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Submitted by
dan
a Cross Country Rider
from asheville,nc
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | durability, a workhorse for us weekend warriors | | Weaknesses: | weight has a bouncy ride | | Similar Products Used: | the 1st full suspension | | Bike Setup: | hayes brakes, sid rear and psylo front | | Bottom Line: | I felt that I would write a review for all those looking at purchasing one used - I taken this thing on everything and even raced with it. I feel it does nothing spectacular but does everything well. A good bike for a bigger guy which I'm not. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Durham Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Frame only Ebay | | Strengths: | Light for a frame with 6 inch travel option
Excellent decending geometry
Has survived - without a dent - my many wipe outs
Overall great and versatile bike
| | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Lots | | Bike Setup: | AC Airlite (blue/white paint scheme from USA version), Psylo XC, rear sid XC, full XT and deore hydros, Axiom telescopic post. | | Bottom Line: | This is an amazing ride. I actually scored a new frame and rear shock last year on Ebay for $300. Built the rest up through on-line pasts and could not be happier. Spent about one thrird of sticker price.
You can roll technical decents with one foots root drops into sand with out really even trying very hard. (Used to endo alot on these). It really excels in the fast technical root/rock/log infested areas, where you can keep hammering the pedals due to high BB clearence.
It climbs OK, not great, but this is a 6" travel bike. BOB is surprizingly minimal and dialing in the right front/rear suspension set-up is easy.
Mine weights in at just around 29 LBS, and is simpley a blast to ride. I have it set in the 5.15" rear travel setting and the Psylo is at full extension (125 mm).
I did install a Norco Axiom telescopic seat post, and designed my own shim, as the S curve in the seat stay
prevents any significant adjustment options. Although after the last few months, I have become so comfortable on this frame, that I never need to redcue seat height for technical decents.
Overall, I love this bike, and while it is not a light weight racer, I bike for the fun and get a cardio workout, so this is exactly what I need.
To bad thet discountinued specing the Airlite... It's a nicely balanced trail bike that is amazingly versatile. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete
a Weekend Warrior
from South Portland, ME USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Allspeed | | Strengths: | Overall specs, frame, adjustable travel | | Weaknesses: | Some of the Titec components, but I guess after a year one could expect to replace stuff... | | Similar Products Used: | AC2, AC Air | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Time Atacs, Easton EA50 bar, and black psylo | | Bottom Line: | This is my first year review. Bottom line is this bike makes all kind of riding fun: from rock gardens and root sections to drops, to several hour technical xc rides, it does it all. I ride year round, summer and winter (tho this winter had too much snow to ride alot), so my Air Lite has some good hours on it in variable weather. To give an idea of maintenance on the bike in 1 year, here's what I've had to replace/fix over the past year:
Brakes: 1 rotor (rear), 4 sets of pads (2x front, 2x rear)
Fork: 1 Psylo rebuild (works like butter now)
Drivetrain: 1 RF Outer ring, 1 RF Middle ring, 2 chains, 1 cassette
Wheels: 1 front rim; couple spokes; sidewall tears in the WTB Mutanoraptors (I like these though so am replacing with same)
Components: handlebars (replace w/EA50), seatpost (replacing w/EA70 or Thomson)
My rear derailleur is kind of thrashed but is still shifting ok; i'll probably replace with an LX or XT.
So that's not too bad for a year of riding. Kudos once again to Giant for making a bike that rocks in various riding conditions. I'm sure the VT is a great ride, but am sad to see the Air and Air lIte series go... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tully
a
from Woodinville, WA, US
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Bottom Line: | Basically, this a good idea that needs some refinement. I think the first thing to change should be the price, as it's certainly not the best value on the market.
The XT shifters and XT/XTR derailleurs work flawlessly, the Raceface cranksets are strong and fairly light, and the Mavic wheelset has stayed true, even after numerous small jumps and three-foot drops-to-flat (I weigh around 160 lbs). Also, the adjustable travel on both ends makes a big difference in the feel and ride quality, although the rear end bottoms out easily and feels like less than six inches of travel.
However, the rear end bobs a great deal in the six-inch setting. That can be helped by reducing the travel, which, by providing a lower leverage ratio, reduces bobbing, but leaves the bike less smooth and forgiving. Furthermore, pedal feedback, which causes my pedaling to be choppy, the bike to shift on its own, and more than a few dropped chains, is an extremely noticable problem. The Psylo fork, although the lockout and rebound and compression adjustments are perfect, is just not the same as a Manitou Black or Sherman or a Fox Vanilla. I really notice the lack of a preload ajust, whose place is taken by the U-Turn system (the springs stiffen slightly as travel is shortened). It was rather surprising that RockShox assumed that one of the three or four available spring rates would work for everybody. I have had to compensate for the light spring rate with increased wompression damping, but that reduces the small-bump performance, which is already one of the fork's weakest points. However, the fork is excellent over medium-sized hits, and is one of the lighter five-inch forks.
Here are some things that I have done to my bike to improve the performance:
Tioga Factory DH 2.3 tires (the stock tires are strictly for hardpack and urban/asphalt riding).
MRP Long Range Patrol Chainguide (ends dropped chains, but still lets me use my two smaller chainrings.
Manitou Swinger rear shock (cures the pedal-induced boobbing and gives the added performance of a coil shock; it's the same as a 5th Element).
