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Submitted by
Jeff Ackley
a Weekend Warrior
from Pickerington, Ohio
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Source | | Strengths: | Great for older BMX'rs | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bottom Line: | I'm a 40 year old former BMX'r from the late 70's and early 80's. Red Line, Mongoose, and Diamond Back were at the top of the chain. I'm to old to do what the kids are doing now. I've had a few mountain bikes over the last 12 years. I really didn't like them. The biggest issue was the weight. I purchased this bike three years ago and simply use it on camping trips and to ride around with my daughter.
Simply put, this bike is perfect for me. I have no complaints about it. It's very light and meets my needs perfectly. I seriously don't see myself ever having to purchase another bike. I would strongly recommend it to any old time BMX'r who has grown up but still misses that little bit of excitement. Expensive, but worth it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mel
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedar Rock, Dupont State Forest, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Works | | Strengths: | Best components (for the money) of any bicycle in the market at the time of purchase. Suspension works exactly as advertised. Microlube fittings on the front fork are a great feature. | | Weaknesses: | Stickers on the front fork fell off almost immediately. Weak inner tubes.
Downgraded components for 2004/2005. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This has been a very reliable bike. With minor routine maintenance, it has delivered many miles of trouble free riding, not only here in Florida, but in the more challenging trails of the Pisgah Ntl. Forest. The springs in the front suspension are excellent for someone in my weight range (155) but may be too soft for a heavier rider.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Milligan
a
from Little Rock, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Allsopp | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Chainwheel | | Strengths: | Handles very technical (rocks, roots, etc.) trails adequately. Light weight makes for a very good climber. Anti-BOB technology is awsome for both climbs and road. | | Weaknesses: | Tires - unless you're a racer Hutchison pythons should be at the bottom of your list.
Fork - 2 failures in under a year - a damper assembly and owers replaced due to cracked arch.
rims - Stock rims don't hold up well to rocky, rooty trails. After a half dozen broken spokes I had to upgrade.
Factory recommended fork/shock setup specs are off, too stiff.
Rear derailer - needs almost constant attention/adjustment.
Paint - metalic red is prone to fading. | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | Stock except ryno lite rims and IRC tires. | | Bottom Line: | Touted as a great all around XC bike, I've found it's durability suspect. I ride this bike every day for cardio fitness and it hasn't held up to my expectations. I plan to upgrade the rear derailer and maybe the fork before giving up completely. Bottom line, the bike is a great climber and adequate descender for the weekend warior and or novice racer. I wouldn't recommend it to any avid/frequent trail/enduro rider. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maria
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$920.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | awesome components for price, avid mech disc brakes are great, derailleurs are ok, rear shock absorbs bumps really well and doesn't bob while climbing hills | | Weaknesses: | chain sucks, fell apart while riding on 2 separate occasions | | Similar Products Used: | looked at specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | stock parts, but with shimano xtr chain, shimano pd-m646 pedals, titec hell-bent handlebar | | Bottom Line: | overall, i love this bike. i just got into mtn biking and i wanted a good bike but for a reasonable price. it climbs hills pretty well without the bob in the rear shock. frame is pretty lightweight, but giants bike frames run a little larger. the only problem i had was with the chain, but i think it was because i got the bike used and the previous owner pretty much wore out the chain. also, sometimes i have problems with the front derailleur, it doesn't shift properly, but that could just be it's not adjusted correctly. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Used-MTBR.com | | Strengths: | -Climbing
-Good Weight
-Decent mix of components | | Weaknesses: | ?????Easily dented Top/Down tubes, if had to choose something. | | Similar Products Used: | Misc hardtails/FS | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Truvatic crank | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike!!! First F/S bike I have owned and couldn't of picked a better bike. It tracks well in the corners, decends great and climbs awesome. I've but quite a few rides on this bike now through various terrains and couldn't imagine a bike handling any stronger. The NRS line has plenty of options whether you are an beginner or a racer. Only down fall is that they dropped the NRS 3 for 04 and down graded the components of the NRS 2 to compensate. Highly Recommend!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Taipei, Taiwan
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | NRS system, lightweight, disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Ghost shifting on the uphill - but a little tweaking and problems, so far, solved. | | Bottom Line: | This is my third Giant bike, but the last time I rode one - or any bike for that matter - was back in '96. What have I missed! Love the suspension system. Makes for a much more comfortable and smoother ride on any terrain than I was ever used to when I was younger. Disc brakes are good, but do tend to squeal at times. Ghost shifting was sorted with a little tinkering around. Overall am very pleased with the bike and am really just getting back into riding again after a long absence. Also you can never complain about the price of Giant bikes here in Taiwan compared to elsewhere - so excellent value for money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walter
a Cross Country Rider
from Helmond NL
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ardennes, Alps | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | NRS, FS and real XC | | Weaknesses: | bottombracket (ISIS) the standard RF replaced by some sort of FSA. ISIS sucks by design, so does Octalink.
Fork Manitou Skareb flexed, rebuild before it broke, replaced before it could brake, Marzocchi rulez
RS SID damper leaked air after a few months. Skweeks after rebuild,sucks in general. Guess its al in the name, SID, sounds like... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Cannondale Jekyll, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Magura Louise, Marzocchi Bomber, SRAM 9.0 Mavic X317, Schwalbe Big Jim, Easton and RF | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, bad choice in components.
Had some components replaced right away, great deal at my LBS.
Wish I had changed the fork right then, but then again, wouldn't know what I know now.
Very happy with my relative simple and inexpensive Marzocchi MX Comp Air.
The NRS system realy works great. I use a little less air pressure as recommended, more comfort, still no bobbing.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave M
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan, Noble Canyon, SART | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Some Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Price, parts spec and the no-bob suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou Black fork, Generic disc hubs (I was not lucky enough to get the XT Hubs), Titec seat post w/ shim, Hutchinson Python tires. | | Similar Products Used: | I test a Cannondale Super V and a Klein Adept Comp | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Marzocchi MX Comp w/ ETA fork, Hayes HFX Comp Hydraulic Disc brakes, Easton EA50 stem and seat post, Panaracer Fire w/ anti-snake bite, XT front deraileur, Deore disc hubs, all else stock. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike is awesome. You just have to get it set up right. First I will detail the problems that I had:
1. Rear disc hub broke - Giant replaced entire wheel w/Shimano Deore disc hub and the same rim - I replaced the front hub with a Deore.
2. Bottom bracket creaking and non drive crank backing out. My LBS determined that the bottom bracket was not tightened properly either at the factory or when assembled. That was causing the crank to back away from the BB. They tightened it up and all has been fine.
3. Manitou Black Comp 80/100 fork - After about 6 rides it started sticking and I could not use the 100mm travel setting. It also made a loud popping noise. Answer overnighted the parts to my LBS and I had the fork back in two days. I have not had a problem since - especially since it is sitting in my closet.
Now for the good stuff! This bike really rocks! The XL is a perfect fit for me. The rear suspension works as advertised - no bob. You do have to set it up to match your riding style. Follow Giant's advice, not Rock Shox. For my weight (About 215 lbs.) I run 225 psi in the positive chamber and 50 in the negative. I have rebound set at the slowest speed. This bike climbs, climbs, climbs. Then when it is time to descend, you have 3.75" of travel in the rear. It does get somewhat bouncy when descending on technical terrain while braking.
The stock fork on this was horrible. Too plush and did not steer well. It might have been better had Giant given spec'd it with a more firm spring. I have since replaced it with a 2003 Marzocchi MX Comp w/ ETA. This fork is the perfect match for this bike. I have not experienced the chain suck that I have read so much about in these reviews. The Raceface cranks are pretty good too. For those looking to upgrade from a hardtail to full suspension look no further. Just be sure to test one out and make sure you like the feel. For the weight weenies it is a heavier bike. 28-29 pounds. But it is perfect for the riding that I do. This review can be used for the 2003 NRS 2 also. The only difference is the paint and the front fork. Once dialed in the bike is up for any challenge. I have done small jumps, small drop offs, ridden all types of terrain (except mud) and it just keeps asking for more.
5 flaming terds for value and 4 for the overall rating. I only give 4 because of the above problems and I think Giant should have worked w/ Answer/Manitou to have the firm spring kit added to the Black fork for the larger bikes.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Chilcote
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | All Star Bikes | | Strengths: | (Already discussed in detail) | | Weaknesses: | Integrated headset. What have bike manufacturers been smoking lately? Have your shop order the adapters and put in a King. | | Similar Products Used: | Looked at Fuel and Sugar. | | Bottom Line: | I posted this for the NRS1 just now, but the NRS 2 (and 3) for 2003 have the same frame and therefore the same problem.
This is a follow-on note for those who have been having the ghost-shifting problem. Please refer to the News posting for 01/03 on www.angryasian.com.
According to this News posting, the problem with ghost shifting is due to the fact that the 2002 NRS frame has a small amount of flex in the right seatstay during hard pedaling uphill. Since the rear derailleur cable is routed through stops at either end of this seatstay, and it takes a very small amount of cable motion to shift Shimano 9-speed SIS, this allows ghost shifting.
The recommended fix is to remove the rear derailleur cable from the stops in the seatstay, and use a single piece of cable housing starting from the end of the top tube all the way to the rear derailleur. Attach the cable housing to the seat stay using zip ties.
Just FYI. Apologies for making this a review, but it seemed like the most general location here. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry Bosman
a Cross Country Rider
from Fishers, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Difficult Run in Virginia | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Garage Indy | | Strengths: | No-Bob suspension. In my opinion, if you are a hardtail rider looking to go full suspension, NRS is a great design. When you are cranking hard on the pedals uphill, it tends to lockout the rear suspension. This is great for hardtail riders but maybe not satisfactory for "true" full suspension enthusiasts. When I'm on flat ground, I don't feel any bobbing. But, when I'm going downhill, I can let'er rip and stay seated if I want to. XT Hubs(especially at this price). Avid Disk breaks, low weight and maintenance, great feel. WTB Rocket V saddle, liked it so much I bought a second one for my hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou Black Comp fork needs stiffer spring and aluminum travel adjust lever and better stickers. Seatpost seat clamp kept loosening and one day broke on me going downhill. Yes, the result wasn't pleasant. Titec first sent me two replacement clamps but they loosened as well. Titec did honor my request to replace the seatpost for one of their two bolt models, yes its heavier but I don't need to re-tighten it all of the time. If I was a weight freak I would have spent $50 on a Thompson. Never tried the stock pedals, immediately put on my old Time Alums. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Mountaincycle, heavy and bob city. Yes, I know its not a trail bike. | | Bike Setup: | Time Alum pedals, Hutchinson Scorpion Tires(best all around tires I ever tried),Titec Two Bolt Seapost. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike I can't imagine replacing it. Someday I might replace the fork but it's been great so far. I probably should replace the chain(some no-name brand) to a SRAM for chain suck problems in "extreme" muddy conditions. After having this bike, I would never go back to caliper brakes or hardtails, in dirt anyway. The bike weighs about 29 LBs but I don't ever ride my 25 LB hardtail on dirt anymore. It would be better to lose 10 LBS from my middle. I compared this bike to a Trek Fuel in the same price range, I think it was the 90. But the NRS 2 has disk brakes and climbs a little better. It was a tough decision, because I like Trek products. Now I also like Giant Products. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FireHawk
a Weekend Warrior
from Paradise, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Many-Bidwell Park, Northstar | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle, Sacramento | | Strengths: | This is an update post. Posted earlier on about May 1, 2002. Bought the bike about April 1, 2002. Great buy for the money spent. Very good overall components. The Giant NRS-2 delivers what the manufacturer promises-NRS. I am not a heavy duty rider but a person who loves the outdoors and riding single track. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano 505 pedals, Shimano HG chain, Manitou fork springs may not be balanced to your weight | | Similar Products Used: | Old Marin Bear Valley SE hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Shimano 646 pedals ($70), Manitou fork heavy spring kit ($35), WTB Velo 2.1 tires ($45), Slime tubes ($15), Oury grips ($10), Sram 69 chain ($30), pre-stetched shiftter cables (about $20), Lizard Skin chain stay protector ($8), Cateye-2 computer ($23), seat post fast adjust clip (about $10) | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. Started as a mtb beginner and have advanced to low intermediate. The rear suspension (my first soft tail mtb) rides so great. Just let it go and it floats right through the rocks and bumps. Amazing. Has little or no bob. Avid brakes are great. They work so well and require hardly any maintenance. Am happy with the suspension including the Manitou Black Fork with the upgraded, heavy springs and the rear Rock Shock Sid air shock. Neither shock leaks air which is great. As a tinker of details, I am considering changing the rear shock to a more plush ride, the Cane Creek Cloud 9. Still not fully convinced that I need to do it, though. There are varied reviews on the bob of the Cloud 9 and I just wonder if my rding really makes it worthwhile to spend the money (about $250).
