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Submitted by
calinrs
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA, United States
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | JPL | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikecology | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, pretty rigid, fast, light weight, setup is pretty much awesome for beginners | | Weaknesses: | pilot fork, python tires, brakes | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Avid BB7's, 180mm front and 160 rear, shimano xtr chain | | Bottom Line: | First off,this is my first full suspension bike and I never knew that one day I would actually take it out on single tracks, I really bought it for transportation around the city and some nature park paths on my way home from work. I was able to obtain the bike in 2003. but the bike model was the newer 2004. When I took it out to check out other bike shops, they all thought it was a neat bike and the setup was simple at that time for what I was using it for.
As of now, I ride single track and this thing is awesome! I havent touched the bike and never really upgraded anything besides the brakes! Its a simple bike, quick fly by and by looks, can easly be mistaken for a hardtail. Rides smooth up hill and all parts seem to work even though I have some that are on the near verg of failing. I like to ride till things break, not just upgrade right away because of what people say, you gotta ride the bike first and only you can find out what is needed for your own setup, wheels and brakes is what i would get some tips on as it all depends really on where you are riding and only those who ride on those trails would know. I ride really hard so I didnt want to add the cassette and chain in the weakness as this all went out by me over powering the drivetrain. I cracked the cassette's 9th gear and strecthed/replaced the chain twice until I moved on to the xtr chain. But for the real beginner, im sure they would need to build that muscle first before this can happen, me, I started on it with lots of torque power already gained in my legs.
The front fork went out pretty quick though might I say and this was during the period where I only road the bike in the street (about 1.5years). BUT! I still ride with this pilot fork on the single track, yeah, its hard to do some quick turns and some steep steps with out the bike fliping on you but hey, I at least know that this fork is deffinitly in need of an up grade, im looking into Fox racing as a replacement.
The wheels, hutchinson pythons, did ok on the street really grips on paved roads, we did a test on it coming down coral canyon road, was doing about 55 mph and hitting turns at which speed signs saying 35mph! We know this because my brother was following behind me in his car. But on the trails, I there was plenty of tread left, I was still slipping out on turns, very unstable at high speed on the dirt because these wheels simply do not grip enough. I am using some cheap kenda wheels off a kmart parts bike which have some nice teeth on the edges but still rather heavy but I can live with it as it grips like crazy! only which the rubber was softer and it would be more of a champ!
The brakes, i never really liked clamp brakes yet always had them so this was the first time using disk brakes.....GET EM! BB7 Mechanicals will do this bike just fine! yet is not a hassle to maintain and adjust, great for biggners but also good enough to flip you over the handle bars if you are not to careful (as a friend found out the hard way when he didnt beleave me that they stopped on a dime).
I would easily say, go for the nrs2 as it has better parts though all the nrs frames are the same except for the carbon series, but I like to upgrade my bike from the ground up, thats why I went for the NRS3, and I like the silver ;). As long as I got a good frame, thats all that really matters to me and the NRS frame is excellent! I still ride this bike on the same setup as when I first bought it (April 22, 2003) and its April 13, 2009! I will be upgrading the forks really soon but I think im going to keep tanking my way with the same drivetrain until I can afford it as the fork will eat up most of the bikes funding pot for now.
I recommend this bike for any entry level cross county XC biker intressted in learning the game. But ride your bike first and then see what is needed for your specs and your own liking. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ran chen
a Weekend Warrior
from ramat gan
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | cheep, good rear suspention, good body | | Weaknesses: | nrs 2 is the best for their pric.
had to up grade all the moving parts and the fork. | | Similar Products Used: | 1995 used the 970 atx of giant with full LX parts. | | Bottom Line: | do not buy them and go for the NRS 2 and up.
it's like buying a porsche body with lada parts. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Julius
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Extremely light for a MTB, affordable entry, solid rear suspension setup (Rock Shox SID), feels like a hardtail on climbs! | | Weaknesses: | Front suspension, Hutchinson Python tires, chain may skip from 2nd gear to 1st gear under heavy load. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Trance 2 | | Bike Setup: | Cross country and Trail. | | Bottom Line: | I felt like I stole this bike with the perfomance it could dish out for under $1,000. If you could find this bike thru dealers, friends, and anywhere else buy it! Even the NRS3 frame is the same as the 1 and 2. If you ride serious please please upgrade the tires and fork. The Pilot SL is terrible for riders +200lbs. Tires were terrible (can't corner and wore quickly). Uphill oh boy this bike can fly! Upgrade to disc brakes if possible. I added Avid BB7, Rock Shox Reba SL, Mavic CrossRides and turned it into a XC/Trail beast! Paying attention to the chain wear is key DO NOT ignore it or you will damage your drivetrain. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
graham fergus
a Cross Country Rider
from uk
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | hamsterley forest black run | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | uk shop | | Strengths: | light weight and comes with pretty good components. Shimanio, race face crank set. Shram v brakes and average huchision xc tyres. | | Weaknesses: | front forks are not very easy to adjust and the air system takes a while to get used to. | | Similar Products Used: | scott | | Bike Setup: | now up graded the forks and replaced the tyres to contintental explorers. Disc brakes where a must and i chose shram hydralic . | | Bottom Line: | The bike comes ready to go. this i found was a good upgrade from an old scrapper. The bike feels very light and difficult to get used to at the start but afet 5 or 6 rides i found the correct set up for myself and was very comfortable. £400.00 bought me this bike and i have found myself doing the same as many other XC riders with out difficulty. Due to the gearing and weight composition it is very easy to accelarate on inclines and goes like a bat out of hell on the downs. As i upgraded i have started to build a hard tail and used all the old parts to make it up . I love my bike and would recommend it for and new riders. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Super Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Leeds, UK
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesense, Tadcaster, UK | | Strengths: | Price, full suspension, 31lb weight, looks, handling | | Weaknesses: | Occasional gear slip under heavy pressure | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard off the shelf | | Bottom Line: | Having decided to upgrade from my 9 year old hardtail & hard nose mtb, I was wondering whether to spend my hard earned wedge on a hardtail with front sus or this full susser. I was concerned whether I would loose out on climbs with a full susser over a hardtail. My riding preference is xc.
I decided that I would regret not going for the full sus option, so I bought the Giant NRS 3. This is a SUPERB bike. It climbs virtually by itself thanks to it's light weight (compared to many other full sussers - 31lb). It is entremely well balanced, meaning it will take you up, round and down anything with confidence. The hydrailic discs stop me on a sixpence in any weather, even when covered in mud.
Giant are replacing this bike so it's possible to negotiate deals with retailers, making the attractive pricetag positively stunning.
My only annoyance is when powering down hard in 2nd gear, it slips into 3rd. This may be gear setup but I suspect it's more likely due to the tail flex others here have mentioned.
