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Submitted by
ed bruce
a Weekend Warrior
from wollongong, NSW, australia
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | possoms | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bathurst, Australia | | Strengths: | nice light frame, good geometry. | | Weaknesses: | forks twist, resulted in broken front axle and they later snapped on the arch, wheels are very bent, drive train has been replaced after 3000km brakes don't last for long. | | Similar Products Used: | Rincon....broken frame!! | | Bike Setup: | stock, now has maxxis crossmark tires, and new deore/deore lx derailleurs, doesn't make it any better though. | | Bottom Line: | good for light xc and city bashing, not a very tough bike. treat it like its going to break cause it probably will!!. cheap parts need constant attention. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bun
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen CO
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$582.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle | | Strengths: | Update Review:
2100 trail miles and the Iguana is not moving to second chair.
The bike has performed as I had expected, I was looking for a big frame, light and strong, anticipating upgrading components as needed. | | Weaknesses: | Hutchinson tires are the worst. The Manitou SixSport fork did not provide the performance I needed, the house brand chainrings wore out, and the brad vs scews design and had to replace rings and cranks. The rear wheel had to be replaced due to stress induced flex. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized HardRock | | Bike Setup: | stock frame, Manitou Black SuperAir fork, Shimano cranks and rings, rear Sun rim w/LX hub, WTB saddle and Eggbeaters Candy pedals. | | Bottom Line: | this bike has continued to perform just as I needed/expected.
It met my price point in '03, allowed me to incrementally upgrade components as needed.
It has served me well, and will continue to be part of my stable as my primary hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | non-pavement | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Under the Sun | | Strengths: | Price, overall durability, brakes, appearance. | | Weaknesses: | Fork, crankset | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale M400, numerous other test rides (too many to remember) | | Bike Setup: | stock except for swapping the tires out for Tioga Yellow Kirium 2.3" front and back, and upgraded pedals. | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is not:
-a DH/Freeride bike
-a high-end bike in any arena
That being said, this was the best blend of quality and price that I could find...my biggest gripe is with the Manitou shock, if I were keeping the bike long term I would swap that out for something better w/ 100mm travel or so. The front crankset and chainrings are low quality, I ended up upgrading these but only recently to sell...I haven't ridden more than a mile on pavement since the upgrade but I can say the bike lost a bit of weight as a result.
The brakes are awesome for mechanicals. If you feel this isn't the case, than spend the money on Hydros because mechanicals don't get better than this, especially on a bike that comes outta the box at $500.
Same applies to the other components...both front and rear derailheurs have served well, they aren't the greatest but the greatest costs a whole lot more money than this bike.
I upgraded the pedals, for a mere $30, which most good riders do anyway, how often does a bike for less than $1K come with stock pedals you like and/or fit your clips?
All in all, this is a great entry level XC bike for someone on a budget. If you ride hard, or demand the best in performance, than this isn't your bike, so don't buy it.....adjust your budget (up) and buy something that meets your standards, OR, buy this bike and accept that you'll be upgrading the shock, the pedals, the tires, and a few other things of your choice to get what you want out of the bike. It's money spent either way.
In terms of value, anything less than this bike is something you'll find at Target, anything more is going to cost you considerably more. It is a great bike for the money and does exactly what it should for a bike in this price range.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt barton
a Downhiller
from ronald WA usa
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ratpac | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | bike tech | | Strengths: | strong light frame, good stock bars and stem and thats about it. | | Weaknesses: | got a whole list of em. the front fork cross connecter broke real quick like after 10 riders. rims and tires suck, crank keeps stipping out, seat is too hard, the front brake ajuster stipped while trying to adjust. | | Similar Products Used: | giant boulder | | Bottom Line: | dont get this bike unless you have the right size allen wrench for the crank screw and if all you're doing is riding it to a friends house. if you dont want anything to break on it, dont ride it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick DeSantis
a Cross Country Rider
from Queensbury
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Clendon Brook | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ricks Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame, Frame Geometry | | Weaknesses: | cranks, front derailleur, fork, tires | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Blast | | Bike Setup: | '03 Giant Iguana Disc, Panaracer Fire XC tires | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike, It can take most anything you throw at is, Get a new pair of tires on there, cause the stock ones suck, and then you notice how much it digs. The cranks suck really bad, I utterly hate them, that was the first thing i upgraded, along with the front derailler. The fork is mushy but with a new one, the bike feels invincible.
I recommend this bike to the fullest, a few minor things but other wise an awesome bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kerf
a
from New York Cit-ay
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Snow (in NJ) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bill's Bikes | | Strengths: | Really, can't think of a single thing. | | Weaknesses: | Where do I begin? The wheels, frame, gears, spokes. And what kind of bike these days has a banana seat?? | | Bottom Line: | I really can't imagine a worse bike for any bicycling purpose. I also can't believe I bought this thing in the first place. I would recommend this bike for my 3 year old cousin, but certainly not for anyone over 5. Can anyone take me to the county dump where I can put this bike where it belongs? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeremy morgan
a Downhiller
from pc, utah, usa
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | thieves forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | colesport | | Strengths: | aboslutely nothing on the bike | | Weaknesses: | the entire bike, broke every part on it this summer. only good part that hasn't snapped is the handlebar. | | Bike Setup: | completley stock except for tires, ( 2 maxxis minion dh) | | Bottom Line: | this bike is horrible for racing and any type of riding that is not on pavement | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bun
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen CO
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$582.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Update Review. 1.5 years, 1100 trail miles.
bike is holding up well, overall pleased. disk brakes work well, espcially after replacing the factory set of pads to Aztecs, on 4 set of pads so far.
| | Weaknesses: | I broke the arch in the Manitou Six sport, replace quickly under warranty, but upgrade to Manitou Black Super Air.
