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Submitted by
aragon1253
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Gears Racing | | Strengths: | Indestructible, lots of travel, nice on downhill slopes and the brakes have good stopping power. | | Weaknesses: | Psylo shocks pisses oil, rock shox rear is too bobby. Also its a bit heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Kona Stinky, Stumpjumper, Slayer, Element 50.
I loved the Stumpjumper with the brain and the Element 50 was sweet. The GT with iDrive stock kicks the Giant. The Stink was no match for the AC2 | | Bike Setup: | I replaced the stock front shock after it bled to death with a Marzocchi Junior T and the rear Rock Shox with a Fox DHX 5.0 coil | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden this bike for years (model year 2000)and nearly killed myself a bunch of times but you just can't break the frame.
Each time something breaks I just upgrade it so now it's totally tricked except the Hayes breaks (still stock) and the rims. The bob is gone in the back with the Fox DHX5.0 coil and it rides like a totally different animal (now it climbs well and does not bob because of the pro pedal).
The stock bike with Psylo's needs a different shock and the Rock Shox Deluxe just bobs too much.
I love this bike but this is not a XC ride. It kills at crushing logs and taking abuse.
If you need to get new bearings or bushing kits to replace your Rock Shox Deluse then http://www.mountainbikecomponents.co.uk/ | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ekai
a Weekend Warrior
from fremont, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Boggs Demo Forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Versatile, all arounder-do it all | | Weaknesses: | Seat tube, bottom bracket constantly creaks | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler, FSR Enduro Extreme, others | | Bike Setup: | Talas 32 RLC, DHX 5 Air, Mavic crossmax, XT derailuers, Stock race face BB & cranks, FSA carbon stem & bar, Thomposn seatpost, WTB gel saddle, Salsa grips, Juicy 5's 7" rotors | | Bottom Line: | Ya, a little old school, climbs & pedals well in the 5 1/2" rear travel mode--too much bob & squishy ride in the 6 1/2" rear travel mode-but very plush. Climbs lousy in 6 1/2" mode. Neutral handling--no glaring faults. Seat tube seems to be the greatest weakness. Cranks almost always creak, but goes away with serving--maybe a Shimano set up would be better.I jump very little in quality & quantity, so being old school myself--I need to keep the rubber side down! I'm not sure I would trust it on medium to big air...its just a good competent all around bike-nothing out standing, but no glaring faults either. Works well at North Star, Tahoe, Skeggs, Boggs, Soquel, UCSC,etc--it does what I want to and that's all that matters---now if I can only get a new 2009 Intense VPP Tracer! It looks very appealing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
debusama
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane, Wa, Spokane
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Spoke n' Sport | | Strengths: | Good bike for the price, it did very well on descents. | | Weaknesses: | A lot of bob, even when adjusted for less travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar XC, Giant Acapulco, Giant trance X3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I used to do a lot of to hikes the tops of mountains, and then shooting down. I also do some cross-country riding. This was my first FS bike. It worked well for the mild DH riding I did, but I was surprised by how much power was absorbed by the rear shock. Lately, I’ve lost interest in downhill riding in favor of long XC rides, and I found the bike so cumbersome on the trails I like, that it was mostly just collecting dust while I took my old hardtail out on the trails. I’m now riding a XC designed FS bike that works much better for me. Overall, I think it was great when I used it for what it is designed (light freeride/downhill). It was not, however, the do-everything bike that I was hoping for. Overall, I’d say this is a perfect bike for a not so hardcore downhill rider, but if you do a little of everything, I’d go with something else. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jump49
a Weekend Warrior
from tamworth
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | my own | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | Very nice bike all around tall and short wheel base | | Weaknesses: | stock forks suck, need bigger disc in the back and make creaking noises alot(crank dont stay tight) | | Similar Products Used: | Tomac Six Shooter, Gary fisher King Fisher 2 | | Bike Setup: | stock Giant AC 2 | | Bottom Line: | put some boxxer world cup 200mm and a fox shock in the rear nice brakes and its a beautiful bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fuzzy
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Brook | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | 2005 AC
Hayes Hydro stop quick
WTB Laser V seat is good
Carbon seatpost & bars are nice addition
Not too heavy (my medium is about 35lbs with heavier pedals, grips and a different rear spring. | | Weaknesses: | Stock shock is sprung for a light rider with a 500lb spring - but you can get a new spring 800lb for less than $30 from Giant and this helps so much for heavier riders. With the 800lb spring the bike no longer acts like a pogo stick. I used to hate to take it on the street for more than 5 minutes because of pedal Bob. 800lb spring changes the shock and supports my 200lb frame.
