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Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr classifieds | | Strengths: | Climbs like hardtail and descends so much faster. Awesome geometry design with no bob while pedaling. | | Weaknesses: | Creaky seatpost/shim. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Giant Ranier | | Bike Setup: | XT rear derailleur and crankset, deore shifters and front derailleur, mavic 717 discs, xt hubs, avid mechanicals, easton50 seatpost, easton70 stem, '02 marzocchi EXR, tima atac aliums | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I won't ever go back to hardtail. I had an '02 Giant Ranier which costed me 700. Got the NRS frame and swapped parts over and made some upgrades to it. Spent 500 for the frame with additional 400 for some upgrades. You should do the same if you had a nice hardtail with good components and want to try full suspension. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Wirth
a Cross Country Rider
from Wooster, Ohio
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Vulture's Knob | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | William R. Buckwalter | | Strengths: | This bike climbs like a mountain goat. The geometry is amazing, and if you build good componets with it you can have a cross country racer under 24 pounds. | | Weaknesses: | I don't have any, except the stock componets were a little weak for me. So I took it to the top of the line. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar Team Issue
Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | 2002 NRS AIR XTC Pro Series Frame
2004 Rock Shox Sid World Cup w/Lockout
FSA K Force Steapost, and Handlebars
FSA XC-115 Stem
XTR Cassette, Shifters, Front and Rear Derailleurs
XTR Crankset and Bottom Bracket
Selle Italia SLR Carbonio Saddle
Salsa Flip-Off Skewers
Crank Brothers Egg Beater Triple Titanium Pedals
Hayes HFX Mag Plus Hydraulic Disc Brakes
American Classic Disc Wheelset
SRAM PC-99 Hollowpin Chain
ODI Lockable Grips
| | Bottom Line: | If you are not afraid to spend a decent amount of money on a machine that will indeed preform for you, this is the bike. This is a cross-country racer, rider's dream machine. This bike is possibly on of the slickest rides on the market, and if your looking for one badass setup, look this direction. I would like to thank my personal mechanic at Orrville Cycling and Fitness, Mr. Seth Buckwalter, we like to call him Mungwalter. I hope you have found this review useful. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Cross
a Cross Country Rider
from Wixom, MI USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Island Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Light, strong, climbs awsome | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback X2 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Marathon, Magura Louis disc brakes, XT drivetrain, LX cranks, Mavic 223 rims, Hutchinson Python tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazingly quick and nimble. It weighs in at about 28 lbs and is the 22.3" model. It has dropped my times big time and makes me want to ride more often. I bought the frame off Ebay and built it up from my other bike with some upgrades. ALL the guys I ride with are amazed how much quicker I am on this thing...it's awsome...and it looks cool in Team Blue! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glynn
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, Co.
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bicycles (Off this Site) | | Strengths: | Light weight, great geometry, no pedal-induced bobbing. | | Weaknesses: | Shimmed seat post. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback DBR V6, NRS3 | | Bike Setup: | XT component group (LX cranks), XT/Mavic 317 wheelset with Panaracer Fire XCs, Duke XC 100 fork, Avid mechanicals (185mm front, 160mm rear) | | Bottom Line: | Bought this as frame-only. This bike rules. Climbs like a hardtail and does a great job of sucking up the bumps. I find I can use a wider range of riding techniques on this frame. I like everything about it except the shimmed seatpost. A real creaker. Do yourself a favor and buy a 30.9mm seatpost and scrap the shim. BTW, if you shop around and do all the work yourself, you can have a $3000+ bike for less than half that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nev
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Great ride ,on a light bike with no bobbing | | Weaknesses: | Could dent easily | | Similar Products Used: | My last bike was a cannondale raven 2000. Rode well, extrememly strong and very light ! Geometry didn't suit me. | | Bike Setup: | Built from the ground up. Fox vanilla forks, Mavic F219 rims, hope hubs, magura marta disks, Raceface cranks and bottom bracket, Kujo IRC tyres. XTR drivechain. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great !
Definitely buy it if you are into X-country riding or racing.
Don't buy it if are into 7 ft hucks.
As you can see from the setup, I built the wheels hubs and forks to take a bit more punishment rather than lightweight, due to the mixture of terrain around here(alot of stairs) I can easily drop a couple of pounds by changing the tyres ( and might do that).I have managed to ding the frame once, but no more than can be expected on any bike with what its been through.
It weighs 30lbs, and rides great. Riding uphill the bike is rock solid - no bouncing at all. It took me a while to set up the rear shock. Giant recommend 50lbs pressure in the negative chamber, but I found it rides better with around 120lbs negative, and then adjust the positive to suit. Mine "breaks away" if I roll over a small bump, and gives a plusher ride downhill.
