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Submitted by
peitrus
a Weekend Warrior
from Colton, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Hulda Crooks, Loma Linda | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | CL | | Strengths: | Great looking bike, especially the color. The bike's geometry is nice and tight as well. The brakes and derailleurs were nice and responsive after a bit of self tuning. | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the heavy side. Haven't weighed it but it feels like its around 30lbs. Accidentally broke the bolt on the seat post that clamps the saddle while casually riding. | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | Stock with new grips and new saddle (Selle Italia C2) | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner bike and a bike to train on. Training on a heavy bike = faster on a lighter bike. I'm not sure if this is the best bike for climbing hills or bombing serious downhills. But it's definitely nice for the back trails. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jjmcjared
a Weekend Warrior
from ithaca
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | paperboy at shindagin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | barely used craigs l | | Strengths: | great bike! a little heavy tho, but its alright for an entry level bike. love the brakes, but Ive herd the shocks ar'nt any good but they have been fine for me so far. | | Weaknesses: | a little on the heavy side | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | good entry level bike. great for the price. i recomend it. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
donchingon
a Cross Country Rider
from Anaheim,CA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Fullerton Cycles | | Strengths: | Great beginner bike. Great for both road and light trails. I have ridden bike to the beach on the road, and I have ridden on many trails and does a good job. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork and tires. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I have upgraded to a Specialized stump jumper full suspension and still find myself taking this bike out on certain rides. It is a very enjoyable bike. The colors of the bike are also really cool!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cain589
a Downhiller
from Muscle Shoals, AL, US
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Cadence | | Strengths: | Great Geometry, Decent components for the price. Lifetime warranty on the frame. Price. Its has a good feel to it. | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy, and the front fork is not the best, but other than that it is a great bike | | Bottom Line: | I would recamend this bike to an entry level rider. it is a great bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bma18
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahoma City, OK
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Store | | Strengths: | Strong frame and components seem to work pretty good. Fell off a six foot bridge and nothing on the bike broke. | | Weaknesses: | The fork could be a little better if you are a really aggressive rider, but the XCM 100mm is enough for me for now. Shifting has a slight delay, but is very accurate. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than Shimano PD-M505 clip-in pedals (which make riding way better. definitely recommend clipless pedals). | | Bottom Line: | I think this bike is amazing for a beginner or anyone trying to get into mountain biking. A rider with experience with more expensive bikes would probably be disappointed, but I feel that this bike is the best that you can get for the money. I haven't bottomed the fork out yet, but can see it happening on larger jumps or drops as I have already come close. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mayorphill
a Cross Country Rider
from Lubbock, TX
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Mae Simmons | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | DFC Cycles and Fitne | | Strengths: | Very cost effective for an entry bike. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy and comes with lower end parts. | | Similar Products Used: | None, its my first quality MTB. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Rincon 2007 setup with Crank Brothers Candy clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Its been a great introductory bike to the sport. Great for the cost and hasn't broken on me yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
connor--live to ride
a Downhiller
from lubbock, texas. us
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | a-line in whistler | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | dfc cycles and fitne | | Strengths: | i love the suspension for the price. The disk brakes are great to start out with. It is durable and can take abuse. Very comfortable to ride on. | | Weaknesses: | It is heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher genesis | | Bike Setup: | stock everything | | Bottom Line: | A great bike to start out with and is very durable and easy to upgrade. A very good bike for the low cost. I would recommend this to people new to the sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D1PHAM
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Skeggs | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Ramp | | Strengths: | Nice strong frame with nice comfortable riding geometry. Decent entry level components. Lifetime warranty on frame. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy with stock components. Fork and BB weighs a ton. Integrated shifter/brake lever combo. 8 speed drivetrain setup. | | Bike Setup: | Giant 2008 Rincon Frame
Deore Rear Derailleur
Deore Rear Shifter
Truvativ FireX Crankset (36T/24T)
BBG Bashguard
Avid BB7's /w Speed Levers
N-Gear Jump Stop
Mavic 117's
Panaracer XC Fire Pro's | | Bottom Line: | Great entry level bike. The frame can handle everything you throw at it. The components are decent but still leave a lot to be desired. Stock weight is heavy (32 pounds). I rode mine for about two months before upgrading just about every single component except for the frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LTZ weekendr
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA USA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Fallen Leaf Lake & Flume Trails, Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Habitat Carson | | Strengths: | Durability | | Weaknesses: | Front dealer | | Bottom Line: | I am new to Mt. biking and thus far, have been pleased with this bike. The disc brakes work very well, however the chain has fallen off the front deraler during some aggresive downhill attempts. Otherwise, I think this bike, for the price, is the right choice for someone who is entry-level. The colr scheme of Silver/Black/Orange is pretty unique as well. I'm certain I will stay with the GIANT brand, however I'll most likely upgrade to a full suspension bike in the next 1 year. I'll welcome all suggestions from experianced riders... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
micah356
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Don Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sporting Life | | Strengths: | Great price for the components given. This bike has the best, most comfortable seat I have ever used. The brakes are very easy to adjust, and work well even when really tight (the way I like it). The stock tires are unstoppable in all off-road conditions. The derailleurs work perfectly, I'm glad I didn't pay for higher level components. | | Weaknesses: | The handlebar grips are not attached very securely, and slide off a bit over time. Slidign them back on is easy though, so no biggy. The tires work well on the road, but the extreme tread gives a bit of vibration and makes it comparatively hard to pedal. The fork isn't great, but is definitely fair for the price. It works pretty well once you find the right setting. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis, Marin, GT, Trek, and Gary Fisher bikes of the same price range | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Kenda Kross Plus tires (smooth on the road but with grip for dirt too) | | Bottom Line: | I am completely happy with this bike, and it all works great. The only part I would consider upgrading is the fork, to something like a Dart 2 or 3. Other than the fork, everything on it works perfectly, and it would be a great bike for many years, or to upgrade over time. I can personally confirm that this is a very strong bike, as it survived a fall that my ankle didn't! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BikerMike
a Weekend Warrior
from Fallbrook, California, USA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Local Fire Roads | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Amazon Bikes | | Strengths: | Aggressive feal, good frame geometry, very nice running gear for the price, feels light on smaller jumps(5-10 feet)
tires work great for the type of terrain i ride(hard/dry)
looks great in bolth colors (chose the silver/grey and black over the military/dull green and black) | | Weaknesses: | forks arent the greatest (hard to find the right adjustment you want) grips were thin and uncomfertable (replaced them) Not a hube problem but the peddles seem to have less grip than plastic walmart peddles (will be upgrading soon) | | Similar Products Used: | giant yukon(alittle better but more $$$)
specialized rockhopper(didnt like what i got for the $$$) | | Bike Setup: | all stock but grips, lights, and soon to be PEDDLES | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the price, did A LOT of research before buying and is the best bike in the price range.
this bike will handle the jumps but being a hard tail they cant be massive, will go down some rough steeep trails but its no DH bike, Put the seat all the way down and you have a capable dirt jumper also, im not too good at bmx style jumps but my buddy can 360 it with ease. i would buy this bike agian. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jac_fubar
a Cross Country Rider
from logan
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Stump Hollow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$419.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunrise Cyclery | | Strengths: | frame geometry feels great, good price for what you get | | Weaknesses: | the suspension doesn't seem to matter what I do, seat post and clamp, and rear derailer and hanger that could just be me though trying to do some trials tricks on it then paying for it. Wicked fast on the roads for a mountain bike! | | Similar Products Used: | a trek 4300, raleigh mojave 4.0 | | Bike Setup: | stock, well I guess I added a chain stay protector to cut down on noise from chain slap | | Bottom Line: | The derailers are a bit slow and that seat post clamp just blows and need replacing I bent mine adjusting while still riding. Might want to look into some new grips too!
