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Submitted by
Roberto
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | King Cedidro | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Still going strong after much abuse | | Weaknesses: | If you are having any trouble with your "drive train" on this bike - check the front rings. For me, brand new XT rings turned out to be too dainty to hold the chain when the rear suspension engaged. As you might imagine, this caused me much physical and emotional pain and suffering. ********** Make sure you get rings (esp. the middle) with BIG TEETH and you will have no worries. I don't think the boys at Shimano were thinking about these full suspension rigs as they shaved and tweaked every facet of their fancy little rings. | | Bike Setup: | Went with XT for most component replacements | | Bottom Line: | Replace the chainrings with those having BIG TEETH or this bike will toss your chain and you will be verry verry sorry. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taybn
a Weekend Warrior
from SF Bay Area, USA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Chabot, Skyline (Napa) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Connection, Mountain View | | Strengths: | Excellent climber, relatively light, great ergonomics, same frame as the high end nrs' so it's great for upgrading, lightening,etc. | | Weaknesses: | stock tires sucked bad. Rock Shox Pilot SL sucks but i'll wait 'til it brakes to replace it. | | Similar Products Used: | I shopped for a dual suspension bike for about a year on a tight budget- rode or checked out a ton of bikes under 2k. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for: XT rear Derailleur, WTB Velociraptor tires, Xt front hub w/ disc brake and heavy duty chain. | | Bottom Line: | Therenot much the average rider is gonna do that the NRS won't handle. My bike sees some fairly technical trails and the suspension gets pushed (this bike takes some drops that it was never meant to) and so far it has held up well. There really aren't any comparable bikes for the money on the market. if you're looking for a good xc/trailbike that climbs like a hardtail and takes the edge off the bumps it's a great value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Brasschaat, Antwerp, Belgium
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bouillon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cicli Cornelo | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | about everything | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Kona | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Crossride, Ritchey Z MAX, XT for the rest, Sella Italia, Ritchey ahead | | Bottom Line: | Here is the list of what I changed in those 1 1/2 year I own the bike: Wheels and tires, shifters, brakes, front derailleur, rear derailleur, rear shock( warranty replaced), springs front shock, saddle, and of course the drive chain 4 times.
The last thing what happened now is the seattube that broke, but no problem, the frame will be replaced (5 years warranty)
So, for a bike that coasted me € 1.000, I payed about €1.000 extra for keeping it riding. On the other hand, if I broke the frame every 2 year, I ride with a new frame for the rest of my life. Thank you Giant !
Buy this bike for city use. Don't buy it if you like going off the road. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Staten Island NY
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Long Pond | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$825.00 | | Purchased At: | Bennit's Bike | | Strengths: | Overall it’s a good bike. It climbs well. It excels in snow and mud. The bike has about 1,300 miles on it, it still rides well. | | Weaknesses: | In the almost 2 years I have owned this bike I have replaced the bottom bracket, this is it’s second rear shock and the front shock has had to be rebuilt(no cost to me). I suspect the poor shock performance may be related to the fact that I weigh 200lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | GT agressor 3 and a Toys R US $50 special | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I got what I paid for… no more no less. I would recommend this bike. It does a great job of getting through mud, snow and thin ice. A lot of my riding this year has been below 20F and the bike and its suspension has had no troubles. Its steers well over rocks and roots on tight single track trails. It’s fast on the fire roads of upstate NY and pedals efficiently uphill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedro / Cedillo | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | This is another FOLLOW UP review.
Forks turned out to be better than I thought . . . | | Weaknesses: | Cranks turned out to be worse than I suspected . . . | | Bike Setup: | New oil for the forks - new cranks / bb | | Bottom Line: | CRANKS - Don't sell yourselves short, get new cranks. I got new xt's & rings and installed them myself - but see product reviews before doing so (thanks MtbREVIEW!). For around $100 you can drastically improve the personality of this bike. Worth every penny.