This bike will ghost shift until you change out the Shimano HG chain for a Sram chain. Had all kinds of suggestions on how to rid the ghost shifting. Giant said that the rear sprocket was probably loose. Others said that the BB was improperly shimmed. Nada. The problem was the Shimano chain. When I had the chain changed to the Sram 69, I also had the shifting cables changed to pre-stretched cables. The bike no longer ghost shifts.
The Shimano 505 pedals are not very good. The black plastic cages, which is really a demo room thing, fall off all the time. Then, it leaves a beginner with clipless pedals that are hard to use without any platform. So, I changed the 505's to Shimano 646's and could not be happier. The 646's are great. They allow me to be clipped in when needed and unclipped when I am nervous with the service.
So, the bottom line is that I love this bike and easily recommend that others buy it. It is a great buy for your money with what you get. Don't believe all the hoopla about the thin Aluminum tubing. Yeah, it scratches but those are due to my stupidity dropping the bike on lava rocks in Chico's Bidwell Park. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Drawdy
a Weekend Warrior
from Aiken, SC
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Horn Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Andy Jordan's | | Strengths: | Stout frame and excellent suspension (zero bob).
I don't understand the continuous comments about the thin tubes. The tubes do their job as advertised. They don't tweak, bend or crease. Numerous people claim the tubes are thin but their are no problems to back up the "too thin tubes" claim. I clamp my top tube in my Swagman bike rack several times a week and have never had a problem. Numerous trips up and down the highways on the back of my SUV to ride Pisgah and Tsali and Conyers and Helen and I have yet to tweak the tubes. Dirt roads? Not a problem... | | Weaknesses: | Front shock...Shimano 505 pedals... | | Bottom Line: | This is a followup to my 12/01 review.
This bike still rocks. I have put around 1500 offroad miles on it. The suspension still works as advertised. I replaced the Manitou Black Comp (junk) with an RS Duke XC. That fixed the bottoming out (the firm spring was a waste of money). Put on a Thompson seat post to eliminate creaking. Eggbeaters replaced the 505s. Am on my third set of tires and I finally replaced the cheap, no-name hubs that my early '02 NRS2 came with. This is an outstanding bike! Life is very good! This bike does not disappoint.
I recently bought my wife a Yeti Kokopelli and that has me thinking of replacing the NRS though! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J B
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mountaintown N Georgia | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | West Bicycles in Knoxville | | Strengths: | Best component deal, frame does as advertised, color/looks, and stuff | | Weaknesses: | Fork had weak spring; stickers came off fork; pedals suck (Shimano 505)
| | Similar Products Used: | All hardtails | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace stem, bar, seatpost, cranks; IRC tires; Avid 7 levers; stock everywhere else | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks for the money. I robbed my hardtail to upgrade parts (mainly RaceFace stuff & pedals). Had to order firmer spring for the fork and I weigh 180lbs (190 w/ water and tools). Brakes and transmission only compliment the rear suspension. Good finish, headset is doing great. Maybe some extreme x-chaining problems.
Proof the hardtail guys have no more excuses. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J B
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mountaintown N Georgia | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | West Bicycles in Knoxville | | Strengths: | Best component deal, frame does as advertised, color/looks, and stuff | | Weaknesses: | Fork had weak spring; stickers came off fork; pedals suck (Shimano 505)
| | Similar Products Used: | All hardtails | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace stem, bar, seatpost, cranks; IRC tires; Avid 7 levers; stock everywhere else | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks for the money. I robbed my hardtail to upgrade parts (mainly RaceFace stuff & pedals). Had to order firmer spring for the fork and I weigh 180lbs (190 w/ water and tools). Brakes and transmission only compliment the rear suspension. Good finish, headset is doing great. Maybe some extreme x-chaining problems.
Proof the hardtail guys have no more excuses. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston MA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great Frame, Price/Value, Avid Disc Brakes, Solid Wheels with XT Hubs, XT Rear D. | | Weaknesses: | Titec Seatpost, Cheap Race Face Cranks, OEM chain, Manitou Black Comp, Thin tubing, Deore Front D. | | Similar Products Used: | Hardtails / Full Suspensions. Trek Specialized GF etc | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Easton bar, Thomson Seatpost and Stem, XTR Cranks, Flite Saddle, Manitou Black Stiff Spring upgrade | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is you get alot of bike for the price. This is hands down the best full suspension value at this price point. This bike has some flaws but there is nothing that can't be upgraded to correct them. For those people who review after riding the bike for a day or comment on the thin tubes or the tires suck.... Come on people get with it. The Bad: Titec seatpost is a noisy piece of junk, Black Comp fork is speced with springs for someone around 160 lbs. This fork will bottom out on you all the time if you are over that weight. Go and order a stiffer spring kit. This will improve the fork. Overall the fork is OK but Im not impressed with all of the cheap plastic. Do Not be fooled by the Race Face Prodigy crank set. These are not great RF cranks. These are cheap heavy and poor shifting cranks. These are not made in Canada like most RF stuff but in Taiwan (no problem with that so is the frame... but this is not the real race face stuff). My cranks shifted poorly from day 1 and bent after the first 3 months. Upgrade to Shimano and shifting improved 100%. OEM chain broke on me after the 5th ride while going up a hill. There have been many comments on this site about the chain in connection with ghost shifting problems on the NRS. Swap this out for SRAM. The tubing on the frame is very thin. I don't feel any kind of unwanted flex and the bike is very sturdy but you must be a bit careful with it so that you don't dent it up. The Good: NRS Suspension works great and as advertised. There are set levels for the Sid shock but I have found experimenting with the pressures to help out when I want a "plusher" ride. Avid Brakes are great. Later NRS 2s in the production year are speced with XT hubs. The frame is well made. The bike looks great. This is an excellent bike for trail riding and racing with some upgrades. The bike corners very well and has a hard tail feel until you hit the bumps. The bike feels nimble and fast. I believe all of the NRS frames from the Air to the NRS 3 are the same so it is a great frame (I think there might be some differences with the model of rear shock). I think the NRS 2 is the best value. After a year of riding I am pleased with the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chet Hasworth
a Racer
from Coos Bay, OR
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Bayliner | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1726.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikers Supply | | Strengths: | Good, stiff, hardtail ride just when you need it - pumping up those hills!!!!!!!!! Love the components that are included with this ride! | | Similar Products Used: | Old '95 Trek hardtail bought off a friend for $100; Proflex | | Bike Setup: | Panaracers Fire Pro
Light
Bottlecage | | Bottom Line: | Wow, what a friggin' deal from Giant. Who would have ever expected this 5 years ago from this company? Giant has certainly come a long way and these folks are serious about giving you a lot of bike for a modest price. I cannot find the flaws or skimping on thier part. the welds on the 6000 series aluminum are flawless at the tubes and on the frame gusseting. The ride is more muted then acutally plush; but the payoff is true effeciency with a mix of comfort and mucho performance. Dig this ride even after a year of ownership! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JLH
a Cross Country Rider
from Guelph Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Guelph Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | $1500 @ Paramount | | Strengths: | Delivers as advertised if you spend the time to really get to know the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires get puncture flats easily (damn thorns!) | | Similar Products Used: | 10 year old Bianchi Peregrine lugged cromo frame with Richey and Shimano DX bits. Rigid bike from the good 'ol days (thumb shifters 'n all). Great old ride till I got this baby. | | Bike Setup: | As per recommendations from this site...Atac pedals, XT shifter and front deraileur. Oh yeah, can't forget the Lizard Skin and Camelback too. | | Bottom Line: | First off...for those of you who are looking for that elusive magic machine...you will never find it. These bikes are only tools. Some are better than others sure, but the magic lies in YOUR abilities, NOT the bikes. I thought my old ride was just fine thank you till I broke down, coughed up the bucks and traded up. WOW! I will never regret the purchase. This is one kick arse bike! Are there better bikes out there? Sure. But not at this price. You get what you pay for and in Giant's case you get more than what you pay for with the NRS-2. It cannot be beat!
At first I was disappointed, figured my trusty old steed was indeed a better bike for me. Until I realized that my abilities were not up to the bike's potential. The clipless pedals were the hardest to get used to and I ate a lot of dirt, but once I mastered the pedals, got used to the Hayes disc brakes and rapid fire shifters...I became at "one with the machine" (insert sound of wind chimes here). I have a riding weight of 155 lbs and the Blacks seem to suite me just fine thanks. The stock tires seemed crappy at first but when I eventually figured out the bikes geometry, I was able to do things with them that my old Richey Megabites couldn't. I could lean harder into corners (with much more confidence), climb nastier obsticles and go MUCH faster. I know this bike got a lot of hype and people are expecting the world, often comparing the machine to one they have been used to for years and sometimes ending up disappointed. All I can say is...maybe it's you and not the bike. I think this one is fantastic and would give it ten steaming beaver turds if I could. I haven't had this much fun in the woods since the time I went camping with a nymphomanic....but that story's for a different site.
Keep your stick on the ice and your compass pointing north! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Turtle
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, MN USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | It's a secret | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Honest Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I actualy bought a 2003 Giant NRS 2 And have ridden over 100 off-road miles on trails ranging from fast fire roads technical single track to ski resort down hills. I'de have to say that this bikes main strength is it's efficiency. I'm faster on it campared to both my Giant ATX 890 and my Gary fisher Joshua. It out climbs both because it doesn't bob like the Joshua and it gets better traction than the ATX. This is the perfect bike for the XC race because it doesn't way much (27.2 lbs. out of the box) and absorbs bumps better than a hard tail or soft tail. With almost 4" of rear wheel travel it does better than most short travel ATB's. The Joshua still absorbs small hits better but the NRS out performs it in every other area. Giant got rid of the welded on gussets and builds the frames with Hydroform tubing now and this had dropped the weight of the 2003 NRS2 down the weight of the 2002 NRS 1 and that's with a coil sprung fork. | | Weaknesses: | THe only weakness with the NRS 2 is twith the spring in Manitou fork it came with the dust seals not pushed all the way down and the fixing bolts holding the lowers on were loose to the point the the fork rattled when I bounce it on the ground. Also Manitou listened to everybody complaining that athe blacks were too soft because the Scareb is too hard Manitou says that a softer sring will be available in 6 weeks for $9.00. Oh well maybe in 2004 they'll get it right. | | Similar Products Used: | see above | | Bike Setup: | stock with Thompson seatpost and stem and raceface flat handleber and XT cassette | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the fider who wants full suspension without giving up any efficiency compared a hard tail, or for the rider who wants more travel than some of the other short travel suspension designs | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trevorM
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | McBains | | Strengths: | -Nice Light Frame
-NRS system is perfect
-No Bob, No Pogo etc | | Weaknesses: | -Possibly the tyres, Suited the trails I was on, loose, sandy dry, but on road(downhill) not as grippy as one would perhaps like!
