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Submitted by
Ted
a Weekend Warrior
from Castle Rock, C.O., usa
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | I love em all | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bobs bicycle | | Strengths: | It can handle anything I throw at it | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a lot before going to Giant | | Bike Setup: | Sram x.0 build kit, hayes carbon discs, Manitou nixon platinum fork, WTB dual duty wheels, easton monkey light bars, fsa stem, U.S.E. alien seat post. Race face cranks and b.b. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has impressed me from day one. I purchased the frame new on-line and built the bike up. This bike does everything well and is a riot to ride. I have never felt a bike that is as balanced as the VT. It climbs well and the rear tire sticks over the nastiest rocks and roots. It loves to go down-hill, the faster the better and rips through the tight stuff as well. I have done some 4 or 5 foot drops and the bike does not flinch(keep in mind i'm a skinny fella at a whopping 155lbs.) This is my fifth mountain bike in the last in my last 16 years of riding and it is by far the most fun. It may not be as flashy as some of the other customs out there but I wouldn't trade it after throwing a leg over it. I have the bike weighing in at right about 28lbs and it rides lighter than my old 23 XC rig. This is the first stable platform that I have ridden for any amount of time and it is fantastic. Just stay seated and spin. The only thing that I had to get used to was staying seated over rougher terrain. You can flow over most everything and I think that is why even though this bike is heavier I end up less fatigued and can ride farther. If you are looking for a good all around bike that will make everything you ride more fun go for the VT. If all you want to do is the park or race look elsewhere. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Schumacher
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Hill FL USA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | any at kettle morrain st.forest WI | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$455.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Medium weight but not quite heavy | | Weaknesses: | Medium weight but nearly heavy | | Similar Products Used: | haro 8.1,Cadex CFM 2, | | Bike Setup: | Giant VT1 18.5"Risse Trixxy 6"trvl fork 20mm thru axle,or Magura Mid-Ego 5.8"trvl 20mm thru axle(huge heavy indestructible) fork...,Manitou 3way rr shk,sram X7 r-der-shftrs F/R,shimano frt der-btm pull-upswing,grimeca system 8 f&r,Halo SAS rims 36f/48r,-w-halo spindoc hubs,or Halo Tornado 32F/36R w-Halo spindoc hubs,kenda karma 30-80psi,small block eight 30-80psi or Kend Kwest 100psi slicks | | Bottom Line: | I have had absolutely no prob with this bike aside from weight,but I built it for durability...,I weight 220# and have never bottomed it out,it didn't even bottom out when I landed so hard I bent the STEEL bars I was using,Bent em bad,Handling is a bit topsy,but 6" travel will explain that away,I ride really fast on all kinds of terrain,and have never really crashed it hard because of the good handling characteristics and suspension to absorb my flub-ups.
I have not had the opportunity to use the bike for much serious trail riding,but with some lighter components it would kick azz I am sure.
I ride 30 to 70 miles,five days a week,and even though it is a veritable TANK,I still get by...In short,this is one of the best bikes I have ever had the opportunity to use.I would recommend it to anyone who needs a trouble free,beatable steed,not so much for cross country because of the weight of the thing,but anything else,freeride,up to mid-level downhill or hucking,but one thing no bike makes up for is lack-of-finesse or lack of skill and common sense,or lack of maintenance....
Take care of it,and it will take care of you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Euan Carr
a Cross Country Rider
from Chelmsford
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | snail trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | versatile, solid, cheap for what it is | | Weaknesses: | can't think of many | | Similar Products Used: | see below | | Bike Setup: | as below | | Bottom Line: | Got the shock & spv all set up, and this flies along now. I've even taken it racing where it's performed respectably. It does bob a little bit if you get out of the saddle, but most of the time its pretty solid, and I'm about 100kg and not too delicate.
What you lose in carrying the extra weight you gain in carrying more speed through dips and over rough stuff than you can on a hardtail.
Much as I love my old GT, it isn't getting ridden much any more.
If you can get one of these cheap (which you probably can 'cos its a Giant rather than a boutique make or an FSR) go for it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Euan Carr
a Cross Country Rider
from Chelmsford
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Lingwood Common | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | built up | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar with thudbuster & 80mm Duke Race forks (other bike)
Specialised FRS Pro (demo'ed) | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Minute 3's, Magura Marta brakes, XTR drivetrain, carbon bits & bobs | | Bottom Line: | Recently built this up from bits & bobs. Original idea was to build up a chunkier bike to take more abuse than my HT bike, but this has built up weighing about the same after going for top notch components wherever possible.
I've only been out for a couple of sessions messing round in the current slime on my own. I don't think I've fully bedded in or set up the shocks to get the most out of the bike yet, but all seems pretty good so far.
Felt fine for general trail riding and absolutely nails any DH. I found myself hurtling down steeper routes I usually take fairly steady on a HT, but feeling much more stable.
There was some bobbing and I felt the extra effort involved in getting it up hills, but think I had the shock & SPV set way to low initially. I borrowed a new FSR Pro recently which was probably better for platform stability, but not as plush or confidence inspiring on the descents or over roots & bumps. RRP on the FRSe is over £3000 though, and it didn't weigh any less!
I'll report back (maybe) when I've got it dialed in more and have:
1) compared it against my HT over some laps and
2) seen how I keep up with the boys on a fast 2 hour ride.
Until then I'll be sneaking out to hammer down rutted paths and jump ditches with a big grin on my face whenever the opportunity arises.
5* for value because I managed to build this up to decent FS bike with fancy bits on for well under £1000.
Overall rating is 4* so far. When & if I get the shock dialled in more, I'd hope to re-adjust this score upwards | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashe-vegas
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Quality welds and hydroformed tubing. Nicely designed. Very solid. Swinger shock is sweet. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, small rear triangle facilitates lots of chain slapping. "Small" frame size has water bottle bosses on bottom of main triangle. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z5 fork. XT shifters/derailleurs, Deore hydraulics, LX crank, SRAM 970 cassette/PC69 chain, Sun Ringle Disk Jockey rims/XT hubs, Race Face bar/stem/post, WTB Speed V saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This is a sweet riding bike. Bought the frame NOS, and built it up with some parts I already had or traded for. Still need to tweak out the Swinger shock, but it's great so far. Overall, it climbs better than my steel hardtail because I can stay seated over heinous roots/rocks. No bob whatsoever if you are seated, but you'll definitely feel it if you stand. Some shock adjustment may help here. You can feel the weight a little on a climb. Tried to build this up as an XC rig, but it's still porky. The front end wanders a bit, and will come off the ground easily. Not necessarily bad, you just need to get used to it. Rear suspension is plush, haven't bottomed it out at all, and it's good over chatter, although rougher trails will cause quite a bit of chain slap, seemingly more so than on a hardtail. Maybe because of the small rear triangle (it hits both stays). Very beefy, and will hopefully last a long time. This is a great bike for 24 hour racing, or all day epic rides. Maybe not for gram shavers, though. Did the 24 Hours of Pisgah with this and it performed great. Excellent value if you can score one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gaston
a
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Value, component spec (Mavic Crossmax XL, Raceface Turbine cranks, Hayes hydraulics, full XT drivetrain) | | Weaknesses: | Titec stem, seatpost, Psylo fork | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR, various hardtails, NRS, | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Manitou Minute fork, stem/seatpost, bars, saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Supergo had these on sale so I picked one up. I wasn't crazy about the softly sprung Psylo fork so I had them swap it out at the shop. Other than replacing the saddle, bars, stem, seatpost, I'm running the stock setup, which has a good parts spec otherwise. The wheels are great(650 retail) though the Hutchinson tires it comes with need to go. The handling is quick but stable and not too nervous. It seems to work well for singletrack well. The rear shock takes a few rides to set up well, but the Swinger does a great job of minimizing the bob. Even when pedalling out of the saddle it doesn't bob (SPV set at about 60% of my weight with the main chamber just below my weight) as long as I'm not too sloppy with my technique. Going down the suspension is a bit stiff on small bumps but soft over bigger hits. Does the job well though not anything to write home about. The rear end seems a bit nervous sometimes.
The short wheelbase also makes it a bit harder to climb steep hills than the Stumpy I rode- the front end jacks up easily.
Overall an all around workhorse of a bike. It goes fast but doesn't feel all that fast. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim, Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | built up on my own | | Strengths: | Versatile, sturdy frame, responsive handling, Swinger SPV | | Weaknesses: | stock wheelset is crappy - first and foremost, get new a wheelset! Then get yourself a better fork! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized StumpJumper, Giant NRS, Kona Kahuna Dee-Lux, Titus Switchblade | | Bike Setup: | Full XT drivetrain, Race Face cranks, Avid Mech Disc w/Avid SD5 levers, Sun SingleTrack wheelset, Manitou Black Super fork | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks butt! The Psylo U-Turn fork and Mavix wheelset must go... After you upgrade those parts, the bike handles incredibly and you can pretty much take it anywhere, which makes it very versatile for all terrain. 3-ft drops are soft landing, but keep in mind, this is a trail-bike and not a freeride rig, so I would'nt go any bigger than 4-5 ft drops. It takes a few rides to dial in the suspension. Climbs nicely, but keep your butt in the seat.
