Submitted by
CAROL
a Cross Country Rider
from POWAY, CA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
CORRAL CANYON /KERIN CYCLE TRAIL
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
J & M BIKES
Strengths:
GREAT FIRST DESCENT BIKE. VERY FAST AND LIGHT
Weaknesses:
BARS WERE TO WIDE HAD TO CUT A GOOD INCH OFF BOTH SIDES TO WIDE FOR SINGLE TRACK. GOT RID OF FORMULA SET UP AND REPLACED IT WITH HAYES. MUCH HAPPIER .ALWAYS CHAIN SLOP YOU JUST IGNORE IT
Bike Setup:
WAS STOCK, MADE SOME UPGRADES ON THE DEARAILERS
Bottom Line:
I HAVE USED AND ABUSED THIS BIKE AND IT SHOWS. GOT A GOOD 2000 - 3000 MILES ON IT. I THINK THATS PRETTY GOOD. LOTS OF DIRT LOTS OF WATER AND MUD AND WE GONE OVER A CLIFF. IT TAKES WHAT EVER YOU CAN DISH OUT. THIS BIKE HAS GREAT CONTROL ON DOWNHILLS I USUALLY WIN.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe
a
from kingwood, texas, usa Date Reviewed: June 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
planetary cycles
Strengths:
super light, climbs like a goat,excellent value, hauls a§§!
Weaknesses:
at first the brakes were unbearable but after a week there fine,after a year of hard riding i started to hear a lot of noise from inside the crank. Also the crank bolt on the left hand side has fallen out twice while i was riding.
Similar Products Used:
trek 4900
Bike Setup:
stock with a new rear tire
Bottom Line:
for the value it cant be beaten. IT climbs like a dream, too good for the tires actually. It is super light and fast. All though it is a mountain bike i can keep up with many road cyclists.After a bout 1200 or miles the crank bolt came off( fixed with lock tite), the back tire was worn down(partially my fault to much concrete) and now when i stand up and really grind on it the crank makes a lot of noise. I dont what it is im fairly light at 135 so i dunno. Except for that 1 problem i cant fix the bike is awesome. the only thing i really wana upgrade is the fork. i give a 5 for value but a 4 because of the noise otherwise it would of got a 5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Kanis
a Weekend Warrior
from Campbell, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wilder-Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super Climber!! light weight Great overall, initial value.
Stock + Race Face System, Answer Pro Taper riser, XT rear, Shimano M646
Bottom Line:
I love this bike!!! It's a great climber, and pretty straight on the downs. Being just short of 6ft, the changes I made to the cockpit were not only for quality but to improve the geometry. I had a bit of trouble with the crank bolts coming loose, especially on the LF side, but a little locktite solves that fast. Yes in the beginning the brakes do squeel, but just give them time, and they set in nicely. I replaced the rear derailleur; even after adding an Avid Rollamagig to the stock LX, I still found it to fall out of sinc too easily on rougher trails. Great hardtail for beginners-med riders. Bottom line is, this frame kicks!! You can always upgrade specs, but build around this frame!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Goodwin
a Cross Country Rider
from Plaistow, NH, USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bear Brook
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
private sale
Strengths:
The frame is awesome. This thing can take a beating. Race Face cranks and Hell Bent handle bar.
Weaknesses:
brakes are a little shoddy, but upgradable.
Bike Setup:
I have mavic crossmax ust disc on it!
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great deal. Although the components are average for the price, the frame is well worth it. Over time you can upgrade and have the sweetest bike on the trail!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Spartanburg, SC, USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Southside Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Great Escape
Strengths:
Components, wheels, frame integrity, handling on technical courses, weight, brakes.
Weaknesses:
Stem wrong length, fork stiffeners too soft, saddle too narrow.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Cadex carbon fiber
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike for the money. Couldn't a find a better alumimum frame with disk brakes and strong wheels. I'm a tall, heavy rider and had to change around the stem and replace the fork stiffeners to made the ride a little more solid for me. Bike handles great on tight, technical single track. Doesn't climb as comfortably as I would like though, my back tightens up after 2 hours. I like the brakes. The noise stopped after a couple of rides. For the first time I'm able to stop and lock up wheels after rolling through mud and streams. If you are on a budget and are looking for a solid bike, this ones for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rzon
a Weekend Warrior
from up yonder Date Reviewed: April 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great deal on a bike of this caliber. Stiff, light frame and good component base that could use a little upgrade love. Deore and LX work surprisingly well.