FORKS - If you weigh more than 100 lbs - get heavier weight fork oil (10-20 lbs) - & you will experience a lot more of that "plush" action that these forks lack with their factory standard 5 lb 'one-size-doesn't-fit-all' oil. Then set the air pressure based on your weight and these forks will serve you better than they did out of the box. Lots of bang for the buck - once you get 'em dialed in. Only use the Rock Shox "service" literature from their web site as a guide line. Don't be intimated by all the steps. Just change out the oil and you are good to go. Well worth it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Palace | | Strengths: | Very sexy look. Great center of gravity. Amazing rear brake, especially for the money, nice components for the money. | | Weaknesses: | The V brakes really do stink. I hate V brakes. They dont stop for anything when they are wet, muddy, hot, or have dirt or leaves in them. Also, the tires included are terrible. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 NRS 3, Shimano Deore disc brakes, Hutchinson gold elite squirpion tires. | | Bottom Line: | Amazing buy for the buck. But for more active riders, you gotta buy disc brakes. The Shimano Deore hydrolic disc brakes are amazing (another great buy for the buck). This bike is great, try it out, and trust me, you will love it after you test ride it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesus Ruvalcaba
a Cross Country Rider
from south lake tahoe,california,USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | fallen leaf lake,nothstar mountain bike resort | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | sports ltd | | Strengths: | great suspension rock shock air judy the back suspension
27 speeds super light aluxx sl butted aluminum frame with a no resonance system suspension great avid v brakes fast al stem great helbent handlebar rappid fire shifting is great | | Weaknesses: | only weknesses i have found is minnor ghost shifting when doing really sandy trails but only had that happen once | | Similar Products Used: | nirve burn bmx pacific mountain bike and mongoose | | Bike Setup: | coler blue and silver nice frame designed perfect for racing i ride it evry day air shock fits great | | Bottom Line: | THE giant nrs xtc 3 is the best bike ive ever ridden in it can take even the hardest trails on great and i like how it feels like a hard tail up hill but when you need that back shock its there when on bumps or if your going more than 180 rpm is when the back air shock will funtion great you can always make suspension it whnever you want too the tires are some of the best going too the seat isnt that confertable which is why i got a kona seat and free agent pedals beacuse this bike is clip in pedals but i got those too for free with the dealer plus a specializes helmet all for 400 and the bike fells like a 1000 doller bike it is great | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a Weekend Warrior
from everett, washington, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | nrs system, geometry, stiffness, rear shock, handling and the handlbar setup | | Weaknesses: | front derailer, fork, brakes | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rockhopper fsr | | Bottom Line: | the giant XtC nrs 3 is good, but not perfect. THis bike is good for agressive crosscountry, but the fork can bottom out on 5+ ft drops. i love the way it rode because it has no bob and it acts almost like a hardtail that can soak up the bumps you run into. The problem with the front derailer was that if you were on the middle ring and you went off a drop and your back wheel id not hit first, the chain fell down to the smallest ring. it is great for doing just cross country, but the brakes didn't stop very efficiantly. if you do a lot of downhilling then this is not the bike for you. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nando
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Nut, Horse's Boot, RHR, Emma, ;-) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | NRS system rocks, excellent climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Original fork, cransket, other components. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar, Titanium hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Med frame with 90mm stem, Mavic wheels, Psylo SL fork, LX Hollowtech crankset, Time ATAC pedals, SRAM 9.0 drivetrain, Avid SD3 brakes. Everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | Here's the deal: This bike has the exact same frame as the top-of-the-line NRS Air (per Giant's own website). So if you alreadey have some decent components (like I did), buying one of these will give you more bang for your buck. Unless you're too concerned about the paint color scheme giving away your frame's year/model.
I'm very pleased with my NRS and how it rides compared to my hardtail. There really is no pedal-induced bobbing.
The frame does seem to run a little long for its size. Mine is a Medium and a full ¾" longer than my medium (long-top-tube) hardtail. So I went for an 80mm x 10° stem and that took care of that.
Rear shock setup instructions were dead-on. Follow them and enjoy the ride.
Will post a follow up by end of summer. For now, 5 chilis for awesome vale, 4 chilis overall unless I find out it's perfect.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | 900. | | Strengths: | Suspension,lightweight | | Weaknesses: | Stock fork, wheels & brake pads | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black Air Elite fork, everything else stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike except the Mavic 221 rims & factory spokes (at least for a big guy like me 6'5" 225#). Rear spokes shot after 6 months; paid $60. to rebuild the wheel with same rim - NOT !! Rim sidewall blewout at 9 months of mostly in city riding on pavement. Brake pads wear easily also.
I would buy another NRS but it would have to be the NRS1 with better components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean
a
from california
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | frame is strong i took a 8 foot drop to flat on it and it had no troubles though i am only 125 pounds and it did bottom out | | Weaknesses: | the front shock sucks, the peddels suck and the tires are by far the worst | | Bike Setup: | stock kinda mostly | | Bottom Line: | if i had another chance i would of got the nrs 2, the bike is very strong if ur a light rider you will have no problems plan on getting new pedals and the tires will wear out very fast i also broke the chain and cassett in less then a year but i ride alot ITS A GOOD ONE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Manila, Philippines
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Maarat, San Mateo | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Joven Bikes | | Strengths: | Durable, good value. A bike you can keep forever | | Weaknesses: | Limited colors, too sweet to get muddy | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.5, Dearo group set, Alex 24 blade wheelset and Avid Discs | | Bottom Line: | It's been almost 8 months, 17 pounds and 2,500 kms since I bought and submitted my first review of the NRS3. Had since upgraded to Alex wheelset and Avid Disc brakes (my gift for myself last Christmas). The bike still rides great and has saved me a couple of times. have used it climbing and descending and it is the best all around XC bike I know of.
Still the best money I spent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fall line - Mt. Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Primeau Velo - Laval | | Strengths: | Value for money | | Weaknesses: | Crappy 515 pedals, Cheap ^%^# suntour cranks, what were they thinking ? | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Devinci Dragonfly | | Bike Setup: | Stock with LX cranks, LX Disc /Mavic 223's, HMX-1 Cable Disc Brakes, Avid SD 7 Levers, Jagwire fitted | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, but needed to spend a bit on some upgrades. The cranks have to go period!!!
