Submitted by
Turd Ferguson
a Weekend Warrior
from NH Date Reviewed: November 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
Very quick, surefooted. Suspension feels a lot like my Iron Horse 7point5. Probably the best bike I've had, and I've had many. Feels great in the air.
I can hit drops up to 10-11 feet comfortably with this bike. Surprisingly tough frame- I've got no worries about breaking it.
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket is a bit of a pain in really rocky stuff.
Bottom Line:
At 34 lbs with about 7 inches of travel front and rear, it's the best bike I've found for freeriding and AM. Feels like a light weight DH bike on the downhills and a XC bike on the uphills. I really feel this is THE "do it all" bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bryanstaff
a Weekend Warrior
from stratford,ct usa Date Reviewed: November 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Trumbull
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Smart Cycles
Strengths:
Wow!.. The suspension is absolutely amazing. This bike can take a beating. It has given me more confidence and more enjoyment every day i ride.
Weaknesses:
I bang my pedals so damn much... but i guess thats just part of the deal... It happens. I removed front derailure almost immediately, then i needed a chainguide. No big deal. Also, like most new bikes... the gears tend to slip a bit.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Yukon (2003)
Bike Setup:
2008 model setup... you can go to Giant.com to see the specs on the 2008 ReignX1. I bought the Raceface Diabolous Chainguide after i removed the front derailure. 50/50 pedals.
Bottom Line:
The suspension is awesome. The bike feels incredible, like an extension of me and how i want to ride. It will make anyone a better rider especially if you come from riding hardtail like me. Gear slip still, but im a weekend warrior so hopefully that will wear out once its broken in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richwales
a Weekend Warrior
from Cardiff, UK Date Reviewed: November 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mountain Ash DH, North Cardiff XC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Tredz
Strengths:
the bike will go up and down - no questions. will do xc rides, dh runs and trail centres. DH the bike rides better than my kona stab. corners like a dream and the fork tracks amazingly.
Weaknesses:
bit heavy for tortuous climbs but will nevertheless get you there. need to ride smart as the pedals will catch easily on technical climbs.
Bottom Line:
Beautifully balanced bike, that is a joy to ride. i tested the commencal meta 5, giant reign, orange pro5 - all too xc feeling compared to the X1. the x1 matches these bikes in terms of climbing (riders of similar ability). its such a comfortable bike that the weight on climbs isnt an issue for me. Feels bombproof on the descents and choice of components means that it will stand up to regular uplift riding. I am really happy with this bike and would recommend it to anyone who's looking for that elusive do-it-all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chauvinist_youth
a Downhiller
from Pasadena, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Suspension Design, Price, Fox Shocks
Weaknesses:
Wheelset and Hayes Strokers
1.5" headtube would be cool as well
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky, Titus El Guapo, Iron Horse 7point, Chumba Evo, Transition Bottle Rocket
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Awesome value, amazing suspension (not a get out of the saddle and hammer kinda deal, just keep seated at a good pace and this thing will NOT bob), plenty of travel, built strong, did I mention it's cheaper than anything else comparable?
I would buy this bike again if I had to!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Downhiller
from Windsor,Ca Date Reviewed: September 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Livewire
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
light, flickable, and good climber
Weaknesses:
i didn't like how i would people and the pedals would hit rocks constantly. that didn't happen with the glory or my santa cruz heckler. so i think the bottom bracket could be lower. or maybe because i was riding a medium when i should have been riding a large.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler, Glory, faith
Bottom Line:
it was a good light bike. but the weakness for me was the pedals hit rocks and the ground. But it is a great bike and i would recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PaulHaines
a Cross Country Rider
from Bangkok, Thailand Date Reviewed: September 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chiang Mai
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Quality of components, manufacturing, geometry, value
Weaknesses:
Hubs
Similar Products Used:
Blur LT
Bike Setup:
SRAM X9 rear mech, LX front, SRAM X7 shifters, Race Face Evolve DH crank, RaceFace AM stem, bars. Fox DHX3 coil shock, 36 VAN 160mm fork
Bottom Line:
I've come from a very lightweight SantaCruz BlurLT which I enjoy on AM & aggressive XC trails to the much burlier ReignX1.
