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Submitted by
tienle355
a Cross Country Rider
from Santee, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | East Route, Poway | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist seller | | Strengths: | light, good starter bike, brakes good, looks decent. | | Weaknesses: | tires seem to be poor (do not grip as well I think), shifters could be smoother. | | Similar Products Used: | a walmart special, friend's Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I'm riding 4 times/week and on average an hour a ride. Need to upgrade tires or something to improve grip. Got to do something to improve climbing steep hills. Love this first/starter bike. Looking forward to upgrade this bike or bike a better/all-mountain/trail bike with full suspension. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Caz
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Ride Away Bicycles, | | Strengths: | Smooth shifting, nice ride, strong breaking | | Weaknesses: | The tires are terrible | | Bike Setup: | I use the bike like I got it, plus specialized armadillos | | Bottom Line: | I got the bike a few months ago, because I read the ratings, did some research, and it seemed like the best bike for my money. This is my first mountain bike, so it's a major improvement. I weigh about 175 lbs. and ride frequently on some pretty tough rocks. The tires were shot two weeks after I got the bike (the sidewalls are so thin, that at max psi, I got a pinch flat nearly evey time, they have very little traction and skid easily, and small stickers went right through them). After new tires, some truing on the wheels, and a few adjustments here and there on the bike, I would reccomend it to anybody that isn't taking anything more than a ton of 8 in. drops. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jjs269
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | All in Aliso Wilderness | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Buy My Bikes | | Strengths: | Sturdy, stops great, relatively smooth gear shifts, comfortable ride on trails. | | Weaknesses: | Front disc rub (simple fix however). | | Similar Products Used: | none. First bike since growing up | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Grew up on GT BMX and loved the track. Just getting in to the sport after moving from flat FL to the hills here in socal, and this bike got me out on the trails. I would call this a great bike to get if you're not sure you'll enjoy the sport or don't want to drop $$. It gets me through the canyons, along the beaches, around the harbors, down the street for a haircut...it's a great all-around bike that gets me outside more. However, now that I'm hooked on the sport, I'm looking to upgrade. I have no regrets on getting this bike. It's great for local trails, but going downhill, ride the brakes; it can be a bit rough. This bike has not let me down, and I've had some great times on it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
exbmxflyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Fallon, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Whatever in Tahoe and Truckee | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Camarillo Bike Co | | Strengths: | Value for money, sturdy, low top tube. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, seat tube angled far forward takes some getting used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Rock stock down to the reflectors. | | Bottom Line: | Smallish rider 5'9" 205#, but ride hard on good jumps and berms (former Elite BMX racer). Downhill on rough terrain at scary speeds hit jumps flying 25' (low but far) and no signs of weakness. On a BMX track jumped it with no problems except some big clanging noises. Forks have never bottomed out. Disc brakes get hot under heavy use, but keep working. I'm a beginner at MTB and ride like it, which is rough on a bike. Really good bike for me. I've done minimal maintenance, just tighten things up, spray off the dirt, lube the chain, ride, repeat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pedroplay
a Weekend Warrior
from New Orleans, LA USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Good frame. Value for the money is OK. Stock tires and wheels are decent. Shifters & brakes are acceptable - This isn't a high performance trail bike | | Weaknesses: | Nearly all parts are Budget grade and Heavy. Crank bolts work themselves out. Many cheap steel parts that rust, even though it is stored indoors | | Bottom Line: | This is a good kid/starter or commuter bike - i.e. You don't care if they steal your parts while it is locked up. Put some semi slicks on it and it shines.
I got bored with it and stripped it down to the frame. Frame comes in at 4.6 Lbs bare. I built it up with nice components and it is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phut fault
a Weekend Warrior
from burnsville, MN, US
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | riverbottom | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | penn cycle | | Strengths: | solid as, but not near as heavy as a tank. me = 6'8", began riding 340+ lbs, the bike doesn't seem to give two $#its. (now down under 310 lbs) excellent trail bike, singletrack + technical | | Weaknesses: | cheap handgrips, not a big deal, big time brake fade on downhill runs - too much heat!!! tired of noise from front shock when i raise the front wheel off the ground - the opposite of bottoming out, something akin to 'unloading' the suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | 1992 trek 800 (9500miles)
1999 fisher level betty se
1999 trek vrx 300 | | Bike Setup: | stock '03 yukon purchased in '04 to save a few hundred bucks. (always ask your dealer what they have left from last season! saves big$$$) | | Bottom Line: | no longer riding at the level i used to in HS and college i didn't need the full suspension with my new purchase, but being 60 lbs heavier than those days i needed some strength. THIS BIKE BEAT MY EXPECTATIONS. all around awesome rider - not me, fools - the machine | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg leighton
a Weekend Warrior
from N.S.W
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | the leighton gap | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | porn brokers | | Strengths: | nothing | | Weaknesses: | EVERYTHING | | Similar Products Used: | raleigh 2100 | | Bike Setup: | titek hed set with hell bent bars | | Bottom Line: | i rally wish that i didn't but it it was a bad choise to buy it i wish i got something better | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jadmatt
a Weekend Warrior
from Cranberry Twp Pa
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | dapper bicycles | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy Strobe | | Bike Setup: | 2009 Stock Giant Yukon | | Bottom Line: | I'm a big ex football player 215-200pds. This bike handles great. The rock shox dart 1 even though people complain about it is a good shock. I'm put it to t he test and havent it bottom out or get stiff on me yet and i'm bigger then the typical rider. The brakes are great brakes to start with have great stopping power. Even though my bike is stock it shifts great handles great and is all around a good bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jakekenney
a Weekend Warrior
from Glen Mills, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | White Clay State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | West Chester Bike Ce | | Strengths: | You get A LOT of bang for the buck in this bike. The derailleurs are Deore in the back and Acera in the front, both shift very well. It has Hayes MX4 disk breaks, which aren't the most expensive but definitely get the job done. | | Weaknesses: | The fork. It's fork is a Rock Shox Dart 1. It is very low end. On mine the lock out stopped working the second time I adjusted it, and in the cold the fork gets very stiff. The fork would have to be the first thing to go, but it's probably worth just riding it into the ground before you do get a new one. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Piranha. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | It's a great bike for the price that you can get it at, the fork might just need an upgrading as it will probably break before all of the other parts, which are of pretty good quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
08_Yukon hard tail
a Weekend Warrior
from Norcal
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Ramp Mtn View Ca | | Strengths: | The Giant Yukon is a great starter bike, I compared bike with same price range and the Yukon has better components
for the price. I took it to local trails and the bike handles great. The Rapid fire shifter is a nice touch and the Deore rear derailleur is good. The frame is very sturdy
and a good frame to build on.
| | Weaknesses: | Rockshock Dart 1 is very heavy and bottoms out easily, brakes is somewhat ok for light trail but not for fast downhill decent. Front derailleur is ok but Deore would a lot nicer. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | I have upgraded a lot since I bought my Yukon. Race face xc cranks, XTR shifter, Xtr rear derailleur Xt front derailleur, Sram 990 casette, Rockshox Recon 351 U-turn
Avid Elixir R brakes (very nice modulation). Race face next Sl seat post, Raceface low riser handle bars & stem. | | Bottom Line: | The Yukon is a great starter bike for the price and a sturdy frame to build on. I would recomend this bike to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KH1
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt Martha, Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Lysterfield | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Unbreakable. Good solid frame to build a great bike...... which I have done. At least I think so :) | | Weaknesses: | Cheap running gear. Just about everything needs replacing except the frame bars and rims (Questionable on the rims) | | Similar Products Used: | Other cheap crap | | Bike Setup: | 2008 LX Shifters + Front & Rear Derallieurs, XT Cassette, LX Cranks, 525 Pedals, BB7 Brakes & discs, Avid adjustable levers, Tora 302 Lockout 100mm Forks, Maxxis Ignitor Tyres, Lockable Grips, Viper Saddle (Off my roadie - works a treat) | | Bottom Line: | 2005 Yukon - I used to ride this thing stock and was quite happy until my fitness improved and I started doing 2 hr plus rides at pace with mates who had much better bikes. I had to make a choice - upgrade or toss the Yukon in the shed and buy something new. I decided the DIY thing might be fun. I now have a bike I am proud to own. It goes great on every trail I have been on. The frame is as strong as an ox although a bit heavy - but you can't have everything...... oh yeah, you can if you spend the extra cash. Anyway if you own one of these things or you have the opportunity to pick one up cheap they make a great base to build on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
StarWorks
a Weekend Warrior
from Stevens Point, WI USA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Green Circle | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bring's-Wisconsin Ra | | Strengths: | Very Strong Bike; Keep in mind that Giant makes frames for many other bike companies. Good components for the money, and a very sharp looking bike with the brushed aluminum finish. My last Giant bike lasted 15 years of (sometimes very hard) riding! Couldn't pass up buying another. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy at 33.5 lbs. (weighed at the dealer), but at this price, a great deal. No other complaints. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX760; Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | All factory for now except for new rack (I ride trail to work everyday-how could life get better); will swap out pedals and add bar extensions; remove kick-stand. | | Bottom Line: | I don't think you could go wrong with this bike for the money. Giant has an excellent track record, and the components are better than those on comparable bikes from other big name companies. There is no way you are going to hurt this bike with the great welds and geometry. This is an '08; Grab one if you can because (according to most LBS's) 09's will go up 15-20%. You're best off not waiting to buy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mickey
a Weekend Warrior
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Tommy the Bikes | | Strengths: | Very solid bike, can handle tough trails with ease. Almost everthing about this bike is a strength bar a few minor things. Nice ride. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is very uncomfortable for long rides, I will be replacing it soon. Brakes need to be checked after every ride as the pads tend to move slightly, affecting the brake levers. Chain sikps for the first while but a service in your local bike shop will fixthat problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Pistol 1 | | Bike Setup: | Default | | Bottom Line: | Very good beginner bike. Great for the kind of person that likes to go out at the weekend and have some fun in the mountains :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from woodstock, ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | pittock and area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$555.00 | | Purchased At: | oxford source for sp | | Strengths: | Strongest bike I've ever had. Handles abuse with no problem. Love the equipment too, rapid-fire shifters and dual disc brakes work perfectly. And the seat is deceptively comfortable. Great for someone wanting a reliable bike or for someone wanting to start competeing at an entry level.overly light | | Weaknesses: | heavy front end but still very light,brakes are over intense, stopping hard when you use them just to slow down just a little on a steep hill. bike gear cross over on low on one side high on the other. cheap kickstand that can't even support your bike leaning on it | | Similar Products Used: | trek 8300, giant yukon fx, hardrock, nixnam 22 20 | | Bike Setup: | default | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike.Great for pretty much anything and anyone | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cole
a Cross Country Rider