Had to replace factory rear wheel, began breaking spokes on a weekly basis, due to rider weight and riding stress. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized HardRock | | Bike Setup: | factory with changes: Manitou Black super air fork, profile bar ends, ritchey clipless, suntour rear wheel. | | Bottom Line: | Overall Pleased, the bike has performed as I needed.
Best, lightest frame in a 23in size.
Would reccomend buying this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Rocky Cycle in Surrey | | Strengths: | Light frame, discs stop good. I like the way the frame looks. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are too weak. Seat is too hard. I dont like the parts on it. | | Similar Products Used: | (tried friend's) 2003 Norco 1hun | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Judy XC forks, Kona pedals, Hutchinson Mosquito tires, Shimano Deore front caliper, Hayes rotors, Hayes HMX-1 rear caliper, Acera front derailleur, Deore rear derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | I bought my Giant used, and now I realize it's been tinkered with. The chainguard was broken, which lead to locking my cranks today, with a 1-3 shift, somehow it got stuck in between my derailleur. It's been about 4 weeks, and I've noticed the tread on my tires are getting rather minimal. The Judy XC forks are squishy, and okay for the stuff I do, but I'd like to upgrade to something like a Z1 when I get the money.
My complaint about this bike, is that I dont really like the parts (Ahead steam makes me lean over too much, seat hurts, forks are old, tires suck.) My 21" is surprisingly light and solid, but as a whole the bike doesnt exactly show it's potential.
I dont mind having mediocre parts, but when it comes down to it, I was expecting a little more value for the dollar. I can see myself putting in another 500 to where I'll be 100% satisfied, but I dont mind, I would be upgrading anyways.
If you're looking for a good bike, for maybe commuting or mild riding. I wouldnt advise doing crazy stuff with it unless you've upgraded it with wider tires/better forks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | Disk brakes | | Weaknesses: | Cheap tires, which wore out in two months of weekend riding. Bottom bracket the broke in 1 month. Front derailer. Cable routing, my front brake cable is wearing through my front fork. | | Bike Setup: | stock, well...i've upgraded quite a bit | | Bottom Line: | Great starter bike. It did everything I wanted it to do. Wet, dry, up, down and cross country.
The tires wore out way to quickly. Upgraded to some nicer tires and she can really dig. The front fork has recently started to show it's weakness (after 1yr).
This bike is easy to upgrade, though the water bottle holes get in the way of the post mounted derailers.
Good starter, but if your more than a weekend rider go bigger! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a
from mountain view
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | kirkwood | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | the off ramp | | Strengths: | frame, brakes... | | Weaknesses: | fork tires rims... although they were decent i have replaced everything on the bike with new components | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher tass, P2, P3, azomic steelhead, cannondale gemini 900, specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | '04 marz. z1 drop off 2 forks, xt rapid fire shifters, avid levers, easton ea-70 bars, ea-70 stem, xt front and rear derailuers, sun single track rims with XT hubs, powerglide cassette, hope gothic rotrs, hayes hfx-9 brakes (6 inch) wtb laser v Ti. thompson seat post. race face evolve Dh 2 spd. bashguard. truvativ giga pipe Dh team | | Bottom Line: | this is a decent bike although i have customized it heavily i dont think anything is stock... i have been building it up gradually started just replacing broken things. and things incompatible with eachother i love the fame.. and i have a lifetime waranty on it so why buy a new frame? by the way if u have any questions with sizes or anything like that send me and email i will be glad to help | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher pocock
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson , AZ USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fanatasy Island | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Sabino Cycle | | Strengths: | Strong, durable, and great performance for climbing and the hayes disc provide excellent stopping power. | | Weaknesses: | the bottom bracket could be stronger and the front fork is a bit mushy and the pedals are modified to accept cages. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | 03 Iguana disc with Team master and Team control Armadillo tires, Profile deisgn bull bars and lizard skin | | Bottom Line: | this is an excellent bike that will take want ever you throw at it. the only problem i had was from shoddy maintiance at a LBS wich was dealt with as nrecessary. its a djustable fork allows for flexablity for riders of all calbers and sizes | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun 'n Spokes | | Strengths: | Strong frame, good components for intermediate riding, disc brakes work great, and fork suits me just fine. | | Weaknesses: | Broke the bottom bracket, it was cheap, and could use some new pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Haro, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock, getting clipless and new LX crank. | | Bottom Line: | Nice strong bike will take just about anything you throw at it, if you are too aggressive (like me) it still performs well, except the bottom bracket. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Louis
a Weekend Warrior
from Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Paramount | | Strengths: | strong frame takes big hits. the brakes.
