Submitted by
Michael Levitt
a Cross Country Rider
from Canoga Park, California Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Doctor
Strengths:
The bike handles like a dream. It sucks up big hits and loves to climb. Though it has a lock out on rear shock...never needed it. I like the Formula Disc brakes when they are working well(very finicky)
Weaknesses:
Time alium pedals sucked for me. I changed them to shimano pd858's befor I needed orthopedic care. At first I thought the 26x1.95 tires were to narrow because I didn't get them but I got used to them and I love them now...they're fast! Bike NEEDS gortex cables. Clear coat is a joke
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Specialized Sworks FSR, and Cannondale Jekyl.
Bike Setup:
Satellite Seat, Shimano 858 pedals, Rockshox Sid SL and fox float rear. Formula Brakes, Michelin Wildgripper Comp S tires, Hollowtech XT cranks, wtb wheels, Easton Monkey lite carbon fiber riser bars.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the bomb. I love it more than any bike I have ever owned. Retail price is a joke, but if you can deal on it like I did it makes sense to buy it. You won't be sorry. If you are over 225 I would look at a little beefier bike. If you are under 225 buy it ride it and love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zack Kamen
a Racer
from Bedford Corners, NY, USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
Hickory and Tweed
Strengths:
This bike pedals like a hardtail. There is absolutely no bob while sitting. When you stand, depending on how you stand depends on if there will be some bobing or not, the correct way is more weight over the front and pull on the pedals hard, which also makes you go faster. This bike also handles any terrain. I have gone of 6 foot ledges, striaght down, and it just takes the beating. At high speeds you can lean this thing so far, and make any turn you want. These disk brakes are also my favorite
Weaknesses:
The pedals. While i love the bike, the only thing i did like was the pedals. MOst people like them, and they work the best in mud, but you cant adjust the tension on them, so i ended up falling a lot.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F3000. Moots YBB. Cannondale jekal and Raven.
Bike Setup:
As baught. I added bar ends, and changed the pedals to shimano platform spd's.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best buy i have ever made. Yeah it costs a lot, but the quality that you get is outstanding. This is going to be my last mountain bike for a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Elliott
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ant Hills / Memorial Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Used via MTBR Classifieds
Strengths:
I-drive design - no bobbing & climbing ability
Weaknesses:
Too many cracked frames! The first day on the trails with the other team riders two different riders had to come over and show me where their XCR-LE frame cracked. Then less than three months later I find out that my frame has cracked. The frame cracked in roughly the same place for all three of us; right around the top bolt on the rear shock, or just slightly above that near the seat post. At least GT has been good about replacing the cracked frames, but it is still a time consuming hassle to be without a bike for +/- 4 weeks.
Similar Products Used:
K2 full suspension
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike performance wise. But I picked it out and spent what is big bucks for me because I thought it would have "indestructable qualities" since it was the top of the GT line. Needless to say I am very disappointed that it did not hold up better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Adcock
a
from Cardiff, CA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
My private canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
mtb review.com
Strengths:
It's ability to take whatever comes at it. I have thrown 6 foot drops offs at it, and I am not a little guy too. It take beating and keeps on ticing.
Weaknesses:
Ckear cioat flakes like snow.
Bike Setup:
ATR, Manitou forks, Rolf disc rims and hubs, hayes brakes, SRAM derailer, etc.
Bottom Line:
A great bike it you can live without a really good clear coat. I can and do, this thing is the best thing since pants.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Adcock
a Cross Country Rider
from CardiffCAUnited States Date Reviewed: September 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ANY AND ALL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
mtb review
Strengths:
The I-Drive. Handles like a dream, love the suspention
Weaknesses:
Clear coat sucks, it flakes like dandruff. Would rather have a polished frame, probably will polish it at the end of the year.
Bike Setup:
Rolf disk rims and hubs, manatou front forks, rock shock rear, and other assorited parts.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money I paid. My wife says you paid how much? But I smile every time I get on it, from ear to ear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Moore
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, Washington Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2150.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Paint job, handling, efficiency, quality.
Weaknesses:
Price for specs, the stock Formula disc brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Specialized, GT LTS
Bike Setup:
Swapped Formula discs out with Hayes.
Bottom Line:
I LOVE this bike. So far, it's taken a hell of a beating and has handled everything I've thrown at it. 4 foot drops, technical climbs, I've gone through everything. Although my wife still reminds me of how much I spent, 13 months later, I have NO REGRETS.
Great job GT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Frenshaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Crystal Cove
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Supergo, Oceanside
Strengths:
Relatively light(after swapping out disc brakes, mine tipped the scales at 25.1 in a large), Nice paint scheme, agile handler, no bobbing, grips the trail.
Weaknesses:
Retail price, clearcoat over the decals, can still shave some weight off the beefy I-drive, stock stem too high (15 degrees lifts the front end on technical climb)
Swapped out discs for standard XTR V brakes, swapped 15 deg. Syncros stem for 5 deg. