|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
kikkomon
a Cross Country Rider
from kapaa , hawaii
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | eastside beach trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist maui | | Strengths: | a bike is a bike ... | | Weaknesses: | N/A | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock except for my new rear shock from fox going on in a few weeks. | | Bottom Line: | my first mountain bike and i love it .paid $700.00 and $150 for new chain sprockets and cassettes and now a new rear shock from fox another $250 still i think its worth it. im making this bike the way i want it for a lil extra.
but i ride everyday at least 10 miles . | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew Vandergriend
a Downhiller
from bellingham WA< united states
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | galbraith mt. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | i would the products strengths are the frame and the backshock | | Weaknesses: | i would say the the derailer and the headset | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky, ibex zone, kona stuff | | Bike Setup: | double 66, Mavic rims | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike it rides smooth with an upgraded fork and have hit 13 foot drops and has held up fine, i love to use it fro slopestyle and just getting air. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dustin bagwell
a Downhiller
from landrum sc
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | the great escape | | Strengths: | this is a pretty stout bike i haven't had to replace anything but a tube everything has held up when i done a 7 foot drop on to a hill and 6 foot drop onto flat ground | | Weaknesses: | paint chips easy tubes are easy to bust | | Bike Setup: | monitou splice front forks hv rear shock hayes sole brakes kenda blue groove tire in front and nevagable in back both 2.5 | | Bottom Line: | it's a great bike for what i paid for it and nothing has broke except a tube which is easy to replace so i do recommend this bike to anyone | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A P
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | downhill, drops | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop | | Strengths: | Reletively lightweight,handles great at any speed, high quality frame and components. Extremely stiff on large drops, will not let you down. Eats small and large bumps for lunch, then 7 ft+ drops for dinner. Takes any beating in its stride. Great trailbike, ok XC, medium DH/FR. My first non- Wal Mart bike, but i highly reccomend it to any non- XCer on a budget. | | Weaknesses: | No Maestro! Rear derailer hanger broke soon after purchase (factory defect?), but replaced it for $6.99. Never had a problem since. Could have come with a better fork than Manitou's Splice. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock (Truvative cockpit, Alex DP20 rims, Hayes Sole hydros, Kenda tires). | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike, can't beat the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a
from sydney, nsw, australia
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | patonga trial | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Phantom cycles | | Strengths: | 05 AC-
Everything! Well almost everything, shock is great, brakes better than brick wall, bang for your buck. This is my first real bike and i'm loving it. | | Weaknesses: | Rear f**king derailer has fallen out on me twice, without much reason (each time takes about 3 weeks to repair). Stock seat post no good if your over 80kg and ride hard. Standard tyres very standard unless you downhill 100% of the time. | | Similar Products Used: | My first bike, but riden mates glory (awsome 8.8" travel). Sorry just got into downhilling. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, apart from seat post. | | Bottom Line: | Very good alrounder for your dollar. Don't do anything wild and you should be sweet; drop 10ft, go 100km/h down a down hill track eg. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney, NSW ,Australia
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | darling harbour, cook phillip park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | woolys wheels | | Strengths: | i am writing about the 2005 ac-
i thought most of the spec was good. the forks are plush and i did a 6 foot drop to flat with it set on the 5.3" setting and it didn't bottom out(i am 15 and weigh 64kg)the cranks are sturdy and the bars are good. i did a 150km Polaris challenge ride on it over two days with dh tyres and the suspension set on 6.6" so it pedals relatively well.I AM SICK OF PEOPLE SAYING THIS BIKE IS BAD, IT IS EXTREMELY GOOD VALUE FOR THE PRICE. | | Weaknesses: | i think the sram x7 rear derailer is pretty unreliable and the tyres are too heavy unless you are doing dh, for which they are great. the bottom bracket is a bit unreliable too as are the hayes sole breaks but all these things can be fixed with a little maintanence. | | Similar Products Used: | giant STP and NRS | | Bike Setup: | hayes sole with "8 rotors, manitou split shock | | Bottom Line: | its a great bike for the price if you are on alow budget and want to dabble in everything. however, i would opt for a slightly more expensive bike if you are planning on doing some enduro/xc style peddaling.
cheers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wert
a Downhiller
from adsfg
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | qsdfg | | Weaknesses: | asdf | | Similar Products Used: | asdf | | Bike Setup: | asdf | | Bottom Line: | asdf | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Strengths: | The best components for the the price. Nothing ever broke on it. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tires and drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | A good bike for every trail. Very sturdy adn burly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lucas
a Weekend Warrior
from Langley
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ledgview | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | BSP | | Strengths: | Tires, Rear shock | | Weaknesses: | Frame, bars, breaks, pretty much everything... | | Similar Products Used: | Giant faith, Cannondale Gemini 900, 04 Norco Shore
| | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Crap--frame cracked 3 times in a row just below the seat, forks suck, bars bent a few days after purcase, breaks blew out.....basically everyting!!
i only recommend this bike for "Non-hardcore" riders, and beginners...maybe XC'ers | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cory shard
a Downhiller
from gibsons bc
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Java Drop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | spin cycles | | Strengths: | frame and brakes never mess up | | Weaknesses: | swing arm and paint | | Bike Setup: | 8" disks 8" travel back and front. spliced front shok fox in back. | | Bottom Line: | its a very nice bike for down hill rides i dont like it for long distances(too heavy).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eugene Vaynshteyn
a Downhiller
from Aurora
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Apex and Keystone | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | One hell of ride and probably the most plush bike for six inches of travel. I might be thirteen but that doesn't mean I can't ride. I have done downhill, XC, and skate parks on it she still holds together. 6 footers and stairs are no problem. When landing and doing downhill this bike is like a sofa on wheels becuase of its high quality componets. I realy like the fork and the frame. | | Weaknesses: | Even though I love this bike I have had some problems with the rotors, derualir hanger, rear shox, rear tire poped for no good reason and it is starting to make noises like a b@2#h. This bike has pissed me of real bad when the rear shox bottomed out and stuck, I had to wait for 3 weeks to get it back. The rear tire popped beacuse it was made in France so I wasn't to happy about that. I still have the stock front Hutchison tire and it is so loud on paved roads that I can't even hear my self talk. Otherwise its a nice ride.
