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Submitted by
ganjaman
a Weekend Warrior
from tungeren, Belgium
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | something with flow | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Not much pedal bob , plush ride.
The geometry rocks, the frame is light, stiff , and solid. It steers really well and turns out to be very balanced on the trails, in the air, when doing wheelies , manuals or stoppies. I have done some wicked things with this bike : doing a 13feett drop while jumping 30 feet far. Even downhill this thing will rip when used and set up properly. | | Weaknesses: | -The standard fork has not enough travel if you want to run the rear suspension at 5"7.
-The hayes discs are too small.
-I had to shorten the seatpost cause of the possible interference with the 3 swinger shock.
-Cable rub | | Similar Products Used: | scott FX1, specialized fatboy, some hardtails , bmx's , city bikes , Enduro, Canyon ,race bike...- | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1rv 160mm 20mm through axle,DT SWISS E540, Hayes 8" @ front, Lx driveterain, schwalbe table top | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great product. Its best bike i have ever ridden/owned. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Forsman
a Cross Country Rider
from Montesano, WA 98563
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | many | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | LaVogue in Hoquaim, WA 98550 | | Weaknesses: | My shock failed, because it wouldn't hold air on the sag adjustment side. I had to pay Manitou $92.00 to rebuild it. There seems to be considerable misalignment between thd top frame mount bracket, and the bottom swingarm monunt bracket. This puts a side load on the shaft and seal, apparently causing the seal to fail. First, in a two welded assemblies, there is a small likelihood that you can maintain alignment through the full length of travel. It would be hard enough if the two assemblies were machined out of solid billet. I am checking to see if the alignment and angularity are close. Second, they could be parallel, but not aligned, through part of, or all of the travel. The bushings and spacers don’t seem to allow any Iateral movement of the shock. This stops it from compensating for any misalignment. The top bushings allow only 0.019” (19/1000ths) of lateral movement, which is not nearly enough. One bottom bushing is badly galled by the misalignment. One is free to spin, and the other is locked tight between the frame bracket, and the shock boss. Apparently, they were better before we evened them up. Its hard to measure the total misalignment, but it may be as much as 1/8”, possibly more. | | Bottom Line: | I have serious questions about Giant's design and quality control for this to happen. The bike works well for an hour or two at most, and then there is on 2 inches of travel, because the sag can't hole air. I don't know what percentage of buyers have this problem, but one is too many for me. I won't buy another Giant bike ever! I own 3, a Rainier(hard tail), and an OCR road bike, but after this, no more. Also, this bike has not ever been thrashed, I am a casual, careful 61 year old. I do not take chances, so you can rule out any chance of misuse. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bullwinkle
a Downhiller
from NH
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Where Do I start... The frame geometry is super balanced. It puts you in a position without bias to either the front or rear. This is a great bike for super technical nasty east coast riding, such as the Kingdom trails in VT, Lynn Woods in MA, Fort Rock in NH. The bottom line is the VT is a true trailbike. It is not an over built XC bike or a lightened up freeride bike. | | Weaknesses: | The biggest weakness is the front fork (Rock Shox Psylo XC U-Turn) This fork, even brand new, is one of the worst forks out there. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Giant Reign, Intense Spider XVP. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Manitou Minute 1:00 fork, Mavic Cross Land Wheel in front, Tioga 2.3 DH tires front and rear, 22/32/Bash ring in front, Tioga platform pedals, Odi Lock on grips, Kona SDG Saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike comparable to trailbikes twice its price. If you enjoy riding technical singletrack and the occasional 3-4 foot drop or jump, as well as hitting up the DH resort 4-5 times a year, this is the bike for you! I look forward to riding mine everyday, eventhough I've been riding it for just about two years. If you buy one, I promise you you will love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jolly Beggar
a
from Western, OR USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | MRC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Travel adjustment 5-5.7, frame versatilty, strong & light for a long travel trail bike. Good component package for the price. Dependable Avid Mech brakes, Shimano derailliurs just keep on keep'n on. | | Weaknesses: | A little twichy in the rear probably due too the overly complex single pivot rear suspension. I've gone through two rear shocks (thankfully on warrenty), I've got a 04' Swinger 4-way on board now works great! The 03'Rock Psylo was a little klunky.
| | Similar Products Used: | My first full susspension bike.
| | Bike Setup: | I've made some up grades.
06' Talas RLC
185mm Avid Mech up front
SunRingle SingleTrack Rims w/ XT hubs
WTB Rocket V Stealth Saddle
04' Swinger 4-Way Rear Shock
Panracer Cinder 2.25 tires
the rest is stock VT2
| | Bottom Line: | I've gone through lots of emotions with my VT2, First elation having my first FS rig, then disappointment at rear shock failures and the klunky Psylo, supprise at its ability to handle any trail, despair watching my riding buddies pull away from me on their lighter XC bikes, pleasure at the plush ride, fatigue peddling 30 pounds up long climbs and squeezing brakes levers till my hands hurt on long downhills.
Bottom line learning to set up the suspensin took awhile and the fork up grade made a world of difference. Heres what I did keep in mind I started with a stock 03' VT, Fork up grade to the FOX completely changed the steering handling it sweet as can be now, I love the lockout and easy travel adjustment, get a FOX Talas. Th rear shock issue came down to finding the right set up. I start using the factory recommended settings, no good. I found that for trail riding using the upper end of the recommended settings and then adding 10psi was just about right. I weigh in at 175lbs, I use 90-110 psi in the SPV chamber and 155psi in the spring with the volume adjustment at two turns, this set up gives me about 25% sag. The end results is a peppy ride, a little firm but quicker peddling on singletrack spins.
The stock Avid brake levers have two settings to set leverage ratios, I switched to the out side setting and found it a lot easy to squeeze the levers, I also switched up to a 185mm disc up front for a little more stopping power.
Now I'm loving my VT. Its now a great Trail bike, it can handle moderate drops and jumps, peddles decent for a 30+ lb bike. Its sturdy, dependable and easy to maintain. The FOX fork is sweet smooth and tunable to perfection, the Swinger 4-Way plush. The right components make this a great bike.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason McAvoy
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Clear | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Onya Bike | | Strengths: | Endurance King, used this sucker for many back country rides and two entries in the MONT 24 hour race (in a three and a pair). | | Weaknesses: | Drivetrain eventually wore out afer 3 years, but I guess that's fair engough.
Minute 1's flex under brakes, although you don't notice it while riding. They are also not as plush I would like, but they are damn light, so I guess it's a fair compromise. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive, Canondale Scapel, Spesh Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but changed tyres to a Bling Bling and a Larson TT rear. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was awesome for the 24 endurance racing scene, I did many laps on her and alhough the driveline gave out after three years (I did replce it all and it ran fine after that), the rest of her was faultless.
All Mountain Bang for your Buck, this bike wins for sure. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Booty
a Weekend Warrior
from Kings Lynn, UK
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Bull, Coed-y-Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pauls Cycles, Dereham UK | | Strengths: | Beautiful suspension action, makes you ride harder over terrain you wouldn't believe! As a complete bike, top value! Groupset is reliable proven kit. Truly a do-it-all bike! Takes big drops with ease and pedals like a X-country thoroughbred! | | Weaknesses: | Not the best design for UK riding- too many mud traps around the BB. Rear shock bottom bush wears rapidly due to the large amount of rotational movement it suffers due to the complicated linkage. I've replaced three already due to 'knocking' from this point. Have now fitted a grease nipple to the shock bottom eye and regular lubing seems to have cured this.
The stock Manitou Black forks are flexy for heavy riders like me and lack preload adjustment (mine's a 2004 model). The Hayes 6" brakes are a little effeminate for hard riding too. Have upgraded both as a consequence.
I have also swapped the long stem for a 80mm Hope item for better steering feel and a more relaxed position. | | Similar Products Used: | My previous bike was a GT LTS DS1000, have test ridden a few other 6" full sussers, but the Giant was best value overall. Products tried included, Marin Wolf Ridge and Kona Coiler. | | Bike Setup: | Standard bike with the following upgades-
Nixon Super IT Forks
Hope Mono M4 200/185mm brakes
XT rear mech (old one broken)
Hope Hubs and Mavic x317 rims (swapped from old bike immediately to replace the dire Shimano hubs)
Hope 0 degree rise 80mm stem
Crank Bros Mallet C pedals
ODI Yeti Lock-On grips
Conti Vertical 2.3 tyres to replace the girly nearly slick Hutchinson Scorpions. | | Bottom Line: | As a package, a great bike.
Sadly for UK riding it needs a bit of money spent on upgrades for hassle free riding.
Would recommend it to anyone on a budget especially as end of season sales mean you can get a 2005 model for as little as £900.
Lighter riders than me would be happier with the package, I weigh 96kg and I found the brakes inadequate and the forks too flexi. These niggles wouldn't be a problem for less lardy riders!
If you are a heavy rider you might be better served by something from the Specialized Enduro or Orange Patriot ranges.
I'm gonna rate the Giant happy due to the fact I'm a fussy git and I know lighter riders would be happy with the standard kit on the bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a
from Chattanooga
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | I pretty much agree with all the other posts. The disk brakes work great. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, seatpost, seat-I got one of the fat sissy seats and it is pretty good.
Bike needs some type of projectile device so can hurl objects at cars that get too close because it is hard to ride with a handful of rocks. Aaaaayeeeee!! | | Similar Products Used: | Nishiki Mt. Washinton. This Giant is really the only bike I have ever riden enough to review. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for street tires, fat sissy seat, and bell handle grips which are crummy. | | Bottom Line: | Very good. I ride 6 miles to work EVERYDAY. I put road tires on it. Rides good. When I started riding to work I weighed 230 lbs. I pumped up the suspention shock to right at is max setting, I thought it would blow out but it hasn't. No bobbing if sitting even at 230 lbs. Now I weight 200.
I have not used it as a mtn bike so I can't really tell you about that, but as a street bike on sidewalks and RR tracks and all the other usual bumps it is great.
I have read most all of the other posts and pretty much agree with them. The seatpost is just now (11 months) starting to squeek loud enough to get on my nerves. I had tightened it and it was not sqeeking but now I am looking for a new one. FYI size is 30.8 or .9
I had a $35 tune up at 6 months and it is getting time for another one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudolf steenkamp
a Cross Country Rider
from paarl,WstCape,S.A
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Delvera | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal to paddle | | Strengths: | awesome bike for the money a real looker like the manitou 4way rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | The bearings dont seem that strong had to replays all four on the linkages.I bought it second hand maybe they were worn out. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Spezialized pro evel twin roller 26x2.4 tires Front hub deore rear deore xt marzocchi bomber all mountain 3 fork(awesome) xtr rear deraileur titec hellbent handlebar end titec xwing seatpost front rim mavic m223 rear sun ringle rhino light with dt swiss spokes truvative fiveD crankset | | Bottom Line: | a great bike for the money perform great i have taken a 4foot drop handels it great would recomend it to any beginner allmountain rider. gets a smokin hot five red hot ones | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jd
a Weekend Warrior
from Olympic Peninsula
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Tahuya River Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | Great component mix for $$$. Lightweight. Plush ride on downhill. Easy to tune. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires (Hutchinson Scorpion)suck. Real minor annoyances, probably more due to getting out of tune. Had chain suck once, time to replace chain. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT component hard tail. Gary Fisher Cake, Trek Fuel 90, Cannondale Prophet. | | Bike Setup: | stock: Shimano XT R. Deraileur, Deore LX Front Der. Evelve XC Race Face crank. Manitou Swinger 3 Way R. Shock. Manitou Minute Front Shock. Hayes Nine Hydraulic brakes. Mavic 223 Disc rims. Hutchison Scorpion tires. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the $$$. Amazing travel and capable of handling anything you can throw at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | To Grandma's house! ...duh | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1149.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle Warehouse, San Francisco | | Strengths: | Hey! There's no Giant VT topic in 2004/5 thread.