very light | | Weaknesses: | fork and wheels. tires | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock pro | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike for every type of riding. i have done urban, freeride, xc, and dirt jumps and it hasn't broken yet(except for the fork but that was warranty) i upgraded the fork for more travel. the components could be better(eg 9 speed and/or clipless pedals) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian I.
a Racer
from mountain view, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | folsom lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | the off ramp | | Strengths: | frame is super light, steers fairly well, the disks work well | | Weaknesses: | fork is kind of soft and mushy, front derailur is junk, rear derailur is ok but could be better | | Similar Products Used: | bianchi s.i.s.s. rocky mountain stuff, gary fischer tasajahara, specialized p.2, specialized hardorock comp f/s | | Bike Setup: | new tires (wtb weirwolf), new fork manitou black platinum, all new deore XT drivetrain, sram power link chain, LX shift pods | | Bottom Line: | this is a good bike it upgrades very well and it handles some big hits good. ive raced it for about 1 season then i did a full on restore on it new derailurs fork etc...this bike is very easy to upgrade im 14 years old and i can do all the upgrades on it but ive been around bikes all my life. the disk brakes work well but the hayes rotors tear the hell out if the brake pads with such big vents. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Point Pleasant, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Brick Bikes | | Strengths: | Price, Disc Brakes, Easily upgraded | | Weaknesses: | Some components ie: front derailer, and tires | | Similar Products Used: | GT Palomar | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Deore crankset, manitou fork, tooth fairy | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I have used it for about 2 years now and it hasn't given me any trouble. I push this bike to it's limits as if its a dh. It takes a lickin and keeps on tickin.
The only downside really to the bike is that it needs a fork upgrade. I have yet to get one due to a contagious disease- 'lackamoulah'. Other than that it's awesome for a beginner to an intermediate rider, especially for the price.
Disc brakes are sweet too :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | In Montana | | Strengths: | Frame, price, disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Fork, stem, cheap front derailleur and crank, and of course the tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Treks, GTs, older Giants. | | Bike Setup: | Stock until much needed tire upgrade to WTB Mutano Raptors. Looking to replace fork, wheels, and derailleurs. | | Bottom Line: | This is possibly the best choice of MTB I could have made. This is my first decent mountain bike and it sure has made a difference. The Hutchinson Mosquito tires were a real drag on the bike until I upgraded to the WTB's. Only then did I realize how awesome this bike was. Excellent for technical downhills and as well as XC riding. For is too soft for me, I'm 6'2" 180 and the preload is set the the stiffest, yet as soon as I step on the bike, I lose over half the travel. Am going to upgrade soon to a Marzocchi with larger travel once I get the money. Recently trashed the from rim: ran into a rock the size of a small beach ball, rim is totally ruined, probably due to the fork. Stem is too weak, in order to keep the handle bar on, I need to tighten them almost to the point of stripping. Disc brakes are awesome. They were actually the reason I purchased this bike. After the first two months of squeaking, they work flawlessly with incredible braking power, only requiring adjustment occasionaly. Front derailleur is cheap, but easilly upgraded. Overall, this bike is perfect for a XC rider looking for a hardtail they can upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Colorado
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | Arapahoe Cyclery | | Strengths: | Frame geometry, fork. Giant quality | | Weaknesses: | None. The crank I have heard, is weak. But just have the shop building it out tighten it down. No problems. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | RockShox suspension seat post, Deore front derailer, WTB tires, climbing bars, and lots of slime. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, no question. Arapahoe Cyclery had no problem switching the front derailer to Deore, and switching the tires to WTB. I added the seatpost later and a new, softer seat. The seat post is awesome, and available for cheap at Pricepoint.com. I never want full suspension. I love a hardtail, but a new seat post can take the bumps away easy.
This bike is tough, and takes a beating. I smashed the real derailer on a rock just today, and it kept on going like the energizer bunny. The disc brakes are awesome, no noise, no problems. I hear they can get noisy, but that has not been the case for me. They really grab.
And I love the fork. Too bad the 2004 model doesn't have the Manitou shock. I've ridden RockShox Judy bikes, but they are just too stiff for me.
I upgraded the front derailer, largely because my previous Rincon took so much time to break in (it finally did). It was a good upgrade. The owner of the bike shop said that was the best thing I could have done to the bike. He was right. I never experienced any break in. The gears were crisp and sharp from day one.
Just get a dealer who will work with you to change the little things right then and there. The bigger shops won't. I had that problem with my Rincon when I bought it.
