try to avoid those anyway. I don't race, and getting my bike and my person covered in mud or sand, is not my idea of a good time. The tires handle loose gravel and dirt fine. They also grip well when climbing off road. This is my idea of a good recreational tire compromise. The Rincon *is* sold as a rec MTB. The stock tires are better for mud and deep sand) The shop made this change no charge.
I am 190 lbs. and found that I could bottom out the forks on some of the most severe single track dips or on a nose-down drop of about only eight inches. Also when making tight turns the front had a tendency to dive and rebound, affecting rider balance. This was with the preload set to full. The RST Capa TL 76mm travel fock is made to accept three different spings, soft, regular, and hard. I had the springs changed to the hard version and this corrected the problems. I think that when you order a bike, you should have a choice of springs, to suit your weight and riding habits. Most of the complaints about the RST fork would disappear if this were done. The cost was $30 USD, which is much less expensive than changing the whole fork. The part number is FK7935. Search the WEB for FK7935 and you will find many suppliers. You get a set of two springs. No specialty tools are required to change the springs. It is quite simple, but you need to grease the new springs.
My wife who is much lighter and a less agressive rider, is very happy with the stock springs, although I do have another set of hard springs on the shelf, if she ever wants them installed.
When replacing the springs, I became concerned about the design of the RST fork. The springs are changed by unscrewing the plastic bases of the preload adjusters at the top of the fork. It appears those plastic threads are the only thing holding the springs in place. The spings must be constantly pushing against those plastic threads under load. It worries me that the plastic will become weak and brittle eventually with age. Many plastics dry out like extremely slow drying paint, and in the process lose their original properties, including their strength. The plastic threads may give way in ten years. I kept my last bike about fifteen years.
My son's full suspension bike has a Megarange cassette, and I have found the 34T sprocket very useful for climbing, crossing over logs, and riding on duff littered forest floor. I did not like the fact that the Rincons did not come with the 34T rear sprocket. Also, we use the bikes on the road most often, and I wanted a gear ratio to handle the road reasonably well for top end. Mountain bikes have smaller front sprockets than road bikes, and so to compensate you need to use an 11T rear high gear to get a gear ratio near as possible to 4:1. Consequently, when ordering the bike I got the shop to change the rear casssette to an 11-34T Megarange cassette. This was a $10 CDN upgrade, since the shop just charged the price difference. (Note: 11T is also the stock high gear.)
Another problem was the metal pedals, which injure your legs, if your foot slips off the pedal. I did not want to go to clip-ons, and wanted to keep the metal pedals, since they do keep your foot from slipping as much as plastic pedals, so I added plastic foot cages to the existing pedals. I got them without the tie straps and cut the back half of the plastic off, so only the toe part remains. Removing the excess plastic makes it way easier to get your feet in. Since I added the foot holders, I no longer suffer steel pedal leg injuries. The shop gave these to me for free. They had a whole box of them in the back.
The front large sprocket seems to make chain noises at times.
In top gear, at speed, under forceful pedalling, the chain sometimes slips off the big front sprocket and then jumps back on, causing chain snatch. I am not sure this is a derailer problem. It seems to be more related to the crank design, since the front derailer is not touching the chain on either side when running on any sprocket. Also, shifting up to the big sprocket often takes a few seconds. It seems to struggle. This may be a derailer adjustment problem, or could be related to crank set design.
The seat is very comforatble, but makes load creaking noises that come and go. I do intend to lube the seat rails to fix this, but have yet to get around to it. I do not know if this is a common problem, or if it has something to do with switching the seatposts. The noise seems to be coming from the seat itself and not the post.
The last thing is personal. I really do not like all the black painted parts on the bike. I prefer plain aluminum alloy finish. If you ever look at a bike rack with a bunch of older bikes, you will see the nature of my complaint. The black parts, when the paint gets faded, dirty and scratched look, well frankly, disgusting. Check it out sometime. Anyway, since I changed the seatpost from black ridgid to aluminum suspension, I changed the seatpost clamp to aluminum finish, which matches the new seatpost and dream silver frame. I also had the brakes changed from black to aluminum finish. I had to stop at that, since it would have been getting into too much addition cost to get rid of the rest of the black crap. The shop changed the seatpost clamp and brakes at no extra charge. In fairness, I don't mind the black parts on the handlebars too much, since the black is less distracting when riding, much like a black dashboard in a car.