O.K. 2004 VT3
Nice!
It felt, rode, and fit better than d' others.
Deep discount! | | Weaknesses: | Some of the competitors have nicer component groupings.
My friends didn't mess themselves when they saw it! The respect and appreciation for this machine "grows" - not overwhelming. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed GF Cake2, 3, 3DLX; Giant AC2, NRS1-3; Kona Dawg, Coiler. | | Bike Setup: | All stock.
The saddle blows, goes asap ( my backside and that saddle don't get along)!
From there, bars, later the drivetrain and wheels, but only as they wear out. | | Bottom Line: | Pacific had Cake2 for less $$, Cake3 DLX for about the same, but I liked VT better.
Like some other posters, I wanted to like the the other bikes more, but the feel and fit of VT wins!
If you aren't drooling over straight freeride, downhill, or some other niche, check out the VT! Ride some others, yeah, but don't overlook this sleeper, especially if you're a "large" at all.
Value, 5 buttburners; can't beat the price and thanks Pacific!
Overall, 5 rectum reamers!
O.K., no cusswords this time, so POST already! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Tx
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | emma long | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | *Very smooth ride with no pedal bob. I've known others to complain that the suspension is too plush for them. I'm a light weight at 145 lbs. and this suspension is perfect for me.
*the hayes hydraulic brakes can stop you on a dime.
*looks way cool (obviously inspired by maverick)
*comfortable geometry
| | Weaknesses: | *You have to clamp the seatpost really tight to keep it from slipping. It seems like they made the post hole bigger than it needs to be.
*Not very fond of the raceface cranks or the scorpion tires | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper, enduro | | Bike Setup: | *stock components with xtr shifter upgrade.
*I set the swinger main pressure to my body weight. ~145lbs. and the Minute fork to 130mm of travel. | | Bottom Line: | You just can't beat the performance and component set for the price. I bought this bike because the trails here in Austin are very rocky. My previous bike was a hardtail and I felt like I had been in a fight after each ride. The VT cruises through rock gardens with ease. And when tuned properly, it even out climbs my hardtail. I've even been daring enough to launch it from ~4 ft. No problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andre
a Weekend Warrior
from Indonesia
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | - Handling
- Plush & comfortable, but assuring ride
- Looks chunky (and funky).
- Very good mecha-brakes (Avid CPS)
- TITEC stock stem, bar, & seatpost look somber & utilitarian, but serve the purpose.
- Well-built, excellent paint job, solid construction
- High-Tech (Hydroform tube, SPV, All-Mountain: latest breed of MTB) | | Weaknesses: | - Looks a bit unusual
- Small size has no place for bottle cage inside the triangle (leaving you with dirty bottle. Happy soil drinking)
- Limited seatpost adjustment (if you get the Swinger SPV4 like I do)
- Brake lever kinda lousy (Avid AD3)
- A little heavy compared to XC bikes. But then, this is an all-mountain type
| | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS3, SC Blur, SC Heckler, Scott YZ4 | | Bike Setup: | Stock (5.6' rear travel, 5-' front travel) with several upgrades: Fox Vanilla RL fork, Shima XT Rapid Rise R/D, Shima HONE shifters. Shima HONE brakes, Truvativ Hussefelt pedal, Kenda Kharisma tires. | | Bottom Line: | I had an NRS before & traded it with VT since I felt little assurance with NRS (very light, thin-wall tubes), and harsh (no-sag system). One ride proved that VT is a comfortable bike with minimum bob. I somewhat experienced better pedalling with this than VPP bike. Probably should give the credit to Manitou SPV system.
My swapping the Psylo to Vanilla is only an insurance move.
The bike is too heavy for XC race, and it was not designed for downhilling / freeride, either (shock type, weight, size of stays, are the judges).
Singletrack? Long journey? Unfamiliar trails? Get the VT. It will not show you what talent it possesses, but it will take you there without hassle, with minimum fatigue, at lesser time. That's probably why All-Round All-Mountain bike becomes the most popular choice. Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SCOTT
a Weekend Warrior
from MIRAMICHI
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | FRENCH FORT COVE | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | INCLINE SPORTS | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | nothing, realistically (cost inhibited weakness only) | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | cross max xl's, thomson post, X9 triggers with XO rear derailer, Race Face Next LP, Crank Bros. Candy Ti, Fox Talas RLC, Easton Monkey Light XC, Race Face Deus stem, Panaracer Fire XC w/Stan's No Tubes, Race Face Signature ISIS BB, Avid Juicy Seven Hydraulic Disc brakes etc. | | Bottom Line: | Although my bike is far from stock, it is the frame and shock that really make it perform (always run in 5" for trails). It is the most fun bike I have owned and I really love it. Buy a VT, do yourself a favor, if you love mountain biking buy a VT whichever one you can afford. Don't buy it as a DH rig, nor a freeride bomber, not an expert class xc racer but a VERY GOOD MOUNTAIN BIKE! I have done some sport class xc racing and I have done better than previous years on xc specific bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean-Louis Croteau
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec City Canada
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | montagne des roches | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Gagné Velo-Ski | | Strengths: | pedaling efficiency(spv rear shock works well), confort ride(good position), nice look, good frame,Shimano XT-LX at this price. Not too heavy for an all-around bike (29 pounds) | | Weaknesses: | The psylo is a little smooth for my 190 pounds. Maybe I will upgrade to stiffer springs. But for the kind of trails I ride, it did well. I go on technical rides but I don't try big jumps or downhill. | | Similar Products Used: | I went to a lot of store to see: Trek liquid 10, Cannondale Jekyll 600, Specialized Enduro and Kona Dawg. All of the are good bikes with their strengths and weaknesses | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to get a long travel bike without going to heavy freeriders. So,I've got what I wanted: a bike who climbs well and able to do moderate free ride. If i had enough money, I'd buy a light hardtail xc and a freeride, but for the moment I found a good compromise with the all mountain category and to me the VT two was the best value for my budget. I think I will be happy with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Lauga
a Cross Country Rider
from Grenoble , France
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | routens shop , grenobel | | Strengths: | Frame , SPV shock , hydraulic brakes
Stable , comfortable , no shock oscillation while pushing hard on pedals.. | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy....might change the wells for Mavic CrossmaxXL | | Similar Products Used: | canondale , kona dawg & kikapu , lapierre Xcontrol , Commencal | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really fun an confortable......
I have been out on a trial I could barely handle with my hold Commencal and I was just flying with the VT.
Suspensions works great on rocky uphill , and tremendously well on downhill(I am heavy rider ,200lbs , 1m95).
For those who hesitate between frame size L or XL , keep the L.
Overall , a excellent bike for trail riding, and even for downhill racing.
I have been hesitating a long time between several bikes....and this one is really the best I could find.
This is worth a 5 flaming chilis.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a
from Cle Elum
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | The SPV shock is the real deal, little or no bob from the rear. This bike has a very comfortable, natural riding position. This bike is the Buick of mountain bikes with a cushy ride. | | Weaknesses: | The Psylo shock bobs too much unless you stay in the saddle or turn the dampening to max. It weighs too much and at my age, maybe too much for serious climbing. The two pivot arms for the rear linkage both had to be replaced due to failed bearings. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Fire XC tires make this a very stable ride. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is on the heavy side, the pivot arms failed prematurely, The Psylo bobs too much unless you have max on the dampening. On the other hand its a great work out bike. In fact with the dampening on max it feels like a rigid frame. I have taken this bike on 4000 foot climbs and coming down rutted single track and fire road without hardly feeling a bump. The suspension really soaks up the bumps. I have also raced this bike, but over a 20 mile race I think I am giving up 4 or 5 minutes. If you can afford it get the new VT-One where they have solved the weight and fork bob problems. That would be the bike for somone looking for a plush ride. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO Bike Shops | | Strengths: | Great bike for the money. Hard to find a bike with these components at this price. | | Weaknesses: | No major problems thus far but I have only had the bike about 3 months. When putting the front wheel on to ride (I need to take it off to get the bike in my car to get to the trailhead.), it is more difficult than other bikes to get the brakes to not rub on the front disk. This may just be a problem with disk brakes? The bike is heavy but what do you want for the price? | | Similar Products Used: | None - I had been riding a Bridgestone MB3. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a full suspension bike with at LX components or better and disk brakes. The bike I have has LX in front and XT in back. Many of the bikes I looked at had LX or XT in back and some piece of crap in the front. This was by far the least expensive bike I found that had LX/XT and disk brakes.
So far it has been a blast to ride and I have no complaints. It has held up well, the brakes and shifters work well on the trail and the bike climbs fairly well. For the intermediate/aggressive rider who wants to ride singletrack but does not need to do 5 foot drops, this bike fits the bill. For the money, you cannot go wrong! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jolly
a Weekend Warrior
from Florence, OR U.S.A
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cummins Crk Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | I bought this bike because I was looking for a bike that would do it all. I haven't been disappointed. The bike handles roots, rocks, jumps, drops, mud and dirt. It screams down hills, climbs like a goat, and eats up single track. The SwingerSPV shock is plush over rocks and roots and can handle moderate drops, the Psylo U-turn variable travel fork lets you set up easialy for long climbs and blazing decents. I hear a lot of trash talk about the Psylo but they seem to work well for me. The Avid mechanical disc work great and are easy to maintain and adjust even on the trail. | | Weaknesses: | The stock Huchinson tires are crap. The seat post doesn't have a lot of room to drop unless you reverse(invert) the shock from its stock set up. There are sqeaks and ticking sounds when your riding but I usually don't notice them cause I'm screaming so loud (have too much fun). | | Similar Products Used: | I test rode everything out there Trek Fuels & Liquids, Kliens, Jamis, Cannondales. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new tires Bontarager Jones, Crank Bro Candys | | Bottom Line: | My riding buddies are taking their $2500+ carbonfiber XTR bling bikes to the shop for repairs while I'm still crank'n down the trail. I'm pushing my limits on this bike but I haven't yet pushed the VT's limits. I got a great bike for the money, its more depandable and tougher the many of the bling bikes you pay through the nose for. Bottom line it fun,fun,fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from Florence, OR U.S.A
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cummins Crk Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Preforms great on every trail I've ridden. Handles drops, rocks, roots, scream'n down hills. Love the plush Swinger 4way, it smooths out everything, love the travel adjustablity of the Pyslo U-turn, the Avid mechanicals are reliable and easy to adjust on the trail, easy to maintain. Bottom line, best bike I could find for the price, better than many of the high pricest bling bikes on the market. | | Weaknesses: | After changing out the Hutchinson tires and replacing the seat post I've ridden the bike for 6mth now and can't find a dang thing to complain about. There a a few squeaks and tics here and there but I'm usually screaming way louder and don't really care. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode every Trek, Cannondale, Jamis, GT , even Klien full suspension I could find. Could find a better value than the VT2. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tires Bontarager Jones, and pedals Crank Bro Candies. | | Bottom Line: | My riding buddies are taking their $2500+, carbon fiber, XTR bling bikes back to the shop for repairs while I keep tearing up the trails trouble free on my VT, enough said. This bike loves to jump, drop, pound, & fly, in mud, on roots, rocks, and gravel and it keeps asking for more. Down hill it screams, up hill its as solid as the rocks its climbing. I'm pushing my limits but haven't come close to pushing the VT's.
