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Submitted by
peteflick
a Weekend Warrior
from washington, dc, usa
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | shaffer farms | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | great value | | Weaknesses: | many lower end components | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for 8 years. I've upgraded almost every part on the frame. It's nearing it's end of life after some salty winter rides but for now it is still my daily commuter bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tyler
a
from savannah, ga
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | owls roost, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | quality bike shop | | Strengths: | this is a good bike if you are basically looking for something to piddle around off road a little. they list this as recreational mountain for a reason. if you are into serious cross country, go the extra mile and spend a little more money for a good cross country bike. comes with pretty good parts, feels good riding. | | Weaknesses: | okay, i didn't intend to ride cross country, but that's what i ended up doing. taking this bike off road almost every day has taken its toll. the ranier is not a great trail bike. ihave replaced nearly every part on the bike(literally). not because i wanted to, but because they broke. it's also not a light bike, i'm pretty sure it's around 28 lbs, although i've managed to get mine down to 24 lbs. i have had to constantly get tune-ups, usually after every ride (before i replaced all the original parts). | | Bike Setup: | completely unstock ranier... the frame is the only factory part left of the original bike. | | Bottom Line: | it's a good bike, don't get me wrong, but if you intend to be a serious cross country rider, look at something else. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Fort Worth Cycling | | Strengths: | As good as the 2002 model was, the 2003 is much better and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap Hutchinson Mosquito tires. Manatou fork seems to always ooze. Heavier spring replacement kit seems soft with more sag. Manatou says its because of the progressive design of the heavier spring. | | Bike Setup: | Manatou Super Axel fork, Avid Mechanical disc brakes, Simano 515 clipless, Mavic Rims, Dior LX rear deraillur, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Cane Creek Thudbuster seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | The '03 model has some nice upgrades from the prior year, with only a slight increase in price. Giant replaced the weak Weinman rims from last year with Mavics, The clip platform pedals are replaced with Shimano 515 clipless, and the 03 gets a much better looking paint job. This bike has been tortured by a 220lb rider with no problems, thanks to a good design, and excellent service from Fort Worth Cycling. The fork seems to ooze a bit more than I think it should, but they tell me this is normal. Disc brake pads on the front wore out after 4 months and were replaced for free. The rear tire was replaced for free after only 2 weeks, so ditch those cheep Mosquito tires and buy something with real tread. The Avid brakes are killer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Brady
a Cross Country Rider
from Lebec, California, United States
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacesetter Bikes in Valencia, California | | Strengths: | Extremely durable. The Avid disc brakes make you stop right then and there. The 27-speed drivetrain really helps with the XC, steep hillclimbs, and light downhills. Light-weight. Due to it's all aluminum frame, it is very strong (I've taken it off of drop-offs as big as 4 feet using the trackstand to wheelie technique.) and weighs about 13 pounds (19-inch frame). | | Weaknesses: | Mounting bracket for the front brake broke, so I had to replace the fork. Luckily, it was covered under warranty. The sprockets can't take much abuse, after about eight months of continuous hard riding, whenever I back peddle, it changes gears. And the chain broke after about 4 months of riding. The stock tires get very little traction in the softer dirt, so I had replace the back tire. | | Similar Products Used: | None. I'm flat broke but saving up for a 2003 Giant XTC AC 1 | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Marzocchi Bomber Fork, Panaracer FireXCpro Tire on the rear. | | Bottom Line: | If your just getting into the mountain biking world, or have been in it for a while and are looking for an inexpensive high quality hard-tail, this is the bike for you. I have had mine for a year, and I LOVE it. I do some very light trials riding (not to be confused with trail riding) with it and have even climbed walls with it. Even though it's tires are less then 2 inches wide (the stock tires measure 1.95 inches), it is still stable enough to ride across planks of wood 2 inches wide (something I do quite often). If you do buy this bike, I HIGHLY recommend that you buy a better off-road tire (I am very happy with my Panaracer tire). All-in-all, I HIGHLY recommend this bike for any rider, except for the truly EXTREME downhillers. It also makes a good entry level XC race bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Brady
a Cross Country Rider
from Lebec, California, United States
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacesetter Bikes in Valencia, California | | Strengths: | Extremely durable. The Avid disc brakes make you stop right then and there. The 27-speed drivetrain really helps with the XC, steep hillclimbs, and light downhills. Light-weight. Due to it's all aluminum frame, it is very strong (I've taken it off of drop-offs as big as 4 feet using the trackstand to wheelie technique.) and weighs about 13 pounds (19-inch frame). | | Weaknesses: | Mounting bracket for the front brake broke, so I had to replace the fork. Luckily, it was covered under warranty. The sprockets can't take much abuse, after about eight months of continuous hard riding, whenever I back peddle, it changes gears. And the chain broke after about 4 months of riding. The stock tires get very little traction in the softer dirt, so I had replace the back tire. | | Similar Products Used: | None. I'm flat broke but saving up for a 2003 Giant XTC AC 1 | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Marzocchi Bomber Fork, Panaracer FireXCpro Tire on the rear. | | Bottom Line: | If your just getting into the mountain biking world, or have been in it for a while and are looking for an inexpensive high quality hard-tail, this is the bike for you. I have had mine for a year, and I LOVE it. I do some very light trials riding (not to be confused with trail riding) with it and have even climbed walls with it. Even though it's tires are less then 2 inches wide (the stock tires measure 1.95 inches), it is still stable enough to ride across planks of wood 2 inches wide (something I do quite often). If you do buy this bike, I HIGHLY recommend that you buy a better off-road tire (I am very happy with my Panaracer tire). All-in-all, I HIGHLY recommend this bike for any rider, except for the truly EXTREME downhillers. It also makes a good entry level XC race bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kudzu Kaptain
a Cross Country Rider
from North Georgia
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great Bike for the Money. The Disc brakes rule, although I find myself doing more maintenance with them (but minor things), decent front shocks, real solid frame. Great bike for a novice to the sport. | | Weaknesses: | Weight (bit sluggish on climbs), Seat, Cranks...but for $680, it's not like I have a lot to complain about. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.5 shocks, Avid Disc (front and rear), Suntour Cranks, | | Bottom Line: | I didn't ride much over the winter (but have picked it up here this summer). Being somewhat new to the game of offroad riding, I didn't want to spend too much on a new bike and feel like a poser. Uphill I will take anyone on (even with the sluggishness I feel climbing with this bike), since my road experience has made me a strong climber. I still get a bit hesitant on the fast descents, especially if I am new to the trail. Great bike for a newbie or even a amateur to do some hard core riding with. I plan on doing my first off-road triathlon (XTerra) with this bike come next summer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a
from Park City
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Valley Spin Cycle | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Taylor's bike shop | | Strengths: | I shoped around a lot and this is, by far, the best bike in this price range. Avid discs, really nice. Great XC bike. Solid foundation, a few upgrades and It will be perfect. | | Weaknesses: | Wheels aren't the greatest. Suntour Crankset. | | Bottom Line: | Worth every penny. You won't find a better bike in this price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Claudio Zavala Jr.