Looking for the biggest bang for your buck? this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy R
a Weekend Warrior
from United kingdom
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | shirley /stratford upon avon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Looks, price | | Weaknesses: | front suspension | | Similar Products Used: | diamondback sorrento | | Bike Setup: | stock with the exception of a clipless pedal | | Bottom Line: | For the price paid I can't complain, after over four years of usage (daily 12 mile commute to/from work and the weekend light trail / canal towpath ride (30 - 60 miles)I only had to service the front suspension, which was pretty easy after getting an exploded veiw of it from the suntour website. .... I know that the 'cool mountain biker' may 'tut tut' the standard suspension but I have not had any problems with it, since I carried out my own maintenece on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ToRRenT20
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA, US
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Ramp | | Strengths: | Fast, cost affective, style, and respectable components. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting skips and the grips are hard on the hands. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Black and Olive design. I requested to swap out the Kenda K-RAD Semi-Slicks for the Kenda BlueGroove/Nevegal tires and the Giant DJ for the Unity Speed Grove MTB. | | Bottom Line: | I'm still new to the bicycle industry, but quickly becoming an enthusiast. This is my second bike, the first had limited use and eventually ended up being stolen. Bought this one because of the price, keeping in mind the concerns of theft. The first thing I like about this bike is that it's fast when taken for street travel. I haven't done much off-road, and when I have, the area was really rocky and bumpy, but I bet if I softened the suspension, the ride would have been bit more comforting. I was sold on the Olive/Black frame, but wasn't really feeling the Semi-Slicks, so I asked the dealer if he can swap out the tires to the BlueGroove/Nevegal tires and they obliged and I also swapped out the Giant DJ for the Unity saddle because I wanted a more MTB look and boy did it make a difference. I liked the Anthracite/Black look but it seemed too clean of a look for me, so I went with the what a previous reviewer called, a "militaristic" look. The only issues I have on the bike is that it sometimes shifts two gears when I downshift and the grips don't absorb the shock very well to the hands. I ended up replacing the grips to Oury grips and that did the trick. All in all, a great bike to start out on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
robot
a Cross Country Rider
from Palos Hills, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Out 'N Back, Gravity Hill, Hickory Smoked | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Orland Park Cyclery | | Strengths: | Lightweight (compared to my old bike), front shocks, disc brakes for such price, fast and quiet derailleurs. | | Weaknesses: | Probably the tires I got, Kenda K-RAD Semi-Slicks, they could be more knobby (they still handle pretty good on mud and soft soil), plus the disc brakes are making a bit of a noise when braking hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse Warrior 1.3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now, might go tubeless or kevlar after I blow the tires. | | Bottom Line: | Just recently got the black and dark olive colored bike and finally took it onto the trails today. The bike looks very militaristic. Feels very smooth for an aggressive rider. When I first got onto it, I had to get used to a different frame setup which I really like. The bike feels quite light, it's good for doing jumps to avoid numerous obstacles. Took it on a bit of a downhill ride, I got some action in the arms as I rode it down, but you can adjust that with the knobs on the front suspension (Just remember that this isn't a downhill bike, so it's never going to be smooth of a ride.)
The bike's good for a casual street rider and off-road trail riders. Seems reasonably priced for the specs and components that you're getting, at the LBS, similarly spec'ed Trek bikes cost a lot more. If you wanna ride it on the street and the trails, it's a pretty good bike. I'd recommend getting knobby tires on it though. Otherwise get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JB
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | The 08 Rincon, like all Giant 08 Sport bikes has a great "multi-use" geometry to it. Thanks to the lower than normal stand over height, the right size for you should give you both a comfortable yet fast riding position for trail/urban use while still giving you enough “crotch room” for doing not-too-intense off-road/single track stuff. Giant is getting away from seat-tube sizing (which IMO is a good thing since there is so much more to bike sizing than just that one measurement). Instead they are going with a XS/S/M/L/XL/2XL type designation, each with a suggested rider height range. Its not the final word, but in my case at least it was right on target.
Component selection is great for a so call “sport” platform: all-alloy pedals should survive the inevitable spill, Alivio front and rear derailers are a nice cut above the Altus or Acera hardware usually found around this price, decent Jagwire cables on all controls, etc.
Interesting choice of "urban" version with Kenda K-Rad tires and DJ seat, vs. "mountain" version with genuine Kenda BlueGroove/Nevegal tires and MTB seat (the latter being a slightly better value if you look at the SRP of the tires in question).
| | Weaknesses: | Despite its 100mm travel, fork is not at all smooth and likely to be the first thing owner will want to upgrade as taste/skill escalate. Upgrades are possible, but may be expensive. For example, the brakes/shifters are the Shimmano integrated so upgrading one means you'll have to upgrade both. While the frame and fork are disk ready, the hubs/wheels are not, so going to disk would be a big ordeal.
Note that unlike the US model, in Canada the Rincon does NOT feature disc brakes (why we got shorted that feature is a mystery to me.
| | Similar Products Used: | Test drove the likes of Trek 3 and 4 series, Specialized Hardrocks, Haro Flightlines, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Excellent value for a person’s first "good" bike. The price is right, the bike just pain feels good, but it probably won’t be the last bike you buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cody
a Weekend Warrior
from the bay, FL, US
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | South Shore/Grapefruit | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | jands | | Strengths: | super comfy, fast, beautiful, strong frame, decent components, good on road and trail. coasts VERY well. | | Weaknesses: | damaged the seat post clamps just under the seat coming to the bottom of a drop, but fixed by cutting new grooves with a dremil (not necissarily a rincon problem, im just really rough with bikes). you feel a bit more of the bumps on the trails than you would with a specialized, but that may just be because i keep my tires highly inflated. | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose xr250, specialized hardrock comp disk, specialized hardrock sport | | Bike Setup: | 2008 green/black giant rincon w/ the less aggressive tread tires | | Bottom Line: | buy it if you take drops, jump jumps, and aggressively cruise.
dont buy it if you plan on landing so hard that you have to wear full body armour to prevent certain maiming/death.
and go for the green flavor, its worth buying a new set of tires for the awesomer color. anthracite is cool too, but i like to blend in with nature. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike perez
a Weekend Warrior
from union beach nj 07735
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | downhill and very fast | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | planet bike in matawn | | Strengths: | good geometery and disc brakes for the price | | Weaknesses: | pedals,derailer, and crank | | Bottom Line: | i thought i could have a decent freeride bike for the price i threw everything i had at it in 2 months i had to take it to tthe bike shop 5 time for variuos problems.dont get me wrong it is a decent entry level bike but i must have beat the crap out of the bike and that is why it had to be fixed. get the bike if you are doing some easy trails and dont be hardcore | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nddillon
a Weekend Warrior
from Morehead, KY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Sheltowee, | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | Strong frame, good geometry, | | Weaknesses: | I wouldn't call them weaknesses but the Alivios need upgrading as do the forks | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 830, IronHorse Warrior, Forge Sawback...and a Huffy Stone Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except saddle, barends and some accessories...but not for long | | Bottom Line: | If you don't know much about bikes this is a safe bet. If you do and can do all your own maintenence buy the Forge Sawback.
This has really held up to my almost 300# abuse on some long, hard, muddy trails, minus a replacement cassette/chain causing some chainsuck issues | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from Menomonie, WI
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Strengths: | Shifts good, good/comfortable shifters, brakes, and handlebars | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820 | | Bottom Line: | I previously had a Trek 820, until it was stolen. I replaced it with this Rincon. I have take it out several times, and prefer it over the Trek. This bike handles better than the Trek, both on pavement/offroad. For the price, I would say it is a great bike and would defiantly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Babu
a Weekend Warrior
from Fair Lawn, NJ
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Pad | | Strengths: | I just got the 2008 model and took it for its first ride on the trails...What I like...frame, seat, tires, disk brakes...not the best disk brakes but at least you don't have to spend too much when you up-grade. Plus they get the job done for my level... | | Weaknesses: | Unknown yet... | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Advance | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now except for pedals, B 52's. | | Bottom Line: | The best deal I could get for under $500. I consider it is great bike for biginners and as you "evolve" it's easily up-gradable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ashtonisedge
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville,sc
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Timmons park, | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine cycles on pleasantburg | | Strengths: | Frame design and durability | | Weaknesses: | Quality of stock componants. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Rebound, Raleigh M80..etc. | | Bike Setup: | avid hydro disc brakes... 150mm bomber fork, xtr crank and bb, everyting else is xt. | | Bottom Line: | For the price you can't beat it, and the stock componants are really nice for this price range. all in all, i'm very happy with this bike.. i bought it to just punk around on and it's now my favorite hardtail. If you're just starting out, GET THIS BIKE.. it's easily upgraded and if you treat the frame nice, this bike will grow with you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Missouri
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Weldon Springs | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Granada Cyclery | | Strengths: | I just got an 08' not too long ago.Shifters are smooth and located perfectly, the disc brakes are very responsive and stop on a dime. Not too heavy or too light.Ive used this bike pretty hard and the tires and rims are holding up very nice so far. This is my first mountain bike and the guy at the store actually recommended this bike over a more expensive specialized and trek. They actually put alot into this bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | When i adjust the suspension it doesnt really seem to change that much. I like the suspension stiff but it seems to stay loose regardless of what i do. Also sometimes, the shifter takes a couple seconds to shift. | | Similar Products Used: | A friends specialized | | Bottom Line: | I'm very happy with this bike and Ill keep it until it craps out on me. I plan on it lasting awhile so maybe by the time I have to buy a new one i might look at something a little more expensive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Yates
a Weekend Warrior
from Maidenhead, London, England
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Berkshire Cycles | | Strengths: | Cheap for what you get, takes a lot of punishment, easy to ride and ride fast on or off road. | | Weaknesses: | Just thinking about upgrading - can't be fitted with rear disk. Original brake pads didn't last long. | | Bike Setup: | Standard but for narrow road tyres, grips. | | Bottom Line: | Bought in '03 as my 1st decent bike. Its taken a lot of punishment - over jumps (up to 5ft) long cross-country, some light downhill and a load of road miles. Got to be pushing 5000 miles. All this with no maintenance from me.