Not much more praise to say. If you decide to get this bike, you will NOT regret it! I used to own the NRS and wanted something more suitable for trail-riding/all-mountain use. Giant definitely hit a home run with this bike in its price range! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Pinos | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Solid, sturdy frame. Light weight for a 5.6" travel bike that can take on almost anything. The Swinger 4-way is awesome, rides plush and is very active in any condition. | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing could use some help but it's ok. | | Similar Products Used: | Other smaller VT's, GT iDrive, NRS, Turners and SC Blur. | | Bike Setup: | VT1 Med. frame, Psylo U-Turn, XT/XTR Drivetrain, Mavic/XT wheelset, Avid Discs, Kenda 2.1 Tomac series tires, Thomson Stem, WTB Laser Ti saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I came off a GT XCR recently and my LBS had a VT1 frame that we ended up swapping all my parts over to. Ever since my first ride on this frameset, I've been amazed at the total new feel of the bike. It handles extremely well and takes on the singletrack like no other bike I've ridden. It'a a very efficient climber, the suspension really sticks to the ground on steep uphill switchbacks and it can absorb everything out on the trail. It took me a couple of rides to get it just right. At first, the geometry didn't seem to compliment my body, so I moved the saddle forward more and took off a couple of spacers off the stem to bring the geometry closer and lower up front. I contacted the Manitou Tech. people to adjust the shock properly and they were very helpful, this shock works great and makes the bike feel very smooth. My setup is not to factory specs but if it were I'm sure this bike would feel even lighter. My plans are to upgrade to a Minute 1:00 fork and a better and lighter wheelset. Everything else works well witht his bike, I would seriously recomend it to anyone looking for a DO-IT-ALL bike, it's not too heavy, you can huck it a bit and it'll make your epic rides very enjoyable. I seriously recomend the tire selection I'm using. The Kenda Blue Groove up front and Nevegal on rear, both 2.1 but wide, they handle and stick to the trail and the bike loves em'. A friend of mine has the new 2004 VT1 and it's a sweet bike, very, very nicely equipped, lightweight and made to last. Another great bike by Giant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo. CA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Performance in San Rafael | | Strengths: | Strong frame, great rear shock | | Weaknesses: | Heavy? Mine weighs 31 lbs out the door | | Similar Products Used: | NRS | | Bike Setup: | Avid mechs, Fox 100RLC, Easton carbon bars, Ritchey seatpost, Gravy Wheels | | Bottom Line: | This is a replacement frame for my NRS that cracked on the seatpost tube above the toptube.
This is a great bike for many reasons:
First, I have to say the customer service at Giant and the guys at Performance Bikes in San Rafael got this bike under me and out the door in TWO WEEKS! I suggested to them that I upgrade to a more durable frame. The Giant rep offered the VT1 frame with Swinger shock for $150! I think the shock costs more than $150. A big Thanks! to everybody involved.
Secondly, the Swinger shock works great, just don't stand up when pedaling. You will probably have to go to a lower gear. The setup for my 220 lbs. body is to run at 5.7 inches with 185 lbs in the main chamber and 155 lbs. in the SPV. Inflating the shock is a pain in the a$$, I kept losing too much air when I disconnected the pump and it took many tries to find the best way to unscrew it with out leaking. Make sure the pump handle is all the way in when taking off too. The shock is PLUSH and I never felt like it would bottom out. I can ride downhills way over my head if I'm not paying attention. You need to have a 20-25% sag before the SPV works well.
Thirdly, trail riding just keeps getting better with this bike, I take different lines and attempt more than I would with other bikes. So this is good.
This is my fourth Giant bike, I've had a Rainier, NRS and my son has a 24 inch hardtail. I plan to buy more bikes from them. If this doesn't tell you something positive about Giant your not reading this review!
I'm happy and satisfied for now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alain Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Trinidad, West Indies
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The Matrix | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$985.00 | | Purchased At: | My little Secret | | Strengths: | Sturdy, Strong and well put together. This bike does it all. | | Weaknesses: | Found very few as I immediately changed components to suit my needs. | | Similar Products Used: | None to date | | Bike Setup: | XT all the way, Rocket 5 Stealth saddle, EA70 riser, Kenda tyres and a few goodies here and there. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was made for the heavyweight. It's strong, sturdy and light in weight (relative to it's size and components) I am a 225Lbs rider and I opted to change the forks to Manitou Minute 1:00, and put on a few stronger, lighter coponents (titanium works for me) Any sturdy fork with an extra firm ride kit would do for us clidesdales out there. It takes DH trails really well and I do some XC here and there, very versatile. SPV is amazingly sturdy and can keep my big backside from bottoming out... which is fantastic. Finally, a bike that's made to take multiple weights of riders... we don't all weight in at under 170. For the money...best buy out there. Giant, you have made me a continued customer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Critic
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma, WA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Victor Falls | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Raceface/XT drivetrain, Awesome wheelset, Swinger 4-way | | Weaknesses: | Undersprung, clunky Psylo Race fork, Titec X-wing seatpost is a disaster waiting to happen. And why were entry-level SPD pedals speced? This bike should have been sold without pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Never owned FS before, last bike was Schwinn Homegrown hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock (Psylo Race, Titec bar and stem, XT deraillers and shifters, Hayes hydro disks, Hutch Scorpion UST, Mavic Crossmax XL, Swinger 4-way, Raceface cranks/rings, XT cassette. The only things added have been Cane Creek Ergo bar ends, Time Z pedals and a bottle cage. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike! I cannot believe how much better I can ride with this than on my hardtail. The only place it gives anything up is on paved/fireroad climbs and in VERY tight quarters. Singletrack climbing is much easier, even though the bike weighs around 30 pounds. I had no problem setting up the SPV shock and it really does work as advertised. The only time I notice any bob is out-of-the-saddle, and then the front end is much worse anyway. The Psylo Race is the weak point in the suspension, as it is undersprung and clunky, with no way (that I know of) to pre-load it other than to dial down the travel. It is also somewhat flexy, as I can hear the front disk rub everytime the fork cycles. I DON'T hear or feel any flex at all in the rear end; it is more laterally rigid than my Homegrown hardtail. Still, I think the fork is still adequate for the type of riding I will be doing(I bought this as a trail bike. I don't intend to ride six foot drops, nor do I intend to race it). The Titec X-Wing seatpost is another matter. Mine lasted 3 months before leaving me stranded several miles from the trail head. If you really care, check the reviews of this seatpost here and you will see why it is the lowest rated post in the history of MTBR. If you buy one of these bikes, insist that the post be swapped for ANYTHING else before you leave the shop. Fortunatley for me, Supergo replaced mine after it broke with a Weyless post, which may not give me bragging rights but also will not sodomize me. Only other problems I've encountered is some cable rub, addressed with duct tape, and chainsuck when sifting from middle to little. It only happens when I attempt to shift when the rear suspension is deep into its travel and is something I'll have to live with. And to the guy below who complained about "ghost shifting": that is what those little barrel connectors on your shift pod are for. My bike did the same thing until I gave them a half turn. Oh, and as to the VT (variable travel): why bother? I can't think of any reason to change from 5.9 to 5 inches of rear travel, so I haven't. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris lauga
a Cross Country Rider
from Grenoble , France
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | l | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Routens Bikeshop , Grenoble, FR | | Strengths: | Suspensions , stability , fun , hydrolic brakes , Rigidity of the rear when SPV set correctly. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale , Kona , Rocky Mountain , Lapierre , CUBE | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The seat post is not really confortable.
This bike is so fun to ride...double your speed in downhill , and helps you so much in difficult stip rocky climbings.
I recoomend to set up you shock with your weight in lbs(1lbs = 0.454kg ) and put 70% the previous value in the SPV chamber.
I am relatively big 1,95m for 200lbs and this bike will find your limits before you found its limits.
Great bike for ral mtb riding .Thank you GIANT!
Of course, 5 hot chilis...is a minimum
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from East Greenwich
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Classifieds | | Strengths: | strong, stiff, SPV really works. its pretty damn plush, doesnt pack up AND will absorb bumps at slow speed. looks nice. can take a 5 foot drop if asked too. i have found that if you use a lower gear (as you would be when climbing) and spin the pedels as much as possable you get pretty good efficiancy even while standing. the added traction also makes up for lost power when compared to the NRS | | Weaknesses: | 5.75' setting can feel imbalanced but its nice to have for when you need the extra smoothness. dont like the interupted seat tube becasue it limits saddle hight options but ill deal | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | stock exept for Thompson stem and post and Fox vinella RLC fork | | Bottom Line: | This bike is pretty damn sweet. it kicks the crap out of my old NRS. it handles better and inspires more confidence. its also alot smoother. i found that the suspention does suck up pedaling force when jamming on the pedels but if you sit down i swear its faster than the NRS in the low gears. it would be nice if i could lower the seat more (damn interupted seat tube) but ill deal. the bike is deffinitly more stable at every speed but it honestly handles the tight stuff better than my NRS did and my freind found the same thing when he rode it. im getting the sram X9 setup so we will see how that goes. the fox fork works perfactly and when the back is set to 5" the whole bike feels perfactly balanced. the whole package is remarkably durable. i never need to fix anything. great bike, get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
allister
a Cross Country Rider
from atlanta
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | the ones with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Downhill stability, 4 way air shock | | Weaknesses: | access to the SPV is a SOB | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz sl, fisher sugar & joshua, cannondale raven, rocky mountain, etc. | | Bike Setup: | All XT, changed out wheels to AC Disc hubs and Mavix XM 719. That upgrade took a pound off my weight. Bike weighs in for small frame at 28 pounds. | | Bottom Line: | Follow up to my review in 10/2003. I still like it, ALOT. Harder to pedal uphill than my santa cruz sl, but that's a given. I learned not to stand when climbing cause that'll kill you on this bike. Any complaint is my weakness. When I'm back in shape I'll be alot happier with the longer rides.