Front Fork - lockout would have been nice, but they had to keep the price down at this point. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2005 AC medium frame except for: Oury Black Grips | | Bottom Line: | Great value in an all-mountain full suspension bike. For 2005 they put on mid level components and cut the price in half! I wish they still had this in their lineup (or something similar at around 1k) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from denver
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | paid in full | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | built up frame | | Strengths: | reasonable travel, geo, ect | | Weaknesses: | clicking noises, flex, frame strength concerns, annoying integrated headset. | | Similar Products Used: | none, this is my first decent fully | | Bike Setup: | this frame, marzocchi drop off 3 with z1 internals, saint cranks, hone shifters, hubs, brakes, rhinolite xl wheels | | Bottom Line: | its a decent beginner frame, the two shock positions make climbing a little better, but issues with frame strength make me a little apprehensive.
overall, a great bike to learn on, and a good all rounder, but not something to hammer on dh trails all day, every day | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OzBloke
a
from Australia
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | It's a great bike once you add your own personal touches | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Drop off triple, manitu three way, dice two six front wheel, sun rim mamoth fat rear wheel, and a lot of other stuff | | Bottom Line: | this is a really good bike i've had it for just over 2 years and it's still going strong. you can do downhill, freeride, and if your keen XC and an enduro event. (i given it an overall 5 'cause i like my setup.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabriel-Olivier Barrett
a Downhiller
from Montréal
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | someone | | Strengths: | all of this bike suck, but when you take the time to change parts it really does the job. Now my bike, i can say that is better than a kona stinky or all bike in this categories ! | | Weaknesses: | the rear shox is to soft but put an vanilla rc and you gotta see the difference. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | 66r bomber 05, mrp world cup, fox vanilla, sram x.7.... | | Bottom Line: | if you wanted a good bike whit a good price to build up its the perfect bike for you !!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Thredbo | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | ummmmm, customer service | | Weaknesses: | Everything, had problems with it all | | Similar Products Used: | K-mart bike | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Not good, save the money and buy something decent | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tyler
a Downhiller
from Grand Rapids Michigan USA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | State HosBital | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR | | Strengths: | strong, awesom at jumping, the 4 bar kicks a$$ | | Weaknesses: | it blows at drops | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky, kona coiler | | Bike Setup: | fox 40, fox DHX 5.0, XTR, E13, dt swiss wheelset (red) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is unbelievabel. I bought the bike for 1200 and only put 2000 more into it! I rip my friends Banshee Scream to pieces whith this Beyach. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Cox
a Weekend Warrior
from maleny, QLD, australia
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | local track plus what ever else i find and some street | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | beerwah cycles | | Strengths: | the good thing about this bike is its cheap as anything and has soft suspension with good parts. | | Weaknesses: | the suspension may be soft, but damn! i've bottomed it out at about 30cm, also i have a continuing problem wich i blame on giant for making the dropout out of aluminium! i've been through 5 in 4 months! | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | at the moment i can use it because its completly dead! but i'm workin on it | | Bottom Line: | well, although this bike breaks easily, has suspension thats to soft, and needs constant maintanance, i wouldnt go to anything else! and thats not just because i'm broke, as soon as i get it fixed and get new gear parts and a new rear spring it will be the best bike, it has awsome geometry and handles like a dream! i wouldnt want anything else for my level of riding, if your a beginer, this is where you should start! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from united states