Getting back into riding now, with more money to spend so will upgrade bits as I go - no mounts for a rear disk.
Forks, cranks, chain and cassette are all knackered but not suprising given its use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard S
a
from Rochester NY USA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Dryer Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Strengths: | NOTHING | | Weaknesses: | EVERYTHIN | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | THis iis my 2 review in 1 week. THIS BIKE SUCKS ASS. DONT BUY IT. If your getting one of Giants sports series get one of the more exspensive bikes. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard S
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester NY, USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Dryer Hill and Turning Point Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Topath Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Its got a nice frame and tires. | | Weaknesses: | Everything Else | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Advance | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I got the 06 model its a great bike for beginers and weekend worriors. If you plan on riding hard and a lot get a giant yukon or somthing more exspensive.Mine is pretty much destroyed and i had to spend 150 dollars fixing it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensboro, NC United States
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Spinz Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Solid Frame, great geometry for the "casually intense trail rider" (i.e. rides tough trails but not racing), components are rather good if maintained and not abused. | | Weaknesses: | depends on what you want the bike for, NOT for Freeride or DH, | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn, Trekk | | Bike Setup: | '07 stock | | Bottom Line: | IMHO, this is a great great bike for the money: AS LONG AS you are not looking to enter races or go DH'ing. It is very sturdy and reliable and, while looks were not the biggest factor while I was shopping, I lucked out and think it is one of the cooler looks. I shopped around for a few weeks before buying, and yes, I could have spent a bit more and gotten some better components, but for what I was planning on using it for, this was an incredible deal on a good trustworty bike for the zealous weekend warrior. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Alum Rock Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Ramp Bikes | | Strengths: | Just bought the '08 Rincon; Giant have put disk brakes on it for this year and they work very, VERY well. You want to stop? No messing about with this kit!
Very solid construction, the trigger shifters are responsive and have nice auditory feedback, and the paint job (matte olive/black) is very easy on the eye--I especially like how the rims and spokes are painted black to match the tires and the front fork. It gives the bike a vaguely military-look that I dig, plus it's not as showy as other paint schemes and doesn't stand out and say "Look at me, I'm shiny!" which could be good if you're worried about theft. | | Weaknesses: | The grips are a little lacking in comfort, and sometimes a down shift on the the rear gears will skip the one you want and go two places, but this is manageable. The kickstand is straight and a little hard to catch with your toe to swing it out but I'll probably take it off anyhow. Also the saddle is a little hard for my liking. Road noise is a bit much but it's a mountain bike--what do you expect? | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800 (14 years old) and a Navy Exchange $125 POS. | | Bike Setup: | Front suspension (dialed in very stiff for me) | | Bottom Line: | Disk brakes, solid ride, great paint job, all at a $400 price point can't be beat for a beginner's mountain bike. I wouldn't push this bike too hard downhill or try to use it as a full-time commuter (10 miles to work for me) but it seems ideal for those casual weekend trails and cruises through the neighborhood with the wife. With a little bit of tweaking and after-market accessories (stock grips are a bit crap, and I'd like some bar ends and maybe a slightly softer saddle) this bike will do the trick nicely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Hagerstown, MD
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Loop - Greenbrier State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist.com | | Strengths: | Great Frame.....very durable..ive given this bike a beating and its holding up great. I love the color schemes that GIANT uses thier great. The front fork works great for me and really molds the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Derailers and brakes are not the best quality stock...need to upgrade. My crankshaft is making a weird noise but seems to be not effecting anything | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price range it cant be beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mat
a
from Cooma NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Majura Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | 2004 model Solid Frame, Good tyres with plenty of grip. | | Weaknesses: | Chain falls down between the crank and frame on big downhill tracks.It takes 10 minutes to get it out. Not enough suspension travel. On steep downhill you cant stop it, but its only got stock standard brakes no disks. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon | | Bike Setup: | Setup was ok but needs some fine tuning. | | Bottom Line: | I have give this bike heaps of curry and taken it down mountains that the manual forbids. I've rode it down Cannon ball run at Thredbo and after 3 years its still going. For a first time mountain bike rider it would be great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harris
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Strengths: | Double rims, strong frame, smooth shifting (3x8=24 speeds), good on snow, easy to ride. Good looking bike (initially). | | Weaknesses: | 1. Poor after sales service from Giant.
No original replacement parts available!
I had to replace the fork which was defective: 6 months after purchase, Giant did not carry the original color anymore; gave me a different one that does not match the color of the bike.
I also had to replace the rear wheel (that got stolen):
Giant does not carry the original 33mm double wall rim anymore, they only offer thinner rims.
By now the bike is fit for the circus!
2. Most parts (except aluminum frame) very succeptible to rust.
3. The fork suspension is cheap and will not lock. (You can only adjust the stiffness). | | Bike Setup: | Giant Rincon 2006 | | Bottom Line: | If you buy this bike, make sure you do not leave it outside, ot it will go rusty after 1 hour in the rain.
Buy this bike only if you are sure you will not need replacement parts: If you do, you will not find the originals, since Giant just does not carry them any more, and the ones they offer differ considerably.
The easy-release wheels/saddle are easily-stolen. Replace with allen screws or get an alarm. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adam prather
a Cross Country Rider
from dearborn
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$319.00 | | Purchased At: | jack's | | Strengths: | good price | | Weaknesses: | does not hold up to my punishment. little things break here and there. so fare i have had to get a new bottom bracket and my fork is about to go. and a lot of other things that nickel and dime me. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | It is a nice bike for the price, but if your are going to use it on a everyday basis then you might want to find a more durable bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, Va
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Rowlett's | | Strengths: | Trigger shifters, lightweight/strong frame, heavy-duty pedals, and brakes | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailleur sometimes has trouble changing gears on slow, uphill climbs. Tires have little traction on loose dirt and gravel, but are excellent for smooth trails and streets | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | For the price, this makes a great entry level mountain bike. I give it a good beating as a commuter and trail bike (i.e. hitting curbs, jumping logs/rocks, making 2-3 foot jumps). This bike has allowed me to learn the basics of mountain biking and while the bike has a lot of strengths, it shows me some weaknesses that I should consider for my next mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Edmonton
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Nothing | | Weaknesses: | Everything | | Similar Products Used: | Sportek, Supercycle, Raleigh, etc... | | Bike Setup: | Sucks cocks | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the worst bikes ive ever ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Lamont
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Yarra Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Superstore | | Strengths: | An easy to ride bike at great value for its price. Will tackle hard trails so long as its not pushed too hard. If you want to tackle serious of road stuff, you'll need to shift up a grade or two, but you pay for what you get. | | Weaknesses: | Cranks creak and gears crunch when changed under pressure (although this is my fault, not the bike!!). If riding off road on difficult trails, the bike will need to be serviced to maintain the life of the bike | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti Hammer | | Bike Setup: | quick release pedals - should be a must have on bikes from this price range and above | | Bottom Line: | A great entry level bike for the occassional off road rider. The bike will wear quickly if you are an aggresive rider and will need to be serviced. Only problem I have had are with the cranks but this can be easily fixed with a good service | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$335.00 | | Strengths: | Extremely strong frame, Sexy paint job, 07's have 2 wall rims | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailer is el cheapo, Rear Derailer is reliable but shifts slow, Fork doesn't seem to be all that strong, Seat clamp might not be to good but I tightened the hell out of it, so it hasn't screwed on me for a while. You might consider changing out the grips as they are not too good, but not that bad either. | | Similar Products Used: | Walmart Schwinn :) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a remarkable bike. The only real weakness honestly worth mentioning is the front derailer issue. If your up to a intermediate rider this is an amazing bike. It's very tough and relatively reliable. Arguably the highest quality mountain bike you can get in this price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BEN
a Weekend Warrior
from NC
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | For the money it's unbeatable. Great Looks, Great performance I classify my riding ability as weekend warrior, although i've been riding since a kid and i give my bike a serious beating. The Rincon eats it up. The RST forks are extremely sensitive and the frame is very lightweight. I haven't had any problems with the gears. | | Weaknesses: | I recently broke my front axel. I think it was just a fluke accident. My guess is that I didn't have the front wheel lock fastened tight enough due to previous transport. | | Bottom Line: | For the money it doesn't get any better. Cheap enough for a beginner, with performance good enough to please an advanced rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stephen
a
from perth, australia
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | STREET | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | a shop in melbourne | | Strengths: | solid frame, good value | | Weaknesses: | pretty average components | | Similar Products Used: | none that i am aware of | | Bike Setup: | as my 2006 model came | | Bottom Line: | this was the first proper mountain bike i owned and so far it hasnt caused me any major troubles. seeing i live in a suburban area i hav grown custom to street riding and have never really experienced trails. while this isnt the best bike for street riding it has assisted majorly in the advancement of my skills.
