Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Univerisity Cyclery
Strengths:
Good bike for the price. Haynes brakes stop on a dime, shifts very well, good gear ratios. Great ride on smooth trails and over the rocks. Puts up with serious abuse from a 200 lb rider.
Weaknesses:
Chain suck forces you to keep chain in good working order (aka properly lubed), otherwise it can jam between the frame and a chain ring. I busted the frame at rear shock weld on the seat tube after 3 years. Giant replaced the frame within a month or so for free, with a newer (larger because I asked for it) 2003 frame. The newer frame has additional support at that location. The older frame ran cables over the top tube, newer frame runs them under. This is inconvient because it makes it hard to hang things from the top tube (tire pump in my case). On the plus side the newer frame doesn't seem to have as much problem with chain suck.
Similar Products Used:
Assorted other bikes.
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock, with upgraded shifters, front derailer, newer frame, better chain.
Bottom Line:
Can't remember exactly how much I paid for it it was somewhere around $1800. Its been worth every penny. When I purchased it, the other bikes I was looking at cost $2800+. It has lasted 5.5 years now (sorta), i've replaced most of the drive train during that time but far less than other bikes i've owned. The brakes worked for 4 years without a hitch, and then It took me 5 tries to get them bled properly. I still don't feel any need to buy another mountain bike, but If I do (for the wife) it will probably be another Giant. Would be a 5 if the frame hadn't broken, gave them a 4 even though it did because I got good service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
itai
a
from tel aviv Date Reviewed: January 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
flum trail, lake tahoe
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
ziv's, Raanana
Strengths:
best cross country bike yet
Weaknesses:
rear derailier knocks the frame whith bumps, original sadle sucks. frames break at cranck, replaced by dealer
Similar Products Used:
kona fs, giant 990, khs fx
Bottom Line:
great all rounder, disc brakes are amzing, good rear suspension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug (SLUG) Erickson
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC Wake County Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Road
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
All Star Bike Raleigh, NC
Strengths:
excellent component package,suspension works great.Hayes discs,time pedals,Sid shocks,Race Face cranks/chain rings.
Weaknesses:
Constant problems with chain-suck when shifting from middle ring to granny gear, since day one.Crappy Koski saddle.
Similar Products Used:
1st full suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
stock,except for grips,saddle,& tires
Bottom Line:
I've been riding this bike for a year and a half,and my only complaint to date has been the problem with chain suck. Had shop mechanic check several times, but the problem persists. Giant Rep authorized replacing middle ring,this had no effect whatsoever. Took my XTC-DS1 to the shop this week with a cracked seat tube,it's cracked almost all the way around tube just below the top shock mount. Am waiting for a response from Giant via my local bike shop. This will be a true indicator of how reputable Giant is after the sale. This has been a great bike,even with the continuous chain suck problem. I would still recomend this bike to anyone looking for a good all around full suspension,cross - country ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt s
a Weekend Warrior
from australia Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
uncle's bike shop
Strengths:
excellent value for money, top notch suspension with its (no sag) technology, reasonable weight and superb brakes
Weaknesses:
I get chain suck everytime I chane from the middle ring to the inner ring at the front, sh*t handlebar grips and I have heard that the hayes calipers break if pressure is applyed in reverse, ex. trials hopping
Similar Products Used:
giant hardtail, specialized
Bike Setup:
stock, except for oury grips
Bottom Line:
sick XC bike but not to be used on any big stuff or trials. Great value for money with excellent specs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ken
a Weekend Warrior
from houston,tx Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001
this bike climbs as well as my mojo,and descends even faster quick and smooth thru the roots and rocks I took it to colorado this summer and loved it even more the only change will be the fork, i think i'll go with a psylo, more plush! otherwise great bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yakka Yakka
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Western Australia Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Perth
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Wembley Cycles
Strengths:
Hayes Discs when they work and not being re-bled so often. Cheap as - Thanks Dell. Cranks, Rims, SID shocks, componentry more than adequate, Good all round bike - I call it the happy medium, ride it all day up and downhill. No pushing a big heavy rig up hills.
Weaknesses:
Hayes, numberous problems with re-bleeding required sooo many times its not funny, brake fail, etc, etc, pads replaced x2 in 10 months. FRAME REPLACED AFTER 10 MONTHS OF OWNING THIS BIKE- WELD CRACKS around rear shock pivots, GIANTS BACKUP SERVICE IS COMPLETE AND UTTER S**** HERE IN OZ- now more than 2 months waiting and still waiting - NO THANKS VERY MUCH GIANT, no thanks ill be going elsewhere in future. You wait a week for a car to be replaced/repaired with an insurance company, whats going on guys??? Frame creaks, Broken spokes++++, bike never raced. I'd probably give it 5 lemons but 4 chilles when it was new and running perfectly.
Stock, but it needs a Psylo or SID100 on the front with riser bars and a short stem for it to be a better play bike, if I did this they probably wouldn't cover it under warranty anyways for some unforseen reason. I'm not having a go at Giant - just telling you how it is.
Bottom Line:
Go elsewhere, cause their(giants) service is cr**, bike rides well though, and I was happy b4 this all happened, you dont pay $3000 AUS for a bike and have it sit in the shop. Go a new craftworks FR due for release soon. How am I going to offload this bike to some unsuspecting buyer with the front half of the frame in different colours compared to the rear?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from jonesville, Vermont, USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gas Can, Randolph VT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Alpine Shop
Strengths:
One of the sickest full suspension designs I've seen yet, no weak y frame here! and the hayes give you all the stopping power you will ever need.
Weaknesses:
Bike creeks and squeeks alot, hopefully it sjust my forgetfullness in getting it tuned instead of a possible frame brake. The big fat AL tubes allow for easy dents..Just got a good one last weekend.
Similar Products Used:
X hardtail rider
Bike Setup:
Stock...been paying more attention to my cars needs then the bike unfortunately
Bottom Line:
This bike has the uncanny ability to deliver performance no matter what your riding..adjust the dampinging on the rear and go hell bent on through the xc, adjust it again and your ready to tackle the DH. awesome handling and quality componentry make this bike a real sweet ride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell Lachow
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cathedral Pines
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1549.00
Purchased At:
Carl Hart Bicycles
Strengths:
Incredable value for the money. Reasonable weight. Very good selection of components.
Weaknesses:
Rear suspension very stiff when set properly for heavy riders.
Similar Products Used:
First bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Raceface XY seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Bike is a five plus on value, but a zero or five for performance. Need help.
Purchased bike late last season (as a beginning rider) and ran lower than specified pressure (body weight plus 10 - 20 pounds) in the positive chamber for a softer ride. Am much more experienced and faster now and have set positive chamber correctly (210 plus 10 to 20) for not bob. Problem is not enough rebound control with adjuster one last click from full on. Full on makes the rebound over one second. One click back from full on leaves me with a bucking bronco. Bike is not rideable at speed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry Baudoin
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Texas Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cycle 360
Strengths:
Ability to bridge the gap between a hardtail and a quality full suspension bike. Climbs better than my Specialized M2 hardtail. Light and fast.
Weaknesses:
None yet, but I specified a custom build.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Where to start? xtr all around (except for cogs and front derailleur), including v-brakes. Easton EA70 bar, Thompson elite seat post, Salsa Bar ends, Spinergy Xyclones.. 24.5 lbs.
Bottom Line:
Best all around I have ridden on my home trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J. Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from OKC,OK Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Draper
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1750.00
Purchased At:
budget bicycles (not recomended)
Strengths:
Hayes discs are great, the same everytime you brake. NSR system just as described if set up right, no sag. Price.
Weaknesses:
Frame. I snapped my frame at the seat tube, no big jumps or bomb drop offs, just what I consider regular mtb riding. Giant will replace the frame but I'm stuck with the labor cost of the change over. Yeah, I get a new frame but I'm out 70 bucks through no fault of my own. I had lots of creeks and squeeks before the break, so be careful.
Bike Setup:
Stock except different tires.
Bottom Line:
I loved the bike before the frame broke, great performance, no sag if set up right, great stopping power, good climber although a little heavy. Excellent value. Poor customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim aka RawDogg Farris
a Weekend Warrior
from San Mateo, Ca. Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Champion - Snake - Mission Peak - Waterdog lake...any one of those.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Pacific Bike in San Mateo
Strengths:
Rigid Ride. Absolutely no bounce when sprinting (except the front end which is expected). No bounce uphill what so ever. Killer stopping power with the Hayes Hydraulic Discs. Very light - Color scheme is cool and even more so if you change the tire to ones with yellow trim. Would like to change to monkey lite handle bars & seat post to make it even lighter.
Weaknesses:
Rock Shox Sid XC Shocks were a bit hard to setup. Shock manual contradicts the bike manual on setting up the proper pressure and sag. I went with the shock manual, and the ride is nice.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar, Marin B-17.
Bike Setup:
Stock from Giant.
Bottom Line:
I'm a big guy and as light as this bike is it very strong. I've yet to break anything on it. I can't thank Giant enough for producing such an outstanding product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Saxon Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Planet, Syosset, NY
Strengths:
Climbs better then my Carbon Fiber hardtail. Bob free ride. Time pedals. Rock Shock Sid XC fork. Hayes hydrolic disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
None so far!
Bike Setup:
As is out of box.
Bottom Line:
Bike is all that the advertising and magazine reviews claim. Great climber, love the disc brakes. For the money, there was nothing else on the market in this price range with such a set up. I was concerned about the weight of the bike since I was used to a light hardtail, however, it climbs better. I made it up hills that I couldn't on the hardtail! I guess weight is not the sole facter in a bikes climbing ability and ride. Buy it if you want a great FS/XC racer under $2000.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a
from Newbury park, CA USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Michael's Bicyles, Newbury Park
Strengths:
real XC rideability without sacrificing all strength to the weight Gods
Weaknesses:
lack of prestige name, realtively rigid ride
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Raven, Various other Giants
Bike Setup:
Marzochi Z1 CR fork, XT/XTR drivertrain, SID shock, Hayes hydraulics, etc. Built from frame rather than buying complete bike.
Bottom Line:
I weigh 210, and am not interested in timing my rides or monitering heart rates, but I also have to ride several miles to get to any fun DH or play areas. The NRS works entirely as advertised; miles are covered with a lot less fatigue than I was used to. I set up the rear shock a little differently that Giant recommends; 210 in the top, 150 in the bottom. Essentially no sag, little risk of bottoming, but more plush than the 50 psi in the bottom that the call for. Bottoming could be an issue with less pressure in the top; I've noticed that the 2001 model has a much beefier shock mount. I'm guessing they've replaced a few frames. (I've seen a couple of minor frame issues handled by Giant with all new frames-not bad.) With this setup, jumps and downhills are much more fun that on any other XC bike I've ridden. Plus, there's a real set tube, so you can drop the saddle for downhill riding. What a concept.
To date, I've never experienced the creaks and noises that a few others have. I had another Giant model that popped and creaked a lot, though; turned out to be the seatpost adaptor, so now I use fat seatposts that don't need one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis Lo
a Weekend Warrior
from Hsinchu, Taiwan Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
18-Peak Mountain Freeride Trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1064.00
Purchased At:
"Jordan" Hsinchu Giant Store
Strengths:
( I bought a 2001 Giant NRS XTC 2)Great NRS Design (no-bob), Great Appearance, works well in milder freeriding and works extremely well in cross-country riding,
Weaknesses:
Mud and Sand easily gets inside bicycle frame, Easy to scratch or dent, a little heavy (OK for a full-suspension bike), otherwise works PERFECTO.
