Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from MA, USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Browns
Strengths:
Solid Frame
Weaknesses:
Shifters which showed signs of malfunction after 6 months. Ghost shifting or would not engage all the way.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for clip less pedals, gel seat, and new grips
Bottom Line:
Good for the beginner which I was when I received this bike. I beat on it pretty hard and it held up to multiple summers of 24 miles daily. Met its end when I tried some terrain i was not qualified for and bent the down tube pretty badly along with my chest wall. Overall a good buy for introductory XC people.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerred Darling
a Cross Country Rider
from Marshall, Mi, usa Date Reviewed: March 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
fort custer
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Alfred E. Bike Kalamazoo, MI
Strengths:
great bike for the price, low maintance, always shifts great, handles great, does everything great. I've ridin this bike hard for years. I ride it to work daily, and trails on weekends. I've taking it all over the country and it has always done great. I rode a 77 mile gravel trail for 2 days and never had a problem. I've loade it with 60 extra pounds of camping gear and it handled it like nothing. I absolutly Love this bike. took 5 years of hard riding for parts to start to wear. rear derailuer works great, I replaced mine with a LX and wish I hadn't. stops better than anything i've ever owned. shifters are a cheap model but havn't failed me yet and the rear always does what I want it to.
Weaknesses:
crashed once and bent the chainrings, bottom bracket got full of sand, my wheels did bend" but which don't", trued the front once and the rear twice and the haven't bent hardly at all since. the fork is OK not enough travel, my bike came with a 1999 JETT not the 2000 model, mine doesn't give me much trouble, it doesn't realy stick at all but tops-out to much when my front wheel is off the ground. could use lighter parts but you could get those if you buy the next model up from the Yukon. doesn't have a barrel adjuster on front shifter, front derailuer is hard to get tuned perfect.
Similar Products Used:
MY OLD GIANT SEDONA AND IGUANA, MY BUDDY'S TREK AND GT. THE TREK AND GT WERE BOTH THE SAME YEAR AS MY YUKON WITH ALMOST IDENTICAL PARTS AND THE GIANT WAS THE LIGHTEST AND CHEAPEST.
Bike Setup:
ALMOST STOCK, PUT A SHIMANO LX REAR DERAILUER ON AND A XT BOTTOM BRACKET. GT PEDALS WITH SHORTY TOE CLIPS, ONLY CHANGED THOSE BECAUSE IT WAS FASTER THAN SWAPING THE CLIPS.
Bottom Line:
GREAT BIKE FOR THE AVERAGE RIDER, GREAT VALUE, I THRASH MINE AND IT ALMOST NEVER FAILS. I STRIP, CLEAN, AND TUNE MINE EVERY WINTER AND NEVER HAVE TO MESS WITH IT THE REST OF THE YEAR. I'VE RIDEN IT FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND WILL PROBABLY RIDE IT FOR 5 MORE, MY PARTS ARE STARTING TO WEAR, JUST GOT TO DO SOME UPGRADES TO LIGHTER PARTS JUST TO KEEP UP WITH THE NEWER MORE EXPENSIVE BIKES.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny Langer
a
from Newfoundland, Canada Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
What ever I ride on.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
Earle Industries
Strengths:
It's wanting to go and keep going. Very little attention needed to the adjustments. Adjust everything in the Spring and I'm good all summer, 3 years straight.