What a revelation. With the Reign's enormous, stiff fork and slack geometry, and 6.7" of very plush rear travel, this machine soaks up obstacles in its stride. And believe me, its stride is more of a run. I was able to blast down rockgardens and steep singletrack at a speed much higher than ever before. Instead of trying to find a smoothest line (avoiding the jarring of large obstacles) it was possible to take the fastest line with more room for error.
For climbing, it would be insane to compare with a BLT, but this machine will get you up hills surprisingly well.
Quality of manufacturing is very good indeed, and for component spec its hard to work out how they do it for the price.
My only criticism would be the wheel hubs, which whilst adequate, are a level below the rest of the bike in spec, and possibly longevity.
And looks? The hydroformed tubing gives this steed some swooping lines, but still shows some teeth around the Maestro suspension linkages.
Well done Giant for a terrific machine that bridges the gap AM and full on DH machinery
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thorisit21
a Cross Country Rider
from Millerton, NY, USA Date Reviewed: August 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
7 Springs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Pleasant Valley Bike
Strengths:
Pedals nicely. Not too much bob because the Maestro works awesome. Smooth action from both fork and shock. Good for both XC and light freeride.
Weaknesses:
The Fox 36 VAN fork that comes on the '08 seems a little undersprung. I weigh 165 and can blow through the travel pretty easy. I've blown the rebound out already and need to get it fixed. Its a great fork, it feels good and everything, you just have to be a little caredful or know what you are doing. That and the stock grips aren't anything special. Invest in lock-ons. It makes a difference.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Faith 2
Bike Setup:
Stock but with Yeti lock-on grips
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. Super plush and can take anything you throw at it. No wonder Giant was low on inventory with them in '07...the Reign X1 rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Fernee
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: August 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Strengths:
Well balanced bike with excellent suspension. Great parts spec. QR 20mm front fork.
Weaknesses:
Bent derailleur hanger within first week. Cheap wheel set.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR '98, Big Hit '04, Intense Uzzi.
Bike Setup:
2008 model, medium. Stock Aus setup
Bottom Line:
This bike is a revelation. I sold my DH bike to get this and was not too happy about it until I rode the X1. It is a bit heavy for XC, but I can climb everything I used to on my XC bikes and then bomb down nasty stuff like my DH bike. The stiffness of the Fox 36 is amasing compared to my previous forks. It just holds its line. The bike is very well balanced in the air. It rails corners and eats rocks and roots with ease. The slack head angle requires a very aggressive riding style which makes going fast so much easier. My riding has improved significantly over the last 8 months with this bike. I got a medium frame, which is just a bit too short in the seat post for me (I'm 180 cm tall), but the large frame felt too big for trail riding. The rear suspension bobs if you get out of the saddle, but if you stay seated it hardly moves on a climb. Really brilliant for technical climbs.
I got this bike over an Intense Uzzi as it just felt better to ride. I have no regrets. This is about the best bike I could even imagine buying. A mini DH weapon that I can actually climb with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DARREN LOVESAC
a Weekend Warrior
from COLORADO Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
TOO MANY
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
DHX 3.0 IS PERFECT, MAESTRO SUSPENSION IS THE BEST FRAME DESIGN I HAVE EVER RIDDEN! HAYES STROKER TRAILS ARE PERFECT. WEIGHT FOR WHAT YOU GET! ON AND ON..........!
Weaknesses:
NOTHING SO FAR
Similar Products Used:
JAMIS DAKAR , SPECIALIZED ENDURO, KONA STINKY
Bike Setup:
STOCK AND SOME SPEC LO PRO MAGS
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE IS AMAZING, I AM USING THIS AS MY EVERYTHING BIKE AND IT WORKS PERFECT. WHEN SITTING DOWN AND PEDALING UPHILL IT FEELS LIKE A HARD TAIL (THERE IS BOB WHEN OUT OF THE SEAT). GREAT DOWNHILL BIKE, EASY TO THROW AROUND. MY MEDIUM IS WEIGHING IN AT 35 AND SOME POUNDS. THE FOX 36 IS GREAT BUT I HAVE NOT WORKED OUT THE SMALL BUMP COMPLIANCE YET. THIS BIKE IS AN AM/FR BIKE AND DOES BOTH PERFECTLY
GOOD, GOOD, GOOD
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zac
a Downhiller
from Whistler B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
downhill, freeride, all mountain trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Strengths:
The fox suspension is instantly smooth on the trail and the maestro suspension is absolutely amazing. The kit is really great for the price and the geometry is spot on. The bike is fairly light for all the hard stuff it can do with ease.