Uphill is acceptable for the downhill performance that you get. You can pedal this bike uphill, it up to how good your legs are. Downhill is smooth and controlled. Jumping off surprise ledges aren't a big deal either (2-3 footers).
Only bad thing is getting the SPV right. The main chamber is easy to get to. The SPV is a pain. I have to inflate to 180lbs. to get the 150lb setting. I bleed off that much PSI when removing the pump head. I wish someone would come up with a quick release like the floor pumps. IT would solve this problem.
The 2004's only get the 3 way shock. I think that was abad move. Get the 4 Way if you can. Dialing in the ramp up really adds alot to the ride XC or shuttle run. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Bountiful Utah USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bountiful Bicycle | | Strengths: | I love this bike, I just stepped up from a hard tail and cant say enough about this bike. The rear shock is amazing how it will soak up rocks and roots when you pedal in the sadle. The hayes disk brakes stop on a dime even when wet and muddy, the XT shifters and derailers work perfect so far, and the bike is comfortable going up and downhill. | | Weaknesses: | The Psylo fork just plain sucks. I have an old-school manitou spyder R with only 3 inches of travel and it almost feels more stable than this shock. I think that the spring is just too soft, I am going to try to order a stiffer spring, but just because I can't afford to switch to the manitou minute fork. Also the chain bangs the frame alot on the downhill and has beat up the paintjob. I talked to the bikeshop and they had no answers so I just put a lizard skin on, and called it good. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh 600 (hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | stock (XT shifters and rear derailer, LX front derailer, Hayes disk brakes, manitou swinger 4-way rear shock, Psylo front fork, mavic cross max rim/w tubeless specialized tires (26x2.1), Raceface crankset, shimano clipless pedals, easton seatpost, and titec handlebars) | | Bottom Line: | While I haven't rode this bike a whole lot, (500) miles I love it so far. It feels solid and is very responsive. The rear shock doesnt bob on the uphill, pending you stay in the saddle, and I bomb the downhill like a runaway truck. But unlike some of the other reviews this bike doesn't really climb like they claim. It is pretty heavy compared to my last hardtail (30 lbs) and it starts to feel heavier the longer I climb. But maybe that means I am just out of shape. So far I love this bike despite its heaviness and front fork, and I feel like it has been a worthwhile investment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Volak
a Weekend Warrior
from Green Bay, WI
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Beaver Creek, CO | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Great Frame Design, Pretty nice components, Race Face Turbine Cranks, Crossmax XL wheels | | Weaknesses: | Psylo Fork, weak ass springs, made for 140lb bike testers.....GET STIFFER SPRINGS! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic Disc, Kona Dawg Deelux | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except switched out Drivetrain to X.0 Rear, X.9 Sram Trigger Shifters, p-99 chain, Diaboulous Race Face Stem...70mm | | Bottom Line: | I got a killer deal on this bike, BRAND NEW, off of ebay(a little risky)...but i came out on top of things! This bike has been out on the trail 4-5 times already, and I can say it does not climb like a Full Suspension Rig...I have a hard time believing that this is a 30 lb bike! I am an avid Shimano Hater, so after I switched out my drivetrain to full SRAM X.0 w/x.9 triggers, I am happy as a pig in "you know what"...This thing handles nice, and flexes only slightly, but it is a full suspension bike, and it is going to flex, people! I will see how it holds up, and write another review in a couple of months!! The only thing that sucks on the bike is the Psylo Race Fork, due to the weak-ass springs that come inside of it...I weigh 190lbs, and even I can bottom this thing out of of a 6" curb...new "Extra Firm" kit has helped tremendously...may switch to Sherman (manitou) or Talus (FOX) if any problems arise, however(if the bank account allows it!) Sweet ride, though overall! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory Feggestad
a Weekend Warrior
from Edgertob, Wi USA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | still the John Muir , Kettle Moraine State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Budget Bikes, Madison, Wi | | Strengths: | Hell of a fun ride!!! Awsome components out of the box. Bike climbs great, and decends the same! | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox Psylo fork broke just after my first review(figures) I blew out the rebound. The lock out on the fork also busted---twice! I may put a Manitou Minute on it this year. The Hutchinson tires are good in the dry, but your all over the damn place when its greasy.
and last of all, although not a biggy... it needs a little tougher pain job due to cable rub...ick!! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V 1000,
Specialized FSR S-Works | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, dont notice the 30# at all on the trails. I'm about 225lbs and the bike still does it for me!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stevan Gajic
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Very balanced bike. Long travel frame/shock combo. SPV Works! I love the look of the hydroformed frame. Great customer support. | | Weaknesses: | Frame Flexes, Suspension somes appart from time to time. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS1 | | Bike Setup: | Truvativ stem, bars and seatpost from my Warp DS1 as well as the saddle. Avid Ball Bearing Disc Brakes with 203mm rotors, Sun Singletrack Wheels with XT hubs and WTB MotoRaptor 2.4's. ODI Ruffian Lock-on, SRAM X-9 Trigger Shifters, Manitou Minute 3:00 fork, FireX crankset with Truvative Gigapipe DH Bottom Bracket, SRAM 7.0 Shifter, SRAM 9.0 Cassette. | | Bottom Line: | I broke the frame of the Warp DS1 in Moab last fall during the fat tire festival. The Giant rep loaded my the 04 VT1 the following day (which was my last day there anyway). When I got back I asked my local Giant dealer to find out if I could upgrade to the VT1 and pay the difference or something. Giant gave me the frame. I've since upgraded most of the components I moved over from the Warp.
The frame flexes some in turns, but so does the fork. The whole bike weighs in just under 30 lbs configured like that but seems to be a very solid trail bike. I tend to run relativley heavy components, and the frame/shock weigh in at 7.5 lbs (19" frame). I test rode a GF Cake 1 DLX and didn't like the unbalnced feel of the frame. Quite tail heavy. This bike's center of gravity is about 3" infront of the seat tube, which is more, or less dead center of the bike. This is a solid trail bike, feels much lighter than it is when riden, and can take quite a bit of punishment. I regularly do 3' drops on some of the trails I do and haven't had any significant problems, and I'm 6' 2" and 225 lbs...
My biggest complaint was that the suspension would losten up while being lugged around in the back of the truck. I reassembeled the rear suspension with red locktite and evn that problem was solved. The bottom bracket is rather high so the bike rides more like a freeride rig at times. Agressive descending is quite controled and comfortable. I keep the suspension rather stiff but it's still suprisingly compliant over bumps, small and large. On climbs it feels similar to my friend's x-country DS, mabey 1/4" of bob most of the time, front wheel stays planted easily, unlike my Warp which would pick the front wheel up much too easily, even for a single pivot. When pushing hard into turns the frame flexes enough to rub the tire, but with the 2.4, clearance is kinda tight.
If you're to own only one mountain bike, this would be the one. It does everything well but nothing great. It's too heavy for cross country, to weak for pure freeride, but as a trail bike, not much is better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lee scully
a Weekend Warrior
from newcastle.UK
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | HAMSTERLY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | dentons | | Strengths: | DROPS & HILLS | | Weaknesses: | only my bank acount | | Similar Products Used: | only rode XC and DH rigs | | Bike Setup: | self build.4 way swinger.hope on mavic 321disc.M4 brakes.sherman break outs.full 04 XTR setup.xlite parts. | | Bottom Line: | WANTED SOME THING TO RIDE ALL DAY FOR A LONG TIME NOW. ON ANY GROUND ON THE STREETS FOR MESSING ON STEPS DROPS AND JUMPS.RIDE HARD. FREERIDING DH AND DIRT JUMPS.TOOK An unecspected rolling 8 foot drop to flat the other day LOOKS LIKE THIS BIKE IS THE REAL DEAL.SNOWING TONIGHT FIRST RIDE DOWNHILL IN THE SNOW.KEEP IT REAL,ill update in a few months time | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson AZ
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fantasy Island Tucson | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | (Frame Only) Looks, Design, Weight, Overall Strength, Manufacturer Reputation, mtbr.com reviews | | Weaknesses: | The Manitou 4-way blew a seal and Giant and Manitou were unwilling to assist unless I had my LBS send to Manitou. The Warranty is weak and only good if you are the original owner and the bike was purchased at your LBS... Some manufactures still need to step up to web-commerce in 2004? When bike ownership changes Giant believes the manufacturer of the bike changes as well. I don't like companies that hide behind fine print because they are afraid to stand behind their product. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic Disc | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Fire 2.1s, Avid Mechanical Disc brakes, XT Shifter/brake levers, SRAM 9.0 Cassette, XT Derailer, Truvativ Stylo ISIS Crank, Welgo Platform Pedals, Mavic Rims, Manitou Sherman Firefly. | | Bottom Line: | While the bike rode well until the rear shock blew a seal (24 miles later), I was not impressed with the direct level of service from either Giant or Manitou. I bought my VT-1 as a frame, brand new from a dealer who parted it.
I built the bike from the ground up and followed the detailed instructions for the Manitou 4-way adjustments to fit my weight. I am 200lbs and within 3 rides(24 miles) i never took my VT-1 off drops over 2 feet. Anyhow the shock blew while showing my VT-1 to my frieds in front of my house in the driveway...weak! My LBS said this was common on the VT-1, and they send a lot of VTs in because of blown seals in the 4-way shock. You can imagine my disappointment in putting forth all the agony of building a onto a bike frame and after only 3 rides (2 weeks) to have to send in the Manitou rear 4-way air shock through my LBS and be without my sweet new ride for 2-4 weeks.
Don't get me wrong, I was impressed with the way the VT-1 handles and the way the VT-1 feels while riding compared to my old 96 Schwinn Moab Elite with .5" of travel and the Specialized Epic Disc I test drove at my LBS. Overall, I am no longer a big fan of Giant because of the way they disinfranchise riders looking to save some money by building up frames with parts purchased through the web. Honestly, if I would have known Giant could care less about its product owners who did not purchase their product from an LBS, I would have gone with a Manufacturer that does and who also was rated high within mtbr.com
I give 4 stars for a good product and value, but 1 star total because Giant is not interested in standing behind their product as a quality manufacturer. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | online local ad | | Strengths: | Reasonable weight, great components and the Manitou SPV shock. Agile yet tough on the trail. | | Weaknesses: | Found some creaking in the linkage area, shock takes a bit of time to set correctly. A little bit heavy but not too bad. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88 Stage 1, Specialized Enduro, Trek Liquid Fuel, Haro Extreme X-3. | | Bike Setup: | Stock but with Mavic X-317 Disc hoops and Hugi hubs, Weyless DFR 40 bars, Raceface Turbine LP crankset/Diabolus stem, Specialized Roll-X pro with Stan's No-tubes system. Manitou Black 100/120. | | Bottom Line: | To be totally honest, I was not at all impressed when I was first testing this bike at Performance Bicycle. I was cycling through the travel on every pedal stroke during my parking lot test ride so I asked them add more pressure to the rear Manitou shock. They said that they maxed it out and it was still extremely muchy. I pretty much wrote it off and was going to purchase a Trek LIquid 30 until I found a deal in my local paper online. I decided to give it a test ride again since the price was only $1250.00. I drove out to the seller's house only to find a nearly unused Giant VT-1 hanging from the rafters in his garage via a very cool rope and pulley system. I tested this bike again and found this one to be ride much better and much higher in the pedaling platform, without the mush I had felt before. I found that the people at Performance Bike did not add air to the SPV chamber (only in the main chamber). The owner did have one change I was not expecting. He kept the sexy Crossmax wheels for his own and took the wheelset off of his '03 Specialized S-Works Epic. (Mavic X-317 Disc hoops on S-Works Hugi disc hubs)I told him that he had a deal and my not so secret love affair with my '03 Giant VT-1 had begun. It has taken a few weeks and about 10-12 rides to get the bike dialed in, but it is now a very capable and functional ride. I have the main pressure set to 175 (my weight) and the SPV chamber to 140 (I think). I changed to Roll-X tires with the Stan's no tubes kit. The bike rolls great and really tracks the ground now with the lower pressure in the tires and the chock set up correctly. I ride with a rather fast group and I am able to hang with them and their Santa Cruz Blur's with full XTR. These guys spend 4 to 5 grand on their bikes and I am able to spin up the hills with them and pass them on the downhills. Their bikes are much lighter, maybe 4 to 5lbs lighter, but the performance of the SPV on the VT-1 helps me level the playing field. Granted the VT-1 is not as responsive to the quick attacks as their bikes, it is more than capable to tackle the technical stuff when their bikes run out of travel. One of the best features is the Manitou Black Comp fork. It may not be the top of the line fork but I must say that the quick travel adjustment on the top of the left fork leg is the best travel adjustment out there. One flick of the lever gets me to either 100 or 120mm instantly. Unlike the Psylo which I would have had to get off of the bike to make travel adjustments by spinning the dial until I get the right travel. I have had to cover certain parts of my bike with clear frame protectors because of cable rub and chain slap, but other than the slight creak that sometimes emits from the linkage and the extra couple of lbs on the bike, it is by far the best and most versatile bike I have ever had the pleasure to ride. I will give it 5 chilis for the amazing value and another 5 for the versatility. Hats off to Manitou for the SPV suspension and hats off to the guy who sold me his near new bike for a song!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shabazz Weiss
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL 32804
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Locomotion Bike shop-Orlando | | Strengths: | The Giant VT is very comfortable, solid, and reliable! This is my second review on this bike. I am glad to say that the it has not let me down yet. I ride very aggressive and am always on the look out for a wheelie drop or lip or two...... Nothing like lauching yourself like a bird in flight..... Ok I have awakened. Very plush when you want it to be or have it very firm - thanks to the SPV adjustability. I switched out the wheels to Salsa Gordo and IRC Kujos and never looked back once! This thing climbs very well too!!!! Perfect for the hard agressive rider that love to lauch it when the opportunity arises! Yeah! | | Weaknesses: | Cable rub in certian areas (Combat that with carbon frame patches by Lizard Skin). Occassionally, the chain will fly off due to hard riding and lodge down below the inner ring and bottom bracket - really chaffing the aluminum down there and scratching up the paint (no one can really see it-so big deal!) That's ALL!!! | | Similar Products Used: | (1st bike)2002 Mongoose dualie
(2nd Bike)2003 Marin XC hardtail (Psylo XC, Xt, Panaracer 2.1 | | Bike Setup: | Xt drivetrain, Manitou Black, swinger 3 way SPV, xt hubs, Avid disc, Salsa Gordo Rims, IRC Kujo2.25, Easton ea50 rise bar and seat stem, | | Bottom Line: | If your money is tight and cannot afford to go out and purchse a bike for every style of riding you enjoy - Buy the VT, you will not be sorry! If I want to go lighter and hit some flat XC trails, I just switch out the wheelset to my Panaracers laced to xt hubs sitting on strong but light Mavic XM117 rims. I can feel the difference - So I can pretty much have the best of both worlds. At least check it out if you fit the rider mold!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Gunnell
a
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Buckhorn/Captain Jacks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Overall great bike. Plush when it needs to be plush and climbs like a mule. | | Weaknesses: | The tires. Hutchinson Scorpions are just too soft. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Santa Cruz Blur. | | Bike Setup: | XT throughout, Rockshox Sid Race, Hayes Hydraulics, Manitou Swinger SPV 4 way. | | Bottom Line: | I couldn't be happier. I test rode a few bikes and this was seriously the best. 6 inches of travel and I have not seen any loss in climbing. Manitou hit it out of the park with the Swinger. I can't wait to take it to Moab. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan hughes
a Downhiller
from folsom california
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | flameout/karpiel (northstar) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | giant | | Strengths: | pedals awesome for 5.75 inches of travel. very responsive suspension once dialed in. no noise! great design for long travel all around bike. | | Weaknesses: | cable rub! big drops and hits can ovalize bearing cartriges. whats with all the bottle cage mounting bolts, does anyone use those things anymore?? | | Similar Products Used: | lobo, dbr X6, tomac, mtn. cycle dh, ventana dh | | Bike Setup: | VT1, bomber, hayes disc, hussefelt, sun rims, etc. | | Bottom Line: | i got the frame as a freabie from giant on a warranty issue which they more than came through on (excellent warranty dept.) i set it up for some big hit local riding and have been very impressed so far with its performance especially its pedaling considering it sports almost 6" of rear travel on a sweet manitou swinger. the VT is ideal for the cross country rider who likes to hit the big stuff once in a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from East Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Case Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Bike is great, my was upgraded to the max. Brakes are great, Crossmax's can take a beating. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Romic rear shock (not SPV) Z1 Bomber, Hayes Mag plus titanium brakes, Hope Gothic Rotors, FSA Carbon Pro cranks, E-thirteen DRS chainguide, Time-Z ATAC pedals, SRAM XO rear deraileur, XT front, SRAM XO shifters, Woodman carbon seatpost, Titec carbon handlebar, and RIP Titec stem, Maxxis Highroller, and Maxis Mobster 2.35 tubeless. | | Bottom Line: | The bike I purchased should have been about $4500 with all the upgrades, I got a deal and have loved every ride. The components were set up for XC / Freeride leaning more towards Freeride.
I have been using the bike for some hard trailriding and a lot of stunts. The bike is light (30lbs.) and can still take a beating. I swear the super light Crossmax XL's can take a beating from hell. I am consistently doing 4' plus wheelie drops, and 5' plus jumps and the wheels are great. I did dent the rear slightly but only because the tire went mostly flat and I didn't realize it until after going over a jump and landing on some rocks.