Axiom telescopic seatpost (takes care of the lack of seat-height adjustment, great for freeriders)
I am planning of putting on a different saddle as well, since the stock one is hard to move around during technical riding. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BBOC
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Polar Revlution | | Strengths: | Value of components, good trail geometry, lives up to AC moniker. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post shim, unable to put post down as far as I want, horrible pedals, some chainsuck problems. | | Bike Setup: | Stock + 959 pedals and IRC Kujo 2.35 tires | | Bottom Line: | Great trailbike, I can use it for just about anything. Pedals great, climbs great, decends great. I've hucked it off of 4ft to flat without any problem (215lb rider w/ stiff spring on the psylo).
I've had no problems with the RS Sid on the rear, which I had figured to be one of the first things I was going to replace. I'm not entirely happy with the Psylo SL, it's not the most confidence inspiring fork out there. It's jittery on the small stuff, and has developed a slight knock when i rock the bike with the brakes on (yet to figure out the problem). Once I get rich I'll replace it with a Zoke.
I also rarely use the ajustable travel (front or back), so its more of a novelty item for me (although I first figured it would be something very useful). The rear is a pain in the arse to change during the ride since you have to adjust your air pressure each time. I just leave everything in the longest travel for the most part, unless I know I'm going to be hitting a long, smooth trail with lots of climbing.
Get rid of the pedals, the plastic platform part will break after three rock hits. They don't release well either, so you'll end up doing a lot of slow speed tipping on tech uphills.
Keep in mind that I'm being very picky. Overall I couldn't be happier with the bike. It's great for a Clyde like myself, especially since I really only have one MTB.
That's my opinion, although they've discontinued the Bike. So who cares! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craven
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | we have so much around here... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock N Road | | Strengths: | Value, geometry, 4 bar linkage, adjustability, frame and bushings holding up nicely after one year... | | Weaknesses: | Titec OEM stuff is weak. Hayes OEM brakes needed constant attention so they wouldn't rub. | | Similar Products Used: | Titus Quasi-Moto, Giant AC | | Bike Setup: | Replaced Titec crap with Thomson stem, RaceFace XY seatpost and Easton EA70 bars. Replaced Hayes brakes with Shimano XT disks. Replaced Psylo SL internals with Psylo Race internals - I prefer the adjustability of an air sprung fork. | | Bottom Line: | I was inches away from buying a boutique rig when I took this bike for a test ride at the urging of a buddy at the LBS. I have no regrets. About a month after I bought mine, three of my friends went out and bought this or the AC (we look like idiots when we ride together what with everybody riding the same bike...).
Anyway, enough has been said about this rig - it's a classic. The VT (which replaces the AC Air series) has some mighty big shoes to fill. We'll see.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Art P
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything but my job. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | sidewalk sale | | Strengths: | Great component selection. Light weight, reliable,
variable travel front and rear suspension. No ancient
single pivot design on this bike. Hayes hydrolic brakes,
XTR rear derailer, etc, etc. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post does not go all the way down. Problem solved on the 2003 AC1 & AC2. Crappy seat post shim needs constant cleaning to remain quiet. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing similar on the market. | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup is good to go right out of the box.
| | Bottom Line: | At the time of this purchase I was about to order a SC Bullet until a call came in from my buddy at the LBS. Someone had a 3 day old AC Air Lite for sale. Their loss was my gain. After saving some serious cash, I quickly commenced beating on this bike. Rides and handles like a dream. The RockShock rear air shock has held up to repeated drops of 3 to 4 feet without fail. The PSYLO shock upfront is easy do dial in with adjustable rebound, and an adjustable travel range of 3 to 5 inches. The rear also has adjustable travel settings of 4.50", 5.25", and 6.00" of travel. The 5.25 inch rear suspension travel setting is great for blasting through rocky stunt ladden trails. Mud, sand, stunts, BRING IT ON! I find myself putting aside my 2000 Giant NRS1 XC bike in favor of riding this bike on the trail. So many adjustments, so little time.
A little heavier, but much more capable than a light XC bike. YOU WILL RIDE SICKER LINES WITH THIS BIKE! PERFECT ALL AROUND BIKE! BAR NONE! You may pay more, but will not receive as much in return.
Buy: If you want a heavy duty all terrain bike with a great design and hate bike repairs.
Dont buy: If you love spandex and counting grams.
