|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Barkleyfan
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Shirley Meadows, Ca | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Strengths: | Good spec, sturdy components, tuneable and upgradeable as you grow. | | Weaknesses: | The Axel fork has no lockout, and the websites instruction to convert to 100 mm is incorrect, leaving you to figure out what they really meant. The 80 mm setting was FAR to pluch for my 240 lb Clyde riding style. The conversion to 100 mm seems to have stiffened them up nicely.
The Mosquitos wear fast. They also stick like glue, and are LIGHT. | | Similar Products Used: | several hardtails | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Rainier frame, Manitou Axel fork, Truvative Fire X isis cranks and BB 22-32-44 with 11-34 cog. Avid BB7 discs with AD3 levers. Deore shifters and front derailleur, LX rear. mosquito tires. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike, well behaved on the trails, rode it home every trip out. Fork was too plush, so I finally converted it to 100mm, and as I was having problems pulling the front end up on climbs, I inverted the ugly stem. The bike came alive, the climbing is more predictable, flicking it back and forth on the trail livened up as well. Bike is now 5 years old, pads are just plain gone, and the rear Mosquito is now a semislick. And it still grips better than my brand new Mythos on my spare bike. Shame I can't get more. For a cross country beater, this bike is what it supposed to be. For a race rig, or a free ride big-air toy, look elsewhere. This bike is game to try any of it, but you're going outside of what it was designed for. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Spillane
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Musquash sand trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles etcetera | | Strengths: | Very fast and efficient on the trails. The components are all high quality for the price. | | Weaknesses: | I've never been the biggest fan of the marzocchi fork
tires wore out fast riding to the trails on the roads | | Similar Products Used: | Pro-flex 814 stock
Specialized P.2 with bontrager earl rims, junior T and hayes disk brakes | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for a long time now, 2003 model, and its seen some really epic rides and some epic crashes. Overall this has been a great bike and it has gotten me through highschool and half of college with very few problems. Always a smooth ride, and for only 700 dollars this make has been more than worth it. Earlier this year my axel fork blew out so I just ordered a new Marzocchi all mountain 2 online so hopefully this will keep my bike going strong. This bike has served me great and would be a good investment if you can find one used for cheap( I dont think they make this one anymore) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max Hanson
a Weekend Warrior
from Shorewood, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | sunbaum | | Strengths: | great geometry, great avid brakes, solid components and marzocci shock. | | Weaknesses: | slightly heavy | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the money, absolutely love the ride and it can take just about anything you throw at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Antoine Pro
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, On
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere quick and dirty in the Don Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Sporting LIfe | | Strengths: | Outstanding Price Quality Ratio
Great fun, solid climber, capable descender
Fantastic brakes (avid mechanical disk) | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailleur slow on downshift under power.
Moderate flex on Judy SL under breaking.
Low end cranks.
Pedals clog with mud relatively easily | | Similar Products Used: | Concorde (old...), Rocky Mountain hammer (feel of steel) | | Bike Setup: | Stock (2004) with exception of flat handlebar and (old school) bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | Unless you're a pro, you cannot go wrong with this bike. Solid frame, well spec'd out, more than equal to any (but not big hit) task you throw at it.
Short chainstays make for excellent climbing, the slightly relaxed geometry allows for confident descents and nimble, easy handling. The hardtail keeps the weight down, and makes for happy climbing. I'd beware of any FS bikes in the same price range - they might just be too portly to keep up with your friends going up hills.
Even the RS Judy SL does the job OK with a useful adjustable travel feature (nice for downhill stretches). ALthough under heavy breaking there is some flex and chatter (150 lb rider).
The brakes are definitely a bonus - reliable, easy to set up, powerful. They actually make riding more fun (can dive into corners with few doubts about the bike).
It's not a pro bike, but then again, it's far cheaper. I could spend twice what I paid and still not have more fun. At some point, it's simply more about the rider, and the Giant's quality takes you well beyond that point.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean M. Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from Middletown, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Middlesex | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Suburban Sports | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, Avid Disc Brakes, Marzocchi Fork, Great Looking Bike.... | | Weaknesses: | Alot of complaints about the Hutchinson Mosquitos. The tires are beginning to wear, and have not ridden the bike more than a few times | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | GT Bar Ends, Shimano PD-520s, rest of the bike is stock | | Bottom Line: | The bike was a great leftover pick up for me.
I have only had the chance to take the bike out a half dozen times so far, and am very happy with the performance and feel.
The bike climbs quickly, feels like it can take a good pounding, and is comfortable. The disc brakes are incredible, as is the front suspension. Some reviewers have complained that this bike is too heavy, but hey, this is not a competition-ready bike! This is a great bike to enjoy on trails, single track, and should be able to handle some good downhills.
IMO - You probably can't get much better value than this bike's set up.
Bottom Line - Learn how to MTN Bike wit the stock pedals, than swap out for clipless, and get new Tires!!! After this, you will be a happy Rainier owner! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Middletown, CT
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Middletown | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Suburban Sports | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price, was a left over. Frame feels solid, components are solid, for price paid. Great Fork, Avid discs. Some reviews complain about the bike's weight, but this is obviously not a race-minded bike. A great training and XC bike to hit the trails hard with. | | Weaknesses: | Reviews complainabout the wear on the tires, and I can agree. In the short time I have used the bike, the tires are showing their wear, and I am sure that they will need to be replaced soon.
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike, with the exception of Pedal upgrade to Shimano's PD-M520, GT bar ends | | Bottom Line: | This bike is my foray back into XC. I had done some extensive biking while in college, and then gave up the sport for several years. In getting back into the sport, I wanted to buy a hardtail that was affordable, had reasonably good components, and the Rainier fit the bill perfectly!
The bike is perfect for the rider who wants to hit the trails hard, get a good workout, and feel great about the price paid for the set-up.
Performance: The bike climbs hard! You can dash up inclines, bomb down hills, manuver technical single track, and most anything else you can encounter. Avid Disc Brakes stopping power is incredible, and takes some getting used to.
The bike however, is not made for 5-foot drops, save that for a full-suspension with beefier treads!
Overall, I would recommend the Rainier to anyone who is looking for an affordable XC bike, with great components, and the has the intention of hitting the trails hard | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Great value for first mountion bike. A good base to start adding up-grades | | Weaknesses: | heavvvvvvvvvvvvvy parts. But, lite parts cost $$ | | Similar Products Used: | Now riding XTC2 due to cracking frame. I weight 135lbs. No extreme jumping, just trail stuff. | | Bike Setup: | XTC2 frame. Thompson laid back post, LX cranks, XT rear Deraileur and cassett, Old school Nuke Proof Stem, Easton bar. Original marzochi fork, Giant seat and Avid disk brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike in 03' as an 02 close-out. Rode for a year then raced the folowing year. Bought a used LiteSpeed Unicoi (love it) then the Rainier frame started to fracture on the head tube side of the weld at the downtube. I took it to my LBS and Giant warrantied it for me. No complaints. Now I have a new XTC2 frame. I had to buy a new seat post due to the difference in seat tube diameter, but hey, the stock one was heavy anyway. Overall this bike served me well. Good entery bike, go ahead, rough it up and modify the components. Then when you get good. Buy a better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Muller
a
from Innsbruck, Austria
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | All over Sweden | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$780.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Cellar | | Strengths: | Looks great, Avid Discs brakes, perfect for entry level riders. You get what you pay for. | | Weaknesses: | Terrible stock tires and pedals (I hate cages). Hutchinson Mosquitoes have the fastest wear-rate I have ever seen. Decent Fork, can wear out after 1 year of hard riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Kona Stuff, Haro Escape 8.2 | | Bottom Line: | Perfect for entry level riders, if you have some experience, get something more beefy! If you buy it, you'll enjoy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sung C
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern CA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Los Alamitos Creek Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Fast Bicycle | | Strengths: | Avid Disc brakes, strong frame | | Weaknesses: | Stock rims, Hutchinson Mosquitoes, cage pedals, stock saddle | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Time ATAC pedals, WTB Laser V Steath saddle, Mavic 321 Disc with XT hubs, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Cateye Enduro 2 | | Bottom Line: | After much research, I bought this bike when I decided to get back to XC biking with occasional mountain riding. With my target price of $600 - $650, I felt that this bike offered the best value for my money. I taco'd my front wheel in my first crash, and decided to replace both wheels with something a little more heavy duty, Mavic 321 Disc with XT hubs ($225), Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires ($50). I weigh 250lbs and I am confident that my bike can handle my weight well now. I also upgraded to Time ATAC pedals ($60) and WTB Laser V Steath saddle ($65). By the way, swap out the saddle as soon as possible. It makes riding that much more pleasant.
After the upgrades, I'm quite happy with my Rainier. The disc brakes are awesome, but make sure to feather it coming down a hill. I have my taco'd front wheel to show my learning curve. Only semi regret is that at the time of purchase, I thought $1000 bikes were a little more than what I wanted to spend, and yet I ended up with one anyway. And a $1000 bike would have had a lighter frame than the Rainier. Oh well.
Overall this is a great entry level mountain bike and fits my riding needs. I give it 5 value rating and 4 overall rating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy Deibel
a Weekend Warrior
from Ocean Shores WA.
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The Dump | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | La Vogue | | Strengths: | Great bike | | Weaknesses: | Entry level bike | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | I just started to build it up, Race Face crank and bb, Scott bars, Mosh pedels, Bontage seat ODI lock-on gips, XT r-derailler, Rock-Shock Psylo XC 120mm travel fork and just bought Velluta freeride rims to build. | | Bottom Line: | I cracked the down tube at the headset. Just riding along an snap! O-well I new it was a entry level bike a I am not riding entry level. It is a great bike and I loved it for two an half years. Ride Hard | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hot Socks
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Corrals | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$730.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bikes | | Weaknesses: | Loose the pedals and get something clipless. | | Similar Products Used: | An old giant back in high school...a yukon or something. | | Bike Setup: | I've kept everything the same except for adding clipless. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great little hardtail, especially for the entry-level biker. It’s a little too heavy otherwise (my bathroom scale says 27lbs). My first experience with disc brakes and I'm never going back! It climbs like a banshee (thanks to my ripple-y muscles), and corners like Al Green on speed. I bent the rear rim pretty bad trying unsuccessfully to bunnyhop rocks and it was cheap and easy to fix. It's not a big drop bike, but duh, enjoy it on those long cross-country rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Tremblant | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Depot on Mont-Royal | | Strengths: | Geometry, Deore Setup, Avid Brakes, looks great | | Weaknesses: | Bottom Bracket, Fork | | Bike Setup: | Just got it, only changed pedals for Wellgo Platforms | | Bottom Line: | Got the Bike less than 2 weeks ago, noticed a defect with the Marzocchi EXR Air fork the next day. Now they want to take the bike back for 2 weeks so they can send the fork back and repair it. They don't think it's a good idea though to wait 2 weeks for the payment, do they??? Also I think I should get a NEW fork, cuz I didn't break it so they should just be replaced. Don't want a repaired defective product. The store doesn't want to give me a new fork until they get it from the manufacturer and there is no way to contact Giant besides a long distance call to BC. Contacted Marzocchi on the on-line Customer care page, maybe they will reply with a better idea!
