Submitted by
GabrielGF
a Downhiller
from Sao_Sebastian Date Reviewed: May 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Black rock
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
2006
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Nome that i found.
Similar Products Used:
V-10, stab, sunday, glory, transition etc
Bike Setup:
stock Faith 1 with juicy 7.
Bottom Line:
This bike rides well on every track that i rode does all, pedal, corner, jump, brakes much better than hype and expensives other DH rigs. Good bike indeed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giftofthenile89
a Downhiller
from Scottsdale,AZ Date Reviewed: February 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
NRA Pit-Mesa,AZ
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Local Dealer
Strengths:
Very Strong Frame! i have managed to endo this bike on a 25ft double, Nothing happened to the bike, i wasn't so lucky.
No pedal bob,
8" of travel, (feels like a pillow).
MAESTRO suspension! (Brilliant)
Looks Real Good Going Of A Cliff!
Weaknesses:
UMMMMM.....
Similar Products Used:
Kona,Mongoose,Marin.....
Bike Setup:
Juicy 7 are a must 8" rotors,
SRAM x9 Derailleur
And some meaty Tires 2.5, don't know if 3 fits.
Bottom Line:
Get this bike 5 out of 5 hands down......
You won't be disappointed
Built for big drops, Huge air, And all out crazy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BigAirGar1
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington,Ont, Canada Date Reviewed: February 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Boundry
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Silent Sport
Strengths:
Reliability, pedaling efficiency, beautiful-sexy, great spec, always draws a crowd. Totally conficence inspiring.
Weaknesses:
Little heavy but once you get her going it does not impact speed or performance. KILLER !!!
Similar Products Used:
V10, Demo 9, Super V, Nomad, Foes, Titus Motolite.
You can not be dissapointed. If are a heavier aggressive rider this is a homerun. Keep up with your XC buddies and rock th GNARL and HITS when they present themselves.
Going to be sorry to see her go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bigairgar
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington,Ont, Canada Date Reviewed: February 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Boundry
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Silent Sport
Strengths:
Rock solid, stable, pedals incredibly well. Fantastics OEM spec, price, overall best do everything bike I have owned.
Weaknesses:
Weight 42lbs as spec'd.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V, Giant Ac1, Nomad, Titus Motolite, Demo 8, Foes, V10.
Bike Setup:
Many upgrades to most items. 66rc, Fox DH4, XO troughout, Raceface controls, Hadley rear hub (best upgrade) Mavic 729' Complete XO controls. Maxxis, Hayes.
Bottom Line:
My 42lbs do everthing bike. When my friends bail the Faith steps up and gets her done. Smooth, precise, comfortable (i ride our 50 km Epic on this front of the pack)
Frame geometry and design flawless. Does way more then this bike should with grace. Truly a confidence insipring bike you will not be dissapointted owning at a phenomenal value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cootamundo
a Downhiller
from cumbria england Date Reviewed: January 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
ae forest
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
palace cycles
Strengths:
awesome bike never let me down just takes evrything i can throw it off. and is even nice to pedal considering its a downhill rig.
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy but i can keep up with a lot of cross contry lads on much lighter bikes than my giant.
Similar Products Used:
glory dh, norco a line and kona stinky.
