Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff Date Reviewed: June 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Cycle 360
Strengths:
Light and durable
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed, Trek hardtails
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I've owned this bike for nearly ten years now and still ride it. When I bought this bike in high school, it was absolutely perfect. The only things wrong with it are the components and size. The component set is all stock and needs replacing because it is ten years old. The size is only an issue because I've grown several inches since I got it. This is an insanely durable bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Mountains
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
A place that sells bikes...
Strengths:
Light, fast & tough bike
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Fully upgraded with the exception of handlebars & shifters
Bottom Line:
Just for fun, I thought I would submit a review after riding my Giant for 7 years (bought it new in 2000). The bike has been awesome and because the frame has been so good to me I'd rather upgrade all other components than buy a new bike (I've put about $3000 in upgrades and am not finished yet....). I have only one dent in the frame, and it was from a BRUTAL accident that nearly killed me. The dent in my skull is about the same size as the dent in my frame, and one of the reasons why I will keep the bike forever is that whenever I look at the dent in my frame I am reminded of the accident I had (I dropped about 15' onto a rock that was as big as a Volkswagon Beetle). Considering the damage done to me and my front wheel, I give the frame strength full marks. The only problem is that as soon as I ride a full suspension bike I am going to want to upgrade....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
luke sawyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Lovell, ME USA Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
red tail trail, canway new hampshier
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
a shop
Strengths:
the frame is awesome! it is so light. i have mine with a z5 and and avid mechanical breaks. it is a sweet trail bike. also have 7.0 and 317 wheels i love this bike
Weaknesses:
the frame is really light but not sutibul for hevey weights
Similar Products Used:
gt's cannondales and some other giant hardtails
Bike Setup:
z5's lx cranks,317 wheel set,7.0,
Bottom Line:
this bike is the best trail/race bike that i have ever owned it is such a good value! buy one unless u r lokking for a freerider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Wang
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: January 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto, La Canada
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
A friend
Strengths:
Lightest friggin frame you can find. Basically, this would be the perfect frame for a CC rider wanting a sub 24 lb bike. LX component gruppo isn't bad either.
Weaknesses:
Frame DENTS really easily like most ppl have mentioned. Seat is a bit hard, but it'll loosen up I'm assuming.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 6000, Kona Fire Mountain, GT XCR-3000
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock, full LX drivetrain, new grips, tubes, etc. Might want to change the hubs (STX-RC), but they work out for me.
Bottom Line:
Really nice bike, I was happy to pick it up for the price I got it for. I wanted a nice ride, and GIANT bikes give you the best value for your money, can't find a bike setup like this for a price they retail their bikes at, which probably means cheaper resale too. This thing climbs pretty well, the geometry helps in that area.
One problem however was the frame denting easily. Be careful if you're riding around large boulders which in SoCal is sometimes the case. Hit the frame on a boulder by accident and a dent will appear, luckily the dent was minor and it won't affect my rider or future frame strength, but be careful. I hear GIANT has made their frames stronger for the 2001/2002 rides, so check those out.
But overall, for one of the lightest XC bikes around, you can't beat this value! Flamin chillis all around
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim culpepper
a
from AUGUSTA, GA. USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
STEVENS CREEK
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
ANDY JORDANS
Strengths:
light weight, i can ride trails again (back problems).
Weaknesses:
this is the 3rd giant mt.bike and the 9th giant i have bought. My '92 cfm 2 (carbon fiber glued alum lug)was perhaps the best mounianbike ever produced, lasted me 8 years and I am 6'-2/ 220. I'm 41 years old and have riden this bike very little off road for the 1 year i have had it and have not come close to abusing it. I broke the seat tube at the shock mount weld while riding through a parking lot hopping over speed bumps. they are going to replace the frame and i hope the newer design will prevent this from happening again.
Bottom Line:
i have bought giants for over 10 years and my dealer was the best when this happen, i just hope it doesn't happen again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Yost
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellesley, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
Decent componenets
Weaknesses:
FRAME - Broke while just toying around on it in my garage!!! The brakes are also a pain to keep form dragging and do not have near the power of a Hayes Hydraulic.
Similar Products Used:
KHS Nomad with a Manitiou Spyder
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great value and decent performer until the frame broke! The sad part is that the frame didn't even break on some heroic crash or any thing even resembling abuse. Hopefully Giant will waranty it, I am going to contact my LSB tomorrow.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Kuyava
a Cross Country Rider
from Duluth MN Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
If it's dirt I love it
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good initial parts spec, but upgrades are a sure thing.