Anyways, when you buy a bike make sure you have a manufaturer warranty shop around so you can go yourself and get new parts. Also broke the bottom bracket on my first trail. Very reliable! :) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Jones
a Racer
from Washington D.C. USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Poor Farm State Park or any fast rocky technical track | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Outfitters | | Strengths: | Marzocchi shock, awesome avid disc brakes, Incredibly strong frame, race inspired geometry | | Weaknesses: | First of all the stock tires suck. Next, the seat is a little small, my ass falls of after four hours of riding. The drive-train components are a little low-end but fine for an entry level bike. the stock pedals are useless, replace them with eggbeaters. lastly the frame is very heavy but depending on the conditions that could be beneficial. | | Similar Products Used: | Roadmaster Mt. Climber, 2003 rainer | | Bike Setup: | stock + conti tires Sram chain and egg-beaters | | Bottom Line: | This was my first bike and it has served me very well considering the amount i payed for it. The Zoch shocks are very smooth and easy to adjust but don't bottom out even on a four foot drop (i only weigh 150). I have put close to 9000 miles on this bike and never broken the s, BB, derailleur, ed the frame or even gotten the wheels out of true(remember i only weigh 150).
remember this bike was designed to be a fast entry level xc racer. for someone in my weight group the component spec is not terrible and the problem with parts breaking is a null issue. It climbs like a goat and descends even faster. if you want the best bang for your buck buy the 2002 frame-set with the zoch shock and add your spec of other components. However if you are planning on racing in a higher level consider a higher end bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo, CA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$620.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Strong frame, Great fork, Great brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket, crank, headset, | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpy Pro, Fisher AL | | Bike Setup: | Monkey bars, xt crank-bb and cassette, specialized seat, koski stem, mythos front and rear | | Bottom Line: | I have used this as my training-exercise bike for the past year and have put over 5,000 miles on it.
The rear wheel was relaced by Gravy Wheels in SA due to spokes being broken, probably because I weigh 210 lbs. The bottom bracket, cassette and crank were replaced after 4,000 miles. They were some unknown cheapo brand.
The fork had warranty work due to a scratch on the upper piston from Marzocchi (customer service did a great job and I even speced a heavier oil from them!).
The rotor was replaced due to uneven wear for free from Avid (another great customer service story here.)
And I just recently had the headset replaced. These replacements and repairs were mostly from riding the hell out of it on singletrack for 5,000 miles!
The frame and geometry are excellent. Slightly heavy, but this is my training bike. It handles great, just make sure you practice scooting back over the rear wheel on steep descents!
The bottom line, the 2002 Rainier is the best buy for under $700 imho. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxford, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Lakes | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Main Street Bicycles in Oxford | | Strengths: | Disc brake, very strong | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck after about 15 rides, averaging 8 miles a ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | Added seat post and clip ons | | Bottom Line: | I am writing this review to warn people about the unreliability of the bike. After only about 15 rides, averaging 8 miles a ride, I experienced "chain suck". The dealer, Main Street in Oxford MI, told me I had to replace the chain and the chain rings (over a 120 cost). I find this completely unacceptable as compared to the 6 years I rode my Specialized Rockhopper with only minor cost adjustments. Giant will not help and neither will the dealer. Being the bike is almost new I feel it should be fixed for free, covered under warranty. So my recommendation is do not buy the Giant and be very careful if you want to buy anything from Main Street Bicycles. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Houghton
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dragon Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Downwind Sports | | Strengths: | Light frame, Avid Disc Brakes, Marzocchi Bomber Fork | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Hutchinson’s Mosquito tires, Pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Cindercone, Trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Setup except upgraded tires to Panaracer Fire XC and pedals to Sun Ringle Zuzu | | Bottom Line: | This is an overall good hardtail mountain bike. The Mosquitoes lost a lot of tread within the first month. I would also replace the pedals ASAP. The Avid Discs are a nice touch and extremely easy to adjust. If you are looking for an entry-level mountain bike that is just as good as the $1000 bikes, this is the one. And if you still have time, buy yourself a decent seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger F
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, Ca
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any at Wilder Ranch St Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | Frame geometry, Avid brakes, Bomber shock, Shimano drivetrain components, overall looks | | Weaknesses: | Stock rims, Hutchinson Mosquitoes, cage pedals, cheap plastic chainring guard | | Similar Products Used: | Performance M304 ('94 MTB w/fr suspension and Shimano STX brakes/drivetrain used for urban riding in Chicago) | | Bike Setup: | Time ATAC Alium pedals, Sun Ryno Lite wheelset, IRC Mythos 2.1 tires, Rockshox suspension seatpost, Cateye Enduro 2 | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike to replace my Performance M304 when I decided to get serious about mountian biking. At the initial purchase price of $650, the Rainier was a good deal on paper. As many others have noted, the Mosquitoes were really bad for about 250 miles and replaced with the IRC Mythos ($40). I taco'ed both wheels in my first crash and replaced them with a new wheelset ($200). After swapping out the stock cages with Time pedals ($60), and adding a suspension seatpost ($50), it's now a $1000 bike that I'm reviewing. (By the way, the seatpost spec (27.2) is wrong. I had to buy a shim. Another $10.)
I decided to wait until I put some miles on the bike (about 800) and pick up some intermediate MTB skills before writing the review. Here's the verdict:
It took a while to dial in the various components (shock, cockpit, seat, brakes) for my style of riding, and now I'm happy Rainier owner. Thanks to the bike setup, I've become a climbing fanatic. The bomber soaks up the bumps, and the Rockshox seatpost takes care of some of the minor tailbone hits. The Avids have excellent stopping power, so proper modulation is key to preventing endo's. (Had to retire a Giro helmet due to an itchy left trigger finger.)
It looks like we Rainier buyers fall into three groups:
1) Happy with the stock setup. (Willing to trade-off weaknesses for the price paid.)
2) Happy after upgrading some parts. (Should we have considered bikes in the $900-$1000 range since that's what it eventually cost us?)
3) Not happy for various issues (rider type, quality, components).
Since I fall in the second category, I give the Rainier a 4 value rating and 4 overall rating. As I pointed out, riders like me should give bikes in the $900-$1000 price range some consideration since that's what we're spending. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Myc Rekrdz
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, Co, US
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | mountain goat | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$770.00 | | Purchased At: | University Bicycles | | Strengths: | Overall, fun to ride. Fork is good. | | Weaknesses: | frame cracked after about six months. Avid diskbrakes are hard to adjust and wear down quickly. Also, screws that hold disk brakes in tend to rattle out.Hole in seat. Rims very weak. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This was a very cool bike, until the frame cracked. Then it turned into a pain in the ass. This is a great bike for someone who is interested in getting started in biking, but should not be used for 4 foot+ drops. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Allentown, PA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Schools | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Hellertown Bikes | | Strengths: | Strong frame, could also be used as a truss for any bridge. Disc brakes stop on dime. Shifter shifts like a honda and suspension is amazing when flying down a case of stairs. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are sloppy and of very poor quality. I recommend for fun to wear them out, just don't fly over the headset doing it. The seat looks cool, I think it was desinged in a wind tunnel but doesnt mesh well with the human lower figure. Pedals are a waste of manufacturing resources. Wooden blocks with a bolt in the middle would work better. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Performer, Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | New Tires, new platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is strong; I ride it hard down staircases and 3ft jumps in the city. Now I say this because that causes strong vibration on the bike and sometimes things get loose. But after a little maintenance it isn’t a problem, I just think the store assembly was poor. For the price of a bike with disc brakes, suspension, and clicker shifters you are getting a great deal for $700. Not many other bikes with these items and quality can be bought for that price. Just change the tires and pedals and you should have a solid ride. The seat is a comfort problem but that might be me. I've had this bike for a year now and it has served me well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from blackwood nj usa
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | roller coaster | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | erlton bike shop | | Strengths: | front and rear discs,handles well on descend,deore cross fire shifters,fork very responsive | | Weaknesses: | hutchinson mosquittos tires suck,chain broke 1st day on trails,can u believe that! saddle very uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | new chain, replaced cranks w/ deore cranks,will definetly replace tires,and saddle | | Bottom Line: | nice hardtail for money after a couple rides you will be very comfortable,except saddle,roomy in the cockpit.this is a great bike for a weekend warrior if you like hardtals.great bike for going up to the next level.has some nice parts and then it has some weak parts.all around solid bike w/ some minor tweaking | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from baltimroe
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Reliable up to a point avid brakes good price good parts for the money | | Weaknesses: | Tires are terrible Mosquitos just dont cut it worn out in about 3 weeks, the fork (marzocchi bomber exr or c whatever) leaks oil and lube out of the bottom screwed up my brake in the front. | | Similar Products Used: | jamis eureka | | Bike Setup: | kore stem 60mm, avid speed dial 7 levers, psylo sl, speed v seat, sun ringle zu zu pedals, panaracer smoke back tire, almost bald front tire, everything else stock | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money change out a couple parts and you have an above par bike. Change out tires and seat, take care of the fork and it wont let you down. The 2003 bike i think is worse then the 2002 so if you can get a 2002 i would buy it especially beacuse the 2002 msrp is $700 whereas the 2003 is approx. $800. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard -
a Weekend Warrior
from Trinidad and Tobago
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | - | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | Derick's Bike shop | | Strengths: | Good fork, Wonderful brakes | | Weaknesses: | WEIGHT! component quality, poor tires for bump absorbtion horribly hard seat | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | XTR cranks and BB | | Bottom Line: | If you can't afford much, this bike is ok. The saddle is a killer though. I felt very uncomfortable within the first few mins of my first ride. Weight is also a big factor when considering purchasing this bike.My 6year old,cromo,rigid fork,Schwinn weighs less. The paint job looks cool,but it scratches and chips very easy. My last bike was set up more cross country style, so when I got the Rainier,the handlebar height messed me up, it was too high. I will soon change the stem and put a lower rise one. The wheels are too heavy.
Instead of upgrading, I suggest selling,and buying a better bike.
