Submitted by
Chully_Bun
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Light and fast; durable and looks cool! Still lighter than most brand new high end hard tails produced today.
Weaknesses:
Came with Formula hydraulic brakes, these have not been the most reliable over the past four years and will likely be my next upgrade.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to 1" carbon risers; makes for a much sweeter ride. Otherwise, pretty much standard.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. I bought it December 1999 and it is just as sweet today. Still looks great, has the carbon wow factor and rides like a dream. Rode it last year in the Mont 24Hr race (Canberra, Australia) in a three man team; only bike of the three to survive without maintenance. Basically all I have had to do is lube the chain, replace the cables and bleed the brakes once a year, and it just goes [fast].
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike D
a Racer
from Long Beach, Ca Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
San Juan / SART / Silver Moc.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Jones Bikes
Strengths:
see previous post
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
after owning this bike for a couple years, I added the NRS bike to my quiver - just for grins - another good bike bike Giant
Bike Setup:
Factory (except new wheels have been added since)
Bottom Line:
This is still the best performing factory spec'ed xc-hardtail I've ever ridden. The parts are still peforming very well (new wheels were needed- but thats hardly the bikes fault), the only complaint I have is the SID fork is a 12 month then rebuild fork at best. When tuned and working properly this fork is a good match for the bike, so I'll put up with the frequent rebuilds. I added an NRS bike to my collection and am thinking of tossing the SRAM half-pipes for XT pods, but the SRAM stuff just doesn't wear out. Still on original DR and shifters.. I have to add a chili to value, even better now since there is no company making a bike like this right now (Trek is Ok but no comparison).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Yang
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Strengths:
Superb frame. Combined with all carbon parts, the ultimate bike you can ever have!
Weaknesses:
Negative!
Similar Products Used:
None. None can come near.
Bike Setup:
Fully XTR parts. (FSA carbon crank), Race Face stem, Answer Hyperlite carbon handlebar, Easton carbon seatpost, Selle Italia Prolink carbon saddle, Ringle headset, Spinergy Spox wheelset with Michelin Wild Gripper Lite, Dabomb Carbon fork . Bike is around 20+ pounds.
Bottom Line:
The ultimite racing bike. Match with the spinergy wheels, it accelerate even faster.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Richardson
a Racer
from San Diego, Ca -------- USA Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any And All
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
T and C Bike Shop
Strengths:
Carbon fiber takes a lot of the soft hits for you. The fork is excilent, the componants are just right for the bike.
Weaknesses:
The Carbon fiber frame wears out quickly.
Similar Products Used:
nothing came close to this dream
Bike Setup:
All XTR drivetrain (Raceface Crank). Race Face stem, handlbars, headset. Mavic Disk specific rims, CODA hubs, Hayes Disk brakes.Rock shok SID SL fork with 80mm travel. Bike is about 21 pounds.
Bottom Line:
This is the ult racing bike, its fast, light, reliable, and intimidating. This is the bike I would pick over any, it's been a very good bike, but its time to get another just like it. I love it!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike D
a Racer
from Long Beach Date Reviewed: October 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Jones Bicycle Long Beach
Strengths:
This bike climbs like a cat, and is very quite. Great parts specs from the factory - Ready to race out of the box!
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Giant 760, Giant 880 ATX
Bike Setup:
As is from factory - upgraded bar ends, seat (specialized Comp), and seatpost (XL Carbon)
Bottom Line:
This is the perfect bike for going fast. It climbs like nothing I've ever ridden and with the power and feel of the Hope Disc brakes, going downhill is a blast! Not the lightest bike out there but when you are 6' 185, the last thing you want is to feel the bike frame flexing under you. Very stable in corners and light enough for my racing needs right now. If you can afford (or even find one they are very limited now) and are looking for a frame that is strong and forgiving, this is the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcus Moore
a Weekend Warrior
from Plano, TX Date Reviewed: March 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cave Run area - Kentucky
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very stiff and responsive. Excellent climber and great on the flats.
Weaknesses:
Almost too stiff. I had to buy a suspension seatpost so I could ride ore that 20 miles. Had initial problems with getting the bike and problems with the downtube but all is well now.
