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Submitted by
Jeff
a
from Ventura
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Awesome climber. Great all around bike. Can't beat the value of this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Judy fork sucks. Creeks a lot. Shattered the Race Face cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Raineer and other hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for 2002 Avid Mechanical discs, Rhino Lite wheels with Hutchinson Alligator tires, and a Marzocchi EXR front shock | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike from an LBS after it had been stripped of the wheels, brakes, and seat for $600. So, I put on Rhino Lite wheels (cheap but solid) with Hutchinson Alligator tires (awesome climbers) and a Selle Italia Trans Am seat. I slipped on Avid Mechanicals and I quickly replaced the Judy fork with a Marzocchi EXR fork, since the Judy just couldn't handle my 200 pound body.
I'm an adventure racer, so I mainly use the bike for XC, but I ride it hard when descending (I think that I'm a downhiller at heart).
After about 6 months, the Race Face cranks (big and middle rings) shattered...we're talking three pieces each...while descending. I replaced them and it's been fine since.
The bike has a lot of creeks which seem to come and go, but they're nothing to get worked up about.
Finally, if you're considering purchasing one of these babies, realize that the rear suspension is not going to soak up the hits like a fully active rear suspension frame. You'll feel a lot more of the trail with this system. However, you'll climb faster and more efficiently than your bro on the Specialized Enduro (just ask my riding partner).
I'm dropping the money for a RockShox Pyslo SL U-Turn to once again upgrade the front shock and I'll eventually go tubeless, otherwise, I'm going to ride this beast into the ground. Outstanding XC bike...just not recommended for serious hucking. XC riders should look no further...this is the bike for you. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Happy rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Style, frame was produced with Renault F1 team, tubeless tires, Avid mechanical disc brakes, ... | | Weaknesses: | Paint used, seat, handle bar too long and not so good, ... | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | (Stock)+2002 Rockshox Psylo SL, Shimano XT rear derailleur, Serfas ddvado seat, ... | | Bottom Line: | You can almost do anything with this bike, its a very good all conditions bike even if its a cross country bike only.
A good purchase!
I rated it 4 Flaming Chilis for the stock bike...
with my upgrades I would rate it 5 Falming Chilis!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Norman, NC.
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | great frame/suspension design. climbs extremely well. tubeless tires and avid disc brakes are great. very durable bike. good performer overall. i have enjoyed this bike ever since i bought it and have no plans to buy another soon. | | Weaknesses: | ok...had to replace the wimpy...i mean judy. the bike is noisy....which sounds petty but it is hard to distinguish between "troublesome" sounds and the sounds you can expect to hear due to suspension design and crank. that being said...the bike has held up extremely well. | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher aquilla/ DBR V8 <----- both are sweet bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 03' Duke SL U-turn (great more noise! shock is solid though) SRAM 9.0 drlr and shifters (great upgrade for this bike). thompson elite seatpost, new saddle, monkeylite riser bars, lighter spd's.... | | Bottom Line: | i like the bike even more after having owned it for about a year...you definately get what you pay for when it comes to mtn. bikes. you can feel confident investing in a NRS2, they are a high quality, solid buy. the better i get as a rider, the more i appreciate the bikes performance. you won't outgrow the bikes capabilities as a more experienced rider. the bike is a keeper. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sophy Christian Bun
a Weekend Warrior
from Carrollton, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with jumps, drop-offs and build-ups for catching air | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Don't know yet. I have just purchased the bike used and it will arrive to me in about 1 week. From what i have heard, the bike is going to be great, exspcially for a hardtail lover like me. | | Weaknesses: | I will come back to this another day after i have ridden the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Should be like a hardtail with the full suspension advantage. | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now, but i will have xt rear derailler, and front to match. Easton E70 carbon straight bar. other upgrades will come once i find some money to do so. | | Bottom Line: | I have to get back to you later about this. the rating i am giving is from what i have heard about the bike and from my test ride of the '02 model that i took recently. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Beverly, MA
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Gordon Woods, Boxford WLS | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Landry's | | Strengths: | Value: full suspension, disc brake, tubeless, light weight, and well known components. The bike looks great. | | Weaknesses: | I had lots of problem with drive train parts - shifting: Defective Race Face Chain Ring, chain, and front shifter. After replacing all these parts with competent technician I had no problem. | | Bottom Line: | I love disc brake, full suspension, NRS, tubeless, and light weight. I can't image sacroficing any one of the features. I rode another brand with similar features while I was away from the town and I dearly missed my NRS-2. The bike is fast and stable going downhill. I have no problem getting good grip on the road while I peddle uphill even while I was standing up and peddling. NRS really does work! I am not looking for any greatest and lastest bikes for now. I am fully satisified with what I have. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eckhardt C
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape town - South Africa
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Du Toitskloof | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1524.00 | | Purchased At: | Willie Engelbrecht Cycles | | Strengths: | pedals well, light with the best 4" rear travel you can get! | | Weaknesses: | Frame dents easily - Could use a better front shock! | | Similar Products Used: | Gaint Warp $ Rinkon | | Bike Setup: | dmr, truvative cracks and chain devise, azonic , wtb, continental, race-face, mavic, rockshox | | Bottom Line: | I do everything on this bike!
it handles DH, jumps and general freeriding with utterly satisfaction!