from Covington, Louisiana, USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | The Swamps! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$592.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zone | | Strengths: | Strongest bike I've ever had. Handles abuse with no problem. Love the equipment too, rapid-fire shifters and dual disc brakes work perfectly. And the seat is deceptively comfortable. Great for someone wanting a reliable bike or for someone wanting to start competeing at an entry level. | | Weaknesses: | It doesn't like mud very much. Tire walls are pretty thin and puncture easily but that was a very cheap and easy fix. | | Similar Products Used: | I haven't used anything of this caliber at this price. | | Bike Setup: | '08 Giant Yukon w/ tire liners and new brake cables. | | Bottom Line: | I ride this bike everyday before work and I ride 2 miles down a highway to the trails, then ride about ten miles of trails with jumps, water, mud, tons of roots, and the occasional alligator(Thank you rapid-fire shifters!) and then I ride it back home. So I'm looking about putting about fifteen miles on this bike a day and this thing works beautifully. I would suggest to stay away from the mud though because it really messes up the cables for shifting and brakes which can be costly to replace. If you use it in water without taking care of it then the chain will start skipping to different gears and when you back-pedal it will catch. This is only aggravating out on the trails when you need complete control and end up wrecking because of it. Overall this bike is phenomenal and I'm definately buying a new one in two years or so! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adrynalyne01
a Weekend Warrior
from lubbock, texas, usa
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | mlk | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | DFC cycles and fitne | | Strengths: | In this price range it is very well equipped. Also the Rokshox fork owns this price range. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't really found one considering the price. The factory inner tubes are paper thin and puncture easily. but $12.00 cures that problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Raced BMX, diamond back, test rode alot of bikes before buying the giant. | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock 2008 giant yukon | | Bottom Line: | I was 325 lbs when I bought this bike. I have since lost 30 lbs and I ride like a maniac. I have dropped 3+ feet, wiped out riding wheelies, and aside from my fat butt bottoming out the shock it has taken it all in stride with no mechanical failures to date. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. This machine is smooth, strong and works seamlessly. This is a value packed bike for anyone getting started in any type of mountain biking. 5 chili's for being the best value for $500, 3 chili's overall because it's not a $2000 full suspension rig. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Buttermilk | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | Conte's | | Strengths: | This review is for the 2006 Yukon, 21" frame. I ride 2 times a week, about 10 miles/ride, technical single-track with some stunts thrown in on occasion. Overall this has been a pretty good bike. Good tires (Nevegal, Blue Groove) that grip anything. Just changed them out after 2 years. The Nevegal was a slick, the Blue Groove still had a good bit of tread on it. The Deore rear derailler has been a trooper, with NO ADJUSTMENTS. Alivio shifters have been great, hand grips are excellent (I ride with no gloves because gloves are for pansies!), and the rims have been strong even though they have taken a beating on many 3-4' jumps/drop-offs. The seat was VERY comfortable until I bent the rails when I bailed on a huge jump. I wish I could find another just like it..... | | Weaknesses: | I realized right away the fork (Suntour) was a piece of junk, as it would bang any time there was a little compression on it and the compression released. The brakes are decent, but need a lot of pressure. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Yukon, Manitou R7 fork, Kenda Kenetics tires | | Bottom Line: | Good for the money. Nice entry level bike. New models have RockShox Dart, so should remedy the crappy Suntour. As ability increases, upgrades will become necessary. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy S
a Downhiller
from Farmington CT usa
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Maze | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Wheel | | Strengths: | 2008 Model
Great XC Hardtail for the $$$
Strong Frame Descent Forks Good Brakes
Well built | | Weaknesses: | They used Shimano Deore in just the R/D, the alivio shifters and acera F/D work well,just would be nice to have the Deore throughout.
not that big a fan of the brakelevers,handlebars or grips...not a big deal though | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Flightline
Specialized Hardrock
Cannondale F7 | | Bike Setup: | Stock..For now | | Bottom Line: | Bike takes a beating period.
I'm 230lbs and have crashed hard at speed numerous times and not a single thing on the bike has broke yet.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua
a Weekend Warrior
from West Jordan, Utah, US
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything I see | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Great frame and brakes(stop on a dime even in water). Love the tires(they grip anything) and wheels have held up through all of my crap. Seat is pretty comfy but I don't suggest a long road trip.shocks adjust plenty on it for me. Overall best bike for my money. | | Weaknesses: | The stock plastic chain gaurd on the front broke off in the first week(me and my freind are working an a metal one). The chain catches when you back pedal too far. The shifters get a bit slow after they have gotten wet and dried. But still the best bike I've owned, even compared to some of my custom bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | same range Diamondbacks | | Bike Setup: | all stock '08 Yukon | | Bottom Line: | Couldn't have bought a better bike for the money I had at the time. WISH I COULD GET ANOTHER. Great for those want a light, convienent bike for doing some crazy things. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor M
a Cross Country Rider
from Minot, ND
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, wheels, drivetrain | | Weaknesses: | brakes, brake levers, heavy | | Similar Products Used: | piece of crap walmart bikes | | Bike Setup: | avid bb5 brake levers, bb7 front brake and some other little replacements, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. You wont find much else out there in this price range that can compare to the quality. I ride pavement and xc and its perfect for both and dont be afraid to try some dropoffs and harder hits, the well built foundation will hold up. You probably want to replace the brake system eventually but other than that no big problems with anything. I have 1600 miles on it and it runs like new. The kendas it came with and the grips wore out but all the mechanical parts are doing just fine.
The difference between this bike and those walmart "mountain bikes" is night and day. Get it if you want an all around tough long lasting bike without spending a fortune. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Chapman
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, Ca
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Saratoga Gap | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Off Ramp | | Strengths: | This is hands down the best XC hardtail I could find for the money. I did a ton of research. If your not looking to drop $1000 on a good entry level softail, this bike is the way to go. I have put about 100 miles on it and really give it some abuse and there has been ZERO problems. The fork is good and I tip the scale at 280lbs. The bike shifts every time, just really a solid setup. | | Weaknesses: | None for this price range | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000 series | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Best bang for your buck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike wood
a Cross Country Rider
from dallas
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Nice hardtail frame. That's all I care about. If you're going to upgrade everything anyway, why buy slightly better gear and pay more for stuff that you might or might not like anyway. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap components, but you get what you pay for. If you wanted to pay more, you can easily do it with a similar frameset, but high dollar components. I'm riding an 06 bike and I believe they only had a 17" or 19" frame. I'd prefer an 18", but the 17" is fine. Really, the components are great for the money on this bike. I think better than any of the other manufacturers in this price range. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots. | | Bike Setup: | Right now, I think about the only thing that is still stock is the brake calipers. They're not too bad. Other than that....XT cranks, XT derailers, XT hubs on Mavic 321 rims, Easton EA70 bars and stem with XT rapid shifters and Avid levers. WTB racing saddle with Easton EC70 seatpost. Oh, how could I forget...Rock Shox Reba Race with lockout lever. | | Bottom Line: | I do love the hardtails (insert joke here) and really like to be able to pick out all of my components myself. So, I prefer to get a cheap frame and do it myself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trials around the dallas area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels in Motion | | Strengths: | Great frame, great wheels, Disk breaks are very smooth and stop on a dime, RS Dart fork does everything i need it to do, great components for price, great bike both on and off road | | Weaknesses: | Seat is a little hard but not to bad, tires wear down kind of fast on paved trails but that about it | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Jamis Cross Country 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock 08 | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike for the money. If you are looking for a bike to get back into riding (like me) or wanting to upgrade this is a great purchase. I plan to upgrade the components eventually but for right now that work great. Out of all the bikes I tested, this one was the best deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cole Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Covington, Louisiana, United States
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | new ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$593.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zone | | Strengths: | Great frame, brakes work excellently, tires are good, and the shifters are lagniape(in other words, the are an added bonus). | | Weaknesses: | The chain gets caught every now and then when you back pedal~ I'm going to fix that before my next ride. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock '08 Yukon Giant. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It is an unimagineable leap up from WalMart bikes I'm so used to riding(it was like going from a '81Civic to a '08 Corvette). The shock does it's job perfectly, and the frame and tires can take a good pounding. The brakes work great even when submurged in muddy water. I abuse it regularly and hit some pretty tough trails with a lot of downhill, mud, and big drops. If maintained, this bike will ride like new everytime you take it out. I have a feeling my Yukon will last me a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaime
a Cross Country Rider
from Blue Mtns, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellowmundee, Blue Mtns | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Panther Cycles | | Strengths: | strong frame, strong wheels (i have given mine a beating),
brakes are good when they are maintained, as with gears...
very good xc bike for the money, it has helped me improve my riding greatly. | | Weaknesses: | constantly need to adjust gears and brakes. Very hard Shocks, need softer springs. brakes need to be adjusted so pads are closer together or the dirt and small rocks get in there and wreck your discs. not very good for DJs (could be my riding). | | Bike Setup: | Animal Pedals, WTB tires | | Bottom Line: | Keep maintaining the bike and change the pedals. i found the bike handles and grips better with new tires, not for DJers, and will take a beating on light trails. all in all, a great bike. Reccomend it to anyone looking for an entry level or even pro xc bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carson
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tecolote Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Arrowhead Cycles | | Strengths: | Tough, durable frame. I also like the Alivio shifters and the Haynes disc brakes. It sure is a good looking bike. | | Weaknesses: | HEAVY! Derailuers fell out of adjustment somewhat easily (at least initially). | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | All stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is my first entree into the mid-level mountain bike market. I am definitely impressed with it. It's built on a tough, solid frame that has really taken a beating. It sure likes going downhill, and the lowest gear is geared so low that I can practically ascend hills I couldn't walk up. Fairly spartan in terms of set-up - the Deore derailuers fell out of alignment quite frequently, but we finally found a sweet spot and it sure rides well. Only real complaint about the bike is its weight (sure makes hills seem a whole lot higher) and the stock tires (Blue Grooves are alright, the Nevegals wore down too quickly). Great, versatile bike for the money, and it sure is good looking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | Grafton Ski and Cyclry | | Strengths: | Good frame so far, good tires. Fork is okay for the price. Rims are also nice. | | Weaknesses: | Basically, I bought this for the frame and rims. Almost everything else is going. Brakes! I hate Hayes for one, but the OEM MX4s are awful. Sketchy, and difficult to adjust. Curious thing: the bike comes with 4-finger brake levers that have yellow stickers on them saying "Attention! Linear Pull Brakes Only!"... ummm, this bike has discs, albeit, crappy ones. Crankset was clicking for the first few months but has gone away so far. Overall, the bike is a nice setup (though i'm worried about the quality of the giant headset), except for the brake system if you are at all serious about riding. | | Bike Setup: | New 2.5" Kenda Blue Groove and Nevegals with Stick-E rubber and DH casing (these add considerable weight over the included 2.1"s unfortunately (~3 lbs more)). Different Pedals. Marzocchi AM2 2007 fork. Avid BB7s front and back. Avid speed dial brake levers. | | Bottom Line: | READ THIS!!! Great for a typical rider. Some components are weak, but the frame and rims provide a good base to build off of if you want a good hard tail. I do recommend this bike, though I implore you to consider upgrading at least the brake system, and definitely the levers. Somehow Giant ended up putting 4-finger LINEAR brake levers on there. Even cheapies like the Hayes MX4s have a lot of power, and with a 4-finger lever, it is VERY easy to pull too hard and eat ground. Also, my brother got the same bike (still stock) and his front brake got out of alignment and would LOCK with very little pressure. A car pulled out in front of him and he only had the left hand on, and ended up doing a Superman. I have since fixed this problem, but he's kind of scarred from the experience.