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | private seller | | Strengths: | great suspention, Nice wide kenda tires that don't wear easily, good strong breaks, handles nice on down hills, can handle almost anything, takes jumps and drops like a champ, awesome free rider, it can do cross country riding too. and it looks hot | | Weaknesses: | grips wear out FAST, chain rings have large rivets that catch the chain and jam it up when you shift into a certain gear. slow on the up hills | | Similar Products Used: | Iron horse maverick trail, warrior trail. diamond back responce comp, gt aggressor | | Bike Setup: | stock freeride, with new chainrings | | Bottom Line: | heavy but good all around bike for free riding and some downhill. GET NEW CHAIN RINGS! if your looking to just ride cross country turain go with something lighter but if you want a bike you can push this is a good one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chow Ching mama ming your mom
a Downhiller
from The great wall China
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Your mom | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | outabounds | | Strengths: | nothing , this bike sucks | | Weaknesses: | Everything, it's heavy, ugly, cheap quality, cheap components and certainly isn't the best bang for your buck. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco sasquatch manik bigfoot ryde | | Bike Setup: | cheap frame design, weak and serious rattling sounds | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a piece of #$%@&! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedro Luis Lopez
a Cross Country Rider
from Mendoza, Argentina
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Frias y Divisadero | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Tengo la AC2, 2003. Las siguientes vinieron con otro equipamento de menor calidad. Las fortalezas son su agilidad, versatilidad, un caño realmente!!!. Si bien el RockShock Psylo XC w/Tullio and U-Turn, 3-5" travel por ahi es un poco blando, es manejable cuando te acostumbras y lo piloteas bien. El Manitou Swinger coil w/4-Way adjustmenent, es espectacular. | | Weaknesses: | Por ahi, cuando sales con Hardtails de compañeros se pone pesada hacia arriba. | | Bottom Line: | Es una bicicleta sin igual. Una lastima que Giant no haya seguido con la linea de componentes por su precio y los siguientes años la abarato tanto que la calidad es incomparable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Albert, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | USED | | Strengths: | Good all-round bike. Dial down the travel for pedalling around the city, dial it up for downhill. Frame is strong enough. I bought it used, and it had taken some abuse before I got it. I weight 230lbs, and have done 4-6' drops, no problems yet. | | Weaknesses: | Not an XC racer, not a pure freeride or dh bike. This is a strength though if you're stuck to just one bike | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Giant AC 2, Rockshox pro deluxe rear shock, 2005 Manitou Sherman Flick fork, mavic 321 wheels, shimano xt hubs, shimano deore hyraulic brakes, race face cranks, FSA platinum dh bb, e.13 DRS chainguide, xt derailures. Total weight of 39lbs in current configuration. | | Bottom Line: | Handles pretty good on the DH/freeride, pretty good for xc (I have raced it xc). As you can tell, there is little stock on this bike, except the rear shock, which has been rebuilt. If you want a bike dedicated for a purpose (xc or advanced dh/freeride) don't get this bike. If you can only have one bike and want a bike that does a little of everything, it's a good pick. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Finny
a Weekend Warrior
from W.A
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | red hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | great frame, not that bad components for the price,can be used for almost everything. | | Weaknesses: | since this is an 06 AC the rear shock can be compared to a pogo stick which makes it difficult uphils, and the stances are extremely flexy. | | Similar Products Used: | warp DS 1 | | Bike Setup: | manitou 6 way up back, rest is stock plan on upgrading. | | Bottom Line: | the frame to my knowlege is the same as the 04's,and the bike is good for the money and rides well on the down hill it's not bad for moderate freeding. But you get what you pay for and if looking for a true freeride/downhill bike look else where. It can be upgraded to be a good alround bike for everything but that takes a bit of cash. But it is still great bang for buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Summit NJ
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Moab and Fruita | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Union City Cycle | | Strengths: | Great components and parts, pretty light frame. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing Yet. Great components and parts, pretty light frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rincon(Tricked out) Cannondale Rush Trex Fuel EX70 Kona Kikapu Deluxe | | Bike Setup: | All stock except candy pedals and new 8inch rotor in front | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
erik
a Cross Country Rider
from fremont, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike,Stockton | | Strengths: | Very versatile, plush with coil suspension set-up, this thing rips | | Weaknesses: | Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | FSR Enduro's, FSR XC's Mongoose NX (9)?, Heckler, Yeti ASR | | Bike Setup: | '06 Talas RLS (130mm), '06 RP3, Juicy 5 x 200mm, cabon bar, stock Race Face BB & crank/gears, Shimano XT rear set-up, Mavic 823 rims x XT hubs | | Bottom Line: | Found this bike collecting dust in a shop--paid $900 after rebate, stock products--Psylo XC was horribly mismatched to Mantiou 4-way Swinger w/SPV--tossed those & POS Hayes hydro's for Juicy 5's. Even Avid mechanical's work better than Hayes hydros, anyway, the bike is down to about 32LBS. The Fox updates really helped reduce weight, increase performance and climbing. This bike rips!!! it now exceeds my abilities--being over 50 with diminishing eyesight doesn't help, but...nice all around bike, works great at North Staar & Downeville too. 5 Chili's for original purchase, upgrades reduce it to 4 Chili'es, 4 Chili's for overall, because no bike is perfect! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Nickell
a Downhiller
from redding, ca united states
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | power lines | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1075.00 | | Purchased At: | chaingang bikeshop | | Strengths: | suspension, quality, brakes | | Weaknesses: | fork, and how soft the suspension is. but thats about it | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i love it. its the best bike ive ever had. but ive always had crappy bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Kozak
a Downhiller
from Kitimat, B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Skeletor/Greenwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | traded for HT frame | | Strengths: | the ability to suck up everything and then being able to pedal home. and pretty much everythin else. | | Weaknesses: | i hate the way the frame looks, the interrupted seat tube looks ugly. inergrated head set cups. and stock rear Rock Shox Pro deluxe is apparently weak though i have yet to have a problem with it | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky, rocky mountain rm6 | | Bike Setup: | 01 AC-2, 04 marz Z-150 fork, Hayes Mags brakes | | Bottom Line: | awsome frame that is perfect for the do all kinda rider that loves to ride north shorish stuff then be able to ride Dj or skatepark right after | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke Gambin
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | none, because im crap | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Strengths: | nothing | | Weaknesses: | everything | | Similar Products Used: | norco sasquatch and Gitane Hammer, they rock compared to my piece of crap!! | | Bike Setup: | Stock because its crap | | Bottom Line: | Do not purchase this bike because it sucks. i am quitting mtb riding because i had a little crash. i cant sell it and ive been trying for 2 weeks at $150. if i dont sell it i will try to find the courage to get back on it. please dont buy this bike. im now looking for a little girls bike to ride because im a nancy boy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david bro
a Weekend Warrior
from western australia
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | canning mills rd | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1189.00 | | Purchased At: | tbe | | Strengths: | great crank, shifters work awsome, manitou stance forks are unbreakable who gives a crap about the seals aslong as the fork still works, great price | | Weaknesses: | i had to replace the bearings in the suspension twice. the first set lasted about 1 month, giant got some new ones costing me $40 they lasted about 1 week so i went to the local bearing shop and purshaced some brand name bearings for $20 and they are working fine. the frame isnt crash hot either the welds on the chain stays cracked but that was under the giant warrenty. yea they call it a free ride bike, i ask the guy at the bike shop wat is free ride? anything under 3foot he says. out of the 4 months i have had the bike it has spent 2 months in the bike shop getting repaired. only the weekends the bike was thrashed and during the week i rode it to skool | | Bike Setup: | upgraded the forks to drop off triples which were only on the bike for one morning before it was off to the bike shop. the rest of the bike is standed | | Bottom Line: | if u are looking for a bike to get in to the sport. do not use the bike for any drops it will not last. make the most use of the 12 month warrenty as soon as that is ova sell the bike. if u are going to do big drops and wateva get some thing a bit stronger and some thing that will be more reliable. for wat the bike is ment for it is great it can easy handle 3 foot drops | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
timmo coxy
a Downhiller
from qld, aus
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | local motor-bike and 4wd track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | beerwah cycles | | Strengths: | well, i find that even though i havnt had this ike for long at all, the suspension is sumwhat superb, it takes jumps like a dream, gears almost perfect exept for a slight problem i caused, brakes are sweet as, a beautiful bike, looks sexy | | Weaknesses: | well, i've stuffed the gears, its quiet difficult up hill, comin from a hard tail its not easy to get up there but its garenteed to make it. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | if you want a bike thats good for jumps and fairly rough downhill, then go hard for this bike, not one to fail, and if you hear that the 06 model isnt that good, you've herd wrong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Ciarniello
a Downhiller
from British Columbia
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the west nile | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Suncoast Cycles | | Strengths: | very plush, strong frame, adjustable travel | | Weaknesses: | the fork mainly. i have the 2005 version and the fork is to short in my opinion. i upgraded the stock manitou splices for manitou stance kingpins and the set up is much nicer. also the cranks are a little on the weak side, so i upgraded them from the stock truvative ISO Flow to hussefelts which, again, seems to work much better. | | Similar Products Used: | other cheap full suspension bikes, old norco katmandu | | Bike Setup: | 2005 giant AC, stock except for:Manitou Stance Kingpin fork, truvative hussefelt cranks and bb, mosh pedals, and a blackspire bashring | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike for free rididing and downhill riding at an awesome price. its comfortable at high speed as well as manouverable on logrides and in the air. be prepaired to upgrade some of the stock parts to make it more free ride/downhill oriented if thats your preference. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Helensville, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | woodhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1025.00 | | Purchased At: | Freeridin', Huapai, NZ | | Strengths: | Really well specced entry level freeride bike... | | Weaknesses: | The front Manitou Stance Blunt forks don't seem to work as well as they should. | | Similar Products Used: | Apart from small tests of friends' bikes, none. | | Bike Setup: | Standard 19" AC 06: Dark green, Manitou Stance Blunt f fks, Giant Coil rear susp, 2005 ALUXX frame, Alivio frond der, Sram x4 rear der, Truvativ Husselfelt cranks, Hayes Sole Hydraulic w 6" rotors, Easton bars and seatpost, SDG Belair saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is an AC 06, but after wondering why I couldn't find the exact AC spec at mtbr.com and in the mags, I realised it has only been released in Australasia (check Giant's website for details) as an entry level freeride bike. Giant are obviously using them to get rid of old 2005 parts stock but that is NO BAD THING as it means you get an incredibly good value setup. A lot of entry level bikes costing a lot more don't have kit this good; the brakes are awesome, the gears shift effortlessly every time and straight out of the box it takes 4' drops with ease. Bear in mind that I've only been riding for a couple of months, I can only imagine how good it will be when I get better at riding it. And it looks cool too ! I can't see how you could improve on the value, but as the front forks don't seem to work too well I've knocked the overall back to 4. It weighs a bit more than an XC bike but has no problem pedalling up hills. If you're new to the sport and want to get a great bike without spending a fortune, get one ! (as long as you live Down Under, that is). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dustin
a Downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Awesome bike at doing slightly more downhill than uphill. Better than my giant atx DH for downhill riding, Still guite good for going back up the hill. Can use chain guide or all 3 rings. | | Weaknesses: | The psylo forks, especially if you want to do a lot of downhill riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant atx dh, sasquatch | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, awesome value for money, you cant buy a better bike for the money, better than other brands that are simmilar and cost more! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a Downhiller
from Pollock Pines,ca. usa