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycles | | Strengths: | Value! Avid disc brakes stop on a dime. Frame is race worthy. Climbing and overall riding is great. | | Weaknesses: | Components are okay, just upgrade when they wear out or you want to go lighter. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK, Univega, Schwinn | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shock seatpost, Sella Gel Flite saddle, XT components, Thompson stem. | | Bottom Line: | Beats out any other bike in this price range. Excellent bike to start up with and upgrade as skill and wallet expands. I see others on bikes twice as much as mine, but I still leave them in my dust on climbs and trails. Had this bike for 1.5 years now, if I were to go back in time I would dtill choose this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$690.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Lakes Cycles | | Strengths: | Nice Stiff Frame, Z5 Bomber, Avid Mechanical Brakes, Great Bang for your buck | | Weaknesses: | The drivetrain, with the exeption of the rear deraliur. seatpost, grips, also get a new bike if your going to go big. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500, Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Mosh Half Step Pedals, IRC noto in back, Leader Pro in front, Cheapy Shimano Brake lever (low on $ at time) | | Bottom Line: | I'm only 13 but I have almost thrashed this thing. This is a good bike for XC but I do alot of FreeRide, Dirt Jumping,Urban Assalt and Downhill. If you are new to biking this is a good bike to get started out on. But once you go over 4 feet on this thing, it falls apart. Now my rear deraliur shifts worse then my friends Alivio. I would say this thing is a good all around bike to get started on. I'm going to save up my pennys to by me an Iron Horse G-Spot or Ginsun or an AC Air. This bike will last a complete newbie about 1 year. Overall its a great ride though and you will become fantasic on the rainier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Munoz
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno, Ca.
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Squaw Leap | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Cyclo Path | | Strengths: | Brakes, Forks, Frame. Everything else is satisfactory for a while. But upgrades are needed. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, and wheels | | Similar Products Used: | Brass Monkey` | | Bike Setup: | Titec Bar Ends, Panaracer Fire Pro XC on Mavic 223 rims. Crank Bro Pedals | | Bottom Line: | I first submitted a review a month after purchase. I got it as soon as I found it in the bike shop. I did all the research and felt a made a great decision. I ride hard on a pretty regular basis off road and alot of hard riding everyday to work. I love this bike. Enough said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hamstercaster
a
from Gatineau, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Meech Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclo Sportif GM Bertrand | | Strengths: | Brakes, suspension, frame and overall parts | | Weaknesses: | Seat, that's all I can think of. The seat is quite unforgiving and will make you sore very early in the ride. light enough for a bike that price. Pretty good frame | | Similar Products Used: | last bike I had was a Rocky Mountain Stratos. Doesn't come close to the Rainier | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new seat (Serfas gel seat), Serfas road/offroad tires. | | Bottom Line: | I love my new bike. I use it in trails and on the road and it works like a charm every time. Very well equipped for the price. Climbs well, handles very well going downhill in trails. Brakes are awesome and suspension works very well. Would recommend it to anybody who needs an all around good mountain bike. There are much better bikes out there but for the price you can't go wrong. Unless you are competing, you need no more than this awesome bike.
cheers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam
a Weekend Warrior
from ann arbor, mi
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Lakes Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | Frame, Fork, Avid Disk Brakes, climbing, Price | | Weaknesses: | the pedals are evil, cranks, bb, tires
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | IRC Noto tire on back, Leader Pro on front. Bought on sale for $15 each. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great deal for a bike. I only payed 680 because Great Lakes will take any trade in for 10% off. I mean any, I traded in a beat to hell $200 mongoose. This bike is a great climber. It does everything I need from trail riding to 75 degree downhills with burms, roots, and rocks. This bike realy is good for begginers to intermidiate riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Berto
a Cross Country Rider
from Kenmore,WA USofA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rosie's Fat Face | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Outfitters | | Strengths: | Great frame,good handling,great shifting,strong wheelset and the best brakes.Oh yeah,very good fork. | | Weaknesses: | Sadistic saddle,cheap cranks/bb,Headset cups were mis aligned. | | Similar Products Used: | Worked in bike shop as wrench,owned/rode many,many bikes.Dropped at least 2lbs by swapping soft heavy steel chainringed cranks and ultra bad cartridge bb for LX/ES-70 setup,changed out steel bead tires with kevlar Panaracers and lighter tubes,got rid of the GOD awful Koski saddle for Ti Flite.Do this for 150-200 bucks and have one nice ride for investment. | | Bike Setup: | Sorry,see above. | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely best bang for your buck aside from Swede mail order bride.5 hot lunches....Ummmmm | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skydiver-Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura, CA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Canyon/Guadalasco | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame/Disk brakes/fork | | Weaknesses: | thin paint/seatpost/seat/tires | | Similar Products Used: | First front suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | Changed out the seat, seatpost, tires and pedals and added bar ends, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | It's an awesome bike for the money, just read the other reviews. However, the seat sucks (no big deal since an upgrade is pretty cheap) and the seatpost wore out quickly (the teeth were stripped so it didn't hold). Also, I've found a lot of scratches and worn spots on the paint. I replaced the tires with Hutchinson Python Golds and then Panaracers. I also put clipless WTB platform style pedals on (which was a HUGE improvement). The chain does rub a lot on the largest chainring, which is distracting.