My style of riding is not competetive, but, I do go fast throuth rocky sections, and ride down some nasty decents. Compared to a rigid fork, the Bomber is a life saver. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BruceF
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Steep, loose and twisty.. HOOOOHAAHHHHH | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | B.I. Cycle Bainbridge Isl | | Strengths: | Geometry/Handling, Avid brakes, Zoke fork, Cartridge bearing hubs, Deore shifters | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson Mosquito tires...take em off before you get hurt!! | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but with WTM Motoraptor 2.4's | | Bottom Line: | This is a super bike...handles great...has held up well..(yep, even the crank but I only weigh 175)
This also is a follow up to my earlier review...now that I've had the bike longer...
at 2500 miles still nothing has been replaced except the tires...the Hutchinson Mosquito tires are real crap...Positively Deadly on wet pavement and inadequate on any steep trail... they are no where near up to the power of the brakes...This bike cannot even be fairly evaluated with these crappy tires..I put on WTB Motoraptor 2.4's and it is like a whole new bike...
Also...others have complained about the generic hubs and zac-19 rims...I noticed the generic hubs are actually cartridge bearing hubs and good quality too...so what if there's no name...they'll go forever without maintenance...they may be a bit heavy but I don't think the 2003 switch to low grade Shimano hubs is any improvement...
As for the Zac-19's...the wheels were "machine built" with very uneven and loose spoke tension...I think many reviewer's problems with the rims are actually do to the wheel build...I had my spokes hand tightened and all has been fine...even with very hard use | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | St Andrews | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Freedom Machine | | Strengths: | Price, Marzocchi Shocks, Avid Brake levers, disc brakes, groupset, colour | | Weaknesses: | Handle bars & headset, Does not contain exploding mice defense. Bottom Bracket | | Similar Products Used: | ATX 840RG, GT Ruckus, Norco Storm | | Bike Setup: | Aint done nothing to it yet | | Bottom Line: | After having my ATX stolen after 6 years, this was the walk in replacement bike, and it shot my biking up a dozen levels. It is beautiful to handle, play with, go up or down hill on.
Although a fair cut under the XtC2 - it is the best thing for the occassional cyclist whose decided to go WILD (or off-road). This is close to the optimum amateur bike, imho | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jkmill
a Weekend Warrior
from MD
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | fairhill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$660.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Avid mechanical discs (excellent!), Marzocchi fork, frame, shifters/derailleurs, looks good | | Weaknesses: | integrated headset, tires wear quickly, seat hurts, overall weight, some components cheap | | Similar Products Used: | test-rode Konas & Fishers in sim. $ range | | Bike Setup: | Azonic 1.5" riser, Bontrager race ah stem, Shimano M424 pedals, IRC Mythos rear tire. | | Bottom Line: | This was an excellent purchase. I'm getting much more into mt. biking than I thought as a result of good exp. w/ this bike. Avid brakes are just incredible- v. reliable, and easy to set up too. The frame geometry impresses me more and more, and touches like the cable routing, and disc-specific design seem good for this $ range. The use of the integrated headset seems unwise, given what I've read. It is easy to service however, which I've done after getting a bunch of wet grit into the bottom. I Replaced the bar & stem for a shape that suited me better, clipless pedals have been a big + , and I plan to change the crankset/bb though it works ok. I am trying to make the bike lighter. Even with changing out some parts (some necessary, some not) it remains a solid choice- great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Conley
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Beach
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | fast ones (w/o tons of roots) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | HDK Cycles | | Strengths: | Besides the fact that it is totally sweet?
The Bomber hot- soooo smooth and no flex in the turns.
Avid Discs- Takes 3 sec to adjust and they willl stop on a dime.
Components- same group as a $800 dollar Trek or Specialized
Cables under the toptube- gives it a really clean look.
Great color, i like the seat, its not light but not much heavier than the Trek 8000 and it is just a hot looking ride. | | Weaknesses: | The crank: it really is crap but it has not failed me yet so it's still on. I bent the big ring on a log which sucks but it still works, so it all good.
The book said the seat post was 27.7 so i got a 27.2 Thomson seat post. However the actural size is 30.8 so i had to get a shim which was about as fun as being casterated (it took 4 months and 8 stores to get it). | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Trek 7600, Specialized hardrock, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock +thomson seat post, easton stem, bar ends and clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Firsst of all its a Great bike...period! Then you factor in the price and it is a crazy sweet deal. I constanly have people coming in my dorm room and telling me I have a sweet bike. It has held up on everything i can put it through, flawlessly. I have a pic of me coming down a good 45-60% grade and at the bottem it drops away, its a rough ride but the bike worked perfectly. The bottem line is that if you are looking to get a good bike that will sereve you well than this may be it. Go to a store, get on one, if it fits buy it. In fact i have a friend buying a 2003 next month. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sikhi
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, OR
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with Old Growth | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike & Hike, Corvallis | | Strengths: | Seemed to be the best bike for the buck when shopping for it. Nothing had discs, or the quality shock. Not even mentioning it's 3lb frame? | | Weaknesses: | This thing needs a definate diet... and the cranks suck. I had 1/4" of crank flex (205lbs) often, to where we couldn't adjust it out of the front derailleur. Wheels seem like boat anchors compared to a set of XT/Mavics. Stem is like an iron brick. Hutchison Mosquito tires laste 300 miles! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannodale SuperV, Diamondback Sorrento, GT Palomar | | Bike Setup: | Silver, Michelin tires, salsa stem, coda bars, deore hollowtech crank, xt b/b, coda susp. seatpost | | Bottom Line: | It was a very good deal, and when the problems were fixed, still under a grand. Personally, for my riding style it feels too heavy, and a bit overkill. Riding a road bike as well, I find I ride pretty light, and am not very agressive.. so it makes this bike seems almost "downhillesque". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Mcdonald
a Weekend Warrior
from La Conner Washington USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hokey Ka Dildo | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Good value(bomber and avids) | | Weaknesses: | FRAME!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Kona Blast, Giant Yukon, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock with d321 rims
| | Bottom Line: | I FRACTURED THE FRAME WHERE THE HEAD TUBE AND DOWN TUBE!
I was doing a small nose pivot and it fractured! no big drops or anything, 5 feet to nice landing. Buy this bike if you don't plan on getting it off the ground! Curbs will kill this bike! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Moore
a Racer
from Marquette MI USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | your mom | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Down Wind Sports | | Strengths: | the fork and the disk breaks, I love them | | Weaknesses: | the tires, the seat, and the chain(broke in a big race only in a couple of months after I got it) | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | panaracer xc pro tires, clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. The breaks are amazing, A few minor things that should be changed but you can't go wrong with this bike. Great starting bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
larry mcquick
a Cross Country Rider
from livermore CA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | sycamore grove | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | cal bikes | | Strengths: | bomber shocks are really nice and plush
the shifters are also quite good
| | Weaknesses: | I snapped the bb spindle
the wheel set is not quality the brakes were constantly giving me truble
the seat bent after one tuff ride
This bike is really lose in corners and is hard to keep strait going up hills | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ up graded platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bike is nice for a couple weeks but the the corners that giant cut to save $$$ begin to show through. I dont recomend it. save your hard earne bucks and get a decent hard tail. Or part it out before it gets thashed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
larry mcquick
a Cross Country Rider
from livermore CA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | sycamore grove | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | cal bikes | | Strengths: | bomber shocks are really nice and plush
the shifters are also quite good
| | Weaknesses: | I snapped the bb spindle
the wheel set is not quality the brakes were constantly giving me truble
the seat bent after one tuff ride
This bike is really lose in corners and is hard to keep strait going up hills | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ up graded platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bike is nice for a couple weeks but the the corners that giant cut to save $$$ begin to show through. I dont recomend it. save your hard earne bucks and get a decent hard tail. Or part it out before it gets thashed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail in the dirt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Cycling & Fitness | | Strengths: | Great fork that can be tuned for heavy riders, Air adjustability provides simple, quick tuning. Avid mechanical discs, LX/Deore components are very smooth. Frame feels solid and strong. | | Weaknesses: | The reviews on this bike are right on, the stock tapered crank does not belong with the higher end components on this bike. The ZAC-19 rims are weak. | | Similar Products Used: | '93 HARO Escape (rigid) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I took alot of the post on the cranks and rims with a grain of salt, however as I stated, these reviews are right on the money. 2 rides in Hanna park and one road ride, less then 50 miles and left crank came loose. Do not think it was torqued correctly during assembly. LBS retorqued, but dust cap was lost on trail. The rims are are already showing signs of coming out of true and tonight while putting slicks on, I noticed a flat spot on the rear rim. I found the crank smooth but not as solid as the 10 year old Shimano 200-GS on my HARO. I think a splined setup is going to be much better for me. I am going to play the warranty thing with Giant thru LBS on flat spot on rim and see what happens. I am a clydesdale @ 275 but do not see how my cheap single walled Shimano and Alex rims on my HARO can hold up better than a double walled rim on a higher end bike. My theory is the problems with these rims is the assembly of the wheelset itself. Just feeling the spoke tension with my fingers I can feel major disparities. I think if these wheels are properly tuned and tensioned from the start they probally would not be that bad. I'll try to follow up this review in 2-3 months when fully broken in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randall Mueller
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomingdale, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Spin Doctor Cyclewerks, Bartlett, IL | | Strengths: | Marzocchi EXR Fork, Avid CPS Disc Brakes, Shimano Deore Components, Value $$$ | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson Mosquito Tires, Saddle, Weight | | Similar Products Used: | Tested: Giant Warp DS1, DS2, DS3; Cannondale F400; GT Avalanche 1.0; Trek 6700, 6500; Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS Comp, Rockhopper A1 FS Pro, Rockhopper A1 FS, Hardrock A1 Comp FS | | Bike Setup: | Standard hardtail geometry, butted aluminum frame, 27 speed | | Bottom Line: | Last year about this time I had grown tired of seeing commercials for home gyms that were advertised by some guy in his 40's saying that he is healthier now than he was in his 20's. Very depressing for a guy in his twenties. So I decided to get a mountain bike that could handle the rigors of riding, entertain notions of racing, and cost under $1,000.00.
I tested several bikes at several dealerships before deciding upon the Rainier. It's not that the other bikes were so vastly inferior, but Giant seems to have a knack for putting great components on its bikes at an amazing price. It was well worth shopping around to get a feel for what products are out there, as I hadn't been involved in the world of cycling for almost 10 years.
The only things that detract from the Rainer are the tires, pedals, saddle and weight. Before Christmas, I'll need to buy a new set of tires, and they won't be Mosquitos. The limestone paths around here seem to wreck havoc on the them, and I only have a few hundred miles on them so far. I've never ridden clipless pedals, but from everything I've read, the stock pedals should be upgraded to clipless. One gets used to the saddle after continued use, but it seems like clockwork that after 20-25 miles of riding, my rear ceases to love the trip. Also, it's not a light bike, coming in at 29lbs, but as it's my first mountain bike, it's hard to complain.