I cannot compare to the SPV suspension, but the Romic has the same anti-bob properties of the Manitou. My bike is definitely better for Freeride than long Trailride and hills because of the riding positon. The lockout on the Z1 bomber comes in handy on long steep hills, but I definitly do not get the speed I used to on my hard tail up hills. I am too upright due to a shortened stem, but it is great for what I am doing.
If you are looking for a bike that can do everything, including big jumps, this is the bike for you. It has increased my riding skill 10 fold. The bike just makes you so confident over just about anything.
The only problems I have had with the bike are flats with the tubeless tires (don't like them too much) and some brake issures that were my fault. I really can't stress how fun this bike is. Definitely worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | TOE | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2875.00 | | Purchased At: | BIKESENJAVA Sarasota, FL | | Strengths: | Wheels and Breaks | | Weaknesses: | Frame Suspension linkage | | Similar Products Used: | CAnnondale SuperV, Jekyll (2 models) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: |
This will be my last review of this product. For details on all the problems I've had with my VT1, check out my earlier review, or send me an e-mail. Short story = broke 4 times in 5 months of trail riding.
I'm posting this (as promised) to let everyone know how it turned out. A few weeks after writing a letter go Giant, I got a call from one of their corporate reps.
The final decision was to refund the purchase price of the bike.
The bike shop that sold it actually wrote the check, and they had been great to work with from the very beginning, so I gotta highly recommend them if you are in the Sarasota Florida area and need a Cannondale or Giant. They always took care of me, and their mechanic is one of the best.
As for the VT1, I still say the frame needs some serious re-design work. The Mavic CrossMax are the best, and I'll be putting them on my next bike (what ever that is). As for Giant, I'd say they took care of me in the end. I'm givin' three Chilis ONLY becuase of Giant's Customer service. The bike would get 0.
Happy trails. Remember to keep the wheels down and the seat up.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spongedog
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern Virginia
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | *The most fun I have ever had going downhill or hitting jumps!! When the VT sees a little or a big jump, it begs you to hit it hard and high.
*Downhill speed and control is fantastic. I am coming off an NRS 1 that I thought was fast downhill, but this bike blows the doors off my old NRS. Not only faster, but nice and smooth too.
*Climbs like a mountain goat. Climbs easily as well as the NRS did.
*Manitou Minute 1 and Swinger SPV. I now have long travel AND efficient peddaling...can't ask for more than that. (I took the suggested settings from Giant and added a few more psi and now it is perfect. Soaks up the bumps yet still has a solid XC feel to it.)
*The riding position. My old NRS has an aggressive riding position that was great for grinding out the miles fast, but not so great on my back. Riding the VT 1 is like sitting on a Lazyboy. I can ride longer and with greater comfort. | | Weaknesses: | I have not owned this bike long enought to find any real weakness. It is a little (maybe a pound) heavier than the NRS 1, but the trade off is more than worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 1, SC Superlight | | Bike Setup: | 2003 VT 1 frame, Manitou Swinger 4 way shock and Minute 1 fork, Monkeylite composite mid rise, XT shifters, XTR rear der, XT front der, UST with Hutch Pythons, Hayes hydro brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Wow! This thing is fun. When I went full suspension with the NRS 1 a few years ago, it changed my life on my bike. Going to the VT 1 has given me a similar experience. It is a completely different bike and well designed for the guy who is mostly a trail rider, but wants to race occasionally. (I think the NRS is the opposite, great for racing and occasional trail riding). The VT better reflects the type of riding I do.
If you enjoy riding everything on the mountain, and doing it with a big smile on your face, then try this bike out.
I will be posting a review in a few months after I have put several hundred miles on it.
Also, I have worked with Giant on warranty issues in the past, and they have been nothing short of fantasic!! I buy through Performance Bike, and the combination of great guys at Performance and a great rep at Giant keeps me coming back for more. Giant works hard for the money and customer loyalty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | RideOn | | Strengths: | Smooth terrain chewing ride. Very, very fast on singletrack and downhill. Excellent climbing ability, little bob. And very light (28lb inc pedals)for a lot of suspension. Such a nice blue as well | | Weaknesses: | Low bottom bracket, nasty canti bosses on rear suspension arm, bizarre bottle bosses under main tube | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Tracer | | Bike Setup: | VT frame, Fox 125 Talas, Hope Mini Monos/ Goodridge hoses (finally!), Hope hubs + Mavic UST, XT drivetrain, ATAC Titans, Raceface XO poost, Easton Monkeylites risers & MG 75mm stem, CK Headset | | Bottom Line: | A truly excellent allrounder.
This replaces an expensively decked out Tracer and it outperforms it in every way apart from perhaps slippery, very steep climbs. The weight is identical if you pay enough for components. The descending is effortless, perhaps because once the rear suspension is set at 5.75", there seems little point fiddling again. The ride seems perfectly balanced with the Fox forks at 125mm and has certainly put a sharp edge to my riding style.
I have raced endurance and emerged feeling fres; trundled my way around 7-Stanes runs at Glen Tress, Mabie and Dalbeatie, emerging with a Cheshire Cat smile; and ridden my home trails around Rossendale with renewed enthusiasm. The only down side has been the occasional thump as rocks hit the slightly lower BB but hey, it's a small price to pay for so much clothed enjoyment!
The shock takes some setting up, go to Manitou website and follow instructions, then add a few PSI.
My current vision of the perfect alrounder and can certainly be used for endurance events if that is your thing | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Promise | | Weaknesses: | Delivery | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jeckll (2 different years) and old Cannondale V-style | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Well, it's a sad day in Florida. This is my third review on my VT1 and I'm very dissipointed to say that it's not going to be a good one.
I've had this bike for almost 6 months now, and I've broken it 3 times already. The frame went twice (in the suspension linkage) and the rear shock another time. Finally, the Psylo fork is dying a quick death and will have to be warrantied very soon. So, out of the last 5 months, I've been without the bike over 20% of the time.
My initial thoughts were great, until the thing broke the second time. The problem is, I'm a trail rider. I'm 30-something years old and have had back surgery (unrelated to biking), so I'm not that hard on the thing. I'm not a dirt jumper and I'm not a free rider. I haven't had to replace any of the other components, and I haven't even had to true the wheels yet! All that said, there is just no way this bike should have broken so many times. Giant has continued to warranty the frame (won't touch any components, like the rear shock and my new fork problems). So, after having all this trouble, I decided to talk to the local Giant rep. Evidently Giant has a "policy" that prevents him from calling me. I also noticed that Giant removed their contact phone numbers from their web site, so I can't call them directly. I'm supposed to go through the LBS, which is getting the "nothing else we can do" story from Giant.
The bottom line is that this frame design is just poor. After a few more years of development they might get it straightened out, but for a $3,000 it should take more than I've given it. At this rate, I'll be through 4-6 frames in a year. My big concern is what happens when the warranty expires? I'll be left holding the bag on a very expensive bike that can only be ridden for a couple months before falling apart.
As for Giant's legendary service, well what can I say? They are good about covering their own warranty obligations, but when I asked about doing something beyond just replacing a frame, they suddenly ran out of gas.
My three previous bikes (before my back surgery) were ridden MUCH harder than this bike. In fact my last Cannondale with a lefy was a great bike! Never broke a thing, and that was when I was doing 6ft drops to flat, and jumping a lot. I decided to tone it down since I'm getting older, and get a more comfortable (plush) ride in the Giant...
Buying this bike was the biggest purchasing mistake I've ever made. I should have stuck with Cannondale, but now I'm stuck with this thing. I can't afford to throw it out and buy something else, especially after 6 months!
Do yourself a favor my friends! Don't take a chance on this frame! Even if yours doesn't break in two months like mine, it will before long. I hope it doesn't happen when you are on a biking vacation (like me) or you will be going home early.
Happy trails.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Calabasas, CA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworld | | Strengths: | four bar linkage, shock position (lower center of gravity), Giant value, components package | | Weaknesses: | Psylo Race fork - Only beef with the fork is that the remote lockout sometimes doesn't work properly.
Hayes hydraulic brak line (outer cover) is peeling. I need to get it checked out.