That said, it climbes like a sherpa and handles well. It's also fit for upgrades. The disks kick butt, too. All in all it's a great value, but needs upgrades to please for the long term. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Taylor
a Racer
from Chattanooga, TN USA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | clemmer | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | East Ridge Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great components and frame for the price of the bike | | Weaknesses: | bottem bracket, deriallers, tires, seat is uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | trek y3 | | Bike Setup: | xtr rear derailler, monkeylite handlebar, titec stem, usps seat, thomson seatpost, irc front tire.. rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the price. The components are still middle of the line and will probably want to upgrade some of them. The frame is perfect for upgrading. Seatpost and handlebar are alittle heavy for racing but will work fine for everyday use. I would recommend the bike to anybody. Go get one!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Lexington, KY
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | VALUE!!!
Avid Discs
Marzocchi Z.5
Frame Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Man, my last bike was a Huffy...no comparison! | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Shimano M515 pedals and 2 inches cut off the handlebar. | | Bottom Line: | Getting this bike was one of the smartest things I've done in quite some time...one of the best values in mountain biking! This bike has held up very well, even through a few races (except for the brake lever I bent by hitting a tree). Since it's 2002 now, you can probably get an even better price for one!
I love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Bare
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheridan, Wy USA
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bucking Mule Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Back Country Bicycles | | Strengths: | Strong Solid Aluminum Frame
Best Value For a Hard Tail so far
Cannot Beat Avid Disc Brakes
Z.5 Fork is Excellent | | Weaknesses: | A Little on the Heavy Side
Saddle a bit Uncomfortable on the Long Rides
The bottom bracket is cheap and will need replacing before you put 500 miles on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Kona Lava Dome, 2001 Giant XTC NRS 3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Except Body Geometry Saddle & Rock Shox Seat Post | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a dirt cheap and dirt hungry hardtail. It performs like a bike two time as expensive and has a well built frame worthy of upgrades. It also has excellent componets like a Shimano Deore drive train, Z.5 air coil suspension fork, Avid mechanical disc brakes, & WTB 2.1" Nanoraptor DNA tires. I would recommend this bike for anyone wishing to enter the world of mountain biking or someone who wants to upgrade their hard tail but has a limited budget. I have a FS 2001 XCT NRS 3 with disc brakes, and a 2002 Psylo front fork, but I still find my self wanting to ride this bike frequently. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
will
a Weekend Warrior
from bethesda maryland
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | revolution cycles | | Strengths: | discs, awseome fork, great ride fast and light(compared to my last bike), strong as hell | | Weaknesses: | could use some better pedals, also needs better tires, | | Similar Products Used: | other giant, gt avalanche, schwin moad disc | | Bike Setup: | stock cept sun ringle zuzu pedals and new rear tire | | Bottom Line: | awseome bike for the money, great for any kind of rider. no matter what kind of rider you are you might still have a lil trouble with the tires. i would upgrade the rear to a panaracer fire xc. i give it 5 for value cause the schwinn which is closest to it is 900 bucks compared to its 700. and then 4 overall because of the tires and pedals | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Overlook at Sycomore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray's | | Strengths: | Frame, Disc Brakes, Air Front Fork, | | Weaknesses: | Tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a great ride. The disk brakes rule! I ride 3 times/week climbing up steep dirt single track and fire trails and blasting back down from the summit to the beach. I continue to be impressed with its ruginess and have put 700 miles on it in 6 months. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justin
a Weekend Warrior
from marysville, wa, us
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$725.00 | | Purchased At: | skadgit pedal sports | | Strengths: | components, geometry, a very good bike for the price | | Weaknesses: | the saddle sucks, the stock peddles and crank are weak and the paint is thin. | | Bike Setup: | tiogi xl saddle, michaline side wire hot s tires, gt (really big peddles ???) and shimano xtr crank | | Bottom Line: | it didn't take much to make this a very very good bike. according to my wife i am still under my allowed budget. now all i need is to find some stickes by giant that dont look like crap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a Cross Country Rider
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Frame, Brakes, Shocks, Price, Price, Price | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Heavy, Cranks | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.4, Avid Disc, Deore Drivetrain, WTB Rims, Michelin Tires | | Bottom Line: | Have had the bike a little over a month. This is my first suspension off-road as my previous bike, a GT All Terra from the early 90s, was my previous machine and it was fully rigid. The ride is so much sweeter and the brakes stop on a dime (not that hard to work with either). It is a bit sluggish on climbs though and this could be in part to my riding style (time to adjust), but I am sure the 29 pound weight doesn't help. The price is incredible and I figure Giant, even though it's Tawainese, cannot be making much of a profit here, unless they had an overstock of parts when they started building these things. Bike handles well on switchback climbs, but that may be in part to the Z.4s I have on the front, something I did not have the luxury of previously. Riding a Rigid frame previously, I cannot comment on how sweet the ride is compared to other HT Bikes. So I will only give it 4 Chili's as I am sure there are sweeter machines, but I only ride for Adventure Racing, so I am no expert. But for the VALUE...totally SWEET for now (A novice rider's dream)!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Naked Man | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | ATA | | Strengths: | Durability. Components for the Price. | | Weaknesses: | Seat Sucked | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3, Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for 3 months now. Have done a combination of road riding and trail riding. Only had one slight setback with a broken chain, but that was most likely my fault for not greasing after a ride in the rain. I had held off reviewing the bike because i wanted to test it out, but after this weekend, I think I am prepared to offer an honest review. Went to Killington this weekend, took on the gravel roads... I am 6'1" and 250Lbs, and you can imagine the abuse. The Rainier took it all, harsh terrain, heavy braking, Avids were smooth. Got dirty and started to squeal, but still stopped on a dime. Durability is the number one asset of this bike. Came off trail 7 only to hit an unnoticed rut with twisted the handlebars... and almost bottomed out the fork.... checked wheel... still true as the day i bought it. Can't say enough for durability... so for the bigger guys out there, the Rainier can not be beat for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, OK
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Boulder City, NV | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | PLay it Again Sports (bought new) | | Strengths: | Kick ass bike. Brakes, shock, gears, all good. | | Weaknesses: | None really, the only problems I have had are with my own weaknesses. | | Bike Setup: | Avid discs, deore, marzocci bomber Z-5, michelin tires, i dunno | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, especially now that 2002 bikes are coming out. The price has decreased by hundreds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy P
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan Trail, Riverside County CA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Avid discs, relatively light frame, decent components, great value for the dollar. | | Weaknesses: | Suntour crank and crappy BB! Poor to non-existent documentation supplied with the bike: no info on the Avids or the Marzocchi fork accompanied the bike. Toe-clip pedals, an average Koski saddle with fairly weak rails. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab. | | Bike Setup: | XT crank with ES70 BB, SRAM PC69 chain, RockShox suspension seatpost, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Time ATAC Alium pedals. | | Bottom Line: | As several reviewers have commented, the Achilles Heel of the Rainier SE is the cheap Suntour crank. Like others, I could not get the derailleur chain rub to go away. Worse, the chainrings were warped causing the bike to want to jump gears when pedalling hard. The BB was mushy and not adjusted properly when I took delivery, so it exaggerated the problem with the crank. Giant is aware of the crank problem and did authorize replacement of the crank under warranty. I had several service department issues with Performance and did the upgrade on my own. Since then it's been great.