I think you can't go wrong buying this bikes if you are looking for a multi-purpose trail bike that can handle moderate drops, climb well, and keep you in the saddle all day on just about any trail. Besides it just fun fun fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
troy esch
a Cross Country Rider
from andover minnesota
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | lutsen mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | ramsey bicycle | | Strengths: | value; descent components for price,eats big hits well, very plush, handles well for a 5" travel bike | | Weaknesses: | psylo fork sucks.I havent been able to get the shock set up to flatten out the small bumps without srewing up peddling efficiency. chain suck is a major problem, and of course the usual issues:tires and seat post | | Similar Products Used: | first full suspension | | Bike Setup: | richie post,sram 9.0 cass,x-9 shifters,x-9 der, hollowpin chain,michelin wild grippers, | | Bottom Line: | before you buy this bike, have your bike shop swap out the tires for something acceptable and get a spring in the fork that matches your weight. the one that comes stock is for up to 135lb rider. (new fork on '04 anyway)besides that, upgrade other stuff later.
if your looking for a cross country bike and a bike you can take to the downhill park, this is it. of course there are better choices, but not for under $2000. This is a bike that is meneuverable enough for tight singletrack and tough enough for 5 ft drops and some bigger hits and is still reasonably light | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike b
a Weekend Warrior
from manila, phil.
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | bang for the buck, manitou's spv rules, climbs pretty well, can be easily tuned for specific purpose, travel, 2.4 fits unlike the others | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | jamis xlt, intense tracer | | Bike Setup: | vt2, answer protaper, nokian gazzallodi | | Bottom Line: | got only the frame so the rating goes for the frame only, plush ride when tuned right, almost 6 inches of travel w/c makes it an ideal all mountain bike, spv is really the way to go for an fsr, plus the frame doesn't cost as much as the competition, bushings held up well unlike other more expensive bikes w/c you have to tighten the linkages after every ride w/c suck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob OBryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Logan, WV USA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Middle Ridge Trail, Kanawha State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Huntington Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | 1. SPV works as advertised; This bike is plush as well as a great pedaler.
2. Beautiful paint.
3. Price vs. performance is great! There is nothing performancewise that even comes close for under $2k.
4. The saddle is quite comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | 1. Despite the excellent reviews the Avid mech brakes have gotten, I did not like them AT ALL. They squeaked and moaned from day 1.
2. The Psylo is crap. I got the extra firm spring for it, and it's still crap. I'm getting a Minute 3:00 as soon as I can afford it. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC2, Trek Liquid (tested), Fisher Cake 1 DLX (tested), Cannondale Jekyll 600 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with the following adjustments:
Hayes HFX 9 Hydraulic Brakes, Platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks for the money. After I get the Minute fork, I'm sure I'll be in love all over again. I also have a 2003 AC2, and I changed out the Psylo for a '04 Sherman Firefly w/SPV... HUGE difference. If you have one of these bikes, get a SPV fork. You'll not regret it.
If you don't have one of these bikes, GET ONE. It's the best, sturdiest all mountain bike that I have found in this price range. It has quality, name brand parts that are built to take abuse. Yes, there are better parts out there, a'la the XTR, etc., but you won't be disappointed with what you find here.
If you go for a test ride, I'm sure you'll have a smile on your face when you're through. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike m
a Weekend Warrior
from phil
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any as long as there's a way out | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | the SPV way too cool does everythng for me, looks!, bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: | none that i have found | | Similar Products Used: | giant nrs also a great bike, intense tracer, specialized s-works | | Bike Setup: | vt2, deore crap, mavic rims, pro taper riser bars, hutch tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is perfect for trail riding and the available travel lets you discover new lines. The spv makes it a decent climber compared to dedicated xc bikes but sometimes 3" of travel ain't enough when the road gets rough and too much travel is a pain to pedal around. The xc bike with more travel that's why i'm givin this bike double 5s for the grin factor plus it doesn't cost as much as the competition and when its tuned right there is actually minimal bob uphill! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blair
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It's a good trail bike.The manitou swinger shock works well.The frame design is well thought out with very little flex.I like the fact that the fork is adjustable. | | Weaknesses: | the avid mech brakes need to be upgraded to hydro aswell the mavic 223 could be upgraded to something stronger. | | Bike Setup: | i run with the forks all the way out,and recommended air pressure in the shock | | Bottom Line: | I love my VT, however I will be upgrading some parts before the next season.The bike can handle almost anything you can throw at it with the right parts.Anyone who is looking for a good riding trail bike should seriously consider a VT2.This bike isn,t for someone who is looking to do extreme all the time,but it will feed your appetite once in awhile. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA, U.S.
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | No Name | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | ARB | | Strengths: | -The manitou shock is quality built
-Replaceable drop out
-Burly front triangle
-Good saddle
-Paint has taken some abuse and still looks good
-Rear hub has taken some and still rolls true
-Unbeatable customer service | | Weaknesses: | -Linkage design is faulty. I crushed the bearings in the links between the rear swingarm and shock mount.
-Psylo is not good
-Avid brakes are good for XC not for anything else
-Seatpost. Bent with very little force
-Grips. When wet, hands will slip
-Rims don't like heavier riders
-Creaking sound from seatpost collar. I believe it is from the friction between the collar and the paint. A little grease will fix
| | Similar Products Used: | Giand AC1, RAM custom DH, Specialized BigHit Pro, Giant Team DH, Specialized Enduro Comp, Ellsworth Joker, Ellsworth ID | | Bike Setup: | Giant VT2 Frame
-30.9 dia. Cheapo Seatpost
-Answer ProTaper
-Sram hydraulic disk brakes. 8"rotor front, 6"rotor rear.
-SunRingle flat pedals
-Marzocchi front hub laced to Mavic D321(Stout) using DT swiss spokes.
-Shimano XT rear laced to Mavic D321 using DT swiss spokes.
-Marzocchi Junior T Pro
-Race Face Prodigy Cranks
-XT Front and Rear DR
-IRC Kujo 2.65" front, IRC Mud 2.2" Rear | | Bottom Line: | I am sorry, but I can't recommend this bike to anyone. The whole linkage system is faulty from the start. Let me tell you why. The linkage used on the Giant VT2 is designed to operate under compression. This would be ok if it were properly supported on each end but it was not. Also, larger bearings or possibly needle bearings would have been better. The idea is good, rising rate suspension, but the design was off a little.
You are probably saying, if this guy knows this then why did he buy it, well, I went against my better judgment. That is the reason why I am going to have a custom built to my liking.
The reason for a high value rating is because it is a lot of value for the money. One last recommendation. If you are in the market for a Giant VT2 type bike, look into the Giant AC series. I would be much happier with one of those frames. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stoker
a
from Central Coast CA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Strengths: | Just about everything. What you get for the price you pay is incredible too. If you were to buy the components seperate, etc, this bike would cost way more. Just about every part or component is a well respected brand and quality part, plus the bike is lightweight for what it has on it and it can handle a big guy like me (6'4" 218lbs). 95% of this bike is great stuff right out of the box and you can be up and riding with an insane bike quick. Just buy it cause there isn't anything that comes close to this bike for its price.
| | Weaknesses: | There are some minor weaknesses, but nothing that is a problem. You just have to do some switch outs and some adjustments like any other bike to fit your needs. The seat post and shim are lame. Just replace it new and sell it, then get a new post. The cable wiring is weird too and scrapes the frame as well as mine would catch the rear shock and make a weird noise as it rubbed up against it. Just did a bit of re cabling and some zip ties and its fine. The Hutchinson tires are really bad. I flatted them the first day, but then again, im a big guy. I switched them to my WTB Moto Raptor 2.4's. If you are smaller then they might work ok, but not for me. Other than those, the bike is great and i wouldn't want any other bike for its product quality and price | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro Pro, Trek VRX 300 | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup, switched out seat post with no shim, and switched the Huthinson tires to WTB Moto Raptors 2.4 | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike. You aren't going to find any other bike of this quality for its price anywhere. I can't even think of a reason not to buy it. It just floats over the big stuff and climbs like a charm with no bob. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P-Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne,AUST
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Bang for buck, travel, SPV, Hayes hydraulics. | | Weaknesses: | At this price, none. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale hardtail, KHS hardtail; mates duallies, Foes etc. | | Bike Setup: | I've got the Oz '04 version which comes with Hayes hydraulics and Manitou Minute SPV fork. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike after much research, and simply couldn't find a better bike for the money, for what I wanted. The 3 way SPV that came with the bike was faulty, so Manitou replaced it with a 4 way SPV, no questions, no charge. Just awesome warranty back up ! I can ride this bike all day, it'll climb, jump, drop off and barrel downhill fast with oodles of travel. It handles light freeride (4-5 ft drops), will be 24 hr enduro raced, and makes me feel like a wheelie king ! (The Minute's light)
Anyone can pick a bike to bits, but when I think about the dollars I paid, I just laugh.
I love this bike ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor Ratliff
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | haw ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | West Bicycles | | Strengths: | Incredible suspension and lots of bang for the buck. I just got the 2004 model and it now comes with hayes hydrolic brakes, manitou black fork with SPV to balance out the back,race face crank,and all Easton components instead of Titec. I have a large frame and it still weighs 29 lbs. Even though I have only had this bike for about 3 months I have ridden about 4 times per week and I did a 12 hour race right after I got it and I couldn't have asked for a better bike for that longer race. This bike pedals so much more effeciently than my old 4 inch travel bike. I just leave it in the 5.6 inch setting. It is amazing. This bike loves to be pointed uphill and especially down tight technical trails. It can handle just about anything with 6 inches of travel under it.Everything seems to be well thought out. The frame is very stiff and everything on the bike has been reliable and has put up with my abuse. | | Weaknesses: | The tires I had are the biggest pieces of junk. They dont hold in any conditions except rocks and I got 3 flats in three weeks. Two of which were in the races running my normal 44 psi. So I switched to Continental Explorer Pros. Also the suspension is a little hard to set up at first. I called the techs at giant and they said to run the psi at your weight in the positive and 70 percent of your weight in the SPV. The manual that comes with the bike is too general and every bike design requires different suspension settings. The fork was too soft and I got a heavier ride kit for $9 and it now works fine. (I am an aggresive rider and 185 lbs)Nothing else. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar Expert, Giant NRS, Fuji Diamondlite | | Bottom Line: | You just cant beat giant value and they have the best customer service i have ever seen. If you figure out the suspension the bike will run like a champ. I have repeatedly hucked it off 5 foot drops and it keeps asking for more. Yes there are lighter and more effecient racing bikes out there but not by much, and they are much less fun. I have beaten the tar out of it in these three months and broken nothing. I have put a good 200 miles on it.This is the ultimate bike, and if I could only have one bike, this would be it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from NC
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Kitsuma | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Adjustable Travel | | Weaknesses: | Where do I begin: I have had the bike for six months and it's been in the shop every month at least once. Disc Brake pad wore out in one month, never will work 100%. Psylo front shock was rebuilt after first ride and rebuilt after about 5 months. Rear shock blew doing a 2 foot drop. New rear shock makes all kinds of noise. Chain suck and ghost shifting like you wouldn't believe. | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit | | Bike Setup: | 5 inch travel | | Bottom Line: | Giant should have researched the VT before putting this POS on the market. The Psylo shock is the worst shock and Rock Shox should be ashamed to have their name on it. Manitou, well, let's say I'm a little dissapointed in the SPV technology. It took me for ever to dial the damn thing in and when I did it blew up.