Similar Products Used:
This bike is a 2001 Giant NRS XTC 2. I rode a 2000 Giant NRS DS 1 before, Giant ATX 1200 (Giant's 1998 downhilll racer)
Bike Setup:
stock, except for Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Azonic ORC stem, a Look gell seat, Raceface riser bar, and that's about it
Bottom Line:
I really recommend this bike to anyone who does lots of cross country riding, some mild freeriding and downhills. The NRS system really does work. But, if you do lots of big drops or freeriding stuff, the travel bottoms out easily. If you're like me, occassionally doing some freeriding, but mostly riding cross-country and scenic places, you'll love this bike. And, since I live in Taiwan, this is the cheapest performance mountain bike you can buy. Other bikes such as Cannondale or Sepcialized or imported, so are extremely expensive. I bought mine for only $1064 dollars. Really really worth the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EVAN
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1950.00
Purchased At:
WESTWOOD CYCLE
Strengths:
COMPONENT SELECTION, SUSPENSION HANDLING, WEIGHT
Weaknesses:
NONE SO FAR
Similar Products Used:
KLEIN MANTRA, GIANT XTC AC AIR
Bike Setup:
NRS1, WITH PSYLO RACE,XT 11-34, LX CRANKS, SHIMANO 424 PEDALS
Bottom Line:
HANDLES LIKE A DREAM. I HAVE AN NRS1 2001,WITH MENTIONED MODS THIS BIKE IS ROCK SOLID. CLIMBS MUCH BETTER THAN MY MANTRA DID AND WEIGHS LESS. BEST BIKE FOR THE MONEY BY FAR. FREERIDE, URBAN ASSAULT, OR X-COUNTRY. JUST GET ON IT AND PEDAL!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tor Dahle
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego,CA,USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pauly Creek/Butcher/2nd. Div.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Mountainbike Warehouse, San Diego
Strengths:
The bike rides really well.Hardly any bobbing.I bought just the frame and I am happy with it.It climbs and decends way better than my old hardtail.
Weaknesses:
Thin tubing might be a problem. I had a 2000 model, the seat tube snapped in half at the shock mount during a ride. Giant replaced the frame with a 2001 model which has befier welds at the shock mount. Thank you Giant and Mountainbike Warehouse in San Diego.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Large frame,Z1-X fly,Grimeca System 8,Bontrager Race Disc,Monkey Lite Bar,King,LX-XT,WTB,Time,Michlin,Kore.
Bottom Line:
I like it,Giant gives a lot for the money and I like that they back up their stuff.The thin tubes worry me a bit but as I said Giant backs up their stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Weymouth, MA Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wompatuck
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Norwood Bike Depot
Strengths:
FS XC Racer - PERIOD That's what it was made for and that's what it does. Climbs and accelerates like no bike I've ever ridden.
Weaknesses:
Not a free-ride bike. It's built light, as a result, it's not the toughest bike in the world. Also it's made for singletrack, not downhill.
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX Team 990, FSR Extreme, Fischer Joshua, and a bunch of hardtails.
Bike Setup:
This is an '00 DS1 frame which I received as a warranty replacement for my old 990. I built it with: SID 100, '00 Magura Louise Discs, SRAM 9.0SL Hubs laced to Mavic 519's, Thompson stem and post, flat bar, SRAM 9.0SL shifters and derailleur, 9.0 Front der, 8 spd XT cassette, Kooka cranks and rings, raceface chromo BB
Bottom Line:
I was finally inspired to write my review after reading the one below by the guy who said it was a cheap bike and complained of dents and noises.
This bike has a cheap price tag; as a frameset or as a bike (I have a friend on a stock DS1) its an incredible value. It does dent easily; I have a small dent on my downtube (which I got from a rock that kicked up on my first ride) and one on my chainstay. This is not built to be a bulletproof, freeride bike. It's a lightweight XC racer! As far as the noises go, I've heard none. I ride in sloppy New England crap and I clean my bike minimally. Headset's fine, pivots are fine, haven't heard a squeak or a creak yet.
I run my rear SID with the recommened pressure for my 195 pounds, which results in no-sag, as intended. I experimented with less PSI in the main chamber or more in the top to run a little sag, but now I stick with no sag; it works best for me. And that SID hasn't lost an ounce of pressure!
I love this bike. It's made me a better rider. I can't wait to see how it races. Two things I've noticed most: 1) Amazing acceleration. 2) Remarkable ability to climb, and manuever in slow rocky, rooty climbs. I feel like I can stop in the middle of a messy climb, look around for the best line, make whatever kind of sharp or awkward turn is necessary, and keep climbing. It's a lot of fun.
This is not the best descending bike I've ever ridden. It descends well, but if you're looking for a downhill or freeride bike, look elsewhere. This bike was made to race. If you want to win your races throug climbing and acceleration and you're not a clydesdale (I think my 195 pound frame is pushing the limits) then this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Bennett
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA USA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, loop from town and back
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Bike Warehouse
Strengths:
The suspension works BETTER than advertised. This bike will regularly bail you out of potentially bad situations. You point it, relax and it does the rest. Two words: Hayes Discs. If you've tried them, I don't need to say more. Adjustability of both front and rear suspension makes for a very tunable ride. Frame itself is pretty light. Climbing is effortless both in and out of the saddle. This bike is just flat out fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
Some of the components are a cheap spec, but for the overall package, Giant skimped in the right places. Wheelset was trued 3 times in the first 2 months and suffered a broken spoke on the rear wheel. Seems to be OK after that. Main pivot bolt on the chainstay fell out and disappeared on a technical trail rendering the bike almost unridable. Fortunatly, I was only about 2 miles from home. Frame tends to be creaky some days, but not others. Rear derraileur smacks the chainstay in about 3 gears but if you zip-tie a small piece of old tube to the spot it hits, it quiets it a lot. It's not the lightest bike out there, but I took off a couple pounds (for a couple hundred bucks)with upgrades before I even brought it home. Headset binds and needs regular adjustment. Pedals require a little too much effort to get in and out of.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback V-link 3.1, Intense Tracer (tested), Specialized Enduro Pro (tested).
Bike Setup:
Easton carbon riser bar and seatpost, Serfas grips and racing saddle, IRC mythos tires, grip shift, XT front derailleur, rest of bike is stock.
Bottom Line:
This bike rules!! All of the stuff that I have found as weaknesses are all pretty minor. I have heard and read a lot of horror stories about this frame cracking, but after 8 months of hard riding (and I do like drop-offs and jumps a lot) it is still as strong as the day I brought it home. However, I only weigh 160lb and this might not be the case for a heavier rider. I have spent about $400 between the bar, post, seat, etc and with the addition of a better wheelset, my bike will tip the scales at 25lbs. Not bad for a disc equipped bike. Do yourself a favor and get some Loctite and go through all the pivot bolts. Don't trust your bike store to do it...peace of mind is worth a lot when you are 30 miles from civilization! My friend has an identical bike and loves it to death, although he has experienced most of the same problems. This bike is an outstanding value for the money and a blast to ride. Plus, Giant gives us just enough opportunity to do what we inevetibly end up doing anyway...upgrade!! Nuff said...buy this bike and GO RIDE!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
el conquistador
a Weekend Warrior
from CO, US of A Date Reviewed: February 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
where there isn't horse manure
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
reasonable bb ht. wt. on frame is 5.5 lbs for a medium.
Weaknesses:
cheap bike. dents easily, paint chips off very easily, and this frame is a noise machine.
Similar Products Used:
Adept, YBB, Racer-X, Uzzi
Bike Setup:
tricked out
Bottom Line:
I'm not sure about mtbr.com's reviews. Either no one has actually beat on their bikes or they just want to justify their purchases. I look at alot of the products that have been reviewed to glowing praise when, in fact, my friend's and I experiences are different.
This frame is a perfect example. Rides nice, bb doesn't jack you way up, firm feel. But... this was tried before - ala the GT RTS series.
My main problem is the amount of creaking noises that come from the pivots/headset/who knows where else. For me epic rides are about the scenary, terrain, buddies, effort and I find this bike to be a distraction. This frame is always creaking, popping, chirping, etc. Maybe it's the bushings, maybe it's the zero stack headset, maybe, maybe, maybe...
So, back to my original statement. Doesn't anybody else notice this kind of thing? Dudes, I am an animal but, sheet, I shouldn't be the only one who's noticed these kind of issues.
I'm sick of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin County Date Reviewed: February 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Will's secret trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
stan's bikes
Strengths:
Unbeatable value with stock parts package.Works as advertised you rarely even realize that the back shock is working(NO BOB).Been beating the hell out of my ds1 for about a year and only thing Ive broken is some of the weaker parts that come on bike(headset,bb).Also color scheme is great looks mean!Climbing on this bike is great,I really shock myself sometimes how I can clear sections of trails I never did on my own hardtail.
Weaknesses:
Was down right a pain in the ass to get this bike.Waited for three months for a LBS(PACIFIC)to deliver my bike and was always greeted with next month and it will be here soon.They promised me a low price (1599) but never could deliver it.Finally I became fed up with there service and spent one morning on my day off using giants dealer locator to find other dealers in the area,made about 40 calls when finnally I got lucky a store just received some in my size.I drove over a 100 miles and payed list price and it was worth every penny and the hassle of driving.Two other complaints would be bottom bracket height should be a little higher I do occasionaly scrape small obstacles.The other owuld be paint chipping but ey its a bike its meant to be thrashed a little so no biggie.Oh and that damn clanking noise of the rear derailer hitting frame(fixed on 2001 model for all you considering one).
Similar Products Used:
tested sugar 1,specialized s-works,raven,and jeckyl.None compared and all were more expensive would have considered the Jeckyl if it wasnt for the crappiness of coda parts especially there disc brakes.
Bike Setup:
stock besides chris king headset(rasta looks so cool works even better than it looks),xt bottom bracket(phil wood ti coming soon),easton monkey light riser bar,oury grips,sella italia flight gel saddle,hutchinson mosquito light tires and torrelli light tubes.
Bottom Line:
The best trail bike/cross country bike on the market.Tracks on fast siingle tracks like no other.Downhill is a joy in general.Hayes breaks really inspire confidence and have a habit of saving you in bad situations.Stock wheels are very durable have tried and tried to beat or break them so I could have excuse to upgrade to a lighter wheelset but after a year they are still dont need to be trewed.DAMN YOU MAVIC 223's break!Bike ways about 25 3/4 lbs with a few more upgrades it should be 24 and half when im done.Note to reader this is my first full suspesion bike but ive been a bike nut for years so I know quality and Giant makes quality bikes.If your in the markey for a new bike I would say get your self a ds1 and if you cant afford get a lower level version of it.To much talk must go ride:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississauga, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Strengths:
NRS design Climbs like a goat on speed. Descends like an express elevator to hell - goin' down!!!
Weaknesses:
Weight, initial setup is spec'd heavy. Rocker arm pivot weld. 4 cracks from a 165Lb rider.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR Ground Control '99, Rocky Mountain Spice '99
Bike Setup:
RaceFace cranks/headset/BB, Easton Monkeylite handlebars, Thompson seatpost/stem, ChrisKing disc hubs on Mavic 317's, Hayes brakes, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Serfas saddle, SRAM 9.0SL Halfpipe and drivetrain, RS SID XC fork, RS SID rear shock.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up review to my previous in 09/00.
The CaneCreek ZS-2 integrated headset is utter crap. It cannot resist any moisture and works marginally at best.
I am only 165Lbs and I do not ride particularly agressive, yet I managed to put 4 (yes count them 4) cracks in the gusset collar for the rocker arm pivot. Its on its way back for warranty, and I noticed the 2001's have a slightly different design at that exact place I had a problem. ;)
No other complaints, just miles of smiles.
I ride to live.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Goucher
a Weekend Warrior
from Florence Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pisca, NC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bikes Plus
Strengths:
Frame review only - Suspension set-up is as advertised. No BOB yet smooth over the small bumps and large hits. Weight is good for f/s. Highly adjustable suspension RockShox SID. Handles great - fast & slow.