Depending on your riding style, you may also want to chuck the OE Michelin Wildgripper 1.95 tires in favor of more meaty rubber. I just installed the 2.10 Panaracers and have not had much of a chance to thrash them offroad, but in the few outings I've had, they seem to do a better job of absorbing the hits.
Buy this bike if you're a weekend warrior with mostly XC in mind. Forget about it if you're a serious downhiller, though I can hang with the FS guys on many of the trails I ride. Climbers may want to upgrade the 11-32 Shimano cassette to a 11- or 12-34.
I've put about 500 miles on my Rainier since March and have been very happy with the purchase. I look at it this way: the money I saved on the bike I could spend on upgrades such as a better crank and seatpost shock yet still come in under most of the competition in price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr Happy
a Cross Country Rider
from Somewhere that isn't here
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | If I'm On it, i like it | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$725.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry, Brakes, Fork (once adjusted properly) | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, Seat, Grips | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale f600 disk | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Profile Design Stiffy Stem and Carbon Fiber RS riser bar (40mm rise), Race Face Good n' Evil Grips, Sella Italia Flite Gel Seat | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. I rode it a few times completely stock, I didn't want to upgrade parts based on only what I've heard. After a couple rides I swapped out the seat because it was horrible. But, if a company is gonna shave dollars somewhere, thats not a bad place to do it. The handlebars and Stem where fine on this bike, but they didn't offer me a more compressed riding possition I prefer, so I swapped them out. The stock grips feel to hard and have too many little bumps, could just be me. The avid disc brakes are great and once you find the right pressure for the fork it really smooths out the trail a lot, especially considering the bikes price tag. This is an incredible bike to buy and upgrade slowly, you won't end up with components that out perform the frame thanks to very good frame geometry. I have had no problem with the stock wheels, beside their weight. They have stood up to everything I've done and are as true as the day they were purchased. The deore components work as well as one would expect from that level. I'd highly recommend this bike to anyone who needs a lower end bike now, but wants to upgrade in the future. This bike serves all those needs. 5's to the Rainier | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Syracuse, NY
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | THe bycle Inc | | Strengths: | Avid mech disks, bomber Z5, frame. PRICE< PRICE | | Weaknesses: | crank is pretty cheap. chain ring broke 2nd time out (no big deal). Major problem was/is the tuning of the front derailer. Since I first got it the chain rubs against the side when in high gear. This is normally something that I would fix, but the dealer said that he doesent want to me to touch anything. Anyway, I brought the bike back to him, and he didn't even touch it. He was supposed to tune it up and not a single thing was done. He also said that the bike was the last in stock (when I was looking at it)and that giant was not producing anymore and that no bike shops were able to order anymore, forcing me into a sale which I really could not afford at the time. When I went back 2 weeks later 2 more of the exact same bikes were there, and he was giving the same story to some other kid. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | Origonal except for seat and post. Plan on getting some clipless pretty soon as well. | | Bottom Line: | Great price for the dollar. If you are not an extreme rider, you can't come close to this bike for the price. I did a lot of research and no other bike maker came close.
OH YEAH, IF YOU LIVE IN NORTH JERSEY DON'T GO TO THIS BIKE SHOP. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
travis
a Weekend Warrior
from sacramento
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere the cars aren't | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$629.00 | | Purchased At: | performancebikes | | Strengths: | Brakes! Brakes! Brakes! z.5 shock and the Frame. The price
could not be beat! | | Weaknesses: | the paint is very thin, have assorted scratches and haven't
even bailed yet! Other than that it's been great! | | Similar Products Used: | tested just about everything. | | Bike Setup: | basically stock. I did toss the cheap z chain. I also cut
the handle bar down (way to wide)
| | Bottom Line: | I was not planing on buying a hard tail. I was going to the
store to put a full suspension bike on lay away. I saw the
price had droped again and I was wanting to ride now! I am
very glad with the purchase. This bike helped my confedence
level when riding. The brakes are fantastic. I am never going back. Disks Rule! The shock took some time to dial in
but was worth the effort. They work great when set up for the different riding you might do.(you will need a shock pump, buy one before you leave the store) The bike climbs
like a goat. I haven't lost traction once, and I ride on
some pretty lose granite. Overall I don't think you will find a better ride for a better price. I don't understand
the complaints about the seat. I am a big guy 235lbs and it
is not that bad.(maybe you guys have it pointed the wrong
direction) Excellent bike for the cash! ( I am still going to buy the full suspension, I will just be riding in the meantime.) Buy this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Hilow
a Cross Country Rider
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Your front yard! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$649.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bike, SF CA | | Strengths: | Just a 6 month up date.
This bike is still ripping after +1200 miles on the clock. I am 204lb and everything still works flawlessly. Did the Tour de Peninsula this weekend, aired the tires up ta 70psi in front and 75 in the back. Got shown up by roadies and showed up a few more than that too, especially on the climbs. Front shock aired to 55psi Riding in dirt makes you strong when on the road!
The bike is still completely stock! I ride much, so the koski saddle is actually excellent. Stock tires handle it, whats with all the complaints about the Nanos?