The drive train is in short, okay. I'm fairly competent at adjusting bikes, and it is impossible to adjust it to work perfectly through all gears. I never use the low on the front (too much torque for steep climbing, you just spin), so I just have it adjusted to work perfectly on 2 on the front since I spend the most time there.
I hope someone actually reads this and finds it useful. Just to recap, this IS a good value of a bike, but the brake system I would HIGHLY recommend changing.
Happy Biking!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Notes
a Cross Country Rider
from Ca
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Las posadas | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rack | | Strengths: | Good frame, decent handle bars, reliable shifters, ok derailleur, ok brakes. | | Weaknesses: | The wheels are crap, went out of true within two weeks, broke fifth gear on the back out on the trail, busted the crankset after a year. But my bike is great now. but i replaced almost every part on there with good racing components. Including Marzocchi All mtn. 3, TruVative Firex 3.3, Shimano Sunrims rhynolits, Shimano 5 into 1 cassette....and a lot more. These upgrades are mandatory if you want a true reliable bike that can take punishments repeated times. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rincon, trek 4k something or rather. | | Bike Setup: | Everything is replaced with new racing components, or hardcore sport components. (I have over 2000 invested in mine) | | Bottom Line: | Not a bad bike if your a softcore trail rider without any intentions to win races. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
billy kraebel
a Cross Country Rider
from cutchogue new york united states
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | diablo, rocky point sag harbor | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | country time cycle | | Strengths: | 2008 comes with rock shox dart 1, same shifters and everything for the money its a good bike. upgrading to hayes or avid hydraulic brakes is a good idea | | Weaknesses: | hayes mx4 are pain in the ass, you get what u pay for im not mad about it | | Similar Products Used: | giant xtc, giant nrs air, salsa mamasita, giant rainier, giant reign x1,giant anthem advanced (custom built) | | Bike Setup: | crank brother 5050x petals are good to roll with | | Bottom Line: | you get what u pay for, its nto that bad price wise either | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a
from Mittagong NSW Aus
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Phantom Cycles Tahmoore | | Strengths: | It has good gears an handles nice. | | Weaknesses: | The forks are 2 hard for me and don't have enough adjustment.The Shifters are a bit dodge and sometimes ghost shift. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh Eliminator | | Bike Setup: | Shimano m458 pedals or something, Maxxis Highroller rear tire. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good Entry level Mountain Bike and handles well it is a tough bike that has been thrown around (Doing 5-6 ft drops).
I would Change the Forks 2 Recon or tora318 or something. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate, NY
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | N/A | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Strengths: | Good value for a starter bike thats just a few steps up from entry-level. Disc brakes and Deore rear derailleur are suprising at this price range. Mine is the Black 2007 model which looks real sharp. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost seems to be fairly weak, mine came loose and ground down the adjustment teeth after a few cross country rides and needed to be replaced. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Kalloy seat post. | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden this almost daily on trails for the last month and its been great. Just the seatpost issue and have to tighten up some cables every couple rides. Good starter bike or long-time bike if you're not going to do anything too extreme. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Pierangelo
a Cross Country Rider
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Shanipset State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski-Inn | | Strengths: | Great geometry, top cross bar not in way of my balls, reliable, very light, nice paint job, shifters are great, fork not too bad | | Weaknesses: | pedals (total piece of crap), bolt to crank stripped, brakes, grips, seat clamp | | Similar Products Used: | jamis dragon, schwinn frontier | | Bike Setup: | mainly stock except for crank brothers 5050xx pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike overall. It was step up from my Schwinn Frontier (okay a big step). I have been riding this bike for over a year, and mostly stock its been great. Some problems I've had are the bolt that holds on the crank stripped out, but was replaced, both pedals cracked and should be replaced asap. The brakes aren't the best by far. The rear brake glazed over and I had to replace them. The fork SR SunTour XCR, 100mm-travel, is very good, except the adjustment doesn't do that much. Top crossbar is sloped down which is a nice touch as it presents less of a danger to future children (2006 model). Looks great and rides great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Windsor
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Fanshawe Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri-Sports, Windsor | | Strengths: | Bulletproof frame with new (for 2007) reduced-stepover-height hydroformed top tube, disc brakes, 175mm splined crankset, excellent tires, good wheels, decent shifting mechanism, steep head angle makes for good handling | | Weaknesses: | Throwaway pedals, horrible grips, undamped springer front fork, overly narrow bars, mechanical disc brakes need a little preventative maintainance to keep functioning at peak performance, uncomfortable seat, steep seat tube angle requires a lot of seat setback (at least for me) | | Similar Products Used: | CCM department store bike, older Norco | | Bike Setup: | Old Skool Shinamo DX pedals (1985 vintage!) Easton EA30 27" bar, WTB seat, Sertas grips, RockShox Recon 351 fork | | Bottom Line: | This is for the Canadian-spec 2007 Yukon with the hydroformed curved top tube
I was in the process of upgrading my won-it-in-a-raffle department store CCM (decent frame, crappy components) when I stumbled across this bike in a LBS. For the money, it was WAY cheaper to buy this bike new than to source similar components and upgrade my existing bike.
Giant makes several models based on this frame, with the componant mix determining the price. At this price point, you get:
- A Suntour XCR fork
- TruVativ ISOflow splined crankset
- Hayes MX2 mechanical disc brakes
- Deore rear mech
- Acera front mech
- Alivio trigger shifters
- SRAM 8-speed rear 11-32 rear cartridge
- own-brand Giant bars, stem, seatpost, and seat
- WTB Dual Duty rims
- Kendra Blue Groove front tire, Kendra Nevregal rear tire, 2.1" both ends
Bars, stem lengths, and seats are largely personal preference - I found the bars a touch too narrow, the stem a tad too long, and the seat just didn't fit my hindquarters at all, so those got swapped out right away. The stock grips are frankly horrible, as are the plastic no-name cage pedals, so those also got replaced (not unusual at this price point)
But with those changes made (and aside from pedals and grips, those are YMMV changes) the bike was amazingly capable and fun to ride. I'm a bit on the heavy side and resumed riding after a long hiatus to get myself back in shape; this bike has taken everything I threw at it with no problems. It climbs like a goat, shifts are lightning-fast and never seem to miss, and it decends and jumps fine too.
Built for strength, not speed, it may be a little bit heavy - but only for the gram-counting, leg-shaving set. For general thrashing and hammering the trails, it works great.
I've noticed that the MX2 mechanical brakes need a little fine tuning to keep working 100%, but nothing outrageous and when dialed in they stop the bike HARD (and wheel removal is just so much nicer with discs)
It comes with great tires, although I prefer a narrower semi-slick on the rear, so I changed out the rear tire for a 1.9" Kendra Kwick and am saving the Nevregal for when the Blue Groove front wears out.
The only real downside to the bike is the Suntour XCR fork. It is a preload-only spring fork with no damping at all - not just adjustments, but no damping PERIOD. Over slower bumps, slow decents etc it was just fine; it has plenty of travel and no noticable stiction. But hit it hard, and it'll return all that travel back in a heartbeat - about once or twice a ride, I'd find myself being bucked or ejected from the bike when the fork ricocheted off a hard hit or a fast transition. Swapping forks to a RockShox Recon 351 with actual rebound damping tamed the front end and made a good bike great.
For the money, this bike is an amazing value - throw away the stock grips and pedals, and you've got a great recreational trail bike that can handle mild to intermediate singletrack with no trouble at all. Swap out the front fork to something with rebound damping, and you can pound trails of all skill levels with a fraction of the investment demanded by many other bikes. And while the mechanical discs need a little more maintainance than hydraulics, they work much better and are way easier to live with than the best V-brakes.
Highly recommended.
DG | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Harkins
a Weekend Warrior
from Charleston, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$465.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes, James Island SC | | Strengths: | Black on gray looks tight, and goes well with the frame! Deore components, unlike other bikes who offer Acera and Alivio for the same amount or more. Disc brakes. Lifetime warranty on the frame, year of free maintenance and part replacement from dealer. | | Weaknesses: | Mushy shock | | Similar Products Used: | 2005 Giant Iguana | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except (don't cringe) I added a kick stand | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike today. Great bike for the money, paid $465 with Deore setup. Here's a rundown of what others offered. Jamis Cross Country with Acera setup $465, Specialized Rockhopper with Alivio setup and no disc brakes $549, Trek 4900 with Alivio and no discs $425. No one was offering Deore for the price. Definitely more bang for the buck. And these other riders who are complaining about theirs breaking have admitted to beating the sh#! out of it (4-5 foot drop-offs!?!?! Come on), and some others just need a good tune-up. Rode my bike today pulling my son in a bike trailer (yes I've become quite the family rider, in younger days I used to have a Gary Fisher ProCaliber GT) and had no problems shifting, pedalling backwards, nothing, although it was tuned up straight after removing from the box. Bottom line, this isn't a bike to beat up or abuse, or expect alot from in competition, but it sure is better than anything Dick's or Sports Authority is offering, which you'll notice alot of Tourney and Acera setups. This bike reminds me alot of my Iguana, which I did ride pretty hard and didn't have to abuse. Like some people mentioned, a beginner's bike, but beginning for what, to become pro? I find it's perfect for the weekend warrior like myself, and no I'm not ashamed to admit that :o) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Cedarburg, Wi, USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Strengths: | Looks good, great frame, decent fork for the money. I unfortunately have to say, it stops here. (see below) | | Weaknesses: | Basically every component on the bike excluding the frame and fork are crap. The bottom end disc brakes (Hayes MX4s) have the smallest pads made. Discs are supposed to reduce breaking force required by the hands. It requires just as much strength to stop as my old GT with linears. It also has 4 finger brake levers for some reason (they even have stickers that say "linear pull brakes only"). The drive train is awful. Just plain awful, I am going to try to replace all of these parts. The pedals to start with are ridiculous, they are just flat metal with little bumps, almost zero grip when wet. The entire drivetrain is weird. On 3 in the front and 1 in the back, the angle of the chain causes it to rub against the bottom pulley of the rear deraillure (sp?). I have painstakingly adjusted it but there's no way around it. I have had the bike two weeks and i'm getting clunking off and on when I pedal (every gear). I have yet to diagnose that. The bike also doesn't like backwards pedaling, the chain starts jumping around on the front sprockets and cassette and eventually gets bound up or comes off completely. Lastly, my rear brake has been hanging up. The rear wheel does not spin freely. Even with the brake cable disconnected and the brake pulled all the way open, it still contacts the disc. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Saddleback | | Bike Setup: | stock, so far. | | Bottom Line: | I actually wanted the Giant Ranier for its better components, but they were basically sold out when I got around to buying a bike, and they didn't have my size anyway (24") because I am very tall. So I actually bought the Yukon planning to replace most of the components, namely the brakes and eventually the drivetrain. I'll point out, I expected less than total satisfaction when I bought the bike, I'm just letting you know what to expect on the stock bike. P.S. I am taking the bike back to the store soon to have them check it out but I dont think I should be having so many problems with a brand new bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ciaran brown
a
from NY
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | dryer road | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Strengths: | everything except rims | | Weaknesses: | rims they got out of true after a year then eventualy broke but i was jumping it off 4 or 5 foot jumps dropoffs andwall on the street or park | | Bike Setup: | stock except time pedals | | Bottom Line: | its a great beginer bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Cox
a Weekend Warrior
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Home | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesmiths Bloomington IN. | | Strengths: | best components for the price. as a noob, I find this to be a very good starter bike. easy on the hills, good control going down hill. | | Weaknesses: | front fork seems a little weak... tho I weigh about 250lbs... adjustment seems narrow. | | Similar Products Used: | Wal~Mart special Mongoose, Specialized rockhopper, Specialized hardrock. | | Bike Setup: | stock... hope to break the front fork soon, need an excuse for new one. | | Bottom Line: | great bike, thanx to this bike my interest in this sport will excel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh crawley
a Weekend Warrior
from nashville, Indiana, USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | new to sport.. n/a | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$435.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Garage Indy (www.bgindy.com) | | Strengths: | I'm a 6'5 guy weighing 300 lbs who's trying to become physically fit. Due to this, I liked the option of a 23 in frame. For someone who snaps desk chairs like twigs, I feel very secure on this frame and fork.