Bike Setup:
boxxer team forks, fox dhx4 rear shock, diabolus cranks, stem & seatpost, hope bulbs, ex 729 rims, hope bottom bracket, spank royala 50 stick bars, xt shadow rear mech, xt front mech, xt shifters, hope mono 6ti front break, mono m4 rear break all with breaded hoses, e thirteen chain device, sram pg990 cassete, sdg tiger seat and dmr v12s
Bottom Line:
i saw the frame in a catalogue loved it baught it and graduly built it up over about 6 months and i havent seen or rode another bike that is as good of an allrounder i love it get 1 you wont regret it!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbrider549
a Downhiller
from gorham me Date Reviewed: November 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
ernies cycle shop
Strengths:
holy iv'e only had this bike for 3 weeks and it handles extremely well i got it used the guy who had it before me only used it for 1 season ridden 8 times
Weaknesses:
The weight is the only somewhat downside to this bike but that doesn't matter when ur going DH
Similar Products Used:
not any all my last bikes were crap
Bike Setup:
full suspension fox 4.0 racing rear shock sram hydrolic disc brakes
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best it can handle anything as a free ride bike its the best iv'e ridden in a while anyone who needs a good free ride bike with good suspension this is it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Betweentheshadows
a Downhiller
from N Wales Date Reviewed: October 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Foel Gasnach, UK bike park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Strengths:
It manouvers and corners brilliantly, there is a trick where you flip the shock plates which lowers the bb and slackening the headangle therefore making it more stable at higher speeds and better in the corners email me if you want instructions. Rear shock is very responsive and is very easy to set up so you can fiddle with the settings and find your perfect set up with ease! After two years the barings are still fine so no problems there, although when you do replace them there are quite a few to replace.
Weaknesses:
I've been riding this for almost two years and the only problem i can think of is the weight but that isn't exactly a huge problem it still manouvers and handles just as well if not better than some top of the range dh bikes
Similar Products Used:
Muddy Fox team descent2, i've ridden a lot of my mates bikes (solid mission 9, orange 222/223 and more)and im not sure if its just that im used to my setup but i prefer the good old faith.
Bike Setup:
I purchased the frame only and built it up from there. Boxxer race 07,Fox dhx4, Saint cranks, xt shifter/rear mech, hayes strokers, ex721 rims on pro2s, funn stem/deiti bars, NS pedals
Bottom Line:
For the price i don't think there is a better dh bike It's reliable, strong and fun to ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
racer109
a Weekend Warrior
from Temecula, CA USA Date Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mammoth Mtn
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Used Ebay
Strengths:
Solid frame, well-balanced, plush suspension all around
Weaknesses:
Weight for those that want to pedal back up (45 lbs.)
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky, Pro-flex, SC Bullit, XC bikes and motocross
This bike rocks! It certainly inspires confidence and can get you through sections you wouldn't think are possible. Giant's suspension design is incredably stable at any speed. The only thing that will hold back this bike is the rider's ability. I highly recommend it if you have chairlift or shuttle access.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Viper X
a Downhiller
from Durham, England Date Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
fort bill uci dh
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
Frame is STRONG! Bought it as a frame and have built it up hence amazing price...BUY THIS BIKE!! Maestro is awesome 2..absorbs everything like my grans home made cake.
Weaknesses:
Slightly heavy, but which self respecting downhiller actually cares?!
Similar Products Used:
VP Free, tested a glory
Bike Setup:
Here we go...totems, hope V2s, dhx 5, monkeylite DH, deity cranks, e13 drs, easton seatpost, WTB saddle, minion tyres, halo sas rims, x9
Bottom Line:
OMG BUY THIS BIKE!!!!!! The maestro really is as good as giant say...i was testing a glory but am so glad i got the faith, it looks so much sicker than any other bike and personally the faith kicks the arses off both the vp free and the glory. Why giant stopped the faith god knows, it rox my sox. When i had the vp free, i thought i had the god of bikes but then i got the faith and it is AWESOME!! It takes the biggest hucks with ease, and many a time i have been chased for riding where i shouldnt and every time the faith is too fast!! just dont use it on climbs too much if u like your heart, but then again why would any good rider wanna climb? Downhillers but it!!
Buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wookierider1992
a Downhiller
from england Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008
sick
looks awesome
amazing bike i would recoment it to anyone
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aachamp
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blood Donor
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
private sale
Strengths:
Beautiful geometry and the maestro linkage is genius. Bike handles well and corners very easily at high and low speeds. Nice touch with the raceface components. Great value. Feels small and nimble for an 8 inch "downhill" bike. The 66 is a nice fit. Comes off drops smooth and takes jumps nicely and feel real solid and flickable in the air. Excellent pedaler and feels in control on skinnies. Looks slick.