Had the free tuneup at PB Cesar the mechanic gave it a clean bill of health. I have been inspecting the frame. Especially after taking it to a down hill resort in the Sierra (NorthStar). The 21' frame is by no means a tight to very tight single track setup. I was totally braking into, over and on through berms, the tires stay hooked up in the dust and slide controllably, but short of locking the rear wheel into the turn and laying the bike over one foot down it was not pleasant.
| | Weaknesses: | Yeah, the thin paint, scratches to the metal easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Balance, Rocky mt. Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Minor setup changes, controls, minor tweekage to the rear derailer. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is like the girlfrind I never have had! I am actually falling MORE in love with my Rainier everyday! It makes me a better rider than my old crappy Balance FS Pro. Great and versatile machine. Increasing my initial overall rating from 3 flammin turds for assembly to 5 turds after getting all the bugs out. A fun, solid, inexpensive machine that puts the hurt on more expensive gear. I proved it at a race this weekend. A good bikes makes a good rider better. An expensive bike does not make a couch potato, poser, rich guy with a big ego zero skills and Cannondale Lefty (?) a excellent rider. Not that all big ego guys are not good riders, someone is always going to be better.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from New York City
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hudson River Approches to George Washington Bridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS in NJ | | Strengths: | Price! Avid Disc Brakes, Marzocchi Fork, Black Rims. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle (ouch), grips and the peddles. The chain rattles like a handful of quarters in the dryer, when jumping off anything substantial. Hard to find one right now. | | Similar Products Used: | None .. first bike in 5 years. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Easton Carbon Fiber CT-2 handle bar with Oury grips and gel seat cover for current saddle. NO REFLECTORS PLEASE. | | Bottom Line: | For the money you cannot beat this bike. I spent two months researching the purchase of this and could find no rig that offered better components for a lower price. These are kind of tough to get your hands on right now, especially if you are on the East coast. The saddle is horrible, so had put a gel cover on it until I have time to switch it out. While probably not a fault of the bike, my wrists and hands were becoming extremely numb after only 30 minutes on the trail, so switched to the Easton bars and Oury grips in order to dampen vibrations. The Disc brakes on this thing are absolutely are killer .. they stop on a dime and are very simple to adjust if need be. Ride is nice and solid over/down almost any set of stairs, ledges, potholes, ditches, bodies etc. Looking forward to switching into some clipless peddles in order to perfect the bunny hop over them.
5 Flamin Chilis for value without a doubt. Took one back on overall, as I will probably need to spend $300 on upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Brennan
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Powerlines off of Burke Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycles | | Strengths: | Marzocchi Z.5 Fork, Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes, Shimano Deore Derailleurs | | Weaknesses: | Koski Saddle | | Similar Products Used: | First bike. Tested GT Aggressor 1.0, Giant Iguana SE etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. I was looking at lower bikes when I came across a review that said the Rainier came in second to the Shwinn over $1000. $100 bucks was not much of a stretch from the Iguana to the Rainier, and after much deliberation, I jumped on the deal. The bike has performed well. I put 90 miles on it in the first four weeks. The cables need to be stretched out again, of course. The saddle is hard, but what do I have to compare it to? My pre-med background is telling me to get a split saddle that is easier on the soft tissue. This thing has really eaten up roots and rocks, and even curbs and stairs. This bike finds its own line when my eyeballs are jiggling in their sockets. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Knight
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage Alaska
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything dirty nasty and filled with reckless abandon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Paramount Cycles | | Strengths: | Marzochi fork, Avid mechanicals(with levers), Great ride | | Weaknesses: | No clipless pedals(is that really a weakness for a recreational bike?)Headset loosened after a crash but I hit pretty hard and thought I had really screwed up my brand new bike up, but just a little tightening fixed it. | | Similar Products Used: | Novara(yeah right) Schwin Moab disc, Kona caldera | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for welgo 95B clipless(for when I don't have my shoes) | | Bottom Line: | PRICE PRICE PRICE!!! When the fork is almost 25%-35% of the price they couldn't really pack the bike with all the cool stuff of the Moab disc, but they managed to throw in the Avid mechanicals with their lever(instead of fisher and trek's crappy try with promax) and a OK seat. I found this bike to be the best thing around for a person who wants to ride agressively and not go into debt. There are a number of bikes that have been offered with mech disc brakes(which out do any rim brake!!!) BUT THEY DON'T HAVE THE PRICE!!! This bike is for the buyer who wants a quality(GIANT) bike for a reasonable price. You may think 750 is kind of a high price but once you get it on the trail you will love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RobG
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, CA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything not paved. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Hank and Frank Bicycles, Lafayette, CA | | Strengths: | Awesome geometry that's identical to their high-end hardtail at more than twice the price, Avid disc brakes, inexpensive but decent Marzocchi Z.5 fork, WTB Nanoraptor tires. | | Weaknesses: | Thin paint; the seat completely and totally sucks. I've sat on concrete benches that are more comfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | None; first mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock + CD bar ends, SelleRoyal gel seat, Post Moderne suspension seatpost, Time ATAC clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! It's my first bike in more than twelve years, and I came over from road bikes. The geometry is extremely comfortable, although I'm going to either switch to a flat handlebar, or cut the stock one down an inch on each side (it's 25"+ wide). The disc brakes don't require as much adjustment as others have said; they're actually very easy to adjust yourself; much easier than the hydraulic ones (which I have on my other bike). And they're very powerful!
All-in-all, this bike just plain rocks for the money. Yeah, some of the parts may be cheaper than ideal, but you can't expect complete perfection at this price point. If you want all the high-end stuff, look at it's big brother, the XTC SE 1, but don't freak at the $1500+ sticker price. Otherwise, just upgrade what you want as it breaks or as you can afford it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Colchester, Vermont, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | One that has dirt, mud and goes down hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$720.00 | | Purchased At: | North Star Cyclery | | Strengths: | It has a wickid strong frame that can take a lot of abuse. The fork rules all but for the disk brakes. The disk brakes stop you on a dime. | | Weaknesses: | The damn SEAT.... The front tire when you go to stop with the front brakes, it moves to the left a good 1/2" to an inch. The disk brake rotor in the back came loose. The cain slaps up against the frame way to easily. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bottom Line: | It is a really good bike that can take a beatin once in a while. Also when you buy the bike, get a shock pump that at least goes down to 20lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Bordeaux
a Weekend Warrior
from Savannah, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tom Tripplett | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Quality Bike | | Strengths: | Forks, Brakes, Geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, Seat | | Similar Products Used: | Ex-BMXer, looked at Schwinn Moab's and Raliegh M600's. | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far. | | Bottom Line: | So far this bike rocks. The geometry is very comfortable, I even am riding a small frame to keep it close to the feel of what I'm used to from BMX'ing. Very nimble. The brakes are awesome and the gear set-up is easy to use. Haven't had any problems w/it yet, except for the normal loosening of the a-headset. Overall I have to say that I'm thoroughly impressed. I'm satisfied that I spent my money wisely. You should be to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wil
a Weekend Warrior
from LA, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Avid Disc Brakes, Marzocchi Z.5 Shock, XtC-inpired frame. | | Weaknesses: | Crank, Pedals, Saddle | | Similar Products Used: | Compared Schwinn Mesa GX, Raleigh M80, Fuji Tahoe, Giant Iguana SE | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for saddle. | | Bottom Line: | For the money this bike can't be beat. I was looking for a entry level 27 Speed bike around $500, which eventually lead me to the Giant Iguana SE. When I saw the Rainer SE at the shop I floored at what it offered for $200 more. The disc brakes alone are worth the $200 but when you add a XtC-inspired frame (which has an integrated headset), and a Marczocchi Z.5 shock it’s a unbeatable deal.