Spend the xtra money and get a Bullit or Titus Loco-Moto | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric easterly
a Weekend Warrior
from little rock, ar. usa
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | chainwheel inc. | | Strengths: | excellent design, little pedal induced bob, lightweight for the amount of travel you have, very plush, comparable to a blur as far as plushness. its a giant need i say more? | | Weaknesses: | a buddy of mine has an '04 vt1, and the new xt front der. comes in contact with the brace between the chain and seat stays as shock is about .25" from bottoming out. | | Similar Products Used: | klein mantra, santa cruz heckler, santa cruz bullit, giant nrs, ridden a blur around a bit. | | Bike Setup: | carbon monkey lite bars, carbon easton post, mavic x3.0 tubeless, ebc gold brake pads, titec stem, minute 3 fork | | Bottom Line: | this is the only bike most riders would ever need, waaaay more plush than my nrs was, more travel than my heckler, and not as heavy either. you could do a little freeridin' if you can land smooth, light enough to hang with xc people, although you will have to work a little harder, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger right? over roots and rocks this thing stays glued to the ground. it jumps like a rabbit, and is nimble as a cat. downhill it handles as good as my heckler did, but is a little on par to the bullit, this bike is a wheelie machine, you can manual it with your eyes closed, the suspension is practically perfect for playing around on. it climbs like a mountain goat. more of this reveiw later, gotta go. oh yeah with an lx front der. on the '04 vt2, the bracket doesnt hit the der. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hills, CA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville Downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | $1000.00 (used Demo Bike) | | Strengths: | Strong durable frame. Very adjustable suspension. Good (not great)Component spec. | | Weaknesses: | Rockshox fork is a little weak. I wish I had more travel (especially when riding at Northstar). Avid brakes OK. Shimano xt discs would have been a better choice. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Sinky De-Lux (brother has one) Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0 (test ride only) | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Heavey-duty spring in fork ( I highly recommend this for anyone over 190 lbs.) | | Bottom Line: | This was an excellent choice for me because I needed a bike that could do it all. I would love to have a Foes Fly or a Santa Cruz VPP Free. Just could not afford one. I will upgrade fork to new sherman breakout and upgrade to XT hydralic discs. This is a very good choice for anyone who wants an all-day epic bike that can handle some light freeriding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricci Peyroux
a
from Thames, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rotorua | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Hedgehog Bikes | | Strengths: | Definetly the high quality components and awesome frame/suspension package, if you tried to buy the components one at a time you'd find the price of the bike would be at least third more. Scales of economy for Giant, good on them. I bought my Giant for $2950 NZ dollars - Minute1 forks retail from $1299 up - so you do the math?
Finally, the 2003 VT2 colour scheme is awesome, I've had plenty of comments about the Black/Grey scheme it looks ready to race | | Weaknesses: | Non that I can find | | Similar Products Used: | First time with twin suspension bike so I can't compare to other duallys. But definetly far superior to my old hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Being a later model VT2, It has the Manitou minute forks, eastons bars & post, race face evolve cranks, hayes HFX9 hydraulic brakes etc..
I am 6ft and Prefered the 20.5 inch as I like cockpit space the bike soon shortens up in a standing attacking position which feels comfortable for me. I recommend you try the bikes out as the sizes may not be as they appear. My old bike was a 17.5 inch which feels the same as the VT2 which is 20.5. The 16.5inch VT2 felt more like a bmx cockpit to me - so try before you buy and remember I'm only 6 ft.
| | Bottom Line: | To put it mildly this bike has got to have one of the best allround component specs, I tried allsorts of twin suspension bikes and none came close to matching the Giant for price there is not one piece of gear I would want to replace which had a lot to do with my decision to purchase it.
The bike climbs well with just a hint of movement (could be my shock setting or my technique) but nothing to sap your energy and I'm sure with a little more time I'll dial it in. When you head downhill, that is when the bike pays you back for the hard climb; it's like riding in the back of a chevy impapla it just glides. The handling and braking are fantastic and the bike feels lighter than it's stated weight when your on the trail. I can see this bike staying with me for a very long time it suits my style which I'll describe as heavy XC I'm not out to jump off cliffs. For those who haven't ridden one you gotta try it honestly, it is that good. I would recommend this to anyone who loves to ride offroad whether it be a quick one loop or an epic ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean Rogers
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | What people have said below: no bob + massive travel when you want it. | | Weaknesses: | There is very little clearance between the chainstay and the big ring. A couple of times the chain has got wedged in between them and it's damned hard to get out. It trashed the paint on the chainstay. Need to take extra care to avoid chainsuck therefore. | | Similar Products Used: | First dually. Jamis Dakota hartail. Couple of road bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Except the Minute 1 fork is marked 90-120mm rather than 100-130. The former range is better, in my opinion. | | Bottom Line: | Very pleased with it and agree with the positive comments below. I've set up the shock as Giant recommends - there is only perhaps a couple of millimetres bob on the hills. When you accellerate hard you can still compress the shock though. It feels a bit more sluggish than the hardtail on the flat and climbs, but on anything rough or downhill it is massively faster and more stable. I can also get up certain technical climbs I couldn't get up on the hardtail due to the extra traction.
Somebody below summed it up: this bike is better than the competition in every significant way except it's heavier. If you're not racing (and you wouldn't race with this much travel anyway), it won't matter a bit.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ty Weiss
a
from Orlando, FL 32804
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos Trail, Ocala Florida | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Locomotion Bike shop-Orlando | | Strengths: | Manitou swinger shock, avid disc, easton componentry, adjustability - adjustability - adjustability!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | XM117 mavic rims (weak), Hutchinson Scorpion lights (Blows), and the shim in the seatpost. What the dilly yo?
***Also the Manitou Block Comp 90-120 fork is suspect - will eventually swap out for the Psylo Race with remote lock out - the Manitou Minute is pricey pricey at the moment....(I have the 2004 VT3) | | Similar Products Used: | Marin quad, Mongoose GSX 9.0 duallies..... | | Bike Setup: | Salsa Gordo HD Rims, IRC Kujo 2.25 tires, Xt hubs - the rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the $$$$$! I have enjoyed it tremendously since I purchased it. I ride rugged xc and steep drops with nasty lines to manuever and the occassional jumps that get in my way. Since swappin gout the tires, rim and hub. I roll over everything effortlessly - although adding a lil weight over the stock version. I love this bike!!! Test ride it and you'll buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris stevenson
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Otero canyon, www.saveotero.org | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | 1850.00 Plus tax | | Strengths: | SPV shocks, and the adjustability. It's a great long travel trail bike!!! | | Weaknesses: | the shim in the seat tube! What's up with the dam shim??? I hope I am able to find a post that will fit the seat tube without a shim. I heard that they creak. Haven't had this happen, BUT it just seems stupid!!!!! ( unless anybody know's a logical reason for it...? ) | | Similar Products Used: | 04 Jamis Dakar XLT, at least a dozen other duallies, but not too many "All-Mountian" long travel trail bikes, my other bikes are a Fisher Paragon, and a Schwinn Rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | still stock, will upgrade/switch out the post if I can find the right size to ditch the shim! And maybe mess with the bar and stem? but that would mostly be to get the cockpit to feel just right the current set up is fine, thought maybe not as "cool" as it could be :) Also I will look at upgrading the break levers, though maybe I will wait and see if I have any trouble first...OH, and will pry get a 8" rotor pretty quick since I am 220lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I just got a 2004 Giant VT2! I sorta wanted a freeride bike, BUT I don't think I quite have the cohona's to make use of a true freeride bike. And I don't want to pay the weight price untill I am. I just wanted something that was more able to take on the experimental stage I am kinda in. I have been taking on higher and steeper drops and sicker and tricker terrain all the time. But I have totally found myself near the limits of both of the XC bikes I own. So more than anything I just wanted something with enough suspension and breaks to keep me from getting myself killed! LOL
For me it was down to the Jamis XLT 2.0 and the VT2. I have been narrowing my choices for at least a month now, and these two bikes stand out in value and perfomance over their peers. ( in my opinion ) The two biggest decision makers were the adjustable minute one fork vs the unadjustable but a bit lighter minute two on the XLT and the overall frame design and construction. I wanted the added on the fly geometry adjustablity that the minute one had. It is awsome to be able to have a bike with both XC and slacker head angles at the twist of a fork cap. ( plus that adds to the frames shock placemet/ travel adjustability ) And thought the Jamis seems "burley" with all those rough, raw welds. It also seems maybe cheap? or not quite finished? And though both bikes upgraded the rear ends, the Jamis had alot more actual failures with broken seat stays and dented seat tubes. Mostly in my research the Giant's developed slop in the linkage over time, ( and a few breaks). Hopefully in lightening up the frame a bit they also found some strength somewhere in the linkage? If the press release is to believed they did...
The XLT does actually have a better component spec. But in my opinion the unadjustable fork is not better, even if it is lighter. And the biggest place the VT2 is below the XLT is in the shifters and front derailer ( LX vs XT). Both of which are places where it is totally OK to fudge a bit. I have been running the same cheap deore shifters and front derailer on my Rocket for about 5 years. With a bit of occasional maintenance, those are just about the only components on that bike besides the shocks that haven't been upgraded.
The SPV on the front shock REALLY affects the mannerisims of the VT2. On most bikes while your sitting and spinning the cranks you don't notice the front bobbing because the rear end is so much more noticable. On the 2003 VT's you totally noticed the front end bobbing because the rear end wasn't. This year if you've a smooth pedal stroke, or cheat a bit just to do it and over stiffen the platform, your bike doesn't bob at all while seated!!! And even with the platform adjusted where it should be the bike doesn't bob much. Despite lack luster magazine reviews, my Rocket is a really good efficient pedaller at the cost of being pretty stiff, ( much like the NRS, alot of good XC bikes are). The giant with not quite twice the travel pedal's JUST AS GOOD!!!
I haven't had the chance to get to do any real drops, or much for real technical or steep trails yet. (thinking of getting a better set of wheels for that purpose) So I will update this review again in a few months when I have really gotten the chance to put the bike through hell and have something real to complain about! :)
I am giving the bike 5 and 5. I know thats a bit unfair since I haven't gotten to ride it but twice and the parkinglot. But the bike REALLY impressed me. The whole SPV thing is just amazing. Infact writting this has got me all jonesed up again. I think I am gonna get all bunddled up and go for another spin even if it is just on the flat sandy trails behind the house...2004 is a great year to buy a bike!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Longview Wash. USA
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | stella | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Pedal Power | | Strengths: | Frame and rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | Front Fork (RockShox Psylo).Tires (Hutchinsons)
Shimmed seat post. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3+ disc. | | Bike Setup: | Trimmed handle bars down some, replace big chain ring with Race Face bash ring. Replaced tires with some IRCs that I had laying around, until I get something I like better. Also Time Atac pedals. | | Bottom Line: | First impression is that I can do go over bigger stumps and logs than I could with my Sugar. I bought this bike to be more of a play bike than my other bikes. And I think this will probably be the case.It has a higher bottom bracket and more travel which are pluses for this type of riding.
But the Psylo fork at this time is the major short fall. Right off the bat I noticed that the rebound adjustment really wasn't doing anything, then no matter what height the fork is set for it tops out with a loud clunk. And like everyone else has said it comes with to light of spring.We'll see what Rock Shox says under warranty.