| | Similar Products Used: | Yeti ASX | | Bike Setup: | Stock and all replacment parts except for tires are the same becuase I do not need any better. | | Bottom Line: | If you want to multitask and ride any way (even works as good road bike practice) you shuld get this bike But I warn you Do not get the new 2005 AC only get the 2003 and the 2004 models becuase they kick ass. Good luck whoever buyes this bike I highly recommend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DirtMerchant
a Downhiller
from Canada
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Merchant/A-line | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | private | | Strengths: | No bike I have ever seen or ridden is this all-round. Hucking is fun cause you can throw bike around easliy. | | Weaknesses: | Rear end gets a bit beat up when going FAST over rough terrain. Worry about frame over long term if hammering on all the time... | | Bike Setup: | 03 dirt jumper 2 (5"), 4-way, north shore DH cranks..x.9 rear, 2.6 Kenda's on I-have-no-idea-but-they-were-built strong rims... | | Bottom Line: | Wicked all-round bike...mind blowing actually! Ridden in 24hrs a few times...people looked at me funny...til I blew by doing downhill... Taken 8+ drops with it (good tranny's)...no problem..can't say enough about how this bike works in the whistler park...major air and fun...just make SURE tranny is good. Bang for buck...wild!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reilly
a Downhiller
from Palmer Lake, Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | stoopid trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance in CO Springs | | Strengths: | manitou Swinger 4-way is the sh*t with spv volume and pressure adjust . Hayes hydro 8" rotors provide awesome stoping power. great component specs including race-face north shore dh crank, xt derailliers, and titec all 'round. the crank also comes with a chainguide and a bash guard that you can switch out. i love how the suspension is setup with the rocker bars and pro-pedal design. this is my second bike from giant. their customer servise is the best around. | | Weaknesses: | hutchison octipus's leak like no other, wish there was more travel in front maybe a double crown fork. dont like the clipless pedals, put some platforms on it if you ride dh or fr. brakes squeak a little. | | Similar Products Used: | giant warp ds2, khs fetish dh50, schwinn s30 | | Bike Setup: | stock except race-face bash gaurd and stomp platforms | | Bottom Line: | if you get a chance to buy this bike for the price i did then do it. msrp is 3000, and it shows. the specs on this bike go on forever. cant stop talkin bout the swinger 4-way, one of the most adjustable shocks around. you may hear that the swing arm looks frail and cant withstand drops of 4-6 feet, that is not true. color is alright, too. the ac1 is one of the lightest fr/dh bikes out there. my friends dh50 comes out to bout 50 lbs while im @ 30-35.
a few words of advise, dont get the 05 ac if u can get ur hands on something like this. the 05 ac is crap compared to the other years.
every rider from cross country to downhill will love this bike. just test ride one, you'll see what i mean.
by the way, doesn't it seem like most of the people who wrote a review for this bike live in colorado? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Bozeman, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | varies weekly | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ace Hardware | | Strengths: | burly frame, solid components spec. | | Weaknesses: | 27.2 titec seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | '00 straight eight with triple rings | | Bike Setup: | stock except: z150 fork; tubeless 2.3 hutchinson tires (or were these stock?); xtr shifters; 550lb spring; flac jacket cables. | | Bottom Line: | bought in early spring of 2005 from my local bike shop. wimpy 27.2 shimmed titec seatpost bent after 3 rides. having seat tube reamed for full-sized 31.8mm post. no pinhole leak problems after adding 2 units of stan's notubes. wimpy cables ruined after 1 long wet muddy epic - upgraded to fully sealed $30 flac jacket cables. great tire clearance. pedals nice in middle chainring or when seated, decent otherwise. great for technical climbs especially with z150 lockdown feature. 5.3" rear travel setting makes bike much more xc - increased springrate and damping. all in all, after a few key upgrades, this bike is solid - like the mtb version of a fresh toyote 4x4. perfect for long rides in gnarly terrain by strong riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Olympia, WA USA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Molly Loop / Capital Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Center Cycle | | Strengths: | This bike has a little bit of it all. It pedals well up hills, and it drops like your mom's panties. Takes hits well, although I haven’t done anything nuclear on it. All the components have held up, haven’t had to replace anything. | | Weaknesses: | Paint chips like no joke. Get rid of those freaking tubeless Hutchinson. Takes a while to get all the suspension lined up. Integrated headsets aren’t sealed well, and got tons of mud/dirt in them and blew out in a short while. Kind of heavy and is a pain to pedal for long distances. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp | | Bike Setup: | Putting on a Super T Pro tomorrow. Maxxis high rollers. | | Bottom Line: | If you’re looking for a bike that’s got a bit of everything check this out. I ride it quite frequently and have no troubling complaints. I am going to turn this bike into a full free riding bike, and purchase a dedicated xc bike. It really doesn’t handle bad on the accenting terrain, but I would like something more efficient. For what I paid for it I love it. Does everything I need. Not disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vyreak Hom
a Weekend Warrior
from Aurora, CO
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bike | | Strengths: | Does everything great..can't complain....wish I got it somewhat cheaper | | Weaknesses: | TUBELESS TIRES SEEM TO LOSE AIR TO FAST...and paint.... | | Similar Products Used: | first D/S bike had a Klien pulse race H/T
| | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike at a great price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonny
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | Killer ride for the price. For $299 (brand new), you can’t go wrong. | | Weaknesses: | Not sure about the baby blue color but for the price, who cares. | | Similar Products Used: | Nada. First dual suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Built it up with a Z1, XT group, Ryno Lites, Hayes Discs. | | Bottom Line: | Plush! Going from a hardtail, this bike is like riding a couch. Of course it's slow on the climbs but the fun factor going downhill makes it all worth it. Get one!