Weaknesses:
Get a little noise from the shock on rollers.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback V-Link 3.1, Trek f/s, Pro Flex
Bike Setup:
XTC - NRS - Air = Psylo forks, Magura hydrolic rim brakes, Shimano xt, Sram grip shift, Bontrager Revolt SS tires.
Bottom Line:
I bought the frame and used some parts off my old bike. Went to the Psylo forks to hold my 250 pounds. This is a great XC bike. Weight is 27 lbs. 3.75 inches of rear travel and 4 inches up front. Handles great in tight rough stuff and eats up the dounhills. Acts like a hard tail when you stand for a hill or sprint. Very plush ride. You will be going faster than you feel like your going. With the very flexable air systems front and rear its up to you to dial it in. I change the positive and negative pressures for the type of ride I'm on. Anticipate that it will take you some time to get the suspension the way you like it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Abe
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: January 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fantasy Island
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1720.00
Purchased At:
Broadway Schwinn
Strengths:
Great handling and braking, climbs like a goat, best bike anywhere for the money cause nothing else has this frame design with discs near this price.
Weaknesses:
Handlebars, stem and seat post too heavy, mediocre paint
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSX-RC (good design), Santa Cruz Superlight (inferior frame design and braking, but a good bike), Schwinn Rocket88 (worst frame, poorest handling for the money),Cannondale Lefty (average handling), Turner RFX (only bike that beat it's handling, $4000 and no discs), Moots YBBeat, (nice, light but nowhere near as plush), Trek STP 300 (worth a look but not near as plush), GT 1500 (very good bike, no discs).
Bike Setup:
Sids work fine, my Hayes discs are great, Kore elite seat post, Terry Liberator Ti seat
Bottom Line:
If there's a better bike under $3000 I didn't find it and I looked at everything good I could. If you climb you can get lighter but the traction here is great and the stopping power is so good hang on tight! It's time to ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MikeyMike
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Western Australia Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mt Gungin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Wembley Cycles
Strengths:
NRS suspension really, really works. Hayes discs are topnotch.
Weaknesses:
Cheap shifters. Tubeless Mavic rims means tyre range limited (but can use tubes on the rims). Saddle is bloody uncomfortable. Not big on 4 arm cranks - too easy to bend on rocks.
Similar Products Used:
FSR XC - borrowed. Never owned a DS before.
Bike Setup:
Stock. See giant-bicycles.com Hayes discs, Rear XT shifter and cluster, Front derllr and shifters Deore, RaceFace Prodigy cranks and chain-rings, Rims Mavic UST Tubelss 24 holes, Michelin tyres. Front Sus RockShox SID XC, Back Rockshox SID
Bottom Line:
Santa brought me the XTC NRS 1. Was I surprised. Santa obviously DOESN'T know who's been naughty - either that or he hates cats nearly as much as I do!!
Took it to one of the race trails this weekend and loved it. The ability to set up the shock's air pressure to suite the trail is a real plus. When set up correctly, the NRS is truly rigid while peddling up hill but still comes in on bumps UPHILL as well as making for a profoundly more comfortable ride on the downhills. One of the main advantages is that during a race, I will be able to sit down for much more of the course meaning I'll get less tired.
Just need to shorten the stem, get a new saddle and I'll be happy as Larry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
donkey boy
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hochimin
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Great value speced with nice parts
Weaknesses:
Do not like the pedals
Similar Products Used:
Element, cannondale, Yeti
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
How did they get such a nice bike so cheap? Only problem, is this visual I have of an 80 year old political prisoner, wearing a diaper, chained to a milk stool welding & sanding frames for the Giant corporation. Say it aint so........
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Bennett
a Racer
from Canberra, ACT, AUSTRALIA Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
luv 'em all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
Versatility - there aren't many DS bikes you can race semi-seriously
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Jeckyl, Sugar 1
Bike Setup:
Raceface, SID Race, Hayes discs, SRAM 9 speed
Bottom Line:
This bike is actually the XTC Team version which does not seem to have been on sale in the US. It is an up-spec'd version of the DS1 and weighs in at about 24-25lbs. I was looking for a DS bike that I could race (had to be reasonably light and no bob). I narrowed the field to the XTC Team, Jeckyl and Sugar 1. In the end it was a no brainer because I was offered a near new XTC Team by a guy on the Australian MTB team (Paul Rowney - came 10th in the Olympics). The great thing about this bike is that I can trail ride or race on it - it is definitely quicker than my Cannondale hard tail (which has now been sold). I have also used it for a 24hr race - the DS was worth its weight in gold! No regrets at all! In my view, the best bike of its type currently available. It will be interesting to compare it against the new Trek Fuel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reed Rawson
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrenceville, GA Date Reviewed: November 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mountaintown Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1960.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle South
Strengths:
Good for heavy riders. Adjustable shocks on both ends.
Weaknesses:
Squirrely on fast downhills
Bottom Line:
I love my bike and it was worth the cost. I have had no trouble with it at all, the Hayes disc brakes are great. Being able to adjest the shocks is nice as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mo
a Weekend Warrior
from Sedro Woolley Date Reviewed: November 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chutes and Ladders
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Skagit Pedal Sports
Strengths:
Great climbing and descending manners, easy to set up. Sid front and rear give a real balanced ride. Bearings at all main pivots.
Weaknesses:
Prodigy Cranks do not shift. Period. Crappy 4 arm rings with 104mm spacing are just a little stiffer than a wet noodle and a real pain to find replacement rings. REPLACE THESE FIRST! Intigrated headset needs a little work. I had one real nasty fire road wreck and it munched the lower bearings. No local bike shop carried any replacement parts, so I had to special order one. Not very happy about that...
I submitted a review a few months ago when my Giant was brand new and I was a little biased. Not much has changed. I have rode this bike into the ground ride after ride, and it still wants more punishment. I am just as happy with it now as I was at the end of my first ride. Do yourself a favor though, CHANGE THE CRANKS! Any crank is an upgrade from the crappy Prodigy cranks that come on it. These things do not shift, and if you happen to bounce them off of a rock, stump, log, or anything else you may find on the trail the outer ring will fold over and die. This is not good. Everything else on this bike works like it should. The frame is light and strong. Hayes disc brakes. 'Nuf said. If you want to have a blast on any terrain without breaking the bank, BUY THIS BIKE! You will not be disappointed. Have fun, do the world some good and ride a bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JC
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything in the woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Giant via Bicycle Planet
Strengths:
NRS, New Alux SL aluminum, SID Rear Shock, Lighweight.
Weaknesses:
None that I am aware of, yet.
Similar Products Used:
Only hardtail = none
Bike Setup:
Full XT/Raceface, Titec, Marzocchi, Thomsom, blah, blah
Bottom Line:
This is a replacement for two CU92 hardtails that cracked; horray for alux sl. It feels beefier without additional weight, like a more solid alloy than the CU92. Having ridden only hardtail XC bikes this is awesome; no bob when accelerating. Rides like a hardtail up hill and like butta down hill. This is a solid FS XC bike, likely one of the best if not the best of class.
And while it took a long time for replacement due to frame inventory issues, Giant did take care of me giving me options and I'm glad I waited for this frame and new alloy. In general, my experience with Giant bike is a whole lot of bike for a reasonable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Silas
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Salmon Falls SRA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Trip
Strengths:
Wow! Totally fell head over heels for this baby! The NRS actually eliminates all 'bobbing' on these local steeps. Screaming downhills really showed the suspension to be pegged perfectly for my weight (200lbs) and an aggressive riding style. The shifting is clean and concise where I worried that it might be weak (Altus shifters), so I'll wait 'till they fail before I upgrade. The Rock Shox are behaving beautifuly.
Weaknesses:
Shave some weight by going to the bathroom before the ride & then switch the handlebars & seatpost. Giant had to cut costs somewhere, and they cut them there, and with those shifters.
Similar Products Used:
I was ready to get myself a Cannondale Lefty, but rode this just after. I'm glad that I waited as the DS1 rocks! Also rode the Gary F. Sugar 2, GT I-Drive 2000, and the Rocket 88.
Bike Setup:
Other then aggressive bar ends, the bike's a stock Betty -for now...
Bottom Line:
Early on I believed that to get into the Softail world I'd have to have a hardtail to back it up. Hands down folks, that's just not true anymore. No longer are softails like riding 'bobbing' couches. They're proven winners that get you to the trails-end quicker and more comfortably then anything out there. The Giant XTC DS1 is the Bike of The Year, and for good reason. Don't sit there -buy one!
Sidebar: I'll be upgrading my Cadex Carbon Fiber hardtail for those few times when i'll want to remember the abuse.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernie
a Cross Country Rider
from Maple Valley, WA USA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
MacKenzie River Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Bike Outfitters
Strengths:
Cost, Hayes brakes, handling, ability to change feel of travel, warrantee support.
Fisher Joshua, Trek Y-22, Cannondale Super V, FSR XC.
Bike Setup:
Stock except pedals, handlebar and saddle. Time pedals were fine but I prefer SPD pedals.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Ridden on long climbs, long downhills, technical stuff, fast stuff, long XC. It steers great, climbs well and accellerates with a snap. Shocks will adjust to suit a variety of "feels" from hard tail to nice and soft. The BB and free hub are noisy but work fine and will wear out. Upgrades will follow. Bike weighs 27.5 pounds but handles like 25 lbs.
I don't race, so I can't comment on that, but for all around use and economy this is hard to beat. For XC riding it will be hard to beat at any price.
I put a ti-rail saddle on, lighter and more comfortable. Replaced the handlebar and cut the weight in half. Replaced the enduro-raptors with velociraptors (gained back part of the weight loss there) but the bike corners solidly now.
I did crack a flange at the rear triangle mount. Faulty casting I suspect. Giant had a new frame for me in one week (thanks to my bike shop as well for reassembling it). The 2001 model should remedy the weak points, so if we all break our 2000's, we will be riding 2001's.
This is a great bike and the suspension system and brakes are just as good as they say.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Casimir
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, Australia Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the new mystery trail at Dairy Farmers
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3100.00
Strengths:
Great rear suspension, no bounce when set up right, terrific (but sometimes loud) brakes, climbing, very confident descender.
Weaknesses:
Frame material (read below), could be a bit lighter, wide bar with micro bar ends can get pretty dicey in denser forest
Bike Setup:
XT levers and Flightdeck (very cool toy), mavic 321 rims, Selle Italia XO gel seat
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike which I just loved until the frame broke under the rocker arm pivot, just like some of the other 200lb plus riders I've noticed here (I'm about 95 kgs and too lazy to do the exact conversion - call it 210 lbs). At the moment it looks like a hassle free warranty replacement (hopefully the '01 frame is braced) but we'll see. My rating below reflects the unbeatable value for money package and assumes the new frame will be fine.
Otherwise, I have to report that this bike has definitely made me a faster rider, a way better climber and descender, and that I always feel as though I've got a much bigger nmargin for error under brakes. Good work Giant - if you get the new frame right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: September 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
a bike shop naturally
Strengths:
The BEST #$@%^& suspention design on da planet!!!!! No bob. No sag. Climbs like a goat on speed. Descends like its on rails.
Weaknesses:
Stock bike - weight, handlebars and the #$@%^& headset My bike - the #$@%^& headset either way.....a whole lotta $$$$
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR Ground Control (1998)
Bike Setup:
Chris King hubs w/mavic 317 rims, RF cranks and BB, SRAM 9.0SL (everything), Easton Monkeylite low risers, Serfas Lola saddle, Thompson stem and seatpost, panaracer tires (yellow - 'natch), Time pedals
Bottom Line:
First thing you do is loose the Titec Hellbent bars. What a LEAD PIPE!!!!!! Bike works great in stock form, but lose the weight and it becomes a kick-ass cross-country/freeride monster. Follow the directions for the rear shock, it works perfect that way. This is THE bike to own. NOT for dual slalom, DH or trials.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Elliot
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart Tasmania Australia Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cascade track - Mt Wellington
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
McBains
Strengths:
NRS Suspension, Hayes disc brakes, Overall mix of components makes this bike great value. The ride this bike gives regardless of what kind of trail your on makes this a very versatile, fun bike.