I am undecided on my magura brakes, but all other components work well.
To sum it up - I love it. I ride now 4-5 times a week instead of 1-2. Get yourself one !!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Everett, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mr. Toads Wild Ride, South Lake Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | No-bob (set it up right), XTR group, crossmax wheels, weight, anodized frame, Hayes brakes, climbs like a hardtail, descends faster than my hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post and stem not Thomson. Weighs more than 24 lbs. Stock tires suck 10 months out of 12 in Washington. | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock NRS Air except for Huthinson Scorpion tires and Onza bar ends | | Bottom Line: | The bike simply makes me want to ride more. I have had zero problems except with the wild slipper tires (that I replaced). I'm 46 and this bike makes me feel like a young, cocky, fast punk---where's the chicks!
The Bicycle Center (Everett) rules for turning me on to this sweet ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Goomba
a Racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet | | Strengths: | Suspension design. I have owned and tried a Titus racer x, Schwinn rocket 88, and still own a Litespeed Tsali softail. I built up this bike to see if I would really feel comfortable on a dually. I tried a older Titus 99, and did not like the thick feeling of the rear. The 2001 Schwinn seemed to bob too much, and my current racer Litespeed Tsali seems alright but could use a little more trave (I still love it though). This design made me feel more in control than any of those other bikes. Descending is awesome as well as the climbing. I just built up yesterday and rode for 4 hrs today and I love it. | | Weaknesses: | It's a great design, but the tubing is rather thin. But hey, it's supposed to be light. | | Similar Products Used: | 99 Titus Racer x, 01 Schwinn rocket 88, and 00 Litespeed Tsali. I also have a Litespeed Obed hardtail, and Arenburg roadbike. | | Bike Setup: | Full XT, time pedals, panaracer xc fire pro kevlar (red), magura louise disk brakes, shimano 575 wheelset, Selle italia flite ti (red) saddle, Kore lite stem, bars, and seatpost, profile design (red) grips. Beautiful red color scheme. | | Bottom Line: | I am going to sell this one to buy the new Giant Air. I love it! I have pic's and also it is on EBAY right now. It is brand new!! Have to get the new one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1867690110&ssPageName=ADME:B:LC:US:1 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Peralta
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, Ca
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rancho Penasquitos Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Bicycles | | Strengths: | Very fast, agile, well balanced, bob-free on ascents, absorbs bumps as designed by manufacturer, Hayes Hydraulic Disk brakes have excellent braking power. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox SID SL had oil leak out of rebound adjuster, Michelin XC Tubless Jet S tires handle technical terrain at a descent level; primarily designed for hard pack and asphalt terrains; not recommend on wet or sandy terrain. Chain slippage during the beginning, now rectified. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with the exception of the Time ATAC pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Although the bike is rather expensive, it is worth the purchase. You can not ask for a better bike like this one. It is equiped with relatively high end components and no other similar product can out match it.
The ride is very comfortable once you dial in on the shocks based on the rider's weight and preference. It is very fast, responsive, and does well on hill climbs.
This bike is designed for one purpose, "XC racing". Well job GIANT!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, N.Y.
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Absolutely no bob. Great parts. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hardtails, trek fuel, Klein | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Crank Brothers pedals | | Bottom Line: | Summmed up in one word AMAZING. There is a reason why Bicycling Magazine repeatedly called this their favorite MB. They stated that it will help improve any riders skills. I did not believe all the hype. After riding this bike the reviewers did not rave enough. This bike does it all. Its not meant for big drops but no cross country bike is. However, I've done some 5-6 ft tables and the bikes overall balance makes them easy. Can't beat it. Nothing on God's earth even comes close when climbing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Great Lakes Cyclery | | Strengths: | No drag, excellent powertrain, very fast, agile, no bob on climbs, powerful brakes. Climbs 99% as well as a hardtail, makes up for any loss on technical climbs with performance in all other areas. | | Weaknesses: | Rear end more stiff than some. | | Similar Products Used: | None. I only roade hardtails before this one. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is very smooth, quick, and responsive. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a serious cross country machine. I was very reluctant to go to a soft tail as I did not want to loose any climbing performance. I have no regrets, this bike is amazing. It does everything well without exception. I bought it on sale for 30% off MSRP, so it was a deal. Did I say it was FAST? The low profile tires climb well in all but loose dry dirt and slippery mud, everywhere else they are crazy fast with excellent grip. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Peters
a Racer
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Birch ('99 Pan Am Games Course) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia Ski and Cyclie | | Strengths: | - Climbs like a Goat
- Descends like a Demon
- No need to upgrade the Specs (although I did slightly)
- No BOB means NO BOB and no SAG means no SAG!