The bike has been in for several repairs and adjustments, and each time, the bike seems to ride better. The brakes are amazing and work well in all conditions. The shifters are easy to use, and after a couple of adjustments, the derailures work great.
Bottom Line: If you have $1,000.00 to spend on a bike, get a hardtail, because a good dual suspension bike will usually top a grand. Get the Rainier, save some cash, put it toward a helmet, gloves, etc. A few adjustments have been made to the 2003 model, but I'm guessing that it would be safe to say that it too will fare well with consumers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Hollis, Maine
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Milford Bikes - Mass | | Strengths: | Appearance and componet set. I love the disc brake setup. | | Weaknesses: | ME - I need to build my skills in order to use this bike to its potential. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro - Vector
Univega - Alpina | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike was well worth the money that I spent on it. I had a noticable difference in my ability on the first ride. Very good "bang for the buck" bike.
I found it a very good transition into a suspended bike. I would recommend this bike to anyone that is looking to take that step up to a real bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Marshfield, ma
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wompatuck | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Purchased At: | Dave's in Milton | | Strengths: | I saved and researched for a year before I bought this bike. The Ranier is by far the most bike for $700 out there. | | Weaknesses: | Generic crank and BB. No name hubs. Mosquito Air lights wear really fast. | | Similar Products Used: | My last bike was my first and was a department store Royce Union rebuilt with $500 worth of mail order LX level parts. Still use it as a city bike. | | Bike Setup: | Well, the setup is listed above. I have changed the following though. Race Face prodigy crank, XT BB, Kore lite flat bar w/ ends. I lost my front wheel and replaced both with Ryno Lites on Deore disc hubs. | | Bottom Line: | Going from a cheap bike to this was like spending on a $2000 bike. This bike is smoooooth. The geometry is a little slack for my XC racing but if you keep the shock just a little stiff it's no problem. The shock sucks up everything too and I'm 230 lbs. This frame is last years XTC race hardtail so how can you beat that on a $700 bike?
With the exception of the cheesey crank/bb, this bike is solid as hell. Most bikes at this price are pretty much the same, but I can't say enough good things about: Zoch Fork, Avid Mechs, frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Ondik
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Jim Thorpe Area | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$710.00 | | Purchased At: | Preformance Bike Shop, Paoli, PA | | Strengths: | Price, Parts, Durability, Low Maintence, Preformace lifetime tuning, Fork and LX rear, Avid Disks, Nice looking bike. | | Weaknesses: | Weight, Toe cages, crank (I have seen two bend), Tires are not very good but they will soon need to be replaced anyway, chain will break so replace it early before you have to replace the whole drivetrain. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Trek 800 (rigid), Gary Fisher Hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Marzochi front fork, Deoire front derailleur, LX rear derailleur, Avid Disks, 27 speed, In House Giant Crank, Toe cage pedals, Mosquito tires. | | Bottom Line: | Great deal. Takes a liking and keeps on ticking. Plush fork. Great components and the disks alone are worth $250. Get it before it disapears from the shelf. I have seen the 2003 and the fork is not as good so get the 2002 instead. Buy it if you are new to the sport and are looking for a low maintence start up. Don't buy if you wanna race in the higher classes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Stillwater Lake, NS, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything w/ a Guiness at the end! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Some bike shop in T.O. via Purolator | | Strengths: | Feel, fit and function. This bike goes straight up and I'm loving the Hayes discs on the way back down. Nice stuff to get you going and real upgradeable as required. Shocks broke in real nice. | | Weaknesses: | Try getting one (black and red). The Hutchinson Mosquito rubber offers great gription for the slop, roots and rocks that I've been finding but the rear does wear quick. Rims are weak for a 6"2"/ 235 rider and will be the first upgrade I make. Chainring needs an upgrade soon too. That's it. | | Similar Products Used: | Nada. | | Bike Setup: | Out of box 'cept for clipless (that was a learning curve), bar ends, better grips and a computer to drive me insane. | | Bottom Line: | The Rainier is my first "real" mountain bike purchase and has thrown me full tilt back into the great outdoors. I look forward to getting on it and making it go whenever and wherever I can. As my 14 year old (who isn't allowed on it) would say-SWEET! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Stillwater Lake, NS, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything w/ a Guiness at the end! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Some bike shop in T.O. via Purolator | | Strengths: | Feel, fit and function. This bike goes straight up and I'm loving the Hayes discs on the way back down. Nice stuff to get you going and real upgradeable as required. Shocks broke in real nice. | | Weaknesses: | Try getting one (black and red). The Hutchinson Mosquito rubber offers great gription for the slop, roots and rocks that I've been finding but the rear does wear quick. Rims are weak for a 6"2"/ 235 rider and will be the first upgrade I make. Chainring needs an upgrade soon too. That's it. | | Similar Products Used: | Nada. | | Bike Setup: | Out of box 'cept for clipless (that was a learning curve), bar ends, better grips and a computer to drive me insane. | | Bottom Line: | The Rainier is my first "real" mountain bike purchase and has thrown me full tilt back into the great outdoors. I look forward to getting on it and making it go whenever and wherever I can. As my 14 year old (who isn't allowed on it) would say-SWEET! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bruce fritchman
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | green mountain wildcat trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | B.I.Cycle Bainbridge Isl | | Strengths: | Geometry/handling, Avid brakes, Marzocchi air fork,Deore Shifters | | Weaknesses: | Some stock Giant parts like the crank and stem look cheap and heavy...but they work..I have nearly 2000 miles on the bike
| | Similar Products Used: | Tested Raleigh M600, M800 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The 2002 Rainier is simply a super bike! It is a joy to ride in any conditions. The Wildcat trail is a tough ride (by cross country standards) and I have thrashed this bike pretty good. Nothing has bent or broken...the Zoke air fork and Avid brakes really shine.
The handling of this bike sparkles compared with the Raleigh and the Zoke fork and Avid brakes pushed it over for me. I see the 2003 model has Mavic rims and Shimano hubs but has lost the Marzocchi fork to a cheap looking, cheezy feeling Manitou...I would take the fork over the wheels, or I would pay a higher price to get the Zoke fork and the wheels. I think Giant will regret taking the Marozcchi forks off its product line...and I don't like the new paint schemes either! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kipp cobby
a Cross Country Rider
from wheatley ontario canada
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | two creeks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | smiths cycle | | Strengths: | bang for your buck the fork is fu*king MINT ,good shifting,
I like the hayes disks alot | | Weaknesses: | I sheard the bb off when speeding up, but the warrenty took care of that and I had it back the next day | | Similar Products Used: | jamis trek | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I love it and ride it every day , I have heard alot about wheel problems but I havent had any yet and i beat on em EH!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Peace River, Alberta
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Whitecourt Deerfoot | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bryan's Ski and Cycle | | Strengths: | Comes with good components, disc brakes (Hayes mechanicals, great value | | Weaknesses: | If you're a bigger rider like me (6'4, 240lb) then the rims are too weak. I'm already upgrading to some beefier rims. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Cindercone | | Bike Setup: | Stock, replaced the peddles (personal choice, I don't like toe clips) | | Bottom Line: | This is my first serious mountain bike. I'm very pleased with it. It handles very well on some pretty tough terrain. As I said above the rims are a little weak if you're a bigger rider. I'm also changing out the tires to some Conti's (Survial Pros) but again I don't really fault Giant for this, it's just a personal choice. For the price you pay this bike gives you a lot. Deore LX rear deraileurs, Hayes mechanical disc brakes, a fairly solid frame (I wouldn't do 60 foot drops or anything but for small drops and trail riding it hasn't flexed yet). When I compared it to other comparable priced bikes it always came out on top. If your thinking about getting this bike (if you can still find it, I had to travel 8 hours to get mine) don't think, get it :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike R
a Weekend Warrior
from Tinley Park, Illinois
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Marzocchi Fork | | Weaknesses: | Giant Crankset, Hutchinson tires | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Tassajara Disc | | Bottom Line: | I bought it because it was $60 cheaper than the Gary Fisher model I was also looking at and because it had a Marzocchi but the crank is a piece of crap. The chainrings bent in the the first month which was also when the rear tire wore out. The shop I bought it from admitted the cranks suck and offered my a Deore for more money than Pricepoint sells the LX for so they just bent the chainrings back with pliers.
When I stop riding for the year I will might buy a better crank or sell the bike. I bought Panaracer Fire XC folding tires from Supergo and they're great. I bought the Giant to save money but it ends up costing me more because of the house brand cranks. Lesson: Buy Shimano! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean allen
a Downhiller
from walnut creek,CA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | hard core downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bikes | | Strengths: | the bike it self is really strong but the components are kinda weak i already snaped the cranks. | | Weaknesses: | some of the products but nothing else. | | Similar Products Used: | vary first hard tails | | Bike Setup: | azonic bar and stem,hollow xt cranks,raceface bash gard soon to be mrp,and thats it for now. | | Bottom Line: | its a really good bike for what ever type of riding you do and its really strong.NEED YOUR HELP,do you think a 5 inch travel fork would fit on it or should i just get a 4 inch travel.if 4 inch what fork should i get fox fork 4-5 inches ora black.thanks,email me for the answer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zorro
a
from Anchorage
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | Disc brakes, 27 speeds, GREAT price. This bike will handle anything I can dish out. | | Weaknesses: | Tires wear on pavement, bad seals on Manitou Axel fork. If you get this fork buy lizard skins or something because in one day my oil changed from pink to greenish brown. Once thi fork works however, it is great. | | Similar Products Used: | None really, just my old Marin hybrid with rock shox indy's. | | Bike Setup: | redline platform pedals, lizard skins on fork. | | Bottom Line: | Great price for a great bike. I give it 5 flamin chile's for value and 4.5 overall because of the bad seals, but I'll just round it down to four. Buy this if you want a solid bike for trails use and getting around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg Turner
a Weekend Warrior
from Trinity,Tx. USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Bryan | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Source | | Strengths: | looks good | | Weaknesses: | terrible manufacturer/dealer support,faulty bearing in headset after 15 miles,two weeks later I am taking to my Diamondback dealer to have repaired at my expense.If you want warranty support don't buy Giant!! | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback topanga comp. Specialized rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | yes,bike sits up in the garage | | Bottom Line: | After researching many brands @ models I thought I wanted this bike, since I traveled 200 miles to get the last 02 Ranier in Tx. and am trying to get it serviced at a nearer dealer (90 miles away)where I purchased another Giant bike for my daughter I really expected better.There are no Giant purchases in my future who cares what Forbes says about them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from State College, PA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Purchased At: | Skis & Spokes | | Strengths: | PRICE! Components; Marzocchi air suspension, Avid discs, comfortable geometry, looks! | | Weaknesses: | Crank arms, rear deraileur hanger, tires wear FAST! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Sedona ATX | | Bike Setup: | Time ATACs, Lizardskin chainstay, Roller Magiq, and Velociraptor on the rear. | | Bottom Line: | I have always found that Giant offers the best quality for the price and the Ranier delivers once again. The components and the looks (Dream Silver) blew away anything in the same price range. I am a weekend warrior and have been riding my Ranier all summer. It performs well on and off the road. Had to replace the rear Hutchison after 150 miles. These tires are good, but wear very fast if you ride on the road. My rear deraileur hanger snapped off, but I was unable to determine if it was caught or just faulty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian McDonald
a Weekend Warrior
from Bartlett, IL
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Spin Doctor Cyclwerks | | Strengths: | Frame, Mosquito tires, shifters, disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Specialized Rockhopper, Gary Fisher Koo-Koo-Ke-Do | | Bike Setup: | 2003 model. 19" frame. Everything standard. | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden about 100 miles on the Rainier and I love it. I test rode the bikes above and fell in love with the Rainier as soon as I rode it. I was worried about the new Manitou Axel fork, but so far it has been great. I actually prefer the color choice for the 2003 models (Blue!)