Weaknesses:
Really hard saddle, Deore shifters, Thin tubing. A friend who as a Giant ATX 890 (similiar tubing) crashed and the impact on his frame was like a rock on a coke can! Tyres are OK in soft dirt and mud but tend to slip on hard and wet surfaces. Prone to chain suck - evne when clean and well lubed it still happens. I broke my chain on the second ride! Got a shimano chain as a replacement but still gets 'sucked'. The cables are not well fitted to the frame - there are many places where the cables rub and take off the nice paint job - hence you need to stick tape on the frame in many places to prevent this. The pait job looks the part but chips quite easily. The rear derailleaur tends to hit the frame requiring some padding and tape there too to save the Rear XT from too much wear!
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX 890, Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike for about 6 months and it is fantastic! Though this bike was a lot more expensive than I orginally planned to spend - for a weekend warrior there's no real need to upgrade anything unless it breaks making it great value. The versatility and ride makes the price on this bike well worth the cash. I ride cross country trails and down hills and this bike is the perfect bike for anyone wanting a bike that they can have fun with in any terrain. The suspension works as promised, although by setting up the rear SID slightly below recommended pressure the ride feels more plush without sacrificing the purpose of the suspension design (no bob or sag). The brakes are just superb. Regardless of how good V's are, with Hayes you know you can pull up at any time in regardless of water and mud. The best way of describing the feel of this bike is that of a hard tail - without the 'hard' tail!. I've ridden a friend's ATX 890 that had the exact same setup as the DS1, the only thing different was the lack of rear suspension. The feel of the DS1 is that of more control and comfort in comparison. Noticeably the rear end doesn't skip about on technical trails and downhills. My friend certainly wished he had saved a few more dollars to make the DS1 purchase after having a go of mine!. The DS1 climbs as efficiently as a hard tail but is a lot more forgiving and controllable over rocky trails and down hills. I like challenging trails in all kinds of weather - although the more wet and muddy the better! This bike is probably not a race ready cross country bike due to it's weight but it really is the best value all purpose mountain bike with least amount of compromise between the kind of riding your doing with it (cross country, down hill, climbing). A few simple upgrades here and there and you could get very serious with this bike. If you want a high performance bike for serious fun that provides the flexibility to attack any kind of trail - If you choose the XTC DS1 you won't be disappointed. Even with some of the negatives I've mentioned, this bike is still worthy of 5 flaming Chilis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ USA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
National @ S.Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Wheelers (frame only)
Strengths:
Adjustable rear Sid, NRS suspension, great climber and descender.
Weaknesses:
Loud (clang, clang!!!) and a little on the heavy side.
Similar Products Used:
Haro hardtail, Specialized Enduro FSR.
Bike Setup:
The frame w/front & rear Sids. XT group: crank, f&r derraileurs, v-brakes, hubs, and STI shifters & levers. Mavic x517's, Magura v-brake boosters, Time ATAC alum pedals, Raceface Sys-Stem & 1" riser, Easton EA-70 seatpost, Selle Italia Flite-Gel Saddle, and Panaracer Fire XC's w/ heavy-duty tubes.
Bottom Line:
I originally had a Haro with all XT components, X-vert shock, and a Mavic wheelset, then decided to buy a NRS full-suspension frame. I transferred all the components, a different F-derrailieur, and then added a few other goodies like a Sid fork, Race Face stuff, Easton post, Selle Italia saddle, Panaracers, and the Time Pedals.
I added it up, and ended up spending over $500 more to build this bike than if I had bought a shop bought Giant. I also saved some money by buying my things from mail-order companies. I feel that I got a great bike. The bike tips the scales at 28lbs, but that's with some heavy ass inner-tubes. For the extra money, I got v-brakes all around; lighter wheels & tires; better front derraileur, shifters & cassete; nicer stem, bar & seatpost. I think the XT crank & rings are similar in quality & weight to the Race Face cranks.
The bottom line: I like the way I can climb on this bike. There's a trail called Mormon over here, and at the beginning is a very steep climb. I've been able to climb to the top without losing power. Going downhill, the bike soaks up the bumps, which feels great to not get tossed around like I did on my old hardtail. The components on the bike are great, but the weight of the bike is a little disapointing. I'm worried about flatting on the trail so I use these tubes that are like 4.5mm thick on the tire side. If I switch them out to standards or lightweights, I think the bike may get down to about 26lbs.
Other than being noisy, I think the bike is great. I've been able to do a lot more with this bike, especially the descents and drops (my favorites).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Flume
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Pacific Bicycle
Strengths:
Brakes, F-SID, R-SID, NRS - the hyrdraulic disks modulate well. Never, ever need to use more than one finger for braking; work great in mud. Suspension - both f & r. Front SID took a while to dial in, but soaks it up, is light, and doesn't feel flexy to me. NRS does what it's supposed to - no bobbing, but is still fairly active on technical climbs.
Weaknesses:
Brakes, grips, saddle, NRS - Brake fade isn't fun; failure is worse. After a crash, my rear brake faded for a while, leaked brake fluid from the lever, then failed completely some time after the ride. I've had a V-brake fail as well - but the crash was far worse. The brakes have also proved to be high-maintenance and noisy. Grips are the worst I've used. Saddle hurts. Here's an annoyance: when the bike is on a descent of the fast-n-bumpy variety, the rear derailuer smacks the frame - particulary when in the big ring up front. Between noisy disk brakes, and the clackety-clack of your rear derailuer smacking the frame as you barrel down the side of a mountain, well..
Overall, I'm happy with the bike - I'd do it again, though would probably buy the frameset and build it up. NRS is perfect for hard tail converts (like me). The bike is heavy, but I can, generally, ride further and faster than on my ht - so who can complain? Not sure about disk brakes, given propensity to fade & fail. The spec is odd to me: NRS suspension, which appeals to XC racer-types (no efficiency lost to rear suspension bob), with a freeride spec the rest of the way (riser bars, disk brakes, etc.). Big cachet items next to cheap bb, seatpost, grips, shifters. Personally, I'd like a more balanced spec (though less flashy, I suppose) - maybe V-brakes, w/better shifters, bb, seatpost, saddle, and grips. Seems Giant would do well to offer another spec w/flat bars, lighter componentry, v-brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Newman
a Cross Country Rider
from Stamford, CT, USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mianus
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1360.00
Purchased At:
Outdoor Sports Center of Wilton
Strengths:
Great Ride!; Good balance of components at a good price point. Love the brakes!
Weaknesses:
After 7 rides on moderate trails, bent the entire rear linkage. I am not a heavy rider 175 lbs. Very disappointed dependability.
Several Issues with chain suck, replaced chain and chain rings
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
Great bike and a great value! Incredible ride and climbs like a hard tail. This is a great bike for the moderate/advanced Rider that loves single tracks and is not afraid of a good climb.
Very concerned on reliability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mo
a Weekend Warrior
from Sedro, WA, USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Blanchard Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Skagit Pedal Sports
Strengths:
Suspension design, Hayes Discs, Time pedals!, GREAT climbing and descending habits. This bike handles like it is on rails. It gobbles up steep, gnarly hills with just a few pedal strokes and devours downhills in an instant. Very comfortable and stable platform. Giant has really out done themselves this time. Main pivots are BEARINGS! NICE TOUCH!
Weaknesses:
Paint job has runs and is uneven, riser bars are not necessary, swap out the saddle BEFORE you take this dream bike home. Frame tubing feels and sounds real weak (thump it to see what I mean) but I have not noticed any drawbacks while riding. 5 year warranty for all skeptics. Deore shifters have too long of an actuation stroke to be on such a high performance bike, ditch them A.S.A.P. Race Face "prodigy" cranks look nice but I do not like the way they shift. I attribute the poor paint job and lack of quality components to the pricing, but then again, upgrading is half the fun of owning a bike!
Tremendous bang for the buck with this bike. Giant put all of their eggs into the suspension, brakes, and rear derailleur. Then they were nice enough to put some trail ready parts on the bike to keep you in the game until you are ready to upgrade. This frame deserves XT/XTR componentry, a Thomson seatpost, Easton Bars, a lighter set of wheels and tires and a comfortable saddle. The best thing about this bike is the fact that it climbs the tough technical sections better than my hardtail. MUCH better. I am still amazed at how well this beast climbs, and it descends even better. I gave this puppy an overall rating of 5 Chilis, even though the parts selection is not the best in the world. Giant made a super bike at a supurb price with the intent of having the new owner upgrade at his/her leisure. Kudos to them for not making it a $3500.00 lust rig like some of the other big suspension designs. This allows me to spec out the perfect suspension bike for me. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bart Thurman
a Racer
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tippery Creek & Radio Relay
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Campus Cycles
Strengths:
Full Suspension design, bike handling and feel, disk brakes, climbing ability.
Weaknesses:
Thin tubing, weight.
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar LE
Bike Setup:
XTR Shifters, Front @ Rear Deraillers. Easton Carbon bar and Seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Without question the most awesome bike I have ever ridden/raced. Overall it climbs better than my Zaskar (especially on the nasty technical stuff) and that bike is a climbing machine. I have cleaned stuff on this bike that I have never been able to before as the back wheel seems to never leave the ground. It has to be set up right but is worth the effort as it will climb like a hardtail and then you obviously have the advantage of full suspension on the descent. I swore I would never buy anything but a hardtail but after researching this bike for months (and blowing off work one day to test ride the only one in Colorado at the time) I decided to go for it as descending was a weakness for me. Well I have had my best year since 95 with a 2nd and 3rd place in my age group and 6th & 8th overall. I can ride farther and faster than before with the same amount of training and that is the bottom line. I participated in a grueling 26 mi race in the rain last weekend where almost half the field didnt even finish. Thanks to the DS-1 I was climbing most of the brutal ascents while guys all around me were walking. Consider the fact it was pouring rain and slick as hell and it is all the more impressive. It may weigh 26+ but I'll take it any day over a lighter ride and with a wheelset upgrade it will come in at about 24.5. Anybody who enjoys mtn biking should be happy with this bike as it is affordable and unbelievibly efficient. Way to go Giant.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Racer
from Lansing, MI USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Riverfront Cycle
Strengths:
Hayes, Sid front back, frame set up
Weaknesses:
LX front, Delore shifter, seat post
Similar Products Used:
Airborne Online, FRS
Bike Setup:
XTR front back, XT shifters, XT cassette
Bottom Line:
What a blast to ride! I hover around 240 lbs and have been known to cush a few bikes in my day this bike does not feel weak. It rides fast down and does not bounce up hills or even when you stand up to get to speed after a hill. I was between full suspension and Ti, but the mere 4-5 pounds savings between the two seemed silly for a 240 lb rider. I can not wait to try it in Penn. on some of the rocks, this is were we train for a week for the Hi_tec race. Hope to reprot back after that week.
PS: Airborn bike seems to be a great bike, however I could not get ahold of people on the phone at times and once I did they were not the best at answering my questions or trying to solve soem of the concerns I had, I guess they need to work on salesmanship and hire a couple more people to make me buy my next bike from them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville IL USA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any & Watchin' Tom fall/crash
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excellent ride. Fit & finish very good. Rides and climbs excellent. Quiet and once set-up very little power loss due to "bobbing". Stands up to crashes well. Price/value/components good.
Weaknesses:
Pivot bolts should be checked. Alium pedals were hard to get "broken in". Paint scratches easily, but hey I use it as a MTB!