Weaknesses:
Brakes, went to Avids, Wheel Set, went to Mavic Cross Link, Frame. The frame cracked on the weld at the top tube, seat tube and wheel stay. A friends SE1 did the same thing. If you hear a creaking and cannot find it look for cracks in the frame. Customer service also sucked. My bike was sent back to Giant in June and I MIGHT get a new frame in October. My whole summer was shot.
Similar Products Used:
Many other bikes
Bike Setup:
Avid brakes and handles, Mavic wheels, and XT drive trane otherwise stock
Bottom Line:
Seemed like a great bike I really miss it. I hope the 2001 frames are stronger.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Butler
a Cross Country Rider
from Stamford, CT USA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mianus River Park, Stamford, CT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Geometry, looks
Weaknesses:
frame strength
Similar Products Used:
Trek , GT
Bike Setup:
Mavic Crossride wheels, Rock Shox SID SL, Xt and XTR componenet mix
Bottom Line:
I enjoyed this bike. It races well, accelerated like a jet fighter and climbed sweet. I had it set up to weigh under 24 pounds. All that siad, the reason I wouldn't buy another is that it dented easy. AMybe because the frame was made so light (under 3 lbs.) But it dented easy. And the real kicker - one day on a routime trail I endoed - wedged my front wheel in a groove and flipped over. I got back on and rode but something wasn't right. It wasn't till i got back to my car that I noticed I totalled the frame. Both the top tube and the mail tube crumpled and bent downward. Obviously, Giant wouldn't warranty it because I crashed. Now I ride hard and like all of us, I endo every once and a while. But to see what happened to this frame was sickening. I am 5' 9" 170 pounds so it's not like I'm this huge mother barrelling around. I since went titanium and love it!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Friese
a Cross Country Rider
from ct Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Huntington State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
CU92 Frame. Lx Drivetrain
Weaknesses:
Wheel set
Bike Setup:
I took that frame and pimped it out. I'm running 00' Coda disc brakes and a Coda expert wheel set w/ panaracer fire xc pro tires.I'm planning on adding: Profile carbon bar and bar ends, tompson seatpost and Race face next lp cranks. I' want the bike to weigh 22 pounds when I'm done
Bottom Line:
The bike rocks and i paid 350 for it and the disc brakes so it's a no brainer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
light, strong, bad as hell
Weaknesses:
frame dents to easy
Similar Products Used:
treks
Bike Setup:
xtr, spin wheels, disc brakes, raceface cranks and bb
Bottom Line:
this is the best bike ive ridin and that ive owned. i would take it over any other. i got a great tell for my money. and i love every minute of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Stillwell Loop, Killington X-country
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Tremendous Value, Great Grupo, an awesome frame/bike.
Weaknesses:
Wheels a bit soft.
Similar Products Used:
None. Came from a GF bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock: CU92 frame, LX drive train (totally) no scimping with a lower end front derailleur. Manitou SXe fork, Titec, WTB wheels and Velociraptor tires. Added: U.S.E. SX ShokPost.
Bottom Line:
This is perhaps the best bike available in the $900 - $1,000 bike range. Having just started riding again after a lay-off due to injuries, I bought this bike as a replacement for a upgraded GF Tassajara. No comparison...at all. Or with any other bike tried. As a 180lb+, fairly aggressive rider, the wheels are abit soft; I've had to true a number of times already. Other than that, the bike is great!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
woodster
a Cross-Country Rider
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lake Bryan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
weight, LX, Titec cockpit, SX-E
Weaknesses:
Bottom Bracket, wheelset, tires, saddle and brakes (frame does scare me, already have two pings on it)
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to Mavic Crosslinks, RaceFace Ti BB, IRC Mythos w/kevlar, Rock Shox seat post and a Selle Trimatic saddle
Bottom Line:
I have the bike down to 24lbs(would be 23.5 w/out seatpost) and it performs great! It is a little bouncy on rough downhill sections but I live in TX so that is not a major problem. The brakes suck big time but since I spent all of the money I had upgrading the other stuff I am stuck with what I have for the time being, eventually I will upgrade. If anyone is to buy this bike and could only upgrade one thing I would have to say go for a better BB, it weights a ton! (between .75-1lbs, and is a very low quality) After 3 months of riding mine was so grity and loud the guys on the trail were complaining! even a UN52 would be better than what you get.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronnie
a Weekend Warrior
from Lexington Kentucky Date Reviewed: August 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cave Run Lake
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very Light Looks Good Overall good components
Weaknesses:
Hard Seat Brakes are not top notch but acceptable for now, I will eventually upgrade.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fischer's GT's Trek's Cannondale's
Bike Setup:
Manitou Front Suspension Upgraded Seat
Bottom Line:
I love it, it feels very powerfull and strong, it is amazing how light it is. If you are looking for a bike in the 900 dollar range consider this one. I spent 3 full weeks researching and test riding. I had planned on having 2 or 3 finalists when completed but after comparing, there werent any strong competitors for the money (with the exception of it's brother with disc brakes XTC SE1 $1200) so let my time spent save you some with this confusing process. I will try to update after more riding.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Foxracer
a Racer
from Ironton,Ohio Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Beechfork, WV
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, and a blast to ride. I am 6'6, 225 and after 4 mos this thing has held up well, except for the this tubing.