- Once you’re on it and climbing you couldn’t tell if you’re on a hardtail or a dual
- Light enough to be a Cross Country racer at the elite level
| | Weaknesses: | -Chain noise can be loud at times but you’re usually going so fast you have other obstacles to concern you | | Similar Products Used: | -Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | -Stock (XTR, Cross Max, Hayes)
-Changes: Thomson Stem, Thomson Layback Seatpost, EggBeaters | | Bottom Line: | All right, here’s the bottom line after a year of riding and racing all over (Moab trip upcoming in 2 weeks and I can’t wait to tackle Porcupine Rim on this thing) on my Giant NRS Air. I love this bike!
This was my first true dual suspension bike, as I’ve waited for the right bike to come along that best fit my riding style (XC racing mostly) and voila we have the NRS.
Don’t get me wrong this is not a plush ride by any means and it wasn’t designed to be. When you sit on an NRS (with the correct PSI for your weight in the rear suspension shock) this bike feels like a hardtail, there’s no 1 or 2 inches of ‘Sag’ built in like almost every other model on the market today. But when the terrain gets rough this thing just works (I'm no engineer so I can't explain how) and it feels soooo good because your boys around banging around like a sack of marbles.
Big hits to stutter bumps all you have to do is stay seated and keep pedaling away from the competition (riding buddies or fellow racers will be eating your dust). Climbs better than my Rocky Team Vertex because the rear wheels stays planted to the ground.
Bottom line, no complaints. I don’t even like Giant as a company (don’t ask me why, I just don’t) and never thought I would eventually buy one. But this bike is so good I’m ordering the ’03 NRS Air with the new Cross Max wheel set and the fancy new XTR groupo. Go figure ...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from NYC
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam trails Berkshires | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | internet | | Strengths: | This bike is absolutely amazing. It does it all | | Weaknesses: | Chain smacks on chainstay and is noisy. Takes a while to get setup right but once you do and you realize it will never give you a plush, plush ride then you stop fussing and become amazed at how you can just let it rip through any terrrain you encounter. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 80, Ellsworth Joker, Ellsworth Truth. | | Bike Setup: | Stock- Crossmax, XTR, WTB saddle,Hayes, Atacs | | Bottom Line: | It is the most efficient full suspension bike made. Takes a while to realize how well it does almost everything. This bike is perfectly balanced. It can tackel almost any terrain. It is the most efficient pedaling xc bike made. The power is transmited directly from your legs to the rear wheel- thats the way it should be. It may not have the snob appeal of an Ellsworth or quite the same build quality but it is a BETTER BIKE. It has a better suspension than the Ellsworth and a similarly outfitted Truth would cost between $1500 to $2000 more. I know Ellsworth fans will find these comments blasphemous but I happen to own both bikes and thats my view after lots of comparison. It does almost everything better than the Truth. Its lighter, it climbs better, it is equally maneuverable and I find the geometry more comfortable. The Truth may have a slight edge when ripping downhill but only a slight edge. Buy this bike if you want to be sure it is not the bike holding you back. The bike is not cheap but it is the easiest/cheapest way to get a bike that will put you in the superstar bike category. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston,TX
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | sun&ski | | Strengths: | Light, quick,smooth | | Weaknesses: | noisy | | Similar Products Used: | nrsxtc, spec.fsr, ibis szasbo | | Bike Setup: | Manitou, deore disc, xt drivetrain, monkeylites | | Bottom Line: | great xc bike, smooth and quick, great climber (I need better legs)really fun thru tight and twisty, good on downhill as long as its not too bumpy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Great climber, no bob, ligthweigth. | | Weaknesses: | Geometry doesn't seem to be agressive enough for technical trails. Blushes last only few weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | Many | | Bike Setup: | European XTC Team alu frame size L, XT all over exept Sram Rocket shortie shifters, Sid sl, Mavic Crossmax, Raceface stuff. | | Bottom Line: | Not for heavyer or bigger riders! Rear swing is like jelly after 2 weeks of driving. Blushes last only few weeks. Ok I weigh 95kg but still...
Frame overall geometry sucks for 187cm driver, it's like driving a roadbike on trail. This leads to lots of crashes and you really can't drive bike like this with trust on more demanding trails. I'm slow as turtle with this bike on decents and more importantly a lot slower than with my hardtail. This leads to 1 star value rating.
NRS system really works well and the bike climbs great. The durability of rear SID migth be a problem in a long run.
It's an exellent buy if you weigh is less than 80kg, you are under 180cm and don't drive on demanding trails.