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | strong. Adjustable angles. | | Weaknesses: | s tube. limits seat height adjustment. the fix is a telescopic seat post. $40. | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit | | Bike Setup: | 8" hayes. hayes hugi dt hubs. 6" sherman 20mm axle 04 ac2 frame bought new. | | Bottom Line: | Its a good all mountain -freeride bike. Freeride. ok not extreme freeride not dh not xc, The other guys talking about 8 foot drops need to buy a real dh bike. for that. I am sick of hearing how people by a bike made for trail riding and go Bender on it. I have a Tomac 204 magnum with a monster t and front and rear 24 on 3.0 gazzi's and do my big dropping on that. This bike is about riding up to the top of a mountain with out a shuttle. then dropping the seat and switching the suspension to long travel and bomb down. The bike is a comprismise between DH and xc . It works well for its intended use. I enjoy mine. I rode it yesterday at Mr toads wide ride and climb up to 9000 good and decended fast and took some nice air off logs and boulders. I would have liked a 1.5 head tube and a straight seat tube. but not to big a deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1181.00 | | Purchased At: | Sporting Life Bikes | | Strengths: | I have the 05 model. The bike is pretty strong and can handle most stuff i use it for. its got pretty good components and is pretty manuverable. | | Weaknesses: | The forks: Manitou Splice, they arent very strong and bottom out at about 5-6 foot drops. The crankset is creaking and breaking after 5 months of daily rides including drops, downhill,etc. | | Similar Products Used: | kona coiler, khs am-1000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new pedals and yeti hardcore grips. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is very good for cross-country and freeride. I'm yet to take it for a day of downhill. Its a fun bike to learn the basics of freeride and downhill on. Im going to change the crankset to a race face evolve dh set, change the fork to probably a shermin slider plus, and get a fox rear shock. Other than that, if ur beginner or intermediate buy this bike and ride ride ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cameron lydall
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, On, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | kanata lakes | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Fresh Air Experience | | Strengths: | Great all-round bike...not too heavy and it's given me the confidence to try some drops and ride terrain that I might not have otherwise tried on my hardtail...this is a review for the AC3 actually but there isn't any spot for that... | | Weaknesses: | a bit of phantom shifting but nothing a good tune-up won't fix...cranks maybe...no problems yet with the psylo fork, though I'm not too heavy... | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Vertex 30 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | so far I'm really happy with this bike, and for the price it's great! For anyone wanting to get into freeride or aggressive cross-country riding on a budget you could do worse than the AC3! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin pabinquit
a Downhiller
from morro bay,CA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | rock garden | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | does 6' with ease,great for skinys and ladders | | Weaknesses: | sucks eggs at turning | | Similar Products Used: | gt ruckus, big hit a and Q | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | i rented this bike at northstar, because my bike broke the day before. this bike is awsome it handles every thing you can through at it besides berms and tite terns. awsome for beginers who are getting into downhill and freeride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Gipson
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | what ever i can find | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Georges Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Nice choice of components for the most part, good rear shock (unlike 05's AC). Actually pedals uphill really easy (only when sitting down though). Does drops like a dream. Confidence inspiring for newbies (me being one). Does downhill quite nicely | | Weaknesses: | Even though the Hayes discbrakes are great for the most part, they seem to be rubbing a bit when i first got the bike but nothing a quick shift around couldn't fix. One time dropped off an 8 stair and the shock started making funny noises after that, probably because my mate was tinkering around with it before hand (nothing serious happend to the shock just sounds a little weird now, gonna get it checked out). One major fault from Giant's behalf was making that "S Bend" behind the shock. I've read lots of horror stories and saw the pics where the frames just totally crack and snap there(nothing happend to me though, *YET!!