Weaknesses:
Formula MD-1's! Giant doesn't use them on their 2001 models. Giant skimped on the brake levers and hubs. Stiff frame.
Similar Products Used:
tried some fishers and treks in the shop.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Avid speed dial 7s, avid mech discs, IRC Kujos, XTR front der., Sun Ringle ZuZu's, KORE stem, Oury grips, Easton seatpost.
Bottom Line:
A good bike for your money. There is definitely some cheap componentry on the bike, but I recommend swapping it at the time of purchase. Get a set of Hayes brakes. I put on a carbon fiber/kevlar post to counter the stiff ride from the aluminum frame. I have it set up as an urban disturbin', XC ride. Put a longer travel fork on it, and the XTC can handle about anything. When the frame breaks, I'll buy a planet-X.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Haskoids
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Date Reviewed: March 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mill Pond
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Dave Jones Sports Shop
Strengths:
Great overall bike! It climbs like a mountain goat in heat! Descends like an avalanche. ( Bulldozes everything in its way) It looks great too For a rider on a budget this is the bike for you!
Weaknesses:
Third day I had it I broke a chainring in half The pedals should be upgraded Another than that its great
Similar Products Used:
Specialized and Norco race hardtails
Bike Setup:
All stock still
Bottom Line:
This bike is great If you want a good hardtail and you don't have enough money to buy a C-Dale this is the bike for you M@
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zac
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA - USA Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$795.00
Purchased At:
Mamas Board N Bike
Strengths:
price, weight, everything but the saddle and the squeeky MD-1s
Weaknesses:
Saddle is a little hard after several hours. brakes are super loud, but everyone KNOWS your running discs I guess
Bike Setup:
Titec bar/ends, Cane Creek headset, Manitou SX, WTB speeddiscs/motoraptors, Raceface Prodigy, Wellgo SPDs, Deore LX, Formula MD-1s, Koski saddle for now but just ordered WTB Speed V comfort.
Bottom Line:
my first Mountain bike. so far I love it! its super light and climbs better than on foot as a result! I have already been on some nice trails and it responds like its part of me. The MD-1 discs are loud but they seem to be getting quieter as they wear. I am pleased with the wheels and tires but I could see they might be a little soft for a heavier rider (I am in the 150lb range). I the DeoreLX components seems to work flawlessly though if they ever tearup I guess I'll upgrade none the less. overall I highly reccomend the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher Yates
a Weekend Warrior
from Saratoga Springs, NY Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Skidmore College
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Center in Brookfield, CT
Strengths:
This is the first bike that I have spent more than $500 dollars for and the difference is amazing. The bike handles beautifully. It takes the roughest trails with ease. I'm 6' 2" and find the bike extremely comfortable on long rides.
Weaknesses:
The brakes are noisy at first, but since the trails I ride are muddy I like to keep my brakes out of the slop. One of the shox leaked oil for a while. I had my bike shop rebuild it. It works fine now.
Similar Products Used:
Two older giants (840, and Sedona). Both stolen.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
A fantastic value. You will have to pay $500 more to get a similarly equiped Cannondale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony Derks
a Weekend Warrior
from I.G.H., MN, USA Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
BIKE KING
Strengths:
The Cane Creek headset is very good, and dependable. the aluminum Giant frame is one of the lightest frames on the market. I love the wheels, and tires.
Weaknesses:
At first one of the weaknesses of this bike was the brakes, just for a while though because I found that after a little playing with them they stopped the retched sqealing, and sounding like a rat was caught in my spokes. Another complaint was with the bars being too wide, so i cut about an inch off each side.
Bike Setup:
OURY grips, the rest is stock. I have plans of upgrading to XTR components.