In conclusion, if you have £600 sheets burning a hole and are tempted by full sus (which you should be!), buy this. It looks hard, rides hard, climbs hard and loves being treated like a dawg! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Highlands Ranch, CO
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I am riding | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Colorado | | Strengths: | All around great MTB, lightweight, excellent riding position and response for a 5'10 192 lb guy. Solid Full suspension, no bob on uphill. Solid Mavic x139 wheelset, i beat on em for 2 yrs b4 replacing. It was the right price for an mid grade entry level bike. I should be using it for years and wil definetly consider other Giant bikes in the future. | | Weaknesses: | Should come with Pilot SL forks adjusted to 100 MM not 80 MM,Python tires were replaced in under 60 days,no shoulder for cornering. Replaced chain in first 6 - 9 months. | | Similar Products Used: | None, my first full suspension bike. Was on GT Hardtail b4. | | Bike Setup: | New Mavic 717, Replaced Avid Single Digit 3 with digit 7 V Brakes (I wore the front pair out), New Easton EA70 seat post (got fat & or wrecked and bent old titec), running with Fire XC Pro Tires and swap with Specialized Enduro's for single track mountain. | | Bottom Line: | This is one sweet bike. It does everything except extreme downhill. If you want downhill check out the 05 Giant bikes reign and faith. This NRS will treat you right, for a first time full suspension and beyond. Excellent riding position makes for a comfortable ride, better response and handling on technical trails. The center shock is a little weird with pressure because of the geometry of the bike. None of the shops told the same story, so I called Rock Shock and Giant to confirm. Almost no other bike requires your riding weight (clothes, Camel Back and all)in pressure PSI on top chamber (no more than 250 psi top), no more than 50 psi bottom. The bike is rigid, prevents compression loss, is perfect for climbing and knows when to absorb shock riding back down hill. One sweet bike. I have used this bike riding, colorado front range single tracks, Green and Blue single track trails at Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge, WinterPark and Copper mountain resorts in Colorado. And had a great ride everytime. You dont need a bike that costs twice as much to have a good time, but you need a better bike than WalMart sells to do these type of rides. GIANT NRS is the ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lucas
a Cross Country Rider
from Krakow, Poland
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This bike sells on it's excellent rear suspension, go ahead and find me a better system... then again... dont bother - there is none | | Weaknesses: | like people below said, accessories are crap and tires are hopeless, frame on my NRS was made from AluXX, not the AluXX SL | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive, kelly's beast | | Bike Setup: | put on XT deraileurs, SRAM Rocket shifters, Magura Julie, suntour E-LO up front | | Bottom Line: | Excellent XC bike, competition just doesn't seem to be able to catch up. It feels like a hardtail untill you get on bumpy surfaces - I noticed the difference (as compared to hardtails) especially on downhill singletracks full of tree roots and some loose stones (theres lots of those here). At the same time this bike climbs like mad with absolutely no loss of energy - speaking of which, it is a good idea to invest into front fork with lock out. then you can change your NRS into rigid bike when need be.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ev
a Cross Country Rider
from Edm, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | from a family member | | Strengths: | VALUE, VALUE, VALUE,
NRS rear suspension works great.
Pretty light for its price. | | Weaknesses: | The front shock bobs lots, if you get serious, i would buy a fox shock with lockout.
Stock rims are heavy, try upgrading to crossmax. | | Bike Setup: | Giant NRS 3, added disc brakes, | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome value bike, you can find it for around 1000$ on ebay, pink bike, ext. The rear shock is the best system without a lockout on the market. THis bike is best with 'Wildgripper' tires on it (by michelin). If you get more serious the upgrades you would want would be a new front shock, new wheels, and a new seat & post. If you are just getting into mountain biking this is the bike for you.
And dont worry about upgrades, they are easy to get, the frame will last a lifetime. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damián Lara
a Cross Country Rider
from Juarez Chihuahua/El Paso TX
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Chupacabras 100 KM | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$660.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Very light to be a full suspention, the same as NRS AIR and 5 grams lighter than the carbon fiber frame, very strong rims, true NRS system no one has it I had a Santa Cruz but this is much better in performance every thing is marketing this one is a very good and strong bike | | Weaknesses: | Not the bike the python tires are very light but not durable the chain has broke in the first ride | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | For me the components are like jewels a few ones really make a difference but I put the Titec Titanium Stem, the Giant Carbon fiber seat post, Weyless Carbon fiber Hand bar, Sette titanium skewers, XT rear and front derailleur, Velociraptor tires and the Mavic Cross Ride Rims | | Bottom Line: | Just remeber this... everything in this hobbie is marketing first thing if you need less weight start with you then continue with the bike my handle bar is the CFX2 weyless and is a 175 gms 30.00 bucks if you want the CFX1 is 30 bucks too but is 125 gms new very good artifacts the titec titanium stem is 150 gms 50 bucks new, the sette titanium skewers 18 dlls, the seat post 50 dlls, my mavic cross ride rims are very light and durable you do not have to pay over 600 dlls to have a light weight rims i bought them for just 140 dlls new on ebay, theres not too much option on the derailleurs but buy the shimano XT they are the same as the XTR the only difference is the price so do not spend money the pilot fork is the child of the SID Fork just heavier now my bike works like a cadillac for me is the best I have money to buy a Santa Cruz Blur but it does not make any sense just to brag it Theres some better bikes but remember Lance Armstrong defeat you with a Wal-Mart bike improve your self comments dlara@telennia.net | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dwayne Weeks
a Cross Country Rider
from 617 Overbrook Road, Baltimore, USA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Knob XC Expert race trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Good strong mountain bike for cross country, climbing, rock gardens, log jumping, mud skidding, single track, and having fun in the woods. Get the front and rear shock air pressure adjusted at the bike shop before you leave the shop, and make sure the bike fits your frame. The Perfomance Bike folks were great with bike set up and adjustments, and this needs to be done before you ride hard. | | Weaknesses: | Replace the Hutchison python lite tires before you ride in the rain, mud, rocks, or anywhere other then dry-hardpack. If you ride on the east-coast, these tires are not for you. The original tire side-walls were ripped out in the rock gardens within 3 months, and I am glad they expired. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard-rock, no-suspension (no comparision) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for upgrade to Richie seatpost and IRC Mythos 2.1 tires which were a massive improvement to bike. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the guy (or girl) who likes to ride hard in a wide variety of conditions. The Rock Shox pilot SL fork works fine as long as it is adjusted for your wieght, and you set the re-bound for your riding conditions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Pocatello, ID USA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bartlet wash, moab | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$825.00 | | Strengths: | I feel like I have a lot of control on this bike. I like to be able to feel what I'm riding on a little bit. The bike I had before this one was an older Marin hardtail, so maybe it's just a comfortable transition for me.
Avid V brakes bring me to a hault, and that's all I would ask of them. I've never ridden disk brakes, and I don't really have a desire to.
The dampening on the rear shock is very adjustable, and the shock is very efficient on the uphill battle. I was considering other bikes with more aggressive suspension, but it seemed like the uphill bob, and additional weight really dragged me down. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are going to be an immediate replacement for any semi-serious rider. Not only do the "pythons" wear fast, the shoulders are not knobby enough for tight cornering.
There have been times where I wished I had more travel in the fork. I'm still deciding if I like the Pilot or not. I have had some little problems with chain suction. | | Similar Products Used: | marin eldridge grade | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Yeah I know, LAME. My wallet is still recovering from the initial purchase of the bike. I'm poe "will work for accessories" | | Bottom Line: | I'm more of a rider than a reader. I don't know a lot of technical stuff. Of course we all know that the three is the cheap version, and we're going to add our own little goodies as we can afford them. It's a good bike for those of us who are still willing to do the uphill to get the reward of the downhill.