Be careful to check the manufacturers specs, my dealer tried to substitute original parts for cheap crap parts until I caught him out. Don't forget to ask for the manual, shock pump and pedal cleats. They also tried to sell these to me when they come free with the bike. Choose a dealer you can trust. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren
a Weekend Warrior
from Brandon, Fl
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | AJ Barnes | | Strengths: | Great value for the price. Very light (26 lbs). I love the paint scheme. | | Weaknesses: | The soft front fork and cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for replaced the crank (Deore Hollow tech). Added lizard skins for rear shock and chain guard. | | Bottom Line: | I'm 5'9" and weight about 185 lbs, this bike is perfect for me. I have a medium size frame (18.5). I owned a trek 7000ZX and Cannodale M600 and would compare the quality of the bike to any manufacture. Nice bike and I look forward to doing some serious riding on it. Buy it, you'll love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karlo
a Racer
from Houston
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Rear suspension, Wheels (rode on a flat for about a mile on rocky terrain without it bending or braking) | | Weaknesses: | Frame, Mosquito tires, handlebar | | Bottom Line: | Used it during my christmas vacation on a trail in Mexico and almost killed myself, jumped a small creek and landed front wheel first (happens to everyone, sometime) wheel got stuck and the frame bent in half top tube broke flew over the handlebars landed head first. Bike needs stronger and thicker frame even if it gains a few pounds.
Still a very good bike for XC riding without any jumps higher than 2 feet.
Watch out landing front wheel first | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roberto Madera
a Weekend Warrior
from Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Las Paldas, Guanica P.R. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1295.00 | | Purchased At: | The Wheel Shop | | Strengths: | Great overall bike, the rear shock is very good considering that my weight is 250 pounds. This is a very good entry level full suspension bike. | | Weaknesses: | The judy C fork and the Suntour crank set are not strong enough for a heavy guy like me. | | Similar Products Used: | non, this is my first full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Fork: Duke Race, Stem: Titec fat head, Handlebar: Titec Hellion, Seat Post: Dean Ti Hubs: Chris King, Full XTR components. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, but some components need to be improved. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eli
a
from York, PA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Airplane | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works | | Strengths: | Climbs like a goat-no bob what so ever.It's light for a xc full suspension. No lockout levers-so it still takes hits going uphill and you can focus more on the trail. But when going downhill,it's a whole different bike. Fairly cheap for it's performance and has great potential for upgrades | | Weaknesses: | Very Heavy crank.The front fork is too soft-it bobs.(only the fork does). It can cause the bike to endo on the downhill. The tires are too agressive,wear fast. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 1 and 2. There is no match for the NRS line. | | Bike Setup: | Everything is stock but the tires. I plan to get a SID SL fork, XT crank, Discs,etc. | | Bottom Line: | The NRS 3 is a wonderfull bike. There is no match. This product has a substantial value. In my view, the NRS 3 is worth more than it costs. The whole 3 months I have had my NRS, I have loved it. It works well in all conditions, taking abuse well. As long as you keep the pivots greased and clean (as well as the whole bike) it rides great. The ideal consumer for this bike would be an XC rider that wants a comfortable, yet nimble ride and wants a bike that has been race-tested and race approved. The Giant NRS 3 is a stupendous bike in performance,quality, and value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Goodman
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pottery Road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath Toronto | | Strengths: | No Bob in climbing, kick ass strong frame, ok Components | | Weaknesses: | JUDY XC AIR POS FORK, crank, tires | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale DS bush pig... | | Bike Setup: | Stock, for the exeption of Hayes Hydrolics, Trip Comp. BTA Light, Maxxis High Roller Semi Slicks, Roach Body Cover, Topiec Superlight Fenders, Lizard Skin... | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line with this girl, is its a best buyin my books. This is the first full suspentionbicycle I have owned, although I have driven many in my time. The way the frame is set up is amazing with no energy lost in an uphillclimb. I am satisfied with the bike, but the minute I get the money to do it, that front and rear suspention is gone. The front being changed toRock Shox Psylo SL's and the rear to a SID with an adjustible rebound. All in all though, weather you are a cross country driver, or a forest pig, this bike can handle anything you throw at it. I originally bought the bike for "Path Riding" but it turned out to be an off road choice. I have jumped this bike many times, and even with the crappy shocks, it has survived everything I have given to her.I have bailed many times off of her, hardcore, and not even a scratch... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
larry c
a Cross Country Rider
from royal oak-mich
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | paint-creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop-'02 model | | Strengths: | amazing; all works-no bobbing,as claimed.bring a lunch cause its hard to stop riding. | | Weaknesses: | frame is top notch.the #3 line gets no name componets however-but saves$$$. | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose pro valiant. | | Bike Setup: | xt isis crank+113 b.b.,xtr shifter,sxR fork,sid XC w/rebound adj.,shimano hubs,ritchy rims,xtr 8 cassette,odyssey platforms,specialized hardrockR tires,titec knucklehead stem,profile maniac bars,specialized bg grips+seat,slick cables,c.creek zs2 headset. | | Bottom Line: | year-end clearence is the time to buy.color choice is limited however.Giant needs to upgrade the b.b. to a known brand-no excuse for what they installed in the #3 line.otherwise-it deserves all the praise its recieved.thanks Giant..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedro / Cedillo | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | FULL SUSPENSION WITH SIMPLE TRIANGULAR FRAME GEOMETRY No weird seat post cantilevers. No mush on uphill stand up kicks (acts like a hardtail) GREAT NO FRILLS BIKE No Gimmicks. | | Weaknesses: | Both tires are front tires! - - - as far as the terrain out here is concerned. If you are going to use this machine on rocks and sand, get a new rear tire as soon as you get the bike! Otherwise, you will need a new tire after two rides! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized 2001 Stumpjumper FSR XC Full Suspention
Some older hard tail Stumpjumpers
year old GT iDrive | | Bike Setup: | Out of the box - just a new back tire | | Bottom Line: | After some of the reviews I read on this site I was a little worried about the toughness of this bike because I abuse equipment as bad as I abuse my own body (not a pretty picture usually) But the bike has taken an unbelievable amount of punishment. I am impressed by the toughness of this bike.