-Otherwise perfect | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 3, | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Shimano M0-82 Race shoes, Perfect! | | Bottom Line: | Had the bike for one day, and truely love it! I know I cant go into too much depth obviously. But to give you an idea this is the first Dually for me and comming from a Giant Boulder Se it really rocks, and is smooth up hill, the lightness of the frame makes hills so easy! I did some single track (Mild DH) today with the shocks at 100mm setting and I just flew, particularly around corners!
-For somebody who wasnt always to risky with his riding all of a sudden I am happy to do (really) steep downhill, (mild) drops and jumps.
-Setting up the rear shock couldnt be easier! I am amazed, simply follow like 5 steps and your setup! It as easy as leaving the negative chamber at 50psi and the positive at your weight (ie 160pds) and 10 additional psi (ie 170psi) Too easy!!!
-Front suspension isnt near as bad as what some people have said, I think some ppl just need to lighten up a little (LOL-Kidding) can see how it is an issue for some heavier persons (not me)
All up very very happy with it! Cannot wait to do some serious riding with it! YAY!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Forsyth
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawrence, Kansas
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dyke in Gunnison | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Capps Topeka | | Strengths: | NRS is awesome - Full suspension, no bob.
Avid mechanical disc
"Good" componentry
Adequate Manitou Black | | Weaknesses: | Price is a killer
Factory installed tires
Crappy manuals | | Similar Products Used: | Giant warp DS1, Specialized SJ FSR, Cannondale scalple, KHS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock baby, but not for long. Tires tomorrow and who knows after that. Well, I did slap a lizard skin under the chain, and a cateye cordless on the bar. | | Bottom Line: | This bike performs as it was designed. When you set up your suspension with the correct pressure - rebounding - damping, this bike can't be touched. It WILL actually climb tall buildings in a single bound, it is FASTER than a speeding bullet down hardpack, and it is more powerful than a locomotive, because it allows you to maximize your energy and potential.
With my old hardtail KHS I would push that bike down the trail, and I'd have time to casually look around. NRS2, no way. This thing is an F16 on wheels. You and the bike actually do become "one". You develop tunnel vision and are able to move into another dimension. It's really amazing how equipment has improved in 10 years since I bought my last MTB. Breaking is not a problem. Avid mechanical disc breaks will stop you last Wednesday. They are that good. Modulation is great, performance is overkill in Kansas. Waiting for Colorado to really see what these can do.
The bike tracks smooth and acurate. It's really responsive and allows you to focus your energy on speed. Greatly improves your riding ability, confidence and overall enjoyment.
This bike has shaved 10 minutes off a 60 minute trail run. And it has shaved off 15 years from my 50 year old body. I assumed that those young whippersnappers were blowing by me because I was "older" - not so boys, equipment definitely makes a difference. I've had great fun passing young guns left and right. No more numb wrists, fingers or feet. Full suspension and ibuprophen rule!
Shifting is smooth. I've read a lot of complaints and have to assume that people don't understand the mechanics of force. It's called finese boys. You do it with women and you do it with your bike. You have to know how and when to shift, and if done properly, you will have a happy grin at the top of the hill. This bike's components are adequate. Not great, but for a killer full suspension, avid disc brakes, what do you expect?
The tires are crap in sand, but that too can be overcome with the right technique.
Don't waste your time buying the NRS3 and trying to upgrade. Yea, it's the same frame as 2 and 1, but you'll be soooo much better off with this baby. For the cost of upgrading, you'll save money in the longrun. Unless you're racing this thing, you'll be more than happy with the way it's set up.
I gotta give her 5 and 5.....Enjoy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Auger
a Cross Country Rider
from Canmore, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Bench | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | REBOUND CYCLE | | Strengths: | Excellent value for components package
Hardtail uphill, FS downhill !
Blacks & SID are awesome
Hayes Mechanical Disc Brakes stop great, without the hassle & cost of hydraulics
Avid brake levers have great adjustability | | Weaknesses: | Frame is thin... but I haven't broken it... yet
Unreliably thin tubes. Use as spares. | | Bike Setup: | Switched Pytons for Fire XC Pro's
Replaced big ring with bashguard
Changed pedals to Shimano DX's
Put on a quick release seatpost clamp
I increased the SID's negative air pressure to make the suspension more active... it only minorly affects climbing stiffness | | Bottom Line: | This bike runs like a dream. Efficient climbing, handles great, plush enough to go fast on rough descents. I'm 160lbs, and none of the components give me any problems. I think people complaining about strength or performance issues may need a sturdier bike to handle either their weight or their bike-hucking. I heard a few people had problems with ghost shifting... I think the BB is just gapped wrong. This is pretty much everything I ever wanted in an XC bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bucky Formanin
a Cross Country Rider
from Napa Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Grape Ride | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Value/Price/NRS/Great components hung on this frame! | | Weaknesses: | ??? Have not found any weaknesses at this time. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback/Cannondale (overpriced) | | Bike Setup: | Panaracers/Wellgo Flats/Headlight added | | Bottom Line: | First off, Wade Pollard (couple of reviews below) is beyond retarded and really should consider getting away from the computer and checking out this big blue planet. He's a good example of what happens when teens sit in their room and fail to let go of their organ for more than five minutes straight. With that said, I really enjoy this NRS 2. The value factor is simply undeniable. The suspension does not bob; however I run a tad more pressure in the negative and run about 1/4 inch sag for plush ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seth
a Racer
from York, PA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works in Wrightsville,PA | | Strengths: | It's in the name. "N.R.S." No Resonance System. It means all that precious energy you expend, it moves you forward, not up and down. No bobbing, get it? Seriously, the only bob you get on this bike is from the fromt shock. Also, great specs for a $1500 bike. | | Weaknesses: | The only complaint I can muster is that the tubes are relatively easy to dent. I have two. One I received in the first week on the seat stay and one on the top tube from my lever bumping into it. I won't reduce my rating, but it would be nice if they could be engineered a bit more resitant since they are mountian bike frames. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Selle Italia Flite Gel Ti. | | Bottom Line: | The design of this frame is great. If the SID rear shock is set up as Giant's manual recommends, it won't bob. The bang-for-the-buck factor of this bike is hard to beat in my mind. I liked the NRS design so much that I am upgrading to a leftover NRS1.
Buy it if you can find it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Most Vermont/Mansfield area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Denis Parent Sport St-Sauveur $2000CAN tax incl. | | Strengths: | No bob! Full torque available for wheelieing over stuff. Allows me to appreciate a cushy front shock. I used to need it firm on my hardtail. Shock has no compression damping adjust. But given setting is fine. I expect that front oil damping is better than air. Four friends on SID's had major issues within the same time i've had the Manitou. The Manitou's grease fittings are cool.
Avid levers have lots of adjustments. The Hayes mech discs are dead easy to align, on the trail if needed. | | Weaknesses: | The chain jams unfortunately very tight between the bb and the granny, if it should ever fall off.
Tubes sound skinny, but it could be thinner paint than other brands. I'll probably put pads on it.
The hanger is way softer than on my DeVinci. I seems to bend under just the bike's weight. I also found it easy to straighten.
The rear SID's piston shaft is really exposed to dirt. I trimmed a big Lizard Skin to drape over it.
The front brake cable position will wear into the stations teflon coating. Another loose Lizard is needed.
The rear bushings are exposed and delivered bone dry. I greased them and wrapped string around them, like a kids hub.
The front shock has no compression adjust, but it feels great. It has rebound, travel, and sag adjust. I made a tube to slip on the stantion when the wheel is off to protect the plastic adjustor knobs which are vulnerable.
I changed the rear tire for a more aggressive one. I'll save the stock Python for use on the front. The stock tires and tubes are really very light.
Only failure so far are a couple of rear spokes that came completely loose. And the rear cable end went into the disc and got neatly trimmed. And the hanger bent a couple of times. | | Similar Products Used: | Several coil-over designs, but only briefly, yet enough to suspect a negative impact on climbing. | | Bike Setup: | Stock as it comes, except a steel granny ring, and a bash ring instead of my big ring. And a firmer seat. And a quick release seat post clamp. And a more aggressive rear tire. And my old pedals. | | Bottom Line: | My altimeter watch records I climb about 100k feet per summer. I regularly whoop down 2 foot steps. I've broken a lot of parts before. If you're like me, you'll love this bike. I don't expect unusual durability.
But performance wise, this bike increased my climbing speed and technical capability by 25%, my downhill speed and capability by 100% and my enjoyment by 200%.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wade Pollard
a Cross Country Rider
from Whitby Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 rock | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bay Sports cycle | | Strengths: | It seems the reviews from the magazines before it was releasd to the real world were the only strengths for this heap !!! | | Weaknesses: | Where do I start...The fork..Stickers all peeled off..Blew the seal once and it was warrantied,then again,and it was warrantied again,blew for the third time and I told the store that I bought it that that fork was not going to see my bike again...Store replaced it with a R/S duke for free..Next would be this chain skip issue under load...I have yet to be able to come out of the saddle with confidence with this piece of trash !!! No matter what gear or what speed you travel...It will skip and hop when you climb or stand..Blew both tubes within the first week.I have brught the bike in 4 times for creaking BB..It seems a quick wipe and lube of the threds fixes this problem..I can live with the crap tires cause the drive train won't let you ride hard enuff to have the tires slip on you... | | Similar Products Used: | TBL eldorado,Shwinn moab2, | | Bike Setup: | All stock other than hayes hydraulics and time carbon pedals..Mine was shipped with the XT hubs and cog set | | Bottom Line: | I don't think I need to say any more about this embarassment that Giant calls a bicycle.If giant had a heart whatsoever...They would publicly on the 6:00 news apologize for sucking in so many of us with their crotch-bustin chain skippin thin tube usin'bicycles.Untill then...I guess we are all stuck with downhill bikes with 4 inches of travel..Yipp-eeeeeeee...What a scam...
If I had to suggest this bicyle to anybody,it would have to be someone on their way to a 200 ft hucking convention... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Captain Jacks and surrounding trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Therapy | | Strengths: | The Avid mech.discs have plenty of power.
The rear shock (SID XC) is easy to set up. It works well using the recommended air pressures for your weight.
Hutchison Tubless tires: I usually run 35# in back and 31# up front, they grab hard obstacles well. No noticeable out of balance problems and no problems with leaks.
Frame: shape, fit, appearance, weight, rigidity all rate well. | | Weaknesses: | Hutchison tubless tires: Tread design is not aggressive enough. They don't bite on any terrain other than hard pack or solid rock. The sidewalls are showing cracks as if they are weathered.
Avid CPS mechanical discs: I have had problems with the rear disc warping (however Avid and my dealer replaces it under warranty).
Shimano HG-50 cassette: I had a problem where the cassette was moving side to side while climbing. My dealer fixed it at no cost and said that Giant will warranty 'a fix' if it happens again.
Rock Shox Judy XC fork: soft spring- too mushy, lacks control and bottoms out easily even with full preload.
Koski contour saddle: hard as a rock.