To finish off the bikes, I added a couple of Echo-7 bike computers, some warning bells with built-in gimbled-like magnetic compasses on top, Vistalite LED tailights, and finally BLT Super Doppler head lights. (My mistake. $45 CDN. Get the Planet Bike Beamer. Exactly the same light for $17 CDN at MEC. So get two for $34. Very good product in either case.)
I would rate the bikes we have as excellent, except for the crank problems and creaking seat, which are really minor.
For a value rating, I feel you have to compare what you get in a product, compared to other similar products costing much the same. Stock these bikes are a very good value. With mods they are an excellent value, but if you get one, make the mods pre-purchase as part of the purchase deal. That way it will cost you less, since you should only have to pay the price difference, if any, for the parts.
For the overal rating, I am not comparing to other bikes, but rather comparing to what *I* want from a rec mountain bike.
Our customized bikes I would rate 5/5, but the stock bikes need too many changes, IMHO, so I am only giving the stock bike a 3.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
enrique
a Weekend Warrior
from miami, fl
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | big wheels | | Strengths: | Price, Frame | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | stocked | | Bottom Line: | Just bought a Giant Rincon and just finished riding and light trailing. The bike rides smooth and feels good and I'm happy with the way it rides. I saw some Trek 4300 for around the same price but you get more for your money with Giant. Also thanks for all the article you people wrote about out there I almost bought a bike from a dept. store and from reading what people wrote about there bikes. I decided to buy one from a bike shop. Which I got a 2 yrs free tune up with the purchase. which mean I saved some $$$. In in the future if i out grow the bike I can always upgrades the parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Bramblett
a Weekend Warrior
from Falcon, Colorado, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | PikesPeak Fun run | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$285.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance bycicles | | Strengths: | cassete, derailer, crank set | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Boulder se | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The best bike for your money. fun to ride and reliable. I think this bike is great for ages 14-50 years. many people should buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James-Dad
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in rockies | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | CyclePath Calgary for $549 | | Strengths: | Great frame, paint job, light. Well balanced for my 14/15 yr old son. Super comfortable seat. Pedals and cranks seems sturdy. | | Weaknesses: | RST Capa shocks are too soft. The adjustment appears to do very littel. Low end Altus front derailleur. I;m a little concerned about the head. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 Norco, Raleigh (Chromoly but with similiar groupings). | | Bike Setup: | 24 speed with ALivia rear and Altus front Derailleurs. RST Capa shocks. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for my 14/15 yr old son. The frame seems to be a good quality so it will be worthwhile to upgrade the components to better equipment as funds permit. Definitely those front Altus need to be changed and the Capas will probably be upgraded to Bomber shocks next year because he is starting to ride a litte rougher and enjoys the XC riding. He managed to do wheelies on it the first time he rode it.
If you weigh over 200 lbs you may want to consider a similiar Giant model with better shocks (Bombers, Fox, Judy) and derailleurs (Deore, LX or XT). Or you could get this one and be prepared to upgrade to the exact specs you need. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago IL USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | sidewalk in front of my house | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | johnny sprockets - chicago | | Strengths: | price, frame | | Weaknesses: | front derailleur needs frequent adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | 2 giant rincons 1999 and an "old red' one (1997?) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my 3rd rincon (replace them as they get stolen). For general commuting, campus, urban stomping and limited off-road use they cannot be beat. Taking price into consideration I wouldn't buy anything else. Frame is great and componentry is adequate. If you want to do "real" mountain biking you will probably need something more. My prior Rincon(s) experienced 3 broken front axels- (shock "bottoming out?") as a result of riding Sandia mountains in New Mexico. I am 5'11, 180lbs.
I would recommend buying this bike and just start riding it. If anything breaks or bothers you then replace it. There probably isnt a 'huge' difference between this bike and a $700 bike anyway. Maybe the $700 bike shifts a little smoother or is a little lighter but -- who cares? This frame is worth upgrading if you want to spend money anyway.
Basically, this is a great bike for a great price. Looks good too. Even the seat looks like it was $70. You won't be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leonard
a
from Homer Glen, IL.