I was also worried about the "cheap" components. Not anymore. They've worked well in dust, mud, rain. I guess if I ever stop to help someone with a broken lightweight racing bike, they might see that I have an LX and not an XT . . . Who cares?
Bottom line ___ I am very thankful to this web site in my research - it helped me make a great decision. I got just what I wanted. I love my new bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kristoffer
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Frame, rear suspension and balance. | | Weaknesses: | Judy XC front fork bobs which is annoying when the rear suspension is so good. Will try with heavier oil. | | Similar Products Used: | My old GT LTS | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Really good frame, handles well and good fun to ride. Rear suspension is stiff, but that's how it works. Does Rock shox bother to revalve the rear shocks for the expected weight of the riders? I have a large frame so you could expect the rider to be around 160-200. However when you pump up the rear shock for that it could need a lot more rebound damping. Not a big problem, it still rides good. Front fork will be replaced, I knew that before I bought the bike. Unless I dent the frame I think I will have this bike for a while as it is a good quality frame that deserves upgrades. Top job for the price! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg MB.
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | I dont have one yet | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia Ski Cycle | | Strengths: | There is absolutley no suspension bobing when it is set up correctly.The weight is descent (for the price)and the NRS handles awsum! | | Weaknesses: | Tires wear extremely fast,and a lizard skin is a must! | | Similar Products Used: | I had baught a Giant Rainer, unfortunatly it was stolen. | | Bike Setup: | The bike is basically factory except I have put on Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, and a lizard skin. | | Bottom Line: | Go to youre nearest authorized Giant dealership and take a NRS for a test ride!(make sure you have money for a deposite)This bike is alot of fun to ride if youre not a huge dude.I have not had any problems with the suspension or anything else, other than tire wear.As long as youre not a thrasher and you want a nice ride this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guppie
a Weekend Warrior
from FL
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | geometry fits my body nicely. Love the NRS - does what it stands for when you have it dialed in properly. Weight is more than reasonable on my rig, actually it really light! | | Weaknesses: | Do not like the generic hubset even tho the rims aren't too bad (Mavic 221). Also do not like the generic crankset. I especially do not like the "zero stack" headset - although its quality made by Cane Creek, it the only component I can't service myself... Oh yeah, a bit pricey - it should start under $1000 | | Similar Products Used: | RockHopper A1 Comp (hardtail), RockHopper FSR XC (dual susp) | | Bike Setup: | Avid SD5 brakeset, complete XT drivetrain, Sun RhynoLite w/LX hub wheelset, Manitou X-Vert Air fork. | | Bottom Line: | I know, I should have bought NRS2, but I really wanted V-Brakes and NRS3 is the only one with rear brake bosses. Apart from a few slight differences, this is just as sweet as NRS1 (without XTR). I've put alot of upgrades, but I acquired some parts over time from previous bike. I have this NRS3 exactly the way I wanted and its awesome! You need to dial in the suspension (front and rear) properly and it makes a huge difference! Although its dual suspension, it rides like a hardtail but takes the big hits nicely! If your looking to freeride or huck, then you'll blow the rear suspension - get yourself a freeride bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Victorvile
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 007, Slickrock, Wasatch Crest, etc. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Fun bike. Good design for climbing. Fun Downhill. (My last MTB was a rigid frame) | | Weaknesses: | Front fork is too soft. Hard to stand up and climb due to the pogo effect of front fork. On loose steep downhills it wants to endo. Rockshox replaced the seals after they blew out & replaced the basketball valve with a schrader. Rear tire showing major wear after only about 300 miles. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode Fisher Sugar 4+, Others | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | A good bike for a first full suspension. I'm 175 lbs and it seems to take reasonable abuse. Upgrade the front fork when it fails and it is no longer under warranty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steamthief
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Ana River Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1020.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclery USA | | Strengths: | Lightweight, no-bob suspension, bang-for-the-buck! | | Weaknesses: | Heavy crank, squishy fork, chain-slap, Mosquitos stink on dry terrain and wear way too fast. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Sugar 3+ & 4+, GT I-Drive, Trek Fuel 80, KHS FXT Rage, Specialized FS (low-end, I forget the model.) | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/Lizard Skin, Panaracer Fire Pro XCs, Truvativ Stylo Team crank on order. | | Bottom Line: | For a XC bike, the NRS3 is smokin'! I'm 6'1", 210, and more aggressive with each ride, and after numerous crashes, I'm convinced this bike is built to last. Climbs like a goat, soaks up rocky stuff very well, and get the rear shock dialed in to Giant spec to kiss pedal bob good-bye. After free tune-up at LBS, shifting is smooth, like a big stick of butter. Fork seems squishy at times; I'll have to try upgrading the spring to better handle my weight. Crankset is heavy (1300 g!), but gets the job done. A bit of chainslap going downhill, but an $8 LizardSkin has remedied that annoyance. If you ride primarily on dry trails, have the LBS switch out the Mosquitos for Fire Pros or Pythons. Despite the few minor rants, I liked the feel of this bike better than all the others listed above. Overall, I have no regrets in buying this bike - an excellent XC bike for the money spent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, South Australia