Great bike. I'll have this one for a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Best
a Cross Country Rider
from Parsippany, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mahlon Dickerson | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Nice and light. Disc brakes work fantastic, handles really well. | | Weaknesses: | Crank set sucks. My bike came with a 44 chain ring and had it upgraded to a 48, and it made a big difference. I believe those are the measurements but it could be wrong, but the size upgrade really hepled. | | Bike Setup: | Came upgrade with Rhino Lite rims and Shimano Deore XT hubs | | Bottom Line: | The truth is I got this bike off Ebay for considerably less then store price, apparently the guy bought it for his girlfriend for christmas and a bike was not what she wanted, so they sold it without it ever being used. The bike came with the upgraded rims and hubs which made it a huge steal for me. The bike though it awesome. It rides really well, the disc brakes are amazing for downhills. I have seen a few people complain that the front suspension is weak, but I haven't noticed that at all. I tend to be more of cross country rider then a downhill rider so for me its a perfect bike. If you wanted bike for downhill and do jumps off of 4 foot ledges on a regular basis, this is probably not the bike for you. Can it handle that type of ride? Definitely but it wasn't made for that. If you want a solid all around bike that can do just about anything the iguana is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Kern
a Cross Country Rider
from Allentown, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes! Curts Cyclery | | Strengths: | Inexspensive, can keep up with bikes that cost twice as much. | | Weaknesses: | I have heard people complain about the tires and the crankset and bottom bracket. So far I have had none of these problems and I have been ramming it into logs and rocks. My chainrings still run perfect. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Kore stem and handlebars. Also am installing Time Z clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome for the price. Not all of us have the money to buy a Klein. The front derailluer can be annoying sometimes but is easy to adjust. Other than that, I have no complaints. I haven't been riding for long, but I could tell when I took this bike for a test ride that I liked it. I was also looking at a Specialized Hardrock and a Gary Fisher Marlin. So far I have no regrets. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Nice frame, nice geometry for me, decent weight, felt good on trails | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, Crank, front derailleurs, fork. Crankset had to be replaced after one short ride. | | Similar Products Used: | 1992 Giant Iguana, 2004 Iron Horse Warrior Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I rode this bike once for about 5 miles. In that time the right pedal had come loose and the crank was completely stripped. A catastrophic failure. Warranty covered replacement, but why replace crap with crap -- so I tried to upgrade to a Deore crankset. On paper this should have worked, but guess what -- the bike does not match Giant's specs on the website. Different chain rings (42 teeth on big ring, web site says 44) and Acera front derailleur, web site says Alivio!!!!!!! Also the pedals are worthless pieces of crap. Plan on upgrading pedals and crank and you've got a decent bike. (Now about that Manitou Six Sport -- the reviews on that are downright scary...) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Weekend Warrior
from Chillicothe
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Scource | | Strengths: | Good frame, brakes, etc. | | Weaknesses: | Poor tires, seat sucks, pedals are junk, shocks are kinda soft but not too bad and crank arms come loose after hard riding. I used a strong thread lock on the crank arm bolts and now no problem | | Similar Products Used: | 96' model Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than dk iron cross pedals and different tires. | | Bottom Line: | I think it is a great bike for the money. I have had no problems with it other than the crank arms. But the strongest thread lock does the trick. It's a good bike for people who don't get into too much technical riding. Great performance overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a Cross Country Rider
from Bayside, NY
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | it's all good | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Peak Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Good components, has disk breaks with great stopping power, lite and all for under $500. | | Weaknesses: | Tires wore out in no time. Most of my riding is on hard pack and The tires were really lite and soft so I would expect that. Besides that, no problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | Flat easton bar, no rise titec stem with less spacers, Maxxis semi tires, and shimano clipless | | Bottom Line: | The abuse, which I have put this bike up to, which is not a lot, it has taken well. I ride mostly for fun and as part of my weekly aerobic exercise so I probably put over 100 miles a week on this bike. For being under $500 it's great and when something breaks I'll upgrade. The frame is light and strong and fit me well. Everything has worked well, the bike is lite, and this is as good componenets as I could get for the money. I even got disk brakes and they work great. The front derailleur and the disk brakes need to be adjusted regularly, but that is to be expected. Tires always need to be replaced so it's no big deal. For the money, Great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from West Chester, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The one behind my house | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | West Chester Bike Center | | Strengths: | Disc brakes are nice... good steering and shifting | | Weaknesses: | saddle very uncomfortable, pedal harneses are hard to get out of in an emergency, tires/tubes prone to puncture by thorns etc... | | Bike Setup: | frame/fork/shifters are stock, Specialized Body Geometry saddle, thorn-resistant tubes, Specialized Ground control front, and Team Master rear tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a very nice beginner bike. It is fun to ride and takes the tall grass, thorns, roots, rocks, impromtu bridges, and steep downhills very well. As some others have said, once you get in to mountian biking, it gets mor fun by the minute. Once you punish this bike too much it will break. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | the cranks, and frame. this is an older bike but there pretty much the same idea. | | Weaknesses: | ive broken pretty much everything else on this bike over the last few years. the forks need to be replaced if your getting into biking and deciding to do drops and jumps. | | Bottom Line: | please dont do what i did. i bought this bike a few years ago (older modle). THIS IS A GOOD BIKE IF YOU ARNT GOING TO PUSH IT TO HARD. i have done 6 footers with this bike and i like to freeride but this bike will break alot so make sure you get free work on the bike for a long time. in my case i didnt no how fun biking was untill i started doing it with this bike and now i have to completely upgrade because iv totally burnt this bike out. its not meant for anything more than a 3 footer.
bye this bike as an intoduction bike but if your like me your going to be redoing the bike soon and your gonna want to upgrade fast.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bunty
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockville, MD
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | DC Metropolitan hiker/biker trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | the Disc brakes were good at first. nice steering. light frame. | | Weaknesses: | wheels totaly suck. i replaced both of them (even thought he front was still good) to the Panaracer Smoke/Dart. the chain rubs on the front derailleur sometimes. lastly. the brakes squeked after a month and frequently needed adjsutment. | | Similar Products Used: | giant yukon | | Bike Setup: | stock bike mainly. panaracer smoke/dart and ascent clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | this is an OK bike but i would get the 2002 giant yukon. remember, low quality disc brakes are worse than high quality v-brakes. a lot of parts need adjustment. i would recommend this bike to the more intermediate users. te beginners may not have a clue what's going on if something goes wrong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Santee, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | N/A | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bike | | Strengths: | The disk brakes are great. they have incredible breaking power. Whole bike | | Weaknesses: | Suspention fork too soft even after adjustment.