Too bad Giant has discontinued this model. No more wimpy weight weenie XC bikes for me. Long live the AC Air lite. fReeRIdE oR dIE.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Ritter
a Weekend Warrior
from Bozeman,MT
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Emerald Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Some guy in Florida | | Strengths: | Frame warrantied in three days! | | Bottom Line: | This is an addendum to my previous fire spitting review. So I got back from vacation and took my bike over to Ace and showed them the broken chainstay. After getting props for breaking a frame they told me that I could expect to wait a few weeks for the warranty stuff. Well they called Giant and told them what happened and they sent out a new frame that day, before they had even seen my bike. 3 days later my brand new frame had all of of my parts back on, I was amazed that they had it done so fast when they called to tell me. So I walked down to the bike shop and to my amazement they threw in a brand new rear shock! Amazing! I guess they wanted to check out the frame alignment just as I had the bike set up. So yeah it sucks that I had to run out of the woods with my bike on vacation but I had a brand new frame and rear shock for free within three days. That's customer service. Go Giant! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from long island, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Frame only on ebay | | Strengths: | Travel Adjustments, Light weight, Stiff frame, | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Similar Products Used: | Gaint warp ds1, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Psylo sl fork, Xt crank and BB, Easton carbon bars, Thompson stem and seat post, Shimano XT hub/rhynolite wheelset, XT/XTR drivetrain, and Xt hydro disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | Amazing bike for the price. I read reviews and decided to get the frame for light weight and full adjustability. But by assembling the rest of the bike I saved money and adressed all of the complaints. Bottom line this bike kicks ass. It will go any where do anything. I have abused it good and it keeps coming back for more. I really like that this bike lives up to its AC name. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Ritter
a
from Bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Grassy Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Some guy in Florida | | Strengths: | Awesome initial quality, made me a better rider on the first ride | | Weaknesses: | The lite is too light, I keep breaking sh*t! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Wilderness Trail Weirwolf 2.5's and a stiffer handlebar. | | Bottom Line: | I was hooked on the idea of the AC right off the bat as it is for all conditions and I like it all; long climbs, long descents, jumps, north shore, jibbing town whatever. I am not super hardcore, the biggest thing that I have dropped is probably under 5 feet and I weigh 170 lbs, but I do ride as much as I can (five days a week and more during the summer). Right off the bat I thought the handlebar was too flexy, it seemed like I was going to break the thing so I swapped it out. Then I started really breaking things. So first there was a broken bottom bracket, then the psylo started getting all flexy and sticky with the travel, and then there was another bottom bracket, then I broke the rear axle, and now today on the first day of the year I broke the freaking swingarm! Aaaargh I wish that I had bought the AC1, although it is heavier it would not make me as slow as walking out of the woods with a broken ride. If you are like me and ride all the time and not just the single track you might want to get something built up a little stronger. Everything about the bike is awesome in initial quality but it might not stand up to your abuse. I'll give it 4 chilis for value if I was just riding butter single track but a 2 in the overall for the overall hassle. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Okinawa, Japan
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Spider Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Awesome climbing and descending | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | C'dale Raven, C'dale, Super V. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Fork, King Wheels, Hayes brakes | | Bottom Line: | Broke my C'dale. Went to MTB Review and found reviews for AC Lite favorable and they were correct. Great ride in both 4 and 5 inch travel. Very fast, great handling. Thanks to everyone for the honest reviews. That is why I purchased the frame. Buy it if you like to bomb down your favorite trail and climb back up another, climbs well.Later to all "Spider Riders" in Okinawa. Gonna miss it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis Scoresby
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, Utah
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | It rocks on the downhills, but is still very light. It is the best bike you can buy for the price period. | | Weaknesses: | None really, it's not the best at climbing super steep stuff, but I actually think it climbs better up rough unlevel stuff better than my hard tail, it seems to track better. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Slayer, Kona Bear-Dee Lux, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | XTR/Race Face | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike you buy for under $2000. It is only 29lbs and has 6 inches of travel!!!! Plus it's components are spect out great. I was really unsure if this is the one I wanted but after several test rides on this and other bikes it seemed like the best choice. Well in the week I've had it so far I've done the Wasatch Crest, Slick Rock and Porcupine Rim. This bike has made me feel like a rock star. It bombs on the downhill and is awsome on the uphill. For super long uphills that are steep just set the front to 3 and the rear to 4 and tighten the rebound and you'll fly uphill. This bike is SO awsome, I wish it had a cool name like Slayer, but this bike is better, I rode them both many times. Plus this bike is like $500 bucks less than the Kona and Rocky and has better components. Mountain Biking is fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Crouch
a Weekend Warrior
from Morehead Ky. USA
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sheltowee Trace | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power Bikes | | Strengths: | Great components, extremly versatile, great price | | Weaknesses: | Tires, had to get front shock replaced after 2 months, bottom bracket went out after 2 months. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock except for tires, I went with Panracer fire xc pros, I also cut a couple of inches off the handle bars because it was imposible to manouver them through tight trees. New bottom bracket and shock. Rockshox replaced the bad shock for free and the new one had worked awesome. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is, this bike rocks! I ride everything from cross country to technical downhill and it works great on any type of trail. After Rockshox replaced the original shock which was a lemon from the factory, I haven't had any problems. This is the only bike that I could find that does it all. It's a shame that Giant is only going to product this bike for one year. Next year they are replacing the AC Air Lite with the VT and VT1, it's hard to believe that Giant can improve upon the AC Air Lite. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JayJayDaJetPlayne
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, Seattle
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Bothell BIke and Ski | | Strengths: | Awesome price, Kick A$$ components, Great ride, Bump sucking freak, Great weight for a hucker bike. | | Weaknesses: | Lame stock seat, so-so stock tires.
Nothing else... | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Uzzi SLX, SantaCruz Superlight. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly Stock, except for putting on my MyThos XC Kevlar tires, And a SellaItalia Gel Prolink seat. | | Bottom Line: | Bottem line this is the most bike that you can get for your money bar none. Handle bar none. I might change out the rear shock to a 5th element and maybe get a new lighter rear hub, poss Chris King DISCO. Yeah Baby...