i would recommend this bike to anyone looking to enter the amzing world of mountain biking, street or trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve howlett
a Weekend Warrior
from melbourne, victoria australia
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | yarra trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$595.00 | | Purchased At: | goldcross cycles | | Strengths: | great frame, strong enough for me, @ 110 kgs | | Weaknesses: | the saddle is a right pain in the ass | | Similar Products Used: | giant boulder | | Bike Setup: | stock, soon to get a new saddle | | Bottom Line: | great entry bike, a touch on the heavy side, but a great all rounder | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Merkel
a Cross Country Rider
from Mexico
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Finishings,paint,graphics,weldings,not so light and not so heavy frame (1.750 kg for 19" size),cable routing. I have the 2003 model. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Salsa,GT,cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Full xt,mavic rims,Suntour Mg Url. | | Bottom Line: | I bought just the frame,and I set it up with better componets. The frame is almost undestructible,very stiff and fun to ride.It is an excellent entry level bike,but originally comes assambled with basic componets.It is worthy to set it up with,at least,shimano LX or Sram 7.I highly recomend this Bike for thoes who want to experience what a MTB means.You'll be not desappointed | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Lima, Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$205.00 | | Purchased At: | new at local bike store | | Strengths: | price, solid frame, decent components | | Weaknesses: | none noted | | Similar Products Used: | trek, mongoose, schwinn | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | For the price, this is the best value out there. This is a solid bike that has never given me any problems. If you take care of the bike and ride it properly you will have years of use from it. I feel fortunate to have gotten such a great deal on mine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Novice Lady
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA, US
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Creek Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$310.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Frame, Shifters, Brakes, Price | | Weaknesses: | None that I can think of | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first time on a mountain bike. I used to ride a comfort bike perviously and moved to a mountain bike to accompany my husband. | | Bike Setup: | Everything factory fitted. Not added anything extra on the bike except a bell trin trin trin | | Bottom Line: | My experience with a mountain bike has been very good thus far. My new bike supports me in every way possible and stays balanced when I ride the trails. I being a little reluctant on the trails, am happy that my brakes stop me when I want them to. The suspensions keep my ride very comfortable. I usually like to change gears a lot to put minimum effort and get maximum movement and they support me very well too :). I am very satisfied with my rincon.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a Cross Country Rider
from san luis obispo, ca
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Solid frame, for the price it is hard to beat, light (for the price) PRICE
mine came with double walled rims, havent gotten out of true yet | | Weaknesses: | front fork isnt great, and it is heavy! | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | time z's | | Bottom Line: | For the price you cant beat it. I have not had problems that others have had with weak rims, mine are great although a tad heavy, as is the whole bike. For the price you get good hardware, the kenda tires are good in sand and mud although they whine alot on the road. They are super supple though and will flat your tubes pretty easily, get some greenies or some flat resistant tubes
I bought this after my trek 4500 was stolen and i love it. I thrash this thing and it keeps comming back for more. It is a solid dependable bike to get out on the trails with on the weekends. If you are light (like me, 130lbs) the fork wont give you too much trouble.
derailleurs will hold up if you keep them adjusted and lubed sometimes they will give you a little cr#p when starting from a stop on a steap climb and you are trying to downshift but otherwise function is smooth and fairly dependable.
For under 350 bucks its an amazing bike, i would recomend over trek 4300 specialized hardrock and other similar bikes (over the hardrock only because its weight distribution is cr@p and i dont like sram)
BUY IT YOU WONT REGRET IT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Racer
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Local bike shop | | Strengths: | Lightweight sturdy fram with good balance. | | Weaknesses: | Componants | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great, functional bike at a low price. The only quality problems it had are breaking the hollow axle that enabled the quick release rear wheel three times and easy to bend rims. If you're riding hard or jumping, you'll need to replace these.
This has been a multi-purpose bike - singletrack, dirt road, gravel, and pavement and it's got a lot of miles on it. As The limitations of the componants started becoming obvious as I became a better rider, though. My biggest complaint became the responsiveness of the shifting. For casual riding, it's fine, but for racing or hard riding, you really need shifting that's more precise and reliable.
It's an excellent recreational or beginner's bike, but if you continue riding and demand more, you'll face either having to upgrade componants or buy a better bike. Of course, by then the choice is always to buy a new bike with better componants. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Yang
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Mountain Home Creek Road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | Private party via Craigslist | | Strengths: | Great value for the money. Doesn't use those non-named Shimano derailers that you find on other bikes in this price range. | | Weaknesses: | The Altus and Acera derailers still aren't that great, but once you adjust everything correctly, it runs fine. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 K2 Razorback 4.0, 2003 Specialized Alize Elite, 2003 Giant Boulder SE | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tires | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike secondhand in July 2006. It's the 2005 model. A lot of the folks that you see giving this bike a crappy review probably don't really know anything about taking care of their bikes.
When I test rode this bike, it had some horrible chain noise going, and the ride quality was mushy. Once I got it home, I just readjusted the derailers, cleaned and relubed the drivetrain, and brought the tire inflation back up to normal, and it was great!
If you don't take care of your stuff, of course it'll turn to crap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martijn
a Cross Country Rider
from Culemborg, Netherlands
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeshop (that is the real name) | | Strengths: | trigger shifts, brakes | | Weaknesses: | sadle mount, grips, rims | | Similar Products Used: | giant-what-not | | Bike Setup: | 99% stock | | Bottom Line: | After reading many good reviews, I decided the Rincon was exactly what I wanted in my price range. Since then I had a lot of fun riding it. The rims have been giving me some trouble, though, because they get bent easily. I used to jump my previous bike, but I am reluctant to do so with this one. The most annoying thing about this bike, is that the seat comes loose within days of remounting it. I flipped the handlebar mount from pointing upwards to pointing forward, but then somebody tipped over my bike, and the brake handle bar took a good chip of paint of the frame. I also found that the front fork needed some breaking in, and is now handling better than in the first month.
All in all a bike I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a bike in this price range. Mine is the 2004 and does have disc brake mounts, but I am not sure yet whether to switch to discs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Celoron, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Jamestown Cycle Shop | | Strengths: | Lightweight, efficient bike with cool coloring and good components. | | Weaknesses: | Seat clamp | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale | | Bottom Line: | This is my second MTB and has been everything I would have expected it to be. Priced right, looks good, great bike for the weekend warrior/novice rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph W
a Weekend Warrior
from Chaska, MN USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Hells Canyon and Cenntenial | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Sop | | Strengths: | Very nice strong,light frame. Brakes work great with good feel. Derailers a nice upgrade from 05' but still a little off once and a while. Very strong bike for the price | | Weaknesses: | By far the biggest weakness is the crappy seat clamp. Mine is so bad right now i am sure if i loosened it again it would break. The wheel clamp design is fairly iffy and the derailers need adjust every now and then including if you do some constant shifting of the front rings. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Giant, Cannondale, Raleigh, GT, Schwinn
You name it I have ridden it and wrecked it | | Bike Setup: | 100% stock. I don't belive in upgrades until the part breaks...and until now nothing has broke | | Bottom Line: | i beleive this is the price range of bikes that make the most differnce from ordinary bikes. I have ridden $1200 Cannondales and Giants, but after this price range you will get more performance out of a better rider then a better bike. I have ridden this bike every day I have had a chance and close to 100 miles on some pretty gnarley trails. I have out of my way to wreck this bike on some single track and downhills in the Black Hills, Rockies and the Dells. As far as i seen, minus some flat tires and a new back tire from sharp rocks, it seems to be able to take it for now. I can see how you could wreck this bike by riding it wrong or riding it stupid, but hell i can do that with any bike. The front shock was bouncy at first but after one rough ride it seemed to break in. The balance on the bike is supurb, The derailers are still on the cheap side and give me some greif time to time, but nothing i have not been able to handle. It is definatley a nice intermediate level bike and can handle anything you want to try. I have yet to take a big jump with it because i have not run across one on a trail to take, but it handles small ones easily. The bike, as expected from my research before i bought it, it all around the best bike at this price range and can out do bikes at much higher brice ranges with the right rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | None. this bike sucks, there is nothing about it i like. | | Weaknesses: | Everything, it looks gay, its heavy, its a piece of sh*t, | | Similar Products Used: | Any walmart brand bike.(mongoose, next, roadmaster, and some shwinns) | | Bike Setup: | Trash can | | Bottom Line: | I road it down a set of stairs and the rear derailer snapped, i hopped down 3 steps and the rear wheel bent, i did an endow the the front brake snapped right off the fork, the fork just sucks, i had it for 4 days and the crank bent, the seat feels like it burns ur nuts, tires wore out in a month,
BIGGEST WASTE OF $300 EVER IN MY LIFE, DONT BUY, DONT BUY, DONT BUY, DONT BUY. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Monroe
a Cross Country Rider
from Western Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Tom | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Highland Bike | | Strengths: | Nice frame, wheels, and tires. Strong brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork (bouncy), front derailleur (sloppy), handlebar grips (nasty), and seat (not-to-comfy). | | Similar Products Used: | Specilaized Hardrock. | | Bike Setup: | Thomson Elite, Serfas Reactive Gel (cushy seat for my big ass), SRAM XGen Front Derailleur, Oury ATB Grips.