The rest of the components are okay. I have never had any brakes that stop has good as these Advid Disc. If I cann't get the Psylo to work as advertised, I'll be replacing it with something else. And my $1300 year end close out price won't be nearly as good of a deal as I thought it was. Oh my the way this was a 18.5 frame size and my weight is 160 lb. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Perry
a Racer
from Waverly,NY,USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Waverly Glen | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Rocky's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame strength, Ergonomics, Versatility, Appearance(opinion), components for the price, overall feel | | Weaknesses: | Bottom Brackets (raceface), chain, cable routing, interupted seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Haro escape 8.2, GT Karakoram, misc others | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Avid full metal jacket cables, XTR brake levers, tioga rear tire (High Rollers for freeride use), PC99 chain, Raceface freeride bottom bracket | | Bottom Line: | This is more of an update/ tech report. I am a cross country racer, weekend freerider. I have used and abused this bike as I do all my bikes for a full season now and decided to give an update on the bike. As of right now the rear shock is at manitou being rebuilt after a blow out (sorry I do exceed the recommended 3ft. drops by giant my fault not theirs). The bike overall has been a great performer, I feel it's going to be kept for next season's races again with very few upgrades. I have competed in everything from 24 hour races (allamuchy placed 7th place with this bike) to continuous top ten finishes in xc races, to even riding a downhill event a few weeks ago (mountain creek NJ) where the rocks were bigger than the bike, it handled every trail with ease including the double black diamond hills. As far as problems with the bike here goes:
A) Front fork has blown out a few times, rockshox has rebuilt with no questions every time.
B) rear shock blew out after a few thousand miles, Manitou is currently rebuilding no questions asked
C) Cables seem to need to be replaced quite often I think due to routing and large rear travel (combated that with installing avid full metal jackets.
D) Deore Hubs need to be rebuilt quite often
E) LX Shifters are getting a little sloppy (could be due to cables going bad so often
F) BOTTOM BRACKETS SUCK, I have had 6 bottom brackets in this bike, the threads are getting chewed up because they've been changed so much, the last time raceface replaced it with a freeride bottom bracket (that lasted 4 races instead of 2 woohoo)
G) pedals are starting to show their age (again there's several thousand miles and over a dozen races including downhill and 24 hour races)
H) rear spokes are starting to snap every couple rides now I think their at their fatigue life
Other than that I'm on my 4th set of brake pads and third set of tires (currently tioga XC) Don't take this as an average riden bike. My average season is well equivelent to the average persons 5 seasons, I've very rouph on my equipment and any given weekend of play riding includes not only 10 plus hard miles in the woods but also 5 plus foot drops and remember I don't go around things I go over them after all my favorite saying is "what the he**, why not, what's the worse that can happen" overall it's been a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim bode
a Weekend Warrior
from grove city, mn 56243
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all in mn river valley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ricks Cycling, Willmar, MN | | Strengths: | Great full suspension bike right out of the box.Brakes are great,shifting is very good and the suspension front and rear handle everything thrown at it. | | Weaknesses: | The tires gotta go they are real slippery on hard dry trails. If you weigh over 180 you might consider a different front fork or go with a spring upgrade | | Similar Products Used: | Tested an AC air lite to stiff for what i wanted to use it for. I also have a paramount hardtail that just kicks my butt on the trails i love. | | Bike Setup: | Factory except got rid of shimano pedals an replaced with times, gonna switch tires soon | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great! For the price it is a very good deal, if you are looking for a freeride bike go with the AC line. This bike will handle everything but the big jumps and any drop under 3 ft without failing you.Giant bulit an awesome bike. Mine is an 03 the color is great i,m 6' 175lbs and i does take a little work to dial in the rear suspension but its well worth the ride when you get it set. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scotty Mac
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | NZ | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet cycles | | Strengths: | To clarify, I have the 2004 model which includes upgrades on the rest of these reviews with beefed rear linkages, full hydro brakes, Easton post,bars, Manitou Minute 1 Fork, Tires. Massive amount of value for money - full discs, XT,Easton, race face cranks/ folding tires, wicked shocks, technology, looks etc all for $2000 and under 30lb ( 29.2 lbs stock Med -18.5" mine ). XC geometry with looooong travel | | Weaknesses: | Bit heavy for long steep climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS, Cannondale super V, Cannondale Jeckyl | | Bike Setup: | Swapped riser bars for straight w bar ends ( riser bars trendy fad, better for DH, straight better for climbing and overall xc riding ). Must tune and dial suspension properly. Takes a while but worth it. I am 162lbs run forks @ 31lb rear shock at 150lb and rebound @ 130lb | | Bottom Line: | This is a WICKED MACHINE. Everyone in this review generally agrees except for the one guy who drops the average rating by giving it a 1 chilli without even having ridden the bike - his loss.
This bike is for the non racer who loves to ride all terrain with a complete package that looks great, climbs and rides amazingly light for a near 30lb machine ( prob due to light fast wheelset/tires/tubes) and descends like a hovercraft. This bike eats bumps and flattens rough ground like nothing else I have ridden. It handles quick and is easy to control. Spec is choice - dont bother upgrading anything. Yes this bike can jump, manufacturers say it is not designed for this but for xc use - guess that covers their ass on warranty claims. The VPS shock system remains pretty firm under pedal load front and rear and reduces bob as long as you stay seated, but moves under you smooth as butter over bumps - awesome for rocky - rooty climbs. I am in love with this baby, it is a versatile singletrack rocketship that can do it all and not cost the earth. Fits right in between a light xc full suspension bike and a freeride ( closer to an xc fs by far )
Massive bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike and Cycle Obsession | | Strengths: | This is a review for the 04 VT-2. Strengths = swinger on the back and minute on the front. Both awesome shocks. The bike is light enough for XC but can handle a good bit of FR bashing about. Pretty much like riding a heavy short travel XC duallie untill you need the travel - then you have just under 6 inches front and rear to take the big hits. All Easton, Hayes and Mavic - best value around | | Weaknesses: | High bottom bracket - both a strength and a weakness. Don't hit the cranks on rocks all the time but a little awkwards when stopping.
SPV on minute doesn't work as well as SPV on swinger. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper FSR, Giant XTC2, Avanti Montari | | Bike Setup: | Minute, Swinger, XT and LX, Easton EA50 stuff, Mavic X223 wheels, XT hubs, Eggbeaters, Prolink saddle | | Bottom Line: | The best bike I have ridden - ever!! You want a bike to do everything than this is it. The best bit is the is no need to upgrade anything on the stock bike (well almost - I put on eggbeaters and a more comphy saddle). Wont win any races on it (Have XTC for that) but will sure have a lot of fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raistlen Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Cradle Mountian - all day mad epics | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Overseas import 04 VT2 | | Strengths: | Well obviously the price goes without saying therefor, the industrial design of the bike is not only pleasing aesthetically, also the shock supports the SPV FR fork exceedingly well - forget the dodgy Psylo! When both FR 'N' Rr shocks are sweet, the rest is up to the riders knowledge and skill. Climbs like a mad goat, and I have never felt too much distortion of what I wanted and what I thought I wanted in that regard. BO!
- Great Rr Sus when SPV is inverted
- Component choice is fair for $$$$
- very upgradable and versatile
- EXCELLENT Fr Sus
- weight is good if your skill can match although upgrades is the GO....
- Fr'N'Rr Mecks are OK
- VT-1 rim sellection great
What more can I say...found the sweetspot, so "disregard all the brand tryhards" and buy what you need not what other think you need! | | Weaknesses: | When you recieve your spanking new VT- whatever, change the following:
- Fr Sus to that of Minute 3/2
- Rr meck to that of Sram X.0
- MAXM componentry St pole, hdle bars
- Stuff the breaks - Shimano XT Quad disc02/3-not the new crud
- Tires suck
If like me you have to work your arse off to get it so be it. All the youngbeez whoes parents buy it for them, you'll have no idea!
- VT2 rim sellection crusty poo.
OH, THE PAINT DESIGN IS SO MEGA-UGLY, wow what were those guys thinking! I thought that the prior design was very cool for giants anal retentiveness. Had it stripped and re-painted - self designed - OH yeah! | | Similar Products Used: | First Bike was an entry level Warp Ds-1: Great for what it was though.
Specialized FSR
Orange - traded in on a Kona with friend - Broke...YUP! doing it wronge perhaps?
| | Bike Setup: | Bought VT-2 because I new that I was going to upgrade a ton of unsightfull bollocks on the beast so thought it 'spend-less smart'!
Upgrades:
- Ditched Rr meck to that of Sram X.0 - WOW! there you GO!
- MAXM componentry St pole, hdle bars
- Shimano XT Quad disc02/3-not the new crap
- Titanium Skewers/ bolts/ Stem/ carbon HS - strong stuff
- Lock - on ODI'S
- 04 XT cranks etc
2 years of savings on the little beast including a new paint job! | | Bottom Line: | The NRS IS better for climbing but its not a trailbike so all the people out there who do not comprehend this - go join the leagions of 'duff puppies' who like to fit into the clicky world of DH or XC.
Basically those who are not too sure about this product should really listen to their own skill level and try. Dont read soome magazine and buy based on what information is inserted into your cerabelum. Its a trailbike designed for those of us who enjoy the REAL ride and not the idea of the ride.
The BOTTOM line is that there is no bottom line, just a nice sweet smile.
I bought this bike based on my own knowledge which as a designer is quite sollid. Therefor I knew what I was getting into, and I was not part of the social leaders or any part of the marketing spectrum and I did not listen to the add: I know its a long bottom line but its changed how I percieve my riding skill and not my spelling. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jack mowatt
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Realm | | Strengths: | Bargin basement price. Strong frame. good compoments for the price.don't feel 29LBs. big name warrenty. climbs like a goat. swinger works good !! very little BOB. | | Weaknesses: | had a BB go south but giant upgraded it.. | | Similar Products Used: | NRS XTC. | | Bike Setup: | Stock! turned the swinger upside down so seat post can drop, panaracer tires,speed dial levers. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for any price.. drops easy and climbs crazy, I've got 8 months on it now and still love it. If I had sum spare cash I'd upgrade to the 2004 VT1 But thats the only bike I would trade for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sig
a Weekend Warrior
from augusta ga.
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | after ten months still no problems great trail bike | | Bottom Line: | i was the first review for the vt 1 not the two. i was just reading and saw tims review and had to reply to that. tim, if you are shopping for a freeride bike,why dont you shop for a freeride bike? giant advertisments say "somewhere between a 10 foot drop and a sprint to the finish line there is a place where the REST OF US love to ride." that is not misleading ads. it is a TRAIL BIKE, not a FREERIDE BIKE. as far as service goes i have a giant 1999 nrs that cracked at the shock mount after 2000+ miles and GIANT had me a new 2002 frame with a new shock in 5 days.THAT IS EXCELLENT SERVICE. if you are a freerider then look at a freeride bike, not one made for the REST OF US! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a
from Spokane WA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | 1500 | | Strengths: | The cheap price | | Weaknesses: | Poor construction, misleading advertising, terrible factory customer service | | Bottom Line: | I haven't bought the product due to the recommendation of Giant shop owners in Taiwan. I was looking for a new free ride bike and seriously thought about buying one of these. I was surprised with Taiwan Giant dealers pointed me towards the AC series bikes. Why I ask? Because the VT2 is not designed to be abused aka JUMPED. What??? You mean I can't jump or take drops on this frame? According to shop owners here, the VT2 is nothing more than a long travel XC bike not recommended to take drops of over 3 feet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. Breeze
a Cross Country Rider
from Fruita, Colorado
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Horsethief Bench | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Board & Buckle | | Strengths: | Manitou Swinger SPV shock; Set it up right and you got yourself a pseudo-hardtail that climbs super efficiently, and then opens up wide for those downhill blasts! Basically, you can set this bad boy up any way you want. The Blue color is stunning and no complaints with the avid mechanicals; very easy to upkeep. This bike rocks for my fellow Clydesdales!! | | Weaknesses: | The Hutchison tires that came stock BLOW! Three flats in three days; switched to Panaracers and no problem since. I'm a big guy (6ft. 215lbs.) and the Psylo XC fork just doesn't do it for me stock. Ordered and installed the x-tra strength springs and now this baby just SLURPS up all the punishment that I give her. Not thrilled with the seatpost shim.