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any with dirt and a good dose of corners | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Phantom Cycles (Kerry has some great deals) | | Strengths: | - Great climber
- Excellent upgrade from hardtail
- Strong frame with good no bob characteristics | | Weaknesses: | - No bob does trade off small bump suspension movement
- Frame isn't lightest (but what do you expect for the price) | | Similar Products Used: | None at this stage. This is my first dually. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Forx Vanilla R, LX brakes, LX shifters, Alivio front derailleur, XT rear derailleur, Zac 19 rims, Shimano hubs, IRC Mythos tyres, Deore Octalink crankset, Titec Ringleader bars/Lil Al stem, RockShox SID XC shock. | | Bottom Line: | Let's start off by noting that my parts list is non-standard, as I only bought the frame and shock, and transferred all the other gear from my hardtail. Therefore this is more of a frame review, than a whole bike review.
Well for the price I got the frame, the bike is absolutely superb. With little bob - or absolutely none if you pump up the shock - it makes climbing less of a chore than even my old hardtail (Giant Iguana SE 2002). When it comes to downhill and rough sections, the dually makes a great step up from a hardtail.
While the bike itself isn't marketted at freeride types and the like, it can certainly handle a decent thrashing every now and then. While it isn't made to suck up every kind of bump, it certainly takes the rough terrain out of most trails.
Due to the value I got the bike at, Five chillis is the only option. Four for overall, since some manufacturers have been able to catch up to Giants lead when the NRS was first released. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from Anchorage, AK
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rollercoaster | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Paramount Cycles | | Strengths: | Climbs like a goat, decends ultra plush, rides like a hardtail everywhere else! | | Weaknesses: | That #@$! Judy XC fork! and the tires... | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 4+ | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/XT Cranks, Thompson seat post, Sid XC w/Damping adujstment | | Bottom Line: | This bike ROCKS! I have had practically no problems with this bike, except for the bloody fork which is so soft it isn't even funny. As soon as I get money I'm changing it to something stiffer. The tires are not good tires for anything really...except mud...but by the time it got muddy here I had already thrashed my tires. For the hardpack we have here in AK this bike performs wonderfully. The suspension at +10 positive and 50 negative (like you're supposed to set it up...!) rides with no bob and just like a hardtail. Great for races because I can outsprint the pack most anywhere. Especially in climbing! I don't even have to get out of my saddle for most climbs! All in all, this bike is awesome, especially for it's price (though the upgrade to an NRS 2 is nice because of the rear damping adjustment which I got cause I work at a shop). If you are getting your first FS or are a racer, the NRS is the bike for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Sisters, Oregon USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Peterson Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Hutch's | | Strengths: | Climbs like crazy, lightweight, after tire and wheel upgrade finally carves like my old rigid Trek, very sweet ride, for me the perfect bike. I've gone bonkers for riding this thing...700 miles in three months, that's a lot for a guy with 60 hr job and a family. | | Weaknesses: | In the sandy soil of Central Oregon, the stock tires (Mosquito) are truly awful. Maybe they work somewhere else...? Wasn't crazy about the wheels either. | | Similar Products Used: | My buddy's Specialized Enduro. '96 Trek 820. | | Bike Setup: | Sid SL fork, Cane Creek Cloud 9 shock, Race Face crank, Dave's custom wheel set, Panaracer Dart/Fire XC, WTB pedals. | | Bottom Line: | My buddy promised me if I bought this thing, and I swore I would NEVER spend $1000+ for a bike, that I would have a "perma-grin". Now that I got the wheels/tires dialed in and on-the fly fork and shock adjustability, the thing climbs like a billy goat and I can bomb through rock gardens that used to shake my teeth out. Couldn't be happier, I've burned up thirty pounds of blubber and have grown myself a new set of legs.
Giant is a value buy in general, I also ended up with a Rincon for my 10 yr old and a Warp for my wife. Hutch's bike shop has managed to siphon off all my disposable income since I first darkened their door. I'm giving five flamers for value, four overall on account of marginal stock iemsn namely the crank, tires, and fork. The frame is a ten. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt B
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Arapahoe Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great design, no bob. | | Weaknesses: | Front shock, and crank. Rear shock could use rebound control. | | Bike Setup: | Replace front shock with Marzzochi MXC ECC air 100, deore crank, sram chain. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, its great. It climbs a lot better than my old hard tail, and the down hill is a lot more fun. I would recomend this bike over any hard tail. And, the frame is just great, it handles much better than my old Gary Fisher.
