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Submitted by
SMBC 2009
a Weekend Warrior
from Sarasota, Fl, good ol' USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Roller Coaster/Moonscape Combo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Bikes, Manat | | Strengths: | LIGHTWEIGHT! Suspension Linkage is strong, Swinger 3-way is a great shock, handles very well on cross country/all mountain, Climbs like a BEAST! | | Weaknesses: | I think this bike could have a more stable ride to it. It could use a beefier, stiffer front fork. Small rotors, get a set of Hayes V8's. | | Similar Products Used: | 05 Giant Iguana
07 Giant Anthem 2
05 and 06 Schwinn Rocket Comps | | Bike Setup: | Stock mostly, LX front, XT rear, LX shifters, Mavic 223's, Manitou Minute 1:00, Manitou Swinger 3-way, Race Face Evolve Crankset, Hayes HFX-9, and one 8 incher on the front. | | Bottom Line: | You know this bike will get you where you need to go and then some! With a beefier front fork, and some Hayes V8's, this is the best-bang-for-your-buck-bike! You get lots of travel and a lightweight frame, there isn't much out there that can come close for this price. I've taken some pretty bad wrecks, and put this bike through plenty of torture, and the bike remains faithful. Great Purchase for any All-Mountain Biker. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from australia
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | wombat track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$760.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | absolutely everything it is unbelievable im so much faster on this bike than on my old hardtail. once the supension is set it can handle everything short of extreme freeride. it an absolute pleasure to ride on the trails and even better when i start getting some big air + i got all this for an unbelievable price and the guy that owned it before me kept it as new condition. | | Weaknesses: | none except that by a stroke of bad luck that the SPV valve on the shock gots cut off by the seat post when my brotther rode it. =(. | | Similar Products Used: | giant boulder and boulder disc, nothing comapared to this. | | Bike Setup: | epx carbon hangers and stem. truvativ fire x crank set,star rims triple wall, manitou black comp 80-100 forks diatech anchor hydralic brakes with 203mm rotors, bontrager knobbys | | Bottom Line: | awesome allrounder the brakes are incrediable. its tough and just wont stop going. ive ridden this bike through muddy 4wd puddles (probally not good for it lol) that have had the bike and almost me completely under water i just rode out and everything worked just as well as before. my first real ride was in deep sticky mud and it rode like i was on dry. i just wish i could give it 10/5 of those chili thingies. but to any one thinking about it as a first bike it is absolutely amazing and if you can get one in good cond at a resonable price then it could quite possibly be the best decision of your life. Jack :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim fisher
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Route. Cannock Chase | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Hemel Bikes | | Strengths: | Easy bike to ride everywhere. A real modern-day classic. Great bottom bracket clearance. 4 inches or 6 Sir? No bob once it's set up correctly. Easy cock-pit too. Looks great in the later paint scheme of battle ship/cammo colours and very bespoke. Cracking brakes. Easy to steer. All many riders will ever need and far better than many bikes costing considerably more money. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavy? 31 lbs. Bottom bracket - which is simple to replace. Medium frame suits most, so don't over-size her. Tyres. Not so good in some horrible, sticky, gloopy thick mud. | | Similar Products Used: | Pace RC 300. Turner Flux. Various odds & sodds. Some 29'ers. | | Bike Setup: | Standard late-issue bike from 2005. Make sure you take time to set up the 2x chambers on the rear shock - but you can say that about any modern day shock, 'cept this one has 2x chambers. Replaced the bottom bracket and the tyres. | | Bottom Line: | This is a modern “Mountian bike classic”, MBR magazine has it down as one it’s Top 10 bikes, writing as I am in 2007. It was sold originally for £1500-ish as the VT2 (there was a VT-1 also) and really covered all bases for all riders, 'cept the really hard core XC or Downhill crowd. It has attracted sooooo much attntion on the rides I've been on too. I have great affection for this bike, even above other more expensive rigs (my Turner cost £3k+), as it's so easy to have a huge amount of fun on it. Maybe change the wheels, and the tyres for sure, maybe the running gear? As an off-the-peg bike I defy you to find anything better suited to almost ever style of riding! Tim | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Blacksburg, VA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Beauty, Brush Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Everything. This is my first dual suspension bike and I love it. I've ridden everything from 15 mile flat Michigan cross country trails to lift access mountains in West Virginia and New Hampshire on it and enjoyed them all. This bike can do anything | | Weaknesses: | The bushings and shock mounting hardware had some slop in it after some time, but that is to be expected. The problem is I found it hard to find the right parts so I had to improvise. But its solid as a rock now. | | Bike Setup: | Juicy 7s 8in up front, Shimano Lx and Xt shifters + deraileurs, Manitou Sherman Firefly 130mm TPC+, RaceFace Evolve DH cranks, '06 4way rear shock, Woodman hubs with mavic 819 tubeless up front and dh rim in the rear. | | Bottom Line: | I see they have this bike in the freeride full suspension but i wouldn't really say thats where this bike fits best. Its more of a longer travel trail bike that can handle pretty much anything short of full on freeriding. That being said I have done some bigger stuff on it, 6+ foot drops, but I think being 135 lbs has something to do with this bike being able to take it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chay
a Weekend Warrior
from Albury, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | The Minute one fork and the swinger rear suspension works well together. The bike is well balanced, feels natural once you hop on it. Good clearance over logs or obstacles. | | Weaknesses: | Quite heavy in comparison to XC bikes. But that is the price for dual suspension all MTB! | | Similar Products Used: | 1st dual suspension bike, had a Specialized Rock hopper previously. Never go back on hardtail again. | | Bike Setup: | Thompson seatpost, pretty much stock other wise. | | Bottom Line: | The VT is a well balance, comfortable bike to ride. Took me mins to feel confident on it. With the well tuned suspension, I am a better rider! The bike did all the work and I took all the credit. And see ya later hardtail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Hake
a Racer
from Busselton Western Australia
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | It is a brilliant bike, the suspension is plush with very little bob. Handles jumps and 4 foot drops with ease and is fast uphill and even faster down. Mavic wheelset is bomber and the raceface cranks and finishing kit are sweet. | | Weaknesses: | on the heavy side but It is a bike you buy to have fun out on the trails. Definatly not for racers, rear lx derailer is sh!t and will upgrade to sram as soon as possible. Tyres are grippy on hard pack or dry pea gravel but thats about it. Had a bit of a squeaky seatpost shim but nothing serious. Poor component in the shimano lx rear derailer. | | Similar Products Used: | first proper fs bike. I am ashamed to say I used to own a bouncy appollo which was more of a toy than a real bike. | | Bike Setup: | swapped tryes to Larson tt | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for all mountain and trails, maybe a bit of freeride. Suspension is plush and fairly easy to set up. Little or no bob when set up correctly and takes the big hits with ease. I even raced this bike in sport class a few times and won most of them, VERY hard work. I am now hooked on racing and will keep the vt for fun and will invest in a 2007 anthem 0 to race with. It could be a killer xc bike if lots of $$ spent on upgrading to exotic components. The minute 1 fork that mine came with had some weak parts on it, as soon as I tried to adjust the blue rebound setting dial on the bottom of the right leg, it just snapped off. Love the swinger rear shock it does a great job. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
patrick desborough
a Weekend Warrior
from lincoln, uk
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | cannock chase / sherwood pines | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1579.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay (rydon cyvles) | | Strengths: | soooo easy to ride. don't feel suspension moving but you know it's working. great disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | cable rub against frame. really rubbish o.e tyres | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | swapped tyres for continental's straight after purchase | | Bottom Line: | fantastic bike. front end doesn't get 'light' on climbs. easy to adjust seat and suspension settings for extreme downhills. just soaks up everything you throw at it.
went for 2 days in wales after purchase...absolutely brilliant. really builds confidence and doesn't complain if you make a mistake. wouldn't of considered this bike, but giant dropped the price and i got a internet bargain from a established cycle shop that got a good deal from giant. managed to get £600 off original selling price ! great bike for full sus virgins ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Majura Pines | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Go anywhere, do anything. Price, comfort & the fun factor. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post shim. | | Similar Products Used: | various | | Bike Setup: | Larsen TT (2.35), Mallet C pedals, new seat post too. | | Bottom Line: | This is my 2nd review, having had the bike for about 18 months now. It's an awesome bike and I've had absolutely no problems to date.
There is of course the than normal wear and tear: replaced chain, cassette, chainring, rear shock bushings (normal wear). But, it's done a few kms/miles, and is now almost a new bike once again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Everything except seat post. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Love it. Somtimes to plush for me but can be adjusted. I have one question though that hopefully an owners on here can please answer. I'm 5'8" 170 lbs and I have the smallest frame 16.5" for this bike. It feels to small for me. Should I have gotten the 18.5" or is the 16.5" the right frame size for my weight and height. Someone please answer, thanks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mossy
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World Culver City | | Strengths: | Extremely versatile, nicely crafted tubes/welds, Swinger shock works as advertised, value | | Weaknesses: | Lots of pivots to potentially loosen over time, "Diamond coat" looks good initially, but is quite susceptible to housing rub.. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi MX ETA 120, Avid mech discs, Race Face Turbines, mostly "XC heavy" as opposed to freeride-lite... | | Bottom Line: | I originally bought the VT frame as a second bike to complement my short-travel Klein Adept, which I loved. I figured this would be my "play" bike but I'd use the Adept for longer, big-effort rides..
But after two rides on the VT, I was convinced selling the Klein was the right thing to do -- and I had ridden Kleins for the better part of ten years.
Simply put, this bike rides everything smoother and faster than my old setup, with the possible exception of smooth fireroad climbs and flats (but who cares!). Technical climbing is aided by gobs of traction provided by the suspension, even out of the saddle. The geometry is very XC-ish and would feel similar to anyone with that background. And with 5.7 inches of travel for descending, this thing is a MONSTER, but is surprisingly nimble in the twisties.
Three-hour plus rides is where the bike really shines -- I definitely notice I'm less fatigued, even after rides with lots of climbing. With a lighter setup, Im convinced this would make a killer 24-hour racer.