This is the ultimate fun / huckerish bike.
damm for only 1600 bones......i am in heaven, i used to hate mass produced bike companys, but giant made me a convert...Good job Giant, keep on truckin :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TK
a
from Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | a bike shop in Asheville | | Strengths: | Great all around bike, very nice components for a very nice price. I never knew how much fun this bike would be. | | Weaknesses: | The Psylo Sl is a little soft, goes through travel in a heart beat. SID Air rear shock is a little tough to set up and also feels soft, even at 250lbs pressure | | Similar Products Used: | GF Sugar 3 | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR Drivetrain, Hayes Hydraulics, Psylo SL, SID Air rear, Race Face cranks and BB, Shimano platform and spd pedals, xt shifters. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this: I had a choice of many bikes but I needed it to fit my riding style. I ride about everything except for serious competitive downhill. I enter in NORBA XC races, although with this bike it will be a little different, I rode epic rides when I lived in Gold Hill, CO-I now ride urban assault style stuff as there is no terrain in Louisiana, I just like to be on my bike no matter what. I cant vouch for how well this bike will work for XC yet, however with the travel at 4.5" and 3" and alot of pressure in rear shock probably pretty well. I can tell you how well this bike is on rough terrain and its amazing. four foot drops to flat are no problem with 6" and 5" of travel although the Psylo is little soft. Stairs bring em on. I can bunny hop this bike as well with flat pedals as I could my Sugar 3 (which was five or six punds lighter). This bike is amazing, it's not limited like other freeride or XC bikes (nor is it quite as good at those applications) but for a bike that can do it all this is it. Too bad they discontinued the AC Air and Air Light line for 2003-get em while you can, fore the VT comes out. Great bike, great components, great geometry (XC-like but slightly smaller and more relaxed) at a great price!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ixler Bixel
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | many | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | adjustable front and rear shock.
Great components for price.
Giant Warranty
| | Weaknesses: | gotta cut seat post if you plan on any downhill stuff.
Haven't decided on integrated headset.
undecided about rear sid shock, would rather have a coilover. I guess its all a part of the lite thing. | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | psylo sl, xtr/xt, hayes hydraulic | | Bottom Line: | Great all around bike for those that can't afford several rigs. Front 3-5" and anywhere in between, rear 4,5,6". Perfect for XC, Urban a, and weekend warrior type downhilling. Giant makes a great bike with top notch components for a decent price. I pretty much had to decide between an expensive frame with sub par components or an inexpensive "Made in Taiwan" frame with top notch components. I'm glad i went this route for sure.
4 flamin' poops 'cause there is always room for improvement. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keaton
a Racer
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Palmer Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Criterium bike shop | | Strengths: | frame, fork, drivetrain, brakes | | Weaknesses: | TIRES, rear shock(bottoms out easily). | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel, specialized enduro, AC 2 | | Bike Setup: | stock except: new tires, XT hubs | | Bottom Line: | great bike for everything I do it all race XC, freeride, downhill, dirt jump it does it all. great combination of parts except the TIRES!!! the suspension is balanced overall a great bike everyone should have. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Treanor
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston TX
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Finally a usable mulit-use bike. BOMBPROOF. it will take anything you point the front wheel at. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost. Thats the only thing i can break on it. | | Bottom Line: | if you dont have one, you need three other bikes to keep up with the fun of one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete
a Weekend Warrior
from South Portland, ME
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Allspeed | | Strengths: | versatility
strength/weight
components (for the most part)
| | Weaknesses: | RS Psylo
RF BB
FSA headset | | Bike Setup: | Stock except a black Psylo, Easton EA50 risers, and Time Atacs | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up...I still love the bike, but after 3 months of riding, I developed severe bushing play in the Psylo...I thought RS addressed this problem with the '02 Psylos! Guess not, but it's under warranty so that's being taken care of. I like the adjustability of the RS, but may replace with a Zokes tho. I also went through a RF bottom bracket already (also being taken care of by RaceFace..upgrading to a better BB). Otherwise, still love it. Some tightening of the FSA integrated headset is always required...I'm upgrading to Cane Creek. Riding it currently with a Zokes Marathon 100 on the front while the RS is being serviced...I like the feel of an air fork on there...will update after everything comes back! Gotta give the bike 4/5 stars right now...will go back to 5/5 stars if everything comes back ok... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Bushnell
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Satos(Bellview Fl.) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Brooksville bicycles | | Strengths: | Suspension front and rear are awesome, frame is great!
This bike does what they say it will!!! | | Weaknesses: | Handle bars were not for me, went to a Easton carbon riser bar. | | Similar Products Used: | 3000 cannondale Jekyll,trek vrx,super v | | Bike Setup: | stock except for:monkey light bar,thomson seat post,specialized seat,Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I do it all Free ride ,trail ride,race x-country. I found a bike that can do it all with just a 60 second adjustment of the suspension. I loved my Cannondale Jekyll but after 3 frames and 3 swingarms breaking I had to do something. I am so glad I did, this is a top notch bike with no draw backs what so ever. You can not find a better deal on a new bike then this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Merost
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Posion Spider Mesa | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Value, adaptability, quality of paint/graphics. The geometry is very sweet, and has seemed to really make technical riding easier. I love this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Negative chamber on rear shock does loose air, but + chamber will hold air for weeks. Muntano Raptors are very thin and the outer knobbies ripped off after riding slickrock with only a few months on the tires. Creaks and squeaks from the frame. Brakes work great, but they make a very loud honking sound, that I was told could be due to vibration in the rear triangle. I have had some problems with my rear derailleur skipping, but that could be due to incompetent mechanics at LBS. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR-XC, Trek STP300, Intense Uzzi SL | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock, but now I will need to get some new tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. I can do everything with this bike; ride XC, freeride, etc. If you are a hardcore freerider, don't buy this bike. If you are a clydesdale rider who likes trailriding or XC, buy this bike. My friend bought an Intense Uzzi SL around the same time I got this bike. He paid $3500, and most of his components are the same as mine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | This review is an addendum to an earlier review. I have solved the problem of the loose fork. I called rock shox and they said that the PURE oil damping system probably has air in it. So I took it back to the bike shop where I bought it. They bled the fork, no charge of course, problem solved. So far the bike is still awesome. No other problems to report. One question though. I have bolts holding on my brake levers, but I have seen many hayes brake levers held on with circlips, which are tighter. What does everyone else have? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MTBER