I knew before I got this bike that giant cut corners on things like the fork and tires to make the bike more affordable. I planned for upgrades of parts. But for someone who just came off of an older hardtail, it's already a primo bike. (although they may as well be selling these things with no tires). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Malden, Ma
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Race course at Camden Snow Bowl - Camden, ME | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Maine Sport, Camden, ME | | Strengths: | Does not feel like you are losing any power on the uphills. Great riding position. Feels fast, and it is. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are weak... work well on fast dirt. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3+DISC | | Bike Setup: | Stock + pedals, chain rings(repair), and a rock ring. | | Bottom Line: | Great full suspension bike. I wanted the NRS2 for the disc brakes, but it was sold before I could snag it. I'll upgrade to disc soon. I've been riding about a year on the suggested setup, but I tried the new rear shock setup as suggested by another review. It is worth trying... body weight - 10PSI in the (+), then 100PSI in the (-). Now it's an even better ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Jimma
a Cross Country Rider
from London UK
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Some place in Twickenham | | Strengths: | Great first full suss bike. Good components for the price. Also good for road use. | | Weaknesses: | Could do with better forks. Tires suck. Had to replace the raceface cranks due to unsolvable creaking issues | | Bike Setup: | Factory spec with Hope mono minis, hope XC hubs, mavic x618 rims and Deore Hollowtech cranks.
| | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike about a year and a half ago. Sadly its not seen as much xc as i'd like and a bit too much road but then I use it to get to work every day. With that in mind though, i'd have been hard pressed to find a better full suss for road use (for the price, obviously). There really is very little bob on hard climbs and yet the rear suss soaks up the bumpy stuff. Its so damn light, yet it dosen't feel flimsy and when I get the chance I can still chuck it about a bit on the trail. I've put some weedy 1 inch tires on it for road use and now can overtake roadies!
Not too keen on the forks though.. definately my next upgrade. Oh and stick some disks on if you have the chance... the v's aren't bad but don't compare to a good set of disks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake Wiggins
a Weekend Warrior
from Mobile
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bama Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Cadence 120 | | Strengths: | Great overall bike, love the no sag suspension, all the advantages of a softail without the disadvantages!! | | Weaknesses: | The chain will rideup on the lower part of the swingarm if you shift the front derailer during hard cranking (makin you fall mostly)... the Hitchison Python tires belong on a road bike NOT a MOUNTAIN BIKE!! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll 400 | | Bike Setup: | Titec bar ends, IRC Mythose XC tires... otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for someone who wants a great bike for a good price, performs VERY VERY well!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a
from montreal, canada
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | nice priced for an awsome bike. same frame as NRS2, NRS1. | | Weaknesses: | craking/squeezing sounds at where you tighten your seatpost ('cause dirt gets in from there??). | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to rock shox SID XL, hayes hydraulic disk brakes and disk rims. everything else stock | | Bottom Line: | even stock, it's a very good XC bike. as i did the upgrade the front shocks, it performs much better (the pilot SL that came with was kinda crappy). Wide range of upgrading because the NRS 3 frame is the same as the NRS 2 and NRS 1 but different components. Just when you get to the level of wanting a high perf xc bike, change your components and you will have a NRS 1! :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Rawlins
a Cross Country Rider
from Cordova, Alaska, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | the state of Ak | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | HDK Cycles in Virginia (do NOT recommend them) | | Strengths: | Awesome frame and suspension geometry, pretty decent components, lightweight, ergos are about perfect for me, and it just looks killer. | | Weaknesses: | Stock fork sucks, the tires are junk, and the brakes comes out of adjustment fairly quickly | | Similar Products Used: | mostly hardtails, Specialized FSR, Rockhopper, C'dale Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the addition of an NSR-1 rear shock (adjustable rebound) | | Bottom Line: | Quite the deal. It is just an awesome pure XC bike - I get beat up a lot less and go much faster than a comparable hardtail. It just needs to come with better stock tires. I'm ditching the Hutchinsons and putting on WTB Velociraptors!
You can't go wrong with this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | foothills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Suspension is great, looks great just setting in the garage (and even better on the trail), possibliity for upgrades | | Weaknesses: | Pilot SL fork seems like crap, after the first month the seal blew and i had to send it back to rock shox, not the greatest components (but what do you want for the price) | | Similar Products Used: | Old crappy hardtail, test rode specialized epic with brain shock | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike. I am fifteen years old and spent my life savings for this bike, i have not been disappointed with its performance other than the fork problem. If you are a light teenage or adult rider and want a nice bike, this could be it. However keep in mind this is not a downhill bike or a freeride bike or anything like that. it is a fairly lightweight xc bike. it is home on a small jump park and can do some small drops and really shines on singletrack when you want to go fast. this bike climbs like no other bike, i can climb stuff that i never thought would be possible on any bike the suspension feels like the specialized epic, so this is a great, cheaper alternative | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gorio
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaheim, CA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | whittier | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | nice silver paint job, no bob SID rear shock, affordable, comfortable v rocket seats, looks awesome. | | Weaknesses: | im not sure about the pilot fork, a bit too slushy for me. chain jumped out of the gears a few times, maybe needs some tuning. | | Similar Products Used: | other bike is an old school trek y3, and test ride all kinds of bikes. | | Bike Setup: | carbon fiber handlebars, eggbeater pedals, and everything else are stock. | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike for its price. great for weekend warriors. recommend this bike for beginners to intermediate mtbers. buy this bike then personalize it with the components you like. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | my yard | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$505.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Ok, I just have to say almost everything, beacuse it comes with some awesome stock parts for what you are going to pay. | | Weaknesses: | the judys, crankset a little on the heavy side | | Similar Products Used: | GTS, Treks, specailized | | Bike Setup: | stock, excluding the fork, upgrade to a duke. | | Bottom Line: | If you want to begin to ride, without getting a huffy, or anything close to it get this, awesome all around, not on complaint with it so far, its good for beginners, and all the way up.
The only bad thing i have to say is that they should add another 100$ to the price and put a better fork, because i just hate judys.