Otherwise I can't recomend it.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Harper
a Cross Country Rider
from Newport
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Potowatami Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Jack's Bicycle & Fitness, Monroe, MI | | Strengths: | Incredible sprint ability with the way the rear end works. Just got off an Klein Adept Pro and love the extra rear travel. Very stiff rear end considering all the pivots. | | Weaknesses: | I don't like Hydros so I put on Avid Mechanicals. I don't want tubless so I put on Hugi 240, DT DB, and Mavic X317 rims. WHAT, a spacer in the seat tube? Seat didn't fit me well, I kept falling asleep downstairs. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept Pro, Klein Attitude | | Bike Setup: | Stock except, Avid Mechanicals (mid size), Custom wheels (see above). Replaced stem that was correct size for me (Thomson), and put in the correct size Thomson Seatpole. I also went for more travel and a stiffer fork with a Duke SL 100. | | Bottom Line: | I tweaked the components to what I wanted but the frame is what's important. Coming off a hartail and a short travel hardtail I am very hapy with the characteristics of this bike. It's like a hardtail where I want it to be and a softail where I want it to be. If you want squishy all the time then this isn't for you, buy a Specialized but if you like the feel of the hardtail when standing then this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Fort Worth, Texas
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bar H ranch, Tyler SP, Lake grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop. Nacogdoches, TX | | Strengths: | This bike is incredibly light out of the box. I know the Trek Fuel is lighter, but the fox rear shock on the fuel isn't nearly as responsive as the sid on this one, due to the sid's adjustable negative air. The result is a very nimble bike designed for racing, but can be used on those all day epic rides. Speaking of shocks, the no bob system works like a champ. When dialed in, the suspension takes out both the small stutters and the major impacts. That and a great climb without having to lock out. It seems like this bike defies the laws of physics. | | Weaknesses: | This bike is higher maintainance than your girlfriend. You need to be either a bike shop employee or learn some wrench skills before you buy, because the bike needs constant tinkering if its going to be ridden on a regular basis. Also, I had to commit a cardinal sin and put slime in the tires. The tubeless system was flatting out way too often (both pinch and thorns), but I havent lost air yet after I poured in the green stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock. I run Time pedals and lizzard skin covers all around (I like mud). I had to replace the left shifter/brake lever due to an awesome crash, but kept the parts as close to spec as possible. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, I love this bike. I usually ride a 50 miler every friday, minor urban assault on saturdays, technical stuff every day between, and trudge through the mudpits every chance I get. This bike has performed exeptionally through all of it. Parts are expensive when they break, but so far they have only broke under my own sheer stupidity. This bike could be improved upon,(namely the tubeless technology) but I dont think I could be happier with any other bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Agile, great climber, well balanced, fantastic brakes and light weight for a dualie or a hard tail. The bike is perfectly balanced, stiff framed, and unbelievably speced. | | Weaknesses: | The rear suspension takes some time to appreciate and it is a bit difficult trying to get the exact air pressure that you want in the rock shox rear shock. Maybe a better shock pump would help? | | Bike Setup: | Stock with LP bar ends and Shimano 959s. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing but it takes some time to really appreciate it. Initialy the rear suspension feels a little too stiff but when you finally dial it in and you ride the bike for a while you begin to appreciate what it does - - virtually no bobbing with superior traction on the trails all while soaking up roots, big branches and bumps that would send the rear wheel of a hard tail into the air with a resulting loss of traction. This actually makes the bike a better climber than most hard tails. The frame never flexes. It is an incredably well balanced machine with unbeatable parts. The Hayes hydraulics are the best -- the ability to modulate your stopping power is second to none. The bike came with Michelin Jet S semi slicks that also take some time to get use to but they are much better than I thought they would be. HoweverThey have already flatted on me once (on the pavement close to home w/o a tube or patch kit) and I rode the tire about 1/2 a mile keeping all my weight over the front of the bike. This was not a good idea. It resulted in a small cut (less than an eath of an inch) above the bead . The puncture and the sidewall have been patched and the tire holds air the same as it did before the damage although getting the tire to reseat without a compressor after patching it took me over an hour and a half. I just bought Hutchinson Scorpions and am very curious to see if they are a big improvement over the Jet S's when climbing on N.Y.'s loose pack, moist and leaf covered trails. In summary this bike is fabulous and anyone planning on doing all but big, big drops should seriously consider this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dick
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | rented in Moab | | Strengths: | Relatively light. | | Weaknesses: | Not very plush, air shock died halfway through ride, not bob-free | | Similar Products Used: | SL Superlight, Specialized FSR | | Bottom Line: | Guess I don't get it. Rented one of these for a day to do Porcupine Rim and hated it. Played around with the suspension settings with a friend who knows the NRS to get no-bob climbing, but couldn't find a setting I liked. Either got no-bob and jerky suspension action, or more plush action with tons of bob. The NRS geometry just didn't seem to work as advertised, but then again, what does. Big hits are ok on the NRS, but the action still felt kind of clunky. The Sid finally died and froze about halfway down the downhill leaving me with a hardtail. Not the frame's fault, but I've never had a Fox do that to me.