The geometry on the bike is great. If you’ve been riding bikes a more relax geometry (one that keeps you more upright like the Schwinn Mesa GX) it'll take awhile for you to get use to this frame. You tend to ride more off the shoulder on this bike. But once you get use to it, you'll be climb like damn jackrabbit.
Once you get them adjusted right, the Avid Disc brakes are amazing. You'll stop on dime. Since they mechanical there on need to worry about hydraulic fluid leaks.
The shocks are Marczocchi Z.5 air shock with 80mm travel. If you get this bike, I strongly recommend that you get a low-pressure shock pump before you leave the shop with your bike. You’ll find you get a lot better ride when you can adjust the air pressure to match trail conditions.
Weakness? The saddle, it’s hard as rock. Have it switch out before you leave the shop.
The cranks and pedals. I guess they had to cut cost somewhere, and Giant selected the cranks and pedals. They’re not bad if you don’t ride to aggressively. If you’re really hardcore go ahead and have them upgraded.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob G
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston TX
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Buffalo Bayou & Addicks Reservoir | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Planetary Cycles -- Houston | | Strengths: | VALUE, VALUE, VALUE. Oh yeah ... the frame, shocks, brakes and gears. | | Weaknesses: | That damn seat ! | | Similar Products Used: | Compared Trek, GT, Specialized, Schwinn & Fisher | | Bike Setup: | As sold but swapped the Koski for Serfas seat. | | Bottom Line: | I read the MtBike mag article selecting this bike as best value under a grand, then I came here to see what real world users thought. Five Flamin' Chili's to Mt Bike mag for the article, mtbr.com for this forum and everyone who left their opinions on all the bikes, not just this one!
If you're a weekend warrior who's next ride doesn't include 20 foot freefalls from a freeway overpass this is the bike for you. Start with a sweet frame for all the good bits to dangle from. The Marzocchi is more suspension than the casual trailrider will ever need. The Avid discs are real grabbers and will be absolutely no problem when properly set-up. I've tried to put myself over the bars several times and the bike stops straight and true with no noise what-so-ever. The Shimano gearing is excellent. If you're not going to hurl yourself off El Capitan, the crank and pedals are more than adequate. Five Flamin' Chilis to Giant for putting this package together.
The real bottom line on the bike is NOT the bike but where you buy it. If you're going to drop this kind of money (or more) you've got to take the time to do the same research on the bike shop that you're doing on the bike. To that end, five Houston-Habanero-Hot Flamin' Chilis for everyone @ Planetary Cycles !!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from Augusta
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Canal, Turkey Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Andy Jordans | | Strengths: | All of it. | | Weaknesses: | Seat and the stock tires bite big dogs, swap them out for some better ones. The peddles are stock what can I say, get some cleets and get rid of them. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000 6500 7000, specialized rockhopper, schwinn, cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the tires, seat, peddles. Went to a heavy nobbie on the back and the stock trek tire for the front. No I am not going to look and see what they are. | | Bottom Line: | This for the money is a truely awesome bike. The front derailer is kind of weak when you are really huffing it but the rear derailer is good.
If you ride nasty, muddie, Ga Clay, sand, gravel, get a new set of tires. The canal ride cover all those things in 7 miles of trails. If your idea of mountain biking is riding on a dry dirt road or the street keep the stock tires.
The disk breaks work wonderfully in dry or when totally covered with mud or in knee deep water.
The frame is a dream, I just upgraded from a trek and big difference. Places I could not climb to the top of a hill I now climb and make it. It is well balanced and even when you get up over the handel bars it gets better traction than the trek. I crash and burn on a regular basis and have not dented it like one of the guys on this page said. I even crashed hopping some RR tracks and even the paint did not get scratched.
The air shocks are great, once you know what pressure to inflate them to for what conditions you will love them. When it is dry I run them around 45 lbs and when it is so muddie that you can not see the bike or me from being covered I tend to bleed them down to between 35 and 40 lbs.
Once you change out the stock peddles for cleets you will see a big difference.
The biggest problem is bike set up by the dealer. Ride the bike around the parking lot when you buy it and test everything. Then go back in and ask them about every ? you have before you pay for it. The breaks were not adjusted properly when I got it. The breaks and shifters where not tightened down correctly and they were not adjusted for my hand size. To buy the bike the bike shop had to switch out all the stuff on my bike, adjust the breaks, change out the tires, give me three water bottles and two brackets and I made them give me a lock. All those things were at no extra cost part of the buying agreement.
