Strengths: Rides like a hardtail, feels solid, changes direction quickly, but takes the sting out the trail, light enough for me - don't worry about weight these days, not many around so has novelty value.
Weaknesses: That rear shock! Every one of them seems to have failed giving it a bad rep. Not many around and not made for long so parts/bearings/shocks maybe difficult to maintain?
Bottom Line:
I'm gonna stick up for this one a bit! Ok, it's no plush 4 inch travel machine but it does the job, I got it more out of nostalga when I saw it but it's a surprisingly good ride. Like I said I think the rear shock let it down, but change that and keep things maintained and it'll be good. It rides light and handles sharp, takes the sting out the trail which is exactly what I wanted for a training bike. The old Q21R's do exactly what they're supposed to do and those old cantis even stop the bike when I want to - amazing ;o) - I don't go out and go mental on it, got the heckler for that, I go cruising and enjoy the scenery on this, it's actually made me appreciate the trails a bit more rather than grit my teeth as everything flashes by.
Similar Products Used: Marin Alpine Trail, Santa Cruz Heckler
Bike Setup: Totally stock, even has the old RST shock which works ok but will be replaced, Q21R's, changed the Grip Shift cos I just can't get on with them! LX cantis, XT Rear LX Front Mechs
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
doug v
a Weekend Warrior
from VA,MD,AZ,Korea,WA,TX
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003
Strengths: ready to ride with a good component line-up; durable (indestructable)
Weaknesses: heavy; components didn't last as long as I would have liked; shocks (RST and Q21) are cheap; did I say it was heavy?
Bottom Line:
This was my first (and only) full suspension MB (okay, soft tail). I bought it in 97 on sale and didn't want a FS bike as they bobbed too much. Plus my riding style- fast and long- didn't dictate a FS. But, I wanted more plushness. I'm an active person and have used it in many ways and on many terrains (soft mud to hard desert rock). The original RST rear and Quadra 21 front shocks sucked. After the rear went, instead of rebuilding it, I replaced it with a Risse shock and have been very pleased with it. Only the XT V-Brakes remain from the original purchase- which was an upgrade from the OEM cantilevers. The only thing left is to replace the bushings in the rear triangle. I see someone else did so using sealed cartridges- this sounds like something I'd like to try. It isn't a plush bike nor is it light, but neither am I. It has travelled all over (I'm in the Army) and it has thousands of miles on it. I don't think I can break this bike though on more than one occassion it seemed as though I tried real hard to do so (it was me who got hurt, the bike rode on).
Similar Products Used: 2 Schwinn HT's- both long gone; tried FSR- loved it, but it was tooooo much$; GT i-Drive which was nice; Wheeler Ti FS- it too was nice.
Bike Setup: XT/XTR (9 spd); Risse Terminator (r); Judy XC (f); Sun Rhino Lite on LX hubs I got for a $1...next it's a new seat post and pedals (that's it!).
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Don Briggs
a
from North Shore, BC CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2002
Strengths: See '97 Ground Control Comp review
Weaknesses: See '97 Ground Control Comp review
Bottom Line:
I put a review in this one because, to be honest, I forget if I have a '96 or '97 model! Either way, the rear shock is a strut mount, not the FSR model. It's been a great bike with only minor problems (other than blowing out the rear shock - a common problem from what I understand!) I ride more downhill stuff, so I recommend upgrading the tires to DH tires, and going for a longer travel front fork. It's a strong bike and puts up with all the abuse I give it!
Submitted by
Mark King
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville, Florida USA
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002
Strengths: Nimble and predictable, bullet proof, awesome XC bike and totally upgradeable. A very good bike for serious recreational riders.
Weaknesses: rear shock and Quad 21R (needs to be upgraded but work real good)
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike new in 1997. I mostly ride on weekends but have raced this bike on three occaisions. Have built another bike (rockhopper comp. full XT) and would buy another full suspension if I could find one as good as this G.C. 96'. This bike is sweet.
Submitted by
Ferdinand Santos
a Weekend Warrior
from Antioch, CA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000
Strengths: Light weight, handling, great climber, 96' Sport Bike of the Year Mountain Bike Action
Weaknesses: Outdated suspension, pivots need TLC
Bottom Line:
Excellent compromise between hardtail and long travel full suspension. Definitely upgradable frameset. Lose the old Quadra 21R fork, upgrade the brakes and rear shock and you have a highly competitive ride. Stock weight of 27 lbs, can go to 24-25 with upgrades. Will get an FSR for freeriding/DH, upgrade this bike for XC racing.
Bike Setup: 96' Ground Control A1 Comp, 99 Judy C, XT V-brakes, all XT except LX frt der, Avenir rise bars, Panaracer Fire XC Pros & THE front fender
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from NM
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2000
Strengths: Frame feel, climbing ability, good bang for the buck
Weaknesses: Rear shock. RST SUCKS! If you have this bike, replace the rear shock with a Risse Racing Genesis
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike when you replace the brakes and the rear shock. Definitely worth it if you can find one cheap. I beat the hell out of this bike and it still asks for more!
If you can find one that has been taken care of I definitely recommend buying it - just be ready to replace the rear shock if it hasn't already.
Good bike for newer riders not wanting to shell out $$$$$ for a good full-suspension bike. (You shouldn't have to, either).
Bike Setup: XT r, LX f, LX Vbrakes, SRAM 7.0 Grip shift, Sun XC 0 w/ XT rear, Sun Ringle SOB front.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GERARDO MOTA
a weekend warrior
from ALHAMBRA CA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
I FOUND THAT SPECIALIZE PROVIDED THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK THE A1 AIM PROVIDED A SOFTER RIDE BUT BY NO MEANS THE RIDE ON THE Y FRAME. THE REAR WHEEL GRABBED EXCELLENT FOR THE UP HILL PUSH, THE REAR SUSPENTION SUSPENSION PROVIDES THE HARD TAIL FEEL. THE BRAKES NEED REPLACEMENT BUT OTHERWISE ITS A GOOD BIKE.