I would say that if you don't have this bike already you should just go out and buy it already, because iif you don't you will never no what you are missing for an awesome XC bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Painter
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Starr Pass | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | not a bad entry levle bike for a weekend rider, not ment for much more. | | Weaknesses: | Since I bought this bike I have had a problem with the chain jumping off the front middle chain ring while I was climbing. Thank God I bought this bike at Performanace Bke shop because those guys have changed out the bottom bracket, adjusted the bike a few dozen times and have tried everything else to fix this problme. They have Contacted Giant to see if there is any thingk Giant can do to fix this problem. The bottom line is that since I am about 250lbs really crank while I am climbing they think the rear end linkage is twisting and causing the chain to jump off the front. Performance is giving me a full refund of purchase price and I going to up grade to a better bike, not a Giant. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new tires. Python lites are useless | | Bottom Line: | If you are over 250 this is not the bike for you. Maybe I got a lemon but the new NRS3 has a much shorter linkage in and should be stronger. I would not have believed this could have ever been a problem but after 6 months of the same problem I am moveing on to a better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordan
a Cross Country Rider
from Zagreb, Croatia
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Turbo sport | | Strengths: | Climbs really well, due to the geometry feels very stable downhill. After quite a lot of searching, I finaly feel peacefull and I'm focused on riding now. | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the heavy side, otherwise truly good performer. Paintwork very sensitive to scratches. | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 2, NRS Team, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Marzzocchi MXC ECC, Full XT group, XT discs, XTR rear der, Ritchey WCS, Mavic 219D/Hutchinson Scorpion, Swissstop disc pads, WTB Rocket V, Ritchey V-3 Comp | | Bottom Line: | Actually, I bought complete NRS 4 bike, but used only the frame. I built it with parts I bought before and I can say that this setup is the result of lot of experimenting. My preference is to set shoch a bit softer - comfort is preserved but pedaling efficiency is still very high. Considering the price it is really a hell lot of good ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Freeman
a
from Nampa, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hulls Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bobs Bikes Boise Idaho ROCKS!! | | Strengths: | Rides like a Hardtail. Looks Awesome. Huge value for the money!! No other bike comes close for this price. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork is cheese (I am 6-4 230 it is a little soft for my liking) Keep looking at the price. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Haro extreme, Schwinn, Fisher Sugar, Specialslut FSR comp, Turner 5 spot, Turner XC etc I swear I rode them all. | | Bike Setup: | XL Frame in Blue (Had to special order) Avid Discs Sun rhino lite rims XT hubs, BLUE Panaracer Fire XC 2.1 tires. (This bike looks FINE) | | Bottom Line: | If you have less than 3K there is no reason to keep looking. This bike is the ultimate climber for the money. I swear there is no BOB in the butt. You can stand up and pedal and still feel solid. Comming down is great. It is an XC bike not a DH so ignore any comments by lazy DH riders. (You don't use a pickup to get this bike to the top.) If you have the money go for the nrs2 it is 1600 but you get discs and a better fork and hubs and stuff. My buddies have Turners (4k) and this bike is more efficent pedaling and I kick their butts. I am serious you don't need a lockout with this bike. Besides this thousand dollar bike comes with the same frame as the $3k NRSAIR just cheaper components so you can upgrade forever. I race and this is the best bike for the money hands down !!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | somewhere in west Marin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Light, good parts spec except fork and NO BOB when climbing. Dream silver glows in cloudy light! | | Weaknesses: | The Rock Shox Pilot SL fork does not work for anyone large. I weigh 215 lbs and have always used Marzochhi shocks for their stiffness. The steering of the Pilot fork is so wobbly that I have lost control in rock gardens and cutting up my shins. Forget about uphill switchbacks, you will lose control or confidence in this fork. I have replaced it with the newest BOMBER-- a Fox Float RLC on the advice from the mechanics at Gravy Wheels and have not regretted this ($525) upgrade! The Pilot is going to my 100 lbs. son on his MTB. The tires could be better but I've been riding in mud and rain and these are racing tires for dry conditions. Also, I'm not sure if it was the builder (Performance) or Giant but grease and retighten everything! | | Similar Products Used: | 14 years of hardtails, Sugar, Enduro, Superlight, Dakar and Trek | | Bike Setup: | Large NRS, Fox Float RLC 80mm, Avid mech discs, Rhynolites, Motoraptors (winter) | | Bottom Line: | I've been dreaming about this bike for a long time and it lives up to it and the reviews I've found here. Since I'm on a budget, $900 for the bike is a deal. Keep the rear SID--it works great., change the fork ($525) and add discs (from a Performance team card for buying the bike, I got a set for $90) wheels for another $90. So, for a grand total of $1605 I have something comparable to a $1800 NRS1 but with the fork of my choice (in fact the fork of just about everybodies choice).
But the ride is worth mentioning. Changing from hardtail riding to full suspension has changed the way I look at the trail. I can bomb down stuff that I would normally pick a line for. For crosscountry riding, this is the bike. Just make sure to set the rear shock to specs and maybe add 10-20 psi in the negative for a little dampening, I haven't noticed anything different though. I get full travel on the SID and the frame has a nice lateral stiffness now that I have a better fork.
One observation that may ruin the whole ride is that the frameset has some thin walls in the middle and that I have a very slight depression on the top tube from either a bike carrier or something that fell on it. So be careful with how you handle the bike.
A great ride; quiet, fast, light and bombs the heck through singletrack!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reed Uhlemann
a Downhiller
from littleton colorado
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | i dunno proqupine rim | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Kahuna Bicycels | | Strengths: | strong frame can take a beating
| | Weaknesses: | tires blow and so does fork | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel | | Bike Setup: | lots of dh parts thats y im selling the frame to get a dh | | Bottom Line: | this bike is good for xc i bought it for fun but then i started to freeride alot and the frame has held up well but dont get it even if you are thinking of doing anything hardcore just get a giant ac or dh or if you like to go between freeride and xc then get a giant vt | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonas Mendoza
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, Pa. USA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Belmont Plateau | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Breakaway Bikes | | Strengths: | Light weight alluminum frame, great frame geometry, 4 point rear suspension linkage works like a charm, drivetrain shifts like an XT bike, rim brakes are smooth and powerful | | Weaknesses: | Judy XC front shock could be stiffer, Scorpion Air lite tires wear to quiclky, | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, C-Dale, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock: LX rear, Deore front, Giant Hubs, Giant cranks, | | Bottom Line: | The price I paid is well worth it. Keep the bike tuned properly and it will ride the way it was intended. Change your tires according to terrain. By the time you read this, my NRS-3 will be a full XT XC bike, with the suspension switched to the Carbon World Cup SID fork w/lockout, SID rear suspension w/lockout, carbon seat post and handle bars. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy C
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | san rafael trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Alameda bicycle | | Strengths: | NRS setup is great and really helps when your trying to smash up those hills. Feels and acts just like a hardtail climbimg up and still has all great features of dual suspension bike once the trail starts to get crazy bumpy again or your jumping around. front suspension is sufficient and is plenlty for all your small to average sized drops and jumps(remember, this is a xc bike). | | Weaknesses: | my drivetrain has had some good amount of problems, had to replace casssette and chain and adjust derailluer hanger multiple times. | | Similar Products Used: | demo'd, fsr, trek fuel, gary fisher sugar | | Bike Setup: | Giant NRS 3....sun ringle singletrack rims, xt hubs, avid ball-bearing discs, michelin wildgripper hot s', deaore lx rear cassette, XT chain, shimano pedals, cycle computer | | Bottom Line: | Great bike overall, especially for all you XC riders out there looking for a little more plush ride for your behind and still want to go fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Netcong, NJ
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Run State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleworks | | Strengths: | Compared to my other bike, light! First full suspension bike and I love it. | | Weaknesses: | Chain slaps like crazy. Derailers won't shift completely into 1-1 or 3-7 but a little adjustment and it works fine. | | Similar Products Used: | Mostly GT HT | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now. Winter is when the work will be done. | | Bottom Line: | I think this is a great bike for the price. I use to be a die hardtailer that said I would never go full. The NSR3 made a lier out of me. There is no bob, which was my big concern, and the rear suspension makes it a joy to rip down single track. I don't know if it was the actual bike or the fact I don't have a 50 pound bike any more, that I am no longer in the back of the pack. The blue paint is awesome! Catches the ladies eyes when you go flying by. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Folkestone, England
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bonethrone Bikes | | Strengths: | Lightweight and build quality, climbing and excellent value for money | | Weaknesses: | Tyres, and gear shifting sometimes a little vague - probably a set up thing though. Brakes not quite powerful enough - I'm 92kg. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | This bike is excellent value for money and great for the first timer / enthusiast. As mentioned below maybe the NRS2 would’ve been a better investment in terms of the upgrades that I’m already considering.
One area that I feel is very weak is the tyres. Yes they are light but useless in the wet/mud and puncture way too easily – especially with super lite inner tubes. I am a little disappointed by this.