As its only been a few months, I'll reserve judgment on durability -- theres lots of pivots that could potentially loosen or go bad. But so far, I couldn't be more pleased.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from indiapolis
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Nebo Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1475.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Swinger 4 Way, Stock Mavic rims have taken a beating and are still true, Avid disks still work great and are very ajustable trailside, Bike eats up everything. | | Weaknesses: | Tires suck, It does squeek alot | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz bullit, Trek liquid,fuel 80,90, and 98, Giant AC1, Reign, And many hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock with 2.3 meaty tires, and Easton MonkeyLite carbon bars | | Bottom Line: | I ordered this bike as soon as Giant released it. I beat the S**t out of this bike. For two years I used it for cross country racing and urban freeride. The first problem I came across was the front avid brake. I was 6 miles out on a out and back, very knarly trail going down a very steep single track when it completly locked up. I rode a nose wheelie for about 60 feet and fell off the side of my bike. After inspecting the brake I realized the LBS left the cable too long and it went into the hole in the rotor. Make sure your cables are trimed properly. Then about three or four months after I bought it I blew My rear shock jumping off a three foot ledge into a nice roll in. Manitoo said the shock was so new they were still working out the bugs. I got the new shock back from them in two days. Thats fast! Since then I have ridden over ten thousand miles of cross country riding without having the derailiers ajusted or wheels trued. Recently I gained weight to 170 pounds so I was doing more urban freeride. I was very cautious at first because I didn't want to taco my rim, but before it got stolen I was dropping six footers to concrete regularly. Bike is so balanced you always ride from the center of the chassis. I can't imagine having a better all mountain bike with a air shock. I was concerned at first because I had a few high speed crashes where my tire washed out because the avids have very little modjulation. A new set of tires changed that completely. This bike has no brake jacking at all. The psylo flexes alot but has been badly abused and shows no sign of wearing out. My new Reighn 2 with a upgraded 8 inch rotor gets in any time now. If its better than the vt I'll be amazed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Carnes
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Ho Chi Minh, Houston TX | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Warehouse SD CA | | Strengths: | Hayes hydraulics are the best investment you could make, it is true they are not as reliable as mechanicals but with minimal attention, these will blow your mind. Incredible stopping power and speed control. Overall, the bike is designed to take a beating, a little heavy but it makes up for it in durability. The TIME pedals rock also. | | Weaknesses: | A little bob, but not too bad compared to others. | | Similar Products Used: | Transitioned from '00 TREK 8000. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a great value without spending $3k, the decision is easy. The bike is great for moderate downhill and is the best climber you can buy without getting super high-tech or going hard tail. It is perfect for SD style single track and would recommend it to anyone looking into getting a little more agressive than a HT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Any high altitude trail in colorado | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Manitou Swinger, Manitou Minute, rides like a dream | | Weaknesses: | tires were worthless, lever jiggles loose on brakes - loctite will fix, but then adjustment screw easily strips, hayes brakes work well when working, but unreliable, squeaking seat post | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis hardtail before this, very short rides on countless other bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock (except for tires of course) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. You could easily spend twice as much for a similar bike. I used to think I would always ride a hardtail, but when both wheels needed replaced on my hardtail I bought this instead of replacing expensive wheels. I would NEVER dream of going hardtail again. This bike allows me to ride faster over technical terrain, and has allowed me to clean some stuff I could not clean on the hardtail. I can also clean very technical climbs that would just bounce me around on the hardtail. This bike is an all out blast to ride. If you race CC - then it is to heavy, if you are a serious freerider - then it is not enough bike, but if you love to ride epic, challenging trails, and enjoy the physical challenge of a tough climb as well as blasting downhill as fast as possible, then by all means get this bike. I weigh 170, and run the Swinger at 90psi on SPV, 150psi on the main, and this keeps it plush and responsive but yet it still has extremely minimal bob. I have ridden this bike over one year often on very technical trails with occasional 5 foot drops, and it has held up very well. The wheels have never been trued and spin perfectly. The Hayes hydraulics have been anything but reliable. The front has been reliable, but the rear has had all kinds of problems. First the inside piston started sticking, and after that was repaired the master cylinder developed a major "pump up", and it seems like every time it is fixed its only a couple of weeks until the pistons start sticking again. This has been extremely annoying, because when they stick there is alot of drag. Yes, I know how to work on them, but pushing the pistons back in does not work, nor does the business card trick, the pistons will simply not return away from the rotor like they should. If I could go back in time, I would ask the shop to put on avid mechanicals before I bought the bike. I think the hydraulics work better when working, but the avids are highly adjustable and always work properly. I've had the brake line break, but luckily was on a short local ride. I'd hate to be 30 miles from anywhere high in the mountains and have a cracked brake line (huge fluid mess and no brakes) But, can't really blame the bike too much for hayes lack of attention to detail, as the levers creep out while riding. Yes, easily fixable with loctite, but it is a pain as it is then VERY difficult to adjust the lever. Not a problem on the front, but on the back since the pistons are constantly changing their position every few weeks, it would be nice to adjust the lever accordingly. One would think hayes would have noticed this in product testing????? - Anyways, overall very happy with bike and would buy again, just w/o hayes brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from ACT, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Majura Pines | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Strengths: | Components, versatile, fun, value for money. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post shim, tyres, paint-work, hayes brake levers creap a little. | | Similar Products Used: | Long term on a Giant NRS. Although I've had short rides on the Giant AC2, Scott Genuis, Spec. Stumpjumper FSR, GT I-drive. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced the seat post, pedals (Crank Bros Mallet-C) & tyres (2.35 Larsen TTs). | | Bottom Line: | The VT2 is a fantastic bike, and at a v.good price for it's components. While not the fastest at XC, it's an awesome all-mountain bike. It climbs very well, is fun & comfortable, and easy to ride over almost any terrain....from rock gardens to drop-offs. The SPV front & back is great, and I love the travel. Much more fun that the NRS I used to own, and I'll never go back to a hard-tail either.
In 12 months (2,500kms), I've only just had to replace the middle chain ring, chain, cassette & brake pads - all this expected given the work it's done. The paintwork has suffered a little from cable rub, and the occasional crash - I'd recommend some type of clear covering for protection. The Hayes brake levers tend to creap a little, but nothing a little locktite can't fix. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric
a Weekend Warrior
from maryville, tn
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Harpers Bike Shop | | Strengths: | GREAT ALL-AROUND BIKE. I HAVE NEVER HAD A F/S BEFORE AND THIS IS THE GREATEST THING EVER. I AM 200# AND I GO THROUGH EVERYTHING FASTER, EXCEPT UPHILL. I HAVE TO WIND THE FORK DOWN FOR STEEP HILLS, ALTHOUGH I MIGHT JUST BE GETTING USED TO A F/S COMPARED TO MY OLD HARDTAIL, IT STILL CLIMBS GREAT BUT JUST SLOWER. IN ALL OTHER AREAS IT IS MUCH BETTER | | Weaknesses: | WITHIN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS I HADE TO HAVE THE REBOUND DAMPNER REPLACE IN THE FORK. TWO WEEKS LATER THE REAR SHOCK GAVE OUT AND WAS REPLACED WITH A SWINGER 4-WAY. BOTH WERE REPLACED FOR FREE AND THE 4- WAY WAS A GREAT UPGRADE BUT TOOK 3 WEEKS TO REPLACE. OTHER THAN THAT THE SHIM IS ANNOYING. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE. MY OLD BIKE IS A 2001 TREK 6700 WITH MANY UPGRGADES. (GREAT BIKE) | | Bike Setup: | SWINGER 4-WAY, TIME CARBON PEDALS, MAXIS MOBSTER 2.1 OTHER THAN THAT STOCK | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS THE BEST BIKE I HAVE EVER RIDDEN. I GOT IT FOR $1600 BECAUSE IT WAS A DEMO MODEL. IT HAD BEEN RIDDEN 5 TIMES. I NEVER HAVE BACK PAIN LIKE I HAD ON MY HARDTAIL. IT HAS MADE ME A BETTER RIDER. IF YOU STILL CAN BUY THIS BIKE.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gordon
a
from albuquerque
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | faulty | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | slickrock | | Strengths: | good combination of travel, and pedal stability at approx. 30# off the shelf. | | Weaknesses: | heavy for trail alone, loctite for the brake lever adjusters, | | Similar Products Used: | K2 razorback team, hardtails | | Bike Setup: | carbon seatpost, carbon bar, wtb laser disc hubs and rims, wtb ti saddle | | Bottom Line: | It fits the trail /light freestyle. Got it down to 27# mainly with the wheelsets which work well for me since I'm lightweight(130#) and think 18" is an awesome jump. The combination of the good geometry, suspension and relative light weight is hard to beat for the price. This was a demo , so worth it to put the saved $ into upgrades. Pleased with slickrock service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from FT LAUDERDALE FL
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | MARKHAM PARK | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | WEST BROWARD CYCLES | | Strengths: | GREAT SUSPENSION, SMOOTHS OUT THE ROOTS AND ROCKS THAT MAKE SOUTH FLA TRAILS SO TIRESOME. | | Weaknesses: | NONE TO TAKE TO MUCH NOTICE OF, THE BRAKE LEVER SHOOK LOOSE BUT WAS A QUICK FIX. NEED TO USE A HYDRATION PACK NOT ENOUGH ROOM FOR WATER BOTTLES. | | Similar Products Used: | UPGRADED FROM MY STARTER BIKE, A JAMIS DAKAR, I WILL NOT BADMOUTH IT ( IT DID ITS JOB) BUT TO SAY THE 2 BIKES NAMES IN THE SAME SENTENCE SHOULD BE CRIMINAL | | Bike Setup: | STOCK, THE ONLY THING I CAN FORSEE DOING STRAIGHT AWAY IS A COUPLE OF CARBON PATCHES AND A SUSPENSION BOOT | | Bottom Line: | I WAS LOOKING FOR A BIKE THAT WOULD TAKE MY 200+ POUNDS AND NOT CAUSE ME TO MUCH WORRY ( I BROKE 1 JAMIS FRAME AND ADAPTED MY RIDING TO AVOID ANYMORE PROBLEMS)I AM NOT A FREERIDER BUT BELIVE IT OR NOT THE TRAILS IN SOUTH FLA CAN (AND DO) BEAT YOU AND A BIKE UP. I HAVE TAKEN MINUTES OF MY LAP TIMES AT MARKHAM, HAVE MUCH MORE FUN ON THE TECHNICAL SECTIONS. ONLY PROBLEM IS, DUE TO THE LACK OF TRAILS DOWN HERE, WILL THEY STILL BE ABLE TO KEEP MY INTEREST NOW THAT THEY ARE SO MUCH EASIER? IT IS A LONG DRIVE TO OCALA!! ONE MORE THING, I HAVE ALWAYS SHOPPED FOR THE CHEAPEST PRICES MOSTLY ON THE INTERNET, DO NOT OVERLOOK YOUR LBS, THE GUYS AT WEST BROWARD MATCHED THE PRICE I COULD FIND IN OTHER OUTLETS PLUS I GOT GREAT SERVICE. I WOULD RECCOMEND THIS BIKE TO ANYONE WHO RIDES TRAILS THAT ARE A MORE TECHNICAL THAN FIREROAD,MINE WEIGHS IN AT 28.5 WITH EGGBEATERS SO IT IS NOT A XC RACE BIKE BY ANY MEANS (BUT IT IS LIGHTER THAN THE 05 REIGN2!) I RECCOMEND THAT YOU GRAB ONE WHILE THERE ARE STILL SOME LEFT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan v
a Weekend Warrior
from whitby ontario
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle path which was at the bike show | | Strengths: | everything, this is what a true mountain bike is supposed to be. all of the parts are great. any thing that should happen to break i will replace. sweet. | | Weaknesses: | the seat shim... the tires can be annoying | | Similar Products Used: | all, tou name it ive probably tried it, read about it seen it. | | Bike Setup: | stock right now. though i will eventually upgrade | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike ever. it has its own class. great price, cheaper than the vt1 with almost the same components. will deffinately reccomend, i would like to try the new giant relpacing this, it better be good.
if youre looking for a sweet bike pick it up while you can. i want to eventualy geth manitou swinger 4way in the rear, and a nixion platinum in the front.
final words, sweet, ride on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan v
a Weekend Warrior
from whitby ontario
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle path which was at the bike show | | Strengths: | everything, this is what a true mountain bike is supposed to be. all of the parts are great. any thing that should happen to break i will replace. sweet. | | Weaknesses: | the seat shim... the tires can be annoying | | Similar Products Used: | all, tou name it ive probably tried it, read about it seen it. | | Bike Setup: | stock right now. though i will eventually upgrade | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike ever. it has its own class. great price, cheaper than the vt1 with almost the same components. will deffinately reccomend, i would like to try the new giant relpacing this, it better be good.
if youre looking for a sweet bike pick it up while you can. i want to eventualy geth manitou swinger 4way in the rear, and a nixion platinum in the front.
final words, sweet, ride on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan v
a Weekend Warrior
from whitby ontario
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle path which was at the bike show | | Strengths: | everything, this is what a true mountain bike is supposed to be. all of the parts are great. any thing that should happen to break i will replace. sweet. | | Weaknesses: | the seat shim... the tires can be annoying | | Similar Products Used: | all, tou name it ive probably tried it, read about it seen it. | | Bike Setup: | stock right now. though i will eventually upgrade | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike ever. it has its own class. great price, cheaper than the vt1 with almost the same components. will deffinately reccomend, i would like to try the new giant relpacing this, it better be good.
if youre looking for a sweet bike pick it up while you can. i want to eventualy geth manitou swinger 4way in the rear, and a nixion platinum in the front.
final words, sweet, ride on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Dennis
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Austarlia
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Value for money. Good quality at every corner. This bike strolls through critical situations with ease. A great confidence builder. | | Weaknesses: | As many have said the seatpost squeaks and the rear shock sounds like it being woken up in the middle of a deep sleep. both sounds don't worry me at this stage. | | Similar Products Used: | None, my previous bike is not worth mentioning | | Bike Setup: | As purchased, Minute front shock, Swinger 3 way back shock etc. | | Bottom Line: | My previous bike was less than a third the price of this baby. Yes you get what you pay for. This bike rides through soft tracks ie:tracks with tree roots, small bumps etc, to let you understand what the word PLUSH means, but when you get to some serious stuff it shines. Three foot jumps are like riding off a gutter. The bike almost looks up at you and say's, SO. This bike is ready to take me to the next level. I now have the confidence (buy lacking a bit of fitness, been riding to work 3 days a week so I can give this baby what it wants) to let it all hang out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jorge Henriquez
a Weekend Warrior
from Cerritos, CA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Redbox, Angeles crest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | weight vs. travel, color scheme metallic gray and black, likes abuse, price, handling
| | Weaknesses: | Stem is to long, seat post slips, seat post shim. Stock Tires | | Similar Products Used: | other bike is 04 NRS 2, Enduro, intense 5.5 | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer 2.4's, easton carbon DH bars, and easton vice stem 65mm, soon to change seat post | | Bottom Line: | Due to my increased experience in the last year of riding it has pushed me to get a trail bike. I love my NRS But since day one on my VT 2 it has inspired confidence on terrain that I would walk thru with the NRS. It handles and corners great. I have set up the bike for stability when going down hill and leans toward the freeride side more than the XC and it has handled everything I've thrown at it.
