Submitted by
Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Co Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Green Mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
The Frame is the best part of the package. Drivetrain is better than aveage.
Weaknesses:
The brakes like everyone says, Going to go to XT Hydros or hope Mini. That means Changing the Wheelset, owell. The Judy XC is Ok, but at 4.5lbs, kinda heavy.
Bike Setup:
Nothing stock left, except the Frame. Xt shifters, easton monkeylite riser, ct2 post, raceface SYStem, Flite Ti Gel, XT hollowtech crank, XT Cassette, XTR RearD, XT FrntD, WTB Speed Disc Whl Set, Mars 1 fork...about 22.5lbs
Bottom Line:
The Frame is so awsome, I bought a 2000sml frame for the gfrnd. Basicly took all my 1999 parts and built her a bike. With a better set of wheels, it would just break 21lbs. Out of the box it is a good ride. But I got the weight weenie sickness. If you are looking for a good frame to start with and want a light bike. Look no further than the XtC. I picked up my gfrnds frame for $275 used in the Mtbr Marketplace. See you on the trails...:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Winston
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Isle in the Sky
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Arapahoe Cyclery
Strengths:
This is a great all around bike with many great components. The components themselves work well together and show a decent amount of product testing with one exception...
Weaknesses:
The Formula disc brakes work almost as well as sticking your leg in the spokes. The hubs are only 4 bolt, so upgrading to better discs requires more than just a brake switch. So far I have replaced my rear disk with Avid mechanical discs, and I am more than pleased. The difference is huge. As a matter of fact, I didn't realize that my brakes were so bad until I got these great brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Cadex CFM-2
Bottom Line:
This bike was a great deal, and is a stellar performer if the brakes are switched out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frpax
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Papago
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Wheelers
Strengths:
Frame! Very lightweight. Good component selection.
Weaknesses:
All are rider weaknesses!!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock
Bike Setup:
XT throughout including V-Brakes (changing to XT discs); Profile Design stem & carbon bar; Flite Ti saddle; WTB Velociraptors; Bontrager RE-1 pedals.
Bottom Line:
Very lightweight and agile. I bought this used and after some initial teething problems, I have come to like it very much. Frame is very stiff due to oversized aluminum tubes. I think I got a pretty good deal after looking at what the new ones cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robb Hampton
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mormon Trail, South Mountain, Phoenix
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Pro Deal
Strengths:
The frame is light and very rigid for alum. It handles very well and is quite responsive also. The specs it came with we "ok" if i remember correctly but i had to do A LOT of upgrades to satisfy my needs.
Weaknesses:
The frickin Formula Discs SUCK. They squeek, moan, come out of alignment, and fall apart. I had the rear come off during a ride, get in the spokes with the calipers griping the disc, and bend the hell out of the disc. bogus brakes in 99. Good upgrade with Hayes though. I did find that Formula was responsive in replacing defective parts though. I have several dings in my frame on the downtube. I'm a pretty ruff rider, but i don't expect dings. There are also no brake mounts for the rear in case you change your mind about disc brakes. i new that when i order it, but didn't know how lousy the brakes would be.
Similar Products Used:
Performance M003 Aluminum (1996/7ish), Rocky Mountain (Steel), Scott Pro (Steel), Pro-Flex 755, Trek 8000, more....
switch the brakes and you have a great, light, rigid, aluminum frame. i have talked to others with the same frame that have dents on the top and bottom tubes so that tells me that the tubing is THIN!!! however, the massive welds and heat treatment make these tubes pretty rigid which means fast! I changed most of the components to make the bike race ready and Giant has done a good job upgrading this last year also. Fun frame, good geometry, laid back race design. Great deal for what i paid (pro deal)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Racer
from Knoxville, Tennessee Date Reviewed: December 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Haw Ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
West Hills Bike Shop
Strengths:
Light, fast, strong. Sweet bike for the price.
Weaknesses:
Brakes died quick.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Iguana
Bike Setup:
'99 SID XC, Race Face BB, Mavic X-317 Citron rims with 14 gauge DT/Swiss Champion black spokes and XT disc hubs, XT disc brakes, WTB SST K seat, Flight Deck, WTB Velociraptors.
Bottom Line:
The Formula brakes were good new, but after 8 or 9 months the pad adjusters started backing themsleves out on long hills, temporary fix was to stuff a vine in to hold them. After a little over a year I took it in to my shop and they sent mine back to Formula for a replacement. I sold those to my friend along with my wheels and put on XT discs. He has LX levers and they work much better with those than with the stock Avids.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Ca Date Reviewed: November 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kenter Coaster
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
The SE1-Very light, Good Looking frame. Great Price.
Weaknesses:
BRAKES, they would work OK one day and not at all the next, that is not acceptable.Also the chain should be replaced asap.
Bike Setup:
Easton Monkey Lite Bars, Chris King headset, XT Disc Brake system,Mavic wheels.
Bottom Line:
This Bike is Awsome. It took me a couple of months to work the bugs out(brakes). But now this bike is 100% and I still paid less than half of any other bike of this quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Morse
a Cross Country Rider
from Napa Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Boggs Mt.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Pacific Bikes in Cotatti, Ca
Strengths:
Light and fast frame...SID XC fork...Raceface cranks...XT rear derailer
Weaknesses:
Well I dented the frame in the top tube and the down tube after a crash. Now I know how thin and soft the sidewalls are. Also...those damm Hayes Hydrolic brakes are NOISEY. They stop very well but after every ride I have to sand the pads and rotor to get the oil off that has leaked out of the calipers. I Know it's oil because on the back of the pad its-self, there is a ring of oil. Pain in the ass to do it every ride. I would change back to "V" brakes except there is no mount for them in the rear, BUMMER. The BB went out after 4 or 5 rides, replaced it to XT. The back hub is going out. It's sounds like it's grinding coffee back there.
Bike Setup:
Raceface cranks and 1" riser bar...Thomson seat post...XT rear and LX front derailers...Koski seat...Kore stem...Hayes hydrolic brakes...Hutchinson python gold tires...Deore mega 9 shifters
Bottom Line:
You cant buy a getter performance bike for less. Just make sure you buy it from a GOOD shop that will replace anything that goes out with no hassles. The shop I bought mine from has kids running it and don't know their heads from their bung holes. By the way that shop would be Pacific Bikes in Cotatti California. They SUCK, dont use them!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Royal
a Cross Country Rider
from Philly Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Brandywine Creek State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very light Cant beat 21 pounds in a bike that costs so little no wonder its the bike of the year
Weaknesses:
the disk brakes are terriable when used they sound like a dying cat, no name seat post
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Big Sugar
Bike Setup:
Put new disk brakes in upgraded to a SID race fork and Thomson seat post
Bottom Line:
I have never in my life seen a cheiper bike for the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eracer
a Weekend Warrior
from Westfield, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Can't say, don't want to crowd it
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very light frame for the price, good set of cranks(XT)and great pedals(after you break them in!)