| | Bottom Line: | The 2006 Giant Rincon is my first MTB, used mostly for single track and dirt roads. I don't care much for the quality of the components, and they will be replaced over time, but the bike is generally strong and sound for the money. In retrospect, the Specialized Hardrock comes better equiped and might be somewhat of a better value, but if you're going to upgrade anyway the Rincon seems like a fine bike to start from.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vitold
a
from nf, ct
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Strengths: | ummm, its got trigger shifters | | Weaknesses: | i've got a gripe with almost everything on this bike, my freind has it, the frame is a lot heavier then the specialized hardrock, the shock is like a pogo stick, (not even an rst is this bad) the whole thing risted l;ike a cheap car, the tires wore down after 3 yes 3 rides, i won't even bother go on and say that the comp0netnts, are bad, even though i had a cheaper set on my hardrock, they lasted longer and shifter better | | Similar Products Used: | hardrock,(stock and non)
access frame with sram esp 9 manitou fork xt crank and everything else lx/xt and supergo stem and parts,
stumpjumper comp (upgraded to disc(best bike out) | | Bike Setup: | stock except for crank which broke after 3 true rides, i don't think the crank was even made by a real company!! | | Bottom Line: | please don't buy this bike, its heavy, the parts don't last, they rust, the wheels are terrible and pretty much everything else sucked, the frame bends even though it ways 6 pounds!!!! what kind of an xc bike is that???!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Stodola
a Weekend Warrior
from Ellensburg, WA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Manastash Ridge(closest so I ride it alot) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Biketrek, Tacoma WA | | Strengths: | Great Price, awesome frame, very good entry level bike | | Weaknesses: | Front fork, no disc brake mounts | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but will be shopping for new fork and disc brakes soon. Also swapped the standard Kenda Blue Groove and Nevegal for Tioga City Slicker as I do most of my daily riding around the college campus. | | Bottom Line: | I really love this bike, for the $ it is the best bike I have ever owned. It has an awesome frame, very strong and it has got me started in real trail riding for the first time. It also serves me well as my main mode of transportation around campus. The fork sucks, but what do you expect in this price range, besides it gives me an excuse to shop the field and do some upgrades! IMHO it is a perfect bike for anybody who wants something that is good quality, wants to ride the trails every now and then and needs something reliable. I will probably hang onto it for quite some time, but I've already got my eye on the Giant Reign models. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P Fraze
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Good entry/mid level bike. Decent upgrades on the 2006 model from the 2005 model. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, Stem, Forks. | | Bike Setup: | Syncros stem, Shimano PD-M424, Zoom bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | The last 2 bikes I owned were a KHS Montana Hardtail then a GT-LTS2 full susp rig. I hadn't ridden a bike seriously since 2000. Wanting to get back into riding I did some research and narrowed it down to Trek and Giant. I settled on the 2006 Rincon for a number of reasons; the frame is a solid aluminum frame which was worthy of a few upgrades, and they upgraded both the front and rear derailers to Alivio from Altus which is what the 2005 model came with. Not wanting to ride like I did 10 years ago :) > I knew the Rincon would serve me well. All in all I am very pleased with this rig, to be honest, my only beef is the front shocks which I will be upgrading at some point. The stem was a personal comfort upgrade, and the clipless..well, you gotta have clipless. All in all, a good entry>mid level MTB, I've ridden it pretty hard and its yet to fail me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Vermillion SD
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ponca State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Plus | | Strengths: | Light and durable frame, Decent Price | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires didn't grip well I trashed most the drivetrain after a summer of intense riding | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2001 Rincon SE except for Michelin tires and WTB Speed V seat | | Bottom Line: | All around great beginners cross country bike. It was my first "real" bike and got me into the sport. I would recommed it to anyone who wants to try out mountain biking but doesn't want to spend much. I just traded mine in on a 2005 Giant Yukon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J K
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, VA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$980.00 | | Purchased At: | puerto rico | | Strengths: | Great bike for the money | | Weaknesses: | Front forks offer little | | Similar Products Used: | Janus (sp)? | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | For the money you can't beat it. I have ridden a $1500 Janus and prefer my rincon. Great for general riding and some moderate trails. I recently joined a MB club and am riding with guys on 2-3K bikes. I do a pretty good job staying with them, but I will purchase a full suspension. Liked the bike so much I bought one for my wife. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EMTCharlie
a Weekend Warrior
from IL
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Just about anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Strengths: | Great value for the money. Frame is solid and upgradable | | Weaknesses: | Grips get a bit abrasive. No real issues... | | Similar Products Used: | My last bike was a Huffy... stop laughing. | | Bike Setup: | Stock more or less | | Bottom Line: | The last bike I owned was a Huffy from the 80s... ok, we can all stop laughing now. This was a heck of an upgrade for me. The bike is solid and about as good as it gets for an entry level. I didn't see the point in blowing the cash for a higher end bike. I figure as long as the frame is good the rest can be upgraded as they wear out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Racer
from Fairfield, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockville HIlls Park Outside Loop | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray's Cycle Fairfield | | Strengths: | Strong Lightweight Frame, Cheap, Nice Paint Job, Pretty Reliable and a good bike to get in the sport | | Weaknesses: | Weight(What do you expect for the price), Noisy bottom bracket, Freewheel comes stock with a 28 as the largest cog, fragile rear axle if on a freewheel bike, no disc mounts. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Access 2003 bike | | Bike Setup: | Newly painted frame (T-Mobile scheme, Pink Chris King 1 1/8 Headset, 2001 Rockshox SID Fork, Ritchey WCS 25.4 Stem, Icon Handlebar, Ritchey 2x9 Shifters, Deore F. Der, LX rear der, LX 9speed cassette, FSA Afterburner Crank 44x32, FSA Titanium BB, LP Composites Seatpost, Powerlight Saddle, and Specialized Wheels with Hutchinson Cameleon 1.95 Tires. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the price. I bought this bike when I first joined the SCC MTB class and this bike took a beating. It shifted well as long as proper maintainance was given. However the Bottom Bracket became noisy after a few rides. It however does not have any disc mounts but you can still purchase adpaters for it. The bike weighed 29 pounds with lighter tires. I have upgraded everything for as a race ready machine and it weighs in close to 24 pounds. It may not sound practical to upgrade this bike considering the original price. But I just can't let go of this bike. I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland, Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Ancaster Cycle | | Strengths: | Nice frame and paint job. Sturdy rims. nice handlebars and seat. | | Weaknesses: | cranks/bb creak after repeated jumping and bunny hopping. Seat post can't be lowered fully without chopping it. Brakes need maintenance. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820 | | Bike Setup: | IRC Mud Mad DH Tires, cycling computer, chopped seat post, Sram Powerlink Chain, ODI Ruffian Lock on grips, Lambert Chainstay protector. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Nice frame/geometry, worthy of upgrades. Its the best XC trail bike in the 350$ range. I plan to upgrade to a Rock Shox Tora fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry Cessna
a
from Fayetteville, NC
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | NCSU's campus | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop (Fayetteville) | | Strengths: | Unkillable | | Weaknesses: | a lot of shock movement when pedaling for a hard tail | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | currently stock (plan to upgrade wheels, to disc brakes, and shock) | | Bottom Line: | This is a solid bike that will last. I have done about everything I know that I could do to this bike including riding it through a pond and it got run over by an f-150. After that I had to replace the handlebars, front gears, and shifters and it was good to go again. Complaints would be the single walled wheels bend easy (fixed on new bikes), one of my pedals broke a couple months ago and that my shock has worn out (sr suntour 7600). Other than that the shimano acera rear and sr suntour front deraillers don't care how big the stairwell is they keep on workin. Apparently the new tires don't hold up as well as my kenda's but it still has the stock tires on it. Great for urban assault if you can take the hits the hardtail platform deals out. I haven't done any mountain biking but the gear selection is great since it gives you gears with power and with speed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jos
a Cross Country Rider
from morelia
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | caballito | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | viansi | | Strengths: | todo | | Weaknesses: | manubrio | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hard rock | | Bike Setup: | kilometraje | | Bottom Line: | me cai en la graba por las llantas lizas , me eche un saltote hoy en la montesa | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas Gum
