Submitted by
crazysalt
a Downhiller
from Austin, TX, US Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
green trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
Very very smooth, the rear suspension keeps the back wheel on the ground at all times, especialy when going up hill. I can take this thing anywhere, I even ride it up the hill of life, an extremely steep loose rocked hill. The bike, for as long as I have had it, has not needed a repair, apart from the tune-up I self preformed. Compared to my last bike it is extremely light also :).
Weaknesses:
Hard to clean some of the joints in the bike from time to time, but nothing that cant be worked around. Scratches easily, but what bike dosn't?
Similar Products Used:
A really old TREK bike that was for kids a weighed at least 45 lbs.
Bike Setup:
Fully stock except for new handle bars.
Bottom Line:
This bike is really good, I'm amazed that someone was selling it for only 300 $ that was a great buy. I will most likely keep this bike for a long time, at least until it breaks. I would definitely like to ride this thing more, if I get the chance I definitely will. The bottom line is, if you can get this bike GET IT. If you like to ride downhill, or up, this bike is for you, if you like cruising along dirt trails off road, this bike is for you, this bike is for everyone !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JohnnyGent
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Rock-It/Mathis/Meadows/Cholla/Lynx
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Performance in Lagun
Strengths:
Price, smoothness up and down the trail, pretty decent parts for the price, price, price, price
Weaknesses:
Came w/ a Rock Shox Dart3 fork, but it really wasn't all that bad for being low end. Kind of a pain to clean the joints after riding but not too bad. And it makes a bit of a squeek when pedaling out of the saddle from time to time.
Similar Products Used:
None, first full suspension bike I've ever owned.
Bike Setup:
Stock other then new 2008 Fox 32 Float R fork. Absolutely awesome!
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2008 (greyish blue) I-Drive 5. Sorry to put it on this but there wasnt a product review for my specific bike and i wanted to rave about it. I bought it about 3 weeks ago and have been riding it pretty good about 3-4 days a week. The bike is awesome! I got it at Performance on sale and couldnt be happier. I ride w/ my neighbors across the street and kept up with them no problem! They were riding $4000 bikes and i was rocking a $900 bike and having the same great time and performance as they were!!!! The component list is nothing to get all excited about but for under a $1000 what can you expect? If you are on a budget and want a full suspension bike w/ 5 inches of travel and decent set up for the money, do yourself a favor and buy a GT I-Drive 5. I promise you will not be disappointed!!! I'm able to take 3-4 foot drops and rock gardens no problem! BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt30577
a Weekend Warrior
from toccoa, ga usa Date Reviewed: December 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
tsali
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
online new
Strengths:
The best part of this bike is the drop down a mountain. I have so much control when I shoot down a drop. It climbs just as good as a hardtail, only without feeling every rock and root. These hydraulic brakes are awesome considering the class they are put in.
Weaknesses:
I would say the basic fox float is just because I bottomed out several times on just a 2 or 3 foot drop. And it is quite on the heavy side with everything stock, but the price that I payed evens things out. After about 30 miles or so, my crank has started to make a loud creaking. From other reviews, I think it has to do with the torque that the factory has done on this. I am going to check it out when I get some time to fool with it
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale super v1000 freeride, garyfisher hookooeekoo hardtail
Bike Setup:
Everything stock except for the rear shock(FOX VANILLA RC) AND shimano clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
Overall, I am in love with the I-Drive system. Once I put that new shock on this bike, every thing is just awesome from singletrack, climbing, and jumping, and descending. For just a little over $1000 after those few upgrades, I feel like I'm riding a $2000 bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
machboy1
a Weekend Warrior
from Bohemia,NY Date Reviewed: September 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Conettquot
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Kims Bike Shop,NJ
Strengths:
Great smooth ride, very responsive
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Haro trance, Iron horse mk111 hollowpoint
Bike Setup:
Fox Rear ,Manitou front,Avid Brakes, Tioga tires,Truvativ crank.Great components.
Bottom Line:
Great Bike, WOW Fox rear and Manitou front fork under a grand. Kims Bike Shop is Awesome. Delivering awesome value, why go anywhere else. Cool Blue Bike with awesome capabilities
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
singletrackmind11
a Weekend Warrior
from Moraga,CA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
No pedal bob at all. Super smooth suspension, adjustable rebound, very plush. The brakes are amazing, they have great power. The traction is good, and the drivetrain is amazing- never a hitch, with GT's iDrive technology. The bike is light, takes abuse well, and climbs like a hardtail.
Weaknesses:
A slight creak in the suspension, and little clicks while pedaling. But really, it makes no differance to the ride, just some background noise.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first FS bike. I used to ride a Trek 4500 Hardtail.