Weaknesses:
Rim and spoke combination, they are very weak and need to be trued more that I care for. I upgraded the pedals before I left the shop. I have a set of off-road tires and a set of street tires, when I finally upgrade the rims I will keep the original for the street only.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
Stock setup on this puppy. No need to upgrade, haven't broke anything in the 3 1/2 years of riding it
Bottom Line:
I got back into Biking about 5 years ago and started with a junker from a flea market. I'm glad I upgraded to the Yukon. This is by far the best bike I have rode. Off-Road and Street. It's a real trooper, very reliable. I recommend it to any daily commuter or weekend warrior.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Western New York Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Erie Canal Towpath
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Zone
Strengths:
Light, yet sturdy Frame Rapid Fire shifters are nice Great price Over looks are impressive
Weaknesses:
I've had many tire repairs. Also, I didn't care much for the stock saddle. Forks get sticky quickly if not kept clean and lubed.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh, Gary Fisher, Trek
Bike Setup:
I replaced the saddle with one that was right for me.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. I've put 2500 miles on it with very few adjustments. I bought it new in 2001 and only ride six to seven months out of the year. I don't abuse it much, but on occasion I do get off the beaten path and the Yukon handles it just fine. I highly recommend it for the weekend warrior.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Arsenault
a Cross Country Rider
from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sugar Loaf Mnt.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
peak performane
Strengths:
-front and back derailers -strong frame
Weaknesses:
-extremely poor tubes, tires, and rims. prepare for several popped, and worn tires -crapy fork i replaced my jetts with judyXC
Similar Products Used:
GT arressor 1.0
Bike Setup:
???
Bottom Line:
This is an all around excellent bike i use to get back and forth to work, it also it a good trail bike excellent for jumping and speed when u need it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from North Mankato, MN, United States Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sakatah Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$410.00
Purchased At:
A-1 Bike Shop , Mankato, MN
Strengths:
Awesome
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
nothing
Bike Setup:
i am not sure
Bottom Line:
very great and light and fast
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David D
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, British Columbia Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Galloping Goose & Hartland
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Cellar
Strengths:
The frame geometrics are outstanding. The wheelbase and seatpost set put me right over the cranks, making for acceleration that borders on explosive. For long rides I just set the saddle back maybe 1-2 cm more and bingo, I have a touring bike.
Weaknesses:
Didn't expect much from the stock components on this bike, and am not surprised to find they are wearing quickly. The saddle and the stock brake pads are very weak. Change that saddle in the shop unless you like 'numb bum', and any serious speed will melt rubber to your rims, so buy quality brake pads.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Raleigh
Bike Setup:
The saddle and brake pads were first, changed for quality. I've rigged the bike to live commuting here on the "Wet Coast". I've put on clipless pedals, carrier and bags, fenders, a nice set of NiteHawk dual lights, and an air horn that has saved my butt more than once.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike for a stop-gap. I figured it would last a year. See, I'm hard on a bike; a 40Km daily commute, a camping trailer averaging 60-80Kg, and my youngest son has Cerebral Palsy, so he and his Trail-a-bike go 90Kg off the seatpost. This bike handles it all. The stock components, while far from top end stuff, have really surprised me by standing up and resisting the wear I put on them. Maintenance and cleaning is key. When I strip all the commuting stuff off this bike and hit the trails, the geometrics, stiff frame and tight suspension get me on all but the most technical single track and a great deal of unsuccessful downhill. My bottom line? If you've bought it already, keep it clean and it'll run well. If you're still looking, buy it if you can strip it down, open it up and keep it up. I'm not getting rid of it, and if those cheap components ever cr*p out, I'll upgrade. I'm very happy with this bike. And you know what else? Blue with the silver details looks great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ty Widegren
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, Ca Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
foresthill area
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Pacific bikes
Strengths:
very light, stiff frame. comfortable riding position and good gear ratios to ride wheelies forever
Weaknesses:
The only thing that i can think of is the front shocks seemed a little soft when i was offroading really hard
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Sweet bike for the money. I can tell it will last me a while. I ride my bike 20 miles round trip to college and it's sweet for cruising while at the same time, i've taken it on some gnarly trails. It stood up very well. it's got great power delivery with comfort. I'd recommend this bike to anyone who wants a good lookin', long lasting bike, with which, they can cruise or hit the steep. best bike for the $400 range
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent Burton
a Weekend Warrior
from Torrance, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Strengths:
Nice sturdy frame, very light weight.. Its also a very good looking bike mine happens to be the blue frame with the black and silver neck.