Would reccomend front suspension upgrade like a Z1-freeride or dnm-usd120 (Judy's haven't got enough travel & strength) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david shultz
a Weekend Warrior
from salem
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any thing I can jump, drop,or ride down in OREGON ! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike peddler | | Strengths: | crank, runing gear, handle bars and avid disk brakes. | | Weaknesses: | derailleur hanger and the frame dents easly | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike oct/11/01 it was my fist mountin bike. I swaped the stem and clipless peddles for a Thomson stem and Mosh peddles befor I left the shop. Then I got two KUJOdh tiers, a krve seat,and 02 Marzocchi Dirt jumper with the QR20. I broke my derilleur hager 4 times twice doing weelie drops, once on a landing ramp of a dirt jumping, and one I was dirt jumping and on our way back to the car I road off a curbe and broke the hanger. The last time i broke my derailleur along with the hanger and I hade to buy a Shimano XTR derailleur. The only thig I Could thik of to stop from breking my derailleur was to buy a Bullet Bros. This bike is god for jumping and gret for ripin up some single track. I ride my Bike hard, jump high, and try to do the bigist drop my bike and I can. 8 ft so far. Shes got a cople dent in her but shel take any thin u can thro at her! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CP Coleman
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Cod, MA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any NEMBA Fun Ride | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Andy's in Keene, NH | | Strengths: | Price, components, NRS, Avids, Pythons,Cranks | | Weaknesses: | Rear freewheel, Judy XC, frame flex with big or strong riders, dents easy and paint job loses luster quick | | Similar Products Used: | Sugers, Fuels, Trek Y bikes, | | Bike Setup: | New 2002 Psylo SL, Cross Roc Wheels, XT rear der., loc grips, ATAC pedals, q.r. seat post collar,Pythons or Mosquitos depending on conditions, smaller seat, | | Bottom Line: | The bike is still running great after 18 months of beating the crap out of it all over New England. The Avid mechanicals can not be beat for ease of adjustment, no tools and dial them in anyway you like. The Psylo makes this a great jumping bike. The (what seems) extra air volume in the tires make for soft landings. I just switch of between the Pythons and Mosquito tires and have all my bases covered. Only takes a second to change the tires too. Only real pain is I (195 lbs)can make this bike creak like crazy, stiffer cranks and handlebar might help bigger riders. This bike is fast through rock gardens and flys up hill, no need for a rear lockout on this rig. The Psylo up front makes this bike twice as much fun as it was when I first bought it. Giant rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew Chesnut
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch,CA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything on Mt. Diablo | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Frame rides like a hardtail.Cool paint job.Perfect fit for me. | | Weaknesses: | Grips,saddle,Tubeless setup,Too squishy judy XC. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR,Cannondale super V. | | Bike Setup: | Medium. | | Bottom Line: | The mavic tubeless wheels w/24 15ga.spokes were way too flexy for my 220 lbs,supprise,they didn't spec them for 2002 or 2003.Another supprise,they lasted a year.I am now running 36 spoke mavic 317's with XT disc hubs.I never had a problem with pinch flats but the goats head thorns always do me in.The Hutchinson pythons seemed to attract them even more,plus theis sketchy grip on anything besides hardpack or pavement.Switched to Michelin comp s tubeless after a month and they lasted a little longer.Most of the time i just ran tubes in them.The LX/deore drivetrain wasn't too bad but i switched back to my reliable 8 speed XT gear after 2 weeks.I switched to heavier springs and 15 wt. oil in the judy but couldn't run the 100 mm option,just too flexy,especially the wheels.The saddle never made it out of the shop,switched it for a topo team with ti rails.Otherwise ,the bike fit like it was made just for me,no probs with my rear sid shock or the Avid mechanical discs.The NRS system works as promised.With everything set up to my liking the bike has been very reliable and unless a major sale on Epics or Blurs happens,i'll be happy with this bike for years.Buy this bike,any level,1,2,3,or air,or any year,2000 thru 2003 and you will get a great machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Norman, NC
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | This is a great all around bike and Giant has earned a reputation for loading their bikes up with some pretty nice components. The bike is a dream for riders that don't know a lot of technical stuff (like me) because it is so easy to set up and maintain. All you need to do when you want to adjust your brakes is turn a couple of dials...it really can't be any easier. The rest of the bike? Just add air and go! The bike looks GOOD. | | Weaknesses: | I think the front shock is a good one. I did have to order some firm springs though (I weigh 180lbs) because it was way to plush. I don't really know who it would be firm enough for. I've heard it is for riders who weigh around 145lbs....but damn! I thought jockeys rode horses not mountain bikes! | | Similar Products Used: | sugar2 and enduro | | Bike Setup: | stock except I put some monkeylite ct2 handlebars on and some nicer spd pedals that I had. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a full suspension to ride the kind of trails (singletrack, etc.) that most of us ride you will not be disappointed with this bike. I bought this bike so I could start racing in the local weekly race series and it is a great value-especially now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A joyful rider (2 review)
a
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Same as last time | | Weaknesses: | Same as last time + the rear tire makes a strange noise when you're riding by sitting down??? | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the pedals (DH kinda), and just bought a 2002 RockShox Psylo SL to upgrade my 2001 Judy XC. | | Bottom Line: | Changed the springs in the Psylo's for stronger ones and ohhhhhhh man this bike rules with some kinda DH pedals and the Psylo's. The only thing that im gonna probaly change next season is the tyres they really suck in muddy conditions but on dry conditions they are the best. Surely gonna take a more equilibrated tire that is mor versatile in all conditions.......
The bike was already good, now its better and im gonna make it better next year!!!
5 Flaming monkey for both.....WITH THE UPGRADES. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Montague
a Cross Country Rider
from Wasilla, Alaska
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Paramont | | Strengths: | It is a great all around bike light, Good components, and great suspention design. Avid disc brakes, Python tires on Mavic rims. Sweet ride | | Weaknesses: | Race Face crank needs bathed in lock-tite. The seat is just not up to long xc rides. Front judy xc is to soft im a 135lb rider and when I get agressive on the down hills it just does not work. Also I found the rear hanger and lx derailer just to mushy. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first FS I have always rode hard tails | | Bike Setup: | Almost stock with a Rocket 46 T upgrade for more down hill and xc speed. XT rear derailer, Saddle, and am working on a new front fork. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line. If you want a XC bike this is it. I ride everyday rain or shine. It took me 3 weeks before I tuned the suspention in though. After upgrading some things( every bike you buy you will have to!!!) I found it to be the best in its class. If you are new or old to the sport or a weekend warrior looking for a bike that will fill the void, this is it. Be sure to set positive chamber to 10+ body weight and tune from there. I run about 15-20+ for the best ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Huachuca, AZ., USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | none at this time (all are closed due to drought) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles West | | Strengths: | Great brakes
Climbs like a hard tail
Tubeless tires (traction, soaks up more bumps,and pinch flat resistance)
Excellent frame (same as NRS Air)
Frame is light (~5.8 lbs) for FS (granted you can get many hard tails that weight under 3 lbs)
| | Weaknesses: | Tubeless tires (weight)
Horrible stock saddle (traded mine for a Specialized Body Geometry that's only marginally better)
Fr. suspension set up too soft (work with your Shop to setup for your weight and style)
Fork is heavy at 4.3 lbs. ( I heard that upgrading to Englunds Total Air cartridges will lose .75 lbs by itself, and they make the ride much more matched to the SID rear shock) | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyl (don't like headshock)
Specialized Rockhopper FSR (plush but cramped)
Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ (seemed ok but I heard it skips gears) | | Bike Setup: | stock except for saddle | | Bottom Line: | Best deal for the $
Handles like it's on rails
Setup of suspension is very important
Buy this if you want an excellent FS cross country racer.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A joyful rider
a
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | -Avid mechanical disk brakes
-Giant frame
-Tubeless tires
-Rear suspension (not bad)
| | Weaknesses: | -Front suspension
-Pedals | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Overall it's a wonderful mountain bike. I think the weight is not bad (actually pretty good) and the avid's brakes are one of the best in it's category. The front suspension (Rockshox Judy XC) is not very good cause it weights too much, isnt really smooth, and the look doesnt help. I paid the bike 2200$ without the taxes in canadian dollars and i think it is a questionable price (maybe 2000$ would have been ok). This winter im gonna change the Hutchinson Python tires to Michelin tubeless ones cause the Hutchinson tubelesses get used very easely if you do a lot of climbing. I also think that im gonna change the Judy XC to a Fox shox or a better Rockshox fork. But if you purchase this bike you wont be disapointed unless youre really not easy to convince. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff McClung
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton, Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike -O- Rama Denton, Tx | | Strengths: | The NRS system works as advertised. Great bike for the money. Looks as good(Metalic red paint)as it rides(NRS system that really works). Tubless tires and disc brakes a good starting point for building up the bike to match higher end bikes. | | Weaknesses: | Generic hubs on a 1400 dollar bike? The Judy forks were too plush for me and I am a light rider, only 150 lbs. Koski seat has got to go. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 1, Specialised Stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: | Gutted the Judys and replaced the springs with EKO sports air cartriges. I love em, and it allows me to fully adjust both front so the front doesn't bob on the climbs. I also swapped the rear derailerand casset for XTR components. Changed to Michelin XLS tubeless tires. Put on a Raceface Next LP crankset and Isis bottom bracket. Went with Easton Monkey Lite Carbon bars and carbon seatpost and shorter EA-50 stem. A Selle-Italia Diablo seat to replace the rock hard Koski. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is totally awsome!!! After one year of owning it I have not had one single problem with it mechinicly. I don't know what all these guys are complaining about. The tubeless system has been a god send for me, I have not had one flat in a whole year and I ride in Texas where there are cactus and sharp rocks. The suspension is superb once you get it dialed in. It is important that you get your positve air chamber set to 10+ over your own weight and get your rebound set properly. This bike is like a Ford Mustang, an affordable platform that is ripe for upgrades. That was part of the fun for me, building the bike up with the components that I wanted. At 1400 dollars why not? Most companies won't even sell you a frame for $1400. If you can find one of the 2001 models used, buy it!(especially from one of these guys who are complaining about it, they probably never figured out how to set it up) With some high end components this bike can compete with any thing on the market, and probably at a lower price once you sell the components you take off. This is a great bike stock, but with a few upgrades it can be awsome. This is a good bike for anyone from an entry level rider to a hard core xc warrior. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from corvallis,oregon,linn
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | loop and let down | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | bike and hike | | Strengths: | Its a great xc frame it really tears it up on tight single track.You would be hard pressed to find a bike that out rips this one for the price.I ride in oregon so disc brakes were a must have for me and the avid mechanicals have more than sufficint wet stopping power. | | Weaknesses: | As great as this bike is it still has many annoyances.For example the left crank arm that would not stay tightened until i bathed the bolt in loctite. And the left chainstay that inherently absorbs a brutal beating from the chain especially while bombing a hill.I also must say that if you ride in the mud often do not use the hutchison pythons they are tractionless.Since we are on the subject of tires i will go ahead and tell you what i think of the tubeless set up KRAP-E .In my last race i spent more time blowing my tires back up than actually racing im sorry but i will not sacrifice 15 minutes of racing time for less rolling resistance. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper, gary fisher paragon | | Bike Setup: | I replaced the hutchinson pythons with kendra tires
i replaced the grips
i also put on pedals that were functional in mud(egg beaters) I also put on a duke xc fork | | Bottom Line: | I would highly suggest that you stick with the recomended pressures for the front and rear shock especially the rear
.Softening the rear shock is somewhere you do not want to go with this bike.It is beautifull for the person who is used to riding hard tails because it has a hardtail feel when set up correctly but will still absorb the semi big hits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from corvallis,oregon,linn
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | loop and let down | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | bike and hike | | Strengths: | Its a great xc frame it really tears it up on tight single track.You would be hard pressed to find a bike that out rips this one for the price.I ride in oregon so disc brakes were a must have for me and the avid mechanicals have more than sufficint wet stopping power. | | Weaknesses: | As great as this bike is it still has many annoyances.For example the left crank arm that would not stay tightened until i bathed the bolt in loctite. And the left chainstay that inherently absorbs a brutal beating from the chain especially while bombing a hill.I also must say that if you ride in the mud often do not use the hutchison pythons they are tractionless.Since we are on the subject of tires i will go ahead and tell you what i think of the tubeless set up KRAP-E .In my last race i spent more time blowing my tires back up than actually racing im sorry but i will not sacrifice 15 minutes of racing time for less rolling resistance. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper, gary fisher paragon | | Bike Setup: | I replaced the hutchinson pythons with kendra tires
i replaced the grips
i also put on pedals that were functional in mud(egg beaters) I also put on a duke xc fork | | Bottom Line: | I would highly suggest that you stick with the recomended pressures for the front and rear shock especially the rear
.Softening the rear shock is somewhere you do not want to go with this bike.It is beautifull for the person who is used to riding hard tails because it has a hardtail feel when set up correctly but will still absorb the semi big hits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ilakano
a Cross Country Rider
from walnut creek,ca
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Diablo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | Components are bery bery good. The Avid brakes work well and are easy to adjust. The SID rear shock was easy to dial in, the bike came with tubeless Hutchinsons that work great in my area, Like the Raceface seatpost,stem and crankset. The price included taxes and a Duke fork. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano 515 pedals aren't the greatest, its a little heavy and the handlebars are too wide. None of these things are a big deal. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Kona ManoMano, Sugar 3 and 3+ and I-Drive. | | Bike Setup: | Changed front fork to a Duke, changed seat to a Selle Italia Gelflight and cut down the fork an inch on each side. | | Bottom Line: | A very good bike for the money. I saved a lot of cash buying the 2001 model. The 2002 has the Black shock which is okay and I don't think its as good as the Duke. Its a little heavy but most of that can be fixed by switching to a carbon bar and possible a different crankset. It rides great and I'm really happy with it. If my opinion changes, I'll post it here later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CAHLHEIM
a Weekend Warrior
from St.Charles, MO.