Weaknesses:
Sh**ty brakes howl like a bit**, can't tuned them to work.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Replaced OEM fork for '00 SID, Easton CT2 handlebar, Kore stem, RaceFace NextLP cranks, back-ordered Avid mech. brakes
Bottom Line:
If you can find this bike...snag it. It's worth the price just for the frame alone. When you do take it home get rid of the crappy brakes that came w/ the bike ASAP!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Chou
a Weekend Warrior
from Princeton Jct Date Reviewed: July 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mercer County Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Damn Light Frame, only Klein Lighter, very stiff $815!!! Very Fast, very cheap
Weaknesses:
Mine has different componentry (but identical frame plus regular brake mounts) Magura HS33 somewhat of a pain to adjust Manitou SX-E fork too soft creaky Tange BB
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Xcaliber Trek 6000 Klein Attitude Comp Klein Pulse Race
Bike Setup:
1999 Giant ATX 890 with Identical Frame as XTC SE(bought in Taiwan) LX Crank, front Derailleur ESP 9.0 shifters and Rear Derailleur Mavic 221/LX hubs Magura HS33 Tomac brakes Titec lil Al, enduro, shorties stem/bar/ends combo SDG Belair Cromo saddle
Bottom Line:
Damn Fast, and for only $815! Checked with my friends before I bought it, this bike with componentry woulda cost me $1300 or more in the States, but I got it in Taiwan and I have Magura Hydraulic, and I don't have to fool with Formula POS like you suckers! Anywho, fast, light, fast, great shifting, light, I'd say pretty stiff crank, horrible Tange (who's heard of them?) BB, probably gonna change it to XT, I hate the noise(squeaking, creaking). Fork is decent enough, gets me to where I wanna go, but kinda soft on the road, it feels better on the trails. Magiura's hug the rim, so playing in deep mud and wet leaves gets me loud hissing untill it cleans up in there. Rims haven't bent yet, they look okay. Am I supposed to hear the freewheel clicking on the LX hub, anyone know? ESP shifts flawlessly, LX close. Saddle is kinda hard, but I can live with it as long as I don't go riding for a day and get numb. And the bike is just a tad over 24lbs for a 17.5 inch $815 bike. happy. Rides sweet. Bit stiff in back. If you can find this, it is awesome. Hayes on the 2000 is pretty damn awesome, too. One word of advice, from what I've read, this bike is more a race and XC machine, dual slolem, dh and heavy thrashing and you'll probably break the frame like those other suckers. First time I rode, blasted two suckers on Specialized M2 and FSR XC Comp.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
price,
Weaknesses:
bb
Similar Products Used:
trek, cannondale
Bike Setup:
stock except for bb to date
Bottom Line:
I got this bike as 99 left over, couldn't pass on the price...I've read all the reviews. And yes the bottom bracket needs to be replaced. Road the bike for a few days, and upgraded to the xt bb. Big difference. I haven't had a peep out of the brakes as of yet. Just spent a weekend doing some heavy xc and not a sound out of the discs...will keep my fingers crossed. Will update my review as time passes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas DeAngelo
a Cross Country Rider
from Cedar Grove, NJ USA Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Nice Geometry
Weaknesses:
Frame, manufacturer
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The Frame failed after 1 year of easy cross country riding. Brakes are adequate at best. The manufacturer made me feel like they were doing me a favor replacing the frame. I am not a fan of GIANT bikes. A "fred" out riding on hardtop is a good canadate for this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shaun Murray
a Racer
from Spokane, WA USA Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt Spokane
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
great frame, very light and indestructable. Love the shocks and rims.
Weaknesses:
brakes are not good at all.
Similar Products Used:
Pro/Flex Trek Y5 Gary Fisher Level Betty
Bike Setup:
changed a few things pedals are now girvin mags thompson seat post, with serfas racing saddle. titec hellbent riser bars kore stubby stem,with ringle head set
Bottom Line:
I love the bike, I just have to get rid of the brakes. If giant would have put a little more thought into the brakes they would sell these to everyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CJ Averett
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cincinnati, Ohio Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ceaser Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fantastic Frame, Can not ask for a better cockpit,ATAC pedals a great choice.
Weaknesses:
No adjust ability in brakes they either work or the don't
I have made only a few small changes...1. BB switched to XT 2. XT Cassette 3. Thompson seatost 4. Most important removed those Formula MD1 brakes for some full hydros
Bottom Line:
After makeing a few modest changes and still not 100% satisfied I was made a great deal on a full set of Hydros that I could not pass up. Now this bike is a machine...it excelerates beyond belife, and don't listen to those fools that say it flexes I am 6'3 225 lbs and I don't flex it..plus if you want proof just look how close the disk run to the rear stay...and you will not see any marks there...It is a tight bike once you take care of the brake and BB problems.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Staurt
a Racer
from Central Ontario Date Reviewed: August 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
All around great list of componentry, DISC BRAKES, mavic rims... and Judy XC Hydracoils
Weaknesses:
Chain braking , after riding only 100 kilometres (road riding even..no stress on the chain, no hammering up hills jsut flatout road riding)
Bike Setup:
Judy XC Hydracoil Titec, comps LX-XT gearing
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the moeny, but hope the problems with the chain isn't going to be an ongoing problem without a wuick resolution
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JIMBO
a Cross-Country Rider
from Greenville NC Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great light frame, good fork great titec cockpit and ok drivetrain. BIKE OF THE YEAR!!!