Tires wear but are inexpensive and light. | | Similar Products Used: | old Nishiki Bravo | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for a casual and low performance rider. It is great, the best thing since sliced bread for me because my old bike was a monster.
Performs great on the trails I've taken it on. This is the bike you should get if you are looking for one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bun
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, CO
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Falcon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | light weight alum frame, Hayes disk are great, available in 23 in frame size. Already over 250 trail only miles, a few crashes and everything works well. Like the adj of the Manitou fork, works well w/ my 250lbs. Bike is holding up well to my size and riding, XC with technical climbs and drops up to 2 ft. Climbs well, handles great. Disk take a little getting used to, especially the frequent adj that the pads need after several smoking downhill runs.
Comfortable ride for long, steady climbs.
Great Bike for the "more than recreational" rider. | | Weaknesses: | The factory tires just plain suck, I wore the rear tire our in under 5 weeks, never seen anything like that. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception of Profile Boxer bar ends, Ritchey clipless pedals and new IRC XC tires. | | Bottom Line: | Frame size is the key for me, I need a 23 in frame, and given my price range, this is the nicest setup that I could find. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Disc brakes are great, they definitely do the job when you need them to. Everything else though I would consider average, nothing really stands out as being great or poor, I can get by without any problems. | | Weaknesses: | The stock tires are not the greatest, the rear wore through very fast for me. After about a months worth of riding (2 days or mtbiking and 1 day of road a week on average) and the tire was bare. Front has held up though for 4 months now, it may have just been me over using the rear brakes though. | | Similar Products Used: | None - my first bike since I was a kid | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Time ATAC Pedals and ODI Grips | | Bottom Line: | Excellent beginner bike without a doubt. I just started riding this year, and this bike has treated me very well. For anyone looking for a bike on a budget, you can't go wrong with this bike.
I rode the bike for several months without any tuning, the bike worked perfectly. Even when tweaks were needed, they were only that, simple tweaking. The shifting is smooth, the brakes are responsive and the suspension gives a nice ride even on some of the hairier downhills.
I see that many people have complained about the seat, I find it very confortable and would want the same on a new bike. This could be due to the fact that I also have a road bike which is not nearly as soft. I find the seat very nice.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | n/a | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | PerformanceBike | | Strengths: | Great Sturdy Bike. nice breaks, overall Great first mtb. | | Weaknesses: | I rode about 12 miles which isnt much and noticed the tires are wearing down a bit already. Also reading from other reviews I can see why. also the plastic chain protector in the rear is a little loose, is it supposed to be like that? | | Similar Products Used: | none, other than old Diamond back in earlier 90's | | Bike Setup: | Stock 03' Giant Iguana Disc | | Bottom Line: | This is my First Mtb. I was attracted to it by what it has, especially the disc brakes. it was also on clearance from 580 to 520. 560 w tax. I like the alu construction and components on it. rides great, but my ass is a bit sore because my fault for not adjusting the seat enough but i had a blast. I am glad to have gotten into bikes again, because of the exercise and fun you get out of it. Paintball just isnt enough for me. also if anyone can help me out, when should i replace the tires with? and how ofen should the brake pads be replaced? thanks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rukas
a Cross Country Rider
from Dayton,Ohio,usa
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Wild bills bike shop | | Strengths: | Nice fork,Hayes are really nice too,Deore derailer. | | Weaknesses: | I wouls have to agree with alot of the other people the tire do suck! | | Similar Products Used: | BMX bikes not really comparable | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The most bang for your buck...I think as the bike sits in its stock form could do well in a comp! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit,mi,48124
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | jacks bikes | | Strengths: | Hayes are awsome,shock is nice | | Weaknesses: | tires | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | For the money you can't beat the componets that come on this bike,great entry level but with a few minor mods can hold it own in comp....I recomend this bike to everyone! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ray
a Cross Country Rider
from erie
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | not toomany around | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | wheels bike shop | | Strengths: | hayes brakes are great in the wet, shifting is smooth and fast, manitou fork really does well for my riding | | Weaknesses: | tires wore fast, seat hurts alot even when youre used to it, alot of unneeded squeaks | | Similar Products Used: | giant yukon | | Bike Setup: | weirwolf 2.5 dh tires, yeti xc grip, stockeverythign else | | Bottom Line: | good for its price, could have some nicer items, but for the price it wasnt bad for a starter bike-if your above 150 like me its not too bad and still floats well on manuals and whatnot, i had to shed a few pounds before it ride the way i wanted though | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston,Tx
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$489.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Route | | Strengths: | Everything on it is great for the price that you are getting it at. The bike is light weight and the Hayes disc brakes are awesome once you break them in. | | Weaknesses: | I would have to say the seat, but it takes some time to get use to. Other than the seat I have no other weaknesses that I could tell you about/ | | Bike Setup: | Factory, but I am planning to change out my fork in about a month | | Bottom Line: | Over all the bike is great if you don't want to spend a hell of alot of money. If you are looking to buy the bike and live in Houston I recommend you go to Bike Route and buy it there.($489) It is the cheapest in town and the customer service there is awesome. Other places around town have quoted me $589-600 for the same bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay St. Louis, MS
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$559.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclist Choice | | Strengths: | Bone Stock it is pretty well set up. I like the adjustable front shock. I had the plug removed before I picked it up and now have 100mm of travel. | | Weaknesses: | The SEAT SUCKS! After my first ride I was bruised. Tried standing and pedaling. Wore out the left Crank arm. I will soon need to upgrade the crank and front derailers. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for a new seat with more padding!!! | | Bottom Line: | Great bike with top of the line parts for the price range.