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Castlewood State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Local shop | | Strengths: | Design
Weight
Content
Price | | Weaknesses: | Fork could be better
Integrated headset
Brick of a seat. (personal preference)
No lockout on the rear SID XC
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FS | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock
Upgraded to XT front and rear derailleures, XT shifters, stubby bar ends, & Bontrager saddle.
| | Bottom Line: | So far this bike is a dream, though I wish the forks were air adjustable like the rear shock. A rear lockout feature would be nice also, but for the price this thing cant be beat. You owe it to yourself to go and demo one soon. XT components were upgraded by the shop before the bike left, a very wise and resonably priced move in my opinion. This bad boy get five flames across the board! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Beverly, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Willdowdale Farm | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Landry's | | Strengths: | The strength of this bike is NRS, weight for its price (28 lbs. vs. 31 lbs. of others), and components (tubeless, disk brake, gear, seat post ... etc). I think it is best value for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Felt front Judy XC was bit squishy. I am 175 lbs. with small frame size. The shock should be changed to red colored springs for both sides according to Rock Shox. I thought mix and match brand of gear componentry was to my surprised; Rear der is LX, fron Der is non-LX, and crank is Raceface. I had a defective front cranks and had to change to Shimano LX crank. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll 500 | | Bottom Line: | Best valued bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Beesley
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Blowhard Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Taylor's Bikes | | Strengths: | I have riden this bike in Moab, Brian Head, Fruita, and all over the Wasatch Front in Utah, and it totally lives up to its billing: a fantastic cross country climber and desender! The only riders who may not care for this bike would be downhillers or the free rider types who send their time looking for things to hurtle themselves off. This bike handles small (8"-1 1/2') to medium size drops 1 1/2- 3') like a champ. If your game is climbing what you bomb, this bike is for you! | | Weaknesses: | The Judy XC has to be upgraded, however, you can dramatically improve its rebound function by draining out the current oil (5 weight oil) and replacing it with 10 to 15 weight oil; I'm a 190-95 lbs rider myself, and I found doing this really helped slow the rebound down when going fast over rough sections. I convinced two of my friends to buy the bike, and they love it, and they also love the tubeless tires, but I have to admit right now, I have been riding with tubes in my tires ever since I broke a seal on the Behind the Rocks Trail in Moab. I could be just me, but I found I get just as many flats with tubeless as I did before tubeless, and lets face it, patching a tubeless tire is a hassle. I plan on dumping my tubeless rims as I destroy them. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar' and Fuel's (they still Bob and have less travel...) | | Bike Setup: | Went Sram on shifters and rear derailler (Sram derailler won't hit the rear linkage in any gear ratio). I'm 5' 11"- 6' so I got the large frame, however, I felt a little to stretched out, but after shortening the stem, but keeping about the same rise, everying is dialed now. When I change my rims out, I will probably opt for side-pull brakes, which I can do now because I had the shop put the NRS 3 rear linkage on (a good set on V's work work just as well as the Avids, however, the mechanicals rule in wet stuff, but I won't ride my bike if it's raining or quagmire, so I find the Avids overkill, and I would prefer to save some weight. Dumping the Judy, Avids, and rims this year is really going to liten things up for me this year, not to mention trying to loose 10 lbs myself. Oh yah, I put Time pedals on from the get-go. | | Bottom Line: | Cross country boys and girls who like to go fast down whatever they climb, here's your bike! Remember, it's the frame your buying; you can always upgrade the conponets to whatever you prefer, but if you can't upgrade your frame without getting a new rig. Chair lift and through-me-off-a-cliff types, this aint your bike, but for the rest of us hard-core-cross-country-but-we-don't-race-for-living-types, oh yah baby, this bike rocks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Cornwell
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Galbraith Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Jack's | | Strengths: | NRS system, brakes, tubeless tires | | Weaknesses: | forks | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Schwinn Rocket Disc 88 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great value. NRS system works as advertised, but I set it up slightly softer than recommended. Front shocks are weak. Mechanical disc brakes work great-I can see no advantage for hydrolic brakes. I like the tubeless tires, haven't had any flats, you have to pump them up about once a week. This is the best bike available for the price range. This is not a big hit bike, but you can go fast over rough terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kennbenny667
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Lawn IL
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos F.P. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles n Sports, Worth IL | | Strengths: | Excellent full suspension design! Not too plush, the perfect midwest trailbike. Didn't expect such great brakes for a lower end full suspension bike! In a nutshell if you have 1,600 bucks and don't ride like a gorilla, this is a great bike for you. | | Weaknesses: | Sub-par fork, Seats a tad stiff but it's all a personal thing I guess. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive 2.0, Specialized/Intense FS, Schwinn Rocket 88 (old and new designs), Moots YBBAIR | | Bike Setup: | pretty stock, fork will be replaced with an 02 higher end Psylo. Selle Italia seat. Flat pedals. Race Face ISIS Drive Next LP Cranks and BB. | | Bottom Line: | I am not dissapointed in the performance of this bike. It soaks up the big bumps with ease as well as the small ones. Avid Disks are amazing: No bleeding or constant service. Fork should be better, but it is easily replacable. I'm 225 pounds, so maybe I'm just too fat for it. No major problems with the tubeless yet, although I do have to keep a closer eye on the pressure. LX is reliable and works fine for my riding style. I don't race, so weight is not an issue. Feel free to drop me an email if you have any questions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart
a Weekend Warrior
from Orem, UT
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Taylor's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Very light, great features for the money, very sturdy | | Weaknesses: | Front forks not strong enough for my weight (190#) Will need to upgrade this winter for next year. Needs split seat for back-to-back riding days. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, K2 Evo, GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Small frame | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. I did need to upgrade the seat to a Serfas and put on Specialized handgrips. Very solid feeling bike. Next bike will be a Giant NRS as well.
If you are hitting some hard uphills combined with the hits of the rocky double track a couple times a month, this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bleeder
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville, Florida
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Razorback | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Cycling | | Strengths: | (+) Exceptional Versatility. Simply amazing value for the money.
(+) Sticks like glue on the climbs.
(+) The "No Bob" NRS rear suspension actually works.
(+) Very stable rear suspension. NOTE: This bike is NOT meant for the North Shore...buy a Kona or Karpiel instead.
(+) Overall excellent component spec. The Avid Mechanical brakes are fantastic. | | Weaknesses: | (-) Stock seat is like riding on a brick.
(-) The Judy XC front fork has no rebound dampening. ECK!
(-) Flats easily...WELCOME TO TUBELESS!!!
(-) Shimano M-515 pedals are fragile.
(=) Very thin Tubeset. Keeps weight down, though.
(=) Super-wide handlebars...nothing a good hacksaw couldn't take care of, though!
(=) Jury's still out on the integrated headset. We'll see. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to list! | | Bike Setup: | Giant XTC NRS 2---->Almost Stock. See recommended changes below... | | Bottom Line: | If you are a cross-country warrior who loves fast singletrack, this is one of the best full-suspension bikes for the money. The NRS "No Bob" system works exactly as advertised and when set up properly, is as plush and as stable as any. Damn, this bike is fun! The NRS 1 was awarded the best bike of the year award by Mountain Bike Magazine this year and I can see why. The bike's handling characteristics are truly confidence-inspiring. Knock a half-inch off each side of the handlebars, change pedals, add a Marzocchi Z1 or Manitou SXR for plush, and you've got a bike others will drool over!
Complaints? Sure there are a few, but most come from components that had to be spec'ed because of the pricepoint Giant wanted for this bike. The Judy XC, for instance, is somewhat noisy and feels like a pogo stick since it has no rebound dampening adjustment when matched to the rear suspension...bad choice I thought, but considering the fork's price, durability, plush feel, stiffness, and ease of maintenance, I could see why it's on a $1400 bike. Not a bad choice then. Some complain about the Deore components and bottom bracket, but again, it's a great FULL-SUSPENSION bike with Avid disk brakes, tough Raceface components and a great XC design for under $1400 bucks. Other problems? The seat is a brick and the pedals are less than stellar, but each can be easily changed, possible for free, at purchase. I'm also not fond of tubeless tires as I don't feel that the benefits outweight the risks involved...lower air volume and decreased pinch flats (vs) a substantial increase in weight from the rims/hubs, and relative ease of flats from punctures, of which 75% are from. One can learn to compensate for the tread design of these tubeless Pythons on this bike, but try putting an innertube in once you've flatted (and you will!) when your 10 miles into the trail with these tires and see how you fare with the changeout! Unless you have three hands, your usual 2-3 minute change becomes a 15 minute ordeal in frustration. You'll keep tubes in from there on out! OK, I'm nit-picking, but the tubeset is super-thin (hit it with your knuckle and listen to that hollow sound) as is the paint as well. One quick fall dented my top tube pretty badly and there are already multiple dings and chips from small rocks thrown up on the descents already, but I can live with that.
This bike has exceptional versatility, stability, and is a blast to ride! An amazing value for the money. Taking everything into account, you simply CAN NOT go wrong by buying this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockton, UK
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | bonthrone bikes | | Strengths: | NRS does excactly what it's supposed to do. Climbs like a hard tail, but takes the sting out of the trail, descends well too. Adjustable rear suspension settings. | | Weaknesses: | mine was a UK spec bike so came with grip shifters and sram mechs, changed for shimano. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Alpine Trail | | Bike Setup: | xtr rear, xt front, xt shifters, thompson stem and seatpost, easton CT2 riser bar, Z2 race, hope mini discs, hope hubs | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a bike that climbed better than my Marin, but did not lose out else where. I considered a hardtail but after riding an XTC was converted. Not quite as plush on rough trails as the Marin, but leaves it for dead on the climbs. Lighter bike too, accelerates well. A fine xc ride with enough travel to soak up the rough stuff. UK spec a little different to above, judy sl, sram 7 gripshift, giant hydro discs (hope closed 2 licensed to Giant, so I am told), race face prodigy stem, chainset | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Salem,OR,USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mckenzie River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1349.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike-N-Hike | | Strengths: | Frame design, stock componentry, PRICE!, beautiful paint. | | Weaknesses: | Seat seems hard, hasn't broken in? Stem might be a little long, forks set up very soft for my weight (175lbs.). | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel-friends' bike-nice, but too rigid and bouncy.... | | Bike Setup: | all stock except: gel seat pad, cut the bars 3/4in. on each side, bar ends, oury grips, forks set to 100mm with one firm and one med. spring, 15wt. oil (pj1). | | Bottom Line: | Absolute Happiness!! This bike inspires aggression on climbes and rewards with success never before attained, not to mention expanding your idea on what you think you can do! Trees are in my future plans.... I really enjoy the climbing abilities of this bike 'cause chairlifts are for dorks- "how can you have your pudding if you don't eat your meat!?!"-and the decents are pure pudding,now that the forks are dialed in. Marzzochi Z1 mcr's are on the way though, as 5in. downhill travel compressable to 2in. for climbing will make this bike the Cascade King!! If you fall into the catagorie of "free-trail-cross-hill-country-rider", this bike will make you a GIANT. Go Live and Ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lou
a Cross Country Rider
from L.A.
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Engineer's Pass | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikecology | | Strengths: | NRS System, Well balanced components, price | | Weaknesses: | Judy Front Springs, Weight | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome, awesome, awesome....Sure, if I had more money to spend I could get a better bike, but there just isn't a more all-around fun or forgiving FS bike out there for the money. Climbing is a dream and the geometry makes for a smooth and controlled downhill experience. I am going to replace the front springs though to firm it up and quiet things down. A lot of people talk about the uncomfortable seat, but I wouldn't trade it for another. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Mateo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Harkins Ridge in SF Bay Area | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | frame geometry. Avid brakes. good quality raceface components. | | Weaknesses: | Koski seat was very uncomfortable. Tires are heavy and lack grip in sharp, dry cornering. | | Similar Products Used: | GF Sugar | | Bike Setup: | stock, except XT rear derailleur and cassette. Ritchey flat handlebar, different pedals. Total-air shock insert. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is phenomenal. The "no bob" is 100% true, as long as you set up the rear shock correctly. The rock shox manual supplied is wrong for this particular bike. You need to go to Giant's website to get the correct info.(Positive chamber is body weight +10-20 pounds, negative chamber is always set at 50 pounds).
Other than that, the bike rocks! On down hills, you have excellent control. Both shocks work together to smooth out the ride. On the uphills, it truly climbs like a hardtail. Even when standing on the pedals and climbing a monsterous hill, the bike doesn't bob at all.