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
specialized SX trail
Bike Setup:
All stock
Bottom Line:
I purchased the 08 version a few weeks ago in a small but whenever are go riding it easily flows down and up stuff and has great maneuverability as an advantage. Since I got it every trail ride has bin some of the greatest trail I've done in my life. I suggest this bike for riders who have been riding for at least a few years or into intermediate to double black diamond trails but if your just starting out I would suggest a hardtail instead.
Bottom line is that this is the best bike I have ever owned and if you got one you would think so to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roxnwater
a Cross Country Rider
from Issaquah, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
To Many to Pick
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Center Cycle
Strengths:
Beefy Framework
Weaknesses:
Small gripes. No water bottle bosses, and the plastic shield over the shock takes two different sizes of hexes (2 & 3mm) to remove to access air nipple on shock. These things could have been worked out by Giant, but these are very small complaints and I can live (still happily) without them.
Similar Products Used:
2001 AC1, Enduro
Bike Setup:
RaceFace Steering, RaceFace Crankset, Fox Van R, Fox DH3, Hayes Stroker Trails w/8" discs, X7 Shifters, X9 Derailleur, Continental Gravities on WTB Dual use rims.
Bottom Line:
After 6 years of hard riding on the AC1 (Which I was also very happy with.) I finally broke the main triangle while riding Little Creek Mesa in Utah. I had no complaints about the AC1 and wanted to stick with Giant. After looking at the new product line and reading the good reviews of the Reign X1 on MBR I couldn't resist going for one myself. That and the fact Giant and Center Cycle were very willing to work with me to replace the defunct AC framework. Good customer service from both.
Hmmm....where to start. I'm a Clydesdale so I tend to go for the beefy frames. For me this bike is treated as an all mtn. ride. Most of my riding is XC with some small 2-3' drops occasionally. I take a large frame and after a quick test ride had the shop order the stiffest springs for the coil and fork that Fox offered. I rode it for a week as it was until the parts came in. During that time the bike was way too soft for any serious riding. The upgraded springs allowed me room to tune the shock/fork and made a world of difference on the ride.
The new Maestro setup gives the bike a lower center of gravity which makes railing through the turns better. Overall balance seems much improved over the AC1. The longer wheelbase certainly makes the downhills fly. Climbing steep pitches seems easier too. I don't seem to have to pay as much attention to weight distribution in those situations. Easier to keep the front wheel down in other words.
The stock weight was 36lbs, but it came with the Kenda Nevegal 2.35s. Those were beefier than what I needed and a bit slower than I wanted. After converting over to the lighter 2.3 Continental Gravities, the weight is closer to 34lbs.
A great ride overall. An excellent all mtn. ride for the Bigger Boyz.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Wright
a Downhiller
from Potsda,NY, USA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
7 Springs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Start House Ski&Bike
Strengths:
Great deal, awesome frame, low stack height, fair weight out of box maestro suspension is superb
Weaknesses:
Heavy for my taste, weak derailler hanger,some bearing problems
Similar Products Used:
IH 6.6 SC bullit SC heckler
Bike Setup:
2007 X1 with 66RC2x, E13 sts, thomson post + stem, EA 70 bars, wtb wheelset, xtr cassette, wtb saddle, juicy 7s, dhx 3.0
Bottom Line:
What a great little bike. I have lightened mine up quit abit from the stock setup with my parts swap and tubeless tire setup. I found the fox 36 R to be junk, no matter what spring I had in it, it would bottom like lead! If you put in the extra firm it still bottomed and did nothing for stutter bumps. The 66 really helped the bike shine with a better front end and slackening it out abit. The bike corners and handles like it is on rails. I have mine down to about 34lbs which flies at a pretty decent toughness level. It pedals, descends, and flies like a champ. After my 07' year with it, all my buds have bought a reign x for their play bike as well. The maestro is very nice, i used to race IH sundays, and this season i have switched to try the glory dh just b/c of how nice my reign x has been! We will see how it goes! Buy a reign-x if you can even find 1!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabriel Shaw
a Downhiller
from Oak PArk, Ca Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
suicide
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
NP bike shop
Strengths:
Everything-This bike has done 15' drops with ease and I turn around and pull my 3 yr old in her trailer down the trails. It climbs, descends and pedals so well. Best bike I have ever ridden.