My other decision was to go with disc breaks. On the low-mid end of MTB's, these discs beat V-breaks hands down. When I stop, I KNOW I stop.
Also, the price was perfect for the amount of features I was looking (and could afford) to spend. | | Weaknesses: | Being new to the sport, I'm not used to the saddles, but the default saddle is a "butt buster", at least for my geometry. Then again, a decent saddle is in the 30$ or so range: A minor weakness and easily remedied. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Marlin (believe 20")
Trek 4300 Disc (19.5")
Trek 4300 (19.5") not disc
Gary Fisher Wahoo (believe 21") | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I haven't had enough time and know-how to to properly change for improvement. | | Bottom Line: | If you're starting out and would like a bike that grows when you grow, and is very extensible in terms of equipment, buy this. There are many after-market options for this bike that can definitely prolong this purchase.
If you're a big buy who needs a sturdy bike, get it. The price is right on the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHRIS MCDONALD
a Cross Country Rider
from TUSCALOOSA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | DEATH BY CONCRETE | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | VELOCITY | | Strengths: | GEOMETRY OF THE BIKE IS GREAT. IM 6 FOOT AND RIDE A LARGER FRAMED 22IN WITH NOT MOUNT OR DISMOUNT PROBLEMS. THE BIKE HANDLES GREAT AT LOW AND MODERATE SPEEDS. THE SHIMANO ALIVIO SPEED SHIFTERS ARE NICE AND EASY TO READ JUST MAKE SURE YOUR DERAILERS ARE ADJUSTED PRIOPERLY. IT TAKE DECENTS (ROUGH OR SMOOTH) WITH GRACE AND EASY THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBS ALOT OF TERRAIN. THE KENDRA BLUE GROOVE TIRES ROCK, THE DONT SLIP EVEN IN LOOSE DIRT THE TRANSFER TERRAIN VERY WELL. GREAT GEARING THIS BIKE WILL CLIMB A 45 DEGREE INCLINE WHILE YOURE ON YOUR ASS. TALK ABOUT HILL FLATENING.
| | Weaknesses: | THE FRONT FORKS ARE SUPER SOFT AND EVEN THOUGH ADJUSTABLE DONT SEEM TO CHANGE MUCH WHEN ADJUSTED. BIKE IS ALITTLE ON THE HEAVY SIDE BUT WITH A NEW FORK AND DIFFERENT WHEELS IT WOULD DROP ABOUT 2LBS BUT BEING A STRONG RIDER 2 LBS WOULD ONLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON A DAY TRIP. I LIKE THE WORK OUT I GET WITH A HEAVIER BIKE | | Similar Products Used: | CANNONDALE F5, SPECIALIZED HARDROCK, GIANT REINCON | | Bike Setup: | STOCK, WHEN FRONT FORK GOES A MARZOCCHI MONSTER WILL BE INSTALLED | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE IS BAD ASS FOR THE PRICE. GIANT FRAMES ARE SOLID AND CAN TAKE A BEATING. THE COMPONENTS ARE GOOD BUT NOT GREAT (YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR) AS LONG AS YOU KEEP EVERYTHING ADJUSTED AND MAINTAINED YOU SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEMS GOING WHERE EVER YOUR LEGS CAN CARRY YOU.
I DO TEHNICAL AND FREE RIDE AND EVEN WITH THE LARGER FRAME I HAVENT HAD ANY PROBLEMS YET.
IF YOURE LOOKING FOR A BIKE IN THIS PRICE RANGE MAKE SURE TO TEST DRIVE A FEW BUT MAKE SURE THE YUKON IS ONE OF THEM.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Tuscaloosa, Al
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Blood Stone | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Velocity Cycles | | Strengths: | The frame is light, the shimana alvio speed shifters are smooth as long as you use them properly, the gear set up is great for just about anything, low enough gear to flip the bike over on yourself while walking but high enough to level the steepest hills, kendra blue groove tires are narrow but will not let got of the dirt... wet, dry, covered with leaves... it doesnt matter. and the seat.. for a mountain seat this thing is plush and fast.. good choice giant | | Weaknesses: | gears are oval shaped to give a better power range at lower speeds.. this is problematic when starting out at the base of a hill or at high speeds (inconsistan pedal travel) but this is something that can be delt with by upgrading or learng how to use the bike. front shocks are a little soft for my taste but they load and jump great... just watch out for the bounce when you land. they can also give you some trouble on the technical side. (going over obsticales is questionable with such a soft shock) | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale f5, specialized hardrock, giant rincon, ibex trophy | | Bike Setup: | stock for now except kendra tires.
looking at a fox racing or velvet front for upgrade
in the near future | | Bottom Line: | there were alot of complaints about the 01-05 modles but it seemed as the bike got more reputable the company decided to take care of some problems. this is a bad ass bike for what it is.
the bike is light at 22lbs it has good components for the price range, it rides almost as well as my full suspension without all the give. it climbs like a kudzoo on a hill face.
i havent beat the hell out of my bike yet but i will...
and if my opinion changes ill let you know but for now... this bike gets a 4. its not the best bike out there but in this price range you either give up good components or a good frame and this bike seems to be a happy medium between the two... with the emphasis on the frame strength.
this is not a pro bike but it is great for begginer to semi-advanced riders doing all mountain or cross country.
ive been told the handle up 3 and 4 foot drops but i probably wont find out untill i replace my front fork
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a Cross Country Rider
from asheville
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Decent paint, comfortable ride position. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. Hayes brakes are just ok. Poor seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper, Stumpjumper, Iron Horse | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a solid, comfortable cruiser. If you want something for the easy flat trails and trips to the store, this bike can do the job. If you are thinking of getting into serious mountain biking, I would suggest shopping a little more, maybe spend another hundred or so to get a bike that you can ride as you make some progress. This bike is not a climber, but balanced well enough for the technical downhills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Bower
a Weekend Warrior
from Canal Fulton, OH USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Ohio Erie Canal Towpath | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Bisesi's Bicycle & Fitness | | Strengths: | Mine is the 2006 burnt orange model. (I like the color, by the way) Value for money, hands down! I've been reading through these reviews and can't believe some of the problems people are having. Frankly, it seems some of these folks are using this bike beyond what it was designed for...gravel bike paths and NON-TECHNICAL single tracks, and , with different tires, the road. It is NOT a downhiller, a jumper, or a XC balls-out racer. If you try these things, you CAN break this bike! I CAN say this: I've been riding since the late 1970's (old guy) and bikes equipped like this at this price did not exist 20+ years ago. You get alot for your money as long as you know what you can and can't do with this machine.
I have had NO trouble with the crank, brakes (they sang a bit but when I learned how to adjust them it solved the problem) The driveline works flawlessly. | | Weaknesses: | Wide,high-rise bars; I replaced them; the pedals had to go also. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Jamis (forget the model) | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace Deaux flat bars, Profile bare ends and grips, Shimano SPD 520 pedals and MA80 shoes, Surfas RX saddle. | | Bottom Line: | You can't go wrong for under $500. This is a well-equipped bike. Great for beginners and folks who ride gravel paths, dirt roads, or non-technical single tracks. With different (non-knobby) high pressure tires, it would not be half bad on the road. As I stated above, it is NOT a competition grade machine. Properly used this bike should last for many mles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxnard
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | Camarillo Bike Company | | Strengths: | Strong sweet looking frame, dual wall rims, strange shifters that are indexed, brakes that are dead nutz | | Weaknesses: | Suntour XCR 100m fork seems weak, it bottoms out if i stand up or brake, even if i adjust the preload to the max. I could just be too heavy for them i weight 250. Handles bumps fine when i hit them.
The sticker on the frame says "warning, cross-country use only, do not use these forks for dirt jumping, free-ride, downhill or any heavy riding"
so if your a beginner on a tight budget buy this bike planning on upgrading the fork later to something better
-front wheel got a flat because of numerous loose metal chips/burrs i found between the rim and rubber cover left over from a drilling operation | | Similar Products Used: | Pueguot Tundra Express(old school from the oval tech days) | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Anthracite Black mens Yukon 20 inch Stock everything except a shock post and a Giant brand memory foam seat, which helps A LOT. | | Bottom Line: | You get what you pay for when you get the Yukon, and what you get is an entry-level mountain bike with some of the niceties of a higher end bike like disc brakes.
would be 5 stars if not for the small print self-proclaimed weak fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcel
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Wellington trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | McBains Cycles Hobart | | Strengths: | I've got the 2007 model, which has an adjustable front fork. You can also lock the fork, which doesn't seem to make an awful lot of difference by the way. The (mechanical)disk brakes do a very good job at stoppping you from pranging into anything hard, even when it's wet and when it gets steep (for example down my driveway or most of the tracks where I ride). A great improvement these disks, make me feel safe. Frame quality seems good too. Like the seat. | | Weaknesses: | Had some trouble with the disk brakes, they glazed up, but this was fixed under warranty by my bike shop. Also have had to replace the back rotor, but I must have hit a rock. Adjusting of the brakes is a bit fiddly, due to the cable set up.Don't like the handle bars much either, but can live with them for the moment. Gear changing accompanied by loud clunking noise but it always seems to work, even when going up steep hills. | | Similar Products Used: | Older Yukon 199 I believe still in my possession. Apart from that I used to have road bikes all my life. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to slightly wider tyres, Hutchinson Bulldogs 2.1, and Shimano 540 pedals, rest is stock. Colour is some sort of brown army colour, so you don't see the mud. | | Bottom Line: | Quite well built bike for the money.It's a bit heavy and basic but it's not going to let you down on even reasonably demanding rides. I have been on friends' bikes which cost 4 times as much and are definitely nicer/lighter/maybe a bit faster, but this bike has already been worth what I spent on it, with regards to fun and pleasure. I can recommend it for value for money. If you want a better bike, you're looking at spending a lot more in my opinion. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CRXPilot
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, TX
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | -Price
-Disc brakes
-As I get better as a rider, the tires are keeping up with me. | | Weaknesses: | -Ugly color (Burnt Orange 2006) but saved me $70 since they weren't selling that fast.
-Brake levers!
-Weight
-Tight cockpit
-Stock tubes | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 90mm stem, flat bar, new Alivio levers, thorn-resistant and(!) Slime-filled tubes, shopping for Shimano 540 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is my first "real" mountain bike. It is tougher than a tank and weighs more than one. But that weight will teach you modesty and gratitude when your buddy lends you his race bike. The short stem and riser bar that came stock put most of my weight on the rear tire. That's fine for fire roads but tricky on singletrack where your front tire really needs the weight to grab and turn (and stop). The stock brake levers are garbage. The fork works but is heavy. For the price, this is an ideal beginners bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan Marriott
a Cross Country Rider
from Bundaberg.queesland.Australia
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | every where,bush,jumps and street | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | BundBERG SUPER CYCLES | | Strengths: | The frame on these things are pro as.The disc brakes are really good when there not wet and the hangers are strong.The bike is also light and a good jumper.It is a good bike for its price even though i was ripped off.lol
| | Weaknesses: | The tires are greAT OFF ROAD BUT DONT GO NEAR THE ROAD BECAUSE THEY WEAR VERY QUICKLY.The gears are crape!!!!!I have nothing but troubles with them .They are always grinding and cracking plus they dont always change gears even though i have had them looked at many times.The shocks are rather good but i am preety sure i have blown a seal or completely screwed them. | | Similar Products Used: | nil
| | Bike Setup: | standard except for specialized enduro tyres(they are the best tires ever)and maybe soon to get new forks. | | Bottom Line: | Dont buy it.The things that have happened to my bike might be a 1 off but if it isnt dont go near them.the bike is very light but and a good jumper.If i was buying another bike in this price range i would go for a stp2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Adams
a Weekend Warrior
from London Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Fanshawe | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | TooWheels London | | Strengths: | Reliable, strong, smooth. The wheels are excellent, still straight and true, the saddle is really confortable right from the go, and the gears shift effortlessly. The brakes are the best I've had, but they are my first time with disk-brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Chain and cog set only lasted a few hundred miles. The disk brakes squeek and sing at times but are a hundred times better rim brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | I had a Diamondback in the UK and that little bike took alot of abuse. But this bike tops it easily. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I was sold the bike as a 2005 model, but it seems to have the 2006 components. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for me. I didn't want to spend too much on a new bike but I got a great price at the end of the season with a $100 dollars off. I commute to work on it and do some rough trails at the weekends. It's a dream to ride around town, and allows me to take the 'scenic' route to work. It also handles some of the toughest trails I've been on and gives you the confidence to tackle the rough stuff. I've had it for a year and it still feels solid and robust. Having ridden it for a year I think it would have been totlly worth the extra money I saved. I love it and it looks like it will last for years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh E
a Downhiller
from portland OR
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | powell bute | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | bobs bikes (no longer in buisness) | | Strengths: | awsome very durable for an urban freerider like me. good gears but for some reson it eats chains. | | Weaknesses: | front disk break needs to come of. shocks arnt to grand but awsome bike
SILLY rider shifters dont like trees. | | Similar Products Used: | only bike in 5 years | | Bike Setup: | stock everything exept tires and i got a cheap front V-brake | | Bottom Line: | awsome bike very durable and hard 2 mess up | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a
from Australia
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | any i can get to | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle superstore | | Strengths: | almost everything | | Weaknesses: | the back disc brakes arent as good as the front for some reason and the tyres go down like butter. this might be cause i ride on roads a lot but they are crazy. i already got a puncture and theres nearly no tread. | | Similar Products Used: | diamondback session 03 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | a great bike for what i payed. a few minor niggles but still great | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brendo
a
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Lysterfield Lake circuit | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | This bike is a solid performer in this price range. I got it as a beginner bike to get into mountain biking and it has brought me alot of joy and excitement. During the weekend, I have literally used it as a XC/free-ride bike in various terrains and it never fails me. It has taken on drops, trees and rocks and still survives. On-road with slicks and it flies. I pretty much use it to take me anywhere. | | Weaknesses: | The only gripe I have about this bike is that it has a heavy frame but then again, this is why it's strong. Nonetheless it still climbs reasonably well. The chain slaps against the frame over bumps quite frequently but that's got more to do with my skill level than anything. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except with eggbeater pedals and Maxxis Mobster tyres for XC and Panaracer Messengers slicks for road | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the price. I would not hesitate to recommend this bike for someone wanting to get into XC riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a
from montana
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hiawatha | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | knicker bicker | | Strengths: | Great allround bike for the money nearly indstructable | | Weaknesses: | not much other than the paint chips easly | | Similar Products Used: | lots | | Bike Setup: | not veaty much stock stuf lept up-graded it | | Bottom Line: | great for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lucyfek
a Cross Country Rider
from waukegan, il
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop, fayetteville, nc | | Strengths: | tough, frame seems durable, better than anything sold at walmart (or any retailer of this type) yet still reasonably priced | | Weaknesses: | heavy - everything seems to be made of metal thicker than necessary, my yukon 2004 (bought it on the sale in the summer 2005) came with rather poor drivetrain (rear deralieur was the last part upgraded), disc brakes that were nearly impossible to adjust (hard to eliminate occasional friction/hissing sound) and forks that did not leave much to ajust | | Similar Products Used: | not much - i used to ride road bike but wanted to give mtb a shot. now i use more of the mtb - maybe coz it's more universal. | | Bike Setup: | frame and handlebars (heavy but with enough room for 2 light) left original. fork replaced with judy3 (love the lock-out), crank - some deore lx (hollow + octalink - what a difference - 2 pounds+), wheels - build my own with original rims + deore 525 hubs (made a difference and supprisingly held up well for some 3000 miles of harsh treatment (my 2nd wheels, 1st (few years back) tacoed in few week)), didn't like hubs much (seals, tricky to adjust) so new upgrade - mavic crossrides is coming in the mail), front and raer dr replaced with some nice (and cheap) deore lx, new clipless pedals soon to be moounted (older - performance platforms did well and i would recommend them - very light, cheap, good), seapost and seat (obviously heavy) will meat their replacement the coming week. etc | | Bottom Line: | i like riding the thing and i like it fast. no big mountains here in illinois but i use whatever available. i bought the bike just to try mtb and i liked it more than expected, still, with the experience gained, i'd rather bought a frame and all the upgrades or better/pricier bike right away. it was good decision at the time but giant cut too many corners in the 2004 yukon.
your money, your decision | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
corey
a Downhiller
from lawrence, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | almost everything | | Weaknesses: | I just broke the derailer hanger a week or so ago and the back brakes aren't the greatest(mine had linear pull brakes) | | Similar Products Used: | crappy toy store bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike out of the trash for free and it is one of the best bikes I have had. The bike held up to everything I threw at it. It handled trails without a problem and I go down a trail with a 3-4 foot drop almost every day. It has also held up through some deep mud when my friends' raleigh's derailer was locking up. I am a relatively light rider at 130 pounds and the suspension only bottomed out on me a few times but it was because I landed hard on the front. The brakes wear out after a while but they only need new pads when they do. I would suggest this bike to anyone who wants to get into mountainbiking. This is a great bike and it held up to some hard riding for about 5 months before the hanger broke. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
devin
a
from p-town, california, usa
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | lawndale | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Eastside Cycles | | Strengths: | The Giant Yukon is a great redreational hardtail, its intended use. But, I have kept up with people of about my same fitness on rough trails and they were riding much faster bikes. The WTB dual duty rims, deore, the frame. | | Weaknesses: | The MX2's take some serious adjusting but, are still ten times better than v-brakes once dialed. The fork is a piece. It is heavy and funky. The bike is at least 30 pounds so it is really heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant boulder, upland. specialized hardrock, rockhopper, marin wildcat, rocky ridge, attack trail, many other bikes. | | Bike Setup: | stock except deore front deraillur | | Bottom Line: | this bike can be used for whatever you throw at it. I ride cross country, but i have also jumped it and downhilled. The forks make a loud sound when bunnyhopped or otherwise jumped. Bike can handle rough trails but tends to throw hands off the handle bars. The bike is well worth five hundred dollars and is better than its competitor the hardrock comp, which costs 600+. This bike is probably one of best values on the market right now. people like to say giant makes inferior products but i have put at least 500 miles on this and it is still sweet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Downhiller
from Ridgefield, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | bike express | | Strengths: | the frame is is nice and light, nice and sticky tires, and if your picky the grips are good. | | Weaknesses: | Just about everything, the fork has absolutly no adjustability and i could probably bottom it out with no effort on a 3 foot drop. The rims are just terrible and easily bend. The derailour is horific. The shifter start to hessitate after only 3 weeks of use. THE WORST PART is of course the brakes, after about only 2 months of riding and can go about 15 mph down a road and slam on my brakes and it will go an extra 10 feet before i stop, i can barely do an endo, and worst of all i can now push through my back break, and my pads aren't worn down or anything. Oh and the cables tear. | | Similar Products Used: | giant AC, giant pistol 2, specialized hardrock, specialized rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is cheap but i think that you really shouldn't pay attension to the price when you look at this bike. I am extremely dissapointed with this bike and you will be too if you decide to use this bike. DO NOT bother buying new parts for this bike because you will just end up paying too much money and waiting too long for the bike to be even decent. don't think i don't know what im saying because i only gave this a one out of five, JUST SAVE UP FOR A BETTER BIKE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thad Schiele
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | Missoula, MT, can't remember name | | Strengths: | durability, value | | Weaknesses: | shifting is rough(but has been upgraded to deore on new models) | | Similar Products Used: | treck 4500, specialized rock hopper. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for 5 years, and have only replaced tires and tubes. I haven't even replaced the chain! I am a weekend warrior, but I go pretty big. The only time I bottomed out the fork shock(and flattened my tire) is launching a big drop on Porcupine Rim trail, not what the bike was designed for. It climbes well, is solid and can handle good drops. I have well outgrown this bike, but I am definately sticking with Giant. They make a great product at a great value. Their designs and engineering are tops. I rated it 5 chilis, because it is what it is. I am comparing it to other $425 bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | The Bike Has a lot of Strengths like the derailer and shifters and the frame and especially the seat ive giving this bike a beating and still hasnt givin up | | Weaknesses: | Forks and rear brake squeaks alot and needs ajusting a lot | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC and Faith 1&2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock besides computer and clip in pedals
| | Bottom Line: | The bike can take a betting and it does need to have better forks but for a beginner it is awsome | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gman