Similar Products Used:
Original Giant MCM Carbon.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR (S/B/BL) Race Face Cranks Race Face BB Marzzochi Atom Bomb (Lime Green) Race Face System King hubs with 517 rims
Bottom Line:
I had originally rated this bike poorly because I hadn't received it yet. After getting it I spent some time building it and took a trip to Taos, NM for the first ride. I had problems with the seatpost dropping so I wasn't impressed at first. After about 4 1/2 weeks of run around from Giant and my local bike shop (not all Giant's fault) I had the bike ready to role. I took the first real ride and I love it. It is so stiff that I had to buy a suspension seatpost so my back would hold out. I tell everyone about my bike and everyone who rides it loves it. If I could take off my prior review I would because this bike rocks. Yes it is a little on the expensive side but you pay for the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Milwaukee Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the river
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
plush ride, great braking, light weight, strong as hell.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
all of them bike shop sales manager
Bike Setup:
carbon frame, XTR, Hayes disc, titec cabon and ti, mavic 517, x-vert ti
Bottom Line:
this rig rocks
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcos
a Cross-Country Rider
from Brasilia, Brazil Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lenhador
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It is light, The geometry, The response on maneuvers and It is a beaultiful bike.
Weaknesses:
There isn't a customer department in my country.
Similar Products Used:
Giant TCM 20, Trek 9800, GT STS1 and GT Karakoram
Bike Setup:
I bought the frame and mount the bike with SID XC, XTR group, Michelain, Mavic 517 CD, GT hubs and Kore (seatpoet, skewers, handlebar)
Bottom Line:
This bike (19 1/2) fits like a glove. It is responsive on maneuvers, fast and confortable. Perfect bike!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Luhr
a Cross-Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: August 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Dunn Rd
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very light Very Trick
Weaknesses:
Expensive
Similar Products Used:
never tried another carbon bike
Bike Setup:
Stock MCM Team
Bottom Line:
I got this bike very cheap from the Giant Sales Rep and I would like to sell it since I have two other mountain bikes that I love. The MSRP is 3500. The thing is in NEW condition and I will sell it for $2000 obo. Contact me if you are interested. nickluhr@hotmail.com
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Machesney Park, IL Date Reviewed: July 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cattle Moraine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Carbon Frame. Hydro Disk Brake. Race Face Turbine Crank. Race Face System and bars. Hey John Tomac won all of his championships on a giant, need i say more?
Weaknesses:
A bike that says giant can not have weaknesses!
Similar Products Used:
All of the giant line.
Bike Setup:
I used mine stock Because thats how it was designed to be used!
Bottom Line:
This bike kick TREKS ass there 9.9 is a waste ive seen 3 guys break them. My giants still going after many beatings on the trail!IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD $3,500 THEN BUY THE MCM SE IT'S THE SAME BIKE ON A SMALLER BUDGET.P.S. MY REAL RATING IS A 10 CAUSE THIS BIKE BLOWS EVERYONE ELSE OFF THE MARKET.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lior Mirkin
a Racer
from ISRAEL Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the carmel area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
this bike is just perfect : it`s fast ,light and very strong perfect for cross-country ,down-hill and up-hill
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
I tried many kinds of bikes but nothing can compete with this giant! (kona-kula,hero and more...)