Similar Products Used:
Not really similar but my old bike was a GT Agressor, and test rode several others before buying.
Bike Setup:
Marzochi Z2 Atom 80, Hayes discs, carbon fiber handle bar, rest stock. Gettin' new grips maybe soon....
Bottom Line:
After trying several models on the local trails (other GT models) this is the one I love. Test rode this same nike with XTR brakes and SPOX wheels. WOW! Can't wait for SPOX to come out with disc compatible models this fall. Recomend SPOX on this bike! Great bike for the intermediate skill rider (like me) and up. My buddy who is MUCH more skillfull really likes his. Just a great FS bike! For a beginner-may want a simpler to maintain bike. You do have to work on this one a bit to keep it in top shape.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Sevilla
a
from Tamuning, Guam USA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
awesome rear suspension, brakes, bang for the buck!
Weaknesses:
I just noticed welds starting to crack @ rear shock mount. Maybe weight?
Bike Setup:
xtr mega 9 rear derailleur.
Bottom Line:
I was very impressed initially but just today when I was cleaning it up I noticed the paint by the rear shock bottom mount weld is chipped at both sides. I will show my dealer to verify weather it is a stress crack or not as this is the first time I have ever had a problem with any bike. I have only been off road once. Most of the riding I do is On paved roads and probably more of a free rider kinda. Components on the bike is first rate specially for the price I paid for it. I just wish they would make their (welds)frames better as I am very particular about my things. This would also test the warranty by Giant and my dealer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, Illinois Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Berryman Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great bang for the buck. Takes the hills without any problems..up and down.
Weaknesses:
Lower pivot on the rear triangle came loose...like another reviewers.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Sid long travel XC front, Sid XC back, XT Brakes, Spin Rims, LX hollowtech crankset, LX front derailleur, Sram 9.0 shifters and derailleur.
Bottom Line:
Got this frame from my local shop for 750! What a deal. This bike kicks butt for the price. If you are on a budget this bike is for you. I was riding an old Trek 8000 that was way too tall. I got the small frame and I'm 5'10", 210lbs. The thing just rides great. The lower pivot bolt did come loose on the lower part of the frame. Relocktiting these bolts wouldn't be a bad idea as soon as you get the bike, before you have any problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Jansen
a Cross Country Rider
from Pelham, NH Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bear Brook
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
NRS suspension works as advertised
Weaknesses:
Bit heavy, crappy seat
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8900, Speciallized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Easton EA70 handlebar, Serfas grips, Easton EA50 seatpost, Selle Italia Flight Ti Seat, SPD clone pedals
Bottom Line:
I was skeptical buying a dualie, but this bike climbs like a hardtail. I've been riding and racing this bike for 3 months now, and have had only one problem. The two main pivot bearings came lose in the swingarm. It's as if the swingarm casting was overboard. Rather than have the bikeshop screw my ride up even further, I reset the bearings with blue Loctite myself. A month later, they're still holding.
One other minor problem I had was limited fork travel (60 mm). Careful investigation revealed that the front brake line clamp screw was interfering with fork travel. The fork wasn't bottoming, the screw extended too far back from the lowers arch and hit uppers crown. Reversed screw (looks dumb) and problem disappeared. I've seen other XTCs at bike shops built the same way. Perhaps this was the problem with an earlier reveiwer.
I enjoy riding this bike so much that I seldom ride my more expensive 8900 these days. This bike climbs as good as, and in some cases, better than the superlite 8900. And it descends much faster than the 8900. All in all, my average riding speed has dramatically increased on this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lonnie Kimball
a Racer
from Yucaipa CA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Santa Ana River
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Over all handling was great. Climbs and decends great.
Weaknesses:
Welds, Frame material
Similar Products Used:
None, first full suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
All XTR except for XT crank. Mars-1 front shock.
Bottom Line:
Bought the frame only and built it up for this race season. Usually race a GT Zaskar but thought I would try a full suspension bike this year. The bike went together with no problems. It handles well and climbs as fast as my hardtail. Put about 120 miles on it and one race. Yesterday was out riding when the frame broke in two places. One break was on the seat tube just below the rocker arm and the other was at the top tube - seat tube junction. The bottom break was a clean one, the other went 3/4 of the way through the top tube. I race in the clydesdale class and weigh-in at 220lbs. I believe the frame is built a little on the light side so the big guys should probably steer towards a little heavier frame. If I was smaller I would buy this frame again because it rode like a dream. Waiting to hear from the Giant Rep. Like to hear from anyone with similar problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elbow Buster
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta GA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bear Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Exceptional value, brakes, suspension design. Lots of adjustment settings.
Weaknesses:
LX front DeFailure, grips and seat. Deore Shifters (Common Giant)
Similar Products Used:
Jeckyll 700, FSR elite, 900SL
Bike Setup:
Bike is stock except for stem, seat, and grips
Bottom Line:
As this is my first dual suspension bike I am extreemly impressed. The bike climbs very well. It has very little bob for a dual suspension bike. Which for the most part can be almost eliminated by pumping up the pressure in the SID rear shock. The bike is very fast down hill and handles just great. The only minor complaint is the Time ALIMUM pedals were pretty hard to break in. I had to adjust the float on the cleets and pivot the cleets outward. This made all the difference. The stock seat is extreemly hard and the grips really suck. I give this bike 5 flaming billy goats.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from LI, NY, USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Downiville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Welds?????
Weaknesses:
Welds started to crack around the back shock after 5 rides.
Similar Products Used:
KMART SPECIAL!!!!
Bike Setup:
XTR DRIVETRAIN
Bottom Line:
I rode this bike 5 times on Long Island Trails (not that demanding) and the welds are already starting to crack. There is definitely some good craftsmanship in this chariot(HA HA HA). Has anyone else experienced this problem? Besides, the bike falling a part, it rides like a champion, climbs like a Billy goat and charges technical downhills. The rear shock is a B%tch to setup, but when dialed in it rips. The value would be 5 chiles if the welds did not SUCK!!!! Overall it is FAIR BECAUSE OF THE F&*% WLEDS!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ernie
a Weekend Warrior
from Foster City,CA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs Pt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great frame design. Great value!!
Weaknesses:
Tires don't corner very well. Seat is uncomfortable.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The frame design is fantastic! It climbs well and is able to absorb bumps as well. Its a great cross-country trail bike. I've been riding it hard and I've experienced no problems so far.
You can't find a better value with any other bike. If you want a quality bike but want to spend less than $2000, then this bike is for you. It gives you the best bang for your buck!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Godden
a Cross Country Rider
from Granda Hills, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mission Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Design, fit, weight.
Weaknesses:
Garish paint scheme is a bit much. I wish the team frame had brake studs!!!!! Are you reading this Giant????
Similar Products Used:
Sugar 1, titus racerX, SC SL, etc. None were as nice riding as the NRS! No kidding.... and no BS.
Bike Setup:
NRS frameset with full custom build. 23.8 lbs on accurate scale. XT, XTR, Bonti race wheels, Ti chi-chi parts, light tires, etc.
Bottom Line:
The frame works as advertised. VERY light, VERY stiff (laterally), little or no bob. Good neutral handling.
This frame really works good! I've got mine set up just a little softer than recommended and it really soaks up the bumps. Still, little or no bob in "normal" MTB environs. Only minor complaint is the lack of a lockout shock. I.e. High cadence road riding does cause some monkey motion when in the big ring. Not the frames fault.... just the limit of the shock. I'll cure that with a Stratos XC Pro.
This frame is light!!!! Heavyweights be warned!!! If you want indestructible ride then get a steel frame. Also, the crash worthiness may be a bit light. Again, designed to do one job.... go like stink up and down trails.
good rides to ya JohnG
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIKE VACURA
a Racer
from SCHAUMBURG , IL USA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
DEVIL'S HEAD RESORT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
CLIMBS LIKE A GOAT - LIGHTWEIGHT - EYE CATCHING PAINT JOB
Weaknesses:
NONE SO FAR
Similar Products Used:
TREK Y-33 , GT STS 1000-DS , C-DALE RAVEN 900SX WITH THE LEFTY FORK
Bike Setup:
RACE FACE NEXT LP CRANKS , REAR XTR , 2001 ROCK SHOX SID 100 , PROFILE CARBON FIBER BARS
Bottom Line:
WHAT A DEAL I GOT ON THIS BEAUTY , AGAIN , IT CLIMBS LIKE A GOAT EVEN WITH THE 2001 SID 100 FORK , LIGHTWEIGHT , SOLD MY LEFTY FOR $600. TO GET IT.HAS BEEN THROUGH A COUPLE OF 12 HOUR RACES & A 24 HOUR RACE & HAS PERFORMED FLAWLESS, GREAT SHIFTING,I GIVE IT 5 CHILES
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Nugent
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Haven Date Reviewed: July 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
PORK
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This is a follow up to the review that I wrote 4 months ago and I can only say that this is a fenominal frame. I have hammered it, crashed it and generally ridden it hard and often without a single problem. Also the Hayes disks are great.
Weaknesses:
Initial spec. is weak but at the price they charge it is impossible to complain.
Bike Setup:
White Bros. UL-95(custom); Hugi 240/Mavic 317/DT revolution wheels; Sweet Wings w/Race Face rings; XTR; Flite gel; Easton Monky-lite and CT2; Ringle stem.
Bottom Line:
It's fast, light, strong, handles like a dream, climbs like a mountain goat and looks great. Unless sombody comes up with an exceptional upgrade, I will probably keep this for quite a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Speed Monkey
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The one around my girlys bod.....
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No. 1 has to be the rear suspension, it's the best design I have ridden. Absolutely no bob at all going uphill or along a flat, yet soaks up the biggest of hits perfectly. Come's with TIME ATAC pedals, good front and rear SID shocks, frame strength, race face cranks, and need I forget, hayes disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
Tires give you no traction. Way to heavy the bike as stock is around +25 lbs. Seat kills your ass.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper FSR Comp Marin Mount Vision
Bike Setup:
Easton riser bar + seatpost, XT front + rear derailers & shifters, XT cogset, XTR cranks, panaracer fire XC pro 2.1 tires (get em!).
Bottom Line:
Bought my bike from Vision cyclery in SF, they were extremely helpful. Everything I list in the bike setup is what I swapped out at purchase, so I ended up spending around $2300. As a given you must definitely swap out the riser bar, seatpost and upgrade the bottom bracket to XT, that alone shaves of about 1.5 lbs believe it or not. Although the bike is still excellent value at $1800, you won't find better components and a better ride on the market for that price.
I've absolutely hammered this bike down every trail you can name around Marin and Tahoe. It handles f **king awsome on everything from fireroads on Mount Tam to technical steep downhill single track. I had some fantastic wipeouts and the worst thing that's happened to the bike is chipped paint, so far anyway....
The suspension give's you the smoothest ride and great responsiveness, and the hayes disc brakes are fantastic. Once you try then you won't go back!!
All I can say is good luck trying to find one if you decide to get one, they're like gold dust at the moment.
Chilli's...I want my baby back, baby back, baby back ribs......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JaCk
a Racer
from Mahwah,NJ Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
fast and downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This BIke kicks! the sid rear is great..EZ to tune..dont lose the sid adapter:Þ great spec job by giant..sid fork is good on my friends SE1 but mine came all F'd up so have to have LBS send it in..
Weaknesses:
Seat hurts.. LX front is crap but works for now.. i will replace it after it breaks and get a new seat post... people say frame is weak but no problems and welds are excellent...stop complaining about chiped paint... its a bike. ride it and have fun:)
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose 8.5, kona, Sugar
Bike Setup:
Stock with xtr rear, flak jackets cable system and icon seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is this bike works as advertised and desnt bob at all.. i set it up with the littlest bit of sag for more response on little stuff..still a minimal amount of bob. the breaks are really nice they stop on a dime...be careful when shifting from middle chainring to small(chainstuck prone).. i work at a bike shop and i see alot of bikes and of all of them this bike is probably the best bike for the money...and it works! Have fun and ride hard
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Okigilos
a Weekend Warrior
from Hawaii Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Name it, I like it
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
NRS suspension, one finger braking on the steepest downhills (Hayes Brakes), reasonable price.