Weaknesses:
Brakes are alright BB broke
Similar Products Used:
Gary fisher ziggurat
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to all XTR
Bottom Line:
If you upgrade to all XTR you will be very impressed. Get teflon cables to This bike kicks ASS!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
phil
a Racer
from NJ Date Reviewed: July 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
I cracked the frame in the chainstay, right were the cross beam is. cracked at the weld from the inside out. Tis bike was kick ass while it lasted and hope giant will set me up with new one.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JEFF WHIDDEN
a Weekend Warrior
from TRURO,NOVA SCOTIA Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999
Brakes are history, replaced with LX vee-brakes and levers.Frame is worth any upgrade.All around great eastern canadian (wet, lots of roots) play bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
boxxerace
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Washington Date Reviewed: July 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
exit38 fire training acadamy
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light - rather lighter that any other aluminum frame you can buy and really inexpensive! I bought mine as a frame though i am one of about five other riding buddies and et's (girls too!) that own them. They are a light fast well put together frame, and for the most part well put together bikes (except the brakes) but that is what keeps the cost down. Basically this would normally be a frame found on a 1500-2500$ bike! well worth for the frames and for the most part the whole bikes stock. I would ask for new levers on the se1's though. I hear that (our little secret) maybe Giant will be specing the mech discs brakes with XT on the Se2 and Hydro's on the Se1 for 2000!! and I guess that all for the same cost as this years! oh well that should excite you!
Weaknesses:
thin walls are light but are thin, no trialin hard on this frame.
Similar Products Used:
many, too much to list!
Bike Setup:
Mine has a XTR 8spd drivetrain (I hate 9) brakes, etc, King's hubs, head, valient rims, real cass. , raceface riser, thomson seatpost , THE GIOVE SADDLE!!!, nolleen crosslink
Bottom Line:
fun fast, light, mine weights 21lbs, soon to be lighter! as great value, JOIN THE GIANT KLAN!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mac
a Weekend Warrior
from Peabody, MA Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, strong frame, good wheels, disk brakes, Judy Hydrocoil shock
Weaknesses:
LX front del, Avid brake levers, bottom bracket
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper comp, Cannondale F-1000
Bike Setup:
Changed out Avid levers and LX shifters for XT shifters and levers, made a huge improvement in brake feel and power, shifter improvment as well. Also changed BB to XT after blowing it twice (under warrantee, free).
Bottom Line:
Great bike, change the levers and makes a big improvment. Brakes took about 40 miles to break in still a little noisey, but better than any V-brakes out there.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Racer
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Anything Fast!!!
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Bike is a pretty good value!
Weaknesses:
Where to start... Mechanical Discs were the noisiest I've ridden, Mavic 233's are cheesy and won't stay true, Judy XC fork is absolutely terrible!
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher X-Caliber Trek 8900 Cannondale F2000
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Giant should have put another brand brake on, something like a Hayes or Hope, the formula's are terrible. The bike may be a value, but I don't see how it won bike of the year.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E S
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sonoma Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
flat ones
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Judy XC Hydrocoil Time pedals Great Frame disk rims
Weaknesses:
Very loud Mech. Disk Breaks
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Specialized
Bottom Line:
A kick ass package. The Judy XC Hydrocoil is plush on both the small and large bumps. SE1's frame is very smooth for a typical aluminum frame--less than 3 pnds!!! The paint looks good like a banana and the disk rims and WTB racing tires are very smooth for the Summer. One complaint I have is the XT front der. which tends to freeze up once dirty. The other is the Formula Disk Breaks--they squeeeel like pigs and sometimes they feel like they are grinding, especially after a decent downhill. I'm not sure what Formula is planning to do with this widespread problem--hopefully they can come up with something quick or it's back to V breaks!! Overall, a sweat bike--way to go Giant!! A super choice for Bike of the Year!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross-Country Rider
from Grand Rapids MI Date Reviewed: June 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cannonsberg State Game Area
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Sweet Frame Nice Mavic Wheels Super-plush Judy XC fork Color
Weaknesses:
Squeeky, hard-to-adjust brakes. They work great if you can get them tuned right. Crappy chain, I broke it on the third day I had the bike.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F700 Specialized RockHopper Comp
Bike Setup:
Judy XC and super heavy duty SACHS 9-speed chain.