I can't really say enough about the bike. The Rainier chews up the trail. My previous ride is a measly Trek 820. Others have complained about the seat, but it's actually very comfortable. Overall, this is a really great bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | oxford falls/red hill/manly | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$725.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction, Cronulla | | Strengths: | The fork is very, very good once broken in. The discs, while not as strong as hyrdros have awesome stopping power. The frame is light and responsive for a bike of it's price. The LX rear is great. | | Weaknesses: | I had to replace the saddle if I ever wanted to have kids in the future. The tyres (Hutchinson Mosquitos) do wear very quickly, especially on hard ground. | | Similar Products Used: | not many... | | Bike Setup: | 17" stock, except for Specialized Body Geometry Comp saddle. (US$25), and a slightly longer stem. (which really improved my riding position) | | Bottom Line: | A fantastic bike, and the best value hardtail I could find under US$900. The bike specs are fantastic, and will make a good base for upgrading if need be. Its been out nearly every weekend since I've had it, with no problems. It's held up through some pretty huge stacks. Very, very happy with it and would recommend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SEth Richards
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogdensburg NY,USA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | seven springs trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Davy Jones | | Strengths: | Fair componants for the price. brakes and fork. weight. | | Weaknesses: | pedals. derailer hanger in the rear snapped but i think its just deffect | | Similar Products Used: | jamis eureka raleigh m400 | | Bike Setup: | raceface crank and spinergy rims but rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | best bike for the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Foote
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Forks, ND
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$709.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski And Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This is for the 2003 model of the Rainier.
Frame-Brakes-Price | | Weaknesses: | None Yet | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana - Trek 930 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Avid Ultimate L brake levers | | Bottom Line: | This is the 2003 model. The frame has extra gusseting arount the headtube and the seat post is larger in diameter. This makes an already good frame even better. The color scheme for '03 is not as nice as 2002, but the parts are a little better. Shimano clipless pedals come with it along with mavic rims. The brake levers have been upgraded to Avids. The brakes are still awesome Avid CPS, and the Deore/LX drivetrain is quite nice. I had a 2002 Giant Iguana for a week and did not like how the manitou six comp fork worked (it has NO rebound control). I traded that bike in for this Rainier and I am very happy. The Manitou Axel Super fork that came with this bike seems very smooth. It has external preload and dampening adjustments, along with being an oil filled fork. It seems to work great, though I do not know if it is an upgrade from the Marzocchi fork that came on it in '02. Only time (and peoples reviews) will tell how good this new Manitou fork really is! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris C
a Cross Country Rider
from South Riding
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Good price point, Marzocchi Bomber forks, Avid mechanical disc brakes stop you on a dime. Has taken a beating on difficult single track and has held up surprisingly well. | | Weaknesses: | Frame carries some weight on long distances with extended ascends. Giant cut a few corners on some components. Handle bars, stem, rims, seatpost. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock | | Bike Setup: | upgraded pedals to Shimano clipless, Mavic rims, RaceFace handle bars and stem. Everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | The is a great deal for someone who wants a good solid mountain bike that can perform well on a variety of trails including bone crushing single track. If your are planning on doing competitive riding it might not be your first choice. It can handle it but you might to try and lighten it up some with upgraded components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Jacovelli
a Cross Country Rider
from Benton, AR USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Budha at Camp Robinson | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Chainwheel - LBS | | Strengths: | Nice stock components... disc brakes rock!!!! Fork rules as well. Deore(front) and LX(rear) derailers are nice.... very smooth and quick. Really like the frame geometry... I'm 6'2", 180 pounds and I feel like the bike is really alive and reactive. I ride a lot of rocky/twisty/tree-lined trails and have no probs throwing the bike down the trails, cutting between narrow gaps in trees and rocketing around sharp turns. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals suck. Rims/hubs are not great. The Hutchinson Mosquitos are very soft. I like them off-road, but you won't want to ride them on paved surfaces... they won't last at all. Also, this didn't happen to me personally, but a guy I work with. He had a relatively minor accident and cracked the frame. Giant won't replace... said something to the effect of "wasn't caused by normal use". I bought my bike first or I would have had serious 2nd thoughts about buying. | | Similar Products Used: | None - first bike | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to Rhinolyte rims, XT hubs, LX crank, Eggbeater pedals, Deore freewheel | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Great components.... love the drivetrain and the Avid disc brakes. I've been very pleased with mine and would recommend to 1) someone upgrading from a lower end bike 2) someone buying for the first time who wants to get a good bike right from the beginning. My only caution is the support from Giant with my friends cracked frame. Bike was only 2 months old and was in a very minor wreck. Frame cracked and Giant won't replace. Because of this, I am lowering both of my ratings for this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Krinitt
a Cross Country Rider
from Pacifica, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything off-road by the sea | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes #7 R.C. | | Strengths: | Good climber and nice ride, predictable on fast decents. Avid disc brakes stop you quickly. Bomber forks stand up to punishment and soften your ride. Shifting is effortless. | | Weaknesses: | Biggest concern for me was tire wear. The Hutchinson Mosquito's are marginal at best. Their poor traction has put me in harm's way more than once. They were spent after 215 miles. This was due to alot of singel-track, and was easy to remedy. Only other component I'll upgrade will be the crankset. An XT crankset would do this bike a world of good. The stock set basic. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 820, Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | 2002, 21 in. frame. Mostly stock. I've chaned the stem to an Easton EA-50, added carbon bar ends and new pedals > Shimano 545 clipless. | | Bottom Line: | This is my Third hardtail and one of the best bangs for the buck without full suspension. Components are mixed, some great and others just above entry level. Overall, they give good/reliable performance. A few modest upgrades have made this bike SO MUCH FUN to ride. You won't regret owning this bike. I know I won't have any problem selling it next year when I go full suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Minnising Mountain Bike Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Pedlers Bike Shop (great service) | | Strengths: | The fork soaks up everything! The brakes stop u quicckly. Quite light. Looks sweet. LX shifts awesome, great gear range. Good geometry. And bacicly everything on the bike, from the grips to the hubs. But the best things about this bike are the fork, brakes, frame, and the shifting. | | Weaknesses: | I havent found any after my first few rides. This bike is awesome . | | Bike Setup: | 100% stock (mine came with a LX front derailur) dont plan on changing anything soon. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this is an awesome bike 4 the $. I really wanted to get a full suspention but decided it was too much $. On paper this bike is the best in the price range, and after riding it i dont regret buying it. I read almost every review on this site and liked wat i heard. The 2 biggest complaints were poor tire wear and poor seat. I say ride the bike in the dirt where it belongs and as for the seat, i am 100% satisfied and find it comfortable. I set out to buy the bike and heard that they were sold out. I was worried that i would not be able to get my hands on one. At last i found 1 in a 21 inch frame and had to get it. If you are reading this review and want to get this bike, u should hurry up and start lookin, because you may not find one. But if u do find 1 buy it!! U will regret it if you dont. This bike is truely awesome. It climbs effortlessly. And decents great as well. I reccomentd this bike to anyone. BUY IT IF YOU FIND ONE! Its the best value and it will not let you dowm. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Rankin
a Weekend Warrior
from Vandenberg AFB
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | what ever one i am on! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn-Santa Maria, CA | | Strengths: | Awesome Bike! Fork, Avid Breaks! Just a cool well put together bike. | | Weaknesses: | A little on the heavy side... crank, stem, hubs, seatpost all giant stuff... not bad just not as light as i would like! | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Apex, Rockhopper, Gary Fisher-Hoo Koo E Koo | | Bike Setup: | Stock + titec big al stem & hellbent xc handlebars. Time Atac pedals, and saving for thomson elite seat post... | | Bottom Line: | This is my fist major purchase into mountain biking (over $500 that is) and I am glad I made the purchase I did. After you get over the initial sticker shock you realize you can’t get much better that this for the money. I did A LOT of research before deciding on the Rainier and I am glad I did. Don’t get me wrong all the bikes I looked at were great bikes. But when you but them all besides one another the Giant really stands out above the rest. All the bikes I looked at were all about even when it came to the level of components that they came with stock, but when it came down to bottom line ($$$) the rainier was well worth the cash. I had the bike on layaway and spent several weekends reading MTB reviews and looking at various parts on the Internet and finally got tired of reading and wanted to go riding so I grabbed the check book and boy am I glad I did. As soon as I got the bike on the dirt I could tell that I had gotten a steal. I have also been commuting to work and it shines on the road as well! If you are looking for a great bike for an even better price try to fine a 2002 somewhere… I have seen the 2003 and they not only don’t look as good they are A LOT more cash… good luck and happy biking! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Camdenton, MO USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | wherever i can go | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Oz Cycles, Osage Beach, MO | | Strengths: | good value for what you get on it, great beginner's bike, Avid disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | Made in Taiwan(I guess thats better than China though) | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a Specialized Hardrock(or Rockhopper, I forgot which one) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money. I think if you are going to take a bike out on the weekends for some cross-country fun, I don't see any reason to change anything, except for the seat. If you're going to use a bike to commute everyday, or do some serious racing, you may want to save $200-$500 more and get a bike with what you need on it, as I feel this bike wasn't made for extreme hard use. (Just for the record, I may do some racing on this bike as-is, just for fun) Buy the Rainier, grab the family, and head off to the trails for an afternoon of fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a
from SF Bay Area
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything I can ride | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Pleasanton Bicycle | | Strengths: | Awesome Forks,Disc Brakes,Deore shifters are fantastic | | Weaknesses: | Tires are only good for Off-road. Clips on pedals should be removed, or replaced with clipless pedals. Brakes get loose quickly, and frequent alignment. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Replaced tires with on/off road type knobbies. Removed strap from pedal clips. | | Bottom Line: | I have really enjoyed riding this bike during the last few months. Unfortunately, my first experience riding it ended up with me spraining my knee and left me unable to ride for about 3 weeks. Whatever you do, if you ride on the road with this bike, change the tires to ones that are made for roads. That's what caused me to crash on my first ride. The bike is not built for speed, but it will get you where you want to go. For the price, and the ride satisfaction you can't beat it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hurstbridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$783.00 | | Purchased At: | Freedom Machine | | Strengths: | Frame, Groupset (Deore...Deore), Disc Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Handlebars, stem, seat, colour | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 840 RG, GT Ruckus 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | DMR V8 pedals, rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | My 6 year old ATX was stolen, and my first urge was to buy an XTC SE2 (I love hardtails), however they're all sold out in Australia (in 21 inch frames) so I was forced to shop around. There was nothing better on the market in terms of components that count. I've had no problems in settling in with this baby - and can only hope that the components last as long as the frame. This is the perfect entry-level bike, and should cover any rider up to the point of competing X country. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DARKBOY
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, Ca
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Clementine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Auburn Bike Works | | Strengths: | Brakes, Front Fork, PRICE!!!!!!!! Handles great. Oh yeah..did I mention the brakes, front fork or PRICE!!!?