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Local | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesport | | Strengths: | Great feeling, reasonable parts for price, Pedals, Cranks, Gearing (for price), Good Tektro brakes, replacable forged dropouts and Disc mounts on forks incase you ever wanted to upgrade! | | Weaknesses: | FORKS, FORKS, FORKS! Shifters, Tyres, Rims, Saddle, Grips and the Seatpost is way too big for the frame (Something is blocking it in the frame) I had to chop mine in half with a saw :P. | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy Nitro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: Grips, Saddle, Tyres (Maxxis Holy Rollers), Pedals, Seat post, Bottle Cage and Chainstay Protector! | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great bike to start off with if you are getting into XC or just the sport. I tried this a few times on jumps: BAD IDEA! I buckled the rims after only a few jumps. The suspension on this bike IS adjustable but its still pretty bad. When pedaling hard the suspension compresses and its really annoying! Great for the money though. I have used this just under a year now, I ride to school every day so I HAD to upgrade the stock tyres because they became so worn it was dangerous. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Terrace CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Coates cyclery pomona ca | | Strengths: | Fun to ride, great first bike, solid frame. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this bike about two years ago...and still love rideing it as often as possible. The front fork isnt all that great, but nothing has ever broke or needed repair after a couple of years of consistent use. I have primairly ridden this bike on road and or fire trails, nothing to harsh, as I dont believe that is its intended use. This is a really fun bike to go out and get some wind in your hair with. The key word being FUN :)! The bottom line is that if you want a fun reliable bike for a good price look no further. Great for fist time buyers and weekend warriors. Ultra serious hard core racers, hill bombers, so on and so forth need not apply. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great frame
Great price | | Weaknesses: | Derailleurs (particularly the front)
Pedals
Grips
Stock tyres (unless you're constantly riding it in mud) | | Similar Products Used: | Tested similar priced bikes from Trek and GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup + Serfas Drifter tyres for road use, ODI Grips, SPD pedals and shoes | | Bottom Line: | At this price I don't think the Giant Rincon can be beaten if you're after this style of MTB. But, as you would expect, the components are rather basic. The front derailleur (Altus) is pretty weak. I've also had some trouble with the cassette coming loose but this was probably caused by an adjustment issue rather than a fault of the component. As others have said, the stock Huchinson tyres aren't well suited to anything but off-road use. I've swapped them off for some semi-slicks for commuting and urban riding. Other changes I've made are ditching the stock pedals for some clipless and replacing the original grips with some ODI's that don't slide off. After these few changes the Rincon turns into a very capable commuter and urban MTB. Overall I'm very happy with the Rincon and really enjoy riding it. I think it would suit anyone looking for an affordable entry level MTB for commuting and/or light mountain biking. I should also point out that it seems Giant has upgraded (or at least changed) the front derailleur and tyres on the 2006 model (mine is a 2005). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chino
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | The Offramp | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price. Nicer components than most other bikes in the same price range. Awesome entry level MTB. | | Weaknesses: | No outstanding weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | '97 Specialized Hardrock GX, '04 Specialized BigHit SPEC, '05.5 Giant XTC | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I also work for a Giant dealer. I totally agree with the review below that if anything goes wrong, especially something like the seat falling off... it's got nothing to do with Giant (and yes, that is a pretty high price for a Rincon). Giant is one of the largest (and greatest) bike companies in the world and it is because their bikes, entry level or high end, are awesome and have more value than any other bikes for the same price. A Rincon is a fine example of this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Howery
a Downhiller
from Prescott, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | South Mountain/Flag | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | dealer | | Strengths: | Good frame for price, decent beginner/entry level mountain bike. Worthy of upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | At the price level, none. | | Similar Products Used: | Others. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I work for a giant dealer, and I have lots of experience setting these things up and riding them. Good bike for the price. The idiot below doesn't know his A$$ from a hole in the ground, he paid too much, and if the "seat came off" it's not a failure of the bike and most likely has absolutely nothing to do with giant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jess suner
a Weekend Warrior
from las vegas, CA US
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | whistler | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | ummmmmmmmmm the break cables are good and the tire caps are really strong but the thing that blows me away is the paint woooooowww it is preety | | Weaknesses: | prety muck everything is bad like everything so yeah | | Similar Products Used: | Next power climer, magna | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike sucks man i was riding at my favorite trail and i was going down the moutain and i jumped and the seat came off and i landed on the ...........well you know it was like dropping the soap in the shower in jail..........it still hurts so yeah ........ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joel furniss
a Weekend Warrior
from melbourne victoria
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | gilmore park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | goldcross cycles | | Strengths: | frame, rims, fork is good, um... brakes very touchy, which i llike, and the bars are sturdy, and i love the seat! | | Weaknesses: | grips, shifter casing, bash guard, brake cables get loose after a while, tyres are crap and soft and the seat post is a tiny bit high for my liking(its as low as it gos and it about 10 centermeteres away from the frame) | | Similar Products Used: | norcos norcos and norcos and a yukon | | Bike Setup: | truvativ crank set, suntour xtc fork, hutchison scorpion tyres (crap) shimano gears, upgrading pedals (even though i like the pedals that come stock) and will probably buy rock shox judy front fork. | | Bottom Line: | great bike for value, the suspension never lets you down unless your going to go hardcore, i have used it for dirt jumping skate park down hill cross country , every thing. i have hucked drops, gaps and the setup is suprisingly light, and i have gone extremely hard in that bike and i thought it would just fall apart butit held really well. best ever | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Niagara Falls, NY,USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Hunter's Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Precision Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great beginner XC bike, decent hardware set, very strong rimset ( I'm 200 lbs) | | Weaknesses: | after a while you realise the front fork is the limiting factor, followed by brakes & rear derailleur, | | Similar Products Used: | other similar price-point demos by GT, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Just now installing SD-7's and Manitou Axel Super. Installed 8 speed cassette with 34 tooth granny gear- stock was too tall for steep climbs ,cheap upgrade- 35.00 ? | | Bottom Line: | Awesome value for trying out the XC sport- good platform to upgrade from too, I'm putting on the Manitou AXEL from my eBay Specialized FSRxc which is getting a new Marzocchi Marathon SL. Plus putting on Avid SD7's on the Rincon- the stock brakes aren't horrible but the 7's are the best value no-brainer upgrade you can do after a decent fork. The SHimano Alivio deraillers were OK the first season but seem to have a 'delay' built in that's gettin' old- upgrade to Shimano LX is pretty reasonable $$. Even after those upgrades I'll have under 900 in the bike. Stock seat is great too ! Overall a tremendous value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alton
a Cross Country Rider
from west haven
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I am on. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | baybrook | | Strengths: | Bike rides fairly light for a 300 dollar bike. Good strong stiff frame. Best at home on hardpack trails. Great stable climber. | | Weaknesses: | Needs better tires wore out in a month, shifter covers cracked easy. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa, Diamondback Sorrento, and various others in the range it had best component package value. | | Bike Setup: | stock no changes, bought it to use as a commuter, but it turned into the bike I keep in my truck for that quick after work ride when there is still 30 mins of daylight left. | | Bottom Line: | For a 300 dollar bike you get a virtually bomber frame. Cassette rear hub. Decent fork. Strong wheels. And whell matched drivetrain. Would be good for an aggresive beginner or someone looking for a good inexpensive bike to keep around for friends to use. Not good for anyone who wants to huck or bomb rocky terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bennett
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Aggieland | | Strengths: | (This is a follow up of one of my past reviews on this bike)
Great frame!! Not a bad stock set up to learn on but components will get worn out! | | Bike Setup: | EA70 Bar/Stem, Thompson Elite seatpost, Sella Italia Trans Am saddle, SRAM X9 shifters/derailleur, Oury locking grips, Avid SD7 levers, Avid Arch Rival rim brakes, Sram PC-990 chain, Sram 970 cassette, Shimano LX cranks, xt bottom bracket, Manitou Axel Super fork, Aheadset, IRC mythos xc tires... | | Bottom Line: | I had been thinking on selling my rincon to get a Rainier which would run about $850 out the door. I then decided to go all out on my rincon and am glad I did!
Except for the wheelsets everything on my Rincon has been replaced.
I have had the bike for close to two years and it was a much needed upgrade. It feels like a different bike and I love it. I weighed my bike at 32.5 lbs before I did all the upgrades. It brought it down to 28lbs after!!! The shifters and brakes were the biggest impovement! The difference in the stock bar/stem compared to the EA70's was insane! Overall I LOVE this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SG
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$385.00 | | Purchased At: | Lygon Cycles | | Strengths: | Very reliable and strong. Cheap. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires are rubbish. The covers of the shifters only last 3-6 months before snapping or coming off. Too heavy. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Geax Evolution Tyres. Soon to be with Bontrager racelite wheels. Stock (medium) weight - ~15kg. Current weight - ~16kg. Weight with new wheels - ~14kg. | | Bottom Line: | Paid AU$500 for this bike at my LBS (lygoncycles.com.au). It seems to be a good solid bike, I mainly use it for commuting. However I did a 700k trip to Portland (Victoria) and back again, and have gone for several cycle tours in national parks on it. Loaded up the rear rack with stuff (20-30kg) and took it over some seriously nasty terrain. I've also put it over some big drops in an urban enviroment (stairs) without dinting or breaking anythinng. My 65kg (145lb) weight may have something to do with this :).