Weaknesses:
I would have to say the components are pretty cheap.
Similar Products Used:
Rincon
Bike Setup:
front suspension-Rockshox Jett, Crank-Suntour, Front and Rear deraileur are both low end Shimano, Front and Rear Brakes also came with low end Shimano.
Bottom Line:
Its an excellent bike for beginners, also if you find that mountain biking is your thing and wish to continue the sport you can upgrade your components and you will still have paid less then most of the competition. I also prefer to upgrade myself that way I have full say in what parts go on my bike and I can mix and match...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Morlanne
a Downhiller
from Plantation, FL, USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of them!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
Bell Bike Shop - No Miami
Strengths:
Great bike for the price. Takes a lickin and keeps on clickin! Good lookin bike that's pretty well put together.
Weaknesses:
Handlebars too wide, Rock Shox bottom out (rider 190+), seat uncomfortable, rims too heavy
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Shortened handlebars by 3" (perfect), installed end grips, changed tires to Panacer 2.1's, upgarded front fork to Manitou with stiffiner, Rock Shox suspension seat post, replaced seat with Liberator seat.
Bottom Line:
First bike I've bought in 10 years. I have to say things have changed! I am extremely happy with the bike although I will have to invest in upgrades (cranks, rims, tires, shifter, handlebar) but the frame is extremely sturdy and light. This is a good starter bike and with alittle cash can be upgraded to a premium mtn bike with nothing to envy from Cannondale, Klein or Jamus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Sideroff
a Weekend Warrior
from Coqitlam, Canada Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Cant rember..
Strengths:
Great bike..The frame rocks, supper strong fame!!!! Supper light!!!!
Weaknesses:
A few of the copondents suck..Example= Crappy peadles.. Front shocks seem to bob up and down when peadling.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Recon
Bike Setup:
Stalk
Bottom Line:
This bike all togeather i think rocks. You cant beat the frame for that price and i think that the bike handels really well.It rides and looks sharp. Over all if i could i would give it more than 5 chilies!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher Annandale
a Weekend Warrior
from Vanderbijlpark, South Africa Date Reviewed: April 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bass Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Heartbeat Cycles
Strengths:
Very Good frame geometry. Very light, for the price.
Weaknesses:
All round components are weak, but not bad for the price
On my previous bike I had a tendency to fall over the handle bars. Comes in the great geometry of Giant. Much better on downhills as well as on climbs. After spending some $$$ on upgrading to better components this is a great all round bike for cross country as well as technical routes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bird nflight
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston Date Reviewed: April 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cypresswood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
David's Cycles
Strengths:
Light,good-looking and value. Also, it seems very tough both mechanically and cosmetically.
Weaknesses:
Handlebars are too wide.
Similar Products Used:
Steel Trek, Fuji Nevada
Bottom Line:
This is a great entry-level bike. So far, I have replaced only the seat, putting an anatomical seat for women on it. I also added to the pedals by putting the plastic frame for straps but not the straps themselves. This bike is a great value and seems tough. I rode this bike downhill at Lajitas, reaching speeds of up to 18 mph on rocks and boulders and it took it just fine, no mechanical or cosmetic damage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Western Australia Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wungong Gorge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Gordonsons, Perth
Strengths:
Great frame, good overall weight, reliable drivetrain, good gear ratio spread, reliable but painfully simple shocks.
Weaknesses:
Dodgy rims and tyres, crap Suntour crank and pedals, stem and bar too heavy and at wrong angle, brakes dodgy, softish shocks. Derailleur doesn't cope too well with being bounced off rocks, but hey, whose does.
Similar Products Used:
Malvern Star (Har Har), Avanti, GT
Bike Setup:
Titec Hellbent handlebars, Titec Little Al stem, Titec bar ends, Continental Explorer Pro tyres, Shimano LX V-Brakes, Alivio shifters, new crank but ain't sure what it is.