Disc rub (but, its normal i guess, you do want some minimal disc rub, it just bugs me a little) | | Similar Products Used: | Cheap Walmart/Toys R' Us mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for Thompson seat post (Cut my stock seat post too short) | | Bottom Line: | Giant warranty and value rating. You get what you pay for and then some. Once I have ridden this bike some more I will post another review. So far I am happy with my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sig
a Weekend Warrior
from georgia
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Strengths: | i bought a vt1 2003 in jan. this year and loved it now as much as when it was new.today i got a 2004 vt1. i got it because it was 26# vs 30#. it is really 27# med. frame. still damn light for 5.75 in. travel bike. new xt cranks are plenty stiff, and the chainrings shift good. the new rapid rise shifting is smooth under load but i havent had to make any sudden shifts to climb anything yet. manitou minute fork is what this bike needed. the psylo race steered like crap and was flimsy.i blew it up put a black elite on. the spv fork balances this bike out. it is stiff and steers great. the whole suspension is stiffer and has better dampening than before. | | Weaknesses: | quick realease seat post wont hold seat still. replace ti with a bolt on. scorpion tires are that good. not sure about rapid rise yet. | | Bottom Line: | me buying another one
says it all. the other one goes to my son. keep it in the family. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B F
a Weekend Warrior
from NZ
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Makara Peak | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | versatility, hard as nails, smooth as silk | | Weaknesses: | noticed the extra weight a little but I think they have made the 04 lighter, I dont have stock parts mine is probably a little heavier due to this. paint job is not as tough as would like but that is not a huge problem | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 1, GT ZaskarLE | | Bike Setup: | complete SRAM drivetrain, shimano hydraulic brakes, titec bars, seat post, truativ stylo SL cranks WTB laser wheelset, ritchey pro pedals | | Bottom Line: | I ride trails of all shapes and sizes and wanted a bike inbetween XC and freeride as my NRS1 cracked under pressure. I bought the frame and shock then built the bike up as I really wanted SRAM not shimano drivetrain. The bike rides really well, have done huge variety on it and it has performed excellent. I can keep up with riders on 22/23lb hardtails even though it weighs an extra 6lb I dont have the stock kit and I believe mine is a little heavier due to not having the mavic wheels, but its not too noticeable. I am yet to find a real weakness, although the stock spring in the psylo race are a little too active compared to the excellent rear - I may change them to firm but this is personal preference. A great bit of bike engineering, smooth as silk on the trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Racer
from Oregon, US
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | ATA Cycle | | Strengths: | This thing is crazy beutiful!! I've raced it XC, ridin it freeride/downhill and set it up in between for all day epics. I seriously can't get enough of this thing, it makes every trail faster - and no need to look for the easy line. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, GT I-drive, Trek Liquid 30 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Couldn't Be happier, nothing out there is as versatile, stable platform is the way to go!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Jackson
a
from Eugene,OR.
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Hutch's Springfield | | Strengths: | versatility, very efficient pedaling, light for what it can handle. | | Weaknesses: | tubeless tires usually require compressor to change. | | Similar Products Used: | test rides on fs specialized, cannondale, trek, rocky mtn, gt, kona. | | Bike Setup: | stock except thompson seat post. also experimenting with different tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike handles it all. Really comfy on a all day rides, really rips in singletrack. adjust fork down to 80mm to get it to climb, then raise back to tear everthing else up. I also put on a dh stem, flat pedals, and lowered the saddle, then took it on downhill runs at local resort. Super steep runs with jumps and drops, really loose turns. I could not believe how well it handled. Could not ask for a better all around bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
allister
a Cross Country Rider
from atlanta, ga
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | pick one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Swinger Air, Nice Silver Finish, Giant Service is pretty darn good. | | Weaknesses: | Cable Rub; Get yourself some frame saver tape and you'll be fine. Weight, but you can easily build lighter if you've got deep pockets | | Similar Products Used: | Superlights, Uzzi SL, Rocky Mountains, Gary Fishers, Fuels, | | Bike Setup: | Built up a frame:
All XT, F519 hubs on 9.0SL hubs, Psylo SL, Thompson Stem and Seat Post, Easton SL Riser, Magura Louise Hydros | | Bottom Line: | I don't worry about issues down the trail as many others here have had their backs covered by Giant. This is my first Giant ever, and I am very pleased. Climbing is very good, SPV allows movement when you stand or mash, but I knew that. I spin in the saddle, and blast the downhills. If you ride for fun, and don't race this is a good choice. The Swinger is more controlled and plush compared to my Superlight. As a tradeoff the VT doesn't climb as fast as the Superlight. I think the amount of milage I could cover is still about the same, except I do work a little harder on the VT. I have done 2-3 footers on the VT and it doesn't show signs of give. I couldn't do that on my superlight. Also compared to my superlight tight switchbacks require more attention. Everywhere else it does as good, but plusher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Landon Monholland
a Cross Country Rider
from Kissee Mills
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Berryman Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Down Hill Bikes, Branson Mo | | Strengths: | I can hang with cross country racer boys, and then go ride with serious DH ers on the same bike. It is the most versitle bike I could hope to own. | | Weaknesses: | I ruined both tubeless tires in less than 10 min of my first ride. Giant Warantied them!!! My Hayes brakes dragged for the first month of riding. I don't think this is normal, but I have had horrible experience with hayes brakes and their tech department. Annoying creaking sounds because Giant doesn't use enough grease on BB and other points. Headset developed slack on the third month, Giant Warrantied it no problem!!!
I have trashed Rock Shox forks in the past so I didn't even bother using the Psylo fork. I up graged to a Zocchi Z1 freeride. The Psylo is doing fine on my NRS, but it aint half the fork the Zocchi is. | | Similar Products Used: | Hardtails, Giant NRS, Giant AC air, Trek Fuel, Liquid, M1 Intense, lots of high end FS bikes for test rides. | | Bike Setup: | I shortned the cockpit. I like a stable long bike which the 18.5 bike im riding is. I'm 5'6" Its a big bike but I like em that way. If you don't want to change things buy the smaller size. 8 inch rotor in front, Marzocchi z1 freeride fork, Azonic bars, the replaced scorpion tires are great with Stans no tube sealent--this stuff kicks ass!! | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike since march and have purposely waited to review it until I could give an accurate description of the bike. It is the best pedaling bike I have ridden. I would race it on a rough course over my NRS and it weighs 3 lbs more. I would describe my self as a cross country guy who blasts DH. Being a MX guy I demand a lot from my bikes and this bike hasn't let me down on performance. The problems I mentioned were annoying, but all are fixed and I would go through the problems again just to ride this bike. I just read that the O4 model will be losing weight which is great. My only complaint is that it is heavier than I like. (30lbs) The fork swap was a great move, either a fox or a zocci is good for this bike. Also Stans no tube is the bomb, i haven't had a flat since I started using it. Don't be scared of problems, Giant warranty is the best. I had problems with Hayes brakes on another bike and Giant took care of me when Hayes wouldn't.
Set up of the Stabel Platform shock is easy.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Hertler
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Mariam CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Camesa Connector | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn, Santa Maria | | Strengths: | Stability in tight switchbacks and no "bob" in tough climbs. Lockout on the Psylo front shock in climbing. Adjustability to rear shock setup. Hayes hydro. brakes | | Weaknesses: | Weight, but that in and of itself is also a strength. | | Similar Products Used: | GT OCR 1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock - this is great "out'a the box" | | Bottom Line: | Fun bike. Perfect combination of trail, downhill, and XC characteristics. Did I say it looks great, too? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory Feggestad
a Weekend Warrior
from Edgerton, Wi, USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle Moraine- John Muir | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Budget Bikes, Madison, Wi | | Strengths: | Awsome components and geometry. This bike does it all. Makes climbing seem effortless. The SPV shock is a true must for any rider!!! | | Weaknesses: | Tires and the weight, not so much the weight though. I can live with 30# if the bike is a dream to ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Basically factory. I'm trying to roach the tires for an excuse for new ones. Will upgrade to XTR drive train. | | Bottom Line: | Although on the expensive side, it is a hell of a deal for what you get. I'm not knocking Specialized, the FSR is a great bike too. But the VT1 had me sold almost instantly. The wheelset and components make up the price, and the rest is basically free!!!! The trails In Wisconsin can put the bike through its paces and she did just fine! This bike is a great buy for all types of riders. Its comfortable for just an easy ride or for flying down rocky singletrack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | TOE | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Travel vs. Weight and pedaling efficiency | | Weaknesses: | Stem Length, Tires. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Cannondale Jekyll with Super Fatty fork, 2001 Cannondale Jekyll with Lefty | | Bike Setup: | Gell Seat, Shorter Titec Stem, Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tires, Egg Beaters | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up review to my first entry a couple months back.
The quick version is that I'm liking this bike more all the time, and I'm glad I didn't pick another ride.
Here's the bad news: After two months of hard riding I was cleaning my bike (yes, I do this frequently) and notices that one of the sealed bearing cartridges in the suspension linkage had literally fallen apart. The outer rubber seal came off, and the bearings literally fell out on the garage floor. After close examination, it appears that one of the balls split in two, which caused the bearing to work itself loose. Just days from a trip to North Georgia to try my legs on some mountains I was not happy (trying to keep this a family review). So I brought the think down to the shop where I bought it the next morning and after all was said and done, no one could understand how the bearing could have blown so fast. Evidently these things are designed to be bulletproof. The LBS Mechanic called Giant and they also couldn't believe the bearing blew and decided that they'd rather replace the entire frame (linkage, shock and all) rather than just the bearing. They said it could have been an alignment problem with the frame and didn't want to take any chances of it happening again. Three days later, I had the new frame in my hands. That, my friends is a manufacturer who understands how to take care of its riders. Other than that bearing, nothing else on the bike has given me any trouble. Rock Solid.
On the good news side, I did make my trip to the mountains (we don't have any here in Florida) and this bike was perfect. We climbed literally thousands of feet in three days and the bike didn't sap my energy. Then, when it was time to come down, the suspension saved my life on numerous occasions. I didn't know what to expect, and every trail was new to me so I got myself into some very rough situations and extremely high speed and the bike was flawless over even the nastiest rock piles and roots.
If you can afford it, this bike it the real deal for those who like their trail riding rough. If you are tight on coin, get the VT2 and add the Black Box to the shock (to control compression dampening). I re-built a friends VT2 and rode it a good deal after, only to realize how much my compression dampening lever affected the overall feel of the bike.