You can not get more bike for less than $600. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfield, CT
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | I'm sorry I cannot disclose any information pertaining to that subject at this time. Thank you. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | SmartCycles | | Strengths: | The bike frame is solid, and very light. The Hayes mechanical brakes are amazing. The components are pretty good for the price. | | Weaknesses: | The front derailleur isn't all that good, and the chain rubs when I'm in the 3 highest gears. Hopefully that can be fixed with an adjustment, but I plan to replace the front derailleur when I have the money.
The tires do wear quickly when used on pavement, which is currently where I have done most of my riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback X-20 (heavy, recalled by factory) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I initially bought a diamondback X-20, because I thought I wanted a softtail, but after it was recalled, I decided that for the money I could get a better hardtail. The Iguana Disc is one of the nicest bikes in the under $600 price range that I've found. It's a good value, and performs very well.
I give it a value of 4, because I have seen it for less than I paid, and an overall rating of 4.5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan,USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | If I told you I would have to kill you. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$582.00 | | Purchased At: | Roll Models | | Strengths: | Nice strong frame love the XTC geometry,Hayes disks are great! | | Weaknesses: | Crank/chain rings/B.B. suck ass! I have already blew the whole crankset out everything(arms,rings,B.B.)but then again I am tough on this bike cause of my BMX back ground. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first moutain bike I have owned.I used to ride BMX for 12 years. | | Bike Setup: | Mosh platform pedals,cateye velo2 computer....much much more to come! | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a awsome buy! A great bike to get if you dont know if you want to ride serious or just to ride around the neighborhood. It can be upgraded with minimum parts to become one tough free ride,race bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ron Ostlund Jr.
a Racer
from fort wayne IN USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | kolinger bike shop | | Strengths: | great frame, the hayes brakes rock and have had no problem with them, the bike has the ability to be really fast and handle really good with some upgrades. I love the tires they are super light the back does wear a bit fast as much as I ride but who cares they cost $16 I love how much they grip in the conditions that I ride. | | Weaknesses: | fork needs to much maintnence with as much riding as I do and not enough travel for serious trail riding. Fork is also a bit soft for as hard as I ride and I weigh 152lbs. I have had no problem with the front der as alot of people have said but I am a bike mechanic so tunning is not a problem for me. The crank and bottom bracket suck and are being replaced almost as I type this. wheels are heavy, saddle sucks and is heavy. bar and stem sucks and are heavy, and I bombed the intergrated headset already. Being replaced with a Cane Creek SC-6 | | Similar Products Used: | I built up an Access frame from Supergo.com it rode well | | Bike Setup: | raceface prodigy stem,titec hellbent xc bar, time pedals, raceface prodigy crank w/ Isis BB,aloy crank bolts, selle italia flite ti saddle, Ti quick releases, avid rolamajig (everybody needs one of these!!!!!) wheels and fork are next (xt disk hubs with Ti axels and aloy spacers w/ mavic 223 rims, rockshocks duke) | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for the frame and to give me something nice to ride untill I could upgrade it. I love this bike because of the potential of it. Sure it needs some money put into it if you want to get more serious but if you do it right you will spend less than trying to find another complete bike with the same specs. I ride very hard and I ride alot and I tell you what I out ride people on these FuFu $3000 bikes and I love doing it on a $600 bike. Granted it will be worth more after im done upgrading but stock with just the pedal upgrade to the "times" I could race it. I think if you want to get into riding more seriously this is the bike for you because of the upgradability of it. Have fun and ride hard! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bunty
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockville, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | The Hayes Disc brakes are DEFINITELY one of its finest qualities. They are great in the rain and other wet weather. The steering is excellent and it has smooth shifting. The lightness of the bike and the 24 speeds make this a speed demon. Last but not least, being able to change the shock intensity is very useful when i switch to offroad from the road. | | Weaknesses: | Only a few bad things. The Disc brakes take a week or 2 to brake in to and get the hang of. One of the worst things with the bike is the tires. the tire will wear too easily, you'll need a new one in a month or 2 on the average rider. If you go super slow or something and only use the brakes to slow down a bit, it wont wear that easy. The tire for the front is great though. | | Similar Products Used: | none, this is my first Giant product. but my brother used a Giant Yukon. it is basically the same bike but without disc brakes, 400 dollars at performance bikes. one last bad thing is the seat, it's a little uncomfortable if you sit on it for too long. | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really good for its value, high end components. it will last a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benjamin