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos Forest Preserves (The best in my area) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | Orland Park Cyclery | | Strengths: | 2004 Rincon:
-fork upgraded to an SR XC-60
-eye-catching red/black paint scheme
-light frame (easy to handle)
-comfortable seat
-unbeatable value | | Weaknesses: | -Rims (If you're a more aggressive rider, look to upgrade
to double wall rims)
| | Similar Products Used: | Giant Boulder SE | | Bike Setup: | Bone-stock 2004 Giant Rincon | | Bottom Line: | If you can find one, go out and buy the 2004 model instead. I haven't ridden the 2003, but I've read all of the previous reviews. For 2004, the Rincon's fork upgraded from a RST Capa to an SR XC-60 w/preload adjustment. My old bike (Boulder SE) had the RST Capa as well, and I agree that it is a bit on the soft side. The new fork offers a stiffer ride and makes uphill climbs easier to handle. The rear derailleur is the same (Alivio) but the front derailleur has been upgraded to an Acera. The 2004 also has meatier tires @ 26" x 2.1".
I am new to mtbiking and, as a college student, I am on a tight budget. The Rincon is the perfect introductory bike for anyone looking to get into the sport. I have ridden it over rocks, roots, dirt, mud, gravel, uphills, downhills, and even knee-high log jumps without any problems. The bike is light and easy for a small rider like me (5'5" 155 lbs.) to throw around. I hit the trails at least 3x's a week, and I haven't had any problems yet with the bike. Initially, I was going to buy the Yukon model over the Rincon, but after giving it some thought I decided that the Rincon was a better choice for my budget. There was a $130 difference between the Rincon and the Yukon, yet they are very similar. Buy this bike if you're new to mtbiking and want the biggest bang for your buck. As your skills progress, do what I plan to do and just upgrade as needed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zack
a Racer
from bothell WA USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Bothell Ski and Bike | | Strengths: | Great fork, great price, Nice look. | | Bike Setup: | 2004 rincon stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price! I recommend that you buy the 2004 not the 2003. Better fork frame and look! Great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels in Motion | | Strengths: | Good frame, comfortable seat, great looking bike | | Weaknesses: | None when considering it's a $330 bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock; Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I haven't ridden a bike in 15 years, however I recently have been looking for one to do some road riding, and occasional trails. The Giant Rincon seems to give the most bang for the buck in the lower price range. The Hardrock was good, however the fork bobbed a lot, even when tuning it to it's stiffest position. The Trek 4300 seemed to upright for my tastes. It felt as if I were on a Sunday ride, and didn't seem agressive enough. The Giant had exactly what I was looking for; a mountain bike that could handle some trails, and have more of a BMX feel to it. I've decided on the Rincon and I'll just upgrade parts as they wear out. You could go up in price a bit and get slightly better parts, but they are still bottom line parts that you'll end up replacing. Just get the same frame for a lower cost, and upgrade as needed. I'm giving the Rincon 5 chilis. Of course the parts aren't as good as you'll get in a top line bike, but I'm rating it based on other $300-$400 range bikes, rather than based on a comparison to a top of the line bike. The Rincon gives you more than your money's worth if you're a beginning rider. Pick one up, get away from the TV, and enjoy some fresh air and exercise. As you become more serious, then you can start looking at the $2000 bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GiantBoy
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$390.00 | | Purchased At: | Fresh Air Experience | | Strengths: | Rear Derailleur (Alivio), Price (for what you get compared with competition), Paint Job (Silver and Black is very classy), Shocks (RST Cappa TL seems to do the job), Seat (quite comfortable compared to the stock seats on the other bikes I tried. | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailleur (Altus), Paint isn't as cool as the Giant Iguana (Yellow/Silver), no mounting holes for rear disc-brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Gary Fisher Advance, Giant Rock | | Bike Setup: | Totally Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike in 10 years (I always bought the typical hardware/department store special when I was younger), so this is my first "real" bike. I shopped around town and found the Giant Rincon was what I consider the best deal for the money. I was tempted to go with a Giant Yukon but being the same frame I decided it was better to save my money now and replace the parts that break or wear out with higher-end parts as the need arises. I am rating the Rincon a 5/5 because even though I would have loved to get an Giant Iguana which had everything on my wish list, it was too expensive for someone like me who is just getting into this cycling thing. The Rincon doesn't really cut corners anywhere except for the Altus front derailleur and it's such a nice rounded package for the price I think it is a good bike to start out with. Not too cheap that I get frustrated and give up, and not too expensive that my wife questions my sanity (well at least no more than usual). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Sunjka