| | Weaknesses: | Tires are trashed, Rims are bent (I'm a big guy 240#) | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Eurika | | Bike Setup: | I have to change the tires and wheels. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I recomend it to everybody. Buy new tires when you buy the bike.
I was looking for full suspension but changed my mind after a spin on the Rainier. I just love the way it rides. I am a heavy guy and everything is holding up so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Velo City | | Strengths: | Value, the ability to cruise around with almost no effort, plush air shock. Brakes have awesome modulation. Looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost won't adjust right. Tires are crap on road (but rule offroad). Lousy bottom bracket. Pedals suck, but were upgraded for free. | | Bike Setup: | ODI Rampage Grips, LX front, XT rear. Rollamajig. | | Bottom Line: | A sweet bike that can do it all (almost). A joy to ride. Handles well at pretty much everything. Not a bad bike in any way accept annoying BB. Recommended if your looking for a bike in this price range for any Cross-Country. Swap the pedals, should be free for new low end but still functional ones. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach Mauch
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmond, OK
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Store | | Strengths: | Avid brakes and levers, Mar. fork, LX rear derailer, great hubs | | Weaknesses: | bad tires, cheap bottom bracket | | Bike Setup: | time atac pedals | | Bottom Line: | You simply can't get a better bike for this price range. I was originaly looking for a bike around the 500-600 range(like the trek 4900) But when I saw this bike I had to splurge. The componets are amazing. The fork and the brakes are worth 400 on thier own.
My initial use of the bike for road rides and small trails aroung the area were strong. the only problem was getting used to the seat and dealing with the clips before I got my times.
The real test came when I took my bike to colorado. the bike faced some serious terrain and held up great (since I'm still learning the bike had some tough falls to take). It even handled a serious downhill endo on rocky terrain.
Another thing I must mention because no one else has. The hubs rock! My friend and I were going down hiway 285 in colorado, which is all downhill. He was curled up tight on his trek elite 9.8 without touching the brakes. I was behind him taping my brakes every few seconds. It wasn't just drafting!
finally, There are a few problems. The tire's tread is almost gone after 250 miles. The bottom bracket ocationaly squeaks, and the front derailer is being fickel. But don't let this stop you from buying the bike. Tires are cheap, especialy on jensonusa.com. You siply won't find a better bike for the price. Also, the stong brakes are a great learnong curve for unexperienced downhillers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Alaska
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Paramount Cycles | | Strengths: | Avid disks brakes, as well as the fork and the shifters. This bike performs well on singletrack, climbs and downhills. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, and also the tires wear easily. | | Similar Products Used: | My friend's model of last year's rainier. | | Bottom Line: | A good deal for the money. I recommend this bike for weekend warriors as well as cross country riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Rapids, Mi, USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$635.00 | | Purchased At: | Village bike shop | | Strengths: | Disc brakes and has the same frame as the giant XTC | | Weaknesses: | Pedals,Cranks, | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Eureka, GT avalanche 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | Time Atac pedals Specialized body G seat | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the cash. Way worthy of upgrades and holds its own on drop offs and downhills. I would definately recommend a friend this bike. The only thing that comes close is the Jamis Eureka and that is almost 100 bucks more.
This is a must have for beginners and the weekend warrior. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ri
a Cross Country Rider
from Yachats, Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Riding thru Old Growth | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike & Hike | | Strengths: | Great price, sub 3lb frame, avid discs! | | Weaknesses: | Stock cranks suck, cheap bottom bracket,stem, bars & seatpost need replacing | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale SuperV, Diamondback Sorrento, GT Palomar | | Bike Setup: | Deore LX cranks, Coda bar, giani seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I'm very happy with this bike. Use it for crosscountry, handles great at 30mph in gravel. Want to lighten it up a bit though, and will probably change out the rims/hubs/cassette as the next upgrade to it. Tires are almost worn out at 250 miles! Soft but sticky.
No other bike by any manufacturer after extensive looking came close to this bike, without adding $500! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bill devenny
a Weekend Warrior
from cherry hill n.j usa
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | wissahickon p.a | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | very good all around bike for the $. all my friends have the same bikewe love it. the dise brakes are very nice unit to have. go get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Willoughby, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | atchinson, seven springs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Ohio Bikes and Boards | | Strengths: | Good Brakes, Lightweight, Nice solid front shock. | | Weaknesses: | Tires...They suck, I trashed one of them about 2 weeks after purchase and the only place they seemed good on was dry pavement, anything wet or fast downhill and the bike was spooky. | | Similar Products Used: | I looked at Gary Fisher, Jamis, and Specialized | | Bike Setup: | I've changed the tires first off, the rear is a IRC Claw and the front is a Specialized Team Control. The seat was upgraded to a Serfas with Titanium Rails, I upgraded the crank after a crash to Shimao Deore crank and smaller shimano lower bracket. I also put spd clipless pedals on it. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I've been nothing but happy with the feel of the bike. If I had the chance I would buy another. One tip..don't fall on the rotors..there expensive to replace. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything I can ride on | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance bike | | Strengths: | Great selection of solid, quality components. For the price this bike absoulutly can't be beat. Avid disc breaks have serious stopping power. | | Weaknesses: | For me the seat was a bit uncomfortable. I upgraded to a WTB comfort seat and now everything is cool. Also, the clips on the pedals are a bit of a hassle to get in and out of. Still, these are minor things that can easily be corrected to your preference and in no way should stop you from trying and liking this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried the Gary Fisher Tassajara,Giant Iquana, Trek and Cannondale f400. | | Bike Setup: | WTB seat, delta rear rack, cygolite,
continental traffics(great tires!) | | Bottom Line: | As you can tell from the setup I've used this bike every day for just over a month as an all purpose machine. It handles everything from riding firetrails to city streets and carrying packages. I'm very happy with my choice because I got a quality bike for a moderate price. I was initally looking at the Iquana but once I saw the value in the Rainier my search was over. I would buy this bike again without any hesitation and I recommend it to anyone looking for a solid, quality all terrian bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Traynor
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Orleans Cycle | | Strengths: | Forks, disc brakes, frame, derailleur | | Weaknesses: | none (the shop threw in a free saddle upgrade, so I can't comment on the original) | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fischer, Kona, GT Tequesta | | Bike Setup: | based on the reviews I saw here before buying the bike, I got a free saddle upgrade, otherwise its straight out of the box | | Bottom Line: | I researched different bikes for a couple months beforehand and was willing to spend up to $1100 US. I was orginally looking for a full suspension bike, but after trying different models, decided I would need to pay about $2000 US to get something decent. Then I went back to looking at hardtails. I finally settled on either the Giant Iguana or Rainier. For the extra money, the Rainier was worth it. Spending hundreds more on a bike didn't seem to get me anything extra, and usually got me less.
I weigh in at 200 lbs and have launched this thing over some pretty hard ground. It feels like riding on air, the control is precise and the bike is not as stiff as my GT. I don't intend to change any parts untill they wear out. I was really surprised that when I started using this bike, I was able to ride terrain that used to be either too hard or wore me out. Now its a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park.
This is a superb bike and I highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Babbit
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, VIC., Australia
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere around Boulder CO. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Gold Cross Cycles | | Strengths: | Mazocchi Forks, Avid/Hayes Mech. Disc Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are annoying and the saddle is hard - but these can both be upgraded cheaply. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Specialised, Kona | | Bike Setup: | Changed the cheap knobbies for cheap slicks | | Bottom Line: | First rode this bike while working in Boulder CO. USA. Fell in love with it on the trails around the Rocky foothills - forks are superb! When I got back to Oz, I hunted around and they were already scarce - the dealers have all put the prices up and the polished silver finish is really endangered.