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern New Jersey
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | (Pisgah, Laurel Mtn.)( & Dupont, North Carolina & Jim Thorpe, PA "Any Trail" | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1840.00 | | Purchased At: | Dunbar's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Adjustable Travel in rear 3.15 to 6in, Psylo SL 3-5in. in the front. On the fly Lock out. RaceFace Tubine cranks, Hayes Hydros,XTR, XT. Titec Bars and x-wing seat Post. | | Weaknesses: | The Sid XC rear shock losses air in the Neg. chamber. About 30lbs on hard rides. I personally wasn't crazy about the WTB Tires. Just to thin all around. Cable Rub-> Note*Thanks Sports Cove Bike Shield | | Similar Products Used: | None, Own a 95' Giant ATX 870. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except; Firmer Spring in the Psylo SL, Raceface Bash Ring, Continental Verticle Protection Pro front Tires and Survival Protection Pro tires in the rear. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is just what the Giant MOTO say's! It's Built to be ridden! In all conditions on any terrian. I have experiance a 7 mile (Approx.)2000ft climb on Laurel Mtn in North Carolina. In the 4.15 rear setting and locking the front out there's Very, Very little bob and I weight 195lbs. I wasn't fast but was succesful and comfortable. The DownHill was a 1500ft drop in about 1.5 miles or so. The Bike soaked up everything in the 6in mode. Never bottomed out. In Jim Thorpe, PA during the MTB weekend in very muddy conditions the Bike excelled. I stayed in the 5.15 mode and it just performed for me. Over Big boulder and down some nasty mountians it ROCKED. Makes a more confident ridder out of ME! I will one day upgrade the rear SID XC Air for a Romic Coil. Any questions e-mail me | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from Medford, OR
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Time Warp | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Sims Cycle | | Strengths: | This is an amazing bike. It climbs well and desends even better. After some practice I can change from 4.5 to 6.o inches of travel in less then a minute. This bike is a smooth ride. It is very predictible at speed. Switchbacks became easy once I learned to press hard on my outside pedal. It also handles well in the air. No complains anywhere | | Weaknesses: | The stock handlebar was too wide. The stock tires slide out in wet conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing Close | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept narrower ti handlebars and I added a THE front fender. I had to put a stiffer spring in the front shock. The stock spring kept bottoming out. | | Bottom Line: | This is an exellent "trail bike". If you want to go out and have fun, this is a fun bike. I can keep up with my buddies uphill and down. I have been mtn. biking since 1987 and I am just starting to have fun riding. Take one for a test ride. Go for it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Butters
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1060.00 | | Purchased At: | University Bicycles (Employee Pro Deal) | | Strengths: | Adjustible travel, laterally stiff in the rear, great specs. | | Weaknesses: | not a very wide size range (17, 18 and 19" only)
wish it came in a 16, but the 17 fits smaller than most 17 inch bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 1000 | | Bike Setup: | basically stock right now, except for Time ATAC pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Only been out on a few rides with it so far, but did a lot of descending today and it ate up everything. I set it at 4.5" and did a long fire road climb, then jacked it up to 6" and flew down the singletrack and over the rock gardens no problem. I definitely recommend this bike to non racers who want a super fun bike. It's not the fastest climber, but it'll get you where you want to go, and the descents are incredible. Take one for a spin, you'll see. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael O'Neal
a Downhiller
from Boulder, Co, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Buffalo Creek (On fire at the moment) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Componentry, Adjustablility, Ability to lock out the suspension | | Weaknesses: | Bars, Lack of seatpost adjustability | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS...though it isn't really in the same class | | Bike Setup: | Instantly swapped bars, stem, and pedals before I even rode it. I switched to Easton Monkey Lite carbon riser bars, a shorter, higher Salsa stem, and trusty old Shimano 747's | | Bottom Line: | First of all, the componentry and build of this bike is top-notch. I fell in love with the lockout function of the fork (A Psylo SL) right off the bat. I also found that, on the Sid Air rear shock, if you crank the rebound all the way clockwise, it effectively locks out the rear too! So, the versatility of this bike is unmatched, IMHO. I haven't taken it on any *massive* freeride/downhill days, but perhaps this weekend I will. I ride the bike on the middle setting in the rear, and put the fork at 4 inches (6 turns) for most riding. Then, if I have to climb, I crank the climb-it control on the fork up, and crank the rebound on the frame up, effectively making a rigid hardtail that's very efficient. A couple of quick turns at the top of the hill (While riding) makes it a plushy descender. I'm very happy with my purchase!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike wissell
a
from boston, ma
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 'nam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | cycles etc | | Strengths: | adjustability, relatively low weight, mostly good componentry | | Weaknesses: | titec x wing post became a layback post after 2 rides. cant adjust seat hieght much. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler. giant se 1. balfa minuteman. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | the good:
its an amazing bike for the price, i havent seen any other bikes with this much adjustability spec'd this well for under 2500.
has a very confident feel, tracks well, not bad at all going up, incredible coming back down.
not a whole lot of pedal bob if you set the shock right.
very easy to adapt to your personal riding style.
its a 4.5-6 inch travel bike that weighs in at 29 lbs stock.
the not so good:
the seatpost bent after 2 rides.
the design of the seat tube does not allow for enough seat height adjustment.
what i would change:
thompson post, nokian gazz dual 2.3 rear tire, romic rear shock, easton monkey bar.