Overall it's a great deal for the value and if you dream about taking that 4ft drop or cruising thru that nemisis hill or rock garden (you all have one) this is the bike that wiil give you the confidence to do it all! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Giant dealer | | Strengths: | incredible handling, great geometry, front and rear shocks, breaks, actually everything except for stock tires | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires, used them for a while and never felt confident with them, put on some fire xc pro and the bike rules | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup, Fire XC Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | I went from a hartail with a duke fork to this amazing bike, changed the way I ride completly. Yes the bike weights a little more, but I see it as a plus, this bike goes over any and everything. I used to need to look for the best lane and if I screwed up even a little I would not make it, NOW... now I only have to point the bike and let my VT do all the work. Yes you read correctly the VT does 90% of the work, it is that amazing. Once you are confident with this bike, you will go over anything much much faster than before and go places you used to think belong only to "freerides". You need to set the rear shock correctly, and it does take time, but once you do that, the bike "floats". I wont lie, I have yet to do any big drops (more that 3 feet), so I wont go there. But the handling, the way it eats up the terrain (roots, rocks, you name it) and the confidence you get on it, will bring a smile to any guys face, it surely does everytime to mine.
Bottom line: Get one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex theShopwrench
a Downhiller
from SD, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The fast and flowy ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Zumwalts College Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light weight for such long travel (possibly one of the lightest). Incredible parts package! Good company to deal with, acceptable suspention design and great price (if you shop the right spots). SPV, SPV and also the SPV. | | Weaknesses: | I'm not sure...um. Well, hays brakes suck. If your new to disc brakes they'll be fine, but shimano or avid would be super nice. Stem comes very long, but thats easy to fix. | | Similar Products Used: | AC1 and FR2000 (no thanks), Enduro (wait till 05), Heckler (sweet), Liquid (liquid poo). Unless it's turner or an intense custom build, nothing can compete. | | Bike Setup: | This is the only complete bike I have ever bought! Even better, it 100% stock hot off the showroom floor and I love it! Oh yea, that's hard to do when your use to building 'em up. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is not made to freeride; Fork, wheels, tires, stem and bars all scream XC. This bike is a trailbike! Light weight, great peadling platform, and roomy fit. I wouldn't suggest beating this thing up, but on the bright side, it can handle most everything. Enough travel, and with the nessesary upgrades (2.35 tires, odi grips and a short stem) then this bike is one wild ride! It can be anything you want! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Unadonis
a Weekend Warrior
from Palm Springs, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Local desert mountain single-tracks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The combination of relative light weight and plush ride | | Weaknesses: | As so many others commented: Scratchable paint and squeeky seatpost shim. Adjustment on brake levers loosens up, have had to readjust. Other odd thing: Unless my LBS just set it up wrong and lied to me because they're lazy, the shifters work in reverse of the VT1 & VT3 and virtually every other bike. (You click bottom to upshift, click top to downshift, as opposed to visa versa.) Apparently it can be regeared if you insist. (?) | | Similar Products Used: | Considered Specialized Enduro Pro and Yeti 575 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for more rugged Enduro Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike, learned WAY MORE from mtbr reviews than anywhere else, and want to try to give back by filling in a couple gaps I didn't realize before I bought:
1) In the Giant manual, it says for true mountain biking, standover height should be 10 mm (3.8"), NOT 2". I have a 30" inseam and don't even have a 2" standover on the small, but I my LBS let me order a medium (mistake) when I said the small size "felt" small. DON'T rely solely on your LBS to fit you to a bike, you might get an idiot.
2) For those reviews that say, "I test-rode the VT and Enduro Pro and ***** won hands-down", listen: It took me 5 rides before I dialed in the shocks so I finally smiled. Anybody test-riding it for an hour is only going to find the right setting by the luck of the draw. (It takes time)
3) The rebound setting on the shocks matters a lot, even though it's not talked about much. Set it to slow, and you feel every bump going over the rough stuff. Again, experiment.
I'm giving 4 Chilis because I unluckily had both shocks fail in different ways (just bad luck), but I don't hold it against the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dmitriy
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, Fl, USA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1325.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Awesome geometry, light and well designed. Air Shock rocks. Handles great and you cannot get the same components for this money elsewhere. Fully adjustable suspension both front and rear. 90-120 MM fornt and 5-5.7 in rear. The SAG is also adjustable for both shocks. | | Weaknesses: | As people say the damn seat post squeaks like a rusty door hinge. The However it only slided down on me once and I am 240 lb. So just clip it well and it will stay there unless you want to spend and extra $60 on the right post. All that said the seat is great and worth keeping in any event. The wires routing could also be better although it is not realy a problem since the few tire wraps will take care of the issue. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Drakar | | Bike Setup: | All stock plus time atac pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the buck. Great geometry and the component group for the money is the best. The bike is borderline Free Ride and XC, which may or may not fit you depending on goals in mind. It is the best for the hardcore intermidiate XC and Free Ride. There are lighter bikes outthere for XC race and heavier (more durable) for downhill. But this is a very good "ALL MOUNTAIN" bike since it is fully adjustable(rear and front shocks). It has the durability of free ride without the weight of other bikes like Giant AC or some downhill machines. A bit uncomfortable to carry dew to geometry but it is something to get used to. The only weakness is the seat post and that the paint chips easily other then that the best bike I ever had. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve McCaughan
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Second review now done 2000km off road. Component specs, shocks and the fact that this linkage works so well with the SPV shocks supplied. Very efficent and plush ride. Brakes and wheels. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres are ok have changed out for Speacialized Adrenilin/Roll X PRO and this has suited me far better. Seatpost and shim has been changed for Thompson. Changed seat to Speed V. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried most in this price bracket. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for XT chain, cluster, Tyres and Thompson seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I have now travelled 2000km off road on this bike. I have ridden with loads of others in that time on all sorts of bikes out their. This bike cuts it. In fact at this stage I have not seen a bike that I would rather own for my style of riding Cross country/ Single trail tracks/forests/hills. The suspension works VERY well and this bike climbs well if you have the legs. I often pass lighter bikes as the VT rides lighter than it is. I have the 20.5 " and it weighs 29.5lb. I have needed to replace the rear cluster,chain and front chainring and I have also replaced the front shock rear bush. All this has cost about $120. I am currently using the new 05 Speacialized Adrenilin dual compound tyre and find the fit of thid tyre on the VT excellent. So after 2000km in 8 months these are my thoughts. Email me questions if you want. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RICKY GREEN
a Weekend Warrior
from GLASGOW SCOTLAND
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | local woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclestore uk | | Strengths: | A REAL ALL MOUNTAIN BIKE. | | Weaknesses: | SETTING UP REAR SUSPENSION | | Similar Products Used: | MARIN ROCKY RIDGE (HARDTAIL) | | Bike Setup: | FACTORY CHANGED TYRES TO PNARACER CINDER 2.25 | | Bottom Line: | I WAS FORTUNATE TO GET A BONUS AT WORK AND AS MY DAUGHTER DECIDED THAT MY MARIN SHOULD BECOME HER BIKE I BOUGHT THIS.LIKE THE MARIN I PURCHASED THIS AFTER READING ALL THE REVIEWS ETC AND GOT IT NEARLY £300 CHEAPER THAN LIST.UNFORTUNATELY I READ IN THIS SAME REVIEW COLUMN THAT THE VT2 WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE IN 2005.GUESS WHAT? GIANT HAVE CONTINUED IN 2005 WITH A FANTASTIC SPEC AND THE BIKE IS NEARLY £150 CHEAPER THAN WHAT I PAID!ITS ATRUE SAYING THAT A FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE SOON PARTED BUT COME ON GUYS-COULD YOU NOT GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT BEFORE SUBMITTNG YOUR REVIEWS? I AM SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT SELLING ON THIS BIKE AS I FEEL BITTER ABOUT WASTING MY DOSH-MAYBE I SHOULD TRUSTED MY INSTINCTS AND SETTLED FOR A THUDBUSTER FOR THE MARIN. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Muddy Trail
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma, WA USA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything at Whistler | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | Tunable suspension, reasonable weight, pedal response, plush ride great components. | | Weaknesses: | The thin paint ( cables are rubbing it off in places), the cheesy seat post sleeve and the rapid rise rear derailer. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Jamis Dakar XLT, Giant AC. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the large chaninring removed for a rockring. | | Bottom Line: | I tested the Enduro and the Dakar XLT, but chose the VT 2. The VT 2 is about 3 pounds lighter and also has the Minute fork while the others have a Black. The VT feels more nimble and responsive when you accelerate. That along with a plusher ride made up my mind to the buy the VT2 ( the sale price too). Like a few others I broke off the rebound adjuster the first time I used it (whimpy plastic shaft). As it turned out the rebound wasn't changing when I turned it. Manitou sent out an updated rebound rebuild kit no charge and my LBS replaced it no charge. Coming from a 3 inch travel Specialized with rim brakes I am now spoiled by the amount of travel, the light feel and the Hayes hydraulic disc brakes. I can cruise through rocks and roots the use to bounce me off the trail.The rapid rise rear derailer has taken some getting use to, but it shifts fast and smooth. I was worried about the rear suspension, with all the linkage and bearings. I was told by my LBS that when it comes time to replace the bearings you can order a better set than what comes on the bike from Giant. It climbs great with the wind down on the Minute set at 90 mm. and if you stay seated the "bob" is almost non-existent.The tires seem to hook up good on the soft dirt here in the Northwest, but I will be getting some bigger rubber when they wear out. The seatpost shim was squeaking, I regreased it and clamped it tight and it has been fine since. I heard the the VT isn't in the 2005 Giant line up, too bad, it's a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Canon
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus GA USA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ft. Benning Impact areas (keeps it interesting) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes Columbus GA | | Strengths: | The whole bike is awesome. From the overall look to the components to the suspension. I've taken this thing through a foot of mud and through rivers and across sugar sand (unsuccessfully) and it came out runnin' like a dream. I am 220 lbs and I have the suspension dialed in for almost no bob and I can't feel a thing. The XT rear components shift smoothly and silently even in mud and sand. It'll take a pretty big hit without bottoming out, and the rear manitou swinger 3 way is has a pretty wide window to work with when you are homing in on your desired setting.
| | Weaknesses: | The seat, seatpost, and brakes (hayes)
The seatpost is too small and you really have to crank it down for it not to slide down through. My LBS put a whole lot of grease in there to create a vaccuum so it doesn't slide anymore (quick fix). Giant is backing it up though, saying if the problem persists they'll just send me another. As for the seat, I have a bony backside and the thing just hurts. The brakes were a serious problem at first. They had lots of play to begin with, and during an adventure race they started going all the way back to the grip. My LBS backed them out and put locktight on the threads so now they work beautifully. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Ranier, Diamondback Apex | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the execption of new tires (continental explorer Pro on the front and Vertical Pro on the back. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. If it was a woman I'd marry it. My buddies are all jealous because it make an amateur like me look real good even on technical stuff. I have no worries going over jumps and logs and stuff, the bike just takes the punishment. Don't race it right off the bat without test driving the brakes, like I did.
All that for 1800 bucks, if you can still find the bike in a shop, I hear the 2005s are out now or will be soon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan v
a Weekend Warrior
from ontario canada, whitby
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | wall of pain or anything | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike show | | Strengths: | everything so far though i havent had a chance to set up the suspension fully will write back when all is adjusted | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | all
| | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i got the last one in the nearest area 200miles around me or even the last one in ontario. i love this bike i was rolling so 3sets and 6 sets right after i bought it. this kicks ass. couldnt feel anything | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Myers
a Weekend Warrior
from media, pa
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | singletrack, Fair Hill MD | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance bike shop | | Strengths: | Minute 1 and Swinger SPV suspension is great. Over all great quality specs for the price. | | Weaknesses: | none to date, only ridden a few times at this point | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Jamis XLT 2.0, Iorn Horse Hollowpoint | | Bike Setup: | Stock 16.5in | | Bottom Line: | This is my first report. I am 5'8 150lbs and have not had any problems with the seatpost shim, but I am pretty light and heavier riders obviously may have problems. 10-20 psi changes in the main chamber of the swinger definitely make a difference. I started out too high because I wanted a more firm ride than too soft for a more xc bent, but it was so stiff it felt like a hardtail and climbed great, 20 psi lower did the job. I did notice like others that changing pressure on the swingers spv is a little tricky, I think becuase of the low volume, that if you do not unscrew the pump quickly you loose some air, so be careful of that. I have heard that the shock specfic pump from Performance allows you to control this problem better. At any rate this is not a big deal. I have not found the stock tires to be a problem, to a small extent I have to remember to keep a little more weight on the rear for traction, but have found the stock tires to be acceptable. If you are heavier, or ride more extreme conditions or soft conditions, then other tires may be more appropriate. The bike is a little heavy, but really only noticable when you pick it up, doesn't seem heavy even on climbs while rideing. A few bucks here and there (carbon bars) can shave some weight, but who really cares... just ride more and get in better shape... the weight of the suspension is worth the weight in gold. I will update this after more rideing.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JeffSkisMontana
a Weekend Warrior
from MountainTop, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Snappers 1-4, UPT, TrainWreck, Whip O Will, Fireline, Summit View, Stoney Cabin Ridge, Jimmy Kane Sw | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1755.00 | | Purchased At: | Around Town Bikes-Wilkes-Barre | | Strengths: | Excellent ride...uphill or downhill. Suspension is matched perfectly front to rear. Excellent components. Low standover height due to frame design. Awsome looking bike...black and white paint scheme. Very competitive price. | | Weaknesses: | Thin Paint! Lots of rub marks from cables. RaceFace Evolve bottom bracket died, although covered by my LBS&RaceFace. Rear Bushings wore out in 3 months, again covered by my LBS & Manitou. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyl 1000, Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | 20.5" Frame, Upgraded to XTR Rear Der., XT Shifters, & Crank Bros. Candy "C" pedals when purchased new in April at A-Town Bikes. Added a Rollamajig and have been mixing and matching Maxxis Minatours and Hutchinson Airlight Scorpions. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike. Perfect for riding the rocks, roots, mud, uphills, downhills of Northeast PA.! Get one quick, Giant has changed its models for 2005. There are still some left if you look around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville. TN
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | happy | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | Quality components on a very good frame backed by great customer service. | | Weaknesses: | Tires. Too skinny and cross-country-ish for this type of bike. Quick release seatpost clamp. The seatpost and shim have not been a problem for me. The seatpost clamp repeatedly caught my shorts (on steep downhills) and once even opened. After replacement with a weyless that didn't have such a large lever, problem solved. Also, no more squeaking seatpost. | | Similar Products Used: | the usual - Specialized, Trek, Fisher, Cannondale, Jamis, K2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: Candy sl's, WTB Weirwolf (2.3 F, 2.1 R) and a weyless quick release seatpost clamp. | | Bottom Line: | A real winner. This bike fit me better than any of the 4-5" trail bikes offered by the above, and had better components as well (except maybe for the Jamis). The Lithium was a very close 2nd for me - the Giant's components and the fact that my LBS offers LIFETIME service on their bikes pushed me to the VT. Does everything well. You can tell it is a good all-around trailbike by the complaints - "Too light for freeride" and "too heavy to race cross-country" etc. For you weight weenies, with the above additions mine weighs 29.6 lbs. Unrealistic to expect any better all-around performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noah
a Weekend Warrior
from Bozeman
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I am on | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Chalet Sports | | Strengths: | Swinger shock in the rear, when dialed in, there is virtually no bob on the trail. Great value and components for a relatively cheap price. Great intro bike for the freeride. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires, seat post w/shim, brake adjustment screw turns itself out(needed to loctite). | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis XLT, Specialized Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock still with weirwolf tires, stans no-tube, 30.9 seatpost, new grips(just worn out). | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, especially for me when I first started getting really into the mtb scene. A few minor upgrades to help increase the fun level and I was off and running. This bike will climb all day and you'll still have the legs to ride out in the morning. Stock tires are no good, replace right away. Other than that, get one, ride it, and you'll know what I am talking about. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J
a Cross Country Rider
from boise, ID
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Resurrection Pass | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Frame $699-Built up from frame | | Strengths: | Suspension, suspension, suspension. Strength. Great geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Not as cool as a Titus. Stock it would need to be put on a diet. I assembled mine from a frame so it's lighter. One thing about this is if you're into the hike a bike thing and having to carry your bike on your back up steep stuff this bike is a bit strange to carry because of the frame configuration. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Litespeed Ocoee FS, KHS | | Bike Setup: | Avid mechanicals, Weyless bar and stem, XT drivetrain/shifters. Cane creek headset, FSA bottom bracket Ti, Race Face Evolve cranks, flat pedals, XT/Mavic 300 series wheels, Geax tires, Kore seatpost, WTB saddle (hefty). Manitou Black fork needs to be replaced with a Fox. | | Bottom Line: | I have a $5000 titanium FS cross country bike I don't ride anymore because of this. Yes the VT is heavier. So what. Only bike I'd rather have is a Titus Quasimoto. It costs twice as much. I wouldn't recommend it for a XC racer obviously. It's a great trailbike. It climbs AND descends well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wannabeRacer Racer
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Everything..... | | Weaknesses: | Original tyres, that's it! | | Similar Products Used: | Before this I had HT, first time on FS bike. | | Bike Setup: | Took a while setting up the suspension but once dialled-in to your weight + gear, your happy as Larry. | | Bottom Line: | Hello again, I'm back since my 1st post and all I can say is = not as light as VT1 but it ROCKS, Brilliant, awesome & beautiful. I think I said enough ;)
In the future I would upgrade the wheels to Mavic CrossMax XL, Crank to Shimano XT II, & maybe rear derailleur to XTR.
Though, from what I paid, I could've wait for extra 4months and I would have scored a VT1 for $200 more AUD dollars. Ahhhh, can't win them all the time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Augusta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Turkey Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Andy Jordan's | | Strengths: | Versatile, good price point | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost sucks, creaks like it is about to break in half while riding - it will be the first thing I replace | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa GS | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for custom tires | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike as an upgrade just 2 months after buying my first mountain bike, a Schwinn Mesa GS. I was surprised how much I had gotten into biking, and quickly outgrew the hardtail Schwinn. I got a great deal from Drew Jordan and decided to upgrade to this as my first "real bike". I chose it over the Specialized Epic and a Klein Palomino, both XC bikes, because of the versatility I had read about it. It is definitely that. The quality of this bike is exceptional - it rides well and the suspension is "just right" after finding a setting that I could deal with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Rosemount, MN
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lebanon... | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Penn Cycle | | Strengths: | Smooth, Efficient Ride. 2004 version has SPV which dramaticaly reduces bob - barely any whatsoever. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Other bikes owned: 2002 Giant NRS 1, 2003 Trek Fuel 98, 2003 Ellsworth Truth. | | Bike Setup: | 100% Stock | | Bottom Line: | Wonderful, plush, but still extremely efficient bike. Relatively light weight (about 28lbs - not bad for a 5.5" travel bike). Currently FOR SALE - I am closing on my first house September 30th and I need to consolidate my assets. Please email me with questions, or for pictures. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JIM
a Weekend Warrior
from GEORGIA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | MODOC,BAKER CREEK | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | ANDY JORDAN'S | | Strengths: | VERY PLUSH ALL DAY IN THE SADDLE RIDE, IF YOU DROP THE FORKS IT'S A VERY GOOD HANDLING RIDE FOR TIGHT SINGLE TRACK, WHICH IS WHAT I RIDE, EVEN WITH THE STOCK TIRES. THE PARTS WORK GREAT, ALL I HAVE CHANGED IS THE SEAT AND BARS. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | STOCK EXCEPT FOR CARBON RISERS AND THE SEAT. | | Bottom Line: | FOR ME, THIS IS THE BIKE I HAVE WAITED FOR. MY FIRST 3 RIGID
BIKES KILLED MY BACK, THEN MY CARBON FIBER HARD TAIL WASN'T MUCH BETTER. THEN I BOUGHT MY NRS 1 FULL SUSPENSION, IT WAS GOOD BUT NOT WHAT I NEEDED.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT I HAVE STARTED A RIDE WITH A SORE BACK AND FINISHED MY RIDE AND THE SORENESS WAS GONE, THAT IS THE TRUTH FROM A 225LB, 44 YEAR OLD THAT'S BEEN TRAIL RIDING FOR 15 YEARS.
THIS BIKE ENABLES ME TO RIDE. ENOUGH SAID | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ville
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | everything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | -The frame offers stunning suspension performance - it work's perfectly in every riding conditions you put it through!. It can cope with variety of bumps, rocks, roots, small jumps and drops easily and smoothly, with great confidence inspiring.
-Super smooth action and progressive spring curve, so it doesn't bottom out. Suspension clues the rear wheel against the ground and follows it like a leech. Climbing and pedalling is very easy and efficient, thanks to great geometry and suspension performance.
-Rear end doesn't bob or flex under pedalling and it offers instant power transfering without losing power.
-Every pivot has good ballbearings to offer smooth and long lasting action, and also makes rear end stif. | | Weaknesses: | -The gray colour isn't so nice than blue, well it's my opinion.
-I can't find any drawbacks on this frame or lack of performance. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, GT I-drive, Kona king kikapu, etc... | | Bike Setup: | Giant VT frame with Manitou Swinger 3-way SPV, Psylo SL, XT disc brakes, XT/LX/Race Face drivetrain, Mavic 223(specialized hub) and D321(DT 240 disc hub) and Nokia NBX 2.3" tyres. | | Bottom Line: | I have built my bike from custom parts and I'm satisfied to the result. It's almost perfect xc/enduro/trailbike/slight freeride bike when you use good components and set up the shocks correctly for your weight and riding style. It goes through on everything with speed and confidence no matter what kind of obstacles or bumps it face. It goes uphill like a goat with fire in it's ass and the same thing when you decide go down hill. It offers unbelievable ride experience that you don't forged but it's dependable on the adjustment's of the rear shock as well fork adjustments. So spend time with adjustments because once you have set them properly you are ready for the ultimate ride. If you are riding with wrong adjustments, riding could be unpleasant and could give you a bad image of the bike. With the Psylo on the front, suspension is well balanced and works well together on the off-road. Well there are other good trailbikes out there but VT belong's to the top class of fullsuspesion bikes and no one can disagree that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nir
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hole in the ground-Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bike-San Jose | | Strengths: | Light and plush. Very adjustable (and user freindly) front and rear suspension. Efficient pedaling. Great looks. I just love it. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes lever act a bit funky. The adjustment allen screws come out from time to time. Can be fixed by applying loctite on the thread. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. My wife tested it and bought herself one too. Buy it if you're in to MTB, ride mainly on trails and don't want to spend extra $$$ on super efficient professional bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a Weekend Warrior
from boston ma.
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | coon hollow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Strengths: | value,componet spec. ride quality, | | Weaknesses: | tires, seatpost and shim | | Similar Products Used: | fisher,GT,specailized,trek | | Bike Setup: | EA70 30.9 post,sh-959 pedals,moto-raptores 2.4 tires Manitou SPV-4 shock | | Bottom Line: | Giant has hit a home run with this bike. If you are looking for a aggressive trail bike or a light freeride bike this bike should be high on your list. I have rode this bike through a variety of trails and it has not let me down yet.I ride in the northeast and we pretty much have it all roots, rocks, sand, gravel and mud, some steep climbs and descends and The Giant has handled everything I have had the nerve to try. Some minor modification is needed before you hit the trails. First get rid of those crappy tires that come with this bike. You will want something bigger and more grip if you plan to push this bike to its limits.Then get rid of that creaking seatpost. Even if you get it to stop slipping the creaking will drive you crazy. That's all that's really needed the rest is just preference.Spend some time and get the rear shock dialed in correctly little changes in air volume make a big difference on how the bike rides. Bottom line-this bike is not a race bike, true freeride bike or downhill bike. It's just a bike that does everything good instead of one thing great. You will not be disappionted, just buy the bike, ride, smile and ride some more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rain Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Oz
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Singletracks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This is a follow-up of my original review on the VT-2 | | Weaknesses: | Brake lever adjusters slowly wind themselves out...easily fixed with a dab of blue loctite on the threads. Paint on the frame is thin, so you need to protect it from cable-rub with patches. Original seatpost/shim / tyres are junk, swap them for good ones when purchasing. | | Similar Products Used: | Everything with full suspension in this price range. | | Bike Setup: | Fairly standard.. new grips, tyres, seat, seatpost, patches. | | Bottom Line: | I have given the VT-2 5/5 before in my original testing, and have found no reason not to do so again.
Over the past three months, I have ridden the bike on the road, singletracks, fireroads, and urban freeriding. It has never let me down, and I have had very few problems with it.
Dialing in the front and rear suspension was the hardest thing I have had to do..especially the rear swinger.
However, once the magic setting is found, the bike is amazingly good.
Routine maintenance is easy, everything has been working just like it was designed to do, and i'm having a hard time faulting this superb machine.
This is probably the best bike I have ever owned. It does everything I want it to, and is reliable and outstanding value for the money.
Would I buy another Giant?
YES!! I am very interested to see what Giant comes out with in the '05 range to replace this VT-2.
The bottom line:
Another 5/5 from me.
R.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Weekend Warrior
from kelowna
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Good spec, enough rear travel to merit a 6" fork upgrade | | Weaknesses: | Suggested reading : 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: Still haven't solved seatpost problems, tires only your commuter bike could love, rear end more flexible than most, travel adjuster on Minute 1 not particularly useful on the trail. I've never found a need to lower the front end except on very steep climbs. Are you going to stop at the bottom to wind down and then again at the top to unwind? Maybe the first time, then you'll stop wasting your time. Manitou should have used Rapid Travel 2 system as on the Shermans. | | Similar Products Used: | Fluid 1.0, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Solid if you fix the minor problems and don't need a useful travel adjust but do some research on the headset if you want to keep it for the long haul | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scotty
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | CBC (Canada North Shore) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike N Hike | | Strengths: | Frame and Rear Shock - Its ability to handle all types of riding from beginning to extreme. | | Weaknesses: | Front Fork (Had to have it rebuilt after my first ride a Whistler), Stem (Way too long for riding Get 90mm or less), Bottom Bracket (once I really started jumping it went out fast), Grips (toasted them too) | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Sherman Firefly, Azonic FR 50mm Stem, Hayes Nine w.8in Rotors, Sun Single Track Rims w/xt Hubs, 2.5 tires (Frame, Crank, Seat,handlebars stock) | | Bottom Line: | Got this bike because I didn't know if I was going to get seriously into Mt. Biking. I was a very good XC'r but just didn't ride much anymore (Got married). A bunch of my buddies were getting into the Freeriding scene and I figured I would join them. I didn't want to spend $3000 so I got the VT2. First weekend out I went to Whistler. This bike kicked! I fell in love with FreeRiding and have pushed this bike to its limits. Course I am sitting here typing with a broken collar bone from a 12 ft drop that went wrong (Can't blame the bike on this one). If you are serious about riding hard (like 10 ft plus drops) perhaps get the AC 2. I've put in over $1000 on the VT and component wise I'm pretty much riding the AC. But you can put a DC on the AC not the VT. But a DC isnt necessary for most. I have it taking jumps and drops of all sized and this bike just laughs at them. It handles the chatter bumps, speed, and drops with ease. It WILL make you a better rider. I can't wait to heal up and get back out there and ride some more.
I also still do plenty of XC riding (but I put on a 90mm stem). With the Firefly up front and the Swinger out back this sucker climbs like a spider up a wall. You have traction and very little bob. Climbing with this full suspension is so much easier than with my old hardtail. Yes its heavier than those low 20's pound hardtails but you really don't notice much difference. Weight is no longer an option. My bike weighs in at 35 pounds and I can still ride a 20+ mile XC trail.
In short if you aren't a pro DH racer this bike will be enough for you. The 04's already come with a better fork and brakes than my 03 did. This will be enough bike for you. See you on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Riella
a Cross Country Rider
from Rohnert Park, CA. 94928
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Tam | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great suspension (yea the SPV takes some time to master); great components ( swap the seatpost for a Thomson 30.9 MM and new tires). Without a doubt, the most bang for the buck. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper elite, Jekyll 800, Kona Dawg, Rocky Mountain Slayer 30 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike! You will not regret it.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Morgantown WV
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | the one with me on it | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Strengths: | You get a lot for your money with this bike. SPV is the real deal (even if it takes a while to get it set up right, which is crucial). The fork is stiff and smooth and it's easy enough to adjust the travel on smooth sections of trail, though I leave it between 110 and 120 mm travel almost all the time because that seems to be the sweet spot for the geometry. The bike is draped with quality components from the ground up and mine in a size 16.5 (I'm 5'8" 29" inseam, 135 lbs) fits perfect stock and weighs in at 29.5 lbs.
The shifts as well as my old XT stuff did, and rapid rise is 100% better, performance wise than standard in my opinion.
I've had no major problems with the seatpost shim squeaking, though I do clean it and grease it every 6 weeks or so just in case.
| | Weaknesses: | The finish is thin and the tubing is soft, so get some helicopter tape anywhere the cable rubs before you go for your first ride. I missed a spot on the frame and also on one side of the shock (though not the other side curiously enough) and have material rubbed off because of it.
The bottom bracket was the cheaper race face SRX and was done for in just 3 months.
comes with ultralight tubes in light tires. If you're going to stay with a tubed setup, get the hutchinson green tubes so you can run decent air pressure without pinch flatting.
Shimano Chain | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded tubes to hutchinson Green, and shifters to XT | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike delivers you anywhere on the mountain with equiptment you can have faith in to last you through those long days on the trail. The best way I can describe it is Fun. For those 6+ hour epic rides, 24 hour and endurance races, tooling around the yard, urban riding, light free riding, sport downhilling, and weekend warrioring, this is a great bike to have. It climbs well, and descends like it's got an extra inch of travel at both ends. The fork alone has saved my life numerous times.
5" for trail riding and 5.75" for agressive riding. The bike also handles very well on tighter singltrack.
A fun bike and tremendous value, and a warantee department with a great record. I would reccommend this bike to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Norfolk, NE
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Suspension (it works) Climbs well, stiff frame, handling | | Weaknesses: | Paint quality, I am not sure about the Avid brakes yet, the rear seems to be hard to get adjusted | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC SE1, Giant AC1, Mongoose A60r | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Love it. Climgs VERY good, descends great. This is what I was after, a bike that could get me up AND down. Set-up was simple, and the ride is flawless. I weigh 210 lbs and it seems plenty stiff under me where my SE1 always seemed to be twisting during hard climbs. This is a perfect middle ground between a XC racer and a black diamond big-hit bike. I do plan on gathering up a spare set of DH-type wheels and tires for DH/DS/urban stuff but forsee no other changes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kiwiwulf
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Always looking | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Papanui Cycles | | Strengths: | SPV, Swinger shock and Minute fork, Component spec and value for money | | Weaknesses: | Grips - I found the stock grips to be too narrow in diameter and hand numbness was a real issue.
Slow steering | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing comparable | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than replacing the Easton stem with a 100mm Thompson, the tyres for Maxxis Mofo XC's and the grips with Lizardskins LOGO lock ons. I feel I could go shorter still on the stem but, that said, the 100mm does the job. | | Bottom Line: | Truely value for money: Giant have produced a great bike at the price point and from a purely aesthetic veiwpoint the VT looks great.
Who should buy it? If you like to ride XC and dabble in DH (or vice versa) then this bike is one that truely does it all. Not as well as dedicated XC or DH rigs but for the average rider well enough.
The VT is a serious contender in the 'All mountain' stakes. Go buy one, ride it and enjoy: you will not regret the purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Puzman
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, CT
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | It's all good... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great geometry for trail riding
Lots o' standover clearance
SPV works as advertised
stiff
climbs well, considering the weight | | Weaknesses: | weight
small bump performance
for a single pivot bike, it sure has a lot of pivots! | | Similar Products Used: | Loco Moto
Jekyll
Rocky Mtn ETS | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I rented this for a long weekend of riding in Moab. I was impressed with the neutral, stable handling (felt similar to my Loco) and with the suspension. The SPV works as advertised, and the bike climbs *really* well for a bike that weighs 30+ lbs and has almost 6" of rear travel. If you're looking for something that will climb like a rocket and has very "flickable" handling, this probably isn't the bike for you. If you're looking for something that will grind up long seated climbs and will handle gnarly terrain and high speeds well, this could be the ticket. My only other reservation is all of those pivots- I live in the northeast, and the mud here would probably wreak havoc with them in the long run. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt the midget
a
from Bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great value. Light weight, particularly for the amount of travel. | | Weaknesses: | This bike came with a manitou swinger four-way air shock. This broke very quickly, as did the four-way on my friend's VT. Supposedly, the three way is better. Manitou replaced mine with a coil 4-way for free. | | Similar Products Used: | '02(?) RM Slayer | | Bike Setup: | swinger 4-way coil shock, Marzocchi z150 fr fork | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been amazing. I only weigh 150 pounds, so this set up is holding up well. I don't know if a bigger person would stress the linkage too much with a six inch fork and coil shock. As for me, this bike is a riot. It climbs beautifully and descends very fast. I still haven't found the top end. The VT is a perfect trail bike that does everything well. If George Bush was a trail rider who enjoyed both long climbs and rocky, fast descents instead of a blathering, morally bankrupt dolt whose only excuse is his ignorance, he would ride this bike and love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BigSmiley
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bike Setup: | Short FSA stem, Shimano 545's.., Conti Vertical Pros.. | | Bottom Line: | Just thought i'd post a longer-term review. The bike has held up well in use. Be sure to check the tightness of all the bolts holding the pivot bearing in! As with any metal on metal conection, these will tend to work loose over time. Of note: The brake caliper bolts were not v.tight from factory. Very important to check these! (Not their fault really.. these too will work loose)..
I've found this bike to be a perfect trail riding weapon. Tune in as much plushness in the suspension as you like and ride away a happy boy/girl!..
Do yourself a favour and change the stock tyres.. You'll notice all the other reviewers will have echoed the same sentiment. The scorpions that come stock on the bike are indeed light and they do roll fast, but a bike like this encourages you to ride faster and harder into turns than a hardtail and you'll find yourself wanted more lateral grip!
Also, as i noted before... The paint! Oh.. so thin. Slap some stickers on it to prevent unsightly (and possibly dangerous) cable rub!..
Lastly.. i found myself swapping to a set of EBC "red" compound pads on the front brake to get a bit more bite. I tend to use my front brake a fair bit harder than most of my buddies just because i like cranking them on hard moto style.. Stoppies work a treat with the reds.. (The reason for the swap is that the HFX's have a fair bit of brake body flex in them.. i found stoppies required a little too much effort..)
All in all.. a very satisfied rider! I rate it 5 and 5!
Happy trails ppl..
"You toucha my bike... I bash ya.." | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | castle hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike shed | | Strengths: | Minute and Swinger, great frame, great components for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Thin paint, seat shim, stock tyres. | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Michelin DH tyres, Ourey grips, new peddles and Bontrager saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This is a sensational ride. Before the VT I was riding a 2002 NRS and although it was a great bike it really wasn't suited to the local trails. I decided to start looking for a more trail oriented sled, and after hearing my best mate rave about his 03 VT2 I decided to check one out. I'm so glad I did. For me, this bike is the best of both worlds. It still lets me climb everthing I could on the NRS, but it's in the downhill that it really shines in my book. I went from slipping and sliding my way down the technical descents to being able to clear pretty much all the nasty stuff. After two pretty bad stacks in 12 months I had lost a bit of confidence on the bike, but this super machine has brought it all back for me. It's a great value for money bike that will suit the average rider who wants an all round trail bike that can handle everything from XC to light free-ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eckba Teruse
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson AZ
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fanasy Island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Just an absolutely amazing ride. I've been caught with my pants down in a few spots, and it rides through like a champion. Light weight and a monster with the fork set to the limit. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires are pretty squidgy on dirt, and the gear shifts are backwards to what I was used to. Both small things and with new tires and quick brain reprogramming completely eliminatred | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NSR, K2 Tirade 4,0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the tires | | Bottom Line: | This was the most fun I've had on a bike since I discovered the difference between hardtail and full suspension. I'm sure there are many other rides I haven't tasted, but for my dollar, this was nice. If you're on the fence demo it and see, I *LOVED* it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren
a Weekend Warrior
from Tustin, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | like everyone else said.
beefy, handles what I throw at it.
light, gets me up the hill
forgiving, gets me down the hill | | Weaknesses: | thin paint, squeeky parts, the rear derailer requires constant adjustments, tires are fine for racing weight snobs, but dont grip extremely well | | Similar Products Used: | I test rode them all | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for my cool blue horn, computer, and XT front derailer | | Bottom Line: | sweeeeeeet. my bro got one shortly after me.
If your group does beginner-intermediate trails consistently you may find yourself longing for bigger and better trails because what used to be a rush on the ol hard tail is now soaked up like a trip to grammas.
I love my bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wannabeRacer
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bargain at any LBS, co's you can! | | Strengths: | All components including the frame, though if you want some BIG hits and DH riding, change the stem to shorter ones. | | Weaknesses: | None so far and I'll be back in approx 6months to make a 2nd report, though I change the tyres to Tioga XC 26 X 2.0, co's they look a little flexible than normal. Plus lots of riders complained, so it make sense to me and I wasn't about to find-out the hard way, so I change the tyres. In contrast (complained by others), the seatpost is ok, just makesure you tight them up hard, I mean all the way. Also, makesure to line up the gap or the space of the shim with the frame or the opening/gap/space call it you like and tight tight...! | | Similar Products Used: | 1st FS, coming from HT GT Avalanche 0.0 2003, so no comments... | | Bike Setup: | standard at the moment, just move the seat forward and handlebars, just little adjustments here and there. | | Bottom Line: | 1st ride was in the rain and didn't know what to expect, except this VT2 better be good than my HT co's of the money I payed. Yes, it is good with an overall advantage or better than my previous HT but not a 100% winner. I would say FS is about 90% better and the 10% goes to my HT for pedal & turning speed. On the dry I had a chance to do little jumps and DH and it was awesome....!
I'll be back...!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Rycroft
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Roto Vegas | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Cycles | | Strengths: | Great bike. Handles well in mud & clay conditions too. Despite other riders complaining about the seat post shim I have not had any problems (I weigh 75kg). | | Weaknesses: | Very thin paint. Recommend that you put thick tape on all areas where cables touch the frame. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will not be available from Giant in 2005 so I suggest you grab one now. This is great value for money with uncompromised performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rainman
a Weekend Warrior
from Oz
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dirt. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Colour/appearance, strong frame, very good components, great shocks and fork [Minute SPV], fast and responsive feeling with very good handling in all conditions, promotes confidence in rider. Excellent brakes with nice progressive feel. Great frame warranty and backup from a big manufacturer. Bike makes the rider feel better than he/she really is because it handles situations so well. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost and shim sux, and the tyres are marginal. Paint is a bit thin and needs to be protected with tape where the cables run. No waterbottle holder boss/bolts inside frame. Grips are a little thin but ok. Shock and shifting mech get covered in mud and crud from rear wheel. Cable routing needs to be adjusted. Bike gets light in front end on steep climbs when seated. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested/rode just about everything featuring full suspension available in Oz in this price bracket. | | Bike Setup: | Fairly standard setup as the bike is very good as supplied. Ditched the standard Easton seatpost and shim setup for a Thompson 30.9 Elite and changed the tires to grippy IRC's. Re-routed a couple of cables and taped frame rub points to prevent paint-loss. Fitted ODI Rogue lock-on grips and shorter higher-rise stem. Made a splash/mudguard from EVA and attached to rear frame in front of back wheel to prevent mud/crud from covering shock and shifter mech. Additional clear heavy packaging tape to protect chain stays from chain slap/rub. Changed standard pedals to platforms with big gnarly studs that eat ankles and shin-bones but grip feet like a mad dog. | | Bottom Line: | I come from a hardtail background and up until recently was very unconvinced about full suspension bikes. Riding some of these early models was like being on a demented pogo stick.
Then, SPV came along.
Suddenly, it was a whole new ballgame.
This new type of bike / suspension caught my attention and I started test-riding different brands to see whether they really were an improvement over the old stuff.
After riding the 2004 Giant VT-2 I was convinced. I purchased one from my LBS and am a very happy rider.This bike is outstandingly good value for the money. The components are top-class and the whole machine just screams quality.
Before taking delivery of the machine, I swapped the Easton seatpost and shim for a good Thompson 30.9 Elite, the tires for some grippy IRC's that are good for my riding areas,and a shorter higher-rise stem and was ready to go.
I now have myself a solid performing bike that will not only handle everything I throw it at, but also makes me feel like a much better rider than I am. The VT-2 does everything my hardtails could do, and does it faster, easier, and smoother.
This bike inspires confidence in the rider because it is so forgiving and stable. The suspension is very good, the SPV Swinger shock and Minute fork work well together and make it possible to go faster and more easily through technical sections that would normally make me hesitate to try.
It climbs very well, but has a tendency to float a little if you don't keep your weight forward, has minimum 'bob' when set up correctly for out-of-saddle pedalling, and ZERO 'bob' when seated.
Decending is a blast!! It eats up rocks, holes, ruts, roots and wild animals like they don't exist, and goes down hills so fast and smoothly for an all-round machine.
The rear Swinger SPV shock needs to be dialed in to your weight and style of riding, but once you find the settings you like, it is a pleasure to ride.
The Minute fork is smooth, easy to use, directionally stable and has easy to set adjustments for climbing and decending/riding. The bike also
performs well in road/urban runs, it eats up potholes, stairs, steps, gutters and slow old ladies on pedestrian crossings.
The bottom line?
This is one of the 'new breed' of full suspension bikes available to the general riding public. If you are still riding a hardtail and think that full suspension bikes are not your thing, you owe it to yourself to test ride one of these 2004 Giant VT's.
I'm kicking myself for not getting one when they first hit the market. They are outstandingly good value and have convinced me completely about the benefits of full suspension.
I give the 2004 VT-2 the full 5/5 on value and overall, even though the seatpost/shim/tyres are not the best. Change these before you take it out of your LBS, and you are set for hours of great fun trail riding.
This bike is great value for the money.
I will post a follow-up in a few months of testing/riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BigSmiley
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Always looking for another! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Fantastic component spec. Well balanced travel and damping at both ends. Light for a 5inch+ travel trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap brakes(compared to aftermarket spec) - I have issues with the miniscule caliper clearance in the HFX 9's. They make them harder to set up and can create hassles when changing wheels, hitting ruts side on etc.
Typical giant set-up in terms of a slightly too long reach (this is probably a personal matter, but i've found their bikes to be a little too xc race oriented - too stretched out for the average joe)
Very thin paint/anodising! - make sure you slap some stickers on to pretect the paint!! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Pro, comp. GT I-Drive XC, Kona Bear deluxe | | Bike Setup: | Stock apart from the fitment of a short reach stem with a little bit more rise. Also, shimano platforms. | | Bottom Line: | Great value for money from the world largest bike manufacturer. A well balanced bike that so far i have not had any issues with. Try to find a similar bike with the same component spec.!!
The SPV damping works as advertised. Don't believe it? Go take a test ride - ask the shop assistants to dial in the minimum level of SPV - go for a spin. Do it again with the SPV set up for your body weight and feel the difference!!
This is a great bike for the average trail rider. I would not recommend it for a more aggresive "freerider" or someone starting out in DH. Furthermore, don't be confused that this is still a single pivot bike(main pivot) and not a true 4 bar linkage. There is a small degree of pedal feedback and pedal induced bobbing(obviously eliminated through the SPV shock)- Just thought i'd clear that up.
As for my rant about the cheap brakes.... Just a personal issue. Once setup (And i did have to re-align the calipers a few times) they have so far performed well. Other riders i have talked to have also found that the reach adjuster on the hayes tend to 'back out' on rides due to trail vibrations. - Stick some silicone on the threads or a little bit of loc-tite on them and you'll be fine!
Overall, i am very satisfied with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuqurque, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Otero Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Northeast Cyclery | | Strengths: | Price vs performance, weight compared to travel and frame strength, and the SPV at both ends. IMO this is the best of the bunch of the "all mountain" contenders. It has the best spec for the money, with the lightest weight, best geometry, and it's the most "all around" long travel mountain bike made. It is said of many bikes, but truely this bike can be built near XC light or near freeride tough! | | Weaknesses: | I had some problems with the rear shock which I will go into below. Though I did change out the post, I never actually had any problem with the seat post shim. In fact I am going to cut it down to use when going to the ski lifts this summer so I can keep a seat on it that is back on the rails and tilted to the rear. So I don't have to mess with my regular seat angle, I'll just swap back the stock post to go play freerider. Mostly I just did it because I am 230lbs. So I wanted to change out the bar, stem, and post for really strong stuff. And to get the bike to fit the way I want, I like wide bars! I also didn't like the tires much on loose hardpack. Though they were fine at higher elevations were there is actually "soil" on the trails. I got some Michelin Hot S tires that are 2.2's that seem more like 2.0's that ride good and quick. So then I got some Nokians that are 2.35's! I definitly like the traction and feeling from the big tires, especially when jumping and dropping. But I definitly notice the weight penalty on the uphills! I think I will end up looking for another set of wheels to throw the big tires on. So I can pick and choose the wheel set with what I feel like riding. | | Similar Products Used: | I test rode Cakes, Liquids, and Enduro's when shopping for this bike. I considered Dakar XLT's also. But the ride was better on the Giant than the others, and the spec was better than the Jamis. | | Bike Setup: | Thompson 110mm stem and post, Easton Monkey EA70 downhill bar with the 2.5 in rise. The Nokians on there at the moment and thinking of getting stans no tubes to see what thats all about... | | Bottom Line: | Ok for the rear shock problems. It ended up that I had a leaky shock from the very begining. Plus the valve cores were not screwed in far enough. So I actually have not ridden this bike anywhere near as much as I should have!
When I would fill up the shock and then take off the pump a LOT of air would leak out as you unscrewed the shock pump. So at first I would pump the shock up to like 275 and then take it off as quick as possible hoping there would be at least 200 pounds of pressure left. Sometimes I would have to do this 5 or 6 times to be lucky enough to have enough air in there to ride with!!! And after you get to 200 lbs of pressure it takes a heck of a lot of effort to get more air into the shock!!! I contacted Answer by e-mail about the problem, but instead of tyring to help out they played a bunch of BS e-mail games wich Peeed me off so I quit trying...
So I finally figured out that the valve cores needed to be screwed in farther. And I was hoping that was my leak also. I did end up being able to pump up the shock and take off the pump with only loosing a few pounds of pressue instead of fifty! But the leak was still there. I was dreading taking the bike in for warranty because I had heard that last year it was like three weeks to get your shock back. But it got to the the point that I could only ride the bike for about 25 minutes untill I had to pull over and pump the shock back up. So I took the bike in...
Suprise! Even though the SOB's at Answer tech wouldn't take five minutes to help me out. They did explain the problem to the bike mechanic. He was able to fix it in no time. It ends up that there is a small hex nut inside the shock in back of the valve core that was loose. The shop guy tightened it and it has been perfect ever since! In fact after I fine tuned it after getting it back from the shop I have not needed to mess with it again in a month.
So now I am trying to make up for lost time and ride as much as possible! Now the only problem is that I am really out of shape! :)
I guess I should knock off a chili for the shock problems because it was a real honest to goodness problem. And not like so many gripes you see about a shock failure when they just did a ten foot drop on it! :) (it's called technique guys...otherwise we would ALL be competing at the Redbull Rampage!!!)
But I think it was an isolated thing. And it would be unfair to put down Gian't bike because of a quality control issue at Answer Mantou. And since the fix the bike and the shocks have been amazing!!! I highly recomend this bike, for everybody except those really specializing in the way they ride. I guess that's the point of an "all mountain" bike, not to be so narrowly focused. And the VT totally rocks as a perfect all around fun mountain bike!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory Sarafinchan
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, On. Canada
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Don & Zoo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Cycle Solutions | | Strengths: | This bike is 28 Lbs out of the box. The hardwear on this bike is ready for anything you want to put it threw. The New SPV 3 way swinger shock is AMAZING. It Climbs like a mountain goat. I seem to gain speed going up hill:). This truly mimic's a hardtail on hardpack, the shock soaks up everything. It's plush but firm at the sametime for 5.7 inches of air travel. The forks are great at 120mm for bombing downhill, the 90mm setting makes the bike ready for XC and becomes incredibly responsive. | | Weaknesses: | the tires that came with the bike aren't worth the rubber there made of. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Warp 3. Raligh hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the tires. have WTB Motoraptors 2.4. This tires are amazing for this bike. Highly advise. | | Bottom Line: | Out of the box and to the trails, you'll be very happy that you bought this bike. I'm planing to go on many adventures with this bike starting in July, a 6 day back country trip in BC. The Bike is built very well with great componets. The only thing left to do is make it lighter :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedro
a Downhiller
from Summit county
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ISO | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Strengths: | Feels very lightweight. SPV is awesome (front and back). Great specs for the $. Killer matte paintjob (although I heard it chips easily). Super smooth ride. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post/shim....Oh you hadn't heard about it? Wheels are fine, tires were good (I only have one ride on them) I can tell they are going to wear fast. Cable routing, I think I fixed it though.
| | Similar Products Used: | '94 Yeti ARC for 9 years, '02 Yeti ARC for 2 years, Santa Cruz Super 8 for my DH years. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I don't know why it took me so long to switch over to dual suspension... I could have done this a long time ago. However, I'm glad it took me this long because I think I have found THE dual suspension bike. It feels lightweight going up (more so than the Yeti hardtail) and on the descents, it just floats over anything! You forget you are on a bike for a while. Rode it in Fruita on Saturday and after 4 hours of hard riding (considering it's my first ride of the season) I wanted to keep going, the bike wanted to keep going, but it was time to head back...yes, very sad.
If you are out there trying to decide whether to switch over to Duals suspension or not, my advice is a big YES, do it!!! and when you do, please treat yourself to a VT2!
I almost felt like I was cheating. I beat my buddies up and down, I almost wanted to apologize for having such an advantage on them.....
If you like all around riding and love going super fast, but still want to have energy to drive home, this bike is for you. If you are a racer who cares about weight, do not buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
evan c
a Cross Country Rider
from indianapolis, indiana, usa
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | nebo ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | indy cycle specialist | | Strengths: | great components for the jack. best bike for the buck! | | Weaknesses: | seat post, tires/tubes, cable routing | | Bike Setup: | thomson elite post, conti tires, heavy tubes | | Bottom Line: | When you get the bike from the shop, first swap the post and at least the tubes. Giant uses a light weight tube to cut the lbs, however they are prone to an easy pinch flat(both flat first ride). I probably have 300 miles on this thing and it rides like a dream. It climbs like a demented goat, and floats down the steeps. It is like having an unfair advantage over your boys. I have done quite a bit of racing in the past, and ridden far more expensive bikes. But this bike rides just as good if not better than most. check out the rest, the go buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Valencia, CA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | SPV front and rear. Great component list for the money. Relatively light weight with good durability and travel. Plush ride but still can climb like a goat. | | Weaknesses: | These have probably been beaten up enough by now… but the seat post shim and the tires both suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo’d Trek Liquid, Fisher Cake, Specialized Enduro, ’03 VT1, Marin Mount Vision | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Panaracer Fire XC Pros front and rear with Stan’s No-Tubes. Soon to switch to a Thompson Elite post, but I’m worried about sitting too far forward with the post. Any suggestions? | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I recently came to California from Michigan and my old hardtail definitely didn’t cut it out here. I started shopping and demo’d a ton of bikes. The Giant won out mainly because of the fork and shock combo. Everything else I rode felt like a pogo stick when I stood to pedal – except the VT2 – and it wasn’t even totally dialed in yet!
I can clear technical stuff I never dreamed of even trying before. The high bottom bracket height gives the bike a high center of gravity, but it’s awesome for clearing big rocks and logs.
I’m having some trouble dialing in the Minute 1 fork. I’ve got a large frame (20.5”), I weigh 165 and am 6’1”. When I get proper sag the pressure is too low and it doesn’t pedal like I like. I’ve contacted Answer products – we’ll see how there tech support is.
For the money this has got to be one of the best values out there for all mountain rigs. It’s not a racer, dirt jumper, or trials bike – but I think it’s one of the best compromises for do-it-all fun.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Maybee
a Cross Country Rider
from Salmon Arm, BC, CAN
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lumpy | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Skookum Cycle | | Strengths: | -buttery smooth suspension
-light
-climbs very well
-great spec
-wheels | | Weaknesses: | Yes, the shim sucks. Most Giant dealers will have a proper sized post (30.8) that you should swap to. Jury is still out on the tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg Deeluxe, Giant NRS, Santa Cruz Bullit, Norco Fluid | | Bike Setup: | Sram 7.0 rear derailleur and shifters (sweet!) Lock on grips, otherwise... stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike. I owned the 2003 and loved it. The steeper head tube this year is noticable. The handling is much quicker now. The Minute fork is also welcome addition, much better than the Psylo from last year. At 200lbs, I have hammered this bike, raced it, and the wheels stood up well, so not sure why people are complaining about that. Here in BC, we climb up and rip down. This bike does both very well. If you are a sit down rider, who wants a "ride everything" bike, this is as good as it gets. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Turtle
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, MN
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Honest Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Bike weighs 28.5 lbs out of the box. In my book that's awsome for a 5" travel bike. The fork and rear shock work well together. Magazines that say SPV rides harshly has not tuned it well, my bike is super plush and pedals like a hardtail. The minute 1:00 is awsome now that Manitou has wind down and SPV in a fork. | | Weaknesses: | SPV chamber on rear shock needs to be filled before avery ride, it only looses 20 psi/day but it's still an inconvenience. Hayes disc brakes are dated. I actually like the Avid cable type better. Yup, seat post is a pain. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, which I own and race. | | Bike Setup: | 100mm stem, WTB Weirwolf 2.3" FR tires. | | Bottom Line: | Except for the fact that I'm still getting used to Shimano low-normal shifting the bike works great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric L.
a Weekend Warrior
from Boucherville, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Primeau Velo, Brossard | | Strengths: | SPV front and back. Good equipement for your bucks. Very confortable position out of the box. Strong Easton equipment. Race Face cranks. | | Weaknesses: | Mavic 223 rims. Shim on seatpost C'mon! | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Cake. Cannondale Jekkyl | | Bike Setup: | Switched the Manitou Minute 1 to a Minute 2 with air spring (and lighter weight). Switched the wheels to XM819 UST wheels. Also got Hayes Mag PLUS with carbon levers. | | Bottom Line: | I love that bike. It's lightweight and a whole lot of fun to ride. The value rating is 5 stars but the overall gets a 4 because of the poor rims and shims... Just a detail but not enough to get 5 stars!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve mccaughan
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | New Zealand | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Excellent progressive suspension with no bob on saddle, frame rigidity, Brakes, Componentry well speced for price.
Excellent allround bike for XC and a bit of free ride and hill work.... | | Weaknesses: | Lame shim set up on seat post. Tyres. | | Similar Products Used: | Looked at most in this price bracket | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden most bikes in this bracket. The ride of the VT2 got me. I was going to buy the VT3 but the 2 is a better bike if you can stretch the dollars. I had acess to other bikes at cost price but opted to go for the Giant VT2 with the Jamis XLT2 a close second when comparing the rides of the bikes. A lot of people have talked about the creak in the seat post and it is their. I greased it and problem fixed. This does not feel like a 30lb bike on the track. It climbs well considering the set up. I love the SPV, check out the Answer website for some info on set up.
I needed to recentre pad alignment from new but now I have a free set up from the discs and i am real happy with the brakes. PS Make sure you put some tape on the frame to protect it from cable rub...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, CA USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Orange Cycle | | Strengths: | Price/value, light weight, 5.7" travel in rear and 5" up front, overall quality of frame build, Manitou suspension and It is not a Specialized. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post shim and probably the Mavic 223 wheelset with scorpion tires. Fork needs a stiffer spring for my lard ass. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested, Cannondale Gemini, Kona Dawg and Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock, changed stem to 90mm and 2" DH bars, probably going to change out the wheels for either Mavic F219 or Sun Single Track. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and actually my first mountain bike. With my BMX/Freestyle back ground I had a hard time going full suspension, but so far I am glad I did. I know I will end up wanting to freeride and jump more as time goes on and I feel this bike should handle most anything I end up throwing at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisvagas, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike and cycle obsession | | Strengths: | Everything. Fast and confidence inspiring on the downhill and doesn't bob on the uphill. Swinger and minute 1 both plush and complement each other well. Hayes, Mavic, Easton kit all top-notch. Geometry bang on for "all-mountain" riding. Little rear-end flex (a problem on 2003 model?. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post shim. WHY, GIANT??? Swap to a 30.8 mm post when you get the bike.
Scorpians not too good. Swap. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper FSR, Giant XTC2, Avanti Montari etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for eggbeaters, Selle italia promax saddle and 1 inch cut off end of bars. | | Bottom Line: | No other bike comes close in terms of value for money (in Australia at least). Rides like a dream with no mechanical problems thus far. Fast downhill and fast uphill. Could be a touch lighter but that would cost a lot extra. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dead Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Palmdale, Ca
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | cycology | | Strengths: | SPV, stiff frame, geometry. | | Weaknesses: | The seat post shim of course. And those damn tires! | | Similar Products Used: | I rode a KHS hard tail since '98. I also demo'd kona, santa cruz, specialized enduro and a VT 1 before dediding on this one. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Thomson elite stem and 30.9 seat post, solar carbon bar, azonic platforms and panaracer fire DH pro's. | | Bottom Line: | Ya know, you get quite a bit O bike for 69 bucks at Wal-Mart, but after one ride I knew the VT was the one. It wasn't 'til the second ride that I found out the hutchinson tires were useless! I love this bike though. The Manitou minute is awesome and light. The rear shock works as advertised. The geometry makes you feel like you could ride all day and the way this bike handles in any kind of terrain is just sick. All my old trails are new trails on this bike. I simply roll right over the diffcult technical sections I used to try to navigate. It's like I've awoken from the matrix and this is real riding! Hahaha. I haven't had this much fun on a bike since 1981 on my orange Team Murray bmx bike from Pep boys! Just get a 30.8 or 30.9 seat post and some tires and you'll be good to go. I actually tested a VT1 and decided to go for the VT 2 because of the $1,000 lower price. I spent the exra cash on the upgrades and some new gear. I spent alot of time checking out bikes before I bought this one and I couldn't find anything that could touch it. Not only do you get alot for a little coin, but you can't have more fun on any other trail bike.
Just buy the bike and don't look back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dante
a Weekend Warrior
from Miccion Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Orange Cycle | | Strengths: | Suspension & components. Manitou SPV front and rear 5.7" in rear and 5 in front what more could you want.. | | Weaknesses: | Possibly seat height adjustability. I ordered a large which is suposed to eleminate the seat post from hitting the shock rebound adjuster knob (hits on the small and medium). Seat post shim... | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Kona Dawg Deluxe, Cannondale Jeckle, Cannandale Gemini 1000, Giant AC1 and quite a few others. | | Bike Setup: | Ordered with stock set up, with the exception of changing the front rotor to an 8" , installing platform pedels and removing large chainring to install a bashring. | | Bottom Line: | Out of all the bikes I tested this seemed best suited to what will eventually be my riding style. I have a BMX/Freestyle (skatepark riding) background. I have not ridden in almost 15 years. I ent looking for a bike that would fit every need I knew I would had only to fing that nothing would do everything. Then I tested the 2004 VT2 and found it did everything I wanted and more. At just about 30lbs and with adjustable front suspension height it will climb well enoung to leave me plenty of energy to enjoy the ride back down. It has plenty of suspension travel to handle the agressive trail riding and light freeriding I know I will eventually get back into. Overall this is a great bike for the money and I would recommend it to anyone. Mine arives on Tuesday and I will be going out next weekend, so I will everyone know more after I give it a good hard ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric (e2) easterly
a Weekend Warrior
from little rock, ar usa
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | chainwheel | | Strengths: | giant warranty is good. excellent bike to $ ratio. perfect all around bike. | | Weaknesses: | as i said before on my first review, on the vt1 the new dual pull xt front der. hits the rear cross section between seat and chainstay, when shock is 1/4" from bottoming out. | | Similar Products Used: | klein mantra, santa cruz heckler, santa cruz bullit, giant nrs | | Bike Setup: | carbon bar(easton), carbon post, 30.9(does fit just fine), manitou minute 3, tubeless mavics from my nrs, carbon brake levers. added bashring for urban thrashing, titec stem. | | Bottom Line: | as for the shim that everyone complains about, ditch it and get you a 30.8, or a 30.9 post, mine is the easton carbon, there are other options out there, ask your shop. I work at chainwheel inc. in little rock, these bikes are giving the blur a run for their money, when price is compared, it seems as though giant practically gives you the frame. as compared to the $1500 price of the blur as frame only. I work as a mechanic, and two of our other mechanics are riding vts now. I went out riding some urban stuff this weekend, and the bike held up just fine.... my rear tire howeverhas a tube in it because I jumped off a wall and flatted it, i was running too low of psi. so i would not recommend running your tubeless wheels when freeriding, you roll a tire and scar the rim, and it's over. I did bottom the rear shock out a couple times, so I'm going to add a bit more air to it. I weigh 150lbs. and was running about 160psi up top, and half my weight in the spv chamber. now I'm going to try it with 100psi in the spv and 170psiup top. this is still one of the funnest bikes I've ever riddin'. it bunnyhops well, climbs well, descends great end wheelies like a son of a %#@^$, and it can handle what I've thrown at it thus far. I'm keeping this bike for a while.. a long while, I might throw some custom paint on it before spring gets here, I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!!!. Y ou should definately try to get one and test it, not just in the parking lot though your local shop probably has a demo you can take for a day or so, you definately need to ride it for a while to appreciate the real beauty of the ride this bike can give. makes you smile ear to ear when your done. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Noosa ,QLD,Australia
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Strathpine Cycles | | Strengths: | Low price,quality components,SPV shock & fork,climbing & descending ability,light weight for style of bike. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost -> shock clearance(16.5"),no where to mount light batteries | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Bear,Specialized Enduro,Crack&Fail Scalpel,Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Standard 16.5" with Crossmax UST wheels & converted ROLL X tyres,11-34 XT cassette,Shimano 540 pedals,Easton carbon seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike it climbs nearly as good as my piece of crap Scalpel did and descends better than my Kona.The rear shock never bobs when set up properly, even when standing. Most of my riding is on singletrack trails and I find the geometry excellent,on extended climbs I wind the fork down to 100mm to stop the front end wandering.The suspension works so well I can just sit down and pedal through rough stuff that would normally have me standing up unable to pedal through.I will do a couple of team xc races on the bike this year,even though I have a hardtail.
I would recomend this bike for anyone who does a bit of everything and prefers rough technical trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
frango
a Weekend Warrior
from Warsaw, Poland
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any which leeds from the top of the mountain to cost of the tropical sea ;-) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | directly at Polish distributor | | Strengths: | Specs, suspension, design | | Weaknesses: | Cables scratching frame and shock, Easton stem | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XcX DS2 2000, different NRS bikes tested | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Easton stem changed to Titec Big-Al 90mm 10*, Time Alium pedals to Shimano 545 | | Bottom Line: | I got my VT2 2004 week ago. It's hard to tell anything more detailed about it at the moment, but... a lot of users were complaining about seat adjustment. It seems that frame design has been changed a bit. You can extend the seat how high you want for XC riding as well as put it all the way down for FR/DH, now. The seatpost doesn't hit adjustment knob anymore, even when you get rid of 27,2 and use 31,8 post. I changed Easton 110mm stem for Titec Big-Al 90mm, which is much stiffer (as lot of you suggested). Riding position is no more so XC. I will probably get rid of from derailleur, cause it’s not needed for street riding. I have to invent some kind of fender which will protect rear shock from mud. The bike is so plush (comparing to my previous XcX DS2 2000), but at the same time it accelerates very well. It swallows little and mid bumps so easily.
That’s all for the moment. What more can I say after 25km of middle-winter-street-riding...? I will write more after few hundreds of km.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Everything, this bike is excellent, price, spec, and performance. Never ridden a long travel FS bike that pedals so well. SPV rear and front are unbeleivable. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post shim, its driving me nuts. DOnt know what to do. I heard the only only other seat post that would fit is a Thompson, but I dont want to fork the cash out.
No other weaknesses at all. Other people have commented on the tyres, they are not that bad, for the price who cares, Ill rip em off when there worn and try something else. (Hutchy Pythons) Oh the paint scratches easy as, and is very very thin. | | Bottom Line: | If you want an all-mountain bike that will have you go up as fast as everyone else and decend faster than them well this is the rig for you. I have no bad things to say apart from the seat post shim. Creak Creak!! Arghhhhh | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Sanford
a Cross Country Rider
from Saginaw, Mi, USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | technical | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | The Stable | | Strengths: | THE true trail bike! This bike does everything well except raceing, freeriding & down hill. Superior handling, incredible spec, great ride & able to take more obstacles than I have the courage to do. Buy this bike, make 2 changes(see product weaknesses), set you spv fork & shock, and ride happy ever after. | | Weaknesses: | First, if you live in the east, north-east, south-east, north-west, or midwest, swap out the Scorpions for a set of Continentals, Kendas, or other suitable tire with grip. Hutchinson Scorpions don't work on 60%-65% of the terrain in the USA. Second, Giant uses a shim with it's seat post. It doesn't work. The seat slides down and will take out your shock! Come on Giant, you know about it; fix the problem! The rep told my lbs that the only cure is to use a standard seat clamp. It's a cheesey answer, although it works and the Giant seat clamp from the NRS1. The real fix is to match the seat post w/ the tube. To my knowledge (and I checked all over the internet), only the Thompson Elite comes in a size that fits the tube without a shim. If you have the cash, go this route, even though you can swap out the seat clamp for free. By the way, you do need the 367mm lenght post, and you have to cut it down. Don't get the short post, it won't work and you'll have to buy the 367mm anyway. If you aren't comfortable cutting down a $100 seat post, have your lbs do it. | | Similar Products Used: | I still have my Raleigh hardtail & my KHS softtail. Before buying the VT2, I checked (that means I reviewed specs to narrow the field down, and then rode) the Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek Liquid & Jamis Dakar as well as the Giant NRS1. | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Giant VT2 16.5" W/ Continental Vapor Pros front & rear, Stan's No Tubes w/ the stock 223 rims, Easton Monkey Lite carbon handlebar, and Thompson Elite seat post(357mm cut down - I gave the short one I bought first to my riding partner - looks & works great on his NRS1)
| | Bottom Line: | If you want THE trailbike for long rides over varied and technical terrain, this is your bike. BUT IT! The swap out on the tires & seat clamp will cost you little or nothing depending on your local dealer. This makes the VT2 the best buy in it's class. If you want to race, or if you feel the need to do huge drops or free ride, forget it. There are much better bikes out there for that kind of riding. this bike takes you up hills (even steep ones) and down again for all day rides, and still leaves you enough energy to drive home.
Last year a number of reviews listed weight as an issue. the VT2 started life @ 30.0 lbs by my scales. With the changes, I now weighs in at 27.5 on those same scales. This is quite acceptable for a trail bike, but it won't accelerate like my buddy's 24lb NRS.
The SPV shock and fork are incerdible. You can sit and ride over logs and log piles in complete control and comfort or stand and hammer 50 degree dikes without any bob. I don't know how it works, but it's great anyway.
This bike offers way more value than any other I've looked at. Five & five for chillis. Buy the bike from your local dealer. you'll love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stoker
a
from central california
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 1850.00 | | Strengths: | (I also wrote this review in the 2003 Giant VT2 section before there was a 2004 review page)
Just about everything. What you get for the price you pay is incredible too. If you were to buy the components seperate, etc, this bike would cost way more. Just about every part or component is a well respected brand and quality part, plus the bike is lightweight for what it has on it and it can handle a big guy like me (6'4" 218lbs). 95% of this bike is great stuff right out of the box and you can be up and riding with an insane bike quick. Just buy it cause there isn't anything that comes close to this bike for its price.
| | Weaknesses: | There are some minor weaknesses, but nothing that is a problem. You just have to do some switch outs and some adjustments like any other bike to fit your needs. The seat post and shim are lame. Just replace it new and sell it, then get a new post. The cable wiring is weird too and scrapes the frame as well as mine would catch the rear shock and make a weird noise as it rubbed up against it. Just did a bit of re cabling and some zip ties and its fine. The Hutchinson tires are really bad. I flatted them the first day, but then again, im a big guy. I switched them to my WTB Moto Raptor 2.4's. If you are smaller then they might work ok, but not for me. Other than those, the bike is great and i wouldn't want any other bike for its product quality and price. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro Pro, Trek VRX 300
| | Bike Setup: | Stock setup, switched out seat post with no shim, and switched the Huthinson tires to WTB Moto Raptors 2.4 | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike. You aren't going to find any other bike of this quality for its price anywhere. I can't even think of a reason not to buy it. It just floats over the big stuff and climbs like a charm with no bob. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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