Bottom Line:
Good beginners bike that needs a bit of work to set up for proper off-road use. Refuses to lay down and die and just keeps pluggin' on as long as you keep it in respectable condition. Aluminium frame is fantastic and with a bit of work the Yukon can do pretty much anything. Have got to upgrade rims one day when funds allow, and original crank and tyres are utterly shocking. I am pleased with the forks but will soon be looking for a replacement set. Overall however, Giant has come up with a good all-round bike, but would like to see Giant cut the budget pack thing a bit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fazillah Harris
a Weekend Warrior
from Penang, Malaysia Date Reviewed: March 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
None
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$460.00
Purchased At:
CCI Penang
Strengths:
Good value for money, strong frames, good weight, smooth drive train. I call it a poor man's bike but the bike (not me) is capable of a good many years of riding.No wear and tear yet, the guy at the bike shop told me so.
Weaknesses:
Handle bars and stem. Too high.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first owned bike at 41 years old(last time it was hand me downs) and very new at MTB.
Bike Setup:
Shimano Alivios, V-brakes, RST forks, (stock set up) but I changed to aluminium handlebars (shorter) and stem(about 1" lower and 1" longer thanks to the bike shop).
Bottom Line:
This bike is better than the rider. I've ridden on road and off road at 1 particular trail and the bike did not give me any problem thanks to all the pros in my group. I find it performs well on my fun trail and the RST fork adjustment really works.If it bobs, just adjust to a stiffer level. If I have the money, I will only upgrade to better components once the present components wear out. If not , the Alivio are still very good. No wear and tear yet after 3 road rides and 5 trail rides apart than my numerous rides alone.I clean and lube my bike after every ride. Its just a practice I'm happy to do so that my bike is always clean when I lock it up indoors. If I'm rich, I'll still buy this bike! This bike is good for entry level and even for intermediate riders who ride on weekends and holidays. If you're a serious MTBiker and race, and you have the money...go buy a $2,000.00 bike. I'm happy with mine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin King
a Cross Country Rider
from Sta. Monica,CA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-blue Yukon SE 2001- Price,light & strong frame. Design,brand
great entry/intermediate bike. good price & quality. Handles & drives great. Wanna get rid of 1lb?? change the darn handlebar for an aluminum bar!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Wresien
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamden, CT,USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Case Mt. Blue
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Overall value. The Price range for the bike is attractive for the entry level - intermediate rider who will look to upgrade in the near future.
Weaknesses:
The front crank and drive-train are not good and will be upgraded immediately. I now have the extra money due to the immediate savings on the initial purchase.
Similar Products Used:
The Trek 4500, Gary Fisher Marlin, and Giant Yukon Se frames are all made at the Giant plant. All have the same components with exception to the headset and bars. I found the best deal on the Giant.
Bike Setup:
Stock with pedal clips. I am riding the bike hard on the weekends with no major mechanical problems. I will be adding a few dollars to upgrade for better feel.
Bottom Line:
Good bike to get into the scene. The frame will stay the same, other components will come and go with wear and tear. If you have $500.00 - $600.00 you should not be buying this bike to save money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Collins
a Cross Country Rider
from Bowral, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gibigunya
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Strong, light frame. Has good brakes.
Weaknesses:
Had to change the hangers and cranks.
Similar Products Used:
GT Outpost, Rincon SE and Warp DS1.
Bike Setup:
Axiom Fatty DH hangers, Profile bar ends, Adjustible Rock Shox Jett, CAT EYE TOMO speedo, Shimano Deor crank.