Overall a great bike that I’m pleased I bought. With a couple of, reasonably cheap, upgrades it really is a great go (almost) anywhere XC bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
François Dumais
a Cross Country Rider
from L'Assomption, Québec, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Centre du vélo | | Strengths: | Very light frame, efficient v-brakes, great climber, quality drailleur and shifter ( even though not top of the line ), handles like charm
looks cool , excellent price/ quality ratio, perfect for first-timers (like me ) | | Weaknesses: | seat is average, setting the rear shock is easy but needs a lot of time and trial to get PERFECT results, light tires but very fragile and wears very fast | | Bottom Line: | The NRS 3 is my firts real mountain bike and I'm in love with it, I can't even count how many hours I've spent riding on this bike.The NRS 3 is the perfect XC bike for first timers you will get you money's worth and have great time. If you want a full suspension bike for a low price this is the one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Regan Nopenottelling
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Majura/Kowen | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | All over the place | | Strengths: | 1. Same frame as NRS 1 and 2 (can't emphasis how important that is) with the addition of V-Brake Mounts.
2. Light
3. In-expensive
4. Everyone likes silver frames (only kidding)
Best Frame around for me, the fact it's the same as the NRS1+2, with the addition of V-Brake mount points makes it a bonus. See I can't stop.
Excellent bike for XC | | Weaknesses: | NRS3 doesn't carry the lockout of the rear shock (RS-SID '03) like the NRS 1 and 2, you can however upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Raceline and a number of other frames in my life time. The group I ride with use either Cannondale (Expensive) or Giant (In-Expensive but high quality and easy to upgrade). | | Bike Setup: | NRS3 '03 frame purchased on it's own. Rest of Bike is custom built (best way to build a bike!).
XTR Front & Rear Derailuer
XT Groupset (Cassette, Cranks etc)
XT DISC Brakes
Mavic X.31 DISC Brakes with Continental Explorer's
I've seen two versions of this bike. Stock and Custom. The stock componentry will do for a while but for serious play consider upgrading to XT (at a minimum). | | Bottom Line: | Frame review only.
Light, highly durable and a good base for an awesome bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Regan Nopenottelling
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Majura/Kowen | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | All over the place | | Strengths: | 1. Same frame as NRS 1 and 2 (can't emphasis how important that is) with the addition of V-Brake Mounts.
2. Light
3. In-expensive
4. Everyone likes silver frames (only kidding)
Best Frame around for me, the fact it's the same as the NRS1+2, with the addition of V-Brake mount points makes it a bonus. See I can't stop.
Excellent bike for XC | | Weaknesses: | NRS3 doesn't carry the lockout of the rear shock (RS-SID '03) like the NRS 1 and 2, you can however upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Raceline and a number of other frames in my life time. The group I ride with use either Cannondale (Expensive) or Giant (In-Expensive but high quality and easy to upgrade). | | Bike Setup: | NRS3 '03 frame purchased on it's own. Rest of Bike is custom built (best way to build a bike!).
XTR Front & Rear Derailuer
XT Groupset (Cassette, Cranks etc)
XT DISC Brakes
Mavic X.31 DISC Brakes with Continental Explorer's
I've seen two versions of this bike. Stock and Custom. The stock componentry will do for a while but for serious play consider upgrading to XT (at a minimum). | | Bottom Line: | Frame review only.
Light, highly durable and a good base for an awesome bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NRS3
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumming, GA USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1099.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Cycles- Oakwood, GA | | Strengths: | 1-2 trail rides per week for about 6 weeks so far. One race (Tumbling Creek - Gainesville College). Daily rides in the hood. Incredible bike for the money. Rear suspension does its job and soaks up the hard stuff. As advertised, no bob under aceleration, but some does show up cruising on pavement (can mostly eliminate by increasing rebound adjust setting and increasing (+) air setting). No XT / XTR components, but Shimano LX rear derailler & Deore shifters work like a charm so far. Extremely fast & easy to shift. Avid V-brakes work very well with low effort. Light & fast FS bike for the $. Excellent climber. Couldn't ask for more performance at this price. Looks great just sitting still (silver color option). Front Pilot SL works well and seems to be a good value for the $. Hutchison Python Air Light tires are lightweight and fast - above average traction on hard pack and very light soft pack. Helped me lose over 20# - no longer a Clydesdale. | | Weaknesses: | Paint rub due to cable routing. Fixed / prevented with clear tape - easy fix. Stock SID rear with no adjust blew (-) chamber within 2 weeks. LBS / Rockshox replaced with SID rear-rebound adjust(what a difference!). Fantastic improvement and holds air so far. Also quiet. Chain slap fixed with Lizard Skin - no big deal. Rare but occasional ghost shifting, but may be my own fault - hitting shifters in technical situations. No rear frame flex noted as mentioned in some other reviews. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 80. Specialized Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Stock NRS3 except for SID rear upgraded to rebound adjust (would not want to have the bike without it). | | Bottom Line: | I can't find a better XC bike for the money.
Thanks Giant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joeski
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Palmer Park/Edna Mae. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Solid frame. The NRS system is amazing! Climbs like a mountain goat, Race Face cranks, SID rear shock, Pilot front shock. Absolutley NO Pedal bob.... climbs like a hardtail, bombs like a downhill rig. | | Weaknesses: | LOTS of chainslap (nothing a lizard skin won't fix), brakes, wheelset. | | Similar Products Used: | ProFlex (Piece of garbage) Specialized RockHopper, Jamis Dakar. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except Primo sealed platform pedals, lizard skins on forks, rear shock and chainstay, added Avid mech discs. | | Bottom Line: | For the value, this bike cannot be beat. I've only taken it on two hard rides, but the NRS is amazing. It's suple when it needs to be (downhills, faster, more technical stuff) and hardens up when you climb. The thing eats trail like a hardtail, i can't get over how well this bike climbs. No pedal bob. This bike is ideal for an XC rider on a budget.
After riding a piece of sh*t of ProFlex for a year, this bike is a gift from above.
I'll submit an update after i take this thing on some longer, epic rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Middlesex | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great bike, no suspension bob. Really great parts for the money. The same price Trek Fuel has all Bonterager components, this comes with RaceFace cranks and other higher-end parts. It's very light in my opinion coming off my last bike. Climbs like some kinda of mountain goat. Up anything imaginable. | | Weaknesses: | As it turned out, the rim bra was very sharp on the edges, and if i hit anything hard in the front to the edge of the tire, the rim bra moved and cut the tube. I also got a hole in the sidewall of the front in the first month or so. But other than that no problems, I actually loved the Python Airlight tires | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuels, various other full suspension. None can compare. | | Bike Setup: | Blue NRS, stock except for Continental Vert. Pro in the front | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line: great cross country bike, I use mine for racing also. It's really worth the price, you get a lotta great stuff for what you pay. Value.. 5 flaming chilies.
Overall, 5 cause I love, the tire problems weren't that bad, and I was planing on replacing them anyways | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Rothrock
a Cross Country Rider
from Vienna ohio
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Alaska the hole state | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Frankfor bycle shop | | Strengths: | ekelent fram, no bob at all, great climber, fun all around bike, great bike for the prist | | Weaknesses: | seat post bent on me it could be free | | Similar Products Used: | a cheep ol peas of juke k mart huffy imitation DH bike. that dosen't compair | | Bike Setup: | stok ecept seat post, but y change any thing | | Bottom Line: | i couldn't believ the price for how much bike i got for the price. the fram is the same as a nrs air so it feels like a race bike with out a hole bernt in my poket. i would like to go to disks and a manitue black front fork. the fork dosen't have that much travel to is so 120mm would help. but on the bottom line you get a lot of bike for the $$$$!!!