Weaknesses:
Wheels could have been nicer and the Hayes nines are a joke.
Similar Products Used:
Banshee Scream, Norco A-Line, RMX, Kona Stinky, Santa Cruz Bullit.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded the breaks to Hope and changed the front wheel to a syncros on a hadley. Everything else is stock.
Bottom Line:
Excellent all around bike. It jumps, descends, drops, rips and shreds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Housman
a Downhiller
from Oswestry Date Reviewed: January 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bringewood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
local shop.
Strengths:
light(well, light for a dh bike!) strong, super plush sus, good geomatry, everything really!!!
Weaknesses:
nothing i can think of(my frame has a tiny crack in the seat mast, but its not all the way through, im not even sure its a crack(the previous owner was 15stone, and ride xc on it with the saddel at its highest!)
Similar Products Used:
specialized bit hit(2002, 2003, 2006) giant team dh.
Bike Setup:
2006 faith 1, 2006 boxxer wc's(tf tuned), avid juicy 5's, w/203mm roters. fox dhx4 rear shock, mavic rear ex721 rim on gusset 150 dozen hub, front spesh hub on sun sos rim, truvativ hussefelt cranks&bars, x9 gears.
Bottom Line:
a great dh bike! at first i thought the faith was a freeride bike, because of the gromatry, but with a 203mm fork, the head angle(i find) is slacker than a giant team dh, specialized big hit 2, 02 spesh big hit dh, ect. pedals really well, build on my bike is a good weight, ireally couldent ask for a better race bike!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Cairns Date Reviewed: January 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Thredbo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Strengths:
Its got a nice suspension set up, the single crown 66 have plenty of travel and i wouldnt bother getting triples, the juicy 5's are awesome and its one of the best looking bikes around.
Weaknesses:
I had to change a few things : the chain kept comming off so i changed it to one sproket at the front and tried to put on a E-Thirteen but it wouldnt fit. I ended up using a Black Spire which works just as well for around the same price. It also came with Kenda Blue grove tyres that i dont like becasue the two soft for my riding style.
Similar Products Used:
Specilised Bighit 3, Kona Stab/Stinky
Bike Setup:
Suspension: Front - Marzocchi Bommer 66 rc. Rear - Fox 4.0 Race Face Cranks (Awesome) Juicy 5 (Smooth
Bottom Line:
Great bike.. If you can get one do... Ive had no problems and there the best looking bike around...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Mair
a Downhiller
from Scotland Date Reviewed: November 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Fort william UCI downhill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
winstanleysbikes.com
Strengths:
made a few upgrades nice ride Great geomeotry all round nice bike
Weaknesses:
no outstanding weakness maybe slightly heavy but you wont notice it bombing down fort bill
Similar Products Used:
norco atomic,cove G-Spot, specialized Big hit3,
Bike Setup:
dhx4.0 MZ 888 rc2x mavic 729's full sram x-0 carbon set up hope moto v2's e13 chain guide race face diablus cranks bottom bracket funn "full-on" bars
Bottom Line:
Ace bike takes huge nocks like nothing else ive tried makes fort bils track seem like a newly tarred road
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giant Faith 1
a Downhiller
from Aurora CO USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Keystone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super flickable Super fun Super sexy Super smooth
Weaknesses:
Heavy and with the 2005 Marzocchi 66 rc fork the front wheel drifts like hell.
Similar Products Used:
Giant AC Yeti ASX
Bike Setup:
Shimano XT shadow RD, the factory spec is awesome.
Bottom Line:
You can find these bikes for under $2000 and if you do buy it immediately. Since buying this bike I have had nothing but a blast. Whether I am on an XC trail blowing past guys in spandex to bombing down my favorite dh/fr trail this bike just goes, no questions. The faster you go the better is gets. Rock Gardens have become like marshmallows gardens. I simply point the bike where I want to go and it will do it with ease. Stability is amazing and the bike is glued to the ground at all speeds. Hitting this jump with way too much speed I completely missed the landing and landed to flat from 9 feet above! It felt like going of a curb on a hard tail.
Pictures do not do this bike justice you must see and ride it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jan Meyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: April 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Oxford Falls
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Second Hand
Strengths:
Solid, sexy frame with really good components all round. This is the Ausie spec Faith 1 (06) which is slightly different from the US one. Juicy 5's are unbelievable, 66RC2 is plush and solid, DHX 4.0 is plush and solid, X.9 shifts beautifully and the chain device is heaven sent.
Weaknesses:
... mmm... Standard grips are a bit weak. I like thick grips but not a biggy.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Faith 2 (06), Norco Team DH (04), Kona Dawg (05)
Bike Setup:
Standard + new bad ass grips + Truvatic Holzfeller cranks and Howitzer bottom bracket. Some new pedals as the originals were a bit worn by previous owner. 550 spring.
Bottom Line:
GREAT bike! Awesome for pretty much anything except riding long hills, but who the hell would buy a bike like this for that?! Takes big drops with ease, jumps ramps easily, pretty fast bike and lots of control. I highly recommend it. The faith 2 is nice as well, but the specs on this makes it so much more worth it. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
amam
a Downhiller
from Kiev, Ukraine Date Reviewed: April 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
DH FR DJ
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
local dealer
Strengths:
> suspension. ride anything you want. any drops and trail it flies very stable but rides very manoeuvrable. suspension eats all. it's really so good as THEY promised > design!!!!!!!!!!!!!! > some good parts on stock > pathos
Weaknesses:
> really heavy one > VERY BAD TIRES! i hate them > no chainguide on stock > not sure about single crown fork. i like it yet but not everyone will be glad > rear derauler cable eyes made ok only for sram. it allways ravels out and fractures on my shimano >hubs are absolutely crap!!! rear should be changed ASAP >i don't like dropouts. my axle slipped out several times. you should tight axle very hard!
Similar Products Used:
norco shore and scott high octane tested
Bike Setup:
almost stock but with avid j5, XTR RD, truvativ chainguide changed pedals and rear hub. they was really crap
Bottom Line:
This is my second review actually. after half year riding this thing i should say that IM HAPPY. due to this bike my level rised a lot i think. i can easily make a drops that i never dreamed before. i took fourth place on our local DH contest against 23th half year before. i really love it and know only few really cool and expensive bikes which i like as much as faith. im talking about SC vp-free and iron horse sunday
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fernando Monyax
a Downhiller
from Argentina Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007
Submitted by
BM
a Downhiller
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: February 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
If this bike were not already called "Faith", I would have dubbed it "Bike without weakness", or something like that.
Weaknesses:
Hmmm...nope, there aren't any.(Disclaimer: ok, even though Maestro is so Harmonious, and the 66 is so elegant, and the frame is so shiny, this bike is somewhere above 40lbs. So save your self a heart attack and use the lift. If, for some odd reason, you like climbing, see Reign X.)
Similar Products Used:
Tested Trek Session 77, then I laid my eyes on this...
Bike Setup:
Stock + DB barend caps + e.thriteen srs + saint mid-cage(not suggested, by the way)
Bottom Line:
Have you ever passed up a group of road bikes - albeit a group of rather sport class road bikes, but road bikes all the same - on a DH rig before? Chances are your answer is no. This is not to say that this shiny, confidence inspiring, bump eating, air seeking, spead machine should be used for commuting. It is to confirm that Maestro is, in fact, harmonious. (note: this exceptional cycling feat must pay some tribute to the rolling efficiency of the great Holly Roller)
Now, on to real freeriding. The sensation of super-human freeriding powers felt when strattling this beast must be akin to that which Spider Man must feel when he is about to entrust his unsplattered existence to the fibers of his web. Upon landing, the forgiving, almost loving, (and exceptionally elegant) 66 rc2x matched with the DHX 4.0, make you wonder what could ever have caused those pre-jump/drop/jib/hip/drift/dead sailor/casage qualms.
The bottom line is: if you love FR/DH, do not necessarily live very close to ski resorts, think that the 66 is elegant, like a good deal, have apposable thumbs, and like shiny metal, the Faith (now the Glory, which is not shiny) is for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave hunt
a Weekend Warrior
from auckland new zealand Date Reviewed: December 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
51
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
freeride n
Strengths:
super plush. awesome bump , gap and drop eating ability. best cornering. awesome dh freeride weapon.
Submitted by
bum head
a Weekend Warrior
from kamloops Date Reviewed: December 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
harper, monte, whistler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
pinkbike
Strengths:
really plush, corners nicely, cheap for what you get.
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
devinci, bighit
Bike Setup:
06 faith 1, race face everything, syncros rims, magura brakes
Bottom Line:
buy this bike. do it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
amam
a Weekend Warrior
from Kiev, Ukraine Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
street, dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
MTB Ukraine
Strengths:
Odd design suspension works really good either on gaps and drops or on trail top parts like race face evolve and 66rc2x for good price
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy slippery pedals tough saddle absence of chainguide on such bike is a scorn
Bike Setup:
2006 stock
Bottom Line:
Very clever was to set one crown fork on this bike. Actually parts are selected very well, except chain guide. It is very dificult for me as for previous hardtail rider judge about suspension perfomance but i like it a lot. No bobing at all and it really works on braking as promised.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Downhiller
from wollongong Australia Date Reviewed: September 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
lithgow
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
spearman cycles
Strengths:
bomb proof frame, strong as hell products, boulder eating handling
Submitted by
Kiki Bimasakti
a Weekend Warrior
from Bandung, West Java, Indonesia Date Reviewed: August 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
cikole,Oray Tapa & Jayagiri 1-2
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Mince (Frame only Doh!)
Strengths:
This review is for 2005 model. Maestro suspension system is SUPERIOR! Work best on both uphill and downhill. There are two ultimate MTB suspension system in the world = Maestro and VPP. Solid "hardtail alike" feel for long distance climbing, comfortable on fast bump-a-lot descent track, Smooth and stable rockgardening,corner like pac-man. Fox DHX 4.0 get the job done so far.
Weaknesses:
None except 83mm BB and 150mm Freehub are pain in the ass here!
Similar Products Used:
Moab Bomb, Big Hit, DH Comp & DHS Mono
Bike Setup:
Faith 1 Frame,Stock Fox DHX 4.o shock, Marz Drop Off Triple (unfortunately doesn't match my rear,soon I'm gonna replace it with Boxxer Ride, 66, 888 or some motorcycle shocks),Truvvies,Funnies,Shimmies,WTB and last but not least 83mm CHING HAUR Cacing Cau custom made BB made in China (with special secret communist material called atheistium)
Bottom Line:
BUY THIS BIKE AND YOU WON'T GET ANYTHING ELSE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoff Bayldon
a Downhiller
from Melbourne Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Barjarg (SMBP)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bike Now
Strengths:
Firstly it looks animal in matt black but it's main strength is the suspension. It feels bottomless but pedals like a hardtail. the spec is ace and the cockpit feel reminds me of a big dirt jumper. And let us never forget price, C'mon!
Weaknesses:
well I didn't want to mention this but since you ask I found the 66rc2's to be a little bendy in the steerer tube section on 11 ft midnight hucks. $100 later and all will be fine I hope though. But seriously this in more rider error than bike fault
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky dee lux, banshee scream, giant DH comp, norco shore,
Bike Setup:
888's, Gamut chain device, 24/7 pedals, sincross tyres, ODI grips,
Bottom Line:
It may not be boutique but god damn it it's awesome. Giant have really got it right with this one. It's the perfect bike for everyone and if you still need further convincing try find a cheaper bike with the same spec and five chilli reviews.
Happy hucking yall!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Downhiller
from Tauranga, New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
Primo Frame, Excellent Forks, Nimble and light. Great for DH Racers & Ideal for Freeriders. Unreal how good it pedals
Value for money this rig is at the top! You'd be an idiot to choose anything else over this!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor Perelson
a Downhiller
from MV Date Reviewed: April 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Eldridge cuts, wheeler, M&M
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Mt.tam bikes
Strengths:
Everything good for long DH cornoring, but best for freeride with the curved dippping frame disgin its perfect for doing no footed kan-kans and doing x-ups with the single crown fork 66!
ANd for wut it is this bike is actully a perfect weight!
Weaknesses:
I havn't found any yet except for the fact when u do sucide no handers when u pinch the seat the seat slamp goes into ur knee and it hurts and rips it open!
Similar Products Used:
I havnt ridin any quite like this bike but the Orange patriots are really cool!
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock too poor for anything new but the bike is allready perfectlt setup!
Bottom Line:
This bike is mainly I guess for freeride and bike drops and DHs tyle dirt jumps U can race with it but IDK!Overall i'd say this is as kick ass as a bike can get!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steffen
a Downhiller
from GB Mass USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all that are serviced by lift
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Berkshire Bike And Blade
Strengths:
The bike is amazing, it descends like a race machine and climbs like a three inch cross country bike. Flys straight as an arrow and does exactly what you ask it. This bike becomes a natural extension of the rider.
Weaknesses:
so far none.
Similar Products Used:
everything, M3, Giant DH team, Balfa bb7, nicoali lambda, Kona stinky, v10, vp free, I have basicly ridden or owned just about everything out there.
Bike Setup:
Basicly stock, I put a scoper seatpost because it is my one bike, I downhill it on the weekend and pedal during the week. I added danger boy gripped levers, and a bmx jump saddle for the no handers.
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike I haver ever owned! The part spec is flawless, no problems form any department. The bike descend and flys amazing. It is a natural extension of me, The bike does just what it is asked to do without complaint. Sure it is on the heavy side but it pedals like it is 10 lbs lighter than it is, I ride this bike cross country with guys on titainiam hartails, and yes they get to the top a little faster than I, but not much, and when the trail is flat, rough or down, they cannot hold my wheel. I built an Intense M3 the same time I got my Faith and rode m3 at the mountain in the begining of the season, thinking the intense would far outshine the faith in the downhill department, not the case, the faith feels faster jumps better, basicly I am more comfortable on the faith than the M3, to me that says a lot. Bottom line, the bike rocks period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Walker
a Weekend Warrior
from Garmouth, Moray, Scotland Date Reviewed: February 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lagan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4026.00
Purchased At:
Square Wheels
Strengths:
Frame feels extreamly strong, Extreamly good pedaling
Weaknesses:
I would have prefered a SRAM chain so that its easy to take off and clean but its no real problem. Also alot of people have commented on the bad colour but hey, who cares about the colour
Similar Products Used:
Demo 8
Bike Setup:
Standard Spec
Bottom Line:
Great bike and great value, should last for years. Great alround bike and great for those who want to climb back up the hills after a great blast down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor Perelson
a Downhiller
from Mill valley Date Reviewed: February 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mile-crack-boyscout!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Mt.tam bikes
Strengths:
LIGHT for what it is! This bike can really take the big drops and downhill rythem jumps fast and fluid! It also rails turns well and is really reliable ans stable so you can just bomb and and feel like jesus! Oh sense the frame kinda has that curve and goes down a bit its really easy to do cans!
Weaknesses:
Havnt found any yet!
Similar Products Used:
orange's IDK, the other faiths , elsworth
Bike Setup:
05 66 , fox dh 4.0 , Dioblus cranks, primo petals,other stuff but its in my garage so.........
Bottom Line:
This bike is good You should go buy it right now and if it has a 66 you can join the 66666666666666 and make it the 6666666666666666
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thumpidy Thump
a Racer
from USA Date Reviewed: January 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
cornering, pedalling, sprinting, jumping, small bump absorption, alright big bump absorption, pimp looking
Weaknesses:
not really 2 much, should include through axel with frame only purchase
Similar Products Used:
DHS Mono, M1
Bike Setup:
faith 1, 888, etc,etc
Bottom Line:
pimpnizzle that rocks the freeride and DHracing world. The best buy for your money, no jokin, great product service
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hunter
a Downhiller
from MT Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005
need the new maxle rear end could be slightly lighter frame
Similar Products Used:
Giant DH team, V10, Foes Mono,
Bike Setup:
BOS-Eng 888 & Roco rear shock, Full Sram X.0 and avid, Diety cranks and bars, E.13 guide,
Bottom Line:
THis is an amazing bike. It corners extremly well, better than anything I've ridden before, It takes square edge hits really well, it pedals like any other VPP bike. This is the ultimate Bang for Buck. Super Nimble and loves the air. Remeber to flips links 180 degrees so BB hieght is at 14' even, that is the secret with this baby.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordan
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: October 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Pipeline
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything. it does brake-jack a little, but if you get farther back on the bike you don't even notice it. I converted the tires to tubeless and they work awesome. The 66 is amazing. And the bike is freaking stiff as hell!
Weaknesses:
Doesn't come with a chain guide, but then again it is considered to be Giants freeride bike, and not downhill. So I can understand.
This bike is great as long as you're not climbing and as long as you are willing to go no brakes everywhere you go. Cuz this bike will absorb everything you throw at it...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from australia Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
red hill death jump
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
bbf
Strengths:
rear suspention is purdy dam good and very adjustable. very quiet. feels bottomless front and rear. rc2x fork is so smooth and adjustable for any feel you want. goes up hills and step ups surprisingly well. x.9 shifters and rear derailer are very crisp. saint front derailer....ooh la la!! great spec for the moolah, welds are super neat,maybe they are robot welded. black is cool!
Weaknesses:
sram x.9 shifters, I prefer rapid fire style shifters. dust caps for air nipples come loose on rc2x when you adjust the settings.they would be very easy to loose. wtb saddle could be a bit longer for climbing if you do that. soft tyres are wearing out dam fast,(no good for street riding). do you need a spanner to get the rear wheel off??(havent tried yet). no name hubs, they look similar to the crap hubs that were on my ac.
Similar Products Used:
trek y bike...crappy but still got it. giant ac..didnt last very long...
Bike Setup:
dx pedles, otherwise stock
Bottom Line:
the 06 faith is a great bike so far and seems well suited to the ultra rocky riding we have around here. suspension is brilliant and bobs a lot less than my broken ac. rc2x fork will bob if get out of the saddle, but wow,its SO MUCH better than my old psylo. if you dont mind the extra pounds this bike weighs you can ride just about anything on this beasty,it goes down, over and up (in the saddle that is)anything!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Miller
a
from Bismarck ND Usa Date Reviewed: September 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Vals Cyclery
Strengths:
Everything about it. The 66rc is amazing, and the bike is smoother and quieter than any other bike i've ridden. Super easy to adjust.
Weaknesses:
doesn't come stock with a guide
Similar Products Used:
Giant DH Team
Bike Setup:
Stock with an e-13 chainguide
Bottom Line:
The bike is by far the nicest thing I've ever ridden. The thing comes ready to rumble straight out of the box. The wheels, fork, shock, cranks, are all top of the line and can take abuse like non other.All you have to do is get a guide and its perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julian Peter
a Downhiller
from California Date Reviewed: August 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Schleyer, or the Face
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
The price!!! I got this brand new for 2000! 66 rc is so sweet. Did a ten foot drop and didnt bottom out the front. Smooth suspension.
Weaknesses:
Its to good.
Similar Products Used:
Faith 2, demo, rmx
Bike Setup:
Wtb tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike is good or eveything. 25 foot jumps, 10 foot hucks, 6 footers to flat, rockgardens, stepdowns, step ups, dirtjumps, cross country EVERYTHING !!!!!.
Buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
what ever
a Weekend Warrior
from West virginia Date Reviewed: July 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3700.00
Strengths:
This bike rules on almost any terrain. I was going to buy a demo 8 but i am so glad i got the faith instead. 66 rc is way better than any boxxer. With this bike i have been going much faster down the trail my friends and i built.(the creek). This bike does great has done great on our trail which features log rides, fairly large doubles(8 to 10 feet), some 5 to 12 foot drop offs, monster rockgardens, and one very large step down off what used to be a waterfall. Sick stuff.
Weaknesses:
The chain slapped like crazy on mine so i put on a chain guide. The tires downright suck. Tubes dont fit with tires. The grips slipped a little.
Similar Products Used:
Demo.
Bike Setup:
Uhhhhh....
Bottom Line:
Besides a few minor part problems comes out of the box ready to handle any terrain. Go buy this baby right now its a killer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
6 pack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
local store
Strengths:
This is by far one of the best pedaling bikes out there, period. No i can even go up downhill trails. The 66rc is so pluch and cool looking. Laughs at any drop less than ten feet. Super stable in the air and flying through rock gardens.
Weaknesses:
Tires, tubes, needed a chain guide.
Similar Products Used:
Demo 8, and 9
Bike Setup:
Put a chain guide on.
Bottom Line:
This bike is sweet. This bike just laughs at anything i throw at it. It can easily handle drops in the 15 to 20 foot range and with an 888 rc it would be insane. I recommend this bike to anybody that loves the big BIG hits!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Rochester Hills, MI Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
.....Whistler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
KLM Bike and Fitness
Strengths:
-The Maestro suspension design is incredible -Fox DHX 4.0 -Marzocchi 66RC (by far the most orgasmic fork ever) -Diabolous Crankset -Saint front derailleur -Hucks 8 foot drops like nobodys business -The price to product ratio is unbelievable
Weaknesses:
Bike is a bit heavy (rightfully so for a downhill bike) Front fork also rakes out a bit which is suprising at first, but after a few rides you'll love the design.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain RMX 3, Specialized Demo 9
Bike Setup:
I haven't had enough time to fiddle w/upgrades yet, but the stock componentry it adequate enough for now.
Bottom Line:
Most bikes with similar parts retail for well over $4,000. The 66RC has unlimited adjustibility, and is basically a pair of 888's with the double crown ripped off (Which allows for x-up heaven).
The bike handles very well through any terrain whether its a rocky downhill course, or dirt jumps. Giant did their research when designing the geometry of this frame. It accomidates for any riders weight/ability.
KLM Bike set me up with what I wanted. They talked to me about the demo 9, then decided that i didnt need to spent 5,500 on the same caliber bike. Plus the techs made the bike ride like butter.
If your looking for the ideal bike to launch off whatever your heart desires without worrying about bike problems, get the Giant faith. If that doesnt sound like your cup of tea, then declare yourself a woman and buy a Trek.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alec McJo
a Downhiller
from Cairns Date Reviewed: May 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle center (the sexiest male staff)
Strengths:
everything especially the giant symbol on the front reminding ever1 that i am a hardcore. i love the whole giant feel. they are unbreakable and look like i am good.
Weaknesses:
the seatpost hole is to big to fit my willy in and i had to get id widened for masturbation.
Similar Products Used:
giant stp1
Bike Setup:
full stock.... giant knows how it goes baby
Bottom Line:
a sexy bike that is straight out of the box killer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richie
a Downhiller
from Auckland Date Reviewed: May 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
Hedgehog's
Strengths:
Just plain awesome, great suspension design.
Weaknesses:
NOTHING
Similar Products Used:
giant ac
Bike Setup:
Faith 1 with avid jucy5's
Bottom Line:
Only had it for 2 days but so far ha been amazing. Did a 6footer today and it felt like a curb, climbs awesomely far better that the ac did,suspension desing is a winner cant waith to try the xc version would go like a rocket. Kenda nergrals are great. and 66rc so plush. puts shermans to shame.Great spec on the wheels. Will do another review in a few months when i get some miles on it. Buy 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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