Went back to ride my Superlight at home and couldn't believe how much better a bike the Superlight is. Sometimes it's worth paying more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Spring Lake, MI USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Porkupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock n Road - Thanks Rocky! | | Strengths: | Where to start? Ride quality;frame stiffness; fit & finish; parts spec.;Kick ass graphics, the coolest stock stem in the industry and this bike just does everything that I ask of it, perfectly.
| | Weaknesses: | Jet-S UST tires were prone to punctures, SID fork is a little flexy for clydsdales.. | | Similar Products Used: | S-Works FSR XC, GT I-Drive & LTS | | Bike Setup: | X-Large Frame, CrossMax Disk UST, Comp-S UST, Fox Float 100 RLC(80mm), Magura Martas, CT-2 Bars & Post, Profile Carbon Crank Arms w/XTR 4 Arm Rings, XTR Drive Train and Time ATAC Titan Carbon pedals. 25.5 Lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I have spent the last 6 months creating and riding my Dream Ride and it's as close to perfect as any bike I have ever ridden. The ride is precise and true to the midwest type of terrain that I spend most of my time on. It climbs the short, steep hills as efficiently as any hardtail I've ridden and hauls butt on the decents.
At 210 lbs. I need a solid chassis under my tail, and the NRS fills the role perfectly. The SID, on the other hand, was a poor match, at my weight class. The Fox Float has handily filled the need for precision on the front. To offset the extra weight of the Float, I have made some component changes keeping the weight at a respectable 25.5 lbs for the 22.5" frame.
In summary, the Giant NRS AIR has proven to deliver all the goods, even in stock trim. With the component changes that I have made, it is the absolute Holy-Grail of allround cross country trail bikes.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | UK North Downs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelies Direct | | Strengths: | Spec of components. | | Weaknesses: | Rear Suspension Bushes. Riding 1 or 2 times a week, "Maintenance Free"(?) bushes only last 8-12 weeks in UK conditions.
Giant MPH disc brakes poor design. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin East Peak - 1998 Model - Heavy but reliable. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded wheels & changed to Hope Minis | | Bottom Line: | I've had the bike 18 months, ridden for 11 due to Foot&Mouth and waiting for repairs. The 4 bushed "Maintenance Free" joints on the NRS system have been replaced at least 4 times in that period. The frame is now badly worn, and I've asked Giant for new components, but will probably have to scrap the frame. The bushes aren't designed for wet weather United Kingdom riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Schloss
a Cross Country Rider
from Nyack
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | There are non-favorite trails? | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | From Giant | | Strengths: | Incredible climber. Light, agile. Fun. This bike is easy to set up, and very easy to ride. Even though it doesn't have nearly as much travel as my last bike, I'm riding obstacles I wouldn't normally attempt because I'm so confident. | | Weaknesses: | A bit rough over stutters and babyheads (much of my riding) but I'm still playing with rebound damping and compression. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR iDrive | | Bike Setup: | Stock kit with all the bells and whistles. (Sadly XT on the front, they've changed that spec now.) | | Bottom Line: | I could NOT be happier with this bike. I've been riding a GT XCR 1000. It's a great bike but it always felt happier on a nice long downhill or a fireroad. I ride in NY so there aren't a lot of long downhills. Much technical, much up.
Each turn of the pedal i wished for a lighter, more agile climber. A bike that felt like a hardtail but took the edge off. This bike is it.