Shimano M-515 pedals: My right one has always been tough to snap into. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Schwinn Moab 2 | | Bike Setup: | I have upgraded the front fork spring from medium to firm for a much improved feel and better control(less bottoming out and it doesn't compress too much with each obstacle). I added bar ends-which I love when climbing or for a change of position on long rides.
Added a gel seat cover for comfort.
Future upgrades will include Shimano XT rear derailer,softer grips, and new brake pads(they are almost worn down). | | Bottom Line: | This is a great choice for those of us who like cross country riding on a hard tail. The suspension works great! There truly is no bobbing when pedaling. It rides like a hard tail bike, except for on the bumpy downhill sections of the trail; then it soaks up washboards and bumps beautifully. A good performing bike for the money. Next time I'd get the XTC1, The component upgrades would be worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Hedge
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, Va.
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Clownshead, Carvins Cove | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Unlimited, Forest,Va. | | Strengths: | Avid disc breaks, Rock Shox SID,Titec handle bars,Manitou fork. | | Weaknesses: | Python tires, chain. | | Similar Products Used: | Heavy Junk, Cannondale Jekyl. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for nasbar peddles. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike,have put 50 hard miles on it in the last 2 weeks, and thought it was time to cheer. Bike handles great and climbs even better.It is my first dual suspension and I'm loving it. Really tears up the down hills. For the money you can't beat this bike. I got a smokin deal at Bikes Unlimited in Forest, Va.Thanks guys, you were great. Great bike for cross country riders and weekend warriors. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
German Camacho
a Cross Country Rider
from Venezuela
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | cross country, small trails with some tecnical jumps | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Cicle world miami | | Strengths: | Outstanding bike..... definitely cero sag... while your are riding in uphill conditions.......amazing disk brakes...easy to maintain with good stopping power...
The rear shock......THE sid xc.....is excellent....because....I,m 220 lb rider.....so you can customize as well as you can....but you have....to read the manual to do it well | | Weaknesses: | The factory tires....the hutchinson python tubeless......are the best invention ever made for the man.....but..you have to take care a lot for the air pressure..because the tire compound is too soft so you can damage easily if you ride it at low pressure.... | | Similar Products Used: | Treck fuel 80, Moongose | | Bike Setup: | Standar........Avid disck brake mecanical, Judy XC FORK, Sid XC rear, mavic crossrock UST, Hutchinson Python lubeless tires, LX drive train and accsesories Race face prodigy | | Bottom Line: | The best bike 800- 1500 $ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Wappinger Falls
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Killington | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeway | | Strengths: | Price point with component mix
No bob suspension
Avid disc brakes
| | Weaknesses: | Seat Shim
Black fork decals peeled off
Sometimes squealing brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bottom Line: | An excellent value. I mostly cross country but have also downhilled with this bike at Killington and it handles great. The Avid disc brakes bring you to a stop in a hurry - no going back to rim brakes! Some previous posts mentioned geberic hubs but mine came with XT's. I have to ride roads occassionaly to get to the trails and the NRS works flawlessly. I recommend this bike to any cross country riders and weekend warriors. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Still searching | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good component mix, Hayes HMX-1 disc brakes, WTB Rocket V saddle and adjustable NRS suspension. | | Weaknesses: | NRS decal painted upside down on left seat stay, peeling Black fork decals, seatpost shim and somewhat noisy disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd Fisher Sugar 2 and Specialized FSR XC Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except swapped the pedals for Shimano PD-M424 and changed the Pythons for Michelin Wildgripper Front S, Rear XLs. | | Bottom Line: | Great fit and handling bike, although I don’t find that it climbs particularly any better than my previous hardtail but steep descents are now more confidence inspiring because of the geometry of the bike and the suspension absorbing the bumps. I’ve had no reported problems with bottoming out the Black fork but then again my ridding weight is usually around 148 lbs. The rest of the components are working well so far and I have ridden it on some pretty technical terrain. Overall fun xc bike with added comfort for a now 54-year-old at best intermediate rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blake Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Strengths: | Rides like a hardtail when doing the uphills. Very efficient for hardpacked or street use with Pythons and NRS. Bike is a very good looking specimen. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd Specialized FSR and a Fisher Suger 3+ before buying the NRS 2. | | Bike Setup: | Changed pedals, added Cateye for night rides, wore Pythons out and replaced with Kenda Kozmic Lites. | | Bottom Line: | No bob. The other bikes I demo'd seemed to bob a lot while pedaling. The welds and general fit/finish of the Giant is absolutly flawless. I did find that the bike was loaded with stickers (graphics, names, etc.) which I peeled off - probably saved about 500 grams. XT hubs are great, XTR rear derailler is peachy, Manitou fork is plush and I have not a complaint about it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Trumbull, CT
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | New Canaan Cycle | | Strengths: | This bike is quick. It climbs like a goat, XT rear derrailleur, avid disc brakes, and comfy seat. NRS is great on bigger bumps and when climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Early on I had trouble with the the chain dropping in towards the frame when downshifting from the middle ring to the small ring. Seemed to work itself out over time but reoccurences have been due to the crankset loosening up. My fault really I should check it more frequently. | | Similar Products Used: | Used to ride a steel hardtail. Best way to learn how to ride smooth and pick good lines. | | Bike Setup: | I didn't change anything except the tires. I'm riding on Continental Escape Pros. Nice tire but will flat easily if pressure is to low. | | Bottom Line: | This bike just feels efficient in every way. Yes you will feel small bumps but hell your mountain biking not doing needlepoint, suck it up and ride. I've heard people complain the fork is too soft and granted when I've made mistakes on 2-3 foot drops it has bottomed, but for standard croos country speed it feels plush. I'm 195 pounds though and I think I will switch to the firm springs eventually. Climbing is without equal and yes better than my old hardtail. On high speed descent over small dropoffs and through corners this thing hooks up like it on rails.
It's no free ride bike but as far as cross country and long epic rides go this thing is so fun to ride, inspires confidence, and responds to every input. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duke Haskell
a Cross Country Rider
from Del Mar, CA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Absolutly fantastic ride that wastes NO energy when properly set up. This rig is loaded with high quality parts like XT, Prodigy, Titec, WTB, Hutchinson, and Avid. Forks by Manitou haven't missed a beat. | | Weaknesses: | Thin tubes from factory...replace immediatly. | | Similar Products Used: | Superlight R | | Bike Setup: | Wellgo flats, Bontrager Revolt SS front and rear 1.95 - otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger Robinson
a Weekend Warrior
from Yuma, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Excellent Bicycles | | Strengths: | Best deal for the money. Climbs like a goat-NRS suspension really works. Great looks, fun to ride. Avid brakes can't be beat. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals-hard to get in and out. Tires-good for hardpack, suck in loose stuff and mud. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS-1, Treks | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Shimano 646 pedals and Velociraptor tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike ROCKS!!! If you want a bike that climbs AND descends, get this one. Great all around, it's light, fast and nimble. When set up properly, the NRS system works like it should-you never know it's there. I haven't had any problems at all with the bike, as others have posted here, although I have thrashed on it pretty good. Bottom line is-if you need a bike with a cool name, go ahead and spend alot more money on one of the "boutique" bikes, but, if your looking for value and like to actually RIDE, then get the NRS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Socorro, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | NRS suspension works great
Avid brakes are excellent
Good components for the money
| | Weaknesses: | Seat post has lots of flex
Delicate top tube?
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper fsrxc
Trek Fuel
| | Bike Setup: | Stock except for PD-959 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I have been riding it 3 to 4 times a week since March and don’t regret the purchase at all. The NRS frame works as advertised – no lost energy when climbing and increased control on the downhills. The Avid brakes had poor modulation when new (lots of inadvertent skidding), but have broken in and are great. The Titec seat post is kind of flexy and I might upgrade it at some point. Also, if the washer on the seat post is installed upside down the seat can loosen without warning. There is a discussion of this problem on the seat post review site. The frame is very light and consequently feels delicate, especially the top tube. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim cowles
a Weekend Warrior
from climax,mi usa
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | yankee springs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Nice ride right off the floor | | Weaknesses: | have'nt found them...yet | | Similar Products Used: | I had a nrs3 and it never shifted right climbing and the judy shock was to soft,it was stolen,so i upgraded to the nrs2. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been everything you could want for a softail xc bike. I would think the hardcore jumpers would want a stronger frame,but for me it perfect.I ride 3-5 times a week, just average riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dauset Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Seems very solid. I've put it through its paces. Suspension system really does work. The climbing ability is fantastic. Avid disc brakes are great. The rear shock has lost virtually no air so far and I like the adjustability. Overall VALUE! | | Weaknesses: | The Black fork is very smooth but there is a big difference in stiffness between the 80 and 100 mode. The 100 mode is just too soft for me. But I weigh 185 and I found out that I need a firm spring which will hopefully help. The fork is stiff in that it doesn't have much flex at all which is good for bigger riders. I'm not thrilled with the Shimano 515 pedals.. seem to hold a lot of dirt. That's a minor complaint. Takes a litte while to get the disc brakes dialed in. | | Similar Products Used: | Thought hard about a hardtail like Trek 6700 with disc. But for a little more I was able to get a full suspension bike with better components. No regrets! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for firm spring kit for the Black fork which is on order. | | Bottom Line: | I'm very pleased with this bike. I've taken it through a lot of trails around Atlanta and it climbs so well and yet gives you a nice ride on the downhills. It's also fairly lightweight. Roswell Bicycles has been great to work with. I really wrestled with whether to get the 18" or 20.5". They helped and let me take my time. By the way I'm 6'tall and settled on the 20.5".
The frame is definitely thin but very solid. I've had no frame flex. For those of you that do a lot of big jumps and drop offs you would probably want a beefier frame. I'm not a jumper so for me its a great bike.
If the firm spring kit for the Black fork will allow me to use the 100 mm mode more that will solve the only real complaint I have.
For the money I don't think you can beat the NRS 2. If you are thinking about the NRS 3 like I was at first, be sure and add up the improvements that you would probably do on the NRS 3 (crank, fork etc.) and you don't have an adjustable rear shock and no disc brakes You will find the NRS 2 is probably a better buy. (in my opinion)
Some have complained that the NRS system doesn't work. Mine works great but you do have to get the shock set up right with the right positive and negative air pressure and the rebound adjustment. Once I got mine set up properly, it's worked very well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JimBo
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything tough and technical | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Freehold Bicycles | | Strengths: | Component Specs and Value.