*) probably because of huckers who think its made of steel or something but STILL they should have left it straight like all the other freeriders like it. | | Similar Products Used: | '05 Giant DH Comp | | Bike Setup: | Dead stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for beginners. Mid skilled riders upward should probably look for something like a Banshee Chapparal or something stronger for the big drops, but still a fantastic bike for what you pay for. *WORD OF ADVICE* Dont get the 05 AC because the rear shock is plain crap compared to the AC2, plus that ones for someone a but more on a budget. The AC2 will be riding with me for years to come (till i can afford a nice Banshee Scream frame for the bike!). Another *WORD OF ADVICE* You should probably get a front fender on because the fat ass tires flick up dirt and crap all over your face and in your shoes and it's bloody annoying (no design fault though just knobby ass tires) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Weekend Warrior
from kelowna bc
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | paint is a pleasant enough colour | | Weaknesses: | Suggested reading for would-be Giant owners: Chris King's diatribe against integrated headsets:
http://www.chrisking.com/tech/int_headsets_explained/int_hds_explain_1.html
I'm not an expert in headsets but if you're going to buy in then you'd better know something about them. btw the article is from 2002
Also: downgrade to 3-way shock. Firefly is excellent but a 5" fork on 6.5" frame is clearly just a stopgap until a 6" Firefly comes out for '05 - should have spec'ed Z150 or had the foresight to weld on a 1.5" headtube. Riding position way too stretched out with the seat up because of rearward tilt of seat tube
| | Similar Products Used: | Gemini 2000, G-spot, Coiler DeeLux | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Understand integrated, accept or reject King, check riding position before you spend the money
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tomitch
a Downhiller
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Jeans Crack | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Riders Cyclery | | Strengths: | Everything about this bike is strong. It rides like a dream and never shys away from a descent. Although I don't like going uphill too much, she takes me there without any fuss. | | Weaknesses: | The actual product has not shown any weakness as yet. When I first rode the bike it suffered a several flaws due to poor assembly. Screws falling out, bits loose, poor deraileur alignment - silly stuff. Once I went over the whole bike myself, tightening and refitting all componants, I have no problems since. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DH Team, Giant ATX 880 | | Bike Setup: | Factory plus Sigma wireless computer and Blackspire Dewlie. | | Bottom Line: | Outstanding machine that rocks. Should come with a manufacturer chain device fitted as standard. This beast will improve your confidence and have you riding like a demon in no time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
toby
a Weekend Warrior
from brisbane, queensland, australia
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | whites hill reserve | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3600.00 | | Purchased At: | riders cyclery | | Strengths: | awesome shocks, hayes hfx 9's stop the beast quickly, great freeride rig | | Weaknesses: | i have had my bike for about 6 weeks, yet it has managed to break about 4 times and cost me an additional $200, (hayes lever trouble) | | Similar Products Used: | raliegh, poor bike compared to the ac2 | | Bike Setup: | stock, except new platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | even though it has has a few breakages, it has been a great bike for downhill and freeride expecially, it can handle the odd 4 foot drop with no dramas, i have found that as long as the bike stayes uprght on it's 2 wheels it seems indestructable.if u have $3600 to spare then go and get one, it wont be regreted. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KRS A
a Weekend Warrior
from Abq, NM
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Sandia Peal | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | No other bike in this price range will stack up to the AC2. I shoppped around and Giant had the best deal going. Manitou SPV front and rear, Hayes discs, Xt components, Time pedals, RaceFace cranks. What more could you ask for 2gs. | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Gemini (can u say brake jack?) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for XT cassette (swapped due to poor reviews on SRAM cassette)
Lizard skins chainstay protector | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. It climbs very well. I don't even notice that its a 35lb rig, and it descends hella fast. The Manitou SPV suspension is the shiznit. No bobbing while pedaling up hill, and nice and plush while bombing down. The suspension really builds confidence and the bike wants to fly off every jump. I can't wait to hit the lifts this summer.