The front shock leaked air, and gave way too much for me (I'm about 185 pounds). Luckly the bike shop broke it trying to put new seals in it, and they gave me a break on the marzzochi.
I also had problems with chain suck, the bike shop replaced the stock crank with a deore under warantee and I haven't had a problem since.
You can also adjust the air in the rear shock for the conditions. For a trail that is a lot of big climbs, I'll put in the body weight +10 in the positive chamber, and about 70 in the negative. That will get me the no bob. For flat trails with a lot of technical stuff, I'll lower the air to 10-15 pounds under my body weight. That will make it as plush as any other Full suspension bike.
I wish it had dampining on the rear shock, but should have gotten the NRS2 I guess...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Bogle
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, VA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great product for the price. The NRS works well and the bike climbs just like my old hardtail in almost all cases. | | Weaknesses: | Wished for a better front fork. The front shock will need to be filled with air before almost every ride. The tires also don't seem to be good for any type of loose material. They work pretty well for very hardpacked trails but when the trail turn sandy ir gravely, you can expect a lot of lateral movement in the bike. The tires have more of a crown on them that doesn't distribute the weight over the loose stuff as well as a wider flatter tire. | | Similar Products Used: | None. First full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a new bike computer. | | Bottom Line: | Great full suspension bike for the price. I couldn't justify the extra $900+ for the upgraded components, UST wheels, and the disc brakes of the Giant NRS 1. Although it would have been nice to get the top of the line bike. But because the frame for the NRS 1 and NRS 3 is the same, I opted for the cheaper bike setup and wait for stuff to break after abusing it for a while. Will upgrade to XT components and have a wait and see attitude on the front shock. Waiting for it to get more broke in before passing judgement. Will also upgrade tire soon as well.
Overall, a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | brandon hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia | | Strengths: | Good frame. Rear suspension great for navigating rocks & roots, with no noticeable bob when climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Judy XC fork leaked air - shop replaced needle valve with schrader valve, which seems to have fixed the problem. Major problems with rear cassette/derailleur: chain became unseated and slipped on virtually any steep climb in the first couple of weeks I owned the bike. In addition to a long stream of expletives, this soon led to repeated chain breaks. I got the chain replaced and the slippage seemed to diminish, but after about 20-25 hours of decent riding, it has returned. My only conclusion is that this bike is hell on chains. If the problem persists, I'm going to have to get a new cassette. | | Similar Products Used: | I had a Giant Butte about 10 years ago. Not so much similar as ... different. Still, it seems to me I had a lot less to worry about when I was riding with no suspension and platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a heavy rider (200 lbs.), but I haven't noticed any problems with the frame. The only real issues are with the fork, which dives a little too much for my liking, and the cassette, on which the chain slips like crazy unless I'm very delicate with my shifting. Even then, the chain sometimes slips right at the toughest part of steep climbs -- believe me, I have the scars on my arms and legs to prove it. Bottom line: although it's a definite upgrade from my old hardtail, I wish I'd gone with something else. A bike you can't climb on is pretty useless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Price
a Cross Country Rider
from Russellville, AR USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail #401 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Highlander Cycling | | Strengths: | Same as before | | Weaknesses: | Same as before, except with the Judy XC added | | Similar Products Used: | Multiple | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Duke XC fork and a Lizard Skin | | Bottom Line: | Just thought I'd add this as a follow-up to my previous review. The bike is still functioning perfectly and I love it to death, but the fork is now replaced by a Duke- the Judy proved to be a poorly engineered and worthless piece with no durability and a tendancy to be ridiculously flexy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MISTY
a Downhiller
from AUSTIN, TX
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | CITY PARK | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | SUN AND SKI SPORTS | | Strengths: | PRICE | | Weaknesses: | NOT TOUGH ENOUGH | | Similar Products Used: | SPECIALEZED STUMPJUMPER | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | I RIDE AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES A WEEK AND IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG FOR THE BIKE TO START SHOWING IT'S WEAKNESSES. DOWNHILL IS A SOFT RIDE, BUT, WAY TOO MUCH FLEX IN THE FRAME UNDER A LOAD. THE REAR DERAILER FLOPS ALOT AND THE CHAIN FELL OFF TOO OFTEN. THE RIMS AND TIRES ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR SERIOUS TRAILS. I BENT THE RIM AND WORE THE TIRES OUT IN LESS THAN A MONTH. THIS BIKE IS GOOD FOR A CASUAL RIDER, DEFINITELY NOT A SERIOUS MOUNTAIN BIKER. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Superior
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Westside Cycles | | Strengths: | Soft ride, great climber, price, frame | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson Mosquito tires, Chain slap (buy lizard skin) Judy XC fork??? | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | First mountain bike, Great value, Kyle from the shop was great,gave me all the techno-babble I desired. With my limited knowledge of biking, this bike has performed flawlessly for me. I've put 122 miles of trail riding only,in less than 3 months. The bike is very good at climbing, very smooth ride,although the front fork is a bit plush and tends to dive to much on heavy braking, will experiment with more air. The tires are fine on smooth/semi loose surface, but will not hold up on rocky trails, the center section of knobs are ripped off or worn down, along with some of the side knobs. The frame is scary thin, and seems to work well for me, but my buddy Juan had a very low speed fall to the side on his and landed on the top tube with his body weight and crushed in part of the tube, a very feak fall, not covered under warranty. Changed seat after the first ride, Shifting is a bit slow and loud but that could just be my lack of skill, skips gears on some hard bumps (Deore LX). All in all I'm very pleased with this bike, and give it five flamin chilis on value, but due to lack of trail miles on other bikes I can't give it five chilis overall. A great first bike.