Very efficient and adjustable suspension | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | I ride a TREK STP 200 in addition to my new Giant. I used to Ride a TREK Y-11, and Giant Warp Y-bike, but have sold them since then.I also demoed the TREK FUEL and a Specialiized FSR XC | | Bike Setup: | Stock...with a Cat Eye Computer, WTB Velociraptor Tires and some decals. | | Bottom Line: | I've had the bike for a couple months now, and have well over 1,000 off-road and on-road miles logged on it. the bike is very efficient and very adjustable. I can set it up to feel almost rigid, and in a couple minutes time, adjust it for trail plushness. I have rode up at Chimney Rock, RingWood, and various other very technical hilly trails systems and the bike performs great. The suspension literally locks out while climbing and while sprinting. When it hits something, it compresses, then returns to a "locked out" state of being. The bike is somply outstanding, and the suspension is great, as with a fantastic component spec. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne Australia
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Eton's Cutting, Red Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ivanhoe Cycles | | Strengths: | Suspension does what it claims, plush on the smooth and great downhill. Adjustability of rear air shock is what did it for me, so that you can suit your weight. | | Weaknesses: | As everybody suggests, the front deraulier is suspect. So far no probs with the rear. Although you can adjust the rear, there is no standing on hills. | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti Agressor, Scott Team (such a light bike!) Norco Freeride, no other full suspension as slap to be avoided at all costs. | | Bike Setup: | Standard, I did ask for more pace but found 11 cog smallest available, looked at bigger front cogs but need to do the lot to upgrade, will wait until they wear out. The jury is still out on the saddle. Just purchased a frogskin for the chain slap. Have lived with rapid fire and would go nowhere else | | Bottom Line: | First time on a full suspension. Great for an oldie like me, but a bit slow coming off a hardtail Avanti agressor. Can climb trees with the stack of pancakes rear cluster, you need to understand that this is an off-road specialist not a hybrid. (not for pavements if you want to stay fast) Like the riser bars which I would have spec'd for my bad back, the Answer Black is great, tried the 80 & 100 but need to be on a big hill to stay with the 80. First time with disc brakes, like them so far. Definitely no breakages yet. Disappointing to hear of so many other problems with other reviews, shows you need to know your own limitations and desires before purchase. Have experienced some paint scrub, should be better than that. This is not a professional racer bike, just a good off roader for a weekender like me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Mullins
a Cross Country Rider
from Tecumseh, Mi, USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Potowatomi | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango | | Strengths: | NRS system seems to lock out pedal bob on climbs. Bike is fairly lite weight. Component group seems to be value. | | Weaknesses: | Front Fork: The stock BLACK fork is set up of a 135lb rider (I'm 205). I bottomed it several times at Moab and Denver. Luckily my bike shop was willing to replace the stock spring with a heavier one which seems to work better. I've experienced chain rumping on the cog when really torquing up some monster hills. Other reviews stated this could be fixed with a better rear cog and chain. Will try and let you know if problem persists. Rear Axel: It broke yesterday. All the sudden the cog could not free wheel. I had to continue pedalling at the speed of the rear tire or else chain suck on the rear. My mechanic told me that this was a real weak point of the bike. Good news is that Giant will replace the cheap prodigy hub with an XT which should never break. Bad news it takes a week to get it in from Giant | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000SHX | | Bike Setup: | Stiffer fork spring, Shimano 848 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a pretty good bike for the money. I have had some problems that I didn't see with my old Trek hardtail, but luckily I have a kick @ss bike shop that is great about getting things fixed fast. In general, this bike is worth the money but before buying seriously consider the Speacialized FSR XC. I bought the NRS2 because of the self locking suspension but would seriously reconsider for my next purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Palo Alto
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | El Corte de Madera | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Connection | | Strengths: | Excellent climber - trails that used to drain me on my Kona barely make me break a sweat on this bike.
NRS design gives a nice balance between firmness for the climbs, and squishiness for fun descents.
Look great, well spec'd for the price.
Avid discs were a huge step up from my LX V's. | | Weaknesses: | Deore front derailleur, Avid SD5 levers, and LX shifters are OK, but don't have that snob appeal. Understandable, considering the price of the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Homespun Kona King Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | Stock, upgraded with XT front derailleur, levers, and shifters, and M424 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, at a very reasonable price. Climbs like a hardtail, but still manages to soak up the big hits. The suspension design eliminates the need for a lockout, which is not only more convenient, but also allows the suspension to do its job during climbs.
With a few minor upgrades (<$150) this is a bike that will keep me happy for a very, very long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett Leng
a Cross Country Rider
from Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tutela Heights | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Toronto Bike Show | | Strengths: | Well spec'ed for the value
NRS system works great | | Weaknesses: | Cheap paint job (cable wires have rubbed off on wear spots)
OE Shimano M505 Pedals
Shimano Deore Freewheel and chain
| | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 890 | | Bike Setup: | Changed to SRAM 7.0 Freewheel, TIME ATAC pedals, Serfa bar ends, SRAM Chain, everything else stock
| | Bottom Line: | NRS system works great as marketed. Black fork in 100Mil is flawless but heavy. I weigh 180 and have never yet bottomed out fork. Shimano OE only M505 suck large, don't shed mud at all, hard to clip in and out sometimes. Bike kept skipping gears with Shimano Deore Freewheel. Went to SRAM 7.0, shifting is crisp and precise. Came with Hayes HMX-1 disc brakes. They hold up well and modulation is good and strong. Very well thought out bike, and meets an excellent price point. Excellent value and a great ride for a low end full suspension and racer!! Colour scheme rocks but paint wears off way too easy.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Thomsen
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh NC
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | All Star Bike Shop (North Raleigh) | | Strengths: | Sweet Frame. The NRS system really does work. Climbs like a mountian goat. Great bang for the buck! | | Weaknesses: | Hard pack specific tires. Good fast tires for hardpack (only). They should have put on "all around tires". Having trouble getting the brake feeling the same (backs are more "grabby" then the fronts). The brakes are EASIER to work on the V brakes or caliper brakes though. Handle bars too high. May remove a spacer or trade out the handle bars or neck. | | Similar Products Used: | None. Looked at the Trek Fuel 90. Owned a Trek 7000, and a Trek 950. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | You just can't beat this deal! I shopped around and compared. Good frame and great overall setup for the money. Bike handles great and climbs great. When pedaling hard, or climbing a hill, it almost locks out the rear suspension which gives it a hard tail feeling. I say almost because it is still active enough to take on bumps while climbing. Makes me much more confident on a bike which translates into more speed! Good comfortable seat. Sounds like a strange comment, but this is the first bike out of six (3 road, 3 mountian) that I will KEEP the orignal seat on. Even though I am having trouble tweaking the brakes, I think they rock over caliper or V-brakes! Even though I dinged the tires on the bike,the height of the handlebars, and the brakes I still give it a well deserved 5 flaming chillies in both catagories. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cem urfalioglu
a Weekend Warrior
from denver, co
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | hall ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | campus cycles | | Strengths: | Rear suspension has just the right amount of travel -- "3.75. So this bike also have good downhill capabilities without compromising its overall XC nature. Most other XC bikes ie. Specialized FSR and Trek Fuel gives between 2.70 and 3.00. I also like the dial in capability for the front shock -- 80-100mm. Bike is good looking. I took the bike to Keystone for downhilling where I rode many other FS bikes befor such as Canondale, Schwinn. NRS stayed well balanced and controlled even through the most challenging parts of the trail. | | Weaknesses: | Bike is wearing down fast. The body scratches very easily. I had problems with the rear disc brake. The pad was rubbing the rotors. Had to take it back to the bike shop to get it fixed. The XT drivetrain is a little let down. After couple hard riding weekends within the first month of the ownership the gears were off and had to be tuned. | | Bottom Line: | I read so many good reviews about this bike before I bought it. During the first 2 mo of the ownership I agree with these reviews at a 100%. However, like I mentioned above, the bike is wearing down faster than expected. If I'd do it again, I would spend an additional $200 and buy a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC disc which has hydraulic disc brakes and XTR on the back. And it is a lighter bike than NRS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Ashcraft
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Temple Quary | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Taylors Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Good price for what you get. Disc brakes,race face,shimano,tubeless.NRS system that really works. | | Weaknesses: | Upgrade the derailers now. Frame dents and scratches easily.You will out grow the bike if you ride every day. | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The best bike for entry an level mtb.I have ridden this bike three times a week for about a year and starting to out perform the shocks and brakes. The NRS system really works and I am a true believer in it, but I do need more travel now and a new front shock.If you will ride this only on the weekends, buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashland Oregon
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Siskyou cyclery | | Strengths: | Great component selection. NRS designed for fireroad up, singletrack down use. Nice roomy cockpit. Avid brakes.
The Manitou Black Comp is a pleasant surprise and matches this bike purrfectly for me. | | Weaknesses: | The seatpost shim. The front tire is just WRONG. The riser bar with a 10 degree stem and an inch of spacers is too high. No real weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | Hardtails only. I am no expert on rear suspension. | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Fire XC tire up front. XT cassette. Tossed the riser bar but kept the long stem and spacers. Using the 100mm travel for downhill and 80mm for everything else fits as it should. 16.5 frame, 27.3 lbs | | Bottom Line: | You can't beat this ride for the money. Its up to you I suppose, but $3200 buys this AND an AC air or one ETS X70
or similar "high end" product with snob appeal. That aside,
This bike is much more fun to ride than any of the others I own and unless your hardtail is around 20lbs of Ti or OCLV
its now OBSOLETE because THIS BIKE RULES. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Felipe Rezk
a Racer
from Miami, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle & Fitness Store | | Strengths: | Fast | | Weaknesses: | The gears skip under power when going over roots or over a steep climb | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll 1000, Warp DS2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an update for a review I posted on Feb 11th when I was happy with the bike but had trouble with the gears already.
The problems continued and the bicycle never worked well. The store where I bought it tried to fix the problem by replacing the following:
Chain: 2 times
Crank: 2 times
Bottom Bracket: once
Cassette: Once
However, after 5 months, over 15 visits to the store and many, many big falls and scrapes, the problem was never solved. I had to spend around $100.00 in chains and stuff. This bike and the process of fixing it, completely ruined my mountain biking experience. I requested a refund as it was clearly a lemon. To my surprise, the store refused.
After the 5 moths where over, Giant finally wound up sending a brand new bike. I had recomendes the NRS to my riding buddies and one of them bought an NRS1...well guess what....skipping all the time. I decided I did not want to take delivery of a defective bike. The store never gave me my money back and I could not talk to Giant directly as they do not talk to end users.
So now, B&F store had a brand new bike and they refused to give me my money back. I finally had to go to my credit card and the customer protection plan to get my money, which I did last week 6 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THIS PRODUCT!!!!!
I have since purchased a Cannondale Jekyll 1000 on a great sale for around 1,900. This bike is reliable and has started to provide me with a much needed possitive riding experience and improved times...now down to 57 minutes around the whole park.
I guess my bottom line is...if you have skipping problems with any NRS product, the solution is get your money back and BUY ANOTHER BIKE, the GIANT NRS2 is a deffective bicycle.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, OH
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | B&K Bicycle Co. | | Strengths: | Avid brakes really powerful once you figure out how to use the Avid 5 levers and dial the pads in (which always come unaligned after some rough bumps), Manitou Black is suave and chock full of adjustability, suspesion does just what it's supposed to do, relatively light frame considering as well | | Weaknesses: | although really good the brakes take forever to dial in and are constantly coming undone. i have to stop at least 3 times a ride to realign to calipers so that the brake rub sweek doesn't drive me insane. as dually noted by everyone else here the tires are completely useless on anything but hardpack and pavement. however, they are supremely light and really f-ing fast. and plus, we shouldn't be riding on muddy trails anyways cause it ruins the terrain. i haven't had any tubes probs yet like everyone else seems to have either.
i have a slight grovel with the Shimano quick shifters. personally i prefer the SRAM Gripshifts, but with a little getting used to the Shimanos are just fine.
the fork gets a little squashy in the 100mm setting, but it's just find for me in the 80mm setting. i'm 6'3" and a very slender 155, so i haven't had the plush spring complaints all the rest of you fat asses have. just loose some weight and you'll be fine. | | Similar Products Used: | old Trek 820 hardtail, and one time i rode my buddy's FS Bianchi around the trailhead parking lot | | Bike Setup: | stock except i didn't even bother with the saddle. i put a WTB Podium w/ Ti rails on, which makes the ride oh so soft. | | Bottom Line: | overall you can't get a better FS for the price. the quality and name behind all of the components on this bike are shibby. i love the adjustability of the fork. although i dont use the 100mm setting much, it's just nice to know that it's there. the SID XC shock is also very dependable (although the pump they gave me doesn't work...at all...period). the Avid disk brakes are one of the top 3 disk brakes out there, mechanical or otherwise.