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything where you can catch some air | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | private owner | | Strengths: | The frame seems to be pretty beast seeing as how i jump off anything i see up to 10 feet and i have crashed countless times pushing the limits.The seat is just awesome. The shifters work smooth and with a minor tweak here and there every gear shifts strong and clean. | | Weaknesses: | The front fork needs to be a little stiffer it bottoms out pretty easy. The stock grips suck but i put locking grips on it and they are sweet.My crank creaks but i think it's the bottom bracket that is the weak link there.The rear brake pads are toast already. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2005 | | Bottom Line: | I can't believe i haven't broke the bike in half yet. I was planning on going nuts and just replacing things as i break them but this thing won't break. I did break off the brake levers but that was bound to happen. This bike looks sweet and rides sweet and i don't think you can get a better bike for the price. If it was full suspension i would ride it forever but soon i'll need to upgrade to a bike that is actually made for what i do to it. This thing won't let you down unless you are a little cry baby like some of the reviews i have read. They can't ride so they blame the bike.This bike seems to be good for everything but i'm sure it has limit's i just haven't reached yet. I'll probably break before the bike does. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod
a Weekend Warrior
from Morehead, Ky, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Many | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cave Run Bikes | | Strengths: | I found this product to be very solid overall. As my friend pointed out I am a "overally aggressive" rider and I have not had one mechanical problem with this bike. I have adjusted my gears, brakes, and did routine maintenance. The road vibrated a couple things loose, but that is expected. Just keep an eye on your bike and you'll be fine. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness, which is debatable is the front fork. It is very heavy, but I did only pay $450 for this bike new so I can't complain. The fork on the 06 is better than the previous ones from the reviews. | | Similar Products Used: | Other friends bikes mostly Treks | | Bike Setup: | Took off the stock pedals and put on a set of Crank Brothers smarties........great improvement | | Bottom Line: | Let me start by saying I have the 2006 Yukon. From reading the reviews it has had some big improvements since these reviews. It comes with Hayes disc brakes, which provide maximum stopping power and they have probably saved my life. I rode down a paved road down the mountain and the gate was closed at the bottom. I got the breaks so hot my spit sizzled. I didn't go through the gate though. It also comes with Kenda Nevegal tires and they're amazing off road. They haven't "slid" or washed out on me yet. They're not the best tires in mud, but we're suppose to have other tires for those conditions anyways. The fork has also kept me from crashing a few times. For the money you can't beat this bike. Disc breaks are a necessity if you are ever faced with riding in wet and muddy conditions. Great bike highly recommend. Also I have three friends with Yukons and they haven't had any problems. A must for the beginning mountain biker. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Loomans
a Weekend Warrior
from Gold Coast, Queensland , AUS
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$485.00 | | Strengths: | strong frame awesome brakes | | Weaknesses: | heavy bike stiff shocks | | Bike Setup: | giant yukon shimano 24 gears rock shox j1 forks 2006 model | | Bottom Line: | its a great bike pretty cheap, very heavy, shocks could be softer, but all round a great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Crack
a
from Montreal, Qc, CAN
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Mont-Royal | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | St-Laurent Cycles | | Strengths: | Very nice and strong-looking frame. Shifters are sweet and rims resist quite good beatings. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are real cheap crap. Tires wear out very fast. | | Bike Setup: | Std | | Bottom Line: | I'm quite beginner with real mtb bikes as I passed to this one from a CCM. I didn't do big jumps on this thing (no more then 3 foot) so I can't really say anything about the strength of the frame. As for rocky trails, this bike is doing them quite well and after 3 month of quite good using, I still didn't have to true the rims. Don't do much road unless you want to waste your tires after 500 km! The first thing you should change on this bike are the horribly-awfully-ugly pedals as they have absolutely no grip (I switched to sweet flat axioms :D). Disc brakes aren't so great neither as you have to adjust them quite regularly if you want to keep a decent braking power... also they creak in my case which is quite annoying.
For the rest, it's top shape, so I highly recommend this bike to whoever is starting! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ice Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA, US
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Creek Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Frame Strengh, Suspensions, Price, Shifters in that order | | Weaknesses: | none I can think of | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first mountain bike and I must say I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. | | Bike Setup: | Everything that the bike came along with when I purchased it. I have not added anything new. Now I am going to put on the Shimano M520 pedals onto it.. | | Bottom Line: | I hit the trail 3 times a week and everytime I come back, the experience of mountain biking wants me to go back again and again and again. This bike is a sheer joy to ride. For the price of the bike, it has given me all that I had expected and much more. I being a beginner, have still not pushed this bike to the limit. Gradually I will get there and I am sure it will survive the test of time and the various trails I plan to ride it on. This bike will be with me for a long time before I even think of a replacement for it :)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Delisio
a Weekend Warrior
from Broken Hill, NSW
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | SUper Elliots | | Strengths: | Every Thing, This bike is amazing. The front and rear deraliurs are perfect and have not let me down, the frame is bomb proof and drop dead gorgeous, and the brakes are excellent. and the forks are great as well | | Weaknesses: | the fork gave me a tinny bit of bother at the start but when you work them in they are beautifull. | | Similar Products Used: | Dulop wildfire, Slazenger SLR 2000 (biggest waste of $300 in my life) | | Bike Setup: | stock execpt for puncture proof tires and cycle computer | | Bottom Line: | for the price this bike is aboslutly beautifull it handles great looks gorgoues and goes like the clappers, stops just as quick as well. i considered getting a trek 4300 but im glad i got this instead. cant wait to take it to school tommorw and show up all the other dunlops and treks:P
i would reqommend this bike for nyone starting in mtb ing | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vaughan Huska
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Humber River | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop (Btfd, Ont.) | | Strengths: | The stock seat is comfortable. It is well built and has taken some hard knocks from me. I have used this puppy on the paved trails in Toronto and two cross country races of 50+ kilometres each since I got it in March, 2006 (it's an '05 Yukon). So far, according to the odometer (Sigma) that I installed, I have clocked 500 kilometres on this bike on the stock rubber tires (Scorpions). I can say that I do love this bike. I want the Iguana now. | | Weaknesses: | Once the gear cables are tightened, they tend to loosen rather quickly (under heavy use) and once you select a gear, it either slips or takes a few seconds to shift. The stock tires that came with the bike are wearing quickly. I guess 500 kilometres of combined paved, gravel, dirt surfaces and two races (so far) of 50 kilometres will do that. | | Bike Setup: | A frame, 2 wheels, disc brakes, a seat, handlebars. what else do you need to know? Get one! | | Bottom Line: | A great starter bike for a good price! I have used mine quite a lot since acquiring it in March '06 and before considering this purchase, I was looking at a Trek. They're nice too, but I am glad I got this. I think I'll stick with the Giant name. I may stray and check out a Fuji, but having done 2 races with this bike and having a great time with it in both cases....I love my Yukon! Get one, get one, get one, get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean hamburger
a Weekend Warrior
from oshawa,ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | secret spot | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | the only stregth i can go with on this bike are its handle bars | | Weaknesses: | everything on the bike | | Bottom Line: | dont buy this bike i baught it at the time because i was board and needed a bike im not going to just say it sucked but it wasn't very good now i bike trails , trials,dj, and free ride but this bike only seemed to go good when it was with trails and trials. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Rempel
a Weekend Warrior
from Morris, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | what ever I find | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | local River Trail Cycle | | Strengths: | very light, durable, Good disk brakes, shifter are very smoth, seat is very comfy! and Strong dubble walled rims.
| | Weaknesses: | The forks are really weak even if you turn them up all the way. also the tires arnt that great. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820
Marin bob cat
Supercycle (ha ha) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, recommend geting a better fork.
| | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike!!! nice and light. good for any type of use/teran. Great for any type of rider!
Go buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timmy
a Downhiller
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Really good newbie bike.... teaches you everything, disc breaks suspensions forks and shimmano DEORE!!! rear mech | | Weaknesses: | cranks were horrible has been creaking for years .. .recently snapped the bottom bracket but that was expected after 3 years of riding | | Similar Products Used: | giant rincon, haro V-4, Kona Kula | | Bike Setup: | Scott grips
Amobea riser bars and 50mm stem
Crank Bros Mallet C
| | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for any beginner lasted me 3 years and stil going.... but.. BB is still snapped but that is fixable im upgrading cranks to single chainrings with stronger cranks.
This bike is again a good all round i do everything on this .. Huck, DJ, DH 4X u name it its still in one peice !!! i am amazed since i got my new bike this youkon is going to be pully pimped but as for the bike... Great for starting... You learn lots for this | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Proctor
a Cross Country Rider
from Canton
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Blanket's Creek, GA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great entry-level bicycle. Strong components and it's hard to find disc brakes on a bike at this price. Great shifting. I ride a lot as you can see and have only had one minor adjustment on the derailleur done twice in almost a year. Bike shop checked out all of the other components including brake pads, rims and tires and said it was good to go! | | Weaknesses: | I have been told that the bike is heavy, about 30 pounds and I would enjoy a lighter bike. However, I am happy with this one. | | Similar Products Used: | Looked at Kona's and felt they were a very good value also but opted for the lower price of the Yukon. | | Bike Setup: | Disc brakes, Sun Tour front suspension, kenda tires, alloy butted frame. Shimano derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike to anyone starting out. It's strong, good looking, and takes a beating even on the toughest trails. I was thinking about buying this as a starter bike and then if I really got into it upgrading to a more expensive bicycle. However, I am so satisfied with the Giant Yukon I am "going home with who I brought to the dance"! And, since the trail (Blanket's Creek, Woodstock, GA) is only two miles from my home I ride there at least 5-7 times every two weeks so this bike is a trooper. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake Giesbrecht
a Cross Country Rider
from Winkler, Manitoba
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Trans Canadaa | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Time out Sports | | Strengths: | Nice ride, perfect shifting, Brakes work well for mechanical | | Weaknesses: | Very weak fork, rims a little on the weak side | | Similar Products Used: | CCM, Supercycle | | Bike Setup: | Axiom lockons, Kenetic in front, K-Rad in rear, lizard skin. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good begginer bike, needs a better fork for more aggresive riding. Buy it for a starter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Langford Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great frame. Semi decent stoppers. | | Weaknesses: | Truvativ crank on the 04 model is weak. Forks could do with an upgrade. Combined shifters and brake setup makes brake upgrades hard | | Similar Products Used: | 97 Iguana, 06 Trance 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | An excellent bike to get into off road XC'ing. But more experienced riders may find they are beyond the bikes ability in just a short time. Ive used this bike as a path trainer too which it is also well suited to.