I halled it to alask and it out preformed the oter bikes. well i can't say enouf. it's a great bike. i rekomend you tring out some other biks though | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan Lacsamana
a Weekend Warrior
from Angeles City, Philippines
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sapang Uwak, Porac, Pampanga | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | from a roadie | | Strengths: | Great geometry. Zero bob. Above average paint job. Relatively light weight. | | Weaknesses: | It's the ultimate xc bike for those a lil tight on the budget. I hope it can accomodate more than a 4" frame shox. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Trail bike: Psylo fork, deore/deore xt components, SRAM cog, Mavic/deore wheelset, Nokian Xtrak tires | | Bottom Line: | Great value for money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff chiswell
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Narrowneck | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Blackmans @ Blacktown | | Strengths: | No rebound, fantastic granny gear, smooth ride, very light weight, good suspension - suits the heavier rider, good equipment spec for what I paid. | | Weaknesses: | The seat was rock hard (swapped it with the seat off my old Giant Boulder SE) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Boulder SE hardtail, Kona Manomano | | Bike Setup: | Pilot XC forks, Deore derailleurs, raceface cranks | | Bottom Line: | Brilliant bike for the price - great spec, lightweight and ideal for a first time dually rider.
Looking back I should have gone the NRS2 with disc brakes as the Avids had a bit of trouble holding back my 95kg (200 lb) body on the very steep downhills (such as Andersons firetrail into Bedford Creek). Have since added Deore mechanical discs - problem solved.
Overall a great bike for the weekend rider who likes a bit of performance | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly Osborn
a Cross Country Rider
from Carbondale CO USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ajax Bike & Sport Carbondale | | Strengths: | has NRS, Light Frame | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, Bottom Brakcet, Wheelset and fork | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper Comp | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Skareb Comp, XTR Brakes, Coda Cranks, XT Cassette and Shimano bottom Bracket and Ritchey Zmax 2.3 Tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an awesome. However the Cranks, bottom bracket wheels and hubs are $hit. If i would have known i would have spent the extra money and just bought the NRS 2
If you are JUST beginning then this bike is great but just buy anyways just buy the 2 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Painter
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Starr Pass | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Price for what you get. The bike had everything I was looking for at under $1000. Being my first full suspension it was a little too easy to go way too fast on the trail but it handled everything I give on its first day out on the trail. Performance Bikes give lifetime adjustments and tune ups? I will be taking full advantage of this service. My 20.5 inch frame weight in at 28 lbs which I could not believe. | | Weaknesses: | The Pilot SL may be a little soft for my 250lb. I Need to upgrade to something a little more stiff. The guys at Perfomance Bikes told me about an upgrade to stiffer spring kit for the Pilot SL.. Looking into this currently.
| | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | For my first full suspension bike, I am very happy. I am looking forward to putting alot of miles on this bike. The rear suspension system handled my 250lbs which sorta susprised me. I guess the SID shock did its job. I think this is a great entry level bike for any weekend X-country rider who does not want to spend alot of cash. Only up grade I am looking into are Bar Ends. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg T
a Cross Country Rider
from North Eastern, USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Don't know yet. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Piche's Ski and Sports Shop | | Strengths: | Being my first full suspension bike i was a bit worried about weight and the diffuculty of riding. This bike changed my whole outlook, the rear suspension is wonderful, very quite (not sqeaky at all) and the front suspension is great also. The frame is extremly light and durable (so far) and i have found going uphills to be no problem at all. Because of the easy to udjust shocks i can change the stifness, making uphill or downhill or extremley bumpy rides a breeze. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness's i have found are the rims are a bit on the weaker side and arn't as durable, so I'd recomend changing from a XC rim to something stronger. The other weakness i found was that sometimes when shifting gears it doesn't shift all the way...but nothing 10 minutes can't adjust properly. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Diamond Back, Haro | | Bike Setup: | Front suspension is Air Judy and rear is Sid. (both work great. Alluminum Aloe 6000 frame, size 18.5 | | Bottom Line: | If you're a new too moderate rider who is looking to really get into MT biking i would recomend this bike. It is very light and easy for people who arn't ready for a heavy duty bike. Though it is quite durable. The price also makes this bike and easier option but if you have any question's about the bike feel free to email me greg@metrocast.net and I'll answer you're questions the best i can, thanx. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
martin
a
from ca
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | amazonbikes.com | | Strengths: | read below. | | Bottom Line: | this is an update. Finally had time to take the beauty for couple of rides. I am very happy with the bike so far. It performs just like I thought it would when I saw it in the store. I guess it is the bike geometry that makes it so easy to ride and get used to.
The back always seems stiffer than I thought even with lower than recomended pressure in pos. chamber(130/50; I am 180pds). I kind of like it that way, thoug. I can always make it softer.
also, I am happy that my new avid's mechanicals finally broke in. I started to be skeptical after several miles of riding, not experiencing the awsome power they should have. Especially the front seemed weak. All is well now, it took about 100 miles, but now it seems they get better and better each time I give them a little sqeez. Finally I can forget about them and concentrate on the trails.
the bike is just what I wanted it to be. I find the frame and geometry excellent and look forward to make some upgrades in the future to lower the overall weight of the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rider
a Cross Country Rider
from knoxville tn usa
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | haw ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | local retailer | | Strengths: | This is a 2002 model
Price, rear suspension, epic all day rides. Reliable and plush downhill goodness. | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, thinwall frame, rock shox judy air xc, wheelset,chainslap.
| | Similar Products Used: | hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Lx. | | Bottom Line: | Don't leave the dealer without replacing the cranks, bottom bracket and wheelset. They are worthless. After these issues are resolved the bike is great. I have been riding it every weekend for a year and have not been let down too much. I do notice the extra weight but don't mind the extra exercise uphill to get a plush downhill. I blew a seal the rear suspension and replaced it a with a sid Xc race...that was the only bad experience. The frame dents really easy so watch your speed in rocky areas. Small stones will make small dents but this is mainly cosmetic. hindsight 20/20 I would have shelled out the extra cash to get the NRS2 because you WILL spend at least as much if not more replacing the cheap components and you will get disc brakes and much much better fork out of the deal. The judy XC air is a little squishy and heavy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Powderface (Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ridleys | | Strengths: | Excellent bike for the price. The components used are high end and very strong. The bike is light enough to push up steep hills or carry across streams. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is too hard for me but my oldest son likes it so it is now on his Haro EX0. It was cheap to replace so it is not an issue. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro "Extreme EX0". Devinci "Chilipepper". | | Bike Setup: | Added Avid mechanical disc brakes (cheap on E-Bay). Serfas seat. Everything else is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I am relatively new to the sport of MTN biking and this bike is a pleasure to ride compared to my old rigid frame Nishiki. I can go on a four hour jaunt and my arms and legs feel great thanks to the full suspension ride.
This site was invaluable in helping me decide which bike to buy and so far I made the right decision. Stop researching, buy this bike and hit the trails, you won't be disappointed.