If I had to buy a new bike today, it would be a VT1.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sing
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike store | | Strengths: | efficient, well built | | Weaknesses: | not yet observed | | Similar Products Used: | nil, a 30 years old beginner | | Bike Setup: | custom build, vt frame, psylo SL shock, full XTR, mavic 521 rim with maxxis larsen tt 2.35, easton monkey xc bar, ringle evolution stem, woodman carbon seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I bought the vt for a week and I ride the bike for a few miles only, but i fall in love with this bike already, it is very efficient, easy to pedal, and doesn't bob while you remain seated! the XTR is very smooth but produces some noise which is annoying, may be setup problems. The only weakness of the bike is probably me...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, Florida
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | TOE | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Travel vs. Weight and pedaling efficiency | | Weaknesses: | nothing outside some personal preferences on components | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Cannondale Jekyll with Super Fatty fork, 2001 Cannondale Jekyll with Lefty | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock. Bunch of frame saver tape and zip ties for cable rub, Egg Beaters, Shorter stem, Gel seat | | Bottom Line: | I'm one of those guys who tried racing for a while only to find out it's not my bag. I love jumping off and over stuff (and pizzas) too much to train fast and hard 4 times a week. Also, the Lefty on my last ride was giving me lots of trouble on take-offs and landings. I needed something that had lots of travel, but didn't weigh 40lbs. I ride moderate to rough trails twice a week with a small group of riders at a medium pace, but there are a good number of plank drops and jumps strewn about the trails.
This bike fits the bill perfectly. It's a few pounds heavier than my last ride, but I don't notice because it seems to jump when you step on the pedal (SPV doing it's thing). So far I haven't really noticed the weight difference. Once you get a solid bump (or drop) under your tires, it's like a pillow. I haven't given it a serious beating yet, cuz it takes me a while to be comfortable on a new bike, but so far I couldn't be happier. The breaks beat the crap out of the Magura Julie's I had before, and the suspension is head and shoulders above the Lekyll/Lefty I was on. The Psylo fork is my first "long-travel" fork, but with the rebound and compression dampening (only found on the Psylo Race which comes on the VT1 but not the VT2) I can get the action I want from it, and I'm very happy with it. The rear end suspension is magic once you get it set up.
The only things I didn't like were minor. I replaced the plank-like 120mm stem with a short 60mm from Titec ($20 on titec.com). I'm thinking about taking a saw to the bars, as they are wider than what I'm used to and we have a lot of very narrow openings in the trees 'round here. I also had to get busy with the zip ties to control the cables where they run along the seat post. They were bulging out and rubbing against my legs (annoying) when the rear end of the bike compressed.
Bottom line is I'm very happy so far. This bike is not cheap, but worth it. (If you can't swing the steep price tag, check out the VT2. Only the wheeles and breaks are different.) If you take your trail riding seriously, this is the bike for you. Every day I don’t ride it, I feel guilty. I'll be back to write a follow-up review after I've had some more hard-core miles on it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
c fore
a Racer
from concord NH
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | sledgehammer | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | secret! | | Strengths: | it eats up any terrain! | | Weaknesses: | heavy | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale, schwinn f/s, fuel, many others | | Bike Setup: | VT1 stock | | Bottom Line: | Firstly, if you add up the components and beautiful wheelset, the frame is basically free! A sweet component package! This bike really rides well on rough, rocky, obstacle strewn trails. I bought this bike so I could MASH over rough terrain, and does it ever. The rear suspension package really climbs well and the psylo is a great front fork (I was surprised). I love the bike, but it is heavy. Definately not a svelt CC machine, but a monster on wheels if you ride on rough stuff (no matter how hilly). This bike rocks on rough, unforgiving New Hampshire terrain! No regrets. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darrin
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno, CA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Squaw Leap | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Good control on fast singletrack. Loads of travel. Adjustable. Looks great | | Weaknesses: | Psylo Fork. Owner's Manual incorrect on the rear shock sag settings. Components spec'd a little low for a $3000 bike. Shape of the downtube makes it difficult to get your waterbottle in and out, and difficult to hike-a-bike. (nit-picky I know, but still something to consider) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I do not own this bike. I had the opportunity to do an extended demo (about 50 offroad miles) while deciding on my next bike purchase. I was not going to write a review until I read some of the other reviews about how this bike "bridges the gap" between freeride and XC. It does, but one must remember that this bike sits firmly "in the gap". Probably leaning more toward the freeride side of the fence. Took this bike out the first time and thought it climbed ok. That is until I took an NRS on the same climb. After climbing with the VT-1 it felt like I was using jet propulsion with the NRS. NRS climbs a LOT better. However, to be fair, once the rear shock is set up right, the VT-1 is noticably more plush than the NRS. Downhill the VT-1 is very stable, but because the terrain I ride is more XC'ish I never used anything close to the amount of travel the VT-1 gives you.
If I wouldn't have had the opportunity to try both and was to go strictly off the reviews I would buy the VT-1. Because most of the reviews proclaim this bike as a climbing machine. It is not. At least not compared to a lot of the other XC options. I think the bike delivers what it claims, I just think that before you purchase it you need to make sure you are the type of rider that can benefit from the things the VT-1 delivers, and also remember that your friends on their NRS's will still be kicking your butt up the hill. Make your choice wisely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DirtSnake
a Cross Country Rider
from Squamish, BC
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Stinky Squirrel | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Tantalus | | Strengths: | Swinger shock, light weight, Crossmax XL | | Weaknesses: | Pretty minor stuff : grips too short (have to move brakes inboard to 1-finger brake), Hutch Scorpion tires pretty useless in all but semi-dry conditions, chain slap. Some rear end wag, which doesn't seem to be a problem when riding | | Similar Products Used: | Spec Enduro, Kona Dawg | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with Time Z pedals, telescopic seat-post. Cut the bars down .5" on each side. | | Bottom Line: | This is an amazing do it all bike. Put it in 5" travel mode, ramp up the SPV pressure, set 25% sag, put some skinny rubber on, and you've got a great race bike. Go to 5.75", bump the SPV way down, 35% sag, bigger rubber, drop the seat and you can slam down almost anything. I'm 160 lbs, and I've had the SPV pressure down to 50 psi for total plushness.
Many complain about the ~30 lb weight. I guess I haven't been spoiled on lightweight 24lb bikes - to me it's a rocket !
Three months of hard riding, and the only problems I've had are a loose shock pivot bolt.
The only thing I'm not totally thrilled with is the Psylo. I've got one on another XC bike and it works great, but on this bike it seems to fall short - doesn't match the plushness of back end of the bike. Good race adjustability, but not that good at freeriding.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gene Tipton
a Cross Country Rider
from Willard Ohio
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Best Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Where do I begin, Rock Shox Psylo XC, Manitou Swinger (Rear) Air Shock, Shimano LX/XT Drivetrain. Titec seat post, bars,Mavic Crossmax UST XL Disc Race Face crank, Hayes Hydraulic Disc, 6" rotors, etc, etc. The list goes on as there is nothing cheap about this bike component wise & all for $2300. I've never been more satisfied in any other mountain bike purchase as I am with this bike. | | Weaknesses: | I can't think of any. I need to get used to a few things. I hear that the bike is at #30, I seriously doubt it but if it does I can't tell as it pedals very easily up hill or anywhere really. | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse G-Spot, Treck Fuel 80, considered on buying a Jekyll 800 but for a very extra $$$ I decided to purchase the Giant VT-1 & I'm so glad I did. | | Bike Setup: | Stock & ready to ROCK. I do plan of trading in my HellBent bars in for some Easton Monkeylite XC bars & thinking about so differnet pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The idea with the new VT-1 is to provide a great all-around bike for those of us who love full suspension, but want one bike for climbing and descending. So the folks at Giant have come up with a bike that features great technology, solid build and with great components. It's the kind of bike that truly has filled the gap in free-riding & XC riding. A gap that I'm sure other companies will soon follow & thanks to GIANT there will be many more happy Mountain bikesr to climb aboard the new adventure in mountain biking. It's hard to argue with the VT's value, great handling & (mosty) solid parts.
The VT1 featured Manitou's new Swinger technology, which helps the rear suspension do its thing in conjunction with the frame design. My understanding is that the Giant VT is their challenge into Specialized's highly successful Enduro series market niche.