If you cant afford an XTC, get a Yukon, it wont let you down. A fun hardtail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raymond Chan
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Natomas Bike Shop (Sacramento) | | Strengths: | Strong frame, derailleurs, Cool appearance. | | Weaknesses: | Tires on pavement, should get some slicks if you're gonna do more riding on pavement instead of off roading. Pads rub against disc (don't know how this compares to other disc setups). At 5'4", I'm too small for a 17" frame but next size down is 14" which I consider myself too big. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, 4500; Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | All stock 2005. Deore rear/Alivio front, disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Definitely beats the competition at similar price point. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Paoli
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Brimbank Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | The Freedom Machine | | Strengths: | The rims on this bike can take a serious beating, i've been smacking them against gutters and crunching them after jumps, and they've stayed true. The frame, like the rest of it, is very durable and i've never had any problems. Forks, derailleurs, and pedals all good. | | Weaknesses: | The rear brakes have given me strife ever since week one, constantly needing adjustment just so i can stop without dying. However, I do think it's unusual, as i have used the front brakes just as frequently, and they're still effective. Aside from that, i've needed to adjust the front derailleur a few times, but thats not a real problem, and the grips can slip around a bit. | | Similar Products Used: | Gt Avalanche | | Bike Setup: | Factory setup | | Bottom Line: | This is an extremely good bike, it's tough enough for serious cross country, and would probably survive downhill, though i've never tried it. It also acts supremely on road, though the tires tend to wear out quickly on pavement. It can handle anything you chuck at it, as well as being cost effective. I've had it for almost a year, and never had a serious problem, apart for the rear brakes which i believe were unusually faulty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Daisy Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Riders, East Side | | Strengths: | Brakes and Frame are rock solid. Im 100kg+ 6ft 5 and bought undersized frame to throw around. Nimble and fast when it has to be and stops when you need it to. Takes a beating as i have had a few stacks. | | Weaknesses: | Tires wear very quick when not on dirt. Never had punctures but replaced back tire. Seat is hard on enduro rides and back rim needs truing but i am heavy and jump when can. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Stock apart from Shimano Clipless pedals M520's and new Maxxis back tire. | | Bottom Line: | I bought on the basis of the reviews found here and have NOT been dissapointed. Great value for money for first bike and i have ridden it pretty much every day in local and harder on weekends. In perfect world next bike would be a full susp but being that im a new dad upgrades probably most likely! 1st is beefier front suspension then who knows. Stoked on purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, Az
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Desert Classic | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | South Mountain Cycle | | Strengths: | sweet frame, good all around beater bike, killer paint job, amazing braking power | | Weaknesses: | hard seat | | Similar Products Used: | iron horse | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | it is a freakin sweet all around hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Briant
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lysterfield | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Superstore | | Strengths: | Frame is very strong, probably just as good as the XtC. Disc brakes are still going good. Had to replace the rear pads though. Will look for some Avid BB7's. Most components on this bike are very strong. | | Weaknesses: | The tires that came with it were good, but when they hit the pavement they were gone. They are 2.0 Hutchinson Scorpions. They work well on pavement, just wear sooo badly. They are designed for off road use, particully mud and dirt their best use in. Front derailleur is troubling me at the moment, but will adjust it and see if its working good again. The forks are not the best but they work for me. Its either i upgrade the fork or disc... still deciding. | | Similar Products Used: | Many XC bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Giant Yukon
Maxxis Ignitor 2.35's, used to have 2.1 Panaracer Fire XC Pro's.
Oury grips. | | Bottom Line: | Well i've had this bike for just over a year now and i'm still fairly happy with the bike. It's a very good beginner bike and could possibly be used for pros if upgraded. I highly recommened this bike if your looking for a decent XC hardtail to do some good cross country riding with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Kirk
a
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Shaffer, wakefield, 495 trails | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Good begginner bike
Price
Strong Frame
Wheels are pretty strong (havent had to true them) | | Weaknesses: | Components cant take much dropping and jumping
Fork too firm (no small- medeum bump absorption)
Ive broken most everything in some way (but im the kinda person who jumps anything jumpable)
if u try to go to street/dj'ing dont get this bike
| | Similar Products Used: | (Not really similar and not the same year)
2005 Specalized p.2 and enduro 130
2005 giant reign 3
2005 cannondale prophet 600
2004 jamis dakar 1 | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock except for most of the components are fixed and refurbished
pedals tires and cables have been changed as they whear out | | Bottom Line: | Get this bike if u are a begginner who wants a decent trail bike for cheap. this isnt a jumper and the components break if u try to use it as one. the frams is nice and u should be able to use it for a very long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Warehouse | | Strengths: | Great price makes the bike easily upgradable to a bike worth twice as much. Also very sturdy and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork (Suntour) only kicks in when you hit something very big. Otherwise, when you're going over rocky terrain, it's like it isn't even there. I'm going to replace it with a Marzocchi EXR. Same fork as on the Ranier. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y frame bike | | Bike Setup: | stock, but replacing fork | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike if you're not sure if you want to get serious about mountain biking. The price allows you to upgrade to a more serious bike a little farther down the line, without regretting having spent less than $500. Or you can simply upgrade this bike over time. Definitely upgrade the fork, get something on ebay. 5 chilis becuase this bike gives you more for your money than any other bike I've seen in this price range. Can't compare it against higher end race bikes or full suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake Meyiers
a Weekend Warrior
from hiyaville
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | decent components, i guess | | Weaknesses: | bb seized, frame snapped, stays also seperated | | Similar Products Used: | old ccm, lol | | Bottom Line: | new frames are better, lol | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie H.
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fast | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Hometown | | Strengths: | Superlight frame
Rear derailler great for price
| | Weaknesses: | Fork is junk
and front derailler mounts beside BB
Fork adjusts very little
doesn't take much beside XC | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing Similiar | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marius van Blerck
a Weekend Warrior
from Irene, South Africa
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mohale's Gate | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Westdene Cycles, Johannesburg | | Strengths: | Tough and reliable. | | Weaknesses: | None really. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanche | | Bike Setup: | Disc brakes, otherwise standard. | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden the bike for about 2 years now, with no problems at all, and it's been through some really rough terrain. I clean and oil it, but for servicing I take it to the local bike shop annually. This is a great entry-level bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from wooodbridge ontario
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | bay cycle | | Strengths: | nice solid frame great finish. comfortable geometry | | Weaknesses: | none found yet | | Similar Products Used: | hardrock | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | a replacement for my ripped off hardrock. not dissappointed with this product, probably will switch tires in the spring, shop just resetup and it runs great. Good bike for novice riders or casual users. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Briant
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lysterfield | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Superstore | | Strengths: | Nearly everything. | | Weaknesses: | Hmmm well the grips wear down quite a bit. I still have them after a year of having the bike, they should last by the end of this year. The tires are very very good in all conditions, they just wear on pavement and road. I had to replace the rear but the front is still going good. | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Giant Yukon
- Rear tire- Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1"
- Homemade chainstay
Rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good XC Hardtail, it is perfect for beginners or pros. Just remember to lube your chain once a month and give your bike a good clean twice a month. The bike retailed for $699, but got it for $600 by paying cash, so 5 chillis for value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Battle Creek, MI
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Custer Red | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Very Durable! I ride about 20 miles of intense All-Mountain riding per week. I ride through sand, water, mud, and don't go home until I get 3 ft of air at least once. The only thing I ever clean is the chain when. The only maintanance I ever do is adjust brakes, clean chain (rarely), and adjust shifters (rarely). I replaced the chain once, Loctite the bottom bracket, and I am ready to put on my 3rd set of tires soon. When I am not riding it, I let it slide around in the back of my truck. I am trying to wear it out to justify a new bike, but it keeps going and going. I never expected a $300 to last this long. | | Weaknesses: | Front Fork (Fox Rock Shox Jett) needs dampening and more travel, stock grips and seat was horrible and cut off circulation. Front shock is cheap, but so was the cost so maybe I shouldn't complain. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive, 2005 Garry Fisher Cake, 2001 Mongoose full susp | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2000 Yukon SE except Egg Beater Mallets, specialized seat, specialized Roll-X tires. 23.5" XL weighs about 30.0 lbs | | Bottom Line: | Unbeatable value. This bike is rock solid. If it had a better fork, I would be happier. I can't really expect Giant to put a $500 fork on a $300 bike though.
This is an excellent XC bike that I abuse for All Mountain/Freeride riding. It takes a licking and keeps ticking. Buy this bike if you don't mind waiting at the top of the hill for your friends. Don't buy it if you need a high price tag to brag to your friends.
I would buy it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rich rr
a Downhiller
from lawrenceville GA USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | stone mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Mamas board n bike | | Strengths: | brakes | | Weaknesses: | gears | | Similar Products Used: | Specilized | | Bike Setup: | hardtail | | Bottom Line: | rides like a pro bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
IVAN CORIC
a Cross Country Rider
from MICHIGAN
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | SILVER LAKE | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | MACOMB SCHWINN AND FITNESS | | Strengths: | ITS A GOOD BIKE FOR A GUY THAT WANTS TO GET INTO MOUNTAIN BIKING BUT AFTER YOU GET YOUR SKILLS DOWN THE BIKE STARTS TO SHOW IT'S WEAKNESSES BUT THERE ARE SOME GOOD THINGS ABOUT IT LIKE IT'S PRICE THE FRAME IT STRONG AND IT COMES WITH HAYES HFX-9 DISC BRAKES | | Weaknesses: | IF YOU GO EASY ON THE BIKE IT'S GOOD BUT IF YOUR A LITTLE HARDER ON IT THE WEAKNESSES START TO SHOW LIKE THE CRANK GREAS START TO GO THE FRONT AND REAR DERAILLEURS START TO GET WEAK AND THE FORK SUCKS IF YOUR GONNA DO ANY OFF-ROADING | | Similar Products Used: | SPECIALIZED ROCKHOPPER AND STUNTJUMPER AND A TREK 4300 | | Bike Setup: | NEW DERAILLEURS SRAM NEW 36ER FOX FORK DT SWISS BLUE NIPPLES WITH TITANIUM SPOKES AND A SELLA ITALIA SADDLE | | Bottom Line: | THE BIKE IS GOOD FOR BEGINERS BUT NOT THAT GOOD FOR EXPERIANCED RIDERS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steph
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Catharines, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeFit | | Strengths: | Takes a lickin'. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires wear out quickly. Grips. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana, Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except pedals to clipless | | Bottom Line: | Good bike, second Yukon I buy to get back into the sport. I haven't regretted anything on it so far. Starting to make noise so time for a tune up and follow up on the review later. Great bang for the buck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Maarat | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | Extreme Bikes | | Strengths: | light weight, great geometry | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | from my previous post last february, i've only upgraded my tires to mofo xc | | Bottom Line: | i've increased my ratings. i love this bike!!! its great wherever i ride it. the only thing i've heard is that store owner suggests that i move up to a giant carbon frame as my skills increase. hmmmm.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. Honch
a Cross Country Rider
from Goshen, IN USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | T.K. Lawless | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Family Bike Center, Elkhart, IN | | Strengths: | The frame is solid, light and has a great geometry. For $500 you get a dependable bike that handles abuse and is forgiving for new cross-country riders. Being a serious rider I'm always pushing my limits (sometimes too far) and I have had numerous wrecks, but the bike always held up. I have never second guessed my decision buying this bike. | | Weaknesses: | When looking for a mountain bike in the $500 - $600 range, pay attention to what you are getting. If you pick a bike w/disk brakes, you will most likely get a low line drivetrain. If you pick a bike with calipers, the drivetrain will go up a level but the stoppers won't be effective. With the Yukon, you get disk brakes and a low line drive train. Trails get muddy, fact of life. If you are aggressive and like to get muddy, you will notice that the drivetrain suffers horribly when it gets really dirty. However, if you are not aggressive and can keep the drivetrain clean you will not have any problems. As my skills have increased I have noticed that the front fork (although great for new or regular "trail riders") doesn't meet the needs of a serious XC rider who tends to race through a trail system. The fork does have some adjustability, but not enough. What do you expect for $500 when most XC forks themselves cost more than that? | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock | | Bike Setup: | Race Face Diabolus bar and stem, Shimano XT front and rear derailler, Shimano XT shifters, Avid Juicy 5 disk brakes, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1, Primo Tenderizor pedals, Whipperman chain, Spynergy skewers, and have ordered the Race Face Deus cranks. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has seen serious abuse but always held up. I have never questioned my decision buying this bike. The only reason I have upgraded the components is because I am a serious XC racer. The casual "trail rider" will not encounter and serious problems. $500 gets you a comfortable, capable, dependable trail bike. If you are a serious racer, you may want to do more research before buying this bike (also plan on spending more than $500.) Most people won't jump off of log piles, fly through rock gardens or push the bike to its extremes. For these riders, the Giant Yukon is the best choice economically. I LOVE THIS BIKE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Overall value of the Yukon is hard to beat. Everything remains solid and smooth after 4 months. Frame is STRONG and just over 4 lbs! | | Weaknesses: | The stock Suntour fork is HEAVY! It doesn't have rebound damping so it's like a pogo stick. Actually most of the stock components are a bit on the heavy side but they are all soide and works well. The tires are sketchy... they work great in wet/muddy conditions but when on pavement or dry/hardpacked trails, there isn't much traction. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up of my previous review in March. I still love this bike if not more! =)
It's held up well these past few months carrying my 190lb body over various trails in San Diego. I've just started doing small drops and jumps with the bike (2-3feet) and it's holding up great. =) I will be replacing the fork though. That sucker weighs 5.5lbs!!