bottom line
if you can only get one bike, get this one. it has a very solid, comfortable feel to it and can do pretty much anything except the steepest technical climbs and descents.
ive had a great deal of fun beating this bike up on everything from big urban drops to some of the most technical new england trails to tight, quick singletrack. i would recommend this bike to just about anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | cant choose | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Towners Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Excellent handling. Great brakes, great suspension, stiff frame and crank and wheels. I think the tires (wtb MutanoRaptors) are awesome. I love the large size. They take corners great and I dont have to worry about pinch flats. Also, Value. You definitely cant get a bike this good with these components for this cheep anyware. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are diffict to unclip from. I am not use to the sag of the fork. It feels like the headset is loose when I am hitting small bumps. The bike shop checked it out and said it was normal, but I am not sure. Please let me know if anyone else experiences this. Maybe I am just used to the x-fly 100 on my other bike. | | Similar Products Used: | My s-works is full supension with a 100mm fork, but not exactly similar. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for different pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I have only put 3 hours on this bike, but I love it so far. I have it set to full travel right now and there are no weeknesses except for maybe the float in the fork, which makes it feel like it is loose. I broke a rear brake line on a tree my second time out, but the bike shop fixed it the next day for free. Great guys there at Towners. This bike is definitely everything I wanted. I haven taken any huge drops yet, but it soaks up everything so for. I can go so much faster down hill with all of the suspension and the big tires holding me onto the corners. I am having no trouble climbing hills, even with the 5" front 6" rear suspension. I found If I just sit on the front of the seat, scrunch forward, bend my elbows, pull back on the bars and pedal without moving my body around too much I can climb awesome. I think I would rather have preload in the fork that the travel adjustment. I may leave the the travel at its full setting, because I always want the abilitly to fly down hills and take big hits. Stopping to make an adjustment for every hill is a pain. I ride mostly in ravines, so it is constantly up and down hills, no time for adjustment, only time to master the bike. Let me know if anyone has advice about the fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walt
a
from Oklahoma City
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Store Too | | Strengths: | Adjustable travel is great. Easy to convert from cross country to free ride. Component grouping, price, geometry no weaknesses found yet | | Bike Setup: | tossed the tires and replaced them with Continentals, Time pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is exactly what I was looking for. I seached for a full suspension bike that would do it all and once I found this ride I stopped and placed the order. This bike will ride single track with the best of them. Then change the travel and do 6 foot drops and big jumps. This is truly an all around bike. It has been dubbed the mutant XC bike by my buds. If you want a bike that will truly do it all this is the one!!!!! Hats off to ya Giant!!! Steve thanks for the deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Sharer
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tussey Mountain Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1625.00 | | Purchased At: | H&H Cycle Center, PA | | Strengths: | Great components; Value; Front & rear suspension adjustability; fat, but fast-rolling tires; good climber, great descender | | Weaknesses: | Absolutely none, except it makes me go too fast downhill | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except Thomson seatpost and 8” front rotor | | Bottom Line: | I seriously doubt anyone can find a better value than the AC Air Lite. I was finally able make the transition to F/S, and once I saw what the AC Air Lite offered, I stopped looking and opened up the checkbook. I even donated (lots of) plasma to get this rig!
Not only is this bike an eye-catcher, but it performs 110% whether you’re climbing or descending. Granted the bike isn’t a great climber on steep hills (that’s what its, brother, the NRS is for), but it gets the job done without really holding you back. On rolling terrain and downhill, the only thing holding the bike back will be you. I have yet to find the bike’s limitations, only mine! This bike was obviously designed to do everything in any conditions. You might expect there to be some tradeoff for such versatility, but there isn’t any.
The adjustable travel is a blessing that’s makes everyone I ride with envious. Being able to switch the front travel from 3 inches (for uphill) to 4 inches (for flats) to 5 inches (for downhill), or any other length, is completely amazing. Equally amazing is that you can also adjust the rear travel. No one wants 6 inches of rear-travel going uphill, but no one wants 4 inches when downhill when they could have 6. The AC Air Lite gives you that choice, and it only takes seconds to change it.
I’ve you’ve thought about buying this bike, don’t wait any longer, otherwise you’ll regret it. If you think Giant is building bikes like they used to, you’re dead wrong. If you scoff at the AC Air Lite because it doesn’t climb well, I’ll scoff at you when I’m waiting for you at the bottom of the downhill.
Bottom Line: The Giant AC Air Lite rocks!!! 5 Flamin' Chilis
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dallas
a Weekend Warrior
from Corvallis, OR USA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike N' Hike | | Strengths: | The TRAVEL! Excellent value, top-notch parts, not much heavier than the NRS, climbs great for 30 pounds and descends like the 37 pounds downhill tanks. | | Weaknesses: | WTB saddles suck! Bars are a little too narrow, had initial trouble with the XTR rear derailler, but Bike N' Hike fixed it for good. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Giant NRS, Jamis Dakar... NONE come close! | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but I'm going to swap out my saddle and bars | | Bottom Line: | The bike is just excellent! This is my first f/s bike and I feel that I made the best decision. In this neck of the woods in Oregon, you're either climbing or descending and the Air Lite does well at both, especially descending. I couln't find any other bike with the parts spec and frame that this one has. I was considering the Enduro, but the components didn't match up to the Air Lite and the frame had too many problems. The Rock Shox Psylo fork is amazing. Crank it down to 80 and it climbs like a sherpa on meth, bring it back to 5' and you have a bomber. The 5.15"in the rear is great for all around riding. Put it in 6" and you have yourself a barcalounger.