The stock tires grip reasonably well; however, on loose soil and mud, they're not so hot. They also weigh 730 grams each. I've seen some tubeless tires at around 500 grams (specialized and schwalbe) so I'll switch to them soon and save about a pound.
I'm not a weight weenie, but the Judy XC is heavy (4.4 pounds). So, for about $100 I bought a set of Total-Air shock cartridges. They fully replaced all the heavy stuff inside the shocks. These things are unreal! True 100mm air shock now, and weighs about a pound less up front. Easier wheelies! If you've ever thought of upgrading to a SID fork, I recommend picking up a pair of these inserts from bikeworld.com for $79.99 and try them out first. Much cheaper and pretty damn close to SID (without the external rebound adjuster. Total-air's adjuster is internal)
In summary: an excellent bike with fantastic riding characteristics. In my opinion, it's a little more comfortable and "sure-footed" than the Sugar (which doesn't come with discs, and doesn't even have the rear bracket so you can add them later). If you are thinking of going FS, definitely test ride this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Coleman
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandwich, MA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail of Tears | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Andy's Bikes | | Strengths: | NRS suspension, Avid Disc Brakes, Tubeless Tires, Race Face Cranks | | Weaknesses: | Judy xc, rear freewheel mechanism, rims get out of true too often | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Razorback, Speciliazed FSR, Gary Fisher Sugar, GT i-drives, | | Bike Setup: | Mars fork, xt rear, Yeti grips | | Bottom Line: | I have had trmendous bad luck with my rear freewheel mechanism, I'm on my fourth one. It would lock up and not freewheel, serious bummer. The Judy xc was much to heavy, the mars dropped the weight over a pound and made the front end a whole lot easier to lift. Trimmed and inch off the the handlebars. Got a shorter stem and the handling improved tenfold. I love the brakes and the NRS system rocks, the best of a hardtail and full suspension when you need it. This bike is a gas to ride now with the changes and I have had great luck as far as traction is concerned with the tires; rocks, roots, hardpack, sand. This bikes made me a better rider and made me want to get out and ride more often. This bike did great downhilling at Killington, VT. I hope to try racing on it next year. Its a great value for the money and with a few more bucks thrown in its a whole lotta fun.:} | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Wichita, KS
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | no bobbing, avid mechanical disk brakes, tubeless tires, excels at both climbing and descending | | Weaknesses: | deore/lx drivetrain | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel, specialized FSR, Gary Fisher Sugar, GT i-drive | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | Giant has come near perfection in search of the holy grail of no bobbing. The NRS climbs like a hardtail and lets me pick some scary lines on the downhills without any trouble. At 28.5 lbs this bike could be a little lighter for racing but that's easily fixed by upgrading to XT for not too much pocket change. The rear end is very stiff, the Avid brakes perform just as well as the hydros without any extra weight and the tubeless tires have held up very well with no flats. This bike lets me ride with a lot more speed and control than my Fisher hardtail. If you're comparing this to other full suspensions on the market the Sugar doesn't have enough travel for all purpose trail use, the GT's are way to heavy, and the Fuel's are too stiff without as much travel. The beauty of this bike is that it can be raced (same frame as the NRS Air the Giant team is racing) and it has enough travel to be an all purpose trail/freeride bike.
If you're looking for one of these bikes I'm basically giving this away with all stock components for $1000 (size large). I got sponsored by Santa Cruz so I have to ride their bikes and need to get rid of this one so I can afford it. wakejump@yahoo.com if interested. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Spector
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC Canada
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Burke Mnt Triple Crown | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Reasonably light. Avid cable disc brakes work very well in all weather conditions. No reason to go with hydrolic. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tyres no good on steep muddy trails, Mavic Tubless 24 spoke wheels not strong enough. Replacement rims very expensive and not available at this time. A whole new wheel is cheaper. | | Bike Setup: | Changed from tubless tires to Velocaraptors. Replaced tacoed rim with a new wheel. | | Bottom Line: | Overall a good bike, quite light and no bobbing while climbing.
Anyone want a 24 spoke formula hub 2 months old. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, MO
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | NRS suspension
Avid Disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | front fork
tires
saddle? | | Similar Products Used: | '99 Kona Sex Three | | Bike Setup: | XT chain/cassette/rear der., XTR front der., Syncros bar, toe clips/straps, bar ends | | Bottom Line: | I like the NRS because it keeps me from bouncing when I don't wanna be. I wish they would spec a $1500 bike with better than Deore. The Judy XC feels a lot like the pogo stick I had when I was a kid and the tubeless tires have the same tread pattern as Wal-Mart tires (blah). As soon as some more cash finds its way to me these will find their way to ebay. Fortunately for Giant, the NRS makes up for this for the most part. It requires more maintenance than my old hard tails, but it's worth it for the performance boost. The Koski saddle was ok, but not on a higher end bike. I'm glad I got it local and the shop owner would trade out parts for the silly SPD pedals it came with. I know I'm sometimes too picky, but in the end I got what I wanted for the price I was willing to pay. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Brick Wheels | | Strengths: | Suspension, no bob, no joke! It's smoother than butter. Tubless tires are great but only work when on the ground | | Weaknesses: | seat, it a real pain in the ass | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace, LX, Judy/Sid(rear), hellbar | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great, the fact is it dosent have any bob from pedaling and will give you a great ride in the rough stuff or even landing on jumps, it just feels plusher than a hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Hanys
a Cross Country Rider
from Truckee, CA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | various sections of Tahoe Rimtrail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great value, solid frame, climbs great, great wheels and tires, awsome decender, great cross country design that works even in more technical freeriding situations, great brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Riser bars on a XC bike, rear shock leeked between chambers straight out of the box,had to warranty it before riding the bike,confusion about shock setup, | | Similar Products Used: | Fischer Montero, Oryx 14K, Oryx Gold, Schwinn 4 banger, various FSR's. | | Bike Setup: | Flat easton carbon bar, XT rear casette, Z3 air on the way,
other stock | | Bottom Line: | Great allround bke for the price. Was a lot better deal than the NRS 1. The tubeless tires and Mavic rims are awsome. There is a lot of bull out there about tubeless. The Avid brakes are great. I had The first mechanical formulas, and last year full Hayes and the stopping power is almost as good as hayes, super easy setup and maintenance, no noise (dry conditions). The rear shock setup is wrong in the Giant manual and on the website. I finally called Giant tech support and talked to one of the designers. FIRST DO POSSITIVE CHAMBER AT 20LBS OVER YOUR WEIGHT AND THAN NEGATIVE AT 50. After that the rear end is the best of both worlds. The front shock compared to my Z2 Atom 80 is a little too flexy. When you look at how much it cost it is not that bad for the money. I was suprised about the quality of Shimano parts. I never had stuff below XT or XTR. The Deore shifters are crisp, the LX rear works just like my last year XTR. I did replace the casette for an XT for weight and quicker shifting. Overall an awsome ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Lewis, WA USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | NRS System really works!! No bobbing on climbs or flats regardless of how fast I pedal. Avid mech. brakes are awesome. Race face components. | | Weaknesses: | LX derraileurs. NOISY! Front shock is way soft for me. Handlebars could lose an inch or two.