Weaknesses:
The frame is way to thin. Small impact with tree put a large dent in the downtube. The brakes are a pain to keep adjusted
Similar Products Used:
bianchi, specialized,
Bike Setup:
Panaracer Fire XC pro's make this bike rock.
Bottom Line:
A good value for $925, although, if I had known more about the tubing I would have gone to a different bike. It sucks to have a bike with a big dent in the tubeing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Cesler
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bala Cynwyd PA Date Reviewed: July 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Valley Green
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light Frame Magura HS33 Quick Silver Manitou SX-E Time ATAC's Black Spokes are cool
This bike is super nice! It is incredibly light and handles amazing. The shock is super plush and MicroLube is such a nice feature. If you buy one get new brakes put on because those Dia-Compe things are terrible!!! The titec cockpit is also a very nice thing to have on a $925 bike. I would recommend this bike to anyone!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Stratford
a Cross-Country Rider
from Nebraska Date Reviewed: July 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
??
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Seat is nice if you wanna have kids
Weaknesses:
LX is slow Frame is to weak Fork is sticktiony chain
Similar Products Used:
all treks and c-dales
Bike Setup:
stock w/ LX brakes[nice]
Bottom Line:
Nice bike but a little too weak for serious riding,
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Bradley
a Cross-Country Rider
from Nevada Date Reviewed: July 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
xxxxxxx
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
99' LX is really nice Titec is good
Weaknesses:
frame snapped twice [on third frame]Shock feels kinda cheesey
Similar Products Used:
test rode se1 & big sur
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Lets just say you pay for all that lightness....3 stars for performance & 1 star for quality
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
graham
a Weekend Warrior
from san antonio, TX Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
happy trail
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
very lightweight solid components plush shock light wheelset a $1200 Bike for $850 looks so damn tough (black)
I've only been riding for a few months now. I was using a friends rigid steel bike. I cannot believe the difference in feel of my new Giant over my old steel bike. I still like steel for its solid feel, but this Giant is so much fun. I weigh a little over 200lbs and ride the 20.5 in. frame. It feels great on my 6'2 body. I have the shock set very firm and it is a joy to experience. I was initially looking for a cheaper bike, but felt justified spending a little more on this bike ($850). It is an incredible value! I almost went with a Moab 3, my LBS was going to let me upgrade to Mavic 221s and LX hubs for another hundred dollars. That would have been a great bike too. The first time I took the bike out, I snapped my chain. i wasn't shifting or anything. I replaced it with a Sachs master link. I don;t know why this happened, but I would recommend getting a different chain at the time of purchase. The only thing I don't like about this bike is the brakes, but they can be upgraded later. Overall, I am extremely pleased with this bike. When compared to other bikes, I think this bike earns all five Darth Vadar funeral pyres.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Brock
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati, OH Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Value for money Frame Lively ride
Weaknesses:
Stock Dia-Compe brakes & levers suck
Bike Setup:
Basically stock, but added Control Tech seat post, Avid levers
Bottom Line:
For $900, this bike (so far) kicks butt. The fact that I got mine for free just makes it sweeter, but, I really believe that this bike is better than 99-percent of the under $1200 bikes on the market, under a grand, there is no competition. The frame is amazing, so light and the ride quality is excellent...you will bounce around a little, it's pretty lively, but a ton of fun! You really won't have to upgrade anything for quite awhile unless you're a weight freak...you could go with lighter components and I didn't care for the brakes but some people think they are fine. Upgrading to the Avid levers helped alot, I might swap to different brakes in the future. Bottom line though is for under $1000, you would be very hard pressed to find anything better!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alli
a Racer
from Newfoundland Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Upper MASSEY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
1. the bike i have is the ATX 860, same frame, but different components. It's great, but the 27 gear thing has really no point.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Bike Setup:
'99 ATX 860 CU92 Al frame Rock Shox Judy C long travel STX RC hubs, cranks, brakes lx deraillers/shifters wellgo 535 copy pedals weinman zac 19 rims
Bottom Line:
I love my bike. but why does Giant have to make the American and Canadian bikes different. It's too confusing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
felix
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ashland, OR Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
alice and wonderland
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
very light great components value shock looks cool! brakes fast fast fast!!!