( 45 yrs old,175 lbs) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Joven Bikes | | Strengths: | fantastic upgrade from a hardtail. You get the suspension without the bob. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. Uhh wait ... it really looks too pretty to trash around in the dirt. But then again, boys will be boys. | | Similar Products Used: | tried the GT I-drive ... but does not compare | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.5, Deore Groupset, Specialized saddle, amoeba bars and stem. | | Bottom Line: | Just started biking again 5 months ago for health reasons (hey, I'm 40 years old!). Started with a schwinn moab with a mozo fork. My cousin started bringing me along trailrides in San Mateo and Antipolo ... GOT ME HOOKED! I couldn't catch up to their NRSs and decided to buy my own a couple of days ago. Looked at the NRS1 and NRS2 frames but at $850 was too expensive until the shop pointed me to the NRS3 for $900 for the whole bike. Great bargain so got the NRS3 and transfered all the good parts from the moab and the rest is history. If you are switching from a hardtail ... this is the only choice. Great Bike !!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Re-Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | old northern road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Phantom cycles | | Strengths: | Lightweight
No Bob
Price | | Weaknesses: | Locks up a bit under brakeing but will make you quicker cause you try to stay off the brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Only Hardtails | | Bike Setup: | NRS3 frame & components from 2002 SE2
Duke Race fork | | Bottom Line: | Why did I bother with the Hardtail the small weight penalty is worth the increased comfort and control.
I'm no elite racer and weigh 185 but am quicker on the NRS than I was on the hardtail
The only problem is I find myself now riding drops that I once never would of considered and contemplating a bike with another couple of inches of travel (for a second bike)
This FS is so addictave you will find yourself looking for rough stuff to ride just because you can and wondering what you could ride with a couple more inches of travel (or 8)
I've set the rear shock up at about 10pnd less than my weight and 65pnd in the negative which makes it a bit softer than Giant recomends but more active and I get the full travel
There is a small cycle in the rear when seated but its not from the pedals as it goes away when you stands so I think its just soaking up the weight of my ass coming down on the seat so I dont think it costs me any energy
No its not a downhill machine but as for XC and trailriding its the bomb
Can't think of a reason to take off a chilli
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | light, great value, nrs works, hard tail efficiency but full suspension comfort and control | | Weaknesses: | crappy cranks, flexy frame (but only under high loads) | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. The best bang for the buck i have ever seen or experienced. The bike's handling is a bit sketchy when the pace quickens, but that's just b/c of the tires. I tried some panaracer fire dh's and they worked perfectly. Odd thing is that i can't get the same top speed on this thing as i can w/ my old hardtail, but that's probly cuz of the gearing. The frame is kinda flexy, tho. i weigh 190, and when i burst/sprint, i feel the bottom bracket squirm a bit. I tested it out... i was in the granny gear w/ the rear wheel locked tight and i jammed on the pedal. the whole bb moved about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. kinda unnerving, but i really don't notice it that much on the downhill. The nrs system is awesome. set it up using giant's manual and the thing climbs like a hardtail. great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Price
a Cross Country Rider
from Russellville, AR USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Apple Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Highlander Cycling | | Strengths: | Incredible value
Oil damping on both ends
Functional drivetrain
Great wheelset
Awesome frame design
Superb handling | | Weaknesses: | Chain slaps stays slightly (Lizard Skin on order to remedy)
Slightly flexy cranks | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd: Giant NRS 2, Kona Manomano, Fisher Sugar 4+, Fisher Sugar 3+ Disk
Former bike: Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS | | Bike Setup: | Stock componentry | | Bottom Line: | Unbelievable bike. I listed the cranks as a weakness, but that's just nitpickiness- and at this price, that's NOT a problem at all, especially since upgrading is so cheap. The frameset is near-perfect, the suspension design is phenomenal, and even the fork seems to be extremely serviceable. I've just ridden it for ~50 miles (apologize for the premature review, but I thought I'd rave about it before they're sold out- and I'll give a follow-up later for durability issues), but I already love it.
If you want a full suspension and have any kind of price limit, Giant's NRS3 is the way to go. NOTHING can compare with the value, and the NRS system's efficiency and speed is unmatched. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nacho
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything anywhere anytime | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski Sports | | Strengths: | Great suspension i am heavy and the bike has held up great no bounceing around. Great looking bike great warrenty | | Weaknesses: | Well none really the crank came lose and got bent but it was a probelm from the people that put it together but giant sent the part overnite and sun and ski fix it fast | | Similar Products Used: | a bunch of junk | | Bike Setup: | changed the pedals for some crank bros eggbeaters every thing else as it caome | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike over all handles great up and downhill i would buy it again if i had too. Good for the weekend kind of rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
leather-cheerio
a Cross Country Rider
from Muttontown, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stillwell woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | East Meadow Bike | | Strengths: | Light, great suspension transfer from hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Flexy, thin-walled alum. Cheap components, prepare to upgrade. Only buy this bike if you are a light X-country rider. Hucksters and freeriders need not apply.