The Hayes brakes have takin a beating here on MTBR but they work great so far, awesome modulation. Lets hope I got a good set.
If you're looking for a great do-it-all bike look no farther than the AC2. It's not big name but it's got all the ability you need. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a Downhiller
from Marquette, Michigan
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | $2200 | | Strengths: | Great componets and a fairly light frame. This bike is great for xc and downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Havent found any as of yet, though the rear break moans now that ive riden it for a while. It hasnt happened to me yet, but i keep hearing rumors of the fram breaking at the S-bend where the seat post goes. FYI | | Bike Setup: | Stock excetp i switched the shifters out for SRAM X9's and the same for the rear deraileur. I also put some Azonic platform pedals on too. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first dualie and it is great. everything on this bike is solid and ready to rock on the trails, whether it be hucking or just xc. The manitou shocks are very nice with all of the adjustments available and having the option of switching the rear travel from 6.6" to 5.3" is nice also. This bike has given me much more confidence in my riding and has helped me do larger drops. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Boy Truck
a Weekend Warrior
from Seoul, Korea (By way of Fl)
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Weight, pedaling, brakes, shocks, basically everything | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Hardrock Comp, Scott YZ2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Topeaks Wireless computor | | Bottom Line: | There is no place to post a review for the AC3. This bike is great, it peadals better than my Hardtail, and has taken everything I have thrown at it. I have taken it off 4 ft drops, and it has taken it all. It excels as a UAB as I have no problem w/stairs or anything in it's path. It has inspired me and given me confidence to do things I would never have done on my other bikes. I'm a big guy @ 220 and have never bottomed out the DJ3 shocks. The Hayes brakes stop on a dime with the big 8in up front. There is very little bobbing when going up hill. The Scorpion Airlight tires are not the best when going over hardpack, they perform better in loose. they actually roll better on paved than in the dirt, going to change them out w/ some Kenda Kinetics or WTB Motoraptors. If you want a great FR bike that you can peddle uphill as well, this is the bike for you; if you're just going to ride you're local flat trail,or stay on road, then go buy the NRS1 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Springwood
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mt buller | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | Great feel - very comfortable ride. Love the ease of adjustability with both front & rear shocks. It means you can shift between XC and downhill settings depending on the type of trail. The SPV also makes a big difference to pedalling efficiency. The tires are fat and give you more control and confidence on steep corners, but obviously make the uphills a bit powerless (gives you a chance to build leg power). | | Weaknesses: | Nothing really - the brakes were noisy initially, but after a few good rides they adjust well. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR5000 | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | This is a beefy bike! It will handle some tough trails with no problems. Well worth a try. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neil
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, ACT, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Outside dam track Majura, Colorado Trail Durango | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shed | | Strengths: | This is a good solid bike, the Sherman fork is good (I like the Lock out for climbing) it pedals well with the rear shock. This is a good all round trail bike and so far I've been really happy with it. If you ride slowly up and along the flat but love bombing down this is a great bike. | | Weaknesses: | The Hayes brakes need regular adjustment to stop them rubbing but its more noise than actual brake effect so isn't much of an issue.
Giant claim they have increased the rear travel from the 2003 AC bikes to 6.5" all of the websites and catalogues say this yet when I picked up my bike from the store its identical to last years with 6.3" rear travel marked on the rear swing arm, I have no problem with the amount of travel it has, though its a little odd to advertise a change and not include it. I'd love a Giant Rep to explaing why this happened? | | Similar Products Used: | Ethos, Kona. I'd be very happy to own the Ethos but the price of a custom dualie kept me out of that market. | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Really nice bike, I'm very happy with it. For anyone who wants to bomb down and is happy to take it easy on the way up this bike does it well.
If there is a Giant Rep out there send me an e-mail about the rear travel thing... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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