For $299 (frame only + seat collar and headset) it's a great buy. The sales guy said that many folks have been buying several frames and reselling them. I may have to go pick up a few more and flip them on ebay (where you can always sell stuff to jokers willing to pay more than retail). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Poeck
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood, CO
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Elk Meadows | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1169.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo Westminster | | Strengths: | For the price.... Everything! I really like the North Shore DH crank... the Titec components seem to be extremely tough. Having missed full suspension for the past year... the whole bike is like a dream so far. The technical, sketchy terrain on my local trails is no longer a threat to my momentum. It's an all-mountain, all-condition machine as advertized. | | Weaknesses: | I can't get any work done, cause I'm thinking about riding when I get home. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 GT Ruckus I-drive 2.0, 2002 Gary Fisher Sugar 2+, and a rare Kinesis USA-produced 5" travel Horst-Link design resembling Azonic rear suspension. 2000 Santa Cruz Heckler X. | | Bike Setup: | Not stock anymore... 2004 Z1 FR SL, Mavic 317/XT wheelset, Avid Mechanicals. My setup lightens the bike by a few pounds. | | Bottom Line: | I was drueling when I saw the Supergo grand opening sale in Westminster, advertizing '03 AC-1 for $1400. Then the price came down to $1299, and then last weekend they had a 10% off everything in the store sale. A $3000 all-mountain masterpiece for $1169. I couldn't pass it up any longer. Having ridden a hardtail for the past few months I was really missing the rugged, go-fast ability of my old Ruckus with 6" travel. The AC-1 really hits the spot. And now that I've set it up with lighter-weight components and stuff, I'm really looking forward to some long adventures. If you can still find an AC-1 at your local Supergo... stop messin around and go for it. 2003 model, big deal... it's almost 2005 and as far as I know wheels still go 'round. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
honkinunit
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden, CO USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Burro Pass | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great value, well thought out component spec, great versatility, beautiful frame, pedals uphill like a bike with 3" of travel, descends like one with 7" of travel. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost, tubeless tires, lack of preload adjust on fork. | | Similar Products Used: | IH DH Pro, Schwinn Rocket 88, Moots YBB | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thomson post. Tires will be replaced soon. | | Bottom Line: | Killer bike. The front and rear are well balanced for me (165lb), but I can guess some bigger riders would like a stiffer spring in the fork, and possibly the shock. The components are all top notch, except for the seatpost, which is apparently made of recycled aluminum foil. I bent mine without even bottoming out the suspension. Weird. I would have preferred a tube type tire with a rounder profile, and guess what? For '04 Giant did that, as well as upgrading the seatpost. The '04 AC1 (and AC2) are better than the '03, but with the '03 AC1 $900 cheaper than the '04 AC2 at Supergo, there was no contest.
Buy the AC1 if you want a bike that can handle all day epics, AND the local DH course. The AC1 is one of the few that can do both very well.
Don't buy it if you plan to race XC. If you plan on racing DH, you should get a dual crown fork with more travel. Other than that, go for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | blue dimond/redrock area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1245.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR classifieds | | Strengths: | i love teh brakes, 8" hayes 9s. i love teh swinger and teh suspention link sys is teh cool. feels solid will not fall apart on dropoffs. DHs like a pimp to teh max | | Weaknesses: | this mug is a tank, sooo heavy. i went from a hardtail that was 75% as big total. im not sure of the total weight but it is a lot for climbing (and it has been a while for me) so bad combo. | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale jekyll 600 disk | | Bike Setup: | manitou sherman firefly front, manitou swinger 4way rear, XT front and rear d-rails, some mavic rim, maxxis mobster tires (<--- awsome), hayes 9 hydro 8" brakes, raceface crank, bash guard, and rear cassette, shimano xt rear hub. | | Bottom Line: | im never getting rid of it. but it is a huge bike for me. i only weigh 145 and i want to be better at climbing. i was also having problems with the xt rear d-rail not shifting into 1st. i know if i play with it more i could get it but its not cooperating everytime i tried to fix it. the suspention sys is great and there is hardly any bob when you want to really push it, say .. uphill. the suspention is unbeliveably plush DH and will take anything you want to run over. rock on yo. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
REEK
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore MD
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Clementine loop in CA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1799.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Sweet price on a "left over". Nice silver-white paint. Great parts specs. 6.3" travel! Cartidge bearings all around | | Weaknesses: | A bit undersprung | | Similar Products Used: | Dakar XLT, Specialized Enduro, Marin Wolf ridge | | Bike Setup: | XT/race face, DJII, hayes discs 8" | | Bottom Line: | Great value when you buy an "old model" that was left over from last year. Basically the 04 and 03 have the same frame just different components. I was looking for an 04 AC2 when I came accross this deal at Performance bike. a $3000 bike for $1799? Plus joined the performance club on a double points weekend so got almost $400 in store points. Now that's luck for you.
I really just wanted a frame so I parted the bike out, ended up making $1900 overall including selling my old frame for $300. So in the end, I "made" $500. I paid off my credit card I charged the bike on in less than a month. Nice.