Bottom Line:
After hours of looking through many different bikes, this one is by far the best value. Although I did need to make a few adjustments I still stand behind this bike One-hundred percent. If you are looking for a lightweight bike to rip up the trails on on the weekends this is the one you will want. I give this bike 5 chilis for value, and 5 chilis overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakeville, Ind Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
One with dirt and hills...... lots of hills!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Price, component mix, weight, frame
Weaknesses:
noisy brakes...... but easily fixed! 10 years of racing MX taught me a few trix!
Similar Products Used:
Ol'Trek, even older Giant ATX steel bomber...
Bike Setup:
ALL STOCK
Bottom Line:
Rides super, handles quick and light on the downhill, climbs and accelerates like it's got a motor! Deore and LX stuff works just like their more expensive counterparts..."SUPER", so what if the Deore weighs a few "grams" more. The brakes.... just hit the disks with a red "Scotchbrite" pad and some brake cleaner to get any oil or anti-corrosion compounds off, do the same to the pads and bevel the leading edges. If you let them alone, they do a great job of stopping those pursuing dogs.... LOL When you wear the pads out upgrade to Avid mechanicals! Their a great bolt on upgrade without the hassles of cutting and fitting tiny little hydralic lines and bleeding tiny little wheel cylinders. A fantastic bike even if it would have cost more than it did.... and most of its competition does! I gotta cut one bungburner because of the work I had to do on the brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Weekend Warrior
from richmond Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
poorfarm park in ashland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
conteys
Strengths:
very light, good components
Weaknesses:
pedals arent to smooth, i reccomend upgrading to some time pedals and swich to hydrolic brakes which i will do once i have money
Similar Products Used:
specilized
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I've only been out a few times on the bike, I would defiantly recommend the bike to anyone who likes riding and has about $1000 to spend and another $300-400 to upgrade if you want to race it. IM going to upgrade to time pedals and some hydraulic disk brakes, probably shimano, once i have the money. Once i break it in ill put a little more money into a new head set and upgrade to the best components
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Susquahanna State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Horizon Cycle
Strengths:
Stiff Frame,Decent Component Group, Great bike for the value
Weaknesses:
The Formula disk brakes a horribly noisey.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the price. The frame is extremely stiff for aluminum. The deore components work wonderfully. This bike makes climbing almost enjoyable, and decends like a bat outta hell. The only problem is the brakes. They stop fine, but are noisey as hell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Peachtree City, GA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chehah State Park, Alabama
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$870.00
Strengths:
This is one awesome bike! I am so glad that I chose this one instead of any other. You get so much bike for the buck, and the disc brakes! The frame is one of the lightest aluminums made, and you cant beat Race face Cranks!
Weaknesses:
The brakes do squeak a ton, but after hard riding , and a little tweaking of the brake pads, I got them to funcion correctly. I had problems with my oil from my shox leaking, but if you keep the boots down around where they are supposed to be, then everything is cool. Weak rims! I would suggest an upgrade somewhere along the way.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab 2, Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
Stock, LX, Deore, Manitou SX, Race Face Prodigy Cranks, Titec hellbent bar_headset, and Cane creek headset.
Bottom Line:
Great all-around bike. It is great for trial riders, because of its lightweight, but at the same time, it is a great XC bike as well. You should buy this bike if you have 1000 to spend and really love biking!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Thoma
a Racer
from Colorado Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
lone ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
This bike rules on the downhills and it tears up the uphills ive used it in 6 races and it worked great everytime. The lx works great and its a super light frame at only 2.7 pounds
Weaknesses:
for the first two week or like hundred 75 miles the brakes were kinda loud and mushy but give them time and they perform like none other ive seen in a cable disc.
Similar Products Used:
Gary fisher hookooekoo this bike is way lighter and performs better to
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike rules it is pretty stiff so you lose no power on the uphills and the toptube is just the right lenght for climbing. I own a Fisher hookooekoo and this bike feels way better and has a lot less problems.It also is super manuverable and takes turns super tight it almost feels like a trials bike. but the bottom line is DONT WORRY ABOUT THE BREAKS and just GIVE THEM TIME they get really good the more you use them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnny
a Cross Country Rider
from springfield, mo usa Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000
lots of bike for the money, lots of torque and power, super stiff ride, not sure about the brakes yet (so far, so good). Buy it if you can't find another bike for around a grand with such good components.