| | Similar Products Used: | No other FS | | Bike Setup: | XTR/XT derraileurs with XT shifters. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike. Had trouble with the left crank, it vibrated loose on the first ride. Lizard skin fixed my chain stays noise but my bottom bracket? headset? pivots? creak like mad. When the brakes are wet(just wet, not muddy) they scream like a dying pig. Handlebars are entirely too wide and I had to replace the front shock springs ( I weight 190 lbs) because they bottomed out on anything higher than a curb. I believe my rear shock positive spring leaks in the negative chamber, after a few days my positive chamber is lower and my negative higher than what I left it.
Now that my gripes are out is time for the ohhhs and ahhhs.
The hardtail feeling of the bike is incredible either seated or out-of-saddle. It does no bob at all! Now that I replaced the fork's spring with a stiffer kit it performs very well (a little quick on the rebound). It's hard to feel either the bumps or the suspension working and that makes me feel fast. The brakes have lots of power even when wet. This bike is so confidence inspiring that it has made me ride over my head a few times. The tires don't slow me down in the paved ride to the trail and give me enough traction on the trail.
Good bike to make the downhills lots more fun without killing you in the uphills | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gregtech
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, South Australia.
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Boral Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Strengths: | NRS rear end,Avid stoppers,price. | | Weaknesses: | Noise!This thing is Hell noisy(creaks,bangs & rattles)Cane Creek headset(it`s too lose or too tight,no inbetweens.)JagWire cables(the rear caliper cable was shagged after one sloppy event) | | Similar Products Used: | XTC DS2,Fisher Joshua,Bianchi hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Out the box | | Bottom Line: | There is no doubt my bike was made on a Friday afternoon.I could crap-on about the problems I`ve had\got but it wouldn`t be fair as I have ridden two other NRS2 that were absolute gems! Wrapping a Lizard Skin around the chain stay shuts up a big chunk of the noise(use the off-cut for where the rear der. hits)The brakes are killers if you ar`nt used to powerful disks.Like everyone has already said,spend the time to fart around with rear shock positive pressure,it`s worth the effort.Minor whinges aside,the NRS2 is a great piece of fun that does a bit of everything well.Just dont buy one made on a Friday afternoon! Five flamin` chilis for the other two.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
superhughman
a Cross Country Rider
from Alberta, CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 20 Mile Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Jasper, Alberta | | Strengths: | NRS system, Race Face components, and Mavic USP wheels. | | Weaknesses: | Weight, Saddle, and Deore components. | | Similar Products Used: | None, rode a rigid hardtail for the last 7 years. | | Bike Setup: | Stock EXCEPT xt rear deralleur, xt front deralleur, xt shifters, xt cassette, Titec micro bar ends, and WTB SST.K saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Originally I wanted the NRS 1, but trying to order one at the end of May is impossible, so I took the NRS 2 intending to upgrade over the summer. Now, with most of the drive-train components switched out, I am quite happy with the set up. Next season it will get a new fork, and new cranks/bottom bracket.
I have been riding a rigid steel hardtail for the last 7 years. 22 pounds, 24 speeds, with cantilever brakes. So needless to say the change was dramatic. I find I can easily ride up sections of trail I was hard-pressed to ride cleanly before, even when I was in better shape. The NRS, tires, and gearing combine to help propel the bike up some pretty sick stuff. Then, when pointing the nose back down the hill again, the NRS, Judy's, tires, and killer brakes allow you to really kick 'er into overdrive. I can ride farther, faster with less effort the before. I am left asking where has full suspension been all my life?
My only beef is with the tires. I haden't even put on 100k, and I got a flat from a tiny peice of rock sticking through the casing. I patched it up, and threw a tube in it for the next ride. It worked fine. When the tires hold air they are great, but just beware for the possibility of leaks. Otherwise I am totally happy with the bike, and some key upgrades made it even better. A great cross country bike. I love my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Bennett
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Foresthill Divide | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS- Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | Tubeless tires, NRS, descending confidence inspiring | | Weaknesses: | It's a bit on the heavy side, & the saddle sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike will make you faster, but you won't feel as tired as you used to so you might think you are going slower. The Giant factory riders had the same comments and after a few rides it is very apparent.
The NRS 2 will allow you to go farther and faster than you could before. It's smooth as hell on the descents and climbs quite well. The famous Giant value is here in spades: Tubeless, Avid Mech brakes (AWESOME), and an extremely competent parts spec. You might want to swap out the heavy BB though, a UN-52.
The Race Face cranks aren't the lightest but they are still and you can put the hammer down with them. The Judy is pretty damn plush, but can bob a bit on the climbs. The best thing about the bike is the frame and the NRS. The NRS works.
It climb similiar to a hardtail when setup correctly (make sure you get this part right- follow the manual!!) and soaks up the bumps without much apparent action from the rear. It doesn't seem like it's doing much, but you will suddenly feel like you can bomb down technical stuff that scared you before. It definitely inspires confidence.
There are a few parts I would consider swapping out for racing & the sake of lightness. BB, bars, stem, cassette,& saddle come to mind. You could also go to a SID race or XC and lose up to a pound up front.