The rear doesn't bob on climbs, the front locks out easiliy. It's light. It's got a great wheel set, and it looks like Darth Vader. Need I say more? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg Kuljian
a Cross Country Rider
from hydesville, ca
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any mountain without a gate or sign | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Taylor's in utah | | Strengths: | No bobbing. Brakes that make riding a pleasure. | | Weaknesses: | High speed shimmy. But much less than the 2001 model. I find that the bike is so thin, there's a tendency for the frame to oscillate when coasting downhill with hands off. Python tires. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant nrs air. | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, just keep your hands on the bars when coasting home on the pavement. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Hutch's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Out of the box best bang for the buck. Suspension does not bob even when standing and climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Stock semi-slick tires are not exactly my style. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized fsr | | Bike Setup: | Python tubeless, Shimano XT discs, easton carbon bar | | Bottom Line: | I am a full suspension convert. Have always ridden steel hard tails because of the whole "bob" factor. The NRS has changed my mind it does not bob when seated or standing. The bike comes with a sweet parts package and performs way above what I had expected. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Igor
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovenia
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Freestyle | | Strengths: | Top level components. NRS system is working perfect. Excellent price-perfomance ratio. A cannondale with same parts costs over 6.000$. No need to upgrade anything. | | Weaknesses: | Original tires are extremely bad. Fortunately they blow out fast so I put Michelin HOT-S front and rear and now bike has awesome grip. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale scalpel | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Michelin HOT-S tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has unbeatable value per money ratio. Nevertheless bike itself is almost perfect. With all my previous bikes I changed something – here nothing!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Braden
a Racer
from Vail, CO
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The technical ones with lot's of climbing | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Climbs like a hardtail. Zero sag setup works like they say it does. Light. | | Weaknesses: | Tubing is easy to put dents in, but again, it's light. | | Similar Products Used: | Ibis Szazbo | | Bike Setup: | Mars Comp Coil, XTR V-Brakes, Mavic CrossMax UST, Geax tires, Race Face stem and post, Easton carbon bar, SRAM 9.0 w/ XTR front, Race Face ISIS BB and cranks, Time ATAC pedals. | | Bottom Line: | It truly does feel like I'm climbing my hardtail, but you don't spin out because the suspension hugs the ground. It tracks well, has excellent balance, and very quick handling. It's not super plush like other full suspension bikes with 3+ inches of rear travel, but that's the trade off. It's working even though you don't feel it (as much). It does make a great race bike or one for long epic rides with lot's of climbing and technical. I bought the frame and built it up myself, so it's very light. If you don't want to give up your hardtail, but would like some suspension to save your back, buy this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Racer
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Flat Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Strengths: | NRS Air came stocks with top of the line components at an unbeatable price. Raceable. The weld quality is good and the NRS rear 4-bar works as claimed. Looks pretty bad ass too with the all flat black paint. | | Weaknesses: | Could be slightly lighter for racing but the Tubeless tires and Disc Brakes are worth the extra fat.
Had to get rid of the baldy Michelin tires since they only work on hardpack or asphalt. The Hayes hydraulics are great stoppers but squeal all the time. The WTB saddle had to go too. Titus bar and seatpost should be upgraded to Thompson Elite or Easton Carbon. Watch out for cables that rub on the paint..black electrical tape will solve that problem. | | Bottom Line: | The No-Sag rear end works very much like a hardtail when climbing and when hitting small bumps. The rear shock works best when taking larger hits since it takes a greater force to activate the shock then typical setups. If you like a plush rear end then I don't recommend this bike to you. You will feel all the small bumps. That aside, this is a great full suspension racer with unbeatable components (XTR, Crossmax, Sid SL). Giant being a Taiwanese manufacturer doesn't have the prestige of a small U.S. manufacturer such as Intense, Ellsworth or Titus but hey the extra bucks you pay for those names doesn't mean crap on race day. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a Cross Country Rider
from TX
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Contender Bicycles | | Strengths: | Bike just rules! That's all there is to it. The NRS works like a champ. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 100 | | Bottom Line: | If you like to climb but are sick of bouncing around when doing so or sick of locking out your shock then this is the bike to have. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2720.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Top level components all the way around. NRS system is sound. Excellent value versus money. A titus similarly outfitted would have cost over 5 grand. XTR shifters, deraillers, and cranks/rings, Sid shocks, and quality all over the bike. No need to upgrade anything that I can see. | | Weaknesses: | None...as long as you don't buy this bike thinking you are going to do downhill with it. It's not designed for that kind of abuse. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with Time ATAC Carbon Pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I have a hardtail (2002 Giant xtc se2 that has been upgraded extensively) and chose this bike for my FS bike. I looked at a Trek Fuel 100, Titus, and a Santa Cruz superlight, and this was hands down the best value for the money.
Definately rides well, even for me, and I am 6-0 and about 210. I don't see any weaknesses, however if you are buying this to do freeriding or downhill as a side sport, you are probably going to have some problems. This bike is designed for XC and XC racing! No sag NRS setup is awesome, and I notice no bob when heading up a hill, yet fairly smooth ride going down.
The component level is excellent, and it is probably the only bike I have ever bought that I can look at and not have to upgrade anything on it. About the only thing I am a bit leery of is the tires, which are semi-slicks, but so far I have had not problems with them, and they actually are very fast on hardpack. I have seen comments about a "beer can" frame, but I haven't seen that here. As I said...you won't get away doing downhill racing on this bike, but for XC...it fills the bill nicely.
This is a tough bike to beat in terms of value versus price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX USA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Suspension that works.
Suspension that does not bob under pedal load. | | Similar Products Used: | Amp B1, Amp B3, Amp B5, Outland Vpp, Mantis Pro Floater, Yeti Short Travel FS, Schwinn Rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Marathon 80 fork
Sram 9.0 esp tranny with RaceFace Turbine LP cranks.