a
from Astoria, New York
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Alley Pond | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Peak Mountain Bike | | Strengths: | Great Frame, Seat, Geometry, Paint Job | | Weaknesses: | Fork, Skewers, front derailer | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Giant Yukon, Diamondback | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Answer Orbit Stem, Panaracer Fire XC 2.10' for trails, I use the stock tires for city riding, Bar ends, WTB skewers. Everything else, stock. | | Bottom Line: | I'd like to start off by saying that I am new to mountain biking and this is my first real bike. Because I live in New York, I do a lot of riding in the city. That includes street riding in my neighborhood as well as hitting central park for a few laps regularly. This is a very comfortable bike for street riding. The seat is great as well as the geometry. I go trail riding about once or twice a month and I would definately recommend that if you are going to hit the trails a lot you might want to get a pair of new tires. I found the stock tires didnt have much bite on the trails so I bought panaracer fire xc's and they work great. I use the stock tires for riding around the city. Also, the skewers are real cheap and break easily. You might want to replace them. The fork isnt great but I way 150lbs so its ok for me. I can see how heavier riders might have a problem with it. What do you expect for the price. I'm actually looking into upgrading to a Rockshox pilot sl fork. Also, when the cranks go I'll probably upgrade to Shimano drive train. The alivio rear derailer works fine, I've had to take in the front derailer for a tune up twice so far.
I would definately recommend this bike to someone just getting into mountain biking or an intermediate rider who is on a budget but is willing to upgrade the parts later. The frame is great and I'm just going to upgrade the parts as they break(which happens on thousand dollar bikes as well) or look for good deals on the web. For example you can probably get a good deal on 2003 forks when the 2004 forks come out. Check out pricepoint.com and nashbar.com .
Basically the frame is great and it is worthy of upgrades. I really enjoy riding this bike. Also, I've gotten a lot of compliments because the bike looks great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod
a Cross Country Rider
from Corner Brook, NL Canada
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pasedena | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | TNT Bicycles | | Strengths: | Solid frame, light for the price | | Weaknesses: | Front shock | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the price. Stood up to cross country
amature race Mudup cup 2002, took second in the masters.
Excellent beginners bike, the only maintenance required
was to grease the bottom bracket and true up the wheels.
(Added clipless pedals for more horsepower)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | - Nice saddle
- Solid, Light frame
- Value | | Weaknesses: | - RST fork
- Front Deraillier | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Boulder
Specialized HR comp | | Bike Setup: | Rincon w/ rock shox pilot, hutchison octopus tyres & race face cranks | | Bottom Line: | scince i upgraded the fork this bike has handled exceptionally well on the trails and it is so good for manuevering. Frame is light and seems pretty tough. Nice paintjob too ;)
Good for mountain bike enthusiasts or anyone lookin for a good bike but is tight on cash (like me).
With a few upgrades This bike woiuld be up to par with bikes costing a few hundred dollars more.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T_bone
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Roost hole | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Doctor | | Strengths: | Good frame
Gears | | Weaknesses: | Wheels
Fork | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock/Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Ok for beginners, good XC bike, dont do jumps or netings else on it. Busted the wheels and fork jumping. Funny bout the fork cause the same fork on my other bike took to the jumps fine!!
Dont buy if ur a beginner wanting to jump or freeride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Provo, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Taylor's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great frame, the seat is pretty nice too. | | Weaknesses: | The fork sucks. I'm about 6'1", 200 lbs, and I bottow the fork on a daily basis. You can get stiffer springs for it, but I'm just going to upgrade to a better fork soon. The drivetrain is alright, you get what you pay for. | | Bottom Line: | I'm in college, so price was definitely an issue. For the price, it's a great bike, definitely better than it's competitors in the same price bracket. I really like the frame geometry and overall ride. It's definitely not a bike for someone who's serious, but if you're serious, you'll be spending more anyway.