Weaknesses:
Takes a while to set up brakes & suspension. Koski seat not comfortable. Stock Giant Grips were the first thing changed.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Salsa Tres Zona Saddle, Shimano 636 pedals.
Bottom Line:
NRS System does work. I started with the recommended pressures in the suspension and found that the NRS works as advertised, no sag or bobbing. The feel is something between a conventional full suspension w/ sag and a hardtail.
At spec pressures, I thought the rear was a bit jumpy so I tried less pressure. I fooled with the compression all the way down to 130 lbs (150 lbs is spec), the result was too much bobbing below 140 lbs. I found that running at 145 lbs is the perfect balance between performance and sag. At 145, I get just a slight amount of bob but the rear feels more active on the small/medium bumps.
I always thought the compression side would have a larger affect on bobbing, however, any loss of pressure in the rebound side had a greater effect than compression side on bobbing. Needless to say, I run the rebound at the spec'd 50 lbs. If anyone knows any tricks to deadening the rebound without the sag, let me know, I'de like to try.
The stock saddle doesn't get along with the meaty lower regions. Luckily I ripped the seat on some rocks. Opted for the Salsa Tres Zona saddle which is worlds better (kevlar sides ta boot).
Jury still out on the Race Face Prodigy. Chain suck on my second ride tweaked a tooth on middle chainring. I've heard of others having problems with chain suck. Not sure if the problem is cable stretch or the Prodigy product.
All in all a great bike for the trails!! Well worth the price for good components and features. I would easily buy this bike again if I was in the market. Something tells me I will be on this bike a long, long time. Kudos to Giant for an excellent bike at an awesome price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Merrill
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Tx Date Reviewed: June 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
City Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Suspension works great, disk braks stop on a dime
Weaknesses:
A little heavy, seat needs to be changed. Took some time to get the suspension set up, I am not sure if it is proper yet. Tires seem light wimpy, I had 4 holes on my first real ride. brakes squeak when not in use. Supposidly there are frame issues, I have not had any problems yet, and at 230lbs I hope never to.
Similar Products Used:
N/a
Bike Setup:
New Rx seat for Men
Bottom Line:
This bike rides great, takes some time to get it set up. Definently a must try if you want to get a full suspension bike. I probably will never experience the full limits of the bike. The DS2 is probably a better buy for the weekend warrior. Happy riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Backbone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Overall component selection for price, Hayes disk brakes, Rockshox SID front and rear.
Weaknesses:
I keep reading frame material, but I haven't had a problem in 2 months of hard riding.
Similar Products Used:
Various FSR Specialized
Bike Setup:
Changed out the following since new: Shimano XT Hollow Tech Crank and ES-70 BB, XT cassette, CR7700 chain, XT shifters, Easton Monkey Lite riser bar, Ritchey Ti pedals, Specialized Body Geometry saddle, Salsa Shaft seat post.
Bottom Line:
After a tad more than 2 months and 150 miles of riding, plus swapping original equipment for the items above, I am completely happy with the DS-1. It's an awesome handling bike, and the NRS works exactly as advertised. I don't abuse the bike, but I ride pretty hard, and have had no problems at all with the frame. It's definitely not the lightest bike on the trail, but it's not really heavy either, and it climbs well with the NRS. I recommend a DS-1 to anyone looking to purchase a high quality full suspension bike, and for the price, good luck finding anything remotely comparable in this price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob X
a
from Florida Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great components, NRS works
Weaknesses:
Paint chips easily
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR 3000, Gary Fisher Joshua
Bottom Line:
This COULD be a great bike. Maybe next years model will be built with a thicker downtube, and a better paint job. My decals are all ripped up and my paint has already chipped pretty bad. Don't know if its my trunk rack doing it to the bike or not, but I've owned my Trek 7000 for over a year, and the paint on that still looks pretty good. The seat has gotta go too, it hurts!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rocky M.
a
from NY Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looks great
Weaknesses:
Very dissapointed in the craftsmanship of the frame. I cracked the frame after less than 3 months of use right at the bottom bracket. I guess I'll be testing Giant's warranty and my LBS much sooner than I anticipated.
Bottom Line:
Got the bike at a great deal for 1100. Components are good except for the front derailleur which is a piece of garbage. I was concerned about the frame material from the start, and now I guess I have my answer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from lakewood, ohio, usa Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
overall a great package, decent bike out of the box, NRS works, reasonable pricing
Weaknesses:
LX front derail., koski seat = sore butt, build mistakes
Similar Products Used:
--
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great bike, especially considering the price. i got mine for $1050 complete, which is the only reason i opted for the complete over the frame. most components are quite good as they come, and i will use them until they break. i don't like the riser bar, and the seat really doesn't agree with me. the LX front derail. will also go soon. brakes neded to be bled upon delivery, as well as properly centered. some cabling also needed to be shortened and re-capped. (bike shop's fault on these probably).
love the NRS, works great when dialed in. feels a bit twitchy sometimes, but maybe that's just me. rides great, happy with the purchase. looks badd-ass in yellow and black.
great bike, good parts, will suit most any rider fine in all but the most demanding/extreme conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DENNIS
a Cross Country Rider
from TUCSON AZ. Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
GREAT DESIGN, GOOD PRICING
Weaknesses:
I BOUGHT THE FRAME ONLY WHICH CAME WITH BRAKE BOSSES THAT HAVE A TON OF FLEX WHEN YOU REALLY GET ON THEM, WHICH LEADS TO VERY SPONGY BRAKES. THE CRAFTSMANSHIP IS PROBERLY MY BIGGEST GRIPE, THE WELDS ARE PRETTY SHATTY. THE TUBING IS WAY TO THIN ON THE DOWN TUBE FOR ANY ROCKY AREAS AND THE HEAD ANGLE IS A LITTLE TO STEEP IN MY OPINION. THE SIZING IS A LITTLE SPREAD OUT I CAN'T RIDE THE 20.5 AND THE 18.5 IS JUST TO SHORT. BUT IF THE BIKE FITS YOU AND YOU RUN THE DISK BRAKES, THE COMPLETE BIKE WOULD WORK WELL
Similar Products Used:
SCHWINN HOMEGROWN FACTORY SWEET SPOT, SUGAR1 GT I DRIVE
Bike Setup:
9.0SL, SID SPINERGY SPOX, AVID MAG BRAKES, KORE STEM, ICON POST, XTR CRANKS,F DER, MONKEY LIGHT BAR
Bottom Line:
THE BIKE COULD BE GREAT. THE DESIGN IS AWESOME AND IT DOES WORK, BUT I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO PAY AN XTRA $100 TO HAVE IT MADE BY SOMEONE WHO CARES AND MAYBEE EVEN RIDES.I ALSO WOULD LOVE TO SEE A 19.5 SIZE. AS A FRAME ONLY I WOULD NOT RECCOMEND THIS PURCHASE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevyn
a Cross Country Rider
from Newbury, OH, USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
my trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The price is great, parts good, love the hayes
Weaknesses:
kinda heavy, bottom bracket, deore shifters
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I have had this bike for less than a week but so far it's been sweet! My first time really riding it I raced it, felt awesome on the downhill and technical section but felt a little slow on the climbs though I was feeling slow myself.
The only gripe I have so far is with shifting from the middle sprocket to the small, had the chain pop a few times(lx shifter). But I can't complain much since I got it at an employee discount.
As far as the NRS, it works. I havent had much experience with FS but feels as stiff as my hardtail on climbs.
The hayes are sweet they have so much feel, strength, and are the most consistent performing brakes I have ever used. It was somewhat muddy the day I raced and I loved not hearing that anoying sratching sound from my brakes.
For a bike that retails for $1850 I think it's a good buy for the main parts you get, only things I may replace is the front shifter and bottom bracket, and maybe the seat post and handle bar to easton carbon(for lightness).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leonard Schuff
a Racer
from Billings, Montana Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ingles Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price, looks, ride is great, the giant climbs so good its hard to believe.
Weaknesses:
Shifters and seat post came loose all the time.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback XR8, Intense Tracer, Sugar I
Bike Setup:
XT Shifters, Thompson Seat Post, XTR Front & Rear Der., XTR Cranks, everything is stock.
Bottom Line:
Best Bike out there.....Its fast & fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
pontiac lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rear suspension action
Weaknesses:
durability,rock shox sid xc.had to be extremely carefull shifting from middle to small ring.
Similar Products Used:
gt i drive,sugar 1,jeckyll
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Where to start?The suspension works as advertised.Doesn`t move when you stand up and pedal hard but still absorbs the rough stuff.Durability was a problem.Was almost impossible to shift from middle ring to small ring off road with out the chain coming off and jamming in between the frame and crank.Second time out my chain broke because of this so after that I was extremly carefull with my shift.(first 9 speed so could a 9 speed problem.Next ride the main pivot behind the bottom bracket came loose,finget loose.One ride the brakes would be set up perfect,the next they would start to rub(that was not that big of a deal though because the brakes are super strong)But the final straw was the rock shock sid xc fork.When I first got the bike it didn`t feel like the fork had much travel and I had to run alot of air pressure to keep it from bottoming and it was harsh.So I measured the travel and was getting under 60mm travel.So I took the bike back to the bike shop and they tried to fix it and checked to see that it wasn`t set at 63mm to instead of 80mm.So the checked and it wasn`t set at 63mm.they said that it was a faulty dampener and that when it was fixed I still wouldn`t get 80mm.I told them the bike was advertised at 80mm and I wanted a 80mm fork and maybe rockshox should put a 100mm fork on the bike so i can have 80mm if the sid xc couldn`t get 80mm.Well after that things got worse.I won`t go into detail but me and the shop owner did not see eye to eye.One of the shop employees later commented that may I expected too much from the bike.For almost $3000 dollars I do expect alot from my bike.I bought this bike expecting a reliable,80mm equiped bike as advertised and I was not happy with the bike.I am happy with Giant of Canada for the Service they gave me and the way they took care of the problem.So Bottom line.Besides the bottom pivot coming loose and having to take it apart and lock tight it again the frame was great,breaks good,forks sucked and that was what killed this bike,that and everytime i rode it off road something happened.First bike with rockshox and the last. And one more thing,sometimes the $100 bucks you save isn`t worth the service you get later from the dealer.Make sure you buy from a dealer who stands behind his product and doesn`t make-up lame excuses for a bad preforming product.For $3000 dollars(with tax included)I do expect alot from my bike mr.dealer(now I feel better)And that`s Giant Canada for helping me out.To the dealer who gave me extremely poor service and treatment,it was the last time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mount Tam
a Weekend Warrior
from San Rafael, CA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
No Bounce at all when pedalling. Nice Soft Landings. Time Pedals. Sid Adjust Rear Shock. Disk Breaks are Cool! IT IS FAST!!!!
Weaknesses:
A Little Heavy. (400+Gram HandleBar) Deore Shifters (Y?) Afraid I'm gonna dent the frame. 25" of riser handlebar. I feel like I'm riding a Harley.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar1, 2, & 3 Santa Cruz Hecker Specialized FS/XCR Trek Y33
Bike Setup:
As Stock as Can Be. (So Far)
Bottom Line:
I was aiming at the Sugar1, when the Giant DS1 caught my eye in a magazine. I liked what I could get in the DS1, and for $1000 less than the Sugar1. I sacrificed XTR but I've never had it anyway, so I'm not missing anything.