Bike Setup:
Stock, but it's a GT iDrive 5 1.0, not 4.0, so the stock parts list is a little less impressive. RockShox Bar 2.1 rear shock, and RockShox Dart 3 in the front.
Bottom Line:
I reccomend this bike as a great first full suspension bike. With 5 inches of travel, it can still climb really well and be used for cross-country riding, but can also take some abuse on the trail. It eats singletrack for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a midnight snack, and can take more abuse than you'd expect. I've dropped 4 feet to flat on a hardtail, and it is not fun. On this bike, however, you can't tell it's four feet. I thought it was two, tops, until I turned around and looked. This bike is great for everything, and it holds its own against hardtails while climbing. Mine is a 19 inch frame, and it is not much heavier than my dad's 21 inch hardtail. Throwing it around on the trail is super easy, the bike handles very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Courtney
a Weekend Warrior
from Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Date Reviewed: March 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Groenkloof
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Good price, Strong frame, i-drive system works well!
Weaknesses:
Crankset is a little week, Hanger too expensive!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock with Ritchey carbon flatbars and stem, Fizik Gobi seat
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. The frame is super strong and handles any trail with ease. As is, the bike is perfect for a beginner, but some components will have to be upgraded for more serious riding. Overall an excellent bike for the money!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mountain biker
a
from auckland New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Climbs exeptionally well. Rear shock really suprized me and is great once set up properly. I drive is awsome.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance
Bike Setup:
gt Idrive 5 4.0 pretty much stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great full sus for the price. I really didnt expect it to be this good. It handles 5 foot drops and jumps with ease.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Worcester, MA , USA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with nice drops and jumps :)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Ebay store
Strengths:
Really nice bike for XC ridning(good in downhill after some upgrades. Climbs well for Full suspension.Good desing. Bike have good traction even if you are going really fast.
Weaknesses:
Same thing as that guy below me...my cranks were overtightened at factory or someplace and I need to get new one ... :\
Similar Products Used:
Mostly Mongoose.
Bike Setup:
sram x.9 drivetrain, Fox Vanilla 140mm RLC,Rock Shox Sid (rear) and Xt crankset soon.... :)
Bottom Line:
Great bike but If you would like to do some downhill you need upgrade some parts. XC riding is really nice and smooth. I did change some parts but only because I like do some jumping. This bike with basic setup is great for Xc riders who would like to have some fun on trial without thinking that they will lost something or bike will fall apart. Dont worry its not going to happend. I really like this bike and I think if you dont want to spend a lot of money and get something good ...here it is....!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a
from central il Date Reviewed: May 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
bicycleoutlet.com
Strengths:
Climbs well for Full suspension. pedals great due to i-drive. Good suspension components and disc brakes for money.
Weaknesses:
my cranks were overtightened at factory or someplace. They started creaking severly at 30mi, basically after three weeks of owning it. Bolt on the crank was so tight it had to be drilled out. tires suck, drivetrain is not so hot.
Similar Products Used:
Mostly Giant until this point.
Bike Setup:
XT drivetrain
Bottom Line:
Good entry level bike if bought from a bike shop. buying online for the first time was kinda sketchy. No warranty and problems right away. Drivetrain is crap, after switching to Shimano XT and adding my favorite pedals it rides great. Could use some better tires when these wear out as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from Lehi, Utah Date Reviewed: May 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with slickrock and Drops
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$860.00
Purchased At:
Bicycleoutlet.com
Strengths:
Light, Great Design, No pedal bob, Great front fork, climbs like no other full suspension bike out there.
Weaknesses:
Under a lot of pressure gears slip (Not a Fan on SRAM derailleur), and is squeaky in bottom linkage, a little hard to clean bottom linkage.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Spacialized
Bike Setup:
Basic
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike. I did a lot of research and test road a lot of bikes but this felt the best for my type of riding (All Around Mountain riding). There is no pedal bob when climbing hitting a rock or anything. No, need for a back suspension lockout with this design. Also the front shock is great. Easy to maintain and the adjustability is amazing. It also has a lockout but because of the option to dial it down and up I haven't come across a reason to lock yet. This bike will keep up with hardtails as you climb, but it will take a drop like an overpriced full suspension. For the price you can not beat this bike with anything else even close in price. And hydraulic brakes at this price, sweet. The only problems I have had is when I first bought the bike the back fox shock was bad, I had to sent it to fox and they returned it as good as new. It is a little hard to clean bottom linkage. But seriously for the price and performance you can't beat it.