Ritchey WCS stem/Easton ct2 bar/Thomson pillar.
Crossmax tubeless wheelset with Hutchinson Python tires.
| | Bottom Line: | The suspension works as promised. Under hard climbing or sprinting there is negligible bob. Plus, due to the no-sag setup that makes the NRS system work, all 3.75 inches of rear wheel travel are avaliable.
I have ridden ten years worth of full suspension designs, and have seen flex, excess weight, breakage as well as some pretty good designs. I built up an NRS frame last year and loved it, so much so that for the first time I have replaced a bike with the same bike. The '02 Air is spendy, but the wheelset and hydraulic discs add some value to the package.
If you are looking at top shelf xc fs, at least take a look at the Giant, and make sure they dial in the suspension for *you* before you test ride it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Alpharetta, GA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mtn/AL | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bikes | | Strengths: | No bob or sag, especially when the bike is "dialed in" on specific psi for front & back shocks. Tubeless tires are the best, yet I did swap out from Michelin to Pythons, and now run a Geax Sedona on the back, as the trails are getting wet in GA. The Sedona provides more grip and stability. Can you go wrong with XTR? Front derailure was XT, yet went to shop and pointed out that mfg web site and catalog listed XTR...no problem, as bike shop switched out component! Have reviewed many bikes within this range, and no other bike offers this type of complete package. | | Weaknesses: | Pay the price for light weight/thin tubing. Watch out if you have a Yakima "clamp jaw" bike hitch! I did, and clamped too hard, now my top tube has a nice crease...ugh. Went to REI and purchased new hitch rack...costing me another $250 | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 100, Santa Cruz | | Bike Setup: | Only change was to add carbon seat post, carbon riser bar and using Frog pedals. Also flipped the stem to give a more upright riding position. | | Bottom Line: | Have ridden over 125 miles since getting the bike. Front and rear shocks have kept their pressure settings, tubeless tires have performed extremely well, and going down hill is a treat, as I control the bike with confidence. Going up hill is always a "pain," yet with lock out on the SID, you feel ONE WITH THE BIKE. The minor crease on my tube (my error) sets my bike apart, yet it is disturbing that tubing is prone to creasing, so my overall rating will be 4 chili's, as I know other creases will appear, either from rocks or my bone head mistakes! Oh yeah, called Rock Shox factory regarding psi settings, and it seems they quote differently than what is posted in manual and web site. My weight 180lbs. Front shock + 155, - 125, Frame shock + 185, - 65. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Ribbon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Touring Cyclist | | Strengths: | The Hayes hydros are exceptional. Lightweight for a full-suspension bike with discs. I consider it a better deal than a similarly equipped Sugar 1 (put CrossMax wheels on a Sugar and get ready to pay near $4000). The frame finish is silky. Of course, the XTR components are a strength too.
| | Weaknesses: | Only two small complaints...
The grips are not for me. They feel slippery under a sweaty palm, although they seem OK with gloves on.
The other gripe is about the tires. I ride alot of wet roots and rocks, which turns the WildGrippers into "WildSlippers!"
But, for the first few rides I've mainly been curb-hopping around town, so they are fine for that. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested the Sugar 1 and a Trek Fuel 100. | | Bike Setup: | All XTR except the cassette and Hayes brakes. CrossMax wheels. Sid SL suspension. Titec bar and post. WTB saddle.
Giant brand stem and grips. Time ATAC carbons. | | Bottom Line: | Before buying this bike I looked carefully at an Ellsworth Truth, but then I realized that the Giant NRS XTC Air is basically the same bike for almost $2000 less. Don't get me wrong, the Truth is a beautiful handmade piece of art, but the suspension system is very similar to the Giant. After I bought the Giant, I rode at my favorite trail and just by chance I hooked up with a guy on a Truth. He kicked my ass on ups and downs, but I don't blame the Giant. The -truth- is, he was in good shape and I'm a -giant- slob.
This is my first full suspension rig and it's over a pound lighter than my old hardtail (Mongoose IBOC Comp SX). That is amazing!
I flipped the stem over to get a little rise, but that's the only real change I've made so far.
I'm totally happy with the purchase at this time. I can't wait until spring when I can get out and do some real riding.
The UST tubeless system seems to be the way to go. There are more and more tires being made for UST.
So far so good...I'll post an updated review after I've had more time to break this puppy in.
I give 4 Chilis for value only because I can't get over the fact that I spent this much on a bicycle, and I didn't even bat an eye. If anyone in my family knew, they would get cerebral edema.
You spend money on what you are interested in. Some people have several thousand dollar car stereos...I have an exspensive bicycle. Don't be ashamed to spend big cash for something you really love. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Lots of bike for the money. Nobody else specs out their bike for this kind of price. I figured that a comprably equipped Sugar 1 would be $800 more (though the bikes are different suspension technology). | | Weaknesses: | I plan a follow-up review. But, I'm closely monitoring the UST system and the (seemingly) thin, oversized downtube.