It's a little heavy to lug up my stairs, but when riding it I can't really tell. The thing goes so FAST downhill that if It didn't have disc brakes I wouldn't be able to stop. I set up the shocks per the documentation and the ride is really nice. I don't feel that I am wasting any energy on the rear suspension.
Giant skimped a little on the components, but half the fun of Mountain Biking is upgrading your gear. It's about time someone sold a decent Full Suspension Bike without forcing you to go XTR.
Things to Upgrade: Bar/Shifters/Stem/Saddle/SeatPost/Tires/Hubs/Crankset/BottomBracket. (Most likely in that order)
I Ended up paying $1850 for this bike, though stores with waiting lists of 20+ people claimed to be selling them for $1700 (If you could wait 5 months). Considering I was only able to find TWO in all of the bay area, I think I was lucky.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rjr
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great bike has great components
Weaknesses:
Frame frame frame! I weigh 175 and broke my medium frame at the bottom bracket 1 week after I got it. My LBS had to send it in a week and a half ago and I'm still waiting on it to return. The frame material IMHO is just a little too soft. Giant should have used a better stronger aluminum than the lighter weaker alkalyte they used here. The frame should be the heart and soul of any good mountain bike, and this is where they tried to save some $$$.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Would I get this bike again? Yes, but maybe next years model. I'd like to see if Giant will change the frame's material to a better one. I'm giving it 3 flaming dogpiles for the components that you get, but only 1 overall because the frame sucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, BC Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hillbilly
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Value for Price Hayes Discs A REAL full suspension XC bike
Weaknesses:
Giant deleted the RockShock Pump as promised 3 times in the owners manual .... Boooooo Giant!!!!! Thin tubing
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR-XC Pro Fisher Sugar 2 Rocky Mountain Instinct
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to full XT setup (Shifters, Ft Deraileur, BB, Chain). Race Face XY Seat Post.
Bottom Line:
Wow!! Gotta love this bike. I won't waste your time with rambling so here is "The Bottom Line"...
This bike is a real FS-XC bike. It has outstanding climbing characteristics with no bob and a very direct pedal to power feel. Softens up nicely on the descent with great control... Hayes discs are very sweet!
Buy it if you find the other FS-XC bikes a bit to harsh on the downhill (Fisher Sugars, Rocky instinct) and if you can't stand the big comfy couch feel of a more plush bike (FSR Enduros, Kona Moko). This is a great combo between the 2 and the little bit of extra weight (27lbs) is well worth it considering the overall ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
danK
a Cross Country Rider
from idaho Date Reviewed: April 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
rear suspension price
Weaknesses:
headset shims or oversized headset needed
Similar Products Used:
Many highend FS and hardtails.
Bike Setup:
The usual highend reliable stuff; the stuff I know doesn't matter in the big picture but it makes me happy.
Bottom Line:
I've had my Team NRS frame built up and on the trails for about a month now and feel I can give an objective review not based on the "it's new, it's gotta be better" mindset. First a little about me, since I feel reviews vary from rider to rider depending on the area they ride, their wants/needs, etc. I have several years of experience in the R&D side of bicycle and motorcycle racing. Tires, pedals, clothing, rear suspension. I weigh 155-165 lb depending on time of year, and race senior expert xc. My forte is climbing and I've won a state championship for hillclimbing. I've been riding fs bikes since 1996 when I had a Manitou FS. I owned the 96, 97 and 98 models of that Manitou FS (just different shocks) and recently let go of my 99 Element TO. I'm a big fan of fully active frames that are efficient and light.; and I like frames from smaller builders or companies that don't churn out big numbers for a frame. In fact, this NRS is the first Taiwan-built frame I have owned and the first frame that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Now to the NRS.
I read and reviewed every mag article on the NRS suspension, memorized the propoganda the Giant site had, asked tons of questions to other NRS riders. I found one in Canada and had it shipped out west. It does everything I want, EXACTLY as I want it. Proper rear shock setup is crucial but when you find that spot the bike climbs like a hardail on the smooth trails but it does absorb the bumps when they come up like a good fully active 4-bar linkage fs frame should. The angles of the frame are normal for me and I don't feel that the frame is slow or twitchy or darts or hunts for the trail. It can be ridden on the edge or leisurely down the middle of any trail, whether it be tight singletrack or fast fireroads.
The rear shock is not as plush as my coilover Bazooka was but it's not as "noncoil-like" as my Fox Air Vanilla Float RC was. In terms of plushness it falls between the two. I think of it as a shock that is air light without the stiction but without the tuneability of my Bazooka coilover. But it's so efficient that my complete bike feels a good three to five pounds lighter than my Element TO was. The TO varied between 23.75 and 25 pounds depending on the parts I swapped out. This NRS is about the same weight (frame is .3 pounds lighter, big deal) but due to the efficiency of the suspension it rides like it is 20 pounds!!
As for Giant using an oversized 1 1/8 that requires a ZeroStack headset or the use of the shims; whatever. Kinda stupid in my opinion but I am just the consumer. The rest of the bike is well built, nicely welded, good pivots, overall good quality to attention. Not like Serotta or Ibis-type detail to attention but it's good. As for customer service... I bet it is nowhere near what Ellsworth or Titus offers but I'll cross that bridge when I get there and hope my local Giant dealer knows what he's doing.
Nope, it's not a freeride type bike. Not a dh type bike. It's just an extremely fast and efficient fs frame meant to be ridden in xc-style areas without any major NorthShore terrain. If you like to climb this frame is it. I've owned rear shocks with lockouts and they were just band-aid fixes. If you like to go fast on the flats over varying terrain and find that the rear shock on your current highend FS doesn't suit every sort of nuance in the trail, this is your frame/rear suspension.
I almost bought a Titus and thought about a 00 Element Team SC (scandium tubed). Also considered a Turner Stinger, a Ventana, and a Tomac78 or even another closeout Manitou FS. Even the Wild Hare. All great frames from great companies (Answer/Manitou is kinda iffy). Many riders at mtbr love their frames. It's THEIR frame and this review is not intended to create animosity among them or to tell someone that buying a frame that costs $300-$1000 more than the NRS is a waste of money. It's not, beside, it is their $$. And money was not really an object for me. But I chose the NRS because I kept an open mind and did not let the Taiwan thing bother me. I've got more miles and races and crashes than probably 99% of the riders out there and I can honestly say that when you're dry heaving, racing for first or last place, doing the granny-gear shuffle up a climb or laying it over in a sweet berm, you don't care or notice if your highend frame is from Vancouver, Colorado Springs or Taiwan. There is a certain level of performance that some riders need and anything beyond that is just pure icing on the cake. The NRS Team frame delivers the goods and I highly recommend it to anyone that does the riding intended for an NRS. I know slapping 5 chilis on the review is kinda lame but this frame is deserving of 5 chilis in both value and overall efficiency.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Fetterer
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, IN Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Knobstone
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame works exactly as advertised, weight-my small frame weighed 5.0 lbs. It is stiff-no bob whatsoever.
Weaknesses:
The wait to get one (2.5 months) I bought a frameset only
Similar Products Used:
97 Specialized Ground Control AIM, 99 Giant XTC SE1 hardtail
Bike Setup:
Manitou SxTi, XTR/Revolution/Sun Sub IV wheelset, Thomson Post, Avid Arch Rival, 2.0 levers, Ritchey Stem, Syncros Bar, XTR Front Derailleur, 9.0 rear, with 9.0SL halfpipe shfter, Coda Ti Rail seat, Bontrager SuperX 1.9 tires with lightweight tubes, XT Cassette 11-30 8 spd, XT Cranks and BB, Time pedals.
Bottom Line:
My frame came in on Fri, I assembled it on Sat, I raced a sport class race on Sunday with it. It is a revelation on how a frame should work. The suspension locks out hard enough that I bent a Ritchey post on the preride. I borrowed a friends RaceFace for the race and won my age group and took third overall in my second ever sport class race. After all I had read about it being overweight, I can only say: BUY A FRAMESET ONLY. My bike weighed in at 24.3 lbs. If you show up with one at a race, you will draw a crowd.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Tumminello
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX Date Reviewed: April 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Austin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
RaceFace components and dual SID's are nice. Hydraulic brakes are even better.
Weaknesses:
Seat post and handlebar should be carbon to drop a pound and the shifters need SRAM Rockets w/appropriate rear derailleur. Of course this would add $300+.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Specialized FSR XC and Cannondale Jeckyll 900SL as tests.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for new CT-2 seatpost and CT-2 handlebar.
Bottom Line:
Compared to other bikes I've test ridden at this price, it blows them all away. Slop is minimal on climbs and componentry is just as good for the price as a VooDoo HooDoo hardtail($645).
I test rode three bikes: 2000 Cannondale Jeckyll 900SL 2000 Specialized FSR XC 2000 Giant XtC DS/1
Even though the Cannondale components were slightly better(and lighter), the ride was essentially the same, so I could not justify the $650 difference. I paid $1695 at Broadway Bicycle Show in San Antonio for the Giant. Great price guys; THANKS A BUNCH!!!!!!
Compared to the Specialized FSR XC, there was no comparison. The Giant is faster, has FAR SUPERIOR components, and the ride is more plush on downhills. Not to mention, it is also $500 cheaper.
This bike is for anyone on a budget(or not), and they want a very fast XC full suspension bike. It's also nice to be next to someone on the trail knowing that if they also have dual SID's and RaceFace components, they probably paid MUCH more than you. Don't laugh at them out loud; just laugh all the way to the bank(and the finish line first).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JACK M
a Cross Country Rider
from LANTZVILLE Date Reviewed: April 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
MONKEYS IN THE MIST
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
BARGIN PRICE, SMOOTH RIDE , GREAT BRAKES (HAYES HYDROS)
Weaknesses:
NO RIZER BARS OR SHOCK PUMP AS ADVERTIZED NOT MUCH INFO FROM ROCKSHOX, HAD TO PHONE ROCKSOX TO FIND OUT OIL/WT IN THE SID XC HYDOAIR
Similar Products Used:
TESTED ONLY OTHERS
Bike Setup:
STOCK WITH HELLBENT RIZERS
Bottom Line:
IF YOU,RE ON A BUDGET THIS CAN,T BE BEAT PERIOD... THE BRAKES ARE STRONG. SUSPENTION WORKS AS ADVERTIZED, IT MIGHT BE 27LBS BUT YOU WILL NOT NOTICE IT, YOU,LL BE LAUGHING ........ALL THE WAY TO BANK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Cupertino, CA Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Demo Forest, Skeggs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Available as frameset only, universal disc brake mounts, lightweight, works as advertised.
Weaknesses:
Too early to tell, but it might not be real quick in the woods.
Similar Products Used:
Superlight, FSR XC, Tracer, Y Bike. I've had them all.
Bike Setup:
SID SL, Hope Pro Series, King Disco/517's, XTR, Easton Carbon Riser, WTB Stealth Pedals, SRAM Rocket Shifters
Bottom Line:
Since I don't have alot of time in the saddle on this bike, this review is going to be mostly about the weight of the DS1, since the way Giant spec'd it doesn't give you a good idea of what this bike can/should weigh. I started with the frameset. My LARGE, with a King Headset weighed 5.5lbs on an accurate digital scale. This is not bad at all for the size of frame with headset. The complete bike itself weighs 24.8lbs spec'd with pretty solid/light setup. Lose the discs, keep the wheelset light, and you could drop a pound off this bike easily and have light XC race bike at under 24lbs. That is as light as a FSR XC, without the flexy rearend, twitchy steering, and chainstay that will break if you weigh over 100lbs. But I digress.....as for the ride, it just as advertised. This is an FS XC race bike. Not a plush trail bike. Not that it's like a softail, but it's not an Uzzi SL. My first impressions are it's very fast. Works better in the smaller stuff than the mags portrayed, and when setup right, doesn't move when you put the hammer down. Exactly what I was looking for. At $1K for the frameset, a very good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo, CA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bulldog Loop, Malibu Creek State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Value, overall component package, ride quality
Weaknesses:
VERY thin walls on top and down tubes.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper FSR Comp.