i hear a lot of the FS freaks knocking the somewhat stiff ride the NRS system gives. sure it's stiff while the drivtrain is in motion, but so what. it still responds well to harsh terrain and big hits. coming off a hardtail though, any FS system would make me feel like i'm pedaling a recliner.
i highly recommend this ride to any stiffy rider looking to go FS. oh hell, i'll recommend it to any old timer FS rider as well. you shan't be dissapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Franz
a Cross Country Rider
from Stillwater, MN
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Battle Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Rice Street Bikes | | Strengths: | This thing rocks! It's my first suspension bike and its fast on the downhills, sucks up the bumps with ease and when jumped it lands better than Evel Knievel could hope for on his best day. I've been mountain biking for 13 years now and lived out west half of that time and riden a bunch of bikes and the NRS really does it for me. I'm sure there are some that ride better, but who cares cause I dropped the cash on this one and it hauls ass. I'm 5'11" and 175 lbs on a wet day and I'm on the medium frame and it motors very nicely. The tires are good on hard pack, but squirley on mud, but so what, I'll put other tires on. No problems with anything on it yet that a tune up didn't take care of. Brakes work great, pedals were super tight out of the box and had to be turned back a few notches. Had the stem droped to the bottom and the fork cut. Not crazy about how the seat post and shim fits, but oh well I'm not gonna cry about it. Have fun, skin knees, bruze bones and rock on brothers and sisters..... | | Weaknesses: | The seat post like I said..... | | Similar Products Used: | KDX 200 | | Bike Setup: | You know | | Bottom Line: | From a hard tails perspective this bike kicks ass. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Val Atkinson
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseburg, Oregon
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | North Umpqua | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Waldrons | | Strengths: | Good parts spec,good brakes | | Weaknesses: | Inactive suspension,poor traction,pedal kick-back,brake jacking. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 FSR Elite,2000 Cannondale Jekyll,2001 FSR Enduro Pro,2002 FSR Stumpjumper,2002 Enduro | | Bike Setup: | WTB Velociraptor tires, Avid flak-jacket cables, bar ends | | Bottom Line: | Read so many good things about this that I had to try it. Was not impressed at all! I agree with what Alex down below said. This design is basically a high pivot design with no sag. It is very much effected by chain torque. On steep climbs it hops,skips, and spins, where an FSR gets traction and goes. Chain torque locks it out too much. It also brake jacks very bad. If you apply the brakes and the rear is down in the travel, it shoots right up to the top, which causes the rear to once again hop and skip. It kicks back against the pedals very bad. Try this test. Put an NRS in the granny/granny combo, then roll the bike back til the cranks start to rotate backwards. Now shove down sharply on the seat. Watch the cranks kick back sharply! On an FSR they don't even move. The NRS is not independent from pedal, or brake forces. The FSR is. I like to pedal across bumps with a smooth cadence, and this design kicks back and disrupts your cadence. It is plush only when coasting with no pedal or brake inputs. If all you have ridden are hardtails, you might like this, but if you like active rear suspension then stay far, far away from this design. If you like to climb a fire-road then coast down a trail, then it works okay.(just don't brake!) But if you like to climb up ugly technical climbs, and need good traction get something else more active like an FSR. If you usually only like hardtails it might work for you. For me it did not and mine has gone bye-bye. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ERIC
a Weekend Warrior
from MARA FL
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1320.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle world | | Strengths: | GOOD COMPONENTS,LIGHT ,REEL QUICK | | Weaknesses: | SHOP DIDNT DEBUR BOTTOM BRACKET FORK SEALS POPED OUT TIRES ARE TO SLICK FRONT FORK TOO PLUSH ,CHAIN SLAP...FIXED WITH INERTUBE( BLEW 5 MIN INTO FIRST RIDE)AND ZIP TIES | | Similar Products Used: | SPECIALIZED TREK GT (WISH THEY WERE STILL AROUND) | | Bike Setup: | 1.5 RISERS STOCK | | Bottom Line: | GOOD ALL AROUND BIKE BUT HARD TO DIAL FRONT N REAR SUSPENSION IN TOGETHER GOOD FOR SMALLER RIDERS 180- | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Ashland Oregon
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | siskiyou cyclery | | Strengths: | price, and specs, weight, and NRS is NOT A JOKE!!!! | | Weaknesses: | disc brakes need adjustmant often to keep it from singing, but it's typical for mech. disc. brakes... | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Paragon, Mt Tam, and specialized rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awsome. I've been riding XC and downhill for a while now and this bike goes anywhere. There is no bob at all, even when you climb out of the saddle. On the downhill, I can go twice as fast, the suspension works great. Very efficiant and smooth ride!!!!! Best purchase I've made... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Laxative | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Lightweight, great parts spec, looks decent. | | Weaknesses: | NRS design is less that spectacular. Very hard to find. I was told there are no more NRS 2s available.... | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper fsr :)
| | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | In my opinion, the nrs suspension is a joke. In stead of "no resonance suspension" it should stand for " not really suspended". The no sag setup is quite efficient,
but when the sid shock is so over pressurized there is practically no small bump performance.. The dealer tried to liken the design to that of a car. He said " when you get in your car it doesn't sag, but when you hit a bump the suspension still responds".. I thought.. hmmm, I've jacked up many cars, and I have yet to see a car with no sag... It's built in because they weigh so much. The bottom line is that there should be sag in order for suspension to work properly. If your rear tire reaches a pot hole, it should extend the suspension to aid in traction, and then compress again... just like a car. The NRS is very strange in that the only way I could get the ride I wanted was to let out shock pressure, in turn sacrificing efficiency. Its a lot like a hard tail, and not worth buying as a full suspension. Why not just buy a hard tail if you're that much of an efficiency fanatic? Besides, true four-bar designs such as the Specialized fsr are very efficient, very active on the bumps, and have sag.. (gasp) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hoyt
a
from Greensboro, NC
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Weaknesses: | Massive crank problems | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my earlier review of the bike. After posting a positive review, I noticed that the drive-side crank bolt came VERY loose during a ride. I took it to the LBS and they cleaned/re-lubed it. Got it back, went riding, SAME THING HAPPENED. Took it back to LBS, they "fixed it" again, and I have yet to ride it to see if it's really fixed. Anyone else have these problems? If so, please let me know how you fixed them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cass
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | won't know until i've done them all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Criterium Bicycles | | Strengths: | Value - there is alot of bang for the buck on this bike
Brakes - The avid discs really grab well, but do need adjusting every so often which is normal I guess
Drivetrain - The shimano derailleurs and Race Face Crank can really take a good beating and not miss a beat.
Fork - the good part: externally adjustable 80mm/100mm
Cockpit - plenty of room for me but I'm 5'8' 160lbs
The Titec components are a plus
Good component mix
| | Weaknesses: | Tires - no traction at all for the Colorado terrain. I would swap these out.
Fork - almost too plush. might be a problem for bigger riders. Probably would need stiffer coils
Pedals - i just can't seem to get these things set right. i think the tension loosens easily during riding. this is probably the next thing to change.
Tubes- this is a minor thing, but both tubes blew on me in the first week of riding (luckily on different days).
| | Similar Products Used: | Test rode the Sugar, RM Carve, Fuel and Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Tires - WTB Velociraptors; otherwise stock for now | | Bottom Line: | At first I was a little disappointed b/c of some problems i had early on. I had some bad chainsuck; the LBS put a new chain on. Then I noticed the crank spider arm was a little lopsided causing the chain to rub against the derailleur guide; Race face said it was withing tolerance but the LBS fixed it. Then the 80mm setting on the fork wasn't working. Manitou shipped out new parts and the my LBS fixed it. So a big thanks to my LBS for keeping me riding and not hating my bike.
After all these adjustments everything seems to be alright.
The bike is truly a cross country bike. It climbs like a hardtail and I'm glad I have that rear suspension on the rocky descents. The dimensions on it seem just right.
When all is taken into account (cost, ride, duraibility, etc...) I don't think there is any other bike in the same category that can beat this one. You can pay $1500 for another bike and lose out on the good component mix, or pay another $500-$100 and get a bike with a similar component mix and a better frame (hand made).
Bottom Line: I think this is a good bike for the experienced cross country rider looking to get into the world of full suspension (and at the right price too).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything at Avalon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Catonsville Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This is my first full suspension bike and it climbs just like the hardtails I rode before it. Then NRS is true to it's claim. Avid mechanical disc brakes are easy to adjust and work great. | | Weaknesses: | Tubes are very thin and blow out very easily. I would replace them immediately and save yourself the hassle of doing it on the trail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | You simply cannot get a better bike for the price. If you are a hardtail rider and you want make the transition to full suspension, this is the bike for you. I've had this bike for a little over a month and I have put it to the test. Rocks, roots, mud, water, steep climbs, fast downhills, it's had it all and hasn't flinched a bit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hoyt
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro, NC
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The ol' .4 at Owl's Roo(s)t | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop (Clemmons) | | Strengths: | Sturdy, not too heavy, No Resistance Suspension works great. Climbs well. Plush on the downhills/jumping | | Weaknesses: | Seat (Rocket V) is a bit uncomfortable. Disc brakes take a while to dial in. Had a flat on the second ride due to the extra-crappy tubes that come with the bike. | | Bike Setup: | XTR rear derailleur, Time ATAC pedals, WTB Speed V seat. IRC Mythos tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike at any price. I also have a 2001 Moab 1 and have broken several things on it due to my hard riding style and weight (195 pounds). This bike takes abuse with style. Once the brakes are dialed in it's terrific. I ride hard and jump a lot, bang through the downhills, and I haven't had any problems with this bike. I highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Estabrook
a Cross Country Rider
from Willits, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything without dogs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Dave's Bike Shop, Ukiah, CA | | Strengths: | All around fantastic bike. Climbs like my old hardtail, full suspension is a luxury I haven't had before. Brakes work great. Very responsive, accelerates and responds like a road bike. | | Weaknesses: | Tremendous squeal from the front disc under heavy braking. Some frame flex (I weigh 215), but it's easy to get used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 770 (hardtail), I also tried a Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock. I added bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | Unlike other reviewers, I don't jump and I'm not a hardcore rider. I ride fire trails, some single track, and, yes, even pavement (to get to the trails). I do a lot climbing living in northwest California. My main concern about a FS bike was power loss through suspension bobbing. That fear has been 100% alleviated with this bike. My ride times are at least 5% faster than with my old hardtail. The rear shock is totally and absolutely unaffected by pedaling. The harder you pedal, the more rigid it becomes. I still don't understand their explanation, but it works.
I set the front shock at 80mm for pavement and smoother trails. This totally eliminates front end bob when climbing, although I still get some bob when out of the saddle. At 100 mm, the ride is very plush, even over severe washboard.
The Avid mechanical brakes are ideal. The harder you pull, the faster you stop. No lock-ups, no fade, no surprises. Sanding the pads got rid of the squeal (for awhile).
Although I have read a lot of complaints about the stock tires, they are perfect for my type of riding. My bike also came with XT hubs. Other than the brake squeal, I have had no problems whatsoever. When it comes time to replace the drivetrain, I will opt for a slightly narrow range cassette. I don't need the 22x34 low gear, or the 46x11 high gear. It would be nice to trade them for a slightly tighter gear selection.