For the entry level biker, get it and I doubt you'll be disappointed. I was pretty much entry level a few months ago, now I'm a little more serious. It was a great deal for me, though I'm going to buy a new fork soon. If you plan on getting serious, it's the same frame as some of Giant's higher end bikes, so you can upgrade components for a similar beast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T2
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Hodges | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Bicycles | | Strengths: | The ’03 Giant Rincon is a great entry level bike. It was just what I was looking for in a starter bike. It is light, solid, decent components, good ride and a great price. | | Weaknesses: | Fork sucks, front derailleur sucks. For $300 I can't really complain. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If you are just starting out the '03 Rincon is a good choice. If you give up riding its not like your out a thousand dollars. For the price the bike is light, feels solid and has good components. Just don't expect a lot from the fork and front derailleur both suck. I have to be fair I am riding a 24” frame and way 230lbs. So my opinions might be skewed because of my size the results I get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
2man
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, TX
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$329.00 | | Purchased At: | DFC Cycles | | Strengths: | Nice and Light, solid, cheap | | Weaknesses: | I think I agree that the front forks, even when cranked all the way up are a bit soft. Thats about it! | | Bottom Line: | Just getting back into cycling after being LAZY for about 10 years. This thing is a awesome bike for the money. I have no complaints. Bikes have come a LONG way since I've been gone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
College Boy
a Weekend Warrior
from ILL
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes | | Strengths: | Great entry level bike. | | Weaknesses: | Most likly not up to more expiranced riders taste | | Similar Products Used: | '02 Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought an '02 Rincon at the beginning of last summer and love it. The '03 is relitivly unchanged except for some componet upgrades. It is a great bike if you are just getting started and it holds up to repeated beatings. For around $350 you get great bang for your buck. Beginners START HERE and let the good times roll! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, GA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Phoenix City, Alabama | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction, Gainesville Florida | | Strengths: | While going to school at UF this bike was an excellent road bike. The frame is light and took minor trails with ease. However, the true test came when I moved to Georgia. The Phoenix city trails are awesome. The Rincon has held up under some pretty harsh riding. It has taken a beating and still performs like the day I got it. Excellent bike to start out with, although I will probably upgrade as my experience and talents outgrow it.
| | Weaknesses: | The fork is really soft, even on the when turned all the way. This has made some trail riding more difficult than I would like, but nothing that would be considered a serious detriment to the overall rating. | | Bottom Line: | An excellent choice for starting out in the mountain biking world. It has a reasonable price tag for great quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Umstead | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | All Star Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame, Price, Looks, Components, Saddle | | Weaknesses: | Fork | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Specialized something | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! Looks good, rides good. Haven't been able to take it off road too much yet, but it should hold up pretty well. The frame is strong and light for this price range, and better components than most other bikes in this price range. The saddle has been extremely comfortable as well, even without bike shorts. The fork has been a bit on the soft side even with the adjustment turned up all the way, but it isn't something I would return it for. All in all, great bike at an affordable price, I would highly recommend it if you are new to the sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Beach, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | fire trails at snow summit...cheap and fun! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Jones Bikes | | Strengths: | Such a pretty bike! Frame is very light and strong. It also looks very good. Easy to ride on the road. No major problems. The bike is very capable and cheap. Because of the paint job the bike gets lots of looks on the road. And, the seat is very nice and the frame has held up very well. I use this bike to get to school and work. But, on the weekends (I live in southern CA where there is no real winter) I take her to the hills and the frame has held up well. I would say that this bike is not for racing. It is not for anyone that would like to be a "pro". But, If you need a great bike that will last forever (on the road) then I would say that the Rincon is the bike for you. | | Weaknesses: | There is some chain noise...even on flat roads. Perhaps I just need a tune...but the bike is sooo new. I shouldn't have to worry about random rattles. | | Similar Products Used: | Other cheap giants and Treks. | | Bike Setup: | stock......with a f$%^$^%#@ kickstand that I keep meaning to take off...perhaps this is the source of my rattle. I hate these damn things. But, the stand came free with the bike, so I took it. | | Bottom Line: | Pretty bike. Rides great. Some random rattles that could be handled easily by a tuneup (which are always free at Jones Bikes in Long Beach...the place I bought the bike...I've just been too lazy to take it in). Buy this bike if you want an awesome bike for a cheap price. You get a lot more for your money with a Giant. This bike will last forever on the road and for many years on trails (unless you are a hardcore rider...in which case....buy a bike that costs over 700 bucks..) But, if you are a casual rider (like me...but with lots of "serious friends") then don't be afraid of a cheaper bike. We can't all be as "serious" as our friends. Be honest about what you want in a bike. If the Rincon is right for you then you will be pleased. I will buy a Giant in the future when I am ready to upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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