Weaknesses:
no XT rear end
Similar Products Used:
trek 8000 K-2 Zed x GT avalanche
Bottom Line:
very very good bike for the money. beats the hell out of more expensive bikes from other makers!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Speed Demon
a Racer
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very light weight, very good deal, great brakes, just kicks butt
Weaknesses:
Throws your ass around on bumps
Similar Products Used:
Its big brother (SE1)
Bike Setup:
stock with a gel seat, ritchey pedals, and a Sachs chain
Bottom Line:
This bike was the absolute best that I could find for my purposes and cash flow. (I am only 14). I would buy it again any day. Only thing is, I would replace the chain right away. I was in a race yesterday, and while putting torque on the chain, it snapped, and it is only 2 months old! Upgrades are inevitable though (crank, rear der, wheels, etc) (I am a weight and durability freak, I have to have no problems on the trail or I get mad. [I threw my bike a good ten feet when the chain broke])
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from OKC, OK Date Reviewed: May 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bluff Creek in OKC
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, I fall all the time and it keeps on going. Bike looks much better than I do. Super light, so even if you are out of shape climbs will not kill you.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JoKeR
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arcadia, CA Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Rincon/Redbox
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
VERY LIGHT! Damn good deal for the money. Titec cockpit
Weaknesses:
Black Paint is hard to keep clean.
Bike Setup:
Answer SX-E forks Cane Creek F. wheel Avid 5.0 brakes
Bottom Line:
This is a kick a$$ bike! I could not believe how light it was! The price ($880) was the best part of this XC machine. I just got rid of my '99 Trek Y-3 P-O-S, and bought the best bike I have ever rode. It looks cool, and the components that it comes with are great (Titec, Exus, Full LX, SX-E forks)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross-Country Rider
from Potomac MD Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
MY YARD
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
SO LIGHT!!!! Full LX for 925??AMAZING SWEET SHOCK
Weaknesses:
uummmm.....NONE
Similar Products Used:
all those overpriced treks and fishers...
Bike Setup:
stock w/ Time pedals and XTR derailuers
Bottom Line:
all i can say is....THIS BIKE KICKS A$$ FOR THE CASH...even for more, like 1300, it would be worth it. ITS AWSOME. get one if you can.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howard Veit
a cross-country rider
from Georgia Date Reviewed: February 17, 1999
Bottom Line:
I promised to review this bike after some more riding. Remember, I have top of line components throughout. I bought the frame and then built it up. I can't get over how light and quick the bike is for the money. It rides very well on dirt. Actually, the lightness might be a bit of a disadvantage off pavement. Certainly not ideal for rough downhill. Doesn't feel like enough bike under you when you hit rough going. But I love it anyways. Would give it a five on pavement and for just messing around and probably a 3 for serious off road. I suspect the light aluminum frame wouldn't do well if you ran into a tree. For my riding, however, this is a great cross country bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howard Veit
a cross-country rider
from Georgia Date Reviewed: January 31, 1999
Bottom Line:
The Giant XTC SR2 frame is amazingly a little under 3 lbs. Aluminum. This is the same weight as the Ti Litespeed Tellico. I just bought the frame and put XTR throughout with Spinergy Spox wheels and other good components. RS Sid XC front fork For $2400 the bike weighs in at 22 lbs. After a weekend of riding I am very impressed with the feel of this bike. Seems like a lot of performance and lightness for a reasonable price. The ride seems very comfortable. After more riding, I'll post more.
Overall Rating:
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