I'm getting into XC racing though, and 16kg (35lb) my medium Rincon weighs (about a kilo heavier than stock) is simply too bloody heavy. Seeing as the wheels made up five of those kilos - helped by over 1.5kg of tire - I splurged on some Bontrager Racelite wheels, which weigh 3kg, all in. I'm also considering a new seat and seatpost, which should cut another 0.5kg off the weight.
I've been looking around for a nice fast cheap hardtail, and will probably buy a Motobecane bike (the Fly Pro looks very sweet at 10.5kg and US$800) once I've saved some pennies. The Giant is a great bike, but too heavy for XC racing. Buy it if you want something cheap, strong, and reliable - just don't expect the lightest bike on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | munda biddi | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Guildford cycles | | Strengths: | Value for money and a great frame | | Weaknesses: | Vee brakes wear the rims down after enough kilometers, cheap fork ( but its saved me at least one trip to the emergency dept)and the chain rings have to be replaced as a set rather than individually. | | Similar Products Used: | Various no-names, KHS Alite 500, Kona of some description, Norcos. | | Bike Setup: | Giant rack with non fango hard cases. HUGE titanium bottle holder (good for 2 litre bottle) Home made 20W/50W light set (brilliant!) various switches for said lights and slicks for the commute. Otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | Hamazing! Have thrashed this thing on four day trail rides beaten 15 year old hotshots into snivelling submission on local trails(Im 45 this year your honour)and hacked my way through peak hour traffic for a year or so to reach somewhere in the region of 5500 Kms. In that time the only replacements have been tyres and tubes. Though to be honest the chain and chainrings are now clagged and the brake rubbers are thin. The fork always seemed weak but I once hit a nine inch curb @ about 20 km/h (having just managed to get air over a traffic island) and instead of waking up in the emergency dept it just popped over this curb. Ive never had any trouble with the deraileurs except the front and careful adjustment (once!)saw that changing better that the LBS mech thought possible. Im enormous and this thing should have died a heaving wreck of twisted metal from what I've read about it but it still lives! I'm about to buy again and am looking at ....another Rincon! But I'm dreaming of a Haro V3 or a Yukon. The Rincon is outstanding bang for the bucks and is recommended to all newbies or experienced riders that dont see themselves doing dropoffs or downhill. See the first review for this model for a little background. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl Hounslow
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Oven | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclemania | | Strengths: | Frame is indestructable | | Weaknesses: | Running is a problem, inaccurate and fragile at best, cant take the knocks of downhilling and XC | | Bike Setup: | Standard manufacturers specs, except for Norco seat and Easton Seatpost | | Bottom Line: | A fantastic spec level for the price. At my weight (90kgs) I am impressed at the level balance and level of strength the frame provides.
Need better forks though and stronger running (Deore +)
I have done ove 2500 clicks on it and dont plan to trade up just yet, having to much fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bennett
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Any and All | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | Aggieland Cycling | | Strengths: | Frame, tires... | | Weaknesses: | Fork and needs better components... | | Similar Products Used: | Treck 4900 | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Axel Super Fork, Shimano Deore Front Derailleur, Shimano LX cranks, XT bottom bracket. Getting new rear XT derailleur, brakes, levers and shifters.... now just how fast? | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike to start out with, infact I was looking at trading in my Rincon for Rainier but I just decided to upgrade it. Same frame just different components. I love this bike so far and I think it is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcus
a Weekend Warrior
from Alameda, CA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Frame, saddle, grips, rims | | Weaknesses: | Tires (good quality, poor choice) pedals, cranks, front derailler | | Similar Products Used: | All non suspension, 1995 Cannondale MTB, 1999 Trek 800 | | Bike Setup: | clipless pedals, bar ends | | Bottom Line: | I just got back into trail riding after doing only city riding for the past 5 years or so. I ride about 10 miles a day on the streets. I used to mountain bike a lot, but this was before front suspension and aluminum frames were the norm.
A colleague was moving and selling his practically brand new 2004 Rincon for 80 bucks... let me tell you, I feel like I won the lottery. This bike is perfect for the occasional trail rider, I can't believe how all of the components top those on my old $700 cannondale from 1995...
The frame is great, the saddle is awesome, and the front shock is ok if you adjust it the first few times you ride on dirt. I'm surprised it is even adjustable having looked at some of the other low end MTB out there. I was having some not-so-smoothness on the front derailler even after taking advantage of a free tune-up at the LBS where it was purchased. There was some rattling going on with the drive train on bumps, but I feel this can all be fixed and it shifted ok.
I don't like the tires, I read they are designed for wet mud, and I also experienced some skidding on dry dirt. I think I'll reduce the psi a little.
While this is great for occasional trail riders, I think any serious mountain biker who doesn't want to spend a lot will find a great value in this bike, it has quality components all around and doesn't skimp on any one area.
It has inpired me to do more trail riding, it is amazing what a difference front suspension makes, I feel like I have been frozen for 10 years.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
darren
a Weekend Warrior
from gold coast australia
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$384.00 | | Purchased At: | ferry rode super cycles | | Strengths: | it may be a piece of crap to alot of you but i think that my bike is the 05 model.this bike is very very nice to ride.it`s very smooth,feels very light and contrary to alot of reviews the alivio gearset changes just fine for me.i think it is very well spec`d for the money.i love it.it`s a bargain.oh yeah the seat is magic and i think that the braided cable outers look real trick | | Weaknesses: | there are 2 things that i think is crap about this bike.one is the pedals.even though i`m no pro i can see they are rubbish.
the second thing is the paint job is so nice that i don`t want to do anything to serious on it at the moment so i don`t damage it | | Similar Products Used: | my old,old gt outpost.gt avalanche 2.0 and 3.0.specialized hardrock disc
| | Bike Setup: | mine has a different crankset to the specs at the top of the page that came stock.it has truvativ | | Bottom Line: | if you want a relatively cheap bike that i recon rocks go and buy one of these.sure there is much better bikes out there but it`s all relative to how much you want to spend doesn`t it.i use it to ride when i`m not riding my dirt bike so it`s the perfect thing without spending the earth | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from VA Beach
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Marl Ravine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$310.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bikezoneva.com | | Strengths: | Light weight, Seat(!!), | | Weaknesses: | Tires, derailleurs. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I am very happy with the bike, for the price. Granted, the derailleurs need frequent adjustments and the tires plain suck in damp/wet conditions.....but I have had a lot of fun with this bike for the few months I've had it.
Most don't like them but I'm happy it came with a kickstand, though I remove it for harder riding.
The handlebar grips are very nice and the seat...well, it is like sitting on a pillow. As I'm 6'7" (23" frame) I was pleasantly surprised that the seat post is longer than I need.
Overall I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking to get into/back into biking. It is my 1st MTB (street biker) and I love riding the trails with it. I will be upgrading the derailleurs and tires(!), but that is about all I feel is lacking on this awesome entry level bike.
. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott C
a Weekend Warrior
from Hercules
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | China Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Hank & Frank, Oakland | | Strengths: | Good value, good frame,(supports my diminishing bulk). The components are as good as or better than other bikes in this price range. The saddle is much more comfortable than other's I tried. | | Weaknesses: | The front suspension could be better, but its as good as it gets at this price range. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Trek 4300. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I'm considering replacing the handlebar riser to help the old pain in the neck...A lot of the reviews mention keeping the frame and replacing various components, but it seems to me after marke parts are expensive, and if you wanted to spend an additional $200-400 on parts you might as well buy a top of the line model to start with, but some people like to tinker I guess... | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. When I bought it I hadn't ridden a bike in a loonnnng time - Now I'm hooked. The Rincon is a good first MTB for beginners that will let you discover how you like to ride, but will last you longer than a bottom of the line MTB. It is a good all-purpose bike - not for extreme downhill of freeride but good for XC, single track as well as street or bikepath (when you just have to ride but can't get to the dirt). When my ability improves in another year or so I'll upgrade to a higher-level hardtail with a better fork, disc brakes and Deores or a full-suspension, but until then I'll just enjoy riding my Rincon. Bottom line: good value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sergey
a Cross Country Rider
from Ukraine
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Giant dealer | | Strengths: | Light and durable frame, decent components for the price, good tires, cool paint work (I've got a 'dark silver' version). Reliable and upgradeable bike. | | Weaknesses: | Suntour fork (too stiff, poor damper), stock crankset (too flexy), no rear disc brake mount. | | Similar Products Used: | Various Giant, Author hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except fork (changed to Marzocchi MX Comp Air), shifters (changed to Alivio), front derailleur (changed to Alivio), bar ends added. | | Bottom Line: | I don't understand people who say that they disappointed after drops on this bike and so on... But this is bike for XC, not for freeride, downhill or trial! Why don't they try to do some downhill on BMX bike for example and then write a review for it?
If you are XC rider and don't have money to high-end hardtail, a good solution would be to buy Rincon and gradually upgrade it to the impressive bike, as I will do.