I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a awesome trail bike. With just a few parts swapped out it makes a great race rig too. GET ONE TODAY!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Bereczky
a Cross Country Rider
from Anaheim, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | FULLERTON LOOP | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | PERFORMANCE BIKES, BREA CA | | Strengths: | Overall Quality; x'lint brakes, wheels; lightweight | | Weaknesses: | Thin paint; uncomfortable saddle | | Similar Products Used: | DX1,DX3 | | Bike Setup: | STOCK, EXCEPT FOR UPGRADED SADDLE; ***"SLIME" IN TUBELESS TIRES | | Bottom Line: | FIRST FULL SUSSPENSION BIKE.. AND DAMN IS IT A BLAST! THE MECHANICAL BRAKES ARE OVER-THE-HANDLEBARS-GOOD, AND ONLY REQUIRE A FINGER OR TWO TO USE... ARE ACTUALLY STRONGER THAN THE HYDRAULIC ONES I TRIED... WHEN WET, THEY HAVE ANNOYING SQUEAL THAT WILL WAKE THE DEAD. TUBELESS TIRES FLATTED OUT ON FIRST RIDE, AND COULD NOT MAKE SATISFACTORY PATCH... HAVE SINCE HAD X'LINT FIX USING "SLIME" SEALENT.
THE OVERALL LIGHT WEIGHT MAKES FOR GREAT HANDLING... AM GOING WAY FASTER DOWNHILL THAN EVER... IS SCARY AT TIMES, BUT NO REGRETS! 5 FLAMING HABINARO CHILES FOR THIS BABY! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke I
a
from Carlstadt, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood St. Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Original Bike Shop, Saddlebrook, NJ | | Strengths: | Climbs great, takes the hits, tubless tires, accelerates like a cheetah. | | Weaknesses: | Titec Hellbent bars needed to be chopped down a few inches. Thin paint. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Cdale jeckell 600, FSR-XC, K2 razorback | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first fs bike and on my first ride I cleaned 2 areas that I couldn't at the end of last season when I was in god shape. Bike climbs and decends great. It makes me a better ridder everytime out. I'm still geting use to letting the bike do it's work and just hanging on for the ride. It makes ridding fun, there are no excuses holding me back. I did puncture the rear tire but I fixed it with a standard vulcanizing patch and it's held since. The rear shock has yet to leak air and the Judy upfront rolls over everything. The Koski saddle is very comfortable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominic Rocheleau
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 20 , Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Anjou | | Strengths: | Overall design , climb like a hard tail , descent like a freeride . Verry quick acceleration ( the weight of the weels ??? ) | | Weaknesses: | The tires !!! they are expensive but work very well on different surfaces , but both where scrapt after a week ... i had to put tube in it : so far for the tubeless . | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized fsr | | Bike Setup: | Original ( the rock shox is at 100mm instead of 80mm )Except of the disk Brake : I put magura Julie on it instead of the avid mechanical disk brake . Cost me 50$ ( canadian) box more for that setup but wow , it's heaven . | | Bottom Line: | wow , the more i use it , the more i enjoyed it ... i feel free to go where i whant to go . I am not stuck with a 35-45 pound freeride bike that will denied me access to some trail ( because of hill ) and i can go down all the scary stuff that freerider's do ( for those who knows the Adrenaline trail at Bromont will know whant i means ) . The overall feeling of the rear suspension is quite strange : on a normal 4-6 inch coil suspension , wen you ride , you feel the suspension soak up bump and rocks etc ( and bobing )... but on this suspension , you feel ... almost nothing . You don't feel the bump , but you don't feel the rear suspension move either , so , the first experience felt verry strange , a was almost desapointed at first . So , i tried to do the hard stuff ( downhill ) whitout thinking of the rear suspension or of suspension at all . Wow , this baby can go very , very fast , make sure that you have the brake to stop you ... and the 3.75 inch seems to give more ( it's a feeling ) than the 4 inch fsr .
My only complain is the tires (verry fragile ) and the hex nut that rust on the top of the head set ( they could have put someting less cheap there , i have it in my face each time i ride ) ... but that's the only complain a can make about this piece of art's | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom M
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Next One | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike in San Diego | | Strengths: | Suspension, value, Mavic CrossRoc Rims with Hutchinson Tubeless Tires, Avid Mechanical Brakes, and the overall Ride, very pretty too. | | Weaknesses: | Some may think it weighs a bit too much at 29 lbs stock, this is not the NRS Air. Giant says the integrated headset makes the head tube stronger, but I would still like a King which may eliminate a cracking sound coming from the head. Not to worry, the frame is not compromised so they say. Negative chamber in rear shock loses air fast; carry your pump on the ride. Hubs need lubrication periodically due to squeaking, and paint chips easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyl 600, Fisher Sugar 3, GT I-Drive 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | All Stock: Titec Hellbent handlebar, RaceFace stem, Cane Creek integrated headset, Judy XC fork, RaceFace Cranks and Rings, Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes and Levers, Rock Shox SID rear shock with rebound adjustment, LX rear der., Deore front der., Mavic OEM CrossRoc Rims with Hutchinson Python Tubeless tires, Koski Saddle and RaceFace seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Giant has always been known for the value they spec their bikes at and the NRS line is no exception. I was looking at the NRS 3 but I couldn't resist spending 300 bucks more and going for the Avid Mechs and Tubeless tech. They have both been worth it so far. The bike rides as advertised, although I can't tell for sure if the suspension is extending during pedaling, I just know that I am not bobbing going uphill due to spinning. Just this past week I have begun to experience Zen in the saddle, which in practical terms means when things point down I move faster without falling. I usually take small jumps and drops, nothing bigger than 4 feet; she lands smoothly which gives me confidence. I haven't felt the need for more than the 3.75 inches of travel in the rear rolling these types of drops, but I weigh 150 lbs. Those that would be interested in this bike are those that want a quality cross country bike that descends on a line and goes uphill fast without bobbing. If you are interested in bombing with big drops you may want a beefier bike, (Kona) although I was able to ride Tunnel (most of it) in Santa Barbara. I really liked the ride of the GT also but the value kicked this one over the top. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cam Hart
a Weekend Warrior
from Qld, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Nerang & Daisy Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ferry Rode Cycles | | Strengths: | Price, components, NRS technology | | Weaknesses: | Frame is considered a bit thin - but you only need to worry if you do 4" drop offs. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro EXO, Giant ATX 840 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Profile Ultra FR bars and Pazzaz 'shorty' style stem, Specialized Body Geometry Saddle. Judy XC's set at 100mm. Flat bed pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is ideal for someone looking for "the all round trail bike" and sport level XC racer. Climbs like a hardtail but soaks up the hits like a 4" travel FS bike. If you are looking for the latest MTB technology and specs but have a budget, give the NRS a go!
I GOT TO GO FIRST - YAHOO
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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