Bottom Line:
Good For the money but as you can see i had to fork out at least $700 more just to get it ready for some real cross country riding. Not really for the rider who wants to be off road all the time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brodie Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Darwin N.T Aus Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good value for money. Good colour range and smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
Takes a while to losen up the shocks.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Rincon SE Giant Bouldre SE
Bottom Line:
An excellent value for money bike. An excellent frame nice and light. Very attractive colours parts work well together. I would recommend this bike to someone who wants a bike that can spend more time off road then on the road but needs a bike that can do both.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nacho
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Xinte
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Value for the money All components work relatively well together Has a replaceable derailleur hanger Shimano Alivio derailleurs & Shifters (an advantage in this price range)
Weaknesses:
Not the greatest of anything
Similar Products Used:
Giant Rincon
Bike Setup:
Stock w/Selle Italia Saddle, Performance Design Bar Ends & Time Atac Pedals
Bottom Line:
This is my first bike since elementary school, and at least it brought me into the sport of mountain biking, I've ridden it every day since I bought it; I chose Giant because they are reasonably priced in Mexico(US$475).
As for the ride, I'm a heavy rider at 205, and this bike seems solid enough to take the pounding. It will probably not win any weight or design prices, but it's a reasonable entry level bike, and could be a nice frame to build upon if you decide to go this way (same frame as iguana & rainier).
I'm already looking to upgrade to a nicer bike; but meanwhile this bike lets me ride while I look at my other choices.
Happy riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Goochland, Virginia Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Belle's Island, Richmond - in James River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great value: for the price, I couldn't find a comparative bike to buy.
Weaknesses:
Many of the components could stand to be upgraded. Such as rims, tires, hubs, crankset. But my wallet situation dictates that I will wait for them to break before I make the purchase.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first bike in 15 years. Last was a Huffy 10 speed with denim saddle and handle bar wrap. Was cool at the time.
Bottom Line:
I love the bike so far. I'm not into killer trails, mainly moderate trails and street riding. I'm pleased with my purchase.
*Note- I got the Blue\Silver\Black color combo. And as I was loading it in my truck, the bike shop owner said "I hope your a Cowboy fan". I damn near took it back. (I'm a Steeler fan) But the color has grown on me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great entry level bike.
Weaknesses:
The front fork is too soft for a 190+ lb rider I upgraded to a Rock Shox Judy XC with firm springs.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for city use but it needs upgrading for trail use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rapid Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
yes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good value for money, not the best of anything but good overall and really nice for the cash.
Weaknesses:
tires brother, tires. Cheesy Cheng Shins.....really squirrely on almost anything, but not too bad on hardpack. WIll change asap.
Similar Products Used:
ricnon, raleigh
Bike Setup:
as noted in preview.
Bottom Line:
In this price range ($400-$500) can't be beat I don't think. Seat is fine as is, could use straps, but hey, whatever. I have green/white/black.....color is ok but would probably gone with blue if possible. rock on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curtis
a Downhiller
from Massachusetts Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent components for a bike of it's proce, (I only paid 414 for it) Stiff frame, excellent brakes
Weaknesses:
Shock is very stiff first time I ran it, loosened it up a bit afterwards, fine now.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Giant Rincon SE, 1998 Giant Rincon
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike, brakes aren't as good, and I plan to upgrade to discs, so what do I care for the month I have to deal with them?? Stiff frame, shock is ample for most types of terrain, 24 speeds! Wider gear ratio than the rincon, detacheable rear cassette. Don't buy this bike if you are looking for the top of the line, duh! Excellent value for its money, worth the extra 90 bucks to get the yukon se of the rincon se
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
various single tracks and fire trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Value, good component grouping (Alivio) for the price.
Weaknesses:
EZ fire shifters and high angle stem. Still undecided about the Suntour crankset.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Specialized, Marin
Bike Setup:
Alivio grouping, replaced shifters with Alivio rapidfires, and Shimano 515 clipless.
Bottom Line:
Value is without a doubt the key to this bike. The price you pay for a bike in this group is a real winner. It rides better than expected and tracks well on single track. After the shifters were replaced with Alivio rapidfires, shifting has been smooth and positive. I'm certainly glad I made this purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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