The main part of the bike (the frame) - is very decent, you can't put disc brakes on rear, but you could put there some powerful Avid V-brakes for example (as I will do), for 90% riders it would be more than enough! I changed shifters and front derailleur to Alivio when buying (only extra $20-30), and recommend you do the same. With this bike you will quickly outgrow stock fork, so I have changed it to Marzocchi after 2 months.
I'm a quite agressive rider, so in future I plan to upgrade up to 9-speed LX-XT drivetrain, LX shifters and Avid V-brakes, but I've been satisfied with my bike from the start.
Jump on and ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john patternson
a Weekend Warrior
from mississauga,ontario,canada
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | erindale park trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | re my sport | | Strengths: | nice fork for mtb, very strong,super light for allux aluminium,nice seat | | Weaknesses: | disc brake not possible for back | | Similar Products Used: | norco wolverine | | Bike Setup: | only added front disc brake | | Bottom Line: | amazing bike for $400, alot better than most iron horse bike, including warrior , just change brake(front) to disc and handle bar to carbon, and u got an awsome bike ,one fell of my roof and only a couple scratches on frame. if ur all downhill mtb dont buy this bike for everything else its perfect for its price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Ossman
a Weekend Warrior
from West Monroe, LA USA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lincoln Parish Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Authorized Giant Dealer | | Strengths: | I paid $200 for this bike - brand new in the box. The frame is super tough; it supports my 225 lb frame without a problem. It is light enough for me and it is a blast to ride! | | Weaknesses: | Chainrings are a bit fragile, and the pedals could stand to be upgraded. | | Bike Setup: | I have only upgraded the stem to an EA70. I will probably get a new crank in the distant future. | | Bottom Line: | I paid $200 for this bike - brand new in the box, so I couldn't complain even if someone held a knife to my throat! So far, it seems pretty durable (I'm probably going to upgrade the crank, but it is just fine for now), and I am having a great time riding it. If you don't have fun riding your bike, then it doesn't matter if you spend $200 or $2,000. I highly recommend this bike for someone who is on a budget (I am a college student, so I know how it fells to be broke!) and for someone who doesn't necessarily have to jump off of 40 ft cliffs to have a good time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan zinck
a Weekend Warrior
from kentville
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | the gorge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | stove and cycle | | Strengths: | its light | | Weaknesses: | poopy components | | Similar Products Used: | --- | | Bike Setup: | stock exept for some maxxas mobster tires | | Bottom Line: | the bike is good for beginer mountain bikers ... but only if they want to do xc... it is horrable for jumping .... or anything like that ... i did a tiny 3 foot drop and my durailer snaped .... if you like stuff like that then this isnt the bike for you. youll probobly go through 7 durailer hangers in like a 1 seanson like i did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wuz up
a Weekend Warrior
from cali
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | the price | | Weaknesses: | can't put disc brakes on back | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I ride it on the street, on single tracks and fire roads and the bike does great. Like most riders I would like to upgrade the bike but nothing has failed so far. This is a good bike, the parts are not the greatest but perform well. You could spend a thousand dollars on a high-end hard tail and the only thing that has changed is your bike and not your skill level. I plan on keeping the bike and upgrading and end up with awesome bike. I will eventually buy a dual suspension but why buy a high-end bike when you can't ride that well. I see people on fire roads with dual suspension 2000-dollar bikes that can't ride to the top and have to walk down hill. Get out and ride!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dangerous variable
a Weekend Warrior
from Penang, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all places... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclon Cylce Industries Pvt. Ltd., Penang, Malaysia | | Strengths: | Cheap, good, versatile... Although I have other more expensive and good bikes, this is a value for money buy!!! If you cannot buy an expensive and good bike, this one I recommend. | | Weaknesses: | Disappointed with Giant stock products especially the Sontour Fork, seat post, stem and handle bar. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialize, Trek, Santa Cruz Chameleon, Ellsworth Speciallist | | Bike Setup: | Changed my fork to a RockShox Duke, gears, shifters and deruilers to SRAM7.0, Easton handlebar and Thompson Seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Jolly good bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jure
a Weekend Warrior
from Ljubljana, Slovenia
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Freestyle, Giant dealer in Ljubljana | | Strengths: | Good frame, nice tires, comfortable seat, cool front disk brake... | | Weaknesses: | None for now... | | Similar Products Used: | GT avalanche 2.0 (also w disks), Fuji Thrill, Cult Explorer X,
Schwinn Mesa GS, Wheeler Proride 2900, KTM Knoxville | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first quality mountain bike, and as you can see, I did quite a bit of reserch before buying it. In my oppinion, It is the best value bike for the money. I got it with a disk brake in front (lots of stopping power), and since I'm from Europe, I made an educated quess as to the price (bikes are a bit more expensive here, I guess because of the shipping).
The frame is the best part of the bike, it's perfect for upgrading later, which I might do when I get some money ;-)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luis
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin Tx
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all but flat | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | university cyclery | | Strengths: | Its a great bike for a newby. It has not shown any signs of stress from my new guy abuse and 230 lbs body weight. | | Weaknesses: | I wanna upgrade the components already. | | Similar Products Used: | My first mountain bike. Oh some 15 years ago.(it was POOP) | | Bike Setup: | stock (for now) | | Bottom Line: | Well even though I haven't been on a mountian bike in a long time this one performs great and the price can't be beat. I see that I paid a little more than most but I got the spring series and it came with double wall rims and decent components. Mainly wanted the Team Blue and New Graphite Colored bike. Well I guess the bottom line is buy the Rincon its good for the money and can be upgraded to anything you like except a full suspension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DJ Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Shorewood, Illinois
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Waterfall Glenn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | Sturdy Lightweight Frame, Shimano Alivio/Acera gears are quite and reactive, Handles the bumps & jumps quite well for a beginner Bike (More experienced MTB'rs should check out the 2004 Giant Yukon), Stock Seat is comfortable, SR Suntour XC60 shock and good stock tires. | | Weaknesses: | Giant Alloy MTB Cranks (needs constant tightening; reccomend replacing them), Shimano gear shifters are confusing and take some getting used too, Suntour XC60 shock a little cushy and takes some tweaking to get it right and the pedals could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | '99 Giant Yukon, Trek 820, various Cannondale's | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If your a beginner, short on cash, and looking for a quality bike....then this is the bike you want. I test rode all kinds of GT, Diamondback, Gary Fischer and Trek bikes for about a month; I'm glad I choose a 2004 Giant Rincon. It's not too heavy or too light, great braking capabilities and for the most part, the ride is smooth (Tip: just keep the PSI at the correct pressure). This bike will definitly give you the experience you need to graduate to the next level. However, I'm really disappointed with the stock Giant cranks; they keep coming loose (I'd replace them when you can). Also, I highly recommend riding around the neighborhood for a couple days and use the shifters as much as possible, until you feel comfortable. Don't try to trail ride or climb hills after getting it, you'll be walking for sure. I'm satisfied for now...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott don't need to know
a Weekend Warrior
from brandon
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | my friends | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | police aution sale | | Strengths: | light wieght, handles great in trail trails, very reliable , hanlds the beginners capalbilatys with eas, esay to upgrad. | | Weaknesses: | shocks are to small | | Similar Products Used: | rst, rstcap | | Bike Setup: | gaint rincon stock but soon to have exrs 4inchs | | Bottom Line: | i reccomed this bike to the peolpe who are just getting into this sport wether your a road rider or a do everything rider. its esay to ride are with the proper arter marketed part this bike can do every thing. but the first thats got to go is the shocks. they have not broken on 4 foot drops. i am to scard to do any thing hight cuz of sore ritst. this bike has held up very good and has never faild me yet.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sal
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego, ca
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bikes | | Strengths: | overall comfortable ride, smooth gear changing, very maneuverable | | Weaknesses: | front suspension is okay at best | | Bike Setup: | stock, with a cat-eye computer for distance | | Bottom Line: | Man, I really dig this bike. I was looking for a new bike because the last one I bought was a rip (My fault because it was an impulse buy). Anyway, I wanted a nice stock bike that didn't cost too much, that rode well, but was upgradeable in case the biking bug hit. So far so good. I am really satisfied with it and look forward to riding the hell out of it. Super value - super bike. As I get more into it, I'll probably be more critical, but for now.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth Western Australia
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Guildford Cycles | | Strengths: | Frame! Build quality, good match of components | | Weaknesses: | Front fork is cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Tested KHS Alite 500, Kona, and a couple of Norco's | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for lights and a mirror as the bike also commutes from time to time | | Bottom Line: | Alround good bike. Not for experts or crash and burn specialists, but I'm not that rider.Mostly do trails and XC, I weigh 210 lb and havn't bent it yet.For a weekenders bike its great value.Excelent finish, components are all a good match for each other and the bike is very comfy, good relationship between seat, bars and pedals. Front fork is pretty ordinary but you only get what you pay for.No compaints about XC performance within the context of a 400$ bike.XT level deraillers and gears/shifters would be nice but not in this price range. I'm very happy with it and wont hesitate to buy another Giant when the time comes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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