Bottom Line:
A sweet bike for the price. Pleasing to the eye. Grat ride.Ausome Fork. Because tuning the brakes was so frustrating and the chain was crap, I think that will bring the rating down to a 4, but nevertheless, a sweet bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn Palmer
a Racer
from Los Angeles, California Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Moab (Utah)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light strong frame, Most of drivetrain is decent. Good bang for the buck good shock(99'Judy XC) good cockpit stuff. good crank and awesome PEDALS
Weaknesses:
Loud and annoying brakes Good power but squeaky. LX front derailler is SHIT!!! so is the bottom bracket!!! bad shifters
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper Gary Fisher Ziggurat
Bike Setup:
Switched to XTR shifters /Bottom bracket/ and front derailler (Kicks Ass)
Bottom Line:
THe frame is sweet. if you upgrade the cheap components to XTR you will have a awesome bike! The fork is really nice and plush. I can't believe how cheap the bike was! You can't get a better frame so buy one NOW!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Keenan
a Weekend Warrior
from Dayton OH Date Reviewed: June 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ceasars creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great price Great frame Good specs
Weaknesses:
loud discs discs set weak
Similar Products Used:
cannondale's GT's
Bike Setup:
Control Tech Riser stem Club Roost Riser bars Rock Shox post Michilline Hot S tires
Bottom Line:
Its awsome. I work at a shop so i swiched the spring adjustment in the caliper and its tons better. BB sucks but the rest is sweet. I made it into a hardtail freeride and it rides like a dream. Get one while you can!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik L. Pfleger
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hope to find one soon!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame, Fork, components, price
Weaknesses:
Brake levers, BB and Loud brakes
Similar Products Used:
Stump Jumper Ziggurat Procaliber
Bottom Line:
This is a Great deal for the price. I switched thhe Brake levers BB and rear Derailler to XTR and now it kicks some serious ASS!!! Great choice for the bike of the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Racer
from Philly [YEA YEA] Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wissahicken park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
ABSOLUTLEY EVERYTHING
Weaknesses:
NONE-seriously
Similar Products Used:
trek 8500 LT cannondale f1000 raleigh m800 [joke]
Bike Setup:
stock....w/ XTR brake levers
Bottom Line:
for the price.....even for 2000, this bike kicks some serious f**kin @$$!!!! I use it for racing and i havent lost yet!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Reynolds
a Racer
from Odessa, MO Date Reviewed: May 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Clinton Lake State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast, light bike. The handling is great and is very good through technical sections.
Weaknesses:
Formula brakes aren't easy to adjust and or take apart.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fishers, Some Treks
Bike Setup:
Genesis geometry and mostly Judy XC's
Bottom Line:
Get one. Can't go wrong with this bike. I'm very hard on bikes and this one has handled it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross-Country Rider
from Payson, Utah Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
still looking for it
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light... efficient... crisp performer...
Weaknesses:
The Avid 1.9 Brake levers have been changed after one week. They just don't seem to work with the Formula mechanical disks. I have just installed the XTR levers with Teflon cables and the feel is much better.
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche Raleigh M800
Bottom Line:
This is a lot of bike for the money. It is more than a old ex-NORBA medic like me deserves. I still love it though!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SEAN C.
a Cross-Country Rider
from HOUSTON, TX Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
FREE TRAILS! ! ! ! SANS HIKERS! ! !
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
LIGHT WEIGHT COMBINED WITH RELIABLE COMPONENTRY.... NO WONDER IT WAS PICKED AS A BIKE OF THE YEAR
Weaknesses:
AVID 1.9 BRAKE LEVERS ARE NOT GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE FORMULA DISC BRAKES....UPGRADE TO AVID ULTIMATE L(s) BRAKE LEVERS, WHAT A DIFFERENCE...DO IT BEFORE YOU EVEN RIDE IT!