The bottom line: Everything about this bike is awesome at any price. But, at $1500, it is even more incredible. I considered the NRS1, but decided that I didn't want to deal with hydraulics. Oh, and it looks cool, too.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Perry
a Racer
from Waverly, NY
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Waverly Glen | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Rocky's Bike Shop Monroeton PA | | Strengths: | Great Suspension, NO BOB when pedeling. Front fork is very adjustable. Avid mech. brakes are very touchy and controllable. overall posture of bike is great for downhill as well as climbs. | | Weaknesses: | Stickers fell off of front BLACK fork immediately (warrantied). Bottom bracket had slight amount of play (warrantied). Front fork needs to be tuned (feels fat). Loud "snapping" sound when in 2/9 gear and pedeling hard (?). Rotors have began to warp slightly (being warrantied). Rear suspension is perfect for racing but if your looking for a cadillac feel you won't get it. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Karakoram ft rockshock xc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup except 2.3" front tire and 2.1" rear tire (smoke) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best. I researched for about 6 months aggressively to find a bike to fill all of my needs. I am a daily cross country rider that races a half dozen races a year this bike fits the bill for both, would highly recommend bike to anyone looking, I did not find anything even close to the value of this bike. So far I've ridden for 3 weeks of torture and haven't broke a single major component. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Hawkins
a Weekend Warrior
from Paradise, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bidwell Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle, Sacramento, CA | | Strengths: | Did considerable web research. Giant has best components for the money. NRS is great and easy to adjust. Works well. Little rebound with the NRS on uphill pursuits. Avid disk brakes work well. Shimano shifters although not the highest quality possible work really well. | | Weaknesses: | Am heavy at about 190 lbs. May need to upgrade Manitou Black Comp shock although my light riding to date has not caused any problems. Shimano 505 pedals are cheap. First attempt at clipless pedals. Did not know that both front and back adjustments are necessary. Okay now. Fell three times on easy ground. Time with the bike is still short so some problems may develop. Hope not. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper & Trek. Formerly had a Marin Bear Valley SE hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike so far. Hard to find. Believe what you read about vendors not being able to get a bike from the Giant warehouse. Find a vendor with a bike in stock. Got a great buy at $1399! Never had a FS bike before. Like it a lot. Believe what Giant states about their NRS design. Works well. Also, adjust the NRS from the Giant instructions not from the Manitou instructions. I will never be a major rock hopper. This bike is much more than what I will ever need BUT it is fun! Neat toy for the money. Could have spent much more for not much more in value. Buy one. Pacific Bicycle in Sacramento is a quality dealer who cares about customer satisfaction. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reinhardt
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1390.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Solutions Toronto | | Strengths: | Absolutely great components for the buck!! Disc brakes are as good as everyone says. Some will disagree but I find the ride plush..probably because I come from a hardtail. I find the bike quick in terms of acceleration and climbing. Nice paint and weld finish. | | Weaknesses: | The sleeve reducer for the seatpost is annoying...and I would prefer a quick release which I'm going to upgrade to. I', 6-4 215 so I'll have to change out the fork springs..not a big deal. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike at a great price with great looks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cam
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kinglake Canter | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Workshop | | Strengths: | No bob when climbing and on the flats
Disc Brakes
Weight
Price...blows all competition apart | | Weaknesses: | I find the Blacks when set at 100mm travel are great for fast decents, but too plush for steep techincal downhill, the ride is much safer at 80mm which defeats the purpose of extra travel a bit.
Apart from adjusting the travel between 80-100mm, the other functions of the Black seem non-apparent as yet, but I'll keep on trying. | | Similar Products Used: | Ironhorse Ginsu, NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock apart from replacing the pedals from my previous bike | | Bottom Line: | After coming off an entry level hardtail, this bike feels like a Ferrari, I feel much more agressive on it and the downhills are so much smoother.
I chose the NRS 2 as I do mainly trail riding, with the odd bit of downhill at a sensible speed, and the odd amateur race and overall from a lot of reading and research I found this bike to be the best value bike on the market for the price range and my riding style.
There is no need whatsoever to replace or upgrade anything on this bike (apart from the plastic pedals maybe)if you are into amateur cross country riding, unless you like spending money in bike shops for no apparent reason....
If you are serious about racing but still want dual suspension, buy the NRS 1 with the Sid fork, hydro brakes and XT running gear, don't waste your money purchasing the NRS 2 and upgrading the fork to a Sid etc. unless you are into spending large sums of money in bikes shops for no apparent reason...
I have to admit, I nearly bought the AC3 but it was too heavy for trail riding, but would come into its own doing downhills, but I rarely do that style of riding so went with the similarly priced NRS 2.
To sum up, if you want a reasonably priced quality dual suspension bike for cross country riding and mild downhill, seriously consider the Giant NRS 2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory Mooers
a Cross Country Rider
from Everett, Wa. USA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Super Fast! Well built and great value. | | Weaknesses: | Black Comp is undersprung. Bottom Bracket flexes. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | LX/XT,Hutchinson Python Air Lights, Manitou Black Comp, Rock Shox SID XC | | Bottom Line: | If you're under 200 lbs. this bike is the best XC rocket you can get, for this price range, out of the box. If you're like me and weight 220+ then your gonna need to get a stiffer spring for the Black Comp. Also, the whole bottom bracket flexes when I bang in the big ring. Too much torgue from the big guys for this bike. DON'T SET THE REAR SHOCK UP USING THE ROCK SHOX GUIDE!! USE THE MANUAL FROM GIANT WHEN SETTING UP YOUR REAR SHOCK!! NO SAG!! Don't trust your dealer to do this for you because they are setting the shock to sell the bike not for performance. If I weighed 180 lbs. this bike would get an overall 5 flaming turds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B. Charles
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Fully adjustable dual chamber Rock Shox which can be set for no sag - which makes it ride like a hartail; set it for sag if running slow and rough terrain. This bike is full of great components - Giant states in literature that hubs are generic but they are putting Shimano XT hubs on the bikes here in AZ. | | Weaknesses: | Durailler (sp) rub on big sprocket - minor adjustment needed. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro X3, Bianchi HT | | Bike Setup: | Cateye for night rides. | | Bottom Line: | Great looking and functioning ride. Bike is full of great components from Shimano XT, RaceFace, and Avid. Brakes are flawless. Front forks by Manitou (Answer) seem to do a great job.
I recommend this bike if you are a hardtail holdout!! I was a holdout until trying this ride - now I'll never go back! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LBG
a Cross Country Rider
from Oceanside, CA USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Amazon Bikes | | Strengths: | Unbeatable value, amazing performance efficiency. This bike is the purfect compliment to the cross country ride. And it looks good too. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Tried the Trek Fuel, the Sugar, the Adept and the Scalpel.
| | Bike Setup: | The only upgrades I did are Cane Creek bar-ends, Crank Brothers egg beater pedals and a Selle Italia Flight Ti seat.
| | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this: If you are looking for a complete package XC ride, look no further. The price is unbeatable, the suspension design is purfect(so long as you set it up properly, NO SAG!!!). You will be able to hammer like never before and enjoy the rough, because 3.75 is enough. The Avids are pure heaven. The parts spec will set you up for success. Be sure to get the bike for the intended purpose, cross country. Don't get it and complain about a rough ride or that it doesn't handle 5 foot drops well. Get an AC. Like I said if you want XC this IS it. Don't waste your time elsewhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
L Odom
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dauset Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bikes | | Strengths: | Great handling. Comes with everything I wanted except the right tires. The mech disks work as good or better than my Avid Arch Rivals did. | | Weaknesses: | The tires were not aggresive enough for the loose stuff I ride. Replaced 'em. The disks are a little harder to modulate that V-brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 856 | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/IRC Mythos tires. The Bike Shop swopped 'em for nothing. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides incredibly smooth even with the "No-sag" rear shock set-up. This bike is not a proper DH bike but for basic XC riding even in the N.Georgia mountains it instills plenty of confidence on the descents. It also climbs like a dream given it's weight (28 lbs). These bikes are hard to find. I think I got the last one. One problem: the cable housing wore a groove in the fork crown and paint of the side of the head tube during the first ride. A zip tie stopped the rub. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K Ryan
a Racer
from Lockport, NY USA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Holiday Valley Area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | North Star Biles&Sports | | Strengths: | Avid CPS disc brakes,splined bottom bracket,race face cranks and all kinds of high end components. | | Weaknesses: | I noticed uncontrolled gear shifting a couple times but other than that no problems so far. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I had to order this bike and wait about a month before it came in, seems like everyone wants one. Mine was delivered with XT hubs instead of the generics which was a nice surprise(Maybe Giants switched to the XT's because of the generic hub complaints) Best bike you can buy at this price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Pa Usa
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | lung buster | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | saucon valley bikes | | Strengths: | Fast Reasponsive Ride
Climbs fairly well
Big Value | | Weaknesses: | W/Out rear lock out you can feel pedaling imputs slightly and stock fork is much to heavy for racing. This years model has no tubless which hinders its racing pluses. | | Similar Products Used: | Treks and Other Giants | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for upgraded fork(sid xc)and rear d(xtr) | | Bottom Line: | With a few more bucks in upgrades the giant xtc nrs 2 is a real value in the racing world. If you do but one do the upgrades right off the showroom floor its will save you big bucks down the road.
Sug Upgrades
Change fork to between a duke xc or sl
Change deralliurs to xt's
Order your bike with a sid with lockout in the rear | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B W
a Racer
from Arkansas
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Light weight,good parts mix,one word describes it FUN!! | | Weaknesses: | I borrowed the ride from a friend just to test it out ,could find no faults except for the wide bars, maybe. | | Bottom Line: | Good God reading the other reviews here I don't understand why the guys gave it 5 flam'in turds, but whatever.I think some people think this thing is freeride/downhill rig...they are confused. Its great for a core trail rider.It gave a primo ride right off the showroom floor with little tinkering,great fun to ride.Python airlights are the poop for cross country racing in most any condition....Take a big whiff.This bike was extremely well thought out,and a great value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Felipe Rezk
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle & Fitness Store | | Strengths: | Estremely fast on technical trails. Accelerates great and stops even better. Cornering capabilities are quite good, except for the lousy tires. | | Weaknesses: | My Crank had to be replaced because it was deffective. The symptom was: skipping gears on steep hills. Tha frame makes a lot of noise, Squeaks all the time. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS2 | | Bike Setup: | REar shock adjusted to my wight 175 lbs and fron is stock at 100 mm travel | | Bottom Line: | Extremely fast bike on terrible tires. I replaced my WARP DS2 with thi bike and the difference is amazing. I did not expect such a difference. The total amount of time required for me to finish the Oleta Park Trails on the DS2 was about 1:25:00. On the NRS2 it is 1:07:00. Pretty amazing!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1430.00 | | Purchased At: | Plaine's All-sports, Albany | | Strengths: | A great bike for xc riding
Sweet Black fork
Great SID rear shock
No bob or feedback what so ever
Lx/Xt, Avid Mechs
Light frame | | Weaknesses: | I ended up trading this in for a Ac Air. Why you ask? too much flex! I weigh 225 and the bike had probs tracking down rocky or tech. trails - - lots of kreeking and sqeaks from the linkage bearings too.