BOTTOM LINE: A very good bike with a couple of imperfections that experienced riders may discover after a couple of good rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james austin
a Racer
from austin texas, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
city park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light weight frame. the strongest on the market by far. manitou shocks are great. shifts well.are great all around bike. if you like up hill this is the bike to get. it good at down hill to but im a up hill racer and the lightness of it is great. great racing bike
Weaknesses:
the disk brakes at first there loud but ride a little and it will go away. a little trick is that put electrical parts cleaner on them its stops them from skeaking. thats the only downfall of the whole thing.
Similar Products Used:
kona caldera. but the gaint is much better. so if your having trouble deciding a gaint or kona or anything else go with the gaint.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great all around bike. even better on up hills. if you want to be better at up hill than this is the bike for you. go with this bike its all good. the only and i mean only bad thing on this bike is the brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Watertown, WI Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
John Muir Trails - La Grange, WI
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Price, frame and weight
Weaknesses:
Mechanical disc brakes and the tendancy for the paint to chip easily.
Bike Setup:
Stock - www.giant-bicycle.com, with Specialized Body Geo. Comp saddle and Specialized Team Control and Team Master tires
Bottom Line:
If the brakes weren't so persickity this bike would be a steal at about $850. Overall this is a good unit. The frame is light and tough although I would protect vulnerable spots on the bike from chipping caused by pebbles, the chain, etc. This is a good hardtail and with a few upgrades could make for a kick-ass ride. I wish I could give it 3.5 flaming red ones, but I will still give it a 4 since it did nicely on the toughest trail I've been on yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CZA
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, WI, US of A. Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Quarry Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Value! You Definitely get what you pay for: RaceFace cranks, Titec cockpit, good wheelset. The Shimano Deore LX does what it's supposed to -- shift smoothly and without error.
Weaknesses:
Formula MD-1 disc brakes. I cut my ride short to come home and testify about these loud brakes. If you want to shatter windows and cause dogs to howl, then buy these brakes.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first decent bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for triple traps.
Bottom Line:
The XtC SE2 accelerates well, rides well and comes with a fairly good mix of components. Five doobies for value. This is a bike that likes to go fast, so good brakes are beneficial. Unfortunately, that is where the low price you paid for the Se2 comes back to haunt you. Sofar, only the front brake screeches, but I'm already looking at hydraulics. The money you save will go to upgrades, but is't that true for most bikes? Four flaming Hendrix Strats because of those brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
José Antonio Caso
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Las Llantas in Ajusco, Mexico
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame -absolutely the frame- it has thicker tubes, means no harsh a all, and sure the lower top tube that makes it a lot more flexible ride, but not weak and still stiff. Components kick-ass! Titec cockpit is deluxe.
Weaknesses:
Those weak Formula MD-1, yes they are a pain in the ass! I'm hearing a sound when I start riding, then it disapears. I dunno if it is the crank or the bottom bracket The Titec Flatracker bar is a little wide, just cut a little and perfect! And the main of all- no rear boses for canties, only disks, so even if you hate those Formula brakes, you'll have to pay big for that Hayes, Hope or Magura brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized HardRock '99 - my old baby now in hands of another, gezza!!
Let me say: you got what you pay, and deserve. Frame is excellent. Components are solid, though one day, you'll have to upgrade some in the future. Cockpit kick-ass. Geometry is very acurate, raceworthy. The saddle is the best I used to date, Koski Fastback, the only weak side of it is that it doesn't has Kevlar sides, so one they is will go directly to the trash. One thing that impressed me was how good are Deore shifters, no kidding, light action and precise. LX is solid, but one day, it will fail and an XT should be installed. I love the general performance on the bike, I don't even feel the diference between my old steel ride and this al frame, that is wonderfully below the 3.0 lbs. Buy this bike, but I advise that you'll have to upgrade
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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