Similar Products Used:
LOOKED AT MANY COMPARABLES, ALL MORE EXPENSIVE AND MOST WERE HEAVIER TOO????
Bike Setup:
AS DELIVERED, GREAT BIKE....GET THE AVID ULTIMATE L BRAKE LEVERS PDQ THOUGH....
Bottom Line:
AFTER 100 MILES OF CROSS COUNTRY RIDING AND A FREAK BOTTOM BRACKET FAILURE THAT WAS QUICKLY REPAIRED BY MY GIANT DEALER, I REMAIN IMPRESSED WITH MY XTC SE-1. I'VE PERSONALIZED THE BIKE WITH SOME LP COMPOSITE PRODUCTS; MOUNTAIN SPEED SPRINGS AND SEALS ARE ON THE WAY TO BETTER TUNE THE BIKE FOR MY 6'2, 200LBS SELF....DEFINITELY A BANG FOR THE BUCK CONTENDER. GG GIANT!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike A.
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
smooth ride good paint job good value great front fork
Weaknesses:
too much flex for bigger riders-causes front derailer to rub when I get out of the saddle
Bike Setup:
giant xtc se1 judy long travel
Bottom Line:
Great bike just not made for larger riders, too much flex causes front derailer to have major rub. Disk break can stick (very scary). Beautiful paint job and great components - just not the right frame for me.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Bradenton, Fl Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
shifters, disc brakes, saddle, pedals, weight
Weaknesses:
the factory equipped handlebars are too wide for many narrow trails, only available in yellow
Similar Products Used:
specialized stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Mine is right out of the box and ready, handlebars have been shortened though
Bottom Line:
This is a great riding and feeling bike, 1200 bucks for a -3lb frame, disc brakes, LX/XT drivetrain, WTB saddle and tires, Mavic disc only wheels, Titec. My only complaint thus far is keeping the rear brakes from making noise (adjustment-city). The Time pedals are easy to use as well. I had been a Specialized man for years now but this bike was just to good to pass up.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross-Country Rider
from Melbourne, FL Date Reviewed: April 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
Giant's oversized 6061 Acoa CU92 alumninum frame is rigid and gussed for strength. It hastrick, wishbone seat stays ans box-section, S-curve chainstays. Componentry is high-value mix: Rock Shox Judy XC fork; Shimand Deore Xt Mega Nine crank and rear derailleur; Shimano LX shifters and front derailleur; Titec cockpit accessories;Mavic X223 disc wheels; and WTB Racing Raptor semi-slick tires. To be consumer-friendle, Giant outfitted the SE-1 with cable-actualted Formula disc brakes. Formula mechanical discs dont't have any of the complexity of hydraulic systems. (Mountain Bike Action May 99) And Mountain biker mag. (MOUNTAIN BIKE OF THE YEAR !!!!!) And
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Submitted by
Robert
a weekend warrior
from Orange, CA Date Reviewed: February 18, 1999
Bottom Line:
Great bike right out of the box... upgraded mine to all XTR parts and the thing is awesome. If you buy this bike you definitely have to upgrade to XT or XTR brake levers.. it shortens the brake lever pull considerably and multiplies the force on the discs.. awesome stopping power.
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Submitted by
Kerkove
a racer
from Iowa Date Reviewed: February 17, 1999
Bottom Line:
Great Bike! Great Price! Great Parts! Great Ride! This bike is as perfect as you can get for a bike straight out of the box. Took a couple days of riding to get the disk brakes set at the right spot, but they work good now. Haven't had the chance to race it yet, but I have had the chance to take it out and beat it around and it handles great. I would recommend this bike to any hardcore rider or racer. I think I'll give it a 5 (XT parts, Titec stem and bar, formula disk brakes, light Al. frame, Mavic Disc only rims)
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Submitted by
Peter
a racer
from Iowa Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999
Bottom Line:
So far so good. Great bike for the price. The new 9 speed XT parts work great and the new Judy XC is super smooth. The Formula disc brakes are a little tricky and I haven't got them to work the way I want them to yet. Have a race this weekend so I will let you know more later. If anyone has ideas on the disc brake adjustments, let me know.
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