Bike Setup:
i`d tried many things but nothing can compare to rock-shox judy-sl
Bottom Line:
I want to say that nothing can compare to this bike it`s simply the best bike that money can buy!!! it`s the best bike on the market
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max Lindner
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dachau, Germany Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Alps
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The frame is very light and stiff enough for my riding style
Weaknesses:
Surface of the frame is to hard for Stone-impacts
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 Trek 8000 Marin Team Issue
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox S.I.D. ´98 and only reliable light- parts
Bottom Line:
I´ve bought only a MCM frame set and built it up with XTR-brakes and durable lightparts. Weight is about 8700 grams (a bit over 19 pounds) with two bottlecages and real MTB tires. Climbs like hell and is forgiving on rough downhills. Singletrack riding is also a pleasure. 5+ Stars!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonny
a cross-country rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: March 6, 1999
Bottom Line:
I've had the bike for about a month so it is early, but I do know all the short term stuff. First of all(regarding prior reviews) don't write anything if your not writing about the MCM, you just make it look bad. Anyway, about the bike, it is amazing I can't wait to race it. It doesn't feel like a road bike with fat tires and an excuse for suspension. Although it isn't very stiff the geometry is good for technical riding and the flex, about half an inch sometimes allows for a comfy ride. Make sure you wrap the bottom bracket with teflon tape to stop annoying creeks. Other than that the frame is great, not a sprinter but fast over all. The components so far are flawless the 9.0 sram der. and shifter work great. Rockshox SID works far better than I ever imagined. Brakes are Formula open hydraulic disc brakes. I got a lot of fade at first but once they get worked in they are far better than any V-brake. Still they take a while to set up correctly but when they are they are awesome.(below zero weather causes a lot of fade until they warm up. Lastly the pedals are the best I have ever tried. The best bike I've ever ridden maybe even seen. Not the lightest at 22.6 lbs but it has a crappy bottom bracket. You could drastically reduce the weight by getting disc crossmaxes. So anyway if you are looking for a bike in this range and can justify the bucks, Do It. You won't be dissappointed!PS. The brake rotors develope some play back and forth but it is not the bolts and can not be tightened since it is pressed on. It feels like a loose headset but you don't notice it while riding. I think it is normal since both brakes developed this.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a racer
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I have had it for over three months and I have placed in every race I have entered. The disc brakes are awesome and the suspension even better. The components are excellent and when I ride it feels like a dream. If you have the money by this bike you won't regret it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lory
a
from North van, B.C. Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
I do not own an MCM, but HAVE had top have a frame warranted by Giant... I ended up paying extra to go to an 890, form a 78o. After the 780 compacted they said they would not warrantee the same fram for me again, though I was told at the itm eI bought the bike It would be perfect for me. After saying If you don't warrantee this frame I am getting I will sue you for personal injury (a Little specialty of mine) did they buck up and offer me the 890 (which I did have to pay some dough for as well) so watch out!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcus
a cross-country rider
from Lexington, KY Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999
Bottom Line:
I would probably love this frame if I ever received it. I broke my last Giant frame in half out in Keystone, CO (see www.mountainzone.com for their Dirt Camp review) back in August '97. Giant said it was a product defect and they would replace it in early November when the new models came out. Well, it is January (6 months later) and I still have no bike and I'm getting a little upset. By the way, I hope the two reviews before me know that the bike was recalled due to a safety problem. I've been on my GT dual since my old Giant broke and have been very pleased with GT. Next time I will buy a GT. Hopefully Giant will step up and get my frame to me soon. I will update this review if and when I finally receive the bike but until then Giant gets a 1 because there is no zero.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from Hamilton, NJ Date Reviewed: December 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
Price for price, and component per component, Giant makes the most affordable and best products. The MCM frame is very well designed, and I would highly recomend it to anyone who can fork out $3500 for a very good cross country racing bike. With a full XTR group, I believe the bike weighes between 21 and 22 pounds. The frame is carbon fiber and is the lightest in it's class. I work at a shop that sells Giant and KHS. KHS also makes great bikes, but Giant are my favorite. There are other MCM bikes that are quite reasonable, and with extraordinary component packages.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ADAM MADAM
a racer
from USA Date Reviewed: December 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
THIS IS THE GREATEST BIKE. I LOVE IT. I JUST GOT IT ABOUT SEPT. OR OCT. AND I TOOK IT TO MOAB TO CELABRAITE. IT COMES WITH DUAL DISC BRAKES AND IT WEIGHS ABOUT 24 POUNDS, IF I SPENT MONEY I COULD MAKE IT WEIGH 22 EASY BY GETTING A CROSSMAX DISC, AND MORE XTR COMPONENTS. I LOVE IT. GIANT IS THE BEST. TRY ONE----NO NO NO BETTER YET BUY ONE. THIS IS THE BEST- YOU KNOW THAT CDALE F4000 THAT THEY SAY IS 22 WELL I WEIGH ONE AND IT WEIGHS FOR LIKE 25. WELL TIME TO GO RIDE.---------------
Overall Rating:
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