**The price was $1,200.00 US or $1,700.00 (CDN)** | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A Ir
a Weekend Warrior
from Cilegon, Indonesia
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | single track, technical off-road | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | PG Bike | | Strengths: | Minimum bob, price (the price stated is with up grades), the look | | Weaknesses: | Original component (stock), make it a little heavy (28 lbs) | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive 2.0, JBC Pro Lightning HT | | Bike Setup: | Up graded for Hayes Mech Disc, Rockshox Duke SL fork, Easton handle bar | | Bottom Line: | Ilove this bike, climbs as good as my HT, better than the i-drive. I was thinking of up grading the FD (Alivio) and RD (Deore), but I found them work extremely smooth & crisp. I recommend this bike to any hard-tailers who want to keep good performance and at the same time want to enjoy supple & plush all-day riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sleepy La Beef
a Cross Country Rider
from Orygun
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dwarf Dizzil | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Friend Loaner | | Strengths: | Not too heavy, good ride, climbs well | | Weaknesses: | alivo components, bob when standing up | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, GF Paragon | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/time pedals | | Bottom Line: | I borrowed this bike from a friend because my G Fisher had a craked frame. I was a little embarrased to be showing up to the group ride on a bike with Alivo compenents, but that went out the window after the first mile. I was pleasently suprised by the ride and found myself in the front pack for the duration of the ride. It was fast, climbed almost as well as my hardtail GF with "Genesis" geo and was competent on the downhill. I did not have any problem with the rear SID air shock except for pedal bob when you stand up on flat ground. Despite that, I beleive that this bike is a great value and is probably one of the best FS bikes out there for under $1,000. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from San Marcos CA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$990.00 | | Purchased At: | AmazonBikes at Oceanside | | Strengths: | Looks! Go for the Team Blue. Versatility, adjustments.
seems pretty light even with discs. | | Weaknesses: | Don't know yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Only hard tails, Gt Aggressor, Klein Attitude Race | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Avid Mechanical, XT Disc hubs plus Sun Rite Single Track rims (silver) and Mosh flat pedals(silver), Giant Bar ends. (silver | | Bottom Line: | The reason I went for this one was that I rode hard tails only and this bike seems to make the transition to full suspension smooth and easy.
Did not want to buy a supergo Bike, did not want to see it for 100's less in couple of months later. Went to my old buddy Steave at Amazonbikes, Oceanside, Ca and fell in love with NRS. After a lot of research on the net, went for it.
Had enough money to buy NRS 2 but could not justify the red color. Had to have blue. Even had Steave to call Giant if they could built me a blue NRS 2. Nope. I got a great deal on Avids and the rims, so I had them switched right in the store, together with pedals.
Originally, the bike comes with black rims. Put on silver rims and u got an unbeliavable beauty. Even the guys in the store were suprised how much better the bike looks now.
Took it for a ride, the back seems very stiff(I like that) with factory recomended settings (50 negative, Body weight+10 pos.) I am 180 pounds, so I played with the pressure and found out, that to get a really plush ride, I had to go to (50;130).
I do not have too much time to ride (landscaping business is booming here in CA), so I switched to road tires, increased the pressure in both shocks and made the bike virtually a no-suspension bike for nite riding. I think this really shows the versatility of this bike.
Can't wait to have more time and go out there and ride the s..t out of this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rapidcarbon
a Cross Country Rider
from Vienna, VA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance bike | | Strengths: | Light, NRS setup, good components (for the money) | | Weaknesses: | Pedal (i guess this is what I guess for the money), I busted my face many times with this pair. Swap for a better one if you can afford. Brake: need to the pads after 3 weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | '03 Jekyll 1000 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I write this review after I sold it (upgrade to a better bike with disc brake), and honestly, I miss this bike.
This is a very good bike for cross country. I could hang with the hard-core on any climb. The frame is light enough to it glide over logs easily. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Hadley
a Weekend Warrior
from Puyallup, WA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Victor Falls | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | No Bob
Great value for $$ | | Weaknesses: | For the money none | | Similar Products Used: | Similar trek fuel, NRS 1, Jamis | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is exelent for what it was designed for. If your a beginer or intermediate rider on a budget this is a great buy. This is my first full suspension bike, so the stiffness of the rear shock dosn't bother me at all. I was able to climb twice as far on hills, and even gain speed on some hills that gave me trouble on my hard tail. The only problem I had was with the rear derailer, I took it back to the bike shop for an adjustment and had no further problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Rattler | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$940.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Rear suspension works well and is easy to adjust. Components are all above average (as opposed to the 2002 model). Shifting is perfect - no ghost shifting whatsoever (I guess this was a big problem with past year models). Brakes work well. New gusseted frame looks great. Geometry of the frame is Excellent. So far I've had no problem with the tires and they have worked well on everything except mud. The bike climbs well (no bob, even with shock set softer than recommended by Giant)and descends fast and smooth.
| | Weaknesses: | I changed the pedals immediately. The front fork (Pilot SL) is ok but there are way better forks even in the same price category (I've heard from several people, however, that the pilot is very durable). Bike is not that light - and would be expensive to change enough components to make it light (frame itself is light - pickup an NRS1 or NRS air, they are really light) | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V. Cannondale Jekyll 500 (heavy). Gary Fischer hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock set up except for pedals (put my old pedals on). Added small/light climbing bars. Lizard skin. Eventually will probably change front fork. Run the rear shock much softer than Giant suggests. | | Bottom Line: | GREAT bike for the price. I don't know if you could find a better new bike for under $1000.
For the last 3 years I have ridden a Cannondale Super V (full suspension, soft and bouncy). Last summer it broke and I borrowed a hard tail for the summer. Contrary to what you may have heard, on rough terrain I could not climb as well on the hard tail. Of course on pavement or hard packed trails the hard tail was great but what a rear shock does is allows the rider to keep an even pedaling cadence over rocks and roots. I think the whole obsession with "no bob" is overrated unless you are a racer. So many people are surprised that a full suspension bike allows them to climb better but there is NO question about it especially on technical terrain.
To be honest, I do not agree with Giant's recommended setting for the rear shock. At 10 pounds over your body weight in the (+) chamber and 50 in the (-) as Giant suggests, the bike rides alot like a hard tail but is way too stiff. It tends to want to buck you off over rough terrain if you stay seated. The good news is that the rear suspension is a fantastic design and works alot better if you set the pressure at 10 pound BELOW your weight in the (+) chamber and 100 lbs in the (-) chamber. This gives a smooth consistent ride, allows you to keep pedaling over rough stuff and still doesn't bob!
My first real ride with this bike was Amasa Back in Moab. The front fork rattled like crazy (even though it worked pretty well). After talking to rockshox on the phone, I had the bike shop put "spring isolators" on the shock and it seems to be better. The front shock is adequate but does not soak up small bumps that well.
Overall a great bike that has improved my riding and keeps surprising me on how well it handles technical stuff both uphill and downhill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
YA
a Downhiller
from CA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | The Off Ramp | | Strengths: | IT has absolutely no bob unles you mash the pedals with the shocks set on very loose. If you are going to be giving the bike a beating i recommend upgrading the fork, because it has only three inches of travel, although it is great for Xc. THe FRAME IS PERFECT, it is so light i can breeze up huge hills easily. | | Weaknesses: | It comes with clip pedals which annoy me, and are VERY hard to get off, and you will have to take it to a shop to have then replaced. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80, Trek 6700 and Specialized Big Hit (i know it is a jumping bike, and it wieghs a LOT) | | Bike Setup: | stock except for pedals, but i plan to upgrade the fork | | Bottom Line: | IT is a great bike, for the money, but if you have enough money i recommend trying the comperable trek fuelm because it is light. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Twice As Nice | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Cycles | | Strengths: | Good parts for a good price. Light and well made frame. | | Bike Setup: | Stock standard | | Bottom Line: | The NRS 3 struck me as having the best overall mix of components, handling and looks in its price range, and is rideable straight from the showroom floor with no glaring deficiencies in any area.
If care is taken to setup the rear shock as Giant advises then the suspension lives up to its name and does not bob on climbs or on the flat, yet still remains active enough to allow the rider to remain comfortably seated if desired on all but the harshest terrain.