Yeah, I took the bike apart completely yesterday for an overhall and cleaning. ;) Seeing how light the frame is... I don't know if I want to put the heavy stock components back on... =p Time to shop! =) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Mainly the frame, but also the Hayes disc brakes and fork. | | Weaknesses: | none really, i replace the tires, they suck on road. I'm only gonna use em when i go offroad. | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock except for tires, i replace them with IRC Seracs. | | Bottom Line: | Best hardtail bike i have ridden. Giant make excellent XC hardtails with the best frames. The fork works well where i do my nearby offroad course. 75mm of travel works great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe castellana
a Weekend Warrior
from lindisfarne, tasmania, australia
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | belbins | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$525.00 | | Purchased At: | mcbains, hobart | | Strengths: | frame, rear derailleur, | | Bike Setup: | stock, with pedal straps, cycle computer | | Bottom Line: | probably the best bike i could get for the money. my first "real" mountain bike and i havent ridden anything in over ten years. wish i could have afforded something better, but really happy with the yukon. its been a great starting point.
have owned it just about four months and have noticed a huge improvement in my riding skill level, but the bike has been forgiving along the way and able to keep up with my more aggressive riding. the strength of the frame, and entry level disk brakes give me a lot of confidence in the bike being able to handle more than i can so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Doctor (Store) | | Strengths: | A great, sturdy bike for the money. Being the lowest-end of the trail-capable Giant bikes, its much cheaper than similar products offered by Trek, GF, etc....
Nothing much to say about the bike itself, pretty standard setup, near-bottom line Shimano components work well for any non-racer type rider. Bike holds up well in any trail conditions, overall just fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Suntour Front fork not very great. It works under normal conditions, but when the riding gets rough, it doesn't quite offer the support needed. If you plan on doing a lot of heavy off-road riding, I suggest you just go one level up and get the Giant Iguana, basically the same bike but with a better (RockShox Judy) front fork. But if you aren't doing much rouch trail riding, the standard fork is fine. But even under heavier conditions, it holds up, just not that well. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Singletrack, Gary Fischer Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except a RockShox Pilot front fork. | | Bottom Line: | Just a great buy. I do some pretty heavy trail riding in the Patapsco State park, and the bike holds up wonderfully. It does everything I need it to do, without any problems. The disks brakes work fine, not any better than standard V-Brakes, but they dont put any pressure on the wheel, so I guess thats a good thing. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, but want a bike capable of heavy trail riding, this is the perfect bike for you.
Nothing spectacular, but you can't beat it for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Hotham DH | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ivanhoe Cycles- www.ivanhoecycles.com | | Strengths: | Tyres are very very grippy in all conditions. Shifters are quite good (even compared to my dually with XT). Disk brakes- great stopping power even for 6"'ers. Rims are tough. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres are very very grippy in all conditions BUT they pick up mud very easily, and really wear down Uber fast on Tarmac. Forks, rather Sh*t, mine havnt been thrashed much yet the adjusters at the top are gone :( too much chain slap. Tad heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon 03,04,05. Giant ATX 860, 980. | | Bike Setup: | Stock standard Yukon. Fox Vanilla RLC 130 coming in in 1 week, Amoeba Scud handlebar set coming in 1 week. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for entry level XC racing/light trailriding. Tad heavy though. Wires are nice and tough but they need to have some sort of protective coating between them and the frame. Front derralieur can dislodge the chain with only a little bit of force going through the cranks. Overall great bike, as long as you keep it well maintained. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything rideable | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Good brakes, nice stopping power. strong on the trials and can take quite a beating. Front suspension great for trail and streetriding | | Weaknesses: | grips wear easily. nothing else | | Bike Setup: | all stock, except for new truvativ bashguard | | Bottom Line: | Great for hitting the trails and great for streetriding. strong frame and good features makes it a good all round bike for nearly everything. Great bike for hitting technical trails and hitting the street, good for beginners (like myself 8 months ago) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a Cross Country Rider
from KC MO USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lawrence KS riverfront trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Strengths: | Easy bike to handle. Turns sharp, has quick accleration. This bike wants to be ridden fast. Very good starter bike for the XC scene. Will take a pounding! | | Weaknesses: | front shocks tend to bottom out on hard drops. frame is twitchy, bike creaks when pushed fast around tight corners. Stock seat is uncomfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | G. Fisher Tassajara, Kona Cinder Cone. | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for new seat, Rock Shox seatpost suspension for comfort, and toe clips. | | Bottom Line: | Great value for the $$. My first suspension MTB. If you're not sure about MTBing, or XC riding, this one's not a bad choice to go with. Is upgradable, but only to a point. Too easy to spend more than what bike is worth. Ride this for a awhile and if you're like me, upgrade to newer bike, but keep Yukon for kickin' around in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This is a very good bike. The discs have awesome stopping power and the fork has a perfect ammount of travel for me. | | Weaknesses: | Tires. | | Bike Setup: | 05' Giant Yukon (stock) | | Bottom Line: | I replaced the tires since the Scorpions don't work very well on the road. Overall Giant make the best XC hardtails. Very happy with the bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GM
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | My local bike shop | | Strengths: | It is a cool and light bike.. | | Weaknesses: | quite unstable.. | | Bottom Line: | I tried before going at a speed of 55km/h and the front wheel was shaking like crazy... was really paranoid at that moment but i still arrived safely at the destination i was heading for... not recommended for hardcore riders, BUT for beginner YES... this is a bike worth going for + some upgrading of parts this and that... Cheers for Giant Yukon =D | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gray Hooten
a Cross Country Rider
from Elizabethton, Tennessee
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Norris Bicycles | | Strengths: | The frame is great, it holds up to anything you can throw at it. Mine came with a Judy TT fork and has been a very reliable fork, hardly ever bottoms out, unless i take it off of a 10' drop. | | Weaknesses: | I changed the grips on mine first thing. The brakes that come stock are good, but after a while they need replacing, i recommend Avid Single Digit 7 V brakes. they are the best for the money. | | Bottom Line: | The frame is an awesome frame. The componets that come stock need to be upgraded, but are good for what you pay for. The grips need an upgrade also. The saddle is a little bit to bulky for my style of riding, so I recomend a narrower saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Hodges | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Bicycles | | Strengths: | I have the black/red frame and it looks just SWEET! Mine came with Suntour fork, Alivio front and Deore rear deraillures, Hayes Gx2 disc breaks; for the price, no other bike came close on the components. Test rode a few bikes and the Yukon just felt the best and looked the best. Took it to the tails and it's just a pleasure to ride. It's been raining lots in San Diego, but the Yukon had no problems on muddy trails. It was lots of fun and justified why I went with a bike that had disc breaks. | | Weaknesses: | I wasn't so sure about the Suntour fork... but it works pretty well: floating over lose rock fields and uneven roads smoothly. Heard a couple clangs jumping off curbs from the sudden unweighting of front wheel.. maybe that's normal. The grips were slipping around the handlebar from all the rain and wet conditions. Had to take them off to dry them after rides. But that was solved with I added bar ends and cut the grips. The tires works perfectly on trails but not so well on the street, so careful on those turns especially if ground is wet. Oh, not sure how good the Hayes Gx2 disc breaks are since the front still hasn't broken in? I can't get it to lock... the rear was replaced with Avid which feels alot more solid and powerful. | | Bike Setup: | Added bar-ends. Bike shop replaced my faulty rear Hayes disc breaks to Avid disc breaks which works ALOT better. I'll probably get new pedals, and upgrade the deraillures and eventually the fork as I get more into it. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike and I'm very happy that I purchased it. I talked to people in 3-4 bike shops and everyone had great things to say about Giant. The Yukon is a great entry-mid level bike and I know I'll be happy continue riding it for few years till I learn more and maybe want to upgrade to a soft tail bike... I did test rode a $1,200 soft tail before buying the Yukon... it felt like riding a waterbed.. just felt too soft and sinking. I didn't like it. =p The Yukon felt solid/strong and it's already proven itself on my rides so far. I would see guys on expensive dualies on rides... but I'm always leaving them behind and I'm sure I'm not that much better of a rider since I'm just getting back to biking after 10 years of not riding. So it's gotta be the bike right? ;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | Extreme Bikes | | Strengths: | Great frame, dealer said that it has the same geometry as the Giant XTC. | | Weaknesses: | Bought frame only for $160.00 | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Pilot XC, Shimano XT groupset, Mavic 223 disc rims, Michelin Comp 26 X 1.95 tires, DT spokes, Turbolite stem, bar, and seatpost. FSA headset. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a newbie so the Giant Yukon 04, is a great frame to start with. With the component combo, its great for cross country, soft trail, and everyday ride. Total weight came about 23 pounds. Maybe future rides would lead my to a full suspension bike such as Trek Fuel or the Giant Maestro models. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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