i-drive is great, reduces bob. components are great value for the price but plan on upgrading as your skills progress. overall very happy with what i got for what i paid...j4 with u-turn and lock-out rocks!! upgrading to '07 revelation this week as my skills are progressing but awesome bike for the price!! great frame and price to start as i plan to customize components as i go and skills progress even if it costs a little more than forking over 3g's from the start, it'll do what i need it to do and i'm willing to spend over time to get there...very versatile bike right from the get go! xc/all-mt rider but not too crazy...enjoy the technical climbs as much as the dh's. no crazy drops...not a stuntman
Weaknesses:
shifting is a little suspect but works well enough if you're new to the sport...upgrading to sram x.0 or shimano xtr only cause i have the cash. tioga tires a little suspect in loose terrain, switching those out for wtb velociraptors...wish me luck!
Similar Products Used:
stock, cheap but not so bad hardtail raleigh mojave 4.0 to start..components not worth discussing
Bike Setup:
currently stock except for shimano m-545 pedals...waiting for rockshox '07 revelation and wtb velociraptors to be installed this week (will post review on those later) and leaning towards xtr m966's shifters, levers and brakes soon...please let me know if should be looking at something else
Bottom Line:
awesome bike for the money but if you'll be riding regularly plan on upgrading components after 6 mo-1yr if you're pushing your skills...weekend warriors, this will last you for a loooong time stock! lock-out and u-turn make it very versatile...climbs like a hardtail and takes downhills like nobody's business as long as youre willing to stop for a min. and adjust the travel. great buy, couldn't be happier but for 1000.00 expect to spend some cash over time to make it plush
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Douglas Chalmers
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland Date Reviewed: December 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Pitfichie
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1180.00
Purchased At:
Pauls Cycles
Strengths:
Fantastic all round bike climbs well due to the i-drive eliminating pedal bob, decends smoothly, I use this bike for about 3 hours every day and it has held up well. Looks good and handles drops reasonably. Tektro brakes were a surprise work very smoothly, shock is simple but effective. Drivetrain very durable x7 rear mech is ultra smooth.Frame is very stiff and tough. Nice saddle!!!
Weaknesses:
The i-link-have snapped two, but this is due to using it 3 hours a day for 6 months.They only costed £8 to replace so not a problem. A full sus from a reputable brand at this price is great value so dont expect the world from some of the components, the fork is a bit on the flexy side but may upgrade soon.
Similar Products Used:
trek fuel 80, mongoose teocali comp
Bike Setup:
stock apart from shimano m454 SPD pedals and truvativ aeroguard on chainset
Bottom Line:
Love this bike is serving me well, if you cycle as much as I do then this bike is as good as youll get if u are a weekend cyclist this bike will last for ever!! good first time full susser that doesnt break the bank and allows for riding improvement and fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin English
a
from Fort Collins Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Preformance Bike
Strengths:
Light but not too light, there are others lighter like the Giant Trance, a Cannondale Rush 400, a specialized XC.
Weaknesses:
none yet, wish the rear shock had an ajustable rebound
Similar Products Used:
Concord Pro-fever, Giant Trance, a Cannondale Rush 400, a specialized XC, Trek Fuel EX6
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
got a great deal on it, was the first test drive on a new bike and fell in love with it, now I'm going to have to find some trails to tear it up with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E. Henderson
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
Affordability, great components (such as hydraulic discs)for the price, i-drive system really does eliminate bobbing, great front and rear travel, good looking bike!
Weaknesses:
A little bit on the heavy side
Similar Products Used:
GT i-drive 3.0 2004
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for adding some Time Atac pedals
Bottom Line:
This is my second GT i-drive. I would say that my riding is cross country, but without any huge jumps/dropoffs or a generally bike abusive riding style! The system really works well to give a comfortable ride and eliminate bob... BUT ONLY if you take the time to read the manual so you get the correct sag on the rear shock. This model has hydraulic disc brakes and front fork with adjustable travel and lockout, I think it is great value for money. The only problem I have had was that I broke the external 'flexbone' on the i-drive (this cost less than $20 and was easy to replace). Other than that the bike has been extremely reliable and comfortable, brakes and gears have been great, looks terrific. This is an affordable full suspension bike, great value, but perhaps a little on the heavy side if you were into racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnathan lithile
a Downhiller
from orange county, california, usa Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
not trail cliff
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
bobs
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
everything okay, i mean i rode it off a little 4 foot drop an i mean it just plumited down like a rock. Its too light, insecure, not sturdy and its just goes on from there
Similar Products Used:
kona, specialized stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
x9front x9rear x9 shifters and rock shox pike and maxxis tires
Bottom Line:
this bike frame sucks!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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