Anyway, the bike. Very plush ride without all the bobbing and suspension squat that you'd see with a long travel non-horst linkage design. I can actually pedal this thing up hills without having to take Dramamine. And the thing soaks up everything. It begs to be launched. Very nice bike, but then again, Giant always seems to make nice rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark hackett
a Cross Country Rider
from blackburn
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | snowdon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | paulscycles | | Strengths: | quality kit,if i break it ,then the bike will be the least of my worries | | Weaknesses: | suspension too soft. tyres get thorn punctures for fun | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, turner 5 spot | | Bike Setup: | stock, apart from just put conti diesel 2.5 tyres and tubes on | | Bottom Line: | good bike, needs some stronger springs, just trying some 10 fork oil.,if you don't care about being fastest from a to b, or just wanna have fun, then this could be just the bike for you. pedals really well for big bike too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schraeder
a Weekend Warrior
from Crested Butte, CO
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything FAST and Technical | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Garage Sale | | Strengths: | Super burly and can take hits like a bomb shelter. Component set is unmatched for the price range. Can also climb fairly well. Swinger rear shock takes practice to dial in correctly. | | Weaknesses: | None perceived yet. I LOVE IT!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Coiler, Iron Horse SGS | | Bike Setup: | Stock from factory. Sherman tank front fork. Technical specs beyond the scope of this review. | | Bottom Line: | Obviously the greatest long travel bike for the dough (if you can get your mits on an '03 model this late). Should get 6 chilis for value, but a 4 on overall until I get it on a trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike White
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego CA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Great components, great price. Handles down hill great. Not to bad up hill. | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because it was on sell from 3000 to 1650. It has not let me down. Climbs almost as good as my NRS. It will take any downhill. I let my friend try so he could compare it to his Specialized Enduro Pro. "Enduro Pro could not compete in the downhill ride." | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Enns Boy
a Racer
from Morden Manitoba Canada
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Trans Canada's alright | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | off a friend.. barely used | | Strengths: | Sherman firefly's on the front... swinger in the back. Good combination. | | Weaknesses: | Paint Chips easily.. but that doesn't effect performance. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, Rocky Moutain Switch...etc. | | Bike Setup: | Raceface NorthShore cranks, XT derailers, Ringleader handle bars/seat post/saddle, 2004 manitou swinger, Hayes Hydrolic 8" disks, Manitou Sherman Firelfy, Maxxis Mofo Tubeless tires... etc. | | Bottom Line: | Free-Riding, Downhill Hucking MACHINE! This thing takes it all. It's widely adjustable, and can XC easily. Weighs in at about 34lbs, tracks nicely uphill too! Super addictive, and hard to train yourself back to the old hardtail. Jumps well, manuals are easy, and if you don't have a roof-rack.. well it even has XT quick-release.... Best components, plush suspension, Smooth shifting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren Rosten
a Downhiller
from Fillmore Ca
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | tunnels | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | do you care ? | | Strengths: | climbs great and tracks butter smooth. I like it better than my NCS1, VT1, Spider and X10. Would use for Fontana DH winter series over my Giant DH team and Intense M1 SL. Warm and fuzzy's(no pun intended Tim)with the SPV and Firefly. You just need to take the time to set them up right. | | Weaknesses: | I am on it. Bobs when out of the saddle. Took a couple of rides to get the shocks creamy. Bring a shock pump. 10 foot drops are the max. limit for anyone over 200 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | VT1, X10, Spider, M1 SL and ACair | | Bike Setup: | Monkey's, GT Ti plats, card post, XTR d's and shifters, Intense lock-ons and a bell for the pokies. | | Bottom Line: | Best all around ride for the money, give a try | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ping
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Bicycle world HK | | Strengths: | Superb ride - Sherman Forks - Stability - Endless Travel - Versatility (Downhill/FR and XC)
Great Geometry, Good Standover Height, Highly Adjustable Seatpost Height, Relatively Light, Very Supple Suspension and Efficient.
| | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the following changes..
Pedals - Time Control Z
Finishing Kit - Thomson Stem/Seatpost and Easton Monkeylites
Rims - D3.1's exchanged for X3.1's
Tyres - Panaracer Fire XC Pro's UST 2.1
Disks - Swapped to 6" rotors | | Bottom Line: | Follow up review - 9 Months.
This is a great bike. Extremely versatile and great value.
The frame and suspension are superb. After breaking in both ends, the Sherman is laterally very stiff, and VERY plush. Same with the rear suspension, it performs in a wide range ... it irons out small/medium and huge hits with aplomb. (I have it permanently set to 6.5"). I weigh 165lb and have kept the stock 450lb spring with air pressure set at 100-110lb.
The rear linkages have remained stiff and tight after nine months and the bike tracks very well and is extremely stable with the centre of gravity on the bike being low.
Low speed and high speed handling remains great and the geometry is spot on, inspiring confidence when the going gets tough. MBA mentioned this thing feels like a Mini Downhill bike and it performs like one.... however it still pedals and climbs like a very competent XC bike too!
With the modifications made (now weighs around 32-33lb and pedals lighter, it remains easy to ride for 4 hour 40+km rides whilst keeping enough big hit capability to try anything my nerve would hold up!
If you are looking at any of the other big hit trailbikes, (Foes FXR/Heckler/Ellsworth ID) this is a great value alternative, and can be built up pretty light from the frameset....
Why not the VT?