Five flamin' turds fo' da Air Lite! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany, NY
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stables | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This bike is an awesome climber, and the best all-around "heavy duty" cross country bike I've ridden to date. Blows away my FSR cross country rig even at an extra 5 pounds. The rear suspension really gets the power to the ground without any bobbing, even at 5.15" rear travel setting. | | Weaknesses: | Absolutely none, with the stock parts spec, you dont need to change anything major. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Comp (sold it...), Cannondale Jekyll's (2000 and 3000), Specialized Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock except for Shimano 747's, the stock M 424's had too much float for my liking. | | Bottom Line: | If you ride singletrack that is technical, get some nasty terrain where 3" of travel doesnt cut it, and still want to hit a lift service now and then, this is THE BIKE. The 2.4 Nanoraptor's roll fast on a high center bead and hold corners very well, Hayes brakes are awesome, Race Face cranks...the list goes on. The bike inspires you to ride a faster, cleaner line than you ever could on a cross country bike, and you just adjust the front travel Psylo on the fly (3"-5"), and the rear adjusts in about 1 minute from 4" to 5.15" (my pref) to 6". Lock out the Psylo and you can stand and hammer this up anything a normal 26# FS can climb, and then some. Just try and see them keep up on the way down, its not gonna happen! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Amityville, NY
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | What ever I can get to | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Brands, Wantagh NY | | Strengths: | Quality Parts, Good price | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, weak tires, seatpost shim. I need to tweak the rear shock. The front seemed a bit unstable. I think I need to get used to full suspension and then make my adjustments | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Kai Tai, USA America(Frankenstein Bike) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, going to change pedals, tires, seat post | | Bottom Line: | This bike made me realize how out of shape I was.
It just goes and goes. This is my first full suspension and I can't believe how smooth and fast it is. Within three rides I was clearing logs and hitting jumps more easily than my old bike. There's a good chance this bike will push me too far. This bike is probably more then I need but you can't beat the price and components. My first night out ridin single track, I passed two guys on the same bike. I can see how this is going to be a popular bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Maine
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Allspeed | | Strengths: | Component selection
Weight
Quality of design
price | | Weaknesses: | saddle | | Similar Products Used: | AC2, Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | 17" AC Air Lite, stock except for: black Psylo SL, steel bebops for XC (I usually run these), Kona platforms for more technical freeride. | | Bottom Line: | I initially bought the AC2, but being more of a cross-country rider, found the 8" rotors a bit unecessary and the weight really hard for me to adjust to. I switched it in for the AC Air Lite (thanks Allspeed) and what a difference...the weight difference is at least 4 lbs. I was immediately in love, just switched off the Shimano pedals, popped a black SL on, and was good to go (I*'m putting my Specialized saddle on though). Giant really packs value (excellent components) into their rides, and this bike is no exception...Mavic, XTR, XT, RaceFace, you name it it's there. I've played around with the travel settings and found I like the 5.15" setting the best for all-around riding...the 6" was too plush for me, and the 4.5" just didn't feel like enough. I have noticed no 'flex' in the rear, love the adjustable travel, and feel the Psylo SL with the lock-out and U-turn features complement the bike really well. Just remeber to crank that fork down to 80 mm and lock it out for the long climbs. The Hayes Comps are awesome. Kudos to Giant for making a killer, value-packed ride for $2K that can handle the XC routes I ride, then go on the chairlift for mountain runs. Five year warranty is pretty darn good too. I highly recommend this bike for anyone who wants the best of both worlds but can't afford to buy two separate bikes. Five flamin craps for the AC Air Lite! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Chino Hills, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Depends on my mood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Secret | | Strengths: | Ride, versatility, brakes, frame strength, handling | | Weaknesses: | Hubs | | Similar Products Used: | No full susp. bikes. Old ride; Carbon Fiber Trek Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Mavic CrossRoc w/ Hutchinson Python UST, Seat and stem change. Bike weighs in at 27.5# | | Bottom Line: | The bike lives up to it's name. Coming off a 24# Hardtail, this bike still climbs well(I'm the one who wears out), descends great and handles consistently even with slight changes in geometry caused by front travel adjust. I am still playing with the suspension set-up but I haven't found any settings I haven't liked, just different for different trails or sections of trail. Most of my riding involves XC with technical sections and climbs. Being a 200# rider I like the extra strength of this set-up. I did have a problem with the rear cassette bearings but Giant is taking care of it. Love the CrossRoc's- 0 problems, just read the directions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Renton, WA USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Devils Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | I just upgraded from a hardtail to this. A very good choice and good all around bike. So far I've put about 200 miles on it, mostly single track. It's a little heavy (about 30 pounds) for climbing, but the gearing helps. This bikes shines on downhills and also cross country runs. It eats up the terrain without hestitation and is fairly stable. The tires handle mud well and the discs are great. | | Weaknesses: | Any place the cable housing and brake lines contact the frame. I put clear protective tape at these points. | | Similar Products Used: | Last years AC Air. Specialized Enduro, Cannondale Jekyl | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far. I'll upgrade parts as I wear them out. | | Bottom Line: | This a great ride and a tremendous value. The parts spec on this bike makes it a real value. I you're looking for a climber, this isn't it. If you're looking for a good all around bike this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fern
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all local stuffff | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | store | | Strengths: | you can change the travel in front and rear
set the travel to 3in front 4in rear XC
set to 5in front 6in rear Freeride!!!!!!!!!
| | Weaknesses: | its not lite
crakling in bb area comes and goes
cables are rubbing on frame taking off paint | | Similar Products Used: | i drive | | Bike Setup: | stock except for ti salsa skewers
CT2 carbon flatbar
| | Bottom Line: | got this bike because I wanted a all around bike the componets are XC but you can get crazy on it. theres the other ACs that are more freeride DH.Get this bike for 2100 you get XTR, XT, psylo,fu[k yeah!!!!!!!!If you do get the bike protect frame from cables before it gets ugly like mine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Morrison
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tapeworm | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Renton Center Cycle | | Strengths: | Variable travel front and rear.