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | East Coast Park, Singapore | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Song Seng Chan | | Strengths: | Haye disc brake is smooth and quiet. Front suspension takes humps quite well. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy for my liking. Found the saddle uncomfortable, so changed for a softer one. | | Similar Products Used: | Used to ride a road bike, this is my first serious mountain bike. | | Bottom Line: | I hardly hit the trails or the hills, so hardly have the chance to push this bike to its limits. Use it mainly for recreation and exercise, serves my purpose very well. For a new comer to the mountain bike scene, this machine is easy to manoeuvre. It's also good value for money, but the specs of the iguana disc sold in Singapore seem to be different from those sold in the U.S. I am somewhat concerned about the many complaints of the mosquito tires, it's too early for me to reach a conclusion anyway, will test them in wet condition soon. Plan to change to better ones when the current set worn out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austen Mahoney
a Racer
from Frenchtown NJ hunterdon
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | frenchtown river trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$519.00 | | Purchased At: | Freemans bike shop | | Strengths: | Wheels, brakes, frame | | Weaknesses: | pedals | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to xt rear derailure | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money and can take a beating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MtbRider
a
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Hayes mechanical rock ! Good frame, great all around bike. Rugged. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals weren't the best | | Bottom Line: | Great value, the brakes were amazing, its a good all around bike for everyday uses and more, i'd recommend stronly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Pro Cycles | | Strengths: | The hayes dic brakes are awesome! They work just as advertised. A very sturdy aluminum frame too. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is incredibly uncomfortable. I've only had it for one week so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820, Trek BMX | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an excellent mountain bike for a begginer or an expert. It's an excellent value for all of its components. Probably the best value for a mountain bike with hayes disc brakes. It also has a very strong frame and nice front shocks. Awesome shifters also. I reccomend it to anybody who's in the market for a new mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie
a Weekend Warrior
from Simi Valley, ca USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | west long canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$490.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Den | | Strengths: | The hayes disk brakes are sweet. | | Weaknesses: | The Tires are just straight horrible, Ive only ridden the bike for less than 2 months and the rear tire is all worn out. The seat was a bit hard for me. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock with a specialized body geo seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first mountain bike, and actually this is my first bike for about 15 years. I love this bike for the price I paid, since Im just a newbie at this I decided to go cheap and Im not disappointed. I do however need to change the tires, and eventually I would like to change the toe clips for clipless pedals. Overall I give this bike 4 chili peppers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ruben
a Weekend Warrior
from Salinas
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Trip, Santa Cruz | | Strengths: | The bike is a great product all around. The color scheme, disk brakes, and the front suspension persuaded my purchase. The bike is pretty light. | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ added lights for night time riding. | | Bottom Line: | The product is great and you cannot beat the price... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Snellville, GA. US
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bike | | Strengths: | Lighter frame than my old F/S. Hayes disk brakes are great. Price is great. | | Weaknesses: | Tires dont get good traction on corners. Brakes are loud for first couple of rides. None else | | Similar Products Used: | F/S | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for nashbar clipless pedals, bar ends and Cane Creek Thudbuster | | Bottom Line: | The bike is great for its price. Componets are nice. Great for weekend mountain bikers. Can take a beating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Trip | | Strengths: | frame, Disc Breaks | | Weaknesses: | Tires, front deraileur | | Bike Setup: | Manitou six sport fork, hayes disc breaks, Mosquito tires, Shimano Acera front derail, Shimano Deore rear | | Bottom Line: | The good...This is a decent bike for beginners. Nice balance, handles well over most terrain, and takes a pretty good beating. The disc breaks work as advertised, particularly in wet conditions.
The bad...rear tire is already worn after 3 months.
The ugly....The front deraileur is very inconsistent especially when downshifting…even after several adjustments by the dealer. The chain slips occasionally on the small front gear on moderately steep climbs.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Halstein
a Cross Country Rider
from Ulster Park, NY, U.S.
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all Mount Snow | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Bros. | | Strengths: | Great price, decent handling, is a little heavy but is exeptable, has decent components for the price. Trail worthy | | Weaknesses: | TIRES! they wear very fast, Mine wore in about a mounth. Front derailure needs replacing! | | Similar Products Used: | none comparable in this price range. | | Bike Setup: | stock exept tires. | | Bottom Line: | I think this bike is one of the best buys for 2003, If I bought a bike from another company, I'd likelly pay twice as much.
For the price, the components are ok, but they could do with soom upgrading. The bike will do fine stock but needs a litle work before it's raced. The forks have preformed great for me, I'm a little on the heavy side though (170lbs) so they are a little squishy it doesn't have to bad an effect though.