Weaknesses:
The stock wheels suck ass. They are durable but very heavy. I upgraded and am putting industry nines on it.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler-Giant Trance x
Bike Setup:
Factory specs
Bottom Line:
If you want a bike that can do everything you would ever do on a bike get it. I sold my cross country bike and my downhill bike to buy this baby and it fits both uses! I cant say enough about it. It also looks sweet! Not a bad price either considering the spec list. I wouldnt go with the Reign xo if you want to down hill with it. Save some money and get the x1 and buy some light wheels!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ilham Sancaya
a Weekend Warrior
from Malang, East Java, Indonesia Date Reviewed: January 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mountains around Malang
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2105.00
Purchased At:
Semeru Bike Shop, Malang
Strengths:
You get so much for the price, and the component are good enough for me. The other strong point for this bike is its ability to climb with ease, and the bonus is the fun factor when you go descent. Plus the bike is strong enough to handle my weight (around 200lb).
Weaknesses:
None important. Just once flat tire, and I just found out that the 2.35 Kenda Nevegal tyres comes with 2.1 inner tubes. I've changed it into 2.35 size. Starting consider to convert to tubeless.
Similar Products Used:
None. My other bikes are 2005 Giant NRS-G, 2006 Klein Attitude and 2007 Commençal VIP Supernormal.
Bike Setup:
Stock 2008 Giant Reign X1 International Version with Shimano M545 pedal.
Bottom Line:
Giant is always gives us a very good price, especially in Indonesia, because they sell it without factory warranty, I means like for example if you broke your frame, they won't change your frame with the new one for free. That's why in Indonesia you could get a cheaper Giant bike. I get my 2008 Giant X1 (international spec) for only US$ 2105, and you get so much for that price, I love Giant! Also I prefer strong bike, no matter about the extra weight, as long as I could take it anywhere. And it does like what the Giant ad said.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JAMES ROUSE
a Weekend Warrior
from NSW Date Reviewed: November 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
KEIRA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Strengths:
VALUE, RELIABILITY, QUALITY.
Weaknesses:
TYRES (NO BIG DEAL) ARE AVERAGE WHEN CORNERING.
Similar Products Used:
7.5, SUNDAY, JAMIS XLT
Bike Setup:
STOCK WITH SHIMANO DX CLIPLESS PEDALS.
Bottom Line:
USED TO RIDE A JAMIS XLT AND LOVED IT, BUT IT WAS NOT UP TO THE ABUSE IT TOOK AND HAD TO GO. HAD A 7.5 AFTER THAT AND THAT WAS A REALLY BEEFY SHUTTLE BIKE BUT HEAVY AND VERY HARD TO RIDE LONG TRAIL RIDES ON. IF THOSE TWO BIKES WERE LOCKED IN A ROOM TOGETHER FOR A WEEKEND, NINE MONTHS LATER THE X1 WOULD HAVE BEEN BORN. IT HAS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH THE VIRTUAL PIVOT (MAESTRO) REAR END AND THE FOX SUSPENSION. IT IS A GREAT BIKE FOR DH RUNS, YOU ARE ABLE TO MOVE THE BIKE AROUND EASILY AND GLIDE IT RATHER THAN PLOUGH THROUGH THE TRAIL. THIS BIKE FLOATS AT SPEED. AS LONG AS THERE IS A TRANSITION TO LAND ON THIS BIKE WILL HIT ANY JUMPS OR DROPS YOUR NUTS WILL ALLOW YOU TO WITH EASE. FREERIDE PERFECTION. LOVES CHILLI.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Buckley
a Downhiller
from Buxton Derbyshire England! Date Reviewed: October 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Innerleithan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The bikes strength, durabilty and performance
Weaknesses:
Stock Spring too light (or im too fat)!
Similar Products Used:
Orange Patriot specialized sx trail
Bike Setup:
Stock Nice and low with high rollers flats and dropped the spacers out of the stem.