Race Face cranks.
Excellent brakes.
Decent components for now.
| | Weaknesses: | Cable routing causes a lot of wear.
No lock-out on rear shock.
Limited water bottle clearance inside frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro. Giant NRS 1. Cannondale Jekyl 2000. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the Mutano Raptors tire were no good for winter riding in my sloppy neck of the woods. Replaced outer ring with a race face rock ring. Added awesome Cane Creek bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | Lizard Skin carbon fiber patches took care of cable rubbing. Modified a water bottle cage, lowering it and enabling side entry, so I can use a large water bottle.
This is a great versatile bike. The extra weight hasn't been too noticeable. It's holding up a lot better than me. And to think I took a whole month to decide whether or not this bike was worth the money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Ambridge Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great components for the price. For a full suspension bike with the versatility of the AC it is light at 29#. Goes from XC to DH in minutes and performs well at both. Great brakes and a comfortable seat (Thanks for change Giant). | | Weaknesses: | None that I've found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant MCM 980 XC, GT I drive 2.0, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for rock ring replacing 44T sprocket | | Bottom Line: | Going from a cross country dual suspension bike to the AC was no problem. I couldn't beleive how well it climbed even at max travel without using the lock out. It sticks to the ground whether you're grabbing the brakes on a steep drop or putting the power to it on a climb. My friends that have riden the bike all seem to agree the word "plush" is the perfect word describing the ride. That doesn't mean performance and strength is lacking. Trails that used to technical with medium drops, rock gardens and numerous log crossing seem a bit too easy on this bike. Looks like I'll have to move to the west coast to better realize the full potential of this bike. This bike is for someone who enjoys all aspects of mountain biking and can't afford to own multiple bikes set up for each condition. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from LaVerkin, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Goosberry | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bike Zion, Springdale UT | | Strengths: | Light for the amount of travel, 28#, great components, sweet ride. XTR, Raceface, Mavic Rims, Tires, XT shifters, seat is nice. | | Weaknesses: | None so far, maybe the bent seat stay. Limits the seat post length. I had to cut my post, it is now short enough and I can still raise it plenty high. But not high enough for a friend of mine. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Level Betty & Sugar, Giant XTC NRS, Kona Stinky, Giant DH Comp 2002 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except pedals. Rockring in place of 44 tooth sprocket. | | Bottom Line: | I was pleasantly surprised with this bike. I studied for months looking for the best bike for me and my riding style. This bike fit perfect! The ride is real nice; bike seems real light and handles great. I am extremely happy with it, seems too handle great and ride real smooth. Plenty of suspension for me. My son got the Giant DH Comp at the same time, it is a great bike but totally different. I consider this bike perfect for what it was designed for and fulfilling a certain nitch. It is not a downhill bike or a XC. It is not an extreme freeride, but an awesome all around fun, fast, light, great handling bike. If you want extreme freeride, look somewhere else, if you want XC look somewhere else. But for all around riding, I couldn't be happier. I also have a Kona Stinky with dual crown Marzocchi's, it is a lot heavier and feels more like a downhill bike than the AC Air Lite. I also have a Giant XTC NRS. It is very light and feels weak, especially compared to the Giant AC. Yet, I felt the AC sprinted and climbed just as well, yet handled the bumps as nice as the Kona. I have to admit I am blown away and pleasantly surprised. I recommend this bike very highly! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from KC Area
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Several | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | Turner's in OP | | Strengths: | Great components and frame for the price. Great brakes. | | Weaknesses: | No lock out on the rear SID XC air shock. Some front fork flex at max length. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale v700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock at this time. | | Bottom Line: | If you do all types of riding this is the bike. Slam the rear suspension down to 4.5" in and 3" in the front and you have a great XC racer- Max out the rear at 6" and the front at 5" and cruise the downhills. This bike will make you a better rider- good by hardtail!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | It a secret | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1260.00 | | Purchased At: | Deerfield Cyclery (Employee Discount) | | Strengths: | Great parts, awesome value, Suspension is amazing, I jumped of a flight of stairs, and it felt like I was landing on a pillow, I LOVE the ajustable front and rear supension and lock out, Strong as an ox | | Weaknesses: | Absolutely none, a little heavy (29 pounds), but it will definetely pay you back as you smoke your friends on the downhills, RACE FACE TURBINES!! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro and Stumpy, Giant XTC NRS | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Easton Monkey Lite Bar, Sid XC w/lockout (rear), Thompson Stem and Post | | Bottom Line: | I changed out the rear shock to a Sid XC with lockout, rather than the stock one with out. Now, when i go up a hill, i flip the lever and get no suspension feedback while pounding on the cracks.
It is the best bike I have ever riddin, they dont lie when they say all conditions. I can ride up the slopes and through singletrack then hit a double black 70mph downhill, and then go huck a few drops NO PROBLEM!!
I say change the Titec stuff to something else, cause there are many things that are just as stong but much lighter. Happy riding!
YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT THIS BIKE!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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