Coil suspension performs much better than air shocks - with only a marginal weight penalty,hence I chose the AC instead of a VT. The AC is a more versatile bike... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chaosgiant
a Downhiller
from chicago,illinois,usa
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | my new secret one in cook county | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | cycles and sports | | Strengths: | THIS BIKE CAN HANDLE ANYTHING,I MEAN ANYTHING.I DONT KNOW WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT IT BEING HEAVY.MINE IS A MEDIUM AND WEIGHS IN AT 36 LBS.THATS PRETTY LIGHT FOR A FS ALL CONDITIONS BIKE.QUITE FAR THE BEST BIKE IVE EVER HAD. | | Weaknesses: | THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS NOT A STIFFER REAR SPRING AVAILABLE,THE STIFFEST IS 550LBS AT 2.0.WHICH IS FINE,BUT I JUST WISH THERE WAS ONE A LITTLE MORE STIFFER. | | Similar Products Used: | KONA STAB | | Bike Setup: | IVE GOT THE MARZOCCHI SINGLE CROWN SHIVER WHICH IS GREAT,SOME PEOPLE DONT LIKE IT,BUT THATS CAUSE THEY CANT HANDLE IT.IVE GOT THE 550 X2.0 REAR SPRING.RACE FACE DH PRODIGY ISIS SPLINED.EASTON CARBON FIBER SEAT POST,HAYES HYDRAULIC DISC 8 FRONT 6 REAR.MARZOCCHI HUBS.CANE CREEK HEAD SET.RACE FACE RISER BARS | | Bottom Line: | BOTTOM LINE IS,THIS BIKE IS GREAT.I CAN DO ANYTHING ON THIS BIKE,I JUST RECENTLY CONQUERED A 7 1/2 FT DROP,WITH EASE.THERE IS NO PEDAL BOB,SO THE PEOPLE THAT SAY THERE IS,WELL LEARN HOW TO RIDE IT THEN.YOU SHOULD DEFINATLEY CONSIDER BUYING THIS BIKE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The price seemed quite good at first but... | | Weaknesses: | after 3 months of riding read below... | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz, Ellsworth | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Fox, Mavic, | | Bottom Line: | I thought I got a pretty good deal at first 'till I used the product for several months. Small frame "creeks" here and there along with the usual grimlins that plague mass produced bikes, then a handlebar and stem sheering off right at the top of the headset. After inspection - crack in the frame.
Have yet to resolve this problem with the manufacturer. Giant blames Fox for the problem yet the LBS and I feel that it was the frame and cheap stock stem that gave first. Either way, I'm left holding the bill, and the frame. 3 Chills for initinal price, 1 chill for poor service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy Thekid
a Downhiller
from U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Whistler's downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | A cheap place | | Strengths: | I am really impressed with all of the components on this bike. The Sherman, the cranks, the bars, the rear shock, | | Weaknesses: | Well i have only had this bike 3 months and already i have had to have the front brake completely rebuilt internally. The bottom bracket already creaks, The piece of s@#* hutchinson tubeless tires what a joke those are. | | Similar Products Used: | Iron horse sgs pro,transition dirtbag, kona joyride, kona stinky dee-lux | | Bike Setup: | Switched out the tubeless tires for a tube and a Nokian gazzolodi 2.6"tube and a 2.5" michilen DH tire on the rear,Marzocchi Jr.T on the front,Crappy chainguide that came with the bike which took some fabrication but now it works on my 36 tooth chainring, an envy ring in place of the granny ring, bulletproof pedals, and the rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line this bike is great, it rides super nice and it can really take what you have to dish out. The only real thing that bugged me was that there was stiffness lost in the front end without a tripple crown fork, thus the reason for the marzocchi. i don't like the tires, they suck change them out the are easily punctured and are really washy. All they are good for is to cut up and use as chain slap guards. This bike is a bit over priced at 3,000 but i think it is well worht the money. oh and yeah don't buy this bike if all you plan on doing is little bit of gravel road riding, it is a hardcore freeride bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a
from Valencia
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | I have been riding the AC 1 since Febuary and I have updated the following: Extra firm spring for the Sherman and SPD 959..What a difference in ride going to the X-firm springs on the Firfly. I weight approx 200 lbs and if you are an aggressive rider make the change. You'll be happy you did. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. I wouldn,t say it is a weakness but it could be lighter for the way I use the AC for.
I do a lot of long climbs and a lot of hairy downhill/single track riding (I do not do freeride type jumps and drops). I am considering changing the rims and buying a pair of Mavic crossmax XL w/ the 20mm front hub). Just a way to lighten the uphill load a bit. | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler, Bullit, Enduro and Giant VT. | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike !! Many people tell me if You want to make bike lighter, sell the AC 1 and buy an VT or an Enduro or a heckler. Believe me. I've ridden the other bikes down hill and the AC is so much smoother. Once the new Mavic are on it will be the ultimate. The Sherman and the SPV are the best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from Colorado springs
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 7 bridges | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Criterium Bicycles | | Strengths: | Many improvements over last years frame. The "Hydro-formed" top tube is very cool- looks much better than the welded in braces from '02. Travel is up to 6.3" with the same rear shock mount dimensions as years past. Seat tube is "open" to allow seatpost to be raised/lowered. Paint quality is much better than last year as well. | | Weaknesses: | Pivots, swingarm. | | Similar Products Used: | RM7, ID, Stinky, Stab, Lenz Pro Descender | | Bike Setup: | '03 frame with '02 components, except for Diabolous stem, Primo flats, and 5th Element. | | Bottom Line: | Well I managed to break the 02' model AC1 frame. The press fit between the outer bearing race and swingarm developed ALOT of play, albiet it survived a year of solid abuse (urban riding, BIG DJ's, and chairlift&shuttle DH action). This post is to give serious props to Giant and my LBS Criterium for taking care of me. Instead of just getting me a new swingarm/bearing set(which is all they were obligated to do), they opted to give me a brand spankin new '03 model frame, to say the least I was stoked!!! I am very impressed with the service of both Giant and my LBS. They went out of their way to make me happy, something you dont see to much anymore unfortunately. Its nice to see a company and shop stand behind the products they sell. Except for this minor problem (that has been taken care very satisfactorily :) The Ac1 is a sweet rig and I cant wait to ride my new frame with the increased travel and (hopefully) stiffer frame with the new manufacturing enhancements. My only worry is the seatube with that hole cut in it for seatpost insertion, I could almost do w/o the adjustability in favor of more strength, only time will tell. If you are thinking about this bike buy it- its a great ride from a company that supports its products and riders! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Lamirande
a
from Holyoke,Ma
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail thats an a$$ kicker | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great all around bike.Just a tad heavy but you get used to it. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing. | | Similar Products Used: | AC AIR | | Bike Setup: | Marzocci Z1 Freeride 20mm Fork,Sun Rhyno Light with 14 straight guage spokes,Chriss king Rear Hub,Thomson stem and seat poast,Terry Fly gel seat,Hayes mechanical Disc,FSA Extreme 48 Splined Crankset with Bash ring,Drivetrain is all XT. | | Bottom Line: | BEST BIKE I'VE EVER OWNED....... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris sweet
a Downhiller
from ventura, ca
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | suicide | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | ray's bike shop | | Strengths: | bike is durable. i've taken some good crashes and found nothing wrong with the bike. mavic tubeless rims are very strong. the adjustability of the sherman fork is great for riding up hill. | | Weaknesses: | paint chips easily, but it gives it some character. the rear shock, you have to adjust the pressure before you ride it. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS with a z.1 bomber fork | | Bike Setup: | sherman fork with a manitou 4 way rear shock | | Bottom Line: | to top this free riding set up, i put an evil dual ring chain retention system on the bike with a evil bash guard in place of the big ring, truly is a great set up | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | www.pedalpowerct.com | | Strengths: | Does all types of rding well | | Weaknesses: | Too heavy for serious xcountry | | Similar Products Used: | K2 1000, GT i-drive 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for ODI lock-on grips and Stan's NoTubes Sealant in tires | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I wanted a bike that could do a bit of everything, and this is perfect. At 36.5 lbs (stock) you aren’t going to win any x-country races. But if you set the rear suspension up stiff and drop the Sherman down to 4 inches of travel it does a good job of moving along. You feel the weight of the bike on the uphills, but there’s no pedal bob that I can detect. It feels like it pedals as efficiently as my GT i-drive. Set the suspension on 5.3” and put some lighter tires on and I’ll bet it goes a lot faster.