Just look at the shear number of reviews for this bike and you know its the one to get! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy dukey
a
from monson mass usa
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mollasis hill (down it of course) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | wheels in motion @ the ski in | | Strengths: | great value packed into a good price, im 13 and i worked for a summerat a farm for it, havent got off of the bike yet | | Weaknesses: | i only weigh 100lbs. and i cracked the frame (maybe i do ride hard?) but i got a new frame from the warentee | | Similar Products Used: | not much | | Bike Setup: | stock except some clipless, xt rear del., new cranks comn soon | | Bottom Line: | this is a huge value, for some one who can ride single track, fire roads, urban, and have lots of fun in one day | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Nanticoke, PA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Montage Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Main Bike World | | Strengths: | brakes, fork, looks, price | | Weaknesses: | Cheap stem, handlebar, seatpost, and crank. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuji Thrill | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded stem to Titec. Replaced crank w/Shimano XT (BB also). Shimano 515 clipless. XT front and rear derailler. | | Bottom Line: | I checked this site prior to purchase. Most reviews I found hit the head on the nail. The price is excellent for what you get minus a few cheap parts. The upgrades still saved me a few bucks rather than buying another bike w/XT components. The breaks are great and so is the shock. The looks of a bike are important to me and this bike is nice! The weight of the bike is not a real issue when you ride it. It seems to be more in control. I see the tires are starting to wear, but so what. I can buy new ones. This bike is great for the beginner not wanting to spend too much. Simply cannot beat the price. I have heard rumors to the 2003 and they don't sound good. Different paint and shock (we shall see). Buy this model if you can find one. My dealer had to pull strings to get me this one. Nice work Main Bike World!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC. USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | marzochi forks, Disk Brakes & frame rule | | Weaknesses: | pedals & rims are weak. Have bent rear rim twice already..lower cranks need replacing also | | Bike Setup: | stock except for new pedals | | Bottom Line: | Best Bike sub 800$ a buddy of mine bought a GF Tasajara & wishes he saw this one first.. This is a must have... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Loch Raven | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$659.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Top-notch Avid CPS disc brakes
Great entry-level Marzocchi fork
Shimano Deore/LX components are a decent value
| | Weaknesses: | Seat is uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Cinder Cone, K2 Zed 4.0 | | Bike Setup: | 19" frame
Switched out saddle for a WTB Speed V, which is very similar in appearance and weight, but much more comfortable. Only $30 bucks | | Bottom Line: | If you want the best value on a hardtail for under $1000, this is THE bike to get at the moment. Unfortunately, the 2003 has an uglier paint job (it's blue, which is a color I like, but it makes the bike look cheap). The 2003 also has a Manitou Axel fork (I believe thats the name of it), which looks like the Black series, but is crap. The Marzocchi is better, so try and get a 2002. Get this bike if you are a beginning XC rider who wants the best bang for the buck. Intermediate riders might want to go for the XTC, or something comparable. Overall, the Rainier is simply a great value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harlan Boettcher
a Weekend Warrior
from Marysville, Wa
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | still on the lookout | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Skagit Valley Cycle | | Strengths: | Front shock, disc brakes, | | Weaknesses: | Seat, bike is heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Tried out: Specialized Rockhopper Comp A1 Disc, Trek 6700 Disc | | Bike Setup: | Shimano 515 pedals, | | Bottom Line: | The Rainier comes with an impressive level of components for the price. The Marzocchi shock and Avid disc brakes are the main items. At 5'10" the frame size fit me the best of all bikes tested. Frame geometry is great for hill climbs and downhills. Competing bikes like the ones I tested were on marked down on sale in order to sell against the Rainier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach Nowak
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh Pa
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | big logs and lots of turns | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Gatto Cycles | | Strengths: | Avid disc brakes and bomber shocks PRICE | | Weaknesses: | CRANK tires ware quik and rims got messed less than a month and the seat always comes loose HEAVY | | Similar Products Used: | fisher hoo koo e koo and hard rock | | Bottom Line: | its the best bike for the price you cant beat it. the shocks are good and the only down part is its heavy but once u upgrade the crank handlebars and stem youre ready to ride competitivley youll impress ure friends by the price too if your lookin for a good xc bike thats a good price this is your bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark.mtb
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, NC
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Estes (Chapel Hill HS) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | PerformanceBike | | Strengths: | Avid disc brakes, nice components, Marzocchi EXR Air Fork, nice frame geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, generic crankset and hubs, wide handlebars. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus bar ends (yes, bar ends on a riser bar). | | Bottom Line: | I was searching for a bike for a few months - I wanted a hardtail with disc brakes and a Marzocchi fork. I happened to stumble upon the Rainier, and it fit my checklist perfectly. Its is a heavy bike, but lighter than my old Hardrock. The Marzocchi EXR isn't actually manufactured by Marzocchi, but after 20+ hours of ride time, it broke in nicely and works very well now. Brakes are great. The fcrankset will need to go soon, but I'll bang it up until then. The tires wear quickly since they are a very soft rubber, but they work well in wet conditions.
The handlebars are over an inch longer than my old bike, so I'm going to need to cut those down soon. Otherwise, I'm very happy with the way this bike handles, and would highly recommend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason H.
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, Ca
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bikes | | Strengths: | Great price, AVID disc brakes. Also heard that 2003 Rainier was going to be $150 more. Don't know what they are going to change to justify the price increase. | | Weaknesses: | Tires wear quickly, pedal suck, would rather sit on a rock than on the seat they provide. | | Similar Products Used: | Specalized, Trek. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, so far... | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, can't beat it for the price. Unless you are a serious ride and/or willing to spend $1500+, you probably won't get a better deal than the Rainier. I would recommend this bike to any rider. Better get one quick, I had a hard time finding my 2002 Rainier, most are sold and 2003's haven't been shipped yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Wollongong, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Uni track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Liverpool City Cycles | | Strengths: | Shocks, discs, Deore, looks sweet | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, seat hurts my ass - may be because I've just started riding again, tires wear quick, cranks are soft | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Avanti, Raceline | | Bike Setup: | Stock, clipless pedals on the way | | Bottom Line: | Well if I had the opportunity to ride the bike more, I could tell more. Unfortunately my girlfriend ran into my Ranier while it was in the garage - only two days after I bought it. Fully stripped one pedal out of the crank. Five weeks later, the bike is still in the shop waiting for Shimano to get off their lazy asses and ship out the replacement crank, including new pedals and shoes.
While I did have the bike, I fell in love straight away. Excellent value compared to other bikes, and it feels very strong. No regrets. As for the girlfriend... :-D | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Easton, PA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Curts Cyclery | | Strengths: | fork, avid disc brakes, light frame, cheap, good race tires | | Weaknesses: | crappy pedals, have to buy shock pump separate, tires are very light but are soft and wear down quickly | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: | WTB SST seat, Shimano 545 pedals, Bontrager Jones tires | | Bottom Line: | Extremely good bike. Bang for the buck! I'd recommend it to any racer, weekend warrior, or anyone who loves mountain biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Reston Virginia USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | looking | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycles | | Strengths: | Nice Disc Brakes and nice Bomber Air Suspension fork. | | Weaknesses: | Little heavy, whats with the Hubs? What are they. No name on them. Like said before myself, heavy handle bars, stem, and seat post. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 zed team and zed 3.0, also specialized hard rock | | Bike Setup: | stock. changing handle bars and pedals. When i get enough money new cranks. | | Bottom Line: | I am only 15 and i dont have a job. So i was out looking and this bike caught my eye becuase of the HIGHLY RATED avid discs and the marzochhi fork(NICE). This bike was the best bang for the buck as my dad would say.
This bike is really good value for what you are getting ex. nice discs and fork also deraileurs are good. Like i said this is a good bike for the value if you can afford it if not dont bike and start mowing the lawn so you can make some money to afford it. All my friends and i love it (they steal it). Buy this bike you cant say enough about it besides the weight. replace some of the Giant parts they put on it they are HEAVY.
Buy this bike if you are an experienced rider going to the trails every weekend. Dont buy it if you sit inside on a computer all day playing games. Buy this bike to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Less than two feet wide | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$620.00 | | Purchased At: | Perfomance Bikes | | Strengths: | CHEAP AND GOOD!! Have to add my rant on how good a deal this bike is. | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, bars, stem, cassette, wheels and seat. Drivetrain stuff looks heavy and probably wear out quick. The handlebar looks heavy too. Like mentioned below, the wheels look not too strong are never heard of name. Looks like it uses a 15 gauge spoke too. | | Similar Products Used: | Fishers and Specialized hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now with spds. Love the carbon spacers! Whats up with the aheadset? | | Bottom Line: | I don't want to make this a plug, but I think I got an all time deal on this by taking advantage of a sale price plus buying a "membership" card. Sometimes you can get a great deal just by looking at another angle. If you are on a budget, I feel you can't get a better deal out there, period.
The disc brakes are the best, the air Bomber fork feels great and the shifting is quiet and flawless. My main ride is a Stumpy Pro with all the works on it, but this bike rides just as nice and is just two pounds heaver at 25 pounds. The handling is not as precise as the stumpy, but the Rainier is very smooth and predictable. Maybe because the disc brakes are at a lower center of gravity, whatever, I just break into a smile when I whip around corners.
The Rainier is a perfect hardtail for someone on a budget or looking for another ride for a backup or for friends. The quality parts and frame give this an excellent ride for few dollars. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bede
a Cross Country Rider
from Reading, Pa, USA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | blue marsh lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddies Bike Shop, state college | | Strengths: | cannot beat the brakes, they are the best mechanical disks you can buy. The fork is decent once it is broken in, the Lx/Deore derailers are decent. Stickey tires. Very good ride, handeling and geometry | | Weaknesses: | rims worry me, the cranks and hubs are no-name giant stuff and probably weight a ton, same with the seatpost/stem/bar | | Similar Products Used: | rode a full suspension jamis dakar until it was stolen, tested fisher paragon, hoo koo e koo disk, trek fuel 80 | | Bike Setup: | stock so far, pedals are getting swapped soon | | Bottom Line: | I tested comparable hardtails and read tons of reviews and catalogs. You simply cannot get the parts for the money, similar bikes even with disk brakes will skimp on levers ruining the feel or skimp or drivetrain parts. Giant gives you the best brakes and a decent drivetrain(minus crank) and bolts it on an upgradeable frame with the same geometry as thier team cc race bikes if you can find one(good luck) get one. I heard giant is bringing next years line out early so get one while you can. This bike rides like a dream | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Patten
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Norwood Bicycle Depot | | Strengths: | Marzocchi shock, Avid disc brakes, components | | Weaknesses: | Rims, tires wear quickly, seat | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700, Kona | | Bike Setup: | Shimano M747 clipless pedals, RockShox suspension seatpost, better seat, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Mavic X317 disc rims | | Bottom Line: | An excellent bike for the money. A great frame to upgrade the components as necessary. I'll get a new crankset and BB next then I'll be happy....well, maybe XTR front and rear? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxford NC USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance in Carboro | | Strengths: | Value for price. Excellent brakes. Great fork. Very good drive train. Good bike for large riders. | | Weaknesses: | Tires a little worn already. Terrible clips/pedals. Needs another set of braze-ons for 2nd bottle cage/battery. Could use an in-between size on the low end. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Fishers, Treks, Raleighs with disc brakes. Nothing could touch overall feel and quality of the Rainier. | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Time Atac pedals, Cateye Enduro. No real need to upgrade components yet. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a first/second hardtail, you won't go wrong with this bike. I bought two...mine is black, the wife's is silver. Fits her really well but her seat post is at max. An in-between size would have been nice. Overall the Rainier fit the best, felt like an extension of my body, and everything has worked perfectly. We've only made a few minor fit and minor derailleur adjustments. I love mine | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Livermore, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | haven't found it yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cal Bicycles | | Strengths: | Avid disc brakes, Marzocchi fork, price and overall value. For someone who is just starting out, this bike is excellent. | | Weaknesses: | Besides the seat, I haven't really found any yet. It is a pound or three heavier than other bikes I've tried but once I'm on it, I can't tell the difference. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500 and 6700 disc. Also tried Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except swapped out the seat for a more comfortable one. Plan to upgrade cranks and derailieurs after I've thrashed the ones on there now. | | Bottom Line: | You definitely get your money's worth out of this bike. This is my first mtb, and I'm very pleased. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | power lines | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Perfomance Bicycle | | Strengths: | Good parts for the money, reliable, fairly light, Avid mechanical disk brakes are a huge plus only bike in this price range with them but they seemed to take a while to break in. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals suck they have no grip, and the saddle takes a while to get used to. The tires are also not that grippy in dry conditions and some what narrow (2.0), the rims arent the best either and my wheels got out of true in the first week. I also got a pinch flat during my second trail ride with the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4900, kona cinder cone,Gary fisher Hoo koo | | Bike Setup: | stock except for pedals sun ringle zu-zu | | Bottom Line: | Its a good value for any rider from beginner to intermediate. The pedals and the saddle need to be changed as soon as you get the bike but overall the bike is good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JG
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any good singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$660.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycles | | Strengths: | Avid discs (overall there is no better brake IMHO), Marzocchi fork, frame geometry. And it looks good! | | Weaknesses: | Tires wear out fast on rocky terrain, pedals can be better | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, GF Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Stock, V-raptor on the rear | | Bottom Line: | I spent about 2 months looking at everything in the $750 range. There is nothing that offers the level of spec this bike does. I eventually bought it for the brakes, fork and fit, and have not been disappointed.