Bottom Line:
I bought this ride becuase i got a really good deal on it , i was interested in it before but when the price i paid was offered i couldnt refuse. I am really glad i did. Im more of a downhiller/freerider than a cross country rider but where i live the cross country rides are epic with serious downhills. This bike eats up rocks and corners lovely. It doesnt climb amazingly but i didnt expect that. i was initially worried as it seemed to eat through its travel and suffer on square edge hits but subsequently i have realised that its a high leverage suspension system so i fitted a harder rear sprng and its sorted. if you are a keen downhiller who doesnt want to be restricted by a dwnhill bike but would still like a bike that can take the stick this is for you. I can put me saddle up and spin my way to the top of virtually anything, chill out eat a mars drop the saddle and let rip. The other day was out on ride half way up thefirst hill we spotted a drop not massive nly about 6 foot but tricky and looked fun i wouldnt have done it on a cross country bike and it wasnt worth dragging a downhill bike all the way up there to do it and there in lies the beauty of this bike i dropped the saddle had it couple of times and tthen rode on. Mint
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
billy kraebel
a Downhiller
from cutchogue newyork Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
diablo
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
demoed
Strengths:
great bike all around since i demoed it im purchasing one it so sick
Weaknesses:
nothin, seat high isnt that ajustiable
Similar Products Used:
giants whole line
Bottom Line:
this bike is so nice including ur fox fork THIS BIKE IS TITS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne Giddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, OZ Date Reviewed: October 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Silver Star, BC, Canada
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
BSP North Vancouver
Strengths:
Solid, if not heavy build.
Weaknesses:
Rear Axle bent after a couple of weeks (prob just a bit too much Mountains I guess. Dual chain ring without guide not really cross country, not really DH - hard to say if that means it is all mountain?? .. Within 10 days I had busted the main linkage bearing. (i jump, but not that much). Seat bent and busted in first 3 weeks. Fork has top out when jumping (after a couple of weeks of riding). I was riding a fair bit in Canada on predominantly DH terrain, so breakage was expected. All told the only thing that was not 'expected' was the pivot bearing blowing its guts out at Silver Star Mountain after only about 10 days of riding on the bike. (yes the bolts were tight)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Gemini
Bike Setup:
Standard, Chainguide with 36 toother,
Bottom Line:
Great bike, From what I hear there is the odd bearing dying, but generally no issues at all with pivots.
Did all that was asked of it in Canada, and should hold up well back in Oz.
Good for a person after a no hassles 'All Mountain' machine
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Romanyshyn
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Saskatchewan Date Reviewed: October 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Cranky's Bike Shop
Strengths:
This is an update to my previous review.
Bottom Line:
Swapped out the WTB freeride wheelset for my old single track front and double on back. No more noise from the rear with the stiffer rear wheel. Upgraded fork spring to extra heavy. A little on the stiff side for downhill but perfect for trails. Overall very satisfied. Would like the find a light and strong wheelset to knock the weight down a bit. Had a few issues with the front derailleur shifting during fast downhills. Chain guide should cure that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Halpin
a Downhiller
from Bradenton, FL, US Date Reviewed: September 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Temptest (Diablo Freeride Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
aj's bikes and boards
Strengths:
super beefy, yet plush suspension. awesome parts, straight out of the factory (race face cranks and chain drive,topline easton components). Smooth handling for tight singletrack, and for wide open slalom style courses. Even though performance is what really matters, it even looks tight. So you'll be the talk at your local freeride spot, or at the xc, all mountain trails.
Weaknesses:
The Fox Vanillathat comes standard I personally don't like. The wheelset is also not beefy enough.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth truth, scott nitrous 20
Bike Setup:
WTB Purev, Marzocchi 66 ETA RC2, Mavic crossmax (all mountain/freeride)
Bottom Line:
This can be a prominent DH bike, or that bike you just leave in your garge and take out everyday to go hit some jumps. The beauty of this bike is that it will handle everything, and you can still use it for xc or all mountain rides. So go ahead and hit that single track, then go home and hit some 10 ft. to flat urban ledge. You'll still be ready to go to whistler for some fun the next day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
yannick bisson
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto Date Reviewed: September 21, 2007
This bike is not light and my setup has added weight. That being said...it will tackle anything you ride. Steeps, stunts, ladders, logs, berms, drops, jumps and it will carry you all the way back up again(in granny gear, in the saddle). You will not wear this bike out. It will elevate your ability instantly because of the confidence it inspires. If you ride flats and distance this not your bike. I changed some of the specs, not because of quality so much, but for sizes. What you are rewarded with after dropping the cash is well worth it. I love this bike. Full flaming dookies
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lisa
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: September 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Billy T
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Trademe
Strengths:
A great, fun bike that blasts down the hill and loves to fly.