The VT 1 is a perfect blend of long travel performance and XC pedaling efficiency, with a top-shelf component spec that makes it the only bike you'll ever need for all-around off-road performance. Don't just take my word for it go out for yourself & test ride one today.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kory
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2875.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Does what it is supposed to. Climbs anything I can pedal. The Swinger RULES! I think I'll get a SPV front shock when they come out. Handling is good. Comfy for all day trail rides. Hayes. UST wheels. Nice color. The Swinger is amazing. The adjustments make the bike easy to dial in and it doesn't bob much on climbs at all. Specialized missed the boat with Epic. I heard they are doing a FSR Epic. Too late, Giant beat you to the punch bad. | | Weaknesses: | At #30 it's not light but not bad. I'd like it to perform just like it does and weigh #22. Tires wear fairly quickly on rocky stuff. Geometry is balanced but takes some adapting if you've been riding a cross country rack. Don't know about water bottle cage placement. I don't like under downtube setups. | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro, Ellsworth. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Time ATAC. Had to change the fork to a Fox Vanilla at 125mm. | | Bottom Line: | A great although not cheap bike. Should last years through great trail riding. I used to be concerned about my cross country bike being as light as possible. Now I just think about having fun. This bike makes no excuses. It just rides and rides and rides. I hope next year Giant specs the SPV fork. If it's as good as the Swinger rear I have a VT-1 for sale! Lot nicer component spec than many other bikes. Crossmax rules! Titec beats Boatanchor stuff. Get one and ride it a lot instead of thinking about it sitting at your computer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Dawson
a Cross Country Rider
from Tiffin
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclewerks | | Strengths: | The rear suspension is awesome
The frame is beautiful & solid
Easiest peadling bike for nothing seems to slow it down
| | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain
Kona Stinky de-lux | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I feel in love with this bike the moment I rode it. Never before have I felt so much confidnece in a mountain bike. Does 2-3 ft. drops with ease. Everything about this bike says quality. Just like Giant's spokesman said if you were only to get one bile make sure it's the VT as it's ROCKS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gold
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Adjustability, smooth travel, no bob, great specs, pedals well | | Weaknesses: | Weight (but it is a trailbike), that's about it - maybe the seat... | | Similar Products Used: | First such bike - other bike is a full house '02 Truth | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock except seat and egg beaters | | Bottom Line: | I am a cross country rider who does lots of k's on my Truth. While I am not a wild freerider but I enjoy some technical trails. I bought this bike so I don't break my Truth or bash myself to pieces on rougher trails. Thus when I first started riding the VT I expected it to be alot slower and it was, in a way. The Truth is rightly famed for it's handling and efficency however, the VT allows me to rail corners (particularly bumpy trails) much harder and it feels good while pedalling.
This is not a cross country racing bike and it does not ride like one. You can feel the weight while riding up hills and average speeds do not compare with one.
What this bike excels at is to be ridden for a long time on imperfect trails. The suspension is very plush but does not hinder pedalling. Technical trails, both up and down, are a blast and even on road climbs you just remain seated and spin away.
This bike is ideal for any one who likes to ride on the trail and does not want to use it to race XC or DH. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rideit
a Cross Country Rider
from rafter V
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | phillips-moose creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 3000 | | Strengths: | Pedalability, Rear shock, frame/weld quality, interrupted seat tube, frame weight for a 5.75 bike! | | Weaknesses: | psylo..maybe?,stock weight, TT length, interrupted seat tube | | Similar Products Used: | AC, Switch, Stinky, Switchblade | | Bike Setup: | Psylo(for now), Easton Carbon bar, Grip shift attack, hayes SL brakes(Ti bolts) Hayes SL/Mavic 223 DT rev. wheels, 03' XTR cranks, F. Der, Rear der, Moots Post,Moots Ti 106 stem, Terry Ti saddle, 959 pedals, XTR cassette, PC 99 chain, EVERY bolt Ti, where not stupid. | | Bottom Line: | This is a superb LT trail bike. It easily descends better than works DH bikes of even a few years ago, and climbs better than many CC bikes, even today. Does not bob, and the Swinger is superbly tunable to your riding preferences. I can do drops more confidently on this bike than some DH rigs that I have owned. As above, I was prepared to hate the Psylo, but I immediately took off the remote, and actually have enjoyed it a lot. A Maveric American is going on this summer, though. The TT is long, I may swap to a small frame, The stock stem is WAY too long, IMO. (I am 5'8"). I did not try the crossmax's because I am going with the new XTR tubeless wheels and brakes soon. As my bike sits, it is 27.25 on a good scale, with the Maveric and the XTR wheels/brakes, it should be 26.5, for a (nearly)6" bike! Keep in mind, this is a shop project bike, to see just how light one of these puppies could be with usable stuff. It will be my main rig for a few seasons, I think. Good Stuff. It is better than what many boutique builders are producing, IMO, and I sell them, too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Speedster
a Downhiller
from Helena, MT
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pinecrest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Sky Cyclery-Helena | | Strengths: | Best combination of strength to light weight for a long-travel XC/Light freeride bike. Good solid components. Weighs in right at 30lbs stock in a 20.5" | | Weaknesses: | UST wheel set is light and strong, but limits tire choices. | | Similar Products Used: | '03 Rocky Mtn Edge/Slayer, '03 Haro Extreme X3 | | Bike Setup: | Changed bars to Race Face, Stem to Azonic, and swapped out XT rear derailleur for old XTR. | | Bottom Line: | I have a Rocky Mtn RM7 with a Stratos S8 fork and triple rings that weighs 46lbs. I needed something lighter to do longer epic XC rides, but didn't want to give up the durability and ability to do some stairs and mid sized drops. This is the best combination of strength and weight that I have found.
It had 1" more travel in the back than the Rocky Mtn Edge and Slayer, while still being a bit lighter. It isn't Easton tubed or Canadian built, but still looks like quality none the less.
I was ready to sell the stock Rock Shox Psylo Race and get a Fox Vanilla RLC 125, but once I got to try the Rock Shox, it really is a pretty good fork. I really didn't want to like it, but approached it with an open mind. I hope the durability is better than my past experience with Rock Shox from years ago.
I was also ready to get rid of the UST wheels and put some regular hoops on, but they are wicked light for tubeless, and seem pretty strong so far. I just don't like being limited on tire choice. If it were a perfect world I would put some Intense 2.25 XC tires on and let 'er rip!
I don't have a lot of time on it yet, but it seems to climb well and doesn't bob much at all, even in the little ring. Much better than most bikes in this travel range. Play around with the shock pressure a bit to find the perfect setup for you. I run mine at the 25% sag line on the shock. It still feels like a short travel DH. 35% was too much sag, I didn't want to blow through the travel so quickly.
It accelerates pretty well because the tires/wheels are light, and the shock doesn't squat when you hammer.
Fork works pretty well on both small bumps and larger hits (stairs to flat), seems laterally rigid also. I do like the remote lock-out, but fear that it is going to be gone the first time my bike is cart-wheeling down the trail without me! Time will tell.
Bottom line is that it is only 1.25" shorter travel than my DH bike, but is light years better at climbing quickly and still being able to have fun and not worry about snapping/bottoming a regular XC bike. Good quality, and efficiency. Take it for a test ride yourself and it will show you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy Merren
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville , MI
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | NCT at Red Bridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Dans Bike Shop Ionia MI | | Strengths: | Tubeless,Hayes,Lots of Travel. It's a Giant | | Weaknesses: | 31 pounds 8 oz on my digital scale. xlg all stock. Time | | Similar Products Used: | K2 4000 w/Marzochi QR20- High end 03 Jekyl- Superlite-Giant NRS Air | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I rode 1 lap around Murray Lake at Brighton. The temp was 19 degrees. There was 1" of snow covering ice patches.
The bike has a totaly different feel than my NRS. The seating position, bar height,steering geometry are all way different than what I'm used to.At 54 years of age I am very slow to adapt.
The steering was hard to get used to at slow speeds, of course the trail conditions were very poor. If I wondered out of the packed trail the snow was 3 or 4" deep. At 5 mph or above the steering was fine. I think it will take some getting used to.
The suspension reminded me of a dirt bike with 12" of travel. The ride is incredably smooth . The bike seems to pedal fine, way better than my K2 4000 now called EVO.
The only weakness at this point is the weight. I'm happy so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Intenserider
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Bicycles | | Strengths: | Pedals good, fairly light for the application used, total rear suspension adjustment ability, climbs and descends well. | | Weaknesses: | Interupted seat tube. You can deal with it several ways. Telescoping seat post, only XC - only DH, you really only need to raise and lower the seat couple inches - which you can do. | | Similar Products Used: | I tested a AC Air lite, Enduro, Stinky, and others. I can't afford a Uzzi, Blur, or Turner, so the $1800 price of the VT2 worked. | | Bike Setup: | Stock - VT2. | | Bottom Line: | I want to XC and Freeride so I needed an all around bike and this does the trick, well. It pedals very good and handles the terrain with the adjustability of the suspension. I would give it 5 flames for overall rating, but, if I could afford a Turner, Azonic, Intense, Santa Cruz, I probly would of got one of them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sig
a Weekend Warrior
from augusta ga. usa
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | modoc / lick fork lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | andy jordans | | Strengths: | plush,pedals good even at 30#.parts spec,giant service is the best,i have 3 now. | | Weaknesses: | cables and hoses rub frame in several places.the clear protective stickers from giant solve the problem,but they dont come on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | giant nrs,specialized fsr | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike about 100 miles in varied terrain and i am very impressed.technical lines on steeper grades that have always made me nervous are now nothing but fun. the bottom bracket height makes larger logs easy to cross.my average speed didnt change any on a 22 mile ride that i ride often even with 3 extra lbs. i have to spin a little faster on climbs but roots and rocks that used to give me a lot of trouble are easy now. this bike keeps the tire on the ground.the rear shock is easy to set up and only bobs a little when standing up on the big ring.it doesnt bob at all when seated.this isnt a race bike but if you love to ride varied terrain and pedal sitting down thru rock gardens or take drops that would jar your teeth out on a xc bike,then you need to check this out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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