I do mostly trail riding and light free riding and it’s AWESOME for that. It makes 2-3 foot drops feel like riding off the curb, blasts through rock gardens, it’s very stable and controllable on steeps, and still does technical climbs like a Billy goat. Took it up to Mt Snow and did some downhill with it. I couldn’t keep up with the guys on the downhill specific bikes, but I left everyone else in the dust.
The rear shock takes some work to set up correctly. I’m 183 lbs or so with gear and the stock spring was too light. I got the 500lb spring and set up the shock according to the chart on the Giant website (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/050.000.000/050.500.300.asp) and the performance went from too mushy on medium hits to awesome. The Sherman Firefly is excellent – plush for small stuff, stiff for larger hits. I had some problems with the tubeless Octopus tires. After the first few rides they started losing air – 10lbs or so over the course of a 2 hours ride, virtually flat after 24 hours even just hanging on the wall. I did a soapy water test and found a few pinhole punctures. Instead of trying to patch them I put in Stan’s No-tubes sealant and they’ve been great ever since. The seatpost is shimmed and that stinks because it’s creaky and the shim makes it more of a pain to move the seat up and down—not to mention it’s skinnier than it needs to be. I’m going to try a full diameter seat post, but I’m betting from looking down the hole that it won’t go all the way through – the seat tube is made of a couple different pieces and it looks like there are some bulges inside the tube. Bet that’s why it’s shimmed in the first place. As long as you aren't racing this is a great bike because it will do anything, and do it well. I got a factory-to-dealer incentive price on it, so it was also an outrageous value
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lloyd
a Downhiller
from Carbondale Co USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything that i can ride down | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | ajax bike and sport | | Strengths: | almost nothing you can go up the hills just fine and the downhills you can bomb, this bike is awsesome | | Weaknesses: | weak paint, tubless tires loose air to fast and its almost imposible to get them off the rim, the stock seat post just dosnt work good | | Similar Products Used: | specialized big hit comp | | Bike Setup: | went to a 550x2.0 on the rear suspension , put some tubes in the tires for those darn flats, easton 350mm seat post | | Bottom Line: | if you dont have a chair lift this is the best bike you could buy | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyrone Douglas
a Downhiller
from brisbane
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | bunya forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | freedom machine | | Strengths: | Totally gnarly bike for the money! this baby cruises down big downhills and is easy enough to ride around normally without killing you. | | Weaknesses: | paint is a bit puss, got on with my raptor knee guards and scratched the s.h.i.t out of the top tube , pretty poor, needs to be thickeer paint and more of it though nuthin a few fox stikers and s h i t cant cover! had a bit of trouble on the fireflys on the 2nd week teh travel adjust stopped working but i fixed it up all good ....hopefullly! | | Similar Products Used: | umm first dualy for me ,have an avanti agressor | | Bike Setup: | got bike standerd but still goes like s.h.i.t off a shovel, wouldnt mind some time z's | | Bottom Line: | i got the bike helllll cheap at $3300 AUS dollars (dunno wat that is in other places, to lazy to work out) but this thing is the bomb it rocks, i jumped off a nice big rock garden and it just landed perfect! front forks are aweosme soooooo smoothe and plush , tho im gonna put some heavier weight oil in cus i rekon they TOO soft even with compression fully upon front, rear shock is awsome SPV mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm , tires grip like s.h.i.t stains to a carpet which can be good and bad,. bottom line this is my first dualy and i love this bike the brakes are aweosme every things pretty much perfecto, great for down hills good for xc , and good jumper, sweet allrounder.... THIS BIKE IS FAT TO THE MAX, (dam website makin me cut out swear words!!!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob dole
a Downhiller
from fayetteNam
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | some shop dude | | Strengths: | This bike rocks taco stand. | | Similar Products Used: | specalized enduro | | Bike Setup: | dj 2, phil wood downhill wheel set, avid disks | | Bottom Line: | easy to set up, this bike flows. done hucks didn't bottom out shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Kochanek
a Downhiller
from Oaklawn
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Renagage in Vail, Co. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle n Sport 708 361 0440 | | Strengths: | Strong frame, no flex in forks. Last years forks flexed to much. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou, all. | | Similar Products Used: | 02 AC-1 but was stolen. Hope there hit by a car. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Kona pedals, but want to get Krank Brother Mallets. | | Bottom Line: | Can't wait to ride it on a real downhill. Urban's are the best in the chicago area. Not alot of North-Shore stuff here. Challenge Park is about the only one. Also looking at the V-10 frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Missoula, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dead Mans Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Towpath Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Pedals very efficiently for the size and weight, Manitou Swinger!!!!and Sherman both work great. Can take big hits but doesn't kill you riding uphill | | Weaknesses: | Its a little heavy and tubeless tires lose air quickly | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit, Azonic Eliminator, VT-1, 4-banger, Big Hit, multiple XC bikes | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock--mavic tubeless, hutchinson 2.3's, Sherman Firefly/swinger, RF NS DH, Hayes 8 inch | | Bottom Line: | This bike has done exactly what I bought it for. I sold my DH bike and had my XC bike stolen, so I bought this to replace both. Im a little slower on the climbs when i ride with pure XC people, but can blow them away on the Downhills and can ride sections that others walk. The bike definately pedals super-efficient for over 6 inches of travel and can still take big hits | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Racer