Stock Shimano pedals....cheap crap...save them for your Granma's rig! | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher HKEK; Sugar2; Specialized Epic; Kona Dee Dawg | | Bike Setup: | Only changes thus far: Easton Monkey Lite Bar; Panaracer Tires; Time ATAC pedals, Firmer Suspension for Psylo fork; Garmin ETrex Vista GPS with Bike mount; Ring God - who needs the big chain ring anyway except yuppies with too much $ to blow on a bike that only sees pavement.
Jet Lites Phantom Beam - Awesome Lighting for those night time excursions | | Bottom Line: | The Bottom Line - 'ol Blue rocks my world. For you light weight folks this has gotta be supremo, cause for us Clydesdales this bike is the FAT MAC DADDY!
Don't Hesitate - Get yourself one and you won't be disappointed.
Also...five flamin chilis for my LBS. The Board and Buckle Rules! Awesome people, excellent customer service, very knowledgable staff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikefiend
a Cross Country Rider
from yakima,wa,usa
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | fifes ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | sagebrush cycles | | Strengths: | performs the way giant designed it and advertised it. the frame is burly and stout, works well for bigger fellas to ride. weight to travel and strenght is awesome. the frame is sub seven lbs. | | Weaknesses: | in still fiddling with cable routing, i think some people think it is heavy but i think i need to lose weight. built bike is 28.5 lbs | | Similar Products Used: | 98 fsr comp, 03 enduro s-works, | | Bike Setup: | marz marathon sl, full xt with hydros, ritchey wcs stem bar post, mavic 517 rims, 2.24 wtb moto raptors, | | Bottom Line: | i've got about 50 trail miles on this frame, with first impressions being important this bike is top notch. i got it as a frame only and built is with stuff from a frame i sold. the trails around here are pretty rough and rooty with lots of exposed rocks in loose fluffy dirt and sand. the set up for the rear shock was alot easier then i thaught it would be. i weigh a little over 200 lbs and am 6'1'.i have the larger frame. the best setup i have found is to run the spv valve at 70% of body have the main shock at just a tad over 25%sag. im giving the frame 4 chilies on bolth catagories only because i dont have a long term view yet, i believe that the frame is a five chili machine, only time will tell. the paint is super sexy and i swear in light it glows. i almost forgot, i have only ridden mine in the 5' setting because i use it strictly for trail riding where i dont need six inches. as for climbing, its as good as any bike i have ridden, which is alot. on a long sustained fire road climb i dont notice any bob at all but if you ride up a road with alot of the studder ruts then you will love the bike. technical climbing is great because the suspension does an excelent job of keeping the wheel with translated to great traction.
happy riding fellas, if you have any questions drop me an e mail
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Maybee
a Cross Country Rider
from Salmon Arm
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Skookum Cycle and Ski | | Strengths: | Light - Most people are calling this bike heavey...maybe for a cross-country hardtail??!! This is a 5-6" travel bike at 30lbs!! That is unheard of. Dare you to find another!
Long travel - The travel is buttery smooth, and with the shocks set up properly, it feels bottomless. It took a while to find the Swinger setup info, but they now have proper pressures on the Giant site under Keytechs/Swinger
Seated Climbing - As long as you are sitting, this bike climbs like a monkey on crack. There is no noticable bobbing, unless you stand. | | Weaknesses: | Standing Cimbing - I have raced this bike, and its not happy when you want to stand up and grunt a climb, or sprint. To be fair, its not a race bike. For regular trail riding it is not an issue.
Tires - wow, they sucked
Seat/seatpost/shim - slipping, sliding, creaking. The post is a piece...replace it immediately.
Shock access - Me getting at the rear shock air valves is like O.J. trying to get those gloves on... they just don't fit! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC1, Rocky Element Race | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Hydraulics - better feel sthan the Avids
Grip Shift - come to the light
Ring God - big ring not needed here
Time pedals - the goods
| | Bottom Line: | This is my favorite bike to date. If you are a mostly cross-country trail rider, who wants to have fun, and occasionaly rip some downhills, this is your bike. Climb up, rip down, ...that is how we ride here. If you can find a 6" travel bike that weighs under 30lbs, climbs well, and is spec'ed better, buy it and tell me where to find one. (Note: I don't expect to hear from anyone). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Samir
a Cross Country Rider
from Zimbabwe
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sundowner | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Happy Trails | | Strengths: | Travel adjusts to varying trails/conditions. Killer componentry for the money. Sweet geometry. Swinger shock has no bob when set up and used properly (insane for a 5.7" travel bike). | | Weaknesses: | None. It's definitely heavy, but it's not noticeable out on the trails. I would race this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS FXT Pro, Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, Trek Fuel 90, Trek Fluid 20, Giant NRS2, Kona Kikapu Deluxe | | Bottom Line: | If you're in the market for an all-mountain bike, then take this thing for a test ride. If it feels right, buy it. Oh, and by the way, the Swinger shock is for real! After taking this thing up many steep climbs I can truthfully say that there is no bob in this setup as long as you keep your a$$ in the saddle like you're supposed to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nich Box
a
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | whitemud creek (south) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedalhead (780 433 2085) | | Strengths: | I love the adjustability of the suspension, especially since I came to it from a hardtail x-country bike. The drivetrain is very good, and I don't have to worry about going too deep into my pocket to pay for replacements. | | Weaknesses: | I bent the chain and it has given me problems ever since, I am considering an upgrade to XT. Also, the rear brake cable housing seems to be a little tight, but i haven't checked it out too much. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 20, Specialized Enduro Comp, Kona Dawg Deluxe, Rocky Mountain Edge | | Bike Setup: | Wellgo B-37 flats, Mavic X 3.1 UST rims (but I'm still running the stock tires), RaceFace bashguard, NiteHawk Dual lights, Lizard Skins chainstay protector | | Bottom Line: | I am very satisfied with my purchase. All the other bikes that I was looking at seemed too expensive for the parts that you get. I really wanted an adjustable travel bike too because I do lots of different riding. Giant, being such a huge company, is able to sell their bikes at more affordable prices, so you get great value.
This bike climbs like a rocket…some of my friends with hardtails even tell me that. It does really well on the rest of the terrain too, but climbing is one of the harder things for a full suspension.
If you're in the market for an all-mountain bike, or making the transition to full suspension I'm sure you'll be happy with this bike. Manitou has done well with their new design in the SPV, RockShox is great for versatility, Avid's brakes are super easy to maintain, and the component group is strong and quick.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions, I'd love to help. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Leisher
a Cross Country Rider
from Roseburg,OR
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | North Umqua trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | waldrons outdoor sports | | Strengths: | The strengths of this bike is the ability to climb just as good as a hardtail and its a full suspension. so its like why not have a flush comfort bike that does not bob at all when climbing. I love it. | | Weaknesses: | I dont see any weaknesses that i can complain about, the bike weighs 30 pounds but theres not alot of places to lighten it up. I really can not b**** at all this bike is amazing for the prise. | | Similar Products Used: | Nope always rode a hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | I got the fork extended all the way and the sag on 30percent.I changed a buntch of little parts to. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I have ever had. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from Bentonville, Ar USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Devils Den Racer's Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Lewis and Clark Outfitters | | Strengths: | Geometry, Rear Shock, Nimble Handling, Brakes, Ride Quality, Adjustability of front and rear travel, Hummer Like Ability to Traverse any Terrain. Huge fun factor. | | Weaknesses: | Psylos. I have ordered a stiffer spring. I weigh 200 lbs. I love the adjustability, not crazy about the weak spring and the stick on graphics. The graphics are pealing off already. I should just strip off the graphics on the fork and get it over with. Handlebars - I had them cut down 1 inch on each side before I took the bike home. No extra cost. I guess it is better to have the option to cut down than to wish for wider. So not necessarily a bad thing, just something to be aware of. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuels, Specialized Epics, Giant NRS, Cannondale Jekyll etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock at this time except for cutting down the bar width. | | Bottom Line: | Exceptional Bike. Here are my random thoughts.
I wanted to hate it when I bought it. I came off of a Specialized Stumpjumper M4 and I loved that Bike. The Specialized graphics were great, weight was great, etc. This bike is heavy....but it does climb better than the hard tail I just got off of. The rear stays in contact with the surface and gives you better traction up the hill. In this area of the country there are a lot rocks and this bike eats them up without an issue. I have it set up pretty stiff with 25% sag and more of a cross country feel. The bike is awesome carving up the flats or down hills and is deceivingly fast. You can crank up the front suspension on the down hills and descend with more control than you could imagine. The comfort of the suspension makes you feel slow....because your brain is not processing all of the crazy inputs that you get from a hardtail. It is fast however.
The brakes, though mechanical, are great. I do not believe you have to have Hydraulics. A gentle touch and you can lock both wheels. I am not sure why you need to carry the weight of the fluid around to make you stop in the same manner.
So,in conclusion, As much as I wanted to not like this bike, I have bonded with it and it is a great all around mountain bike. It climbs, handles, and downhills exceptionally well. It's the most fun bike I have encountered. To make it this way requires some set up time however. Once this is done, you will not regret this purchase.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Chainreaction | | Strengths: | Swinger shock, Avid disc brakes and bike setup flexibility. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy at around 31 pounds. Psylo shox are not as good as the marzocchi z.1 but still decent. Have not had any leaking fluid like some others have complained about. | | Similar Products Used: | klein Adept, Trek fuel 90, Giant NRs2 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike more than both the klein and trek but the NRS has better pedaling efficiency. Great bike not much to complain about right now except that it could be lighter but than probably would dent alot easier because you would need thinner tubing. Less aggressive tires would be good since not always riding in the mud. I think others have had the bike put together improperly, because I have had no squeeks at all.
Great bike at a great price. No need for more expensive boutique bikes unless you got money to burn. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RJ
a Downhiller
from Saratoga, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Off Ramp | | Strengths: | great for the price:
-nice rear suspension
-the xt derraileur is sweet
-versatility
-relatively lightweight (the thing bunny hops like a dream)
-not too much "bob"
| | Weaknesses: | -hydraulics brakes would be better
-the seat post is so long that it interferes with the rear suspension if you put it down far enough (cutting the seat post down solved the problem)
-THERE IS THIS EXTREMELY ANNOYING SQUEAKING/WHISTLING SOUND THAT I NEED TO GET RID OF, OR IM SERIOUSLY GOING TO GO INSANE, ITS RIDICULOUS
-components are alright, not a big fan of the shimano lx up front (shifters, etc..)