I would recomnd this bike to anyone who just wants a training bike or a good recreational bike. You can't beat the price.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trail
a Weekend Warrior
from oregan
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | Great geometry on frame. Love the discs and great bike for the price.It seems fairly light. Pretty good fork (im upgrading to bombers though) | | Weaknesses: | Crappy tires! The front derailleur has a really poor design swap it at the store right away. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher marlin, Specialized rock hopper, trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | stock exept for tires and derailleurs | | Bottom Line: | Awsome bike. Giant gives you great components for the price. I would recommend it to begginers and even intermediate bikers. i liked the geometry more than the fisher and specialized. Nice looking (silver). It took a little bit to tweak the disk brakes but now they are amazing. Way better than my old v brakes. The fork has needed no adjustments so far (manitou super six). I ride XC and it has held up really well on the trails! GREAT BIKE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eduardo Avelar
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis,Ca
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | still searching | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$525.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheeler | | Strengths: | Solid frame, disc brakes, a comfortable riding position | | Weaknesses: | stock tires wore out fast, feels a little on the heavy side for a hardtail | | Similar Products Used: | iguana, specialized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | stock, generic bar ends, nashbar clipless pedals, sigma bc800 | | Bottom Line: | For the price i think its a good bike. it took some time to dial in the front dera. but it shifts fine. the disc brakes work great, however the rear tire is a bit tough to slide back in place.
i would like to lighten the bike up by upgrading some of the components, because the frame makes it worth the money. my buddies think i am crazy but this was the first bike that i actually felt comfortable on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lukasz
a Cross Country Rider
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | NO PREFERENCE | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | E-bay (biketek) | | Strengths: | Price is something that you got to love it. If you don't have enough money to buy one of those expensive bikes there is nothing better than iguana disc. i love evreathing about the bike, maybe almost evreathing. But for the price paid what you expect? right ? | | Weaknesses: | Fork sucks big time. At least for my weight (200lb) needs to get upgradeted. Pedals are even worst are you kidding me? I don't think they could go any cheaper!!! lol Chain is a little bit old too. | | Similar Products Used: | I didn't use any other bike that can match this one. Even though i owned one that was way more expensive than this one. But i think that there is very small number of bikes in that price range to mach iguana. | | Bike Setup: | all stock you can check on http://www.giantbicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?lYear=2003&bikesection=8817&range=122&model=10634 | | Bottom Line: | The bike is worth every dollar i have paid for it. It looks good and for its priced i don't think you could excpect anything better. I was on the market for a bike for quiet long time. And i wasn't willing to spend too much money on it either. I didn't want one of those expensive bikes because i wasn't sure of how much i will enyoj riding. But unfortunately for my pocket i love it and i'm doing more and more riding every day. So I end up paying little for something of very good quality. Afcorse you can always ask for more but you have to be real about it this is not one of those 1000 or more dollars bike but it can keep up with them and put a right persone on it and it will out perform it. The bottom line is That i would recomend this bike to any one that dosen't want to go brock by purchasing a bike. And someone that is not sure if he will really get into all that riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Alansworth
a Cross Country Rider
from Chatsworth, CA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of Malibu Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$526.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World | | Strengths: | Paint job, frame, value (I guess). | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, bottom bracket, pedals, weight, sluggishness, front derailleur. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Univega FS750, Bianchi Peregrine, Cannondale F600, Specialized Rockhopper, Giant Rainier | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fairly decent for an entry-level MTB or secondary workout bike. Even though it shares geometry with the XTC line, it is definitely not a racer in any sense. If you intend to use this bike as a serious trail bike, you will be very disappointed. Giant has positioned this bike for recreational use and that is exactly what it is (actually, more like OCCASIONAL recreational use).
The geometry is very comfortable (at least for me), but the bike is on the heavy side, especially for a hardtail (mainly because of some weighty and inferior Giant components), making it somewhat sluggish and unresponsive. The Manitou Super Six fork is a bit too squishy, even after maximum preload adjustment. The seat requires a good break in period, but don’t intend on staying seated for long without aching.
The Giant crankset and bottom bracket are heavy and are utter pieces of crap! After only two and a half months of light trail riding my crank and bottom bracket started to creak and click and an unevenness could be felt at the bottom of each pedal stroke on the right side. It’s been repeatedly cleaned, lubed, tightened, and adjusted, by my LBS but the problems always return. Teeth on the inner and outer chainrings began to break off after only two months of riding.
The bike was specked with Shimano hubs and an Alivio front derailleur, but mine came with generic hubs and an Acera derailleur, which is also a piece of crap. Shifting up front is not smooth, especially when moving down to the smallest chainring. I ended up with chainsuck so many times that I now just try to avoid using the small chainring entirely. So far I have not had any problems with the Deore rear derailleur. It’s operation has been smooth and reliable.
The Hayes mechanical disc brakes are a major disappointment. Constant adjustment is necessary to keep the rotors from rubbing the brake pads, especially after removing and reinserting the wheels. They exceed the performance of V-brakes only in wet and muddy conditions, otherwise performance is mediocre. Avid mechanicals are much better.
The paint job is very similar to the 2002 Rainier (silver & white with black accents) and is attractive. The Hutchinson Mosquito tires are prone to flats, especially from thorns. It has not been my experience that they wear unusually fast, as reported by others.
If you want to really enjoy this bike on the trails, you will probably have to upgrade the crankset, bottom bracket, front derailleur (preferably the entire drive train to 27-speed), and probably the Manitou fork. Might as well save up and buy a better bike to begin with. The good news, at least, is that the frame is fairly decent so that if you do decide to purchase one, the bike may be worth upgrading over time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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