from CONCORD,NH
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ALL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | SECRET | | Strengths: | EVERYTHING!! IT DOES EVERYTHING.I CAN GO FROM DOING 18 FOOTERS, TO RIDING MY FAVORITE XC TRAIL. THE FRAME IS AWSOME AND THE SWINGER 6-WAY IS INCREDIBALE. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | 02 AC AIR, BULLIT, GEMINI, AND A RM9 | | Bike Setup: | I HAVE A 17" 03'AC TEAM FRAME WITH A SET OF MARZOCCHI Z150 6" SINGLE CROWN FORKS. XTR/XT, 8" AVID JUICY BRAKES, RACE FACE NORTH SHORE CRANK/FR B.B. EASTON MONKY LITE DH BARS A TOMPSON SEAT POST, INTENSE MAG RIMS ON CHRIS KING HUBS WITH A SET OF INTENSE 2.7 STICKY RUBBER TIRES. | | Bottom Line: | THE BIKE MATCHES IT NAME ALL CONDITION IT DOES EVERY THING AND ANY THING YOU WANT. AS A FREERIDER IT IS VERY LIGHT AND NIMBLE. BUT TAKES EXTREME LANDINGS LIKE A 45Lb.RM-9. BUT WILL CLIMB LIKE A HARDTAIL. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Valenia
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Five Deer | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This is my second review of this bike. I have been riding the AC 1 for 3 months now and I really,really love this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Produt Weaknesses,,,,No !! Rider Weaknesses,,Yes !! | | Bike Setup: | Stock...Hayes, Race Face, Sherman, SPV !! | | Bottom Line: | The only think I have changed is I put 2" tires on front and back to reduce drag on cross country trails enroute to the top of hills. Because I weight 200 lbs I just ordered extra firm springs for the Sherman to accommodate my fat ass..Great bike!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ping
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bicycle world HK | | Strengths: | Value! Superb Components. Swinger Shocks, Firefly, Hayes Disks all contribute to make it very stable and controlled in all conditions. | | Weaknesses: | Paint is not very durable. Could cut some weight with lighter rims and tyres. | | Similar Products Used: | Other bike is SC Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Time Z Pedals, Thomson Seatpost and Max Flite. | | Bottom Line: | 1st outing was a 40km epic. I was used to riding a 25lb Superlight but the additional 10lb doesn't feel too bad as you are riding. In fact it felt fine until about 3 hrs when the drag of the Hutchison Octopus started to get to me. For Extreme conditions, DH or shorter rides I would keep them, change them to 2.1's if you plan on using it for epics.
The swinger shock makes the ride (even in 6.5" mode) feel like a short travel XC bike until you need the travel ... which is fantastic. Travel is very plush and supple and I haven't managed to bottom it yet. Rear feels very stiff with no flex.
Forks are supple and bombproof with the 20mm through axle, you can steer through anything. Damping is superb and the Firefly is highly adjustable.
8" Hayes brakes are fantastic, modulate superbly well and have power to spare.
All these factors combine to make this a superb bike in extreme conditions. You can roll straight over a rock field. Stop on a dime, trackstand, and change your line whenever. The geometry is slack enough to take the "scary" out of chutes, but steep enough to climb comfortably.
Only downside is the durability of the paint. I wear leg armour and the shin guards had shredded the paintwork on the top tube after the first ride. Make sure protect the TT else you'll be covering it in decals after one ride like me.
I will probably change the tyres to something lighter and with less drag (Conti Vertical Pro's 2.3 or Michelin XLS), and also change the rear Hayes to a 6". This should reduce the weight down to a more managable 33lb.
I'll post up a follow up in a couple of months.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ndee Dee
a Downhiller
from Singletrack Republic
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Singletrack R'N'R | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Strengths: | Great stock specs, good weight/dh performance compromise, quality frame, simplicity of rear susp design, earthly looks | | Weaknesses: | Hmm... coolness factor vs. some of those cult brands | | Similar Products Used: | AC Team - I'm getting my AC1 tomorrow but have been on heavily modified 2001 AC Team for past two season which I guess qualifies me to write this review... | | Bike Setup: | I have a set of 2.5 Maxxis High Rollers waiting for the more demanding downhill days but generally tubeless should do OK; I hope my ass can deal with the WTB saddle, it is Flite spoiled. Could save some weight on rear rotor by replacing with 6" (who needs a 9" there, it's not a DH bike?!) | | Bottom Line: | Not the roughest of the freeride bikes but a good all-round compromise. I spent a fortune replacing so many things on the AC Team (we got different specs from US bikes here in Singletrack Rep., not even Hayes brakes), now I get exactly the stuff I want!!!
Had a M size before, went for L this time. M was short and nervous, everybody except short riders should go for L because it's just a bit longer and the top tube height is the same!