-the psylo is pretty good, but not great
-would rather have a coil shock, but the air shock does the job I guess
| | Similar Products Used: | jamis dakar xlt 1.0 and 2.0, kona stinky, specialized enduro, kona bear, kona dawg dee-lux, | | Bottom Line: | IF I COULD GET RID OF THIS DAMN SQUEAK IT WOULD BE AWESOME FOR THE BUY, BUT SO FAR THERE HAS BEEN NO SUCH LUCK | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Front Range and Winter Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Campus Cycles | | Strengths: | Very plush ride. Climbs like a goat. Durable frame. Lots of travel. Good components. | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinsons suck. Bike is a little heavy. Bar grips are cheap. Some mysterious squeaking that I am trying to eliminate. Breaks difficult to adjust. | | Similar Products Used: | None - rode a hard tail before. | | Bike Setup: | Swithced out Hutchinsons for Continentals | | Bottom Line: | Overall, I am very pleased with the purchase. The bike affords me a lot of options depending on how I set it up. Can limit travel both front and rear or go with full range. The weight of the bike is a little scary but I don't race so that doesn't matter much. I am just a little more patient with the climb which is made real easy with the rear shock. Don't have to worry about locking out. It really does have limited bob. Because I rode a hardtail before, I have had to learn to pedal differently but even still, I climb more efficiently than I ever did with my hard tail. It is a great all mountain bike, not a true cross country and not a true downhill nor a bomber but a little bit of all three. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a
from Blaine, MN
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere in Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great specs for price. Great suspension choice. The light weight. | | Weaknesses: | Well broke the bearings on the suspension, but warrenty fix, no biggie. Prolly my fault anyways. | | Similar Products Used: | None out there | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike, cept switched up to the Time Z pedals, Very nice pedals! I also upgraded the spring to the super stiff since that is what rock shock recomends, and it made a world of a differnce for me being 200#. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line here is this bike is great for doing everything. I tested this bike in Moab before buying. The proving grounds proved this bike was wonderful. It was 1000 times nicer then the hardtail. It won't climb like my hardtail, but it does climb better then any suspension bike I have ever ridden. I had no problem riding this on long cross country rides, and have used it at Lutsen, doing the whole chair lift thing and it perfomed great. I have done some big drops with no troubles also. It is defenitly the perfect bike for all types of mountain biking. I wouldn't race it cross country, but I may use it for my 24 hour event. This bike has no boundries. I recomend it for everyone that just wants a fun bike to ride where ever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Hammersley
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sulphur Springs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | CyclePath | | Strengths: | This bike packs a lot of value. When compared to all of the bikes I demo'd below, there really was no comparison. All of the bikes I tried have strengths, but the VT2 definitely has the best quality:price ratio. I already had some new Hayes hydro's, so that made it even easier to compare to the others.
As far as the ride is concerned, the VT2 can be as stiff or plush as you want, thanks to the SPV technology. I still don't think I've found my sweet spot with the rear set-up yet, but I know it's there.
I've ridden several XC full suspension bikes, so I was expecting the VT2 to be quite sluggish on the climbs. This is definitely not the case! This bike is firm and climbs extremely well. Getting to the top is surprisingly easy, and you're in great shape for the fun that awaits.
Don't be concerned with the stated weight of this bike...it doesn't matter. Giant has designed this bike so well with the SPV shock and suspension linkage, that it really does feel like a sub-30lb bike. | | Weaknesses: | I've only got a couple of complaints so far. First, I'm not a big fan of Rock Shox, and I find that the Psylo is way too soft. I'm planning on getting stiffer springs, so hopefully this will improve. I wouldn't say that I'm bottoming out on the travel, but the fork dives way too much when you apply the front brake, to the point that my balance has been affected. (FYI - I weigh 190lbs)
The handle bar is too wide for tight singletrack trails, so these will need to be cut down. I haven't noticed the creaking in the seatpost yet, but I still think that Giant could have spec'd this better or used at seatpost that didn't require the shim. Even though I'm now using Hayes, I think Giant could have done better than the AD3 levers. A bike in this price range should definitely have adjustable levers. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd all of the following: Cannondale Jekyll 800, Specialized Enduro, Jamis Dakar XLT 1.0, Trek Liquid 10 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I switched the Avid mechanicals for Hayes HFX hydraulics. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a true "all-mountain" bike, the VT2 is your best bet. There are other bikes that climb better, and other bikes that descend better, but few of them can do both as well as the VT2. Try all of the other competitors in this class, and I'm confident that you'll agree that the Giant provides the best ride, feel, function and quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHRIS
a Cross Country Rider
from GRASS VALLEY CA. USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ALL SINGLE TRACK | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | XTREAM OUTFITERS | | Strengths: | For the price, one sweet ride. Truly a great trail bike. For those long climbs at Tahoe, dial the fork down and for the desent, crank them back up. Whey to cool. This bike climbs really well to. Everything works great to (not perfect but close). | | Weaknesses: | I`m a real stinker about setup so I wont mention that stuff. It is alittle noisy, the stupid seat post shim creeks, the shock is a little tricky to set up, and the shock & fork blow though the travel quickly (but dont bottom hard). The fact that I weigh 175lb. dry, might have something to do with that. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR
Mountain Cycle San Andreas (nine years old now)
| | Bike Setup: | Had to change bar,seat,post,tires,stem and the rear cogs. All done for comfort and to shave some tonage. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a bike that will laugh at big hits, climb like a svelt & lith bike (that its not) and be comfy all day long, go for it. You will love this thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kanata Lakes and a Gatineau Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Fresh Air Experience | | Strengths: | In order:
1) Low price compared to good quality.
2) Rear shock (Manitou swinger SPV) seems transparent, it just works and you don't think about it.
3) Cable-actuated discs means being able to fix them in the field.
4) Good balance: it is trivial to pop-up the front end, it is not front-heavy at all. | | Weaknesses: | In order:
1) Squeaks and clicks like crazy! Too much noise coming both from the linkage and seat post. I wonder if the linkage was assembled properly (correct torque and correct type of loc-tite) because it is a bit nutty to ride a $2500 CDN bike and hear that kind of noise. After 2 mo I'm going to take it in and complain -- I've been trying various minor things to no avail.
2) Cable routing was poorly thought out. There doesn't appear to be a need to use a bottom-pull front derailler. It appears as though they could have used a top-pull and routed the cable where it wouldn't get caked with mud. Also, my bike came with the cable housing too long for the rear D and the rear brakes. When you sit on the bike and it sags, the cable "S"es and the friction becomes way too high (brakes not releasing AT ALL after first dirty ride). Easy to shorten the housing (which makes it smooth as butter) but shame on either Giant or my LBS for such a newbie mistake.
3) Psylo fork tends to dive quite a bit; I wish it were an air shock so I could pump it up a bit ... and I'm only 150 lbs.
4) Not a wide range of seat post heights due to interference with the shock. If you ride both XC and tech, then you also want to drop your seat for that one neck-breaker stunt, you probably can't.
5) No bottle cage in the triangle means I have to have two bladders in my Camel. (One for Gatorade and one for water in case you care).
6) Didn't come with inserts for the disc brakes for when the front wheel is removed, like when you put it on your roof rack.
7) Instructions for the Swinger could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Feul 80 (2002)
Rocky Mountain ETSX (2003) -- Test ride only
Rocky Mountain Oxygen (1996, 2001) -- Hard tails | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except:
- Seat post shortened (oops, that was a mistake!),
- Handlebars cut down 4 cm on either side,
- Added Blackspire Ring God,
- Removed all the reflectors :) :)
I will probably replace the seatpost with a Race Face to get some length back and to (hopefully) eliminate some of the creaking.
I will give platform pedals another try -- but I really *like* being locked in, honest.
Before fixing the cable length, I would have recommended sealed, continuous brake housing (e.g., Avid full metal jacket). However, just fixing the housing length has made them flawless even in the grossest conditions. | | Bottom Line: | Hard to find a bike as good for the same price. The Rocky ETSX is about $800 more and although it is a bit lighter (says the scale, not my hands), it has less travel. The Trek Liquid seems to have some serious chain rub problems.
I love this bike now that I can steer through trees without catching every single one with the insanely long handlebars, and now that my brakes can actually disengage. The first two "real conditions" rides I was cursing a whole lot.
It's the first bike I've owned that had discs, and once the squeaky wearing in period was over they became flawless. Stopping power vs. hand effort has been great and field serviceability has been great. The brakes almost seem a bit too powerful at times -- although they modulate well, they still don't do it as well as V-brakes ... so I have some reprogramming to do in my brain, even after 2 months.
It is great for technical trails, but I do have to dial down the Psylo for climbing because it has so much travel keeping the front end crazily high on the steep inclines. Although the front end dives a bit too much, the rear is nice, eating up all sizes of obstacles without bucking. Landing a wheelie drop feels so nice with this bike.
Even when I did a fire-road XC ride, I did not have to try any other rear shock position or pressure. It came set up for 5.7" of travel, the max. I think this is very telling about how stable the shock is. Obviously I will experiment in the future, but that one ride didn't have me crying about either the weight or the bob. If anything, climbing a less than perfectly smooth hill is easier with the Swinger.
This might be true of all duals, but I notice at times that the bottom bracket at times goes LOWER, due to compression of the shock when hitting a bump. As such I've done quite a number of pedal smacks on inclined technical chunks when I thought I had clearance. Timing seems a bit more critical than on my hard tail. The Feul 80 I've occasionally ridden was dialed for a heavier rider and has less travel, so I didn't notice it then.
If you are looking to switch from a hard-tail to an XC dual, then maybe a lighter bike with less travel is for you. If you like to ride technical stuff as well and want lots of travel for the bigger hits, or want to "upgrade" your XC dual, then it is hard to beat the Giant VT2 without spending a lot more money. I wouldn't bother upgrading to hydraulics unless you plan to use this for tech/casual-downhill rather than XC/tech.
See you on the trails ...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard C
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau Parc | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Award Cycle | | Strengths: | Handling, geometry
Manitou Swinger SPV
good value for the money
| | Weaknesses: | Seat tube/post - squeaks unless you really really tighten it. Because the frame tubes are so beefy, there's a shim sleeve that goes around your seat post. Three layers...too much opportunity to slip and squeak. Giant should have come up with a way to get rid of the shim, perhaps with a fatter seatpost.
Rock Shox Psylo - too soft/mushy
a bit heavy - 30 lbs
cable routing - I don't like the front derailleur cable under the down tube. The rear brake cable goes thru alot of bends between the lever and the caliper. You might want to shorten it a bit or do minor rerouting. The rear derailleur and brake cable are under the top tube... a spot I like to grab for portage.
frame shape - hard to portage. The inside of my 16.5" frame is so small, I can't even fit a water bottle in it, much less a shoulder. There's braze-ons underneath the downtube... who'd put a bottle there? Fortunately, I usually carry water on my back. The stub in the frame that holds the front derailler does the job, but looks wacky design-wise. I'm always digging mud out of the BB section... lots of places for mud to catch there. Even with a rock guard, I've hit the frame between the BB and chain stay. Time will tell if this is just cosmetic damage... | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mtn Carve, Trek Fuel 90, Giant NRS Air | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for Ring God (awesome clearance now)
cut 3 cms off each end of the ridiculously large Titec bars
cut a couple cms off the seatpost - note that it sits over the rear shock, so you have to do this if you like dropping your saddle on technical sections. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first dual after riding a Trek 7000 (XC hardtail) for many years. It took a while to get used to the VT2 geometry. Since it's more upright, has a higher bottom bracket and a softer front shock, I was going over the handlebars when I first starting riding this bike on technical sections.
This bike is agile! Once I learnt how to move around the bike in the technical sections, it is a blast and I'm doing runs smoother than my old bike. The dual allow me to take more aggresive lines. Rock/root gardens and baby heads are almost worry free now.
Climbing feels stable. No complaints about bob (I ride with min sag, haven't tried any other setting, but suspension feels plush and active. SPV is great! The extra weight of the bike (30 lbs) didn't seem to be an issue on the long climbs, just gear down and stay sitting. Dialing down the front shock on long climbs helps reduce pogo.
The Avid mechanical disc brakes make a difference when you're at speed on the downhill. They modulate well. My biggest complaint about the disc brakes is that the cables can get contaminated with mud. (Consider that the cable/caliper is lower for disc brakes, closer to the rear hub). I can see the advantages of a closed hydraulic system. Also, the extra cable drag on the rear brake leaves it feeling unbalanced with the front brake.
After 2 months:
I'm having problems shifting the rear derailleur...suspect it's twisted or the hanger is bent. I can't get all 9 gears cleanly anymore.