I bent the rear after 1 year hard riding XC only.
NOT for big riders. I am 6'3" 260lbs.
Intergrated headset a pain, steel cups and the upgrade is 100$ for sealed bearings.
Went back to Zaskar-very happy again. | | Similar Products Used: | none, first full suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | full XT/XTR, Mavic rims, Race Face Prodigy cranks, Rock Shock Judy XC 100, full syncros everything else. | | Bottom Line: | Bent rear end.
Not for big/aggressive riders.
Lousy components.
Save for NRS 1,2
Good suspension action.
Good First bike for light guys.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Racer
from Ft. Lauderdale, FL,
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tom Brown | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The bike is great after you change the wheels, cassette, fork, crank and BB, pedals, and bar. | | Weaknesses: | The chains slaps the bottom hinge on the chainstay over the rough stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellesworth Truth, Turner O2. Nothing else comes close. | | Bike Setup: | the good stuff! 23.75 lb full suspension | | Bottom Line: | It's a hardtail/full suspension! Don't buy this bike if you can't afford to change 80% of the components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
npzook
a Cross Country Rider
from sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | narrow neck | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | panther cycles | | Strengths: | Comfort, control, and climbing ability in rocky terrain. | | Weaknesses: | A bit noisy on down hill runs in the rough and stock tyres wearing quick from the bitumen | | Similar Products Used: | First full susp | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | A great climber especially on rough ground, heaps better then my old hardtail, and it also takes the pain out of long rides on the dirt. Found that it is easier to ride long distances on this bike. Overall a great buy for a recreational xc rider considering it is the same frames as the nrs1 and 2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Racer
from Tyler, TX
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler State Park or Bar-H | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$975.00 | | Purchased At: | Tanner Bikes, Tyler, TX | | Strengths: | Relatively lightweight for a FS bike, looks good, descent components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | A little noisy on downhills. | | Similar Products Used: | None. This is my first FS rig. | | Bike Setup: | Full XT, CT2 carbon flat bar, Panaracer Fire XC tires, Marzocchi X-Fly 100. | | Bottom Line: | I originally had planned to buy the NRS frameset for $950 but the local bike shop told me they would sell me the NRS 3 full bike for $975. So, knowing that the frames were the same (I called Giant to verify), I purchased the whole bike and then transfered the XT components from my Zaskar on to this bike. I put the lower end components from the Giant on the Zaskar and will use it for races when it's muddy or flat terrain.
With full XT components and a Marzocchi X-Fly 100 shock, the bike weighs in at 27 pounds. That's respectable for a FS bike.
I can't say anything about the frame wall thickness since I have had no problems, but the bike does come with a warranty so I don't see where this is a major issue. Anyway, I have been extremely happy with this purchase. I don't do huge dropoffs and big drops, I wanted something that climbs well and takes the hard edge off of riding roots and the such. This bike does that and more.
I really highly recommend this bike if you are a XC racer or recreational rider. As parts wear out or break on the bike, upgrade to XT and you'll be setup for a while. This is a sweet ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria,BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Chicken | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Fort St. Cycle | | Strengths: | Light, No bob rear suspension, | | Weaknesses: | Thin walled tubing, cheap components | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | XC light as posible | | Bottom Line: | For price, weight and ridged rear suspension while climbing this bike rocks. Unfortunately it gets its lightweight from the thin walled frame and some low end components. I found to my dismay that the crank set is riveted together and instead of replacing the chain ring when its worn you buy a new crank set. The fact that they riveted the chain rings on makes me worry about the rest of the bike. If I had a chance to buy this bike again I would spend the extra for the thicker walled frame. I can't believe that the amount of extra aluminum it would take to beef up the frame would ad weight worth worrying about. I gotta pull a flamin' Chili for the beer can frame. At the same time I thoroughly enjoy riding my bike, I just worry its day are numbered. Buy this bike if you are looking for a good deal and a good al around XC bike. Don't buy it if you are an aggressive rider or plan to race, the bike won't take it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Racer
from Huntington, WV
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Beechfork State Park or Blackbear | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1099.00 | | Purchased At: | Curry's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Fairly light, climbs like a hardtail. Great bike for price. Cheaper components are holding up. Like the riser bar. Set-up stays consistant, once you find it | | Weaknesses: | The seat is hard to get used to. Set up is hard to determine at first. Frame is loud when struck or over bumps. Rear derailler slaps the dropouts too much. | | Similar Products Used: | None, first full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Stock Deore/LX. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a cheaply priced XC racer's bike. With it's thin walled aluminum tubes it is not meant for freeride or down hill, IT IS XC only. I race, and even during the race I don't abuse my bike. If this bike is abused, or any true XC bike is abused, they will fail. If you want a freeride or DH bike do not buy a light XC bike, but if you want a XC no-bob full suspension bike, then this may be the bike for you too. I love my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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