Most improtant make sure it is setup right and everything is adjusted before you buy the bike!!!!!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Downhiller
from Milford Maine
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bar Harbor cycles | | Strengths: | Well The rims are good so far and the front disc brake rules! I'm loven the seat i hate big bulky gel seats! | | Weaknesses: | The tires sux i upgraded them. The Crank SUXS like a few days after i got it the stupid thing got screwed up upgraded it. The frame dents really easily and the back disc brake is really messin up maybe it has factory defects. | | Bottom Line: | It is an alright bike just make sure u buy it at a shop that has warrantys so u can take it back and have em fix her up good! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Weekend Warrior
from San Carlos, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great shock, Good brakes if adjusted right, almost everything else | | Weaknesses: | The seat is as hard as a log, the cranks weren't that bad, but I noticed much better performance when I upgraded, I took a fall that wasn't that bad and the front wheel got tacoed, if you don't get the fork pumped up to your size it can feel really soft | | Similar Products Used: | 1994 rigid trek 820 (Ol' Blue) | | Bike Setup: | stock except: new seat, Lx cranks, and hopefully a new wheel when i get the money | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for your money a long as you are willing to hassle withthe guy at the bike shop until you get the bike set up how you like it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with Rock and Mud | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Rays Bike Shop | | Strengths: | On this bike you get avids disc brakes, z5 bombers which are awesome, deore drive bla, bla, bla. This bike is really strong and sweet offroad. The frame geometry is optimum. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. WHEN YOU BUY the bike make sure the brakes are properly adjusted. When they are you will have the ultimate bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh m80. Looked at schwinn, gt, haro, specialized, trek and cannondale. | | Bike Setup: | I already said | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for a mtb but dont have the cash, look into the Rainer SE. It's the best bike on the market for what you get at the price. It's smooth as butter and is pretty light. They are hard to find now but if you can find one I know you'll be very happy. I love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with Rock and Mud | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Rays Bike Shop | | Strengths: | On this bike you get avids disc brakes, z5 bombers which are awesome, deore drive bla, bla, bla. This bike is really strong and sweet offroad. The frame geometry is optimum. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. WHEN YOU BUY the bike make sure the brakes are properly adjusted. When they are you will have the ultimate bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh m80. Looked at schwinn, gt, haro, specialized, trek and cannondale. | | Bike Setup: | I already said | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for a mtb but dont have the cash, look into the Rainer SE. It's the best bike on the market for what you get at the price. It's smooth as butter and is pretty light. They are hard to find now but if you can find one I know you'll be very happy. I love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Hilow
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Plenty, Marin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bikes SF CA | | Strengths: | Plenty,
1)Frame, Frame, Frame (21") geometry is the same as Giants most expensive ride. Definitely an upgradable frame. The handling is effortless and I swear this bike flys when bunny hopped.
2)The Group. Real Shimano rear cassette, full on Deore (STX)minus the cranks.
3)The tires. Good rims too- all black.
4)The Finish. The black and silver color, matching saddle, for a production machine that was churned out by the 1000s the gloss and flawlwss finish down to the silver flakes in the Marzoc forks is top notch. Just really appealing to look at. The 21" frame with he shocks aired up to max looks awesome.
5)The brakes. Real stopping power here folk. Yeah, you can lock the front tire with two fingers.
6)The above price was with Shimano SPD 515!!! Love Pacific Bikes!
| | Weaknesses: | Final assembly,
1)My chain was too long. The rear derailler, when hitting divots before turns, would make a racket beating against the chain stays. Cut a couple of links out and taped just above the derailler.
2)No slap guard on top of stay, nit-pic.
3)Loose, calipers in the front needed to tighten after test ride.
4)Front derailler dragged against chain in big ring.
5)Loose bolts in handle bar, caused squeeling when climbing.
6)Pinch flat front tire first day I rode it.
Lets be honest here people, this bike was not assembled by a skilled Italian craftsman. It is a mass produced Chinese bike assembled by some guy trying to send his kids to the US to work.
BEFORE SERIOUS HAMMERING, CHECK ALL FASTENERS!! | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for pedals and chain stay rash guard, cranks (got tru vativs at a swap meet $50, Stem. Hand control position was set up for a person with smaller hands. Had to reposition levers and shifters.
Inflate the spongy WTB Nanoraptors to 45psi for safety. | | Bottom Line: | Insane amount of bike for the money. Not only that it is a real ripping mountain bike! Upgade worthy frame, real performance that should, given reasonable expectations, satisfy. This ride is light, fast and fun. I had more money but why pay more????
This bike was a steal. Good luck finding one!
5 for value, 3 flamming turds for the scary final assembly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jody
a Weekend Warrior
from High Ridge, MO
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Strengths: | Brakes, fork, price, yellow frame (my favorite color) | | Weaknesses: | Seat, no clipless pedals, hard to find at the moment | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard except for Selle Italia Trans AM MAX Flite Saddle | | Bottom Line: | Compared many bikes and shopped around for awhile then I read the MTB review. Couldn't find a bike that compared component wise for the price and since MTB loved it decided it was the bike for me. Had a store order it. Called them back the day they said it should be in and they claimed they had left me a message (not). They said Giant was soldout until the 2002 model came out in a few months. Immediately got on the phone and found a dealer that had just got one in a few days earlier. Picked it up that day. Got lucky as it was the last one they could get in. I love this bike. I'll eventually swap out the pedals for clipless. Changed out the seat to one that is more comfortable. I'm giving it a 5 for value and overall. It is a great value compared to the competition and while I swapped out the seat (it wasn't the worst but not as good as the replacement) and will swap out the pedals there is not a bike in this price range that comes with everything I'd like. The ride is nice. Had to adjust many things. Did it myself instead of running it back to the dealer. There are a couple of pages of documentation for the disc brakes on Avid's site. There was too much air in the shock. Bought a low pressure shock pump directly from Marzocchi (highly recommend) to make sure the pressure is consistent. I'm running at 25 psi for now.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Cross Country Rider
from Fredericksburg, VA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lodi Farm (aka "Hollywood Farm") | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Olde Towne Bikes | | Strengths: | disc brakes, nice Marizochi air fork, rims, aluminum frame, | | Weaknesses: | For some reason the seat keeps coming un-tightened. It wobbles around and makes noise, and its not the most comfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 & 6500, Specialized Rockhopper, Gary Fisher Marlin, Schwinn Moab | | Bike Setup: | Only thing non stock on it is some clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | For the price it's a great bike. I couldn't find a bike this cheap with disc brakes, once you ride single track with those brakes you'll never want to go back. The frame is very nice, light, well crafted, and strong. Mine came with the Marizochi Z.5 fork, its a nice base air fork. Maybe within a year i'll upgrade. But the best thing is really the price. You can't get a bike with this much stuff for that price. It even survived a 12 hour race I did last month at Lodi Farm. After several over the handle bars wrecks, one roll down a 30ft hill, and 36 miles of intense singletrack it led two teamates and I to a second place finish. I love it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Munoz