The rear wheel is out of true.
I can't seem to get the brake rotor completely off the pad sometimes. I'm always futzing with the rear brake. It seems off every time I take the rear wheel off and put it back on. Keep lube away from that disc rotor... I'm on my second set of brake pads after accidentally contaminating the old ones. They say you shouldn't even touch the rotor with your bare hands.
All in all though, I chalk that up to just breaking in a new bike.
Bottom line, I love this bike. Buy it if you're looking for good value for the money. You're a generalist who likes a wide variety of riding, from technical single track, downhills, and XC. It's not the best XC or downhill bike, but a good overall trail bike.
Looking fwd to taking this on it's first 24 hr event this June! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicolas Tremblay
a Cross Country Rider
from Clermont, QC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Demers | | Strengths: | Avid disc brake, rear suspension design, handling caracteristics, price | | Weaknesses: | Swinger air shock, deore rear hub, titec seatpost, hutchinson tires, psylo xc | | Similar Products Used: | None, I only rode full xc bike before like schwinn rocket stage 1, GT hartail, schwinn URT full suspension (I don't remember the name!) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for raceface xy seatpost, specialized 2.2 enduro tires, stan notube system. | | Bottom Line: | I buy this bike for one main reason: going faster on downhill. It work! This bike is a very good one in handling departement. The geometry is number one for a trail bike and the adjustable travel in front is, for me very helpfull. I like 80mm for climbing and 125 mm to going down! Compare with full suspension xc bike, this bike is more fun. Yes you'll notice the weight in long climb, but the rear suspension with the SPV system keep bob at minimum so it's not so bad. But men, at the top, you'll love the 5 inches front and rear in the downhill!! But this bike also have problem. The main problem I had, in only 1 mounth of riding concern the swinger air rear shock. The technology behind this shock is very good but the durability is not good. I had to send the shock for repair after only a few ride because it had trouble with the air spring (can't put enough air in to had 25% sag) and manitou return me a COIL swinger because they said that all the air swinger have desing problem!! The coil shock work very well but it is also much heavier and I can't use the 5.7" rear suspension position because this shock touch the frame in this position. Good note: manitou is very fast when you have garanty problem and they send me a e-mail to apologized! The hutchinson scorpion are not very good. They wear fast and don't corner very well.The titec seatpost is cheap, it bent at the first ride.The deore rear ratchet is also cheap, I'll replace it soon. The psylo is OK even if I'm not a big fan of rockshox. I place the psylo in the weakness because i'm not sure about endurance of this product and because It fell not as good as the rear suspension (spongy feel, not the same control in rough). A fox talas would have be a better choice but $$$$$$$$! The psylo is a trash it product and upgrade later. The cable are also cut too long in the stock version. Even with this product I think that is a pretty good bike for the money, the handling is very good, and if the shock can hold on, this frame must be keep for upgrade later! Oh yes, the avid are awesome. They are cheap but perform better than a lot of hydraulics brake. Just keep you cable clean and maybe upgrade for good cable and housing (like teflon coating stainless cable). the titec components other than seatpost are great. Stan Notube tubeless (I use satndard tire with the stock x223 rims) is also a very good upgrade...lower tire pressure and no flat(I hope for a long periode) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Hemet, CA.
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hurkey Creek (24 hour race course) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Service Center, Hemet | | Strengths: | (I've owned this bike for 2 months) This is the ultimate trail bike... period! Incredible antibob characteristics (can make it bob slightly when really hammering hard out of the saddle), amazing bump absorbtion (we're talking plush yet with incredible control... not gooey), great frame (stiff, strong and it'll turn heads if you're into that), great brakes, great rims (pound em'... they'll stay true), hubs seems good (not sealed... but easily servicable when it comes time), and great front and rear derailers! | | Weaknesses: | Tires (Hutchison Scorpions), they don't hook up very well on rocks, most dirt (they do okay on hard pack), mud, and they hate sharp turns at speed. Upgrade to Panaracers FireXCpro 2.1 front and rear... the bike screams with these. The Psylo fork is pretty darn good... seems a bit springy (compared to the rear SPV shock). I upgraded the spring to the firmest Rockshox's offer (I weigh 200 pds) which made the bike ride much better. When Manitou comes out with their Minute Forks, I'm gettin' one! | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing... there simpley isn't another bike out there that I can compare with the versatility and ride the VT offers. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the tires and spring in the fork. | | Bottom Line: | What can I say? This is the untimate trail bike! It will take me to the finish-line of the next 24 Hours of Adrenaline at Hurkey Creek (going solo... whoa!). I can ride this baby for 60 and 70 miles... and feel like I've only ridden 10. It's a bike that many of us only dreamed of owning a couple years ago. Is it for you? No, if you're going to use it to race hardcore XC, huck six-plus footers on a regular basis, and/or are into extreme downhill. Yes, if you love to ride as far as you can, hit some small jumps (4 feet or less), speed through the technical down-hill, and come home smiling and ready to do it again tomorrow. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stewart
a Cross Country Rider
from Walpole, MA USA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Norwood | | Strengths: | This thing doesn't even know what bobbing is. I found it incredible. This bike climbs, descends, hops, does anything that you ask of it. The rear end is planted to the ground like nothing that I have ever ridden. I wish I could put to words how much I love this bike. I am 75" and 230# and I was worried about the spring in the fork because it has been taking some hits on the review sights, and the heavier spring is on back order. Well, I worried for nothing. The front end has come nowhere near bottoming out, but I am sure it would if I started hopping off of 3' drops. | | Weaknesses: | Small stuff. Right grip started to loosen on the first ride. Replaced with lock on grip. One of the tubes split on the seam on the first heavy ride I did on it. Also, comes with SPD pedals (which I hate) and I replaced with egg beaters. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro (tested) Last bike was a GT hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Changed grips, and pedals | | Bottom Line: | For the money this thing is a beast. I would say that it has the best parts spec and most performance out there. Even if you want the VT1 you are paying $1100 for a derailleur, wheels, crank, and a minute upgrade on the fork. Also, at 32lbs or so, there are better bikes out there for smaller people than me, so keep that in mind. But, if you are average size or better, buy this bike!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro, North Carolina USA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | I rode it at Cycles De Oro | | Strengths: | Super plush long travel, excellent "weight to durability ratio", excellent components, excellent value | | Weaknesses: | however most components are good, Hutchinson Scorpion tires suck and Titec components will work, but serious bikers will want something else | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Ac 1, Specialized BigHit Comp, Jamis Dakar XLT 1.0, Specialized FSR Comp, Giant NRS 1, | | Bike Setup: | Stock Giant VT Two | | Bottom Line: | The VT to me has become king of the all-mountain bikes by introducing this bike. Probably the best combiantion of lightweight, cross-country pedaling efficiency and long-travel suspension as well as the best bang for the buck. Any cross-country biker that wants a bike for every way they ride should focus on no other than the Giant VT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jixdog
a Cross Country Rider
from Livermore, CA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything at Wilder | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Pleasanton | | Strengths: | I like it all. | | Weaknesses: | No lockout on Pyslo XC. Seatpost too long. | | Similar Products Used: | My first full suspension! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except swapped Avid discs for Hayes hydros. Took stock Scorpions and replaced with Panaracers | | Bottom Line: | Haven't had an opportunity to really get dirty with it yet, but don't worry. It'll be put through the paces. I'm confident in the bikes Giant makes. I think they will deliver what they claim the SPV shock does. I dig Giant bikes for their service, which is in the form of the LBS. Any problem I've had in the past with my Rainier, I just bring the bike in and it's fixed without charge. Can't beat free. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jack Mowatt
a Cross Country Rider
from lantzville bc canada
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | monkeys in the mist | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | realm | | Strengths: | Cheap, great suspension travel , limited bobbing, wieght,, | | Weaknesses: | should have come with 203mm disc not the 170??mm not much room for the seat post to drop as it comes. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing to compair for the money!! my last bike was a NRS so I love no bobbing | | Bike Setup: | change seat to wtb xr., turned rear shock upside down.now the seat post can be dropped for the big drops,yea it works upside down. cut 2" off bars,change tires to parafires, .but a straight fender behind rear shock to keep the mud off it, | | Bottom Line: | so far this is a great bike for any price!! not a lot miles yet..butsmiling every ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Perry
a Racer
from Waverly, NY
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Shindagin area 51 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Rocky's Monroeton PA | | Strengths: | Suspension design, quality components, great brakes, very precise shifting | | Weaknesses: | cable routing, tubes (fluke?), usable seatpost range | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 2, GT Karakoram, Tested several other full suspension models | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Only used a couple of times, rear suspension was quite complex until I sat down and studdied cuttaway picture of suspension (highly recommend for tuning), Once you have the suspension dialed in you can cross 4" downed tree's and barely notice you even went over anything. So far I've ridden road and small amounts of singletrack, will have more information in a month, I'm going to downhill race it I'll keep everyone posted. It's a plus that you can dial the rear suspension in but if you set it for freeriding, it only freerides well, if you set it up for XC riding it does that well I have not yet found the happy medium will experiment with that. Definitely does not pedal efficiently in freeride mode. Overall I believe I've finally found the bike for me it's just going to be a little more time consuming and I'll have to set the bike up for the type of riding I'll be doing day by day. This bike is for someone that does not classify him/herself in any one specific riding catagory, it's a do everything great/do nothing perfect bike. I have been racing seriously XC for 3 years, and have begun freeriding within the last year and I feel as of right now it's the bike for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erick
a Weekend Warrior
from austin, texas, usa
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | -light weight for price and what you get
-xt
-psylo
-design
-the ride and handling | | Weaknesses: | none that I noticed | | Similar Products Used: | enduro, sugar, jamis | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | One of the best bikes I have ridden. Took it down steps and of drops on technical trail and it felt very plush and solid. My only concern is the weight and ablity to tackle rough ascents. I will probably end up buying this bike when I get the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay
a Weekend Warrior
from Truro Nova Scotia
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Hub Cycle, Truro Nova Scotia | | Strengths: | Titec, Psylo, XT, New design, almost 6" travel..no bobing | | Weaknesses: | Had to cut seat post....no big deal. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Ac 1, Gary Fisher Sugar. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for-up graded to x-firm spring in fork replaced Avid Mech's with Hayes Hydrualic. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great... Iam 275lbs.. After making all adjustments according to manitou it works awesome... very little bobbing feel and when the bike is into it's travel it feels bottomless... Iam a big guy and have been looking for a sturdy yet not to heavy machine. This is the one...!
With Hayes brakes and Time Pedals it is under 30lbs...Who can better the value, almost 6" travel well speced great wieght all for mere peanuts compared to other bikes in it's class. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris hull
a Cross Country Rider
from raleigh,nc,usa
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | linton, indiana, usa | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | nowhere special | | Strengths: | giant, avid, titec, manitou | | Weaknesses: | rock shox sux | | Similar Products Used: | gt idrive, fsr | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i tossed a manual down the first hill i came down on the demo, plush plush plush!! this is a killer ride for those who need an all mountain master, but dont have the $$ for a ellesworth. my idrive is toast, gt is bunk, waranty my lilly white arse...with giant you know they will be behind you... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from AZ
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Landis Cyclery | | Strengths: | Pedals extremely well. Very plush on the downhills, geometry feels great. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | When I first saw this bike in the catalog, I did not think I would like it. Now since I had the oppurtunity to ride it on a couple of long technical rides I am very impressed. When downhilling the travel seems bottomless, when climbing you don't notice any of the normal bobbing you would expect from a bike with almost 6 inches of travel. I did not get a chance to weigh it but I am guessing about 31 lbs, could easily be built under 30lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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