I am light and tall (6'2, 155 lbs) and my size 18.5 frame fits me reasonably well although it is perhaps a bit on the small side. The bike has handled everything I've attempted with ease, and its predictable handling leaves me feeling confident in pushing myself harder each time I go riding.
Overall, this bike is a more than competent performer and I would recommend it to a first time rider or a XC hardtail rider looking to move up to a lower end full suspension bike without sacrificng performance on the climbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis,IN
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1095.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Garage of Indy | | Strengths: | Great bike if you are just in to good rides and goods times. Bike is spec'ed with decent parts for the money(except wheelset)I have found few faults with the set-up currently. Terrific frame(same as NRS 2,1,Air)It climbs like a goat and hooks up on the rough terrain. | | Weaknesses: | Wheels are a bit heavy and the rims will be sufficent for moderate terrain. I recommend buying a decent set if you race or are weight conscience. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 80,Pre-2001 Schwinn S-series,Cannondale Jekyll 500 | | Bike Setup: | Deore\Lx components and Titec X-wing product | | Bottom Line: | Great buy for the weekend warrior and moderate racer on a budget. I will write back after the first 12 hour\24 hour race for a update | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Hatchet
a
from Casa Grande, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Indian Hillz | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Round Trip | | Strengths: | Killer Looks! Very crisp shifting. Climbs better than my hardtail. I have problems with back pain, so riding a hardtail can be tough for me on long rides. The NRS system takes it easy on my back without giving me all the bob and spinouts on loose uphills. | | Weaknesses: | A tad bit heavy, but for the price I cannot complain. | | Bike Setup: | All factory. | | Bottom Line: | I paid $950.00. I'm thinking good deal! Make sure you get in a few practice runs before you take this on anything hard and heavy so you can get used to the NRS feel. My riding partners Dave and Phil took me out on CGM the first day and almost killed me! I ate a HUGE cholla, had 2 clipless crashes and had to endure hours of chuckles and laughter. Anyhow, I love this bike! Let's roll... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Stan's Bikes | | Strengths: | Much Lighter than the 02 and 01. Pilot fork, Raceface crank. | | Weaknesses: | maybe the tires and rims. | | Similar Products Used: | nrs 3 01 and 02, specialized stumpjumper 02& 03. | | Bike Setup: | factory except for a fsa xc 120 stem and eggbeater pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike weights just over 28lbs. Almost 2 lbs lighter that the NRS3 01& 02.I did a lot ot research on the nrs 3 01, 02, if you pay $1200.00 for the 03, it is still a better deal than spending $800.00 on a 01,and 02, because you will not need to replace the sucky heavy judy fork and the almost 3lb cranks the 01 and 02 have. The tires are better. The frame has a new integrated weldless gusset section for a stronger frame and cooler looks. The silver black red color is a dream. I had some issues shifting when new but after adjusting it it,s fine. I weight 185lbs. and have had no problems climbing and going downhill with 2 foot drops I feel very confident going fast with it. I may upgrade the cassete and put a 3 or 5 degree flat bar for better climbing and get some Panaracer xc fire tires when the pythons wear out. If you want a hardtail and can afford this bike, buy this bike, performance and value will be hard to beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clayton
a Cross Country Rider
from Cali
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | sycamore canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Newbury Park Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great set-up
Light
No pedal-bob | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Bike Setup: | stock except for pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. It's great for going fast. Uphills are a breeze with this bike. Soaks up 5-foots drops easy as long as the shock is set stiff enough. Great value. Buy this bike if you're looking for a nice xc bike that is willing to take a few small hits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS (in Taiwan) | | Strengths: | NO BOB!!!
light, effective suspension design, feels very good, and is incredibly efficient | | Weaknesses: | rear frame flex | | Bottom Line: | ok, i got this bike dirt cheap when i was visiting family back in taiwan. thing is, they have a totally different component spec, so i will comment on teh frame ONLY. I love this bike on uphills. it does not bob at all, as long as i dont mash the pedals. this frame is light and the front end is very stiff. the only problem i get with it is a flexy rear end. i weigh aobut 200 lbs with gear. when i corner hard, or sprint, the rear end flexes a lot. on hard corners, the rear tire keeps feeling like it's about to slip, and although the rims are different from teh american spec, the rear shock is the same. however, the flex does not outweigh teh benefits of this bike. it is an incredible value. i was able to cut down my time on a local trail from 75 mins to 41 mins when i switched over from my old steel hardtail (along with a bit of training too). this bike rocks, and i highly recommend it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle ollie
a Cross Country Rider
from fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | panarama | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bike | | Strengths: | no bob on climbs, great at absorbing the bumps, upgradable components, potential, fast bike | | Weaknesses: | not the lighestest but can be (frame is the same as NRS air) V brakes, wheels were not disc ready, duke xc is aight | | Similar Products Used: | raleigh m800, | | Bike Setup: | i plan on getting xt cranks and durallers, going disc, maybe even a fork | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike for people who like a fairly smooth ride with power. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Belmar NJ USA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hidden Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | DJ's Cycles | | Strengths: | The suspension is great, frame, everything else not listed below | | Weaknesses: | brakes SUCK. weak rims. | | Similar Products Used: | 1st Bike | | Bike Setup: | factory | | Bottom Line: | i got a great deal on this bike so i cant complain but the brakes dont stop you and i have a little bend in my rim. everything else is great. it has the same crank as the ac2. the suspension design is great. the gear shifters are pretty smooth but skip once in a while and my front identifier for the gears broke. overall a great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chance Richie
a Racer
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stables trails, Saratoga NY | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light, quick, responsive | | Weaknesses: | Not as plush as my Enduro (nor should it be), V-brakes suck, Rockshox Judy fork | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I rented this bike for a week while at home in Texas for Christmas vacation. It was nice to be able to ride in December without trudging through the snow as I have to do in upstate NY. Now to the bike...This bike kicked ass! I was not aware that it cost so little until preparing to write this review. I can't imagine that there is a better value out there in the XC market. The bike does not bob and feels like a hardtail most of the time. It is a bit rough on downhills or over rough terrain but that is to be expected from an XC bike. Obviously, I can't speak of the longevity of the bike, but I have given it hell for a week and have had no problems. The front fork doesn't have near the feel as the Fox Vanilla I am used to riding, but at this pricepoint who cares. I think this could make a great XC racing bike if one bought the frame only and spec'ed it out themselves. I am now interested to try the Epic as I now have something to compare it against. The only major weakness is the V-brakes that came on it. What a drag! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Penno Park to Lane cove | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Hornsby Cycles | | Strengths: | Light weight dually with no bob
Adjustable suspension (air pressure)
Disc ready hubs - Avid V's are great anyway | | Weaknesses: | I live in fear of denting the tubes-note to self-don't fall off!!
Why don't they put better measures in place to stop dirt getting into hubs??
Rebound damping would be good to stop the pogoing from time to time - I'll just have to get used to it. | | Similar Products Used: | First dually - previous bike a Trek hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | This is a fantastic entry level dual cross country ride - I dare you to find better for the price - I tried and failed.
This bike eats up small bumps and enables you to keep the power on and into the ground. Great ride on undulating tracks - rear suspension makes it nice and comfy (if you can ever say mountain biking is comfy!) I ride so much better and have so much more fun than I ever have with a hardtail - it is great uphills as it is lighter and with no bob but can absord the bumps from little rocks and tree roots. I think I am going to have to get another one now for my wife as she wants to ride it all the time!!
5 chilis for value, and 4 overall - rebound damping and discs would set it right! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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