Weaknesses:
Not fab at out of the saddle, up-hill pedaling. But you wouldnt buy it, if thats your "thing" anyway - so not really an issue in my book.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler
Bike Setup:
Upgrades include; High rise Funn Bars, DT Swiss FR Rims with Saint Hubs and 203ml shimano rotors.
Bottom Line:
An awesome, fun bike that gets you off the brake and fairly flying down the trails. A real confidence booster. It responds really well and is twitchy on cornering. Loves to fly through the air and is well balanced. It also has a great looking matt-black paintjob too! This bike has me grinning from ear to ear after every ride!
The Fox 36 Vans are an absolutely lovely fork to ride. Sram X7 and Juicy 5's are also the business. All around a super bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Race of Spades
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
For a bike of this size and wieght, awesome pedalling uphill. Don't get me wrong, by no means is this a cross country race bike but for a 30+ lb. bike with 6" of travel, its the best I've ridden. Looks good and the Fox RP 3 rear shock is really good.
Weaknesses:
wieghs over 30 lbs. Not a big fan of the '06 paint job. Definitely an All-Mountain bike. If you're looking for a mor nimble lighter trail bike, probably not the bike for you.
Similar Products Used:
2003 Giant AC2; Santa Cruz Nomad; Kona Dawg
Bike Setup:
Warranty replacement from the good folks at GIANT because I cracked my AC@ frame so only the frame and rear shock were stock. Marrocchi 66 RC up front; completely XT drivetrain Sun Rhino Rims and XT Hubs. Thompson seatpost and Stem.
Bottom Line:
Great value, great bike. Fun has hell on the DH's and you can actually turn it around and pedal up the same hill. Be sure to stay in the saddle when you're pedalling up hill to keep the mestro system running at his full potential. You lose a lot of the prop pedal goodness when you stand-up and mash the pedals. Buy this bike if you're budget driven but still expect the performance of a more boutique, smaller manufacturer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ANDRES PINTO
a Weekend Warrior
from DENVER,CO,USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
winter park/keystone.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
derby bicycle center
Strengths:
dhx 3.0 shock. fox 36 van.boomb proof frame.
Weaknesses:
tires.
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky.sc bullit.espz.big hit.session 6 trek.espz enduro.heckler.coiler.titus el guapo.
Bike Setup:
stock with maxxis minion 2.35
Bottom Line:
I'm a trail/xc rider on saturdays & a freerider on sundays & i'll do it with the same bike, the x1. I spent 70+ hours testing /researching for a bike that could go uphill like almost a hardtail & freeride like a flullblowm downhill bike (that cost x3 as much).I tried all the big names but all the end of the day the reing X1 was the winner.The reason: you can not get a better price.All other bikes with the same components will empty your wallet.So if you are a trail/part time freerider & do not want to spent a fortune this is your macht.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from bay area, ca Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anywhere at skeggs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Strengths:
almost everything, extremly plush. nearly 7 inches of travel let you go head first almost into anything. some of the components are good, sram x9 der holds up very well, comes with the chain guide and great buy in terms of value. feels like a nomad, without the nomad price.
fox van and dhx 3.0 works amazing, gives you confidence as a rider.
Weaknesses:
a bit on the heavy side and maestro only seems to work while sitting down, alot of bobing when standing. lx frnt derailer is weak, and stock tires should be swapped out.
Similar Products Used:
blur, heckler
Bottom Line:
Great purchase. decent weight for a freeride/all mountain bike, geometry is perfect. oerfect high end bike if your on a budget, feels like a 5 grand bike for half the price. i guess this is why they call it the poor mans nomad.
i love it. plush suspension, good enough to hammer out all day with your xc friends, but beefy enough to go on some serious DH runs. new favorite toy, my mini DH bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Romanyshyn
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Saskatchewan Date Reviewed: July 21, 2007
$
Overall Rating: