Submitted by
eastcoulee
a Downhiller
from Drumheller,Alberta,Canada Date Reviewed: October 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
double slide
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Cal's cycle
Strengths:
fun,cheap,good for singletrack downhill stuff,takes drops and jumps well
Weaknesses:
broke hanger,shifters are weak,rear derailer is sketchy, if u use it below freezing the forks get stiff and deraler does not work 2 well
Similar Products Used:
norco titen
Bike Setup:
stock, but,new fatter rear tire with more grip,and better tube
Bottom Line:
good bike, could use some better parts, but i love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff rox
a Downhiller
from lancaster Date Reviewed: August 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
sigle track in angles forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
buddy of mine
Strengths:
well put together bike nice and adjustable real good rear suspension
Weaknesses:
the only problem i had with this bike is the front forks blew out and launched the coil into my shoulder
Similar Products Used:
the only bike i have ever road that i liked besides it was a hard tail kona and it could not compare to the full suspension
Bottom Line:
great bike for its price i would advise any beginner to ride one unless ur trying bigger then 10 foot drops
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikerkid12
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, Canada Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
Light, Great balance point, maneuverable, decent amount of travel
Weaknesses:
small tires, handling on rough terrain, derailleur (snapped it clean off my bike hitting a jump)
Bottom Line:
alright bike for new riders buy it if you a new to biking, but don't buy it if you are going to do crazy stuff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
American Bulldog
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa,FL,U.S. Date Reviewed: July 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Alafia
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Joe Haskins
Strengths:
Very adjustable. Very quiet. Very durable. Easy bike for beginner. Quality, long lasting purchase for cheap (compared to other dual suspensions.) Compared to the new yukon fx, that took its place, it has more travel all the way around. Also, I like how you can manually adjust the rear suspension, as opposed to the yukon where you'll need some form of air pump.
Weaknesses:
It's a little heavy. Some other bikes do have more travel. And I'm racking my brain to try to be non biased, but the fact of the matter is I love this bike.
Similar Products Used:
Yukon FX, Boulder, and a Next,( but the only thing really similiar about the next is it was dual suspension. I destroyed it the first time I took it out. Bent the frame.)
Bottom Line:
I don't know if you can still get this bike new, but even if you can't it will probally be worth it used. I will never pawn or sell no matter how hard it gets or if I upgrade. This bike is a pure fun, thrill filling machine. And a beautiful work of art. It not only looks great, but Giant succeeded in creating a very sound piece of technology, that I belive should be ranked one of the best bikes of all time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevvin
a Weekend Warrior
from new hampshire Date Reviewed: February 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
powerlines in Rindge
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
naults cyclery
Strengths:
takes whatever I dish out, frame strong. good amount of suspension= 5inches front and rear light weight, well geared, can withstand 8 foot drops everything is replaceablevery affordable
Weaknesses:
derailleur strength front suspension deminishes when weather is under 45 degrees
Bike Setup:
setup for strenuous trail riding, in the granite state trails
Bottom Line:
my first true mountain bike, finally got my parents to stop spending money buying a walmart bike every year none of my friends can keep up with me on downhills or uphills, I don't plan on getting a new bike any time soon, much better than any of its competition. bike not built for downhill racing or anything of that matter
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ben1818
a Racer
from powell river Date Reviewed: November 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
bucket of blood
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
suncoast cycles
Strengths:
very good at taking a beating. did some XC races on it but i would recommend a better bike for that. good bike for a beginner
Weaknesses:
derailleur hanger has broken on me about 10 times
fork tops and bottoms out
pedals suck
not good in rocky sections
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great bike for a rider just starting out. has taken a huge beating and has made it through. great bike for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
freeridking
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitewater WI Date Reviewed: July 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kettal Morane (Best in WI)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Bycyclewise
Strengths:
Solid frame, great breaks, has taken all of my jumps, drops, hits, and crashes.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailure sucked so I swithced it with a Sram X9. Design of rear suspension.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Harder, skinnier seat, Sram x9 rear, better tires, crank bros clips, new low rise handle bar. Other than that STOCK.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I rock out with my two boys that have a $2600 Yeti and the other has a Gary Fisher and I come out on top. Once you get the rear shock set right this bike will perform.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kory sumner
a Downhiller
from whitby ontario canada Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
autobahn
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
impala bicycles
Strengths:
the has held up for the most part. the rims have only minor bends and warps. the brakes stop me fairly well.
Weaknesses:
had to change the front and back tires. completely destroyed the bottom bracket and the rear shock. busted about 3 or 4 hangers.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock except for the pedals. swapped them for Haro pedals.
Bottom Line:
good bike for starting out but if you're going to bigger get a stronger bike. this bike can take downhill riding but not that well or that much
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DUSTIN HEALEY
a Downhiller
from prescott,az yavapi Date Reviewed: August 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
307
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
bikesmith
Strengths:
the rims are strong,the handle bars are great,and thetires grip real easily on all types of weather mostly icey.
Weaknesses:
cant take drops that beg i took it off a 7' and the shock and bottom braket broke on me it sucked, the derailiuar hanger has broke after every other ride that i do and i do downhill/freeride
Similar Products Used:
the all mountain bike
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
the bike is great if u are rideing the trails to have fun for the weekend all the time but dont try what i did itll break easily but the bike was worth a lot for me next bike is a giant faith
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Cross Country Rider
from Imperial, California , United States Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Finish Line Pro Bike Shop
Strengths:
Well the dealer did some research on the faulty parts, and decided to change the front derailor from sram, to a shimono, and the rims to a double wall support. The bike is heavy, but then again I would rather have a strongly built bike that won't break on landing. From what I have observed, it's VERY strong!!!
Weaknesses:
I would like to fing out if the rear suspension can be replaced, not that it has given me any trouble or anything, but in the near future I would like to change it out.
Bike Setup:
Stock, I have stomp pedals on it, and a pad on the seatm I do enjoy enduro riding, and where I live it's about 95 degrees in the morning, HEAT RASH IS POSSIBLE... not that it has happened to me, but can happen
Bottom Line:
This bike in an overall aspect is worth every dollar that you spend. Giant made a very strong frame that will be prudent for a man of a large stature and built. I would recomend for fufture preferance if your going to race in down hill, I would change the front forks, if you read the sticker on the fork, it will list it's use as a leizure riding fork, and it's strngly encouraged to not to used as a dirt jumper, or down hill. It is capable of pulling it off, if your weight is 170-200 pounds then it will hold a three foot jump with no problem. The bike is nice, quiet, and reliable, with a smooth suspension set up that is nice for enduro, and cross country, and with a slite modification to the derailors, and the front fork, it can also be made into a full time extreme downhill/freeriding bike. Hopefully the informamtion in which I listed was helpful, if you really into it, find out your self, and test it out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devin Pfister
a Downhiller
from Logan, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
River
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Sunrise Cycerly
Strengths:
Good Suspention, brakes, and gears.
Weaknesses:
kinda heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Boulder, it's alot better than the boulder.
Bike Setup:
Full sespention...
Bottom Line:
It's a very good bike worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah Date Reviewed: March 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Slickrock
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Taylor Bike Shop
Strengths:
Good solid ride. Hasn't had any malfunctions other than a flat tire. Really smooth full suspension. Under $1000. Well worth $800. Tore slickrock in Moab up with it. Took a beating without any problems. Can handle descent drops without any problem.
Weaknesses:
Not the lightest of bikes.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic full suspension ride for the weekend rider who just wants to have fun and ride simple to technical terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Corey
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL Date Reviewed: March 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
one with good flow
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Made by giant, some of the components are not the best, but for the money pretty good bike, not to heavy, very flickable moves around easy, hits jumps like a pro
Weaknesses:
broke the derailleur hanger first day out, lbs guy replaced it with a beefier one no charge, 2 days later broke the sx4 derailleur (into pieces) bunny hopping off a curb, lbs guy said was a fluke and replaced with sram X7 not so sure about sram derailleur's anymore, other then those probs the bike holds up well. and dont know anything about the giant hv rear shock or how replaceable it is with a better one, doesnt look like you can havent researched tho
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
completely stock
Bottom Line:
for $700 good bike, I will be doing parts upgrades in the future so if you have more money spend it on something better
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: December 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
Over all it hasn't let me down yet. Its my first full suspension bike i have had. After the first month of riding and adjustments, its ran smooth and many have told me on the trail i'm very quiet.
Weaknesses:
Didn't care to much for the pedals that came with the bike. I just replaced them with a good pair of ankle biters, that where on my old bike.
Similar Products Used:
The only other bike i had was an toy's R us Mongoose. Which i broke its back axle on a good drop. Since i'm kinda of a big guy i went for the full suspension.
Bike Setup:
All stock, but pedals
Bottom Line:
Its a good soild bike for the price. I just say take ur time breaking it in and get it adjusted. get it from a good bike store that will stand behind thier bikes and life should be good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethlehem, PA, USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Saucon Valley Bikes
Strengths:
Pretty solid frame and design. Pretty strong disc brakes... they stop you pretty quickly.
Weaknesses:
Nothing about this bike is a real weakness per se, but there are things that are not great about it. The brakes squeak, and the left shifter broke on my second ride. Dealer replace it and it's been fine since. Probably a fluke. The front derailluer slips sometime, but you just have to make sure it's adjusted. The rear derailluer is fine.
Bike Setup:
All stock.
Bottom Line:
Great value for the price. I'm just starting out with mountain biking, and $800 for a solid, brand name full suspension bike seems pretty good. The bike has not let me down and I've put it through some pretty rough rides. If I could do it again I'd probably get the Pistol 1 just for the better components, but overall I'm happy with the Pistol 2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek Austin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Aggieland Cycling
Strengths:
Excellent frame and suspension. Decent seat for stock (but i put a cover on it anyways). Disk brakes work great with a little tweaking.
Weaknesses:
Chain flop (still need to shorten it) It might be a fluke but the rear derailer has been broken twice, and the dealer replaced it. Both times it was broken completely off. Went into the spokes for sure the second time, not sure about the first. Also could just be a dealer mistake of adjustment. Maybe little on the heavy side, but I took that into consideration before I even bought it.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Maxim MGX Full Suspension ($100.00)
Bike Setup:
All stock at first, dealer replaced Sram rear shifter with an older rear shifter.
Bottom Line:
I bought this because I was bottoming out my Mongoose on drops constantly and wanted a higher quality bike with more travel. And minus my possible dealer mistakes the bike is a joy to ride. Soaks up anything I can throw at it so far. Still testing it's limits (and my own) Great full suspension bike with disk brakes for the price. Excellent travel. Decent tires even though they seem to be less agressive than your typical mountain bike tire. Key of course is to have a good dealer. If you want a 5" travel full suspension bike with disk brakes, there isn't much better than the pistol 2. If you want more than 2" of travel but don't want to spend 800 bucks, look for something without disk brakes, your selection will increase dramatically.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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