Python tires suck - - too sketchy in wet stuff
Shim. 515's are junky pedels in mud | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant Ac Air
Dbr X10
GT Lts-2000
Jamis Dakar
Azonic Ds-1 rigid ss, my other bike. | | Bike Setup: | returned | | Bottom Line: | NOT a big dude's bike. Leave that to the Ac series. Great for xc and racing, good parts, light. Gets a 4 overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy Hyde
a Cross Country Rider
from Ellenwood, Ga. USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow River Creekside | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeCenterUSA Stockbridge, Ga | | Strengths: | Avid Mech Discs are great (one finger action!) Bike looks great! No bob when pedaling! | | Weaknesses: | I weight 215, 225 riding weight! The fork is way too soft. Ordered a stiffer spring from Manitou but it's been two weeks and it still hasn't arrived at the shop! Extremely upset! I understand that the bike has to be sold for a 140-170 lb rider, but at least have some stiffer springs in stock! Come on Manitou! Python tires suck. Many washouts! Ditched the Shimano pedals for Time Thermoplastic types. Still trying to get the rebound set good on the Rock Shox SID rear shock. I would like more travel front and back but this will be good for XC racing. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Trek Y-3, 1999 Judy XC w/Eibach multi-stage stiff springs, Fox Vanilla with 900# spring. Fat bike weighed 32 lbs. Lots of flex. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Time pedals, Thompson seatpost, and just ordered Panaracer XC Fire tires to replace the fat snakes. THE fenders for wet days. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike except for the pedals and spring in the fork. It looks killer! Rides great and it's pretty light. Climbs a lot better than a 32 lb bike. I'll race this bike in the GAP series but I'm really waiting for a Santa Cruz Heckler in June or July! Feels like riding a hard tail until you hit a bump, then it just soaks it up! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nitzan gertz
a
from hadera, israel
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | single track - israel | | Strengths: | the nrs system works great. the 2002 tires were replaced by the manufactor- it feels good. the gear shifts very smoothly. the bikes are not heavy at all, good value for the money!!! it also looks good..... | | Weaknesses: | haven't found, yet, though it somtimes it feels & act like a hard tail, rather than a full suspension.... | | Similar Products Used: | giant wrap ds2 | | Bike Setup: | stock, as is. | | Bottom Line: | i love it, don't hesitate to put your money for the deal!!!!
i'll write more in the future.overall, it seems like it is a lifetime purchase, for me (or at least, for the next 10-15 years....). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2179.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath Calgary | | Strengths: | Value, You can't get a better bike for the price. look at the components that it comes with stock. | | Weaknesses: | uuhh hhhmmm well um gee there really isn't one. Its totaly a awsome bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 90 disc, Specailized FSR XC Disc, Rocky Mountain Spice.
| | Bike Setup: | Bone stock, Its loaded from the factory. | | Bottom Line: | The bike handles great it really doesn't bob when you are tearing up the hills, The suspension works great, shifts are smooth, and its a pretty light weight bike. The Hayes mechanical discs take a little while to break in, but once thats done they bite great. The only thing better would be the NRS1 or NRS AIR. It doesn't get any better than this!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Houston Rogers
a Cross Country Rider
from Tubac, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1430.00 | | Purchased At: | Domenic's | | Strengths: | Excellent deal for the money. The no-sag, no-bob, 4 link rear suspension works as stated as opposed to other frames that claim it. Plush front fork and perfect match with the Avid disks. Lots of room for "dialing in" the perfect ride. | | Weaknesses: | Front LX derailleurs need to be switched out to XT. Loose the Python tires for something a little more aggressive. No-name hubs. Shimano 515's are O.K. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Easton Monkey Lite bar, XT front derailleur, Velociraptor tires | | Bottom Line: | Won't miss my hardtail and climbs great. Not only are the components great for the price, your getting the frame which is great place to start. Could be a pound or so lighter (but I'll work on that!). Get your LBS to switch out the tires and front derailleur for free and you got yourself one sweet deal. 5 OUTTA 5 Chilis for the whole Enchilada! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
craig
a Weekend Warrior
from burbank ca
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | verdugo mtns | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | vans | | Strengths: | great all around parts for the money | | Weaknesses: | wheelset on the heavy side
| | Similar Products Used: | schwinn homegrown f.s. | | Bike Setup: | stock except saddle and pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bike a blast to ride.it climbs great and decends even better.a very confidence inspiring ride.i'm not changing anything except the wheelset.the black fork is exceptual and the handling is smooth and precise.you couldn't invest your money any wiser.plus it looks great.i get allot of compliments from other riders and hikers about this bike.so if you want to have fun while you ride this bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Yoder
a Weekend Warrior
from Ridgecrest, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 007, Bass Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | TJ Frisbee's | | Strengths: | Bike rides just outstanding. Climbs great and is very swift on the downs. Shifts great, looks great. Fork is outstanding. I just leave it on the 100mm adjustment all the time. The bike rides like a hardtail wich is great, because other full suspension bikes tend to shift over jumps. Avid disc breaks are awesome. All around good bike. | | Weaknesses: | The Hutch Pythons tires that came with the bike are really weak. I replaced them after my first ride due to several narly wash-outs... I replaced the bars also because they did not have a very good rise on them. About .5 The foward derailer is only Deore. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90, Trek hardtails 8500, 8000, 6900 | | Bike Setup: | Black comp fork 80/100, SID XC rear shock, raceface cranks and sprockets, Avid Disc breaks, Mutano raptor tires and Easton Hi rise monkey bars. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is pretty bad ass for the money. I recommend this bike to anyone looking to drop into a full suspension coming from a hardtail or just starting to do singletrack. If you do buy this bike though try to get the dealer to replace the tires. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from montgomery, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | palos | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Spokes | | Strengths: | The frame and rear shock are great. The bike rides really nice and corners what seems pretty well. The components are great I am switching the risers for flat bars and the brakes are awesome.
| | Weaknesses: | I noticed the fork is really pretty soft and just on the test ride if I stand up and push down on it the fork bottoms out.
| | Similar Products Used: | Tried duke xc, judy xc, and sid xc
| | Bike Setup: | Stock Giant NRS 2 | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike alot and I hope that I don't have to replace the fork because that will cost more than I want it to but other than the fork the bike is awesome. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Weeks
a Cross Country Rider
from New Glasgow, N.S., Canada
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fitzpatrick Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Hub Cycle in Truro N.S. | | Strengths: | Very Well Spec'd off the shelf. NRS works as advertised with no bob. Hayes disks are great and my bike also came with XT hubs. | | Weaknesses: | RaceFace prodigy chainrings are too soft and easily bent. Spec'd tires are probably good for hardpack but not much else. | | Similar Products Used: | All hardtails, M2 Stumpjumper, Cdale F2000 | | Bike Setup: | stock except I switched the tires to Panaracer Fire XCpro, upgraded the front fork to a Black Elite 100/120, and switched to Time ATAC Alium pedals | | Bottom Line: | Lots of bike for the buck. Easy adjustment for hardtail riders, but suprisingly active on the bumps. I am 6' 215 lbs and am riding 215psi in the pos and 50psi in the neg of the rear shock. That's softer then recommended for no bob, but it still works great. I upgraded to a 4"/5" travel front fork and haven't gotten out of 5" mode yet(big smile). This is a great trail bike. I would highly recommend this bike to anyone who rides xc and small drops (prob less than 3'). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Strecker
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Royal National Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Phantom Cycles -Tahmoor | | Strengths: | Well spec'd for the price, most recommended by knowledgable collegues as the most suitable bike for stated requirments and usage,NRS works as stated - no bob no loss, love the Hayes Disks and Black forks, Looks Great. | | Weaknesses: | don't like the standard tyres on loose sand /rocks, nothing much else, did have to wind up the front and rear damping to compinsate for weight (170lbs). | | Similar Products Used: | prev - hard tail Haro also tried Sugar 3 and Schwinn rocket 88-3, Specialised FSR | | Bike Setup: | stock except pedals (545's) and Velocoraptors. | | Bottom Line: | the NRS2 is recommended for good value and good performance for the Bikes stated function ie XC / general trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from victoria bc, canada
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the cleaner | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | fort st cycle | | Strengths: | great specs for the price. other reviews mentioned cheap hubs, but mine came with xt's. the ride feels great, especially for someone who is used to hardtails. the nrs system really doesn't bob, it's just a really great ride and
handles singletrack beautifully as well as the downhills.
| | Weaknesses: | the manitou black does have some cool features but sacrifices some performance. the stock springs were way too soft for me and i'm only 175 pounds. the stock tires are a joke for west coast riding, they were swapped the day of my first ride | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel, rocky mountain instinct | | Bike Setup: | switched to 545's, velocoraptors and a higher rise bar | | Bottom Line: | if, like me you want to go from a hardtail to full suspension and are a mix of xc and freeride you should look into the giant, i've had it for a few months and am completely happy with it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pedro moreno
a Cross Country Rider
from miami, florida
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | markam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1329.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle worldgreat rear suspension | | Strengths: | great rear suspension, if set up right. love those avid disk brakes. alot of bike for the price. black fork works great. | | Weaknesses: | race face prodigy cranks kinda flexy. front derailur needs constant adjustment. i don't know about those no name hubs | | Similar Products Used: | first fs bike, always been loyal to hard tails till now. | | Bike Setup: | changed race face prodigys for truvativ stylo team. xtr front derailur | | Bottom Line: | i tried last years model in august and was sold. this bike climbs better than my xtc se 1. the disk breaks are flawless and powerfull.i had a litle trouble with the cranks, but once i changed them for the truvativs stylo team, shifting and climbing went alot smoother. the new. black fork works great, but i've heard that if you weigh more than 170 lb springs may not be stiff enough. i weigh 160lb and have done 5ft drops with no problems. this bike is incredible, it has allowed me to be more agressive on decents and on climbs. if you ride a hard tale and are thinking of making the change to fs, this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Aiken, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Stevens Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Andy Jordan's | | Strengths: | Bang for the buck...You get a lot of bike for 1500 bucks. The rear suspension just plain works as long as you set it up per the Giant (not RockShox) website. Love the Avid disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | No-name hubs. The rear hub clacks worse than the old Ace of Spades clothes-pinned to the front fork of my first bike. Don't care for the near-slick rubber on the rims. | | Similar Products Used: | Wicked Fat Chance...Manitou FS ('96)... | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock...but: replaced the handlebars with a Hyperlite 3 degree bend. Replaced the near-slicks with WTB Velociraptors frt/rear. Put my old 737 clipless pedals in place of the new Shimano junk pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, great price. Dump the rubber if you ride dirt. Get rid of the hi-riser h-bars. I will replace the hubs (rear at least) soon. Oh yeah, BTW, my left crank (Race Face) nearly fell off my 2nd time out. I know I should check everything before the ride...just a heads up to re-torque everything the first several times out, at least.
Don't buy this bike if you are out for a magic carpet ride. It does, however, knock the edge off the roots and rocks. The sub-4" suspension is perfect for x-country hammering.
I read some reports from people rating the earlier model years, and complaining about the thickness (or lack) of the aluminum used in the frame...puuullllllease!!! This is not a beater/jumping bike, and is not built with el-thicko aluminum! My Answer Manitou FS was built with what sounds like nearly identical thickness aluminum (i.e. VERY THIN). I have put thousands of off-road miles on it. Thin-wall aluminum is a beautiful thing! BTW, I am 6'4" and weigh 240... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Butler
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Onya Bike | | Strengths: | Very well specked for the price, reasonable weight, handles well at low and high speed. Excels on steep technical climbs, and has enough travel to handle most obstacles in XC racing. The SID rear Shock allows a very wide range of adjustment and can be tuned for any riding style. | | Weaknesses: | I don't really like the Manitou Blacks (see my review for details), the Hays breaks don't have as much power as I expected and the tires are not much good for anything but road riding and really relaxed mountain biking. I found that the handlebars caused my little fingers to go numb. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except with more aggressive tires and straight bars | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike, lots of fun to ride and with decent tires (2.3inch DH on the front) it will go where ever you point it and beg for more. It does tend to be a little sluggish on tight single track as it has quite a long wheel base and a rather long stem, but it's climbing and descending ability more than make up for it. Can be used for anything and by anyone. It is especially suited to XC riding and racing and is a good starting platform for upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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