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno, California
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclopath | | Strengths: | Marzocchi Forks, Avid Disk on a strong frame all for under a G! I swear the bike feels like it weighs less than the listed 29 lbs. | | Weaknesses: | Hand grips on the bars: They are too small. I have average hands and I don't feel as if I'm getting a full solid grip. Might think about changing if you have gorilla hands. I hear about the cranks but as far as I'm concern they haven't failed or let me down yet. But if they ever do I'll be sure to upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, GT, Schwinn, and Diamondback all about the same price range. | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock babe! For now | | Bottom Line: | Straight up I was on a budget. If I had more dough I might have went for another bike that was set up with parts that I wouldn't have to upgrade. I wanted sweet forks, front and back disk, and a alum frame. I got it. And I got it for less than what other bikes that were spec similar for cheaper. I compared and researched for at least a month and I couldn't turn away from this bike. It had what I was looking for and the ride was SSSSssswwwweeeeeeeeet! I read the June 01 issue of Mountain Bike mag and tested the rides they did and I have to totally agree, you can't get a better deal for you money on a hardtail for under a G!. Totally freakin' satisified. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodbridge, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that is single track | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Price!! Frame, forks, and the brakes...gotta love the brakes!! | | Weaknesses: | Cranks are the biggest weaknesses and they even aren't that bad. The seat is a little on the uncomfortable side. | | Similar Products Used: | Early 90's Rock Hoppper Comp, Diamond Back Vertex. | | Bike Setup: | XT front & rear derailers/shifters, LX splined cracks with BB,Answer Hyperlite bars, Yeti Grips,Ritchey bar ends, M545 pedals,Selle Italia gel seat | | Bottom Line: | I looked and looked for a bike that was at a level that had some features that I really liked and some that I didn't so I could choose what I wanted to upgrade. The Rainier had what I was looking for. Strong frame, outstanding forks, and the Avid brakes really make it a great bike. I upgraded the drive-train just because I wanted a little higher end set up. If you look hard enough you can get some great deals for upgrades. I HIGHLY recommend this bike to anyone that is looking for a high end bike with out the over the top pricing. One quick note about the brakes...before you ride take and run a fine sand paper over the disks to remove the shine and you won't have any squealing after they start to wear. I'm givin' a 4 for overall because there are a few things that need to be changed once you get the bike, but nothing major. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh
a Weekend Warrior
from WI
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$710.00 | | Weaknesses: | cranks | | Similar Products Used: | -Trek 6500 and 6700
-Gary Fisher Hoo koo e koo (i love those names)
-(Hoo koo e koo w/ Avid mechanical disk breakes
cost $200 more to make it ~$950)
| | Bottom Line: | overall this is a GREAT bike for the $$. After i got this, the next weekend i got out on the mudiest trails i could find w/ my friends w/ horizontal 'sorry @$$' breaks, and i could stop on a dime. The avids are just too sweet. Bombing rock-bumpy hills is just sooo fun w/ the BOMBER z.5 shocks. I looked at many many bikes, and this is the BEST for $650-$825. I AM NOT DISPLEASED THAT I BOUGTH THIS BIKE. I LOVE IT!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Chu
a Cross Country Rider
from Rowland Hts, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Avid disc brakes.
Shimano Components.
Marzochi Z5 fork.
Good Frame
Most Bang For the Buck compared to other makes. | | Weaknesses: | The biggest weakness of the bike are the cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | checked out the the GT's and the treks. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for 01 XT crankset w/BB, raceface prodigy seat post and selle italia max flight trans am saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. even with the upgraded parts the bike still come out cheaper then most of the similar equiped bikes. The avid disc brakes that come stock just make the bike a better value. Maybe thats why the rainier won the best sub 1000 bike in the june issue of mountain bike magazine. Great performing bike with a price thats hard to beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Bridgewater, NJ
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chimney Rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$730.00 | | Purchased At: | Garden State Bicycle | | Strengths: | Marzocchi front suspension fork and the Avid mechanical discs, very light overall and easier to handle compared to my ol' 98 Specialized Hardrock. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are too small considering I don't use the straps, handgrips are not wide enough for me and I don't even have bar ends yet. I'm used to a twist shifter. Stock tires are slippery in wet/mud. But don't let these peeves turn you away. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried equivalents from Raleigh, Trek, K2 and Schwinn. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with straps and reflectors removed(they's break off anyway) | | Bottom Line: | I am very happy with this purchase. I was looking for a new bike with a competent frame, disc brakes and a good fork. Giant delivered. I can't stand when store owners tell you they will call back and never do. GS bicycle is family owned and provided a prompt and courteous buying experience. I actually read the manual, it says to avoid jumps and wheelies? And the sticker on the handelbar stem says this product is not intended for downhill or agressive offroad riding. What's with all that? Is that just the stem? And how does one come to the decision that the bottom bracket is cheap? It looks cheap? I'll consider it cheap when it breaks. I just need bigger pedals, maybe raceface? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tracy
a Cross Country Rider
from Rolling Meadows
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | They're all good :) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Local shop | | Strengths: | Fantastic value-the Marzocchi forks are SWEET!! | | Weaknesses: | I have to agree the crankset is a little weak... | | Similar Products Used: | I tried them all before I bought the Rainier. Trek, Schwinn, Cannondale, Specialized, GT, Klein, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock. | | Bottom Line: | Get this bike. I visited probably a dozen shops in the area and even the competitions dealers said you can't beat the Rainier for value. It is a sweet ride-frame is nice and light, very responsive, and very fast!! :)
I would highly recommend this bike. Here's some hot peppers for ya! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Dayton, Ohio
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Avid Disc brakes,Marzocchi Z.5 Fork, | | Weaknesses: | Cheap cranks | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab 3,Trek 6500,Raleigh | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Thompson seastpost,XT cranks,Time ATAC clipless. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an excellent value. I did a lot of bike comparisons prior to purchase, and in my opinion there is not a better bike value in this price range. The Avid mechanical disc brakes made a big difference, and offset the cheaper crankset. I upgraded with Time clipless pedals and Shimano XT crankset. Not out of extreme neccessity, but personal preference and I found great deals on these. There is no other upgrade that I think the bike needs. I recommend this bike very highly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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