I ride the bike fairly hard and do about 45 - 50 miles every weekend. It's been through snow, mud, rock farms, and dust and not a single complaint. The only problem has been the rear tire that lost about 50% of its knobs after 20 miles on very rocky terrain. Picked up a V-raptor for $20 at the LBS and I noticed a substantial increase in grip, unfortunately also while climbing.
Overall the drive train has performed without a glitch, and gear shifting is both smooth and accurate. Initially noticed some cracking noices in the crank/BB/pedals after about 1 month, but that was taken care of easily with a general lube and tightening of bolts. Will get new pedals soon and definitely upgrade the crank and BB within a year to something with a little less flex. Not that it's bad, but this is the weakest part of the bike. I have read some poor reviews on the rims, but so far have had no unexpected problems and only one pinch flat, even at moderate tire pressure.
The bottom line is buy this bike if you can find one. It is one sweet ride. 5 flamers for value, 4.5 overall due to tire wear and pedals but I will round up to 5 on that too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P-Monkey
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Frame, Fork, Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Crank, Wheelsets, Pedals. Impossible to find in my area. Guy at LBS says that regional warehouse in Idaho is completely out and not getting any more. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona cinder-cone, Schwinn Moab, G-Fisher big sur, specialized stumpjumper-m1comp | | Bike Setup: | XT crank, Hayes elite disc hubs, Mavic x618 rims, XT front derailleur, Titec big Al stem, Kore lite seatpost, Raceface air alloy riser, garbage wellgo pedals, Panaracer trailblaster front-Bontrager revolt ss rear tires. | | Bottom Line: | The frame is sweet, brakes are great, fork is ok for $200 (lack of adjustability hurts it). As for the rest of the components its what you would expect to find on a $700 bike, nothing too flashy here. It all ads up and the bikes ends up being heavy. If your not too concerned with weight than its one of the best bikes you can get for under a grand. The main selling point is the brakes and the frame geometry, if you like both than get the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Marzocchi Fork, Avid discs. All unbelievable specs for a bike at $700.
| | Weaknesses: | None yet
| | Similar Products Used: | Tested many other hardtails before purchasing
| | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Ritchey Clipless pedals
| | Bottom Line: | It was a hard choice. I had been looking at the Rainier for a very long time. This bike has been highly acclaimed since it's release because of the unbelievable parts spec offered for the money.
I was looking on Supergo.com for a while because they were offering a few Schwinn hardtails on close out, but was leary of ordering online. I also found a lbs who had a few leftover Schwinns, but still wanted top dollar for them.
I settled on the Rainier because of the excellent part spec and to support my local neighborhood bike shop. They threw on the Ritchey pedals at no extra charge.
The bike is an amazing turner and cornerer. It's handling is very predictable due to the Marzocchi fork. I had read a number of reviews from people saying how much stronger the brakes are. My first ride I really didn't feel that, but they also needed a bit of adjusting, so yes, now I feel the difference. I've seen people say the tires wear quickly, especially if ridden on the pavement. I guess my solution to that would be, keep it in the dirt where it belongs.
I'm very pleased with this purchase. I plan on upgrading it as time goes on, such as wheel set, bars, seatpost. As it stands now though, it's everything I could want in a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heathcliff
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington, VT
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of vermont | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Northstar | | Strengths: | frame, disc brakes, shocks, components, headset, paint job, etc. | | Weaknesses: | so far, so good | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700, Giant iguana, Fisher tassajara | | Bike Setup: | stock + bar ends | | Bottom Line: | I was looking to spend just $500 when I saw this. I quickly decided to splurge for the Rainier. The brakes and forks are the best. I dont know what to say but get it. It is so tight. I cant think of one thing to change after a few rides. Even the seat and pedals are good. People are constantly looking at it. Mine is silver/black and looks mean just in my livingroom. Frame fits me perfect and makes it so easy to ride. I would buy this bike again in a second. No I dont work for Giant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a
from new mexico
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | great bike for the money. get the black color scheme very nice to look at. (if that counts for anything) | | Weaknesses: | non found yet. seat may be an issue though. cages on pedals dont mix well with wide feet! they are becoming hard to find! | | Similar Products Used: | demo on a raleigh m600. | | Bike Setup: | straight from the shop. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is hard to beat as far as what you get for what you pay. its as nice to look at as it is to ride. this being my second mountain bike in as many years, i am confident this one will last a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from FL,USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Quiet Waters Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Hillsboro Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Bomber Shock is awesome, Avid disk brakes rock, and jsut about everthing else. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals suck. They eat up my legs. The seat come loose alot. | | Similar Products Used: | Raiegh, Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Awesome components and pretty light. If the decision comes down between the Rainier and another bike, buy the Rainier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Lewis
a Racer
from Ambler, PA USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | to many to list | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great Frame, Awesome Brakes, Sweet fork-good components all around. | | Weaknesses: | Seat sucks big time, needs clipless pedals bad, tires wear out quick. | | Similar Products Used: | jamisDakota Al | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The bike rules, but with a few mods it could easily be one of the best bikes out there-crank, deraileurs, seat and bars. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Stark
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Cyclopath | | Strengths: | The overall quality is great, its light, quality parts, and a great fork | | Weaknesses: | it can only take so much. | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike that i think is one of the best hardtails for a very affordable price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamesa H
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cranks, Nth Sydney | | Strengths: | Great Brakes, fork takes time to work in but good kit for the price (its Marzocchi!). Frame is just as light if not lighter than anything in the class. | | Weaknesses: | Again, the cranks are seriously painful and I had to get them replaced because of the embarrasing noise. I also replaced the tyres with Hutchinson Pythons. The pedals were annoying cos they chewed up the shoes so I replaced them with race clips- once you get used to clips you cant go back! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana
Cannodale F1000
Giant TCR Carbon | | Bike Setup: | Hutchinson Pythons
Shimano clip pedals | | Bottom Line: | Overall you can't find another bike with this kind of setup at this price (or higher!)- I had my last rainier stolen and I tried to find another similar product in Trek or cannodale etc- even giant's own XTCs were not only uglier, but seemed less of a deal at over 400 more! Even compared to Cannondale, I cant help but think that the Rainier would suit almost anyone except the most extreme riders (dont hit any rocks/trees or skateboarders). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Happy Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | University Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great all-around bike. Fork and disc brakes are excellent. Nice component set. Not the lightest frame, but light enough for beginners/intermediate. | | Weaknesses: | The Rims - too weak for heavy riders or rough terrain.
Toe clips (clipless pedals would be better). | | Similar Products Used: | Mt. Shasta Pachanga | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Mavic X618 front rim. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money (although you may want to upgrade a few things). If this bike feels good to you when you ride it, you can't go wrong at this price. The fork and brakes alone cost $400 when purchased separately at the same store. The rims are weak though - go read the reviews on the Weinmann Zac-19's and you'll the complaints. They're almost in the hall of shame! I tacoed the front rim on my fifth ride, and just upgraded to a Mavic X618 ceramic. I also plan on upgrading to clipless pedals. Other than that, no complaints and I've been having a blast! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Wehby
a Weekend Warrior
from Crystal Lake, IL
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Veteran Acres | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Plus, Barrington IL. | | Strengths: | Fork, Disc Brakes, Frame Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, Cranks | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajara Disc; Trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock - with clipless pedals, and bike computer | | Bottom Line: | Overall this is the best bike I could find for the money. I could not find another bike that got me more for the money. I have been extremely impressed with the Disc Brakes. This is my first bike with Disc Brakes, and I would highly recommend them to anyone.I do intend to upgrade the cranks soon, but for this year I plan on riding it as is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Vroman
a Weekend Warrior
from Bettendorf, IA.
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | Healthy Habits | | Strengths: | Marzocchi fork,avid disc brakes,price | | Weaknesses: | The crank is a little noisy but otherwise everthing else is great. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS2 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | So far this has been a great bike. It's hard to find anything that can compare. The fork and disc brakes are just one of the many reasons I purchased this bike, and for the price you can't go wrong. You should strongly consider this bike for your next purchase | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Curtis Chase
a Cross Country Rider
from Walpole
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Norwood Bike Depot | | Strengths: | Avid Brakes, Marzocchi EXR Air, Deore/LX derailleurs | | Weaknesses: | None found yet (except for rat traps) | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant Yukon SE, 2001 Giant Rincon SE | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is just about as good as it gets as far as bang for the buck. Add the prices of most of the components up and the bike is worth about $1100. It is fairly light, accelerates extremely well, and the tires grip pretty well off-road. My only gripe so far are the rat traps. I fell off the bike while demo'ing... pretty embarassing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Nicotra
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, NC
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bicycle Post trail off 43 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Post | | Strengths: | Awesome bike, light, brakes rock, ergonomic, takes a beating and comes back for more. | | Weaknesses: | crank, already bent it (in first month!) Should come with clipless pedals | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | standard issue besides clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, recommend to all first time or returning riders. Might want to consider substituting standard crank with better one right off the bat. Save the long walk home. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 700.00