Giant should consider a 1.5" stearer version for 2004 so they could put on a longer fork. Yep.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Valencia, Ca
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Cheesbro | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Newbury Park | | Strengths: | It is the lightest free ride/DH type bike I've come across. Components are outstanding. I also have a NRS 1, and the AC 1 has very little bob when climbing too. | | Weaknesses: | At the moment my bike is dirty and I need to clean it. | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler, Bullit, Enduro, VT 1 | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock: Race face cranks, XT, Manitou/Sherman, Hayes 8 in rotors | | Bottom Line: | Great bike so far..I can't wait to take it to Mammouth MTN. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Falfa
a
from Lakewood CO USA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Only One? | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Excellent construction, Great component package. The "Swinger" provides smooth pedalability (just like the 5th Element by the way) and is super plush for huge drops. The "Firefly"... it's just an awesome combination. The tubeless tires take a free ride bike and make it quite a bit more manageable for an uphill adventure to a downhill scream. | | Weaknesses: | I haven't found them yet. | | Similar Products Used: | RM7, Bullit, Big Hit, Jeckyl. | | Bike Setup: | Well, it's the same rap sheet as the others, but it is awesome! | | Bottom Line: | I am so impressed with this bike, I couldn't have made a better investment. Sure the price tag was a little steep... But Giant is a worthy company, which in my opinion is a very important consideration! My view of landscape, and stair sets is rapidly becoming more twisted and alot more bike friendly! This bike also rips up the dirt jumps! I had to wait for awhile to get the bike due to manufacturing demand I suppose. (I wonder about availibility for those of you who haven't gotten yours yet!) This is such an awesome bike, if you haven't ridden one, you should really check it out! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wild Thing | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Love them employee discounts | | Strengths: | Great component spec - even at $3k | | Weaknesses: | Ghetto Titec Post - hated it 5 years ago on the 4 Banger - hate it now. | | Similar Products Used: | 4 Banger, Cove Stiffee (okay - not THAT similar) Iron Horse G-Spot, Demo'd RM7 | | Bike Setup: | Bone-stock so far - Stiffer springs and new post soon to come. | | Bottom Line: | I've only really ridden the bike once off road so far - but if the first ride was any indication - this is going to be a good thing. The Swinger shock is excellent - one note for future owners though - I noticed that after pressurizing the resevoir that the shock would either pack up and allow about 1" of travel or it would lack damping completely and top out with a loud metallic clang - I discovered (after some serious cussing) that as soon as I backed the rebound adjustment out about 1/8th of a turn (rebounding damping seemed a bit heavy even with no rebound set in the adjuster, and was thus adjusted all the way to the low end)- something inside the shock shifted (audibly)and it began working correctly - there is no note of this quirk in the Manitou manual. Otherwise the ride was a great one - the bike saved my neck (or nearly broke it - depending on your perspective) at least twice as I carried significantly more speed than the Stiffee would allow through a couple of sections - and overcooked the corners, sending me through boulder fields that (on the Cove) would've landed me on a stretcher. the weight of the bike is mitigated by Giant's spec of tubeless tires and wheels and it does not feel nearly as heavy the other reviews would have you believe. The bike gave me a great deal more confidence, as we (my friend who's still waiting for Yeti to get with the program and ship him his ASX - and I)were dropping an 8' retaining wall 3 hours after hopping on the bike (yeah - I know - 8' may not be much for some of the "Benderwannabee's" out there - but I've got a mortgage payment and no health insurance - I was pretty stoked on it) The new Firefly feels much better than the z1 on my other bike - gotta love the through-axle, but the spring is on the light side for my 185 lbs. - not a big deal though. So far I've got to give the new AC1 five chilis - hopefully the bike will prove as durable as it is fun to ride. Generally - I'd recommend the bike for anyone who wants a bike that will allow them ride up or down anything but the nastiest of terrain - who doesn't mind the white-bread factor associated with Giant - and who is more interested in component spec (re: value for the buck) than in having something different. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Value, all I had to do was get my friend to by one, and boom, I got an AC1. Giant went all out with this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Titec componets. The firefly instead of the breakout. | | Similar Products Used: | I rode a tricycle once, it was close. | | Bike Setup: | Very good set up. | | Bottom Line: | From what I could tell in the parking lot, this is going to be a great bike, at first I wasn't sure about the color, but I now think it will be ok. The bike handled very well, and absorbed all I through at it, as if to say to me, "give me more!" I'm riding Bear Creek tomorrow, that will be the real test! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Klausen
a Racer
from Minneaplis, MN USA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Suprisingly good all-around ride. Climbs well for being such a pig. Stellar Answer Swinger shock makes for a great plush, but not bouncy ride. Firefly is STIFF and plush like a pimp Caddy. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy as a mutha. | | Bottom Line: | Great Freeride/Big Hit type bike. Suprisingly good all-around. IF it were lighter it could make a great all-purpose ride. It's too bad Giant decided not to make an air sprung bike this year, cause the ride with the Swinger shock, even the air version, is really good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle
a Downhiller
from riverside
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any in sycamore canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Strengths: | frame, rear shock,race face nirth shore dh cranks hayes brakes
most other parts on bike | | Weaknesses: | THE MANITOU SHERMAN FIREFLY FORK BLEW THE SEALS THE SECOND RIDE, THEY GOT TO GO SHOULD HAVE STUCK WITH THE MARZOCCHI/ UGLY PAINT COLOR, (BUT WHO BUYS BIKE FOR THE COLOR) | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT AC 2 IRONHORSE SGS EXPERT | | Bike Setup: | EVERYTHING STOCK EXCEPT I PUT A MARZOCCHI MONSTER T ON IT | | Bottom Line: | GREAT BIKE EXELENT PRICE NO OTHER BIKE I TRIED REALLY SATISFIED ME. I KNOW THE BIKE WILL TAKE THE DROPS I CAN DO | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 3000.00