Bike Setup:
Stock, with the exception of Ritchey Logic Ti pedals.
Bottom Line:
After searching near and far, I was finally able to locate a 2000 DS-1 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Lack of availability of this bike is ridiculous, Specialized lawsuit or no. But after one ride I knew it was worth the hassle. The ride is awesome! I set up the rear end per the factory recommendation, and it really works as advertised. Climbs just about as well as my '99 Stumpjumper M2 Pro, and descends like nothing I've ridden before. Whereas I would feel beat to death at the bottom of a long, rutty, and rocky descent on the M2 Pro, I feel fresh and energized on the DS-1. I intend to eventually replace the white Prodigy crank with a black Turbine LP or XTR, and the Deore shifters have to go. The throw is so long on the chain ring upshifts that I'm going to end up dislocating my thumb! The thin walls on the top and down tubes are somewhat cause for worry...it's true, you can squeeze them with your thumb and forefinger and actually see the material give! But overall, this is a fantastic bike and I'm looking forward to a lot of great rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curt Bouma
a Cross Country Rider
from Loma Linda, CA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bay Area Ridge Trail Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Rear suspension design is the best.
Weaknesses:
Cannot buy as frame only
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Intense tracer, GT I-drive, Schwinn 4 banger
Bike Setup:
Original with Carbon seat post and bar, and race face next cranks with xtr derailer and ESP plasma grip shifters.
Bottom Line:
Pedals as advertised, no bob. The most efficient dual suspension bike there is, but not the plushest. Set the bike up just a tad softer than specified, and it is more comfortable but still without bob. The bike is not quite as light as I had hoped, mine weighs exactly 26.5 lbs. I hope to get a lighter wheel set, and bring it to just under 26 lbs with awesome disk brakes. Don't let anyone fool you, the disk brakes are great, and every top of the line even cross country race bike will have the hayes hydralics garenteed. The bike is not quite as smooth as some of the others in the bumps, but it certainly climbs the best and is the best bike for cross country fast single track and fire roads. Gnarly descents, it holds its own, but get a turner XCE for those. The bike does look great with black next cranks and yellow panracer tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Frisco, TX , USA Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000
Specialized FSR & Stumpjumper, Trek 7000, Klein Attitude.
Bike Setup:
Medium size frame with many upgrades done during purchase: Easton Carbon Monkey Lite Bars, Easton Carbon seatpost, Flite-Ti Saddle, Speeplay Frog peddles, IRC Notos tires & super lite tubes. With all the above mentioned upgrades the bike dropped from 27.5 pounds to a respectable 26.0 pounds.
Bottom Line:
Let me start by saying this is my first dual suspension bike that I've owned. All the hype is true. The bike doesn't bob at all. It is a great climber and descends the way any good dual suspension should. I've messed with the shock and found that I can tweak the ride to my liking. It easily adjusts from cush to firm depending upon trail characteristics. Overall, the major component selection is great-Sid fork, Rear Sid shock, Raceface cranks, Hayes Discs & Mavic rims. With minor adjustments to the easy to change parts as mentioned above in bike setup, this bike becomes a true race-worthy x-country bike. This is my first bike with disc brakes and I'm hooked. The Hayes brakes are awsome. I can honestly say that this is the best overall value on the market today. After riding this bike, I am convinced that dual suspension bikes are much more fun and perform better than hardtails. This bike rocks. Its a great choice for anyone considering value and performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Campbell
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe AZ Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
many, including moab and sedona especially shultz creek in flagstaff thats Az anyway
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No bobing! I power past all my buddys that are out of the saddle while sitting. light and solid rear four bar set-up.
Weaknesses:
Weak frame. I've broken two 99 frames on the down tubes and noe cracked a weld on the 2000 NRS on my fifth ride. The rear suspension is a little harsh when set up to spec. also. The down tube is as thin as a soda can. I can flex it by squeezing it really hard with my thumb and fore finger.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakar expert, Intense tracer, Gary Fisher Jousha, Specialized FSR, klein mantra pro, Trek VRX, etc...
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z1 CR, Full XT group, Formula MD-1 cable disks (avoid these at all costs), 223x mavic disk rims with formula hubs, Kore cockpit and post, cane creek saddle, Fire DH 2.3 and geax Blade/sedona 2.25 tires at different times.( I like big tires.)
Bottom Line:
This is a great, light weight cross country race bike but don't crash too much. A three to four foot drop could break a weld and a lateral impact can flatten a down tube. The head tube angle dosn't like slap down hits either, it doesn't transfer the force to the fork to well. The bike stock with the race face cranks and hayes brakes would be nice compared to my set up as well. The SID fork that come stock is about as harsh as the rear suspension on fast hits so at least it is balanced in stock form. To really race the bike though it sould have rim breaks to save some weight, it's really too heavy for what it can do best. I like the ride but I can't trust the frame to take the abuse that I dish out. I really don't ride cross country anymore, for of a freeride and trials guy these days.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Nugent
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Haven, MI, USA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Moab, Utah
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Tight frameset, excellent suspension, good looker. I've had mine for about a month and it is everything that it has been touted as, a fast climber, great desender and it handles beautifully. I am 6'3" tall and weigh 205 lbs. so I am very sensative to a sloppy frameset, (my broken FSR-XC for example), however this one feels as stiff at the bottom bracket as my Zaskar.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy out of the box, bike specific headset.
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS,STS, S-WORKS FSR-XC.
Bike Setup:
STRIPPED THE BIKE TO THE FRAMESET AND HAYES DISKS,THAN BUILT IT WITH, SWEET-WINGS CRANKS, EASTON CT-2 POST AND MONKY LITE BARS, TIME ATAC CARBON, RINGLE STEM, AVOCET O2-AIR SADDLE, XTR DRIVE TRAIN, SID SL, AND I'M WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO BUILD KING DISK-GO-TEC,MAVIC 317,DT REVOLUTION WHEELSET.
Bottom Line:
This is a raceable bike even as it comes from the factory and with the sub 25 lb. weight I have attained THIS BIKE ROCKS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
Stock except Selle Italia Flite Ti Gel saddle, Time ATAC carbon pedals.
Bottom Line:
The bike is great so far. No bobbing. Handles well. Climbs better than anything else I've tried. Brakes are excellent. The original Koski seat really sucks, so I traded that out after one ride. Swapped off the original pedals before I bought it. Like another post mentioned, the tires are a bit squishy, and the chain slaps. Got a Lizard Skin to take care of the chain. The bike is a bit hefty at about 28 lbs, but for what you get, the price/performance/weight trade off is worth it. After all, I could stand to lose two or twenty pounds myself. Nitpicking, the headset and rear hub are a little rough, but maybe they just need to break in. My only major concern is the durability of the thin-wall aluminum frame. After a major mishap with my car rack, I have some major paint damage and some dents, but that is more the car rack's fault.
Bottom line: I love the bike, but look forward to putting it on a diet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from Chia-Yi City, Taiwan Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ludlow, England
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
No bobbing, assured handling, good looks.
Weaknesses:
Purely ornamental bottle cage bosses, high maintenance.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Rift Zone, Cannondale Super V, Mountain Cycle San Andreas, Foes and Giant Warp.
Bike Setup:
This isn't the xtc model but the xcx DS which Giant tout as their "freeride" bike. It's an NRS but it has an interupted seat post design. I couldn't find the model on the website so I'm writing this under the nearest model.This bike is the result of a warranty claim after the ATX 890 I had desided to break in half. It's fitted with a RS SID XC fork and Shimano XT and XTR drive train with Gripshift 9.0 shifters and rear mech. XT V Brakes. Mavic crosslink wheels and Titec riser bars, stem and seat post.
Bottom Line:
There is no denying that this bike is a good looker. It handles very well especially at high speeds and is pretty predictable. There is no bobbing with the shock set up properly and it climbs very well on technical climbs. The ride is similar to the Marin in that your riding style doesn't have to change much from riding a hardtail unlike FSR designs. It feels a lot faster than some DS bikes I've tried like the Cannondale but it still doesn't sprint away like a hardtail. That could be my imagination and I'll have to time myself doing a set loop on the two bikes to really compare.
However as a true freeride bike I don't think it's plush enough. I think it would make a better enduro platform. It would suit an ex hardtail purist who wants that little bit of extra comfort or who occaisonaly likes to play.
When I return to Europe this year I'll be interested to see how this bike fairs in a XC race compared to my hardtail.
One thing. I've had this bike for about a month now and I noticed a clunking sound everytime I stood up to pedal hard.I took it back to the shop and everyone of the linkage bolts had loosened. It could have meant the front and back of the bike parting company if I hadn't been quick to get it checked out. I'm not sure if this is a problem with the design or wether Giant hadn't tightened everything properly at the factory. I'll just have to wait and see and I'll keep you posted. Also I've been told that Giant only warranties the linkage for one year which seems a bit suspect to me. Do they know something we don't?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ed ballow
a Cross Country Rider
from pensacola,fl,usa Date Reviewed: March 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
oak mountain,birmingham,al
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
does not bob when climbing or sprinting as advertised. most of the parts on this bike are great. price,parts,perfect suspension,
Weaknesses:
wait. no, the wait is over. weight,weight,weight the bike is not light. The bike has some problems-bottom bracket is cheap,not even a un-52(I don't believe I did'nt pull the crank.) The rear derailleur clanks bad on the chainstay when downhilling. The front brake hose will rub the paint off of the head tube in one ride if you are not aware of it.
Similar Products Used:
hardtails gary fisher joshua test rode fsr xc 99 giant ds2 cannondales gt I-drives and others
Bike Setup:
stock-shocks set up according to the books
Bottom Line:
The bike is awesome, descends like butter. It is smooth and fast. Point it down hill and let go of the brakes, sit down or stand up the suspension is active and you never know it is working. Stand up and sprint on any other full suspension and you will feel it bouncing, check the shock it will be moving, not on my bike. Set up the nrs by the book and it will not move in a sprint except over bumps. The suspension flat works as advertised (check the web page). Other parts- the brakes work great even though they are brand new, fork is very supple, tires are a little rubbery like other wtb's I've used.Front brake cable did rub through the paint (which was beautiful) in one ride take precautions,the derailleur smacking the chainstay is bad and will need to be at least dampened. The weight must come from the brakes and the wheels, except for a few cheap parts which can't add up to much and the brakes and wheels the bike is very light. I must agree with the other guy about the frameset being a good idea for weight. The frame is thin, tap the top or down tubes and you'll think that they are made of cellophane, did I hear anybody say ding,ding,ding thin is light. Give up a few pounds and enjoy the ride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Jeter
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin TX Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
city park
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Very well spec'd with hayes discs and all. The NRS- need I say more.
Weaknesses:
Weight. Color combination kind of loud.
Similar Products Used:
Titus RacerX
Bike Setup:
Factory set up for DS1
Bottom Line:
They are finally here. I rode one around the parking lot and first impressions are very good. The bike is nimble, well spec'd, and yes, the rear shock EXTENDS when you pedal. It is kind of like an "up bob" instead of a down bob.
Seems to react to all bumps and is not at all harsh. Weld quality quite surprising especially when compared to last years models.
Downside- I had them weigh the bike in front of me and it tipped the scales at 28 and 1/4 lbs with the time pedals. (This is the DS1).
All in all I think they have something here. The bike could lose some weight though. Those of you looking at purchasing the frameset- good for you. That is the way to go to lose weight. But, the components they offer on the total bike for the price are kind of hard to beat too.
Gave 5 flamers for value. 4 on overall due to weight factor-
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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