Tubeless-tires (so far) are more expensive. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 1, Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR(sans cassette, which is XT), X-Max wheels, Hayes disc--this is all top-o-the-line stuff. Time Carbon pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I cannot see much to upgrade on the bike. Pedals will be an immediate choice for the buyer. I chose Times, which I have and Times have a great track record. I did consider the Crank Bros Eggbeaters, but they are still unproven, though promising.
I plan to get "knobby" tires to replace the semi-slicks soon. I need to research that dept. The Michelin Jet S tires on there now have not leaked at all-something some UST owners claim with other tires. This is so far leading me to get Michelin tires due to their quality control.
The decals are very nice, super smooth. There are a few stickers, but they are not part of the main scheme.
Tubing-I know it will handle riding stresses, but there are stories of creased or dented frames. It is thin, and weight sacrafices were made. Time will tell, and good thing, homeowner's insurance can cover your bicycle. Ask your insurance rep. This means alot when you spend $$$$$ for a bike.
If you had some extra cash, I guess you could go carbon fiber seatpost, bar, magnesium stem-but that's it, and you'd be running out of weight to loose. The bike is loaded with the best components.
Note: The Giant website and catalog says XTR front D, but the bike came shipped with XT. A rep at Giant said it comes with XT, even though the catalog AND website says otherwise (?????). Thanks to The Touring Cyclist in St Louis, MO for swapping the part out-they showed their professionalism then and at many other times during the purchase and assembly of the bike. Giant says they can put XT on there if they are "out of XTR". I say, "Why advertise one thing and do another even though you have a fine prin-clause?"
XTR shifting-It really is that good. The Hayes brakes work great.
Will this bike make me a better rider? Of course not. Legs and lungs will. I will have a better time on the trail, and the suspension will ease my lines on the singletrack.
I will update after more time in the saddle, adjusting the Value and Overall ratings if need be. I wish there was a 10 rating, instead of a 5. Each jump is 20%. On a scale of 1-10, ten the highest:
Value Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 9 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Racer
from Caledonia, MI
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | yankee springs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Shop Employee @ Village Bike(can't tell u all the price!) | | Strengths: | What a bike...In two words this bike is "realllly fast". It just goes fast, u almost dont have to make it want to go fast but it wants to...and does. The suspension(3.75in rear, 80mm front) soaks up just about everything the trails have to offer in a cross country package. Still it climbs amazingly well, the lock-out SID SL is great and the rear suspension gives no movement when the bike is set up correctly. Disc(especially hayes)are the way to go, even for raceing, tubless is great(i can run 25psi safely), and xtr, well its xtr, no complaints there. The carbon/aluminum stem is light, but not very stiff though. | | Weaknesses: | If the rear suspension is not set up right ur screwed. If not set up right, it pedals horribly. Giant recomends 60psi negative and your body weight postivie, and tweak it from there. it took me two rides to hit it perfectly. i weigh 160lbs and i set it up with 57 negative and 165 positive(i like it stiffer). The wtb seat isnt much, its just wrong for me, i use a Selle Italia Max Flite saddle as it feels the best for me. Oh and use Time ATAC pedals there great. It wieghts 25 lbs for a 18.5 inch. kind of hefty really. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized fsr(not to great), Gary Fisher Sugar 2(pretty cool) | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept for saddle, Time Pedals | | Bottom Line: | Awsome bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Alpharetta, GA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mtn/AL | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bikes | | Strengths: | Full suspension, Mavic CrossMax tubeless, Hayes discs, Sid SL, new technology....bike of the year, sucks the ground and rolls over roots/rocks and stumps with ease. | | Weaknesses: | Non as of yet, unless you don't want to fine tune the bike on each ride. If you like to step in the pedals and go, then maybe reconsider. | | Similar Products Used: | Merlin Fat Beat, Cannondale Jekyl | | Bike Setup: | Switched out seatpost to Easton carbon, as well as, carbon 1" riser bar, with Frog TI pedals. Large frame at 25 1/4 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | Logged 75 miles in just 2 weeks, and the bike has performed very well, especially tracking downhill. Climbing was as good as my soft tail, and when I stand there is no bob. I weigh 185lbs, and set my frame shock to positive 200 psi and negative to 50 psi. Tuned front shock to 150 psi / 135 psi. Tubeless front to 32 psi and back to 35 psi. Went down a fire trail passing my friends in full control, with SID SL taking all the bumps and when the climb began, I locked it out on the fly. Not saying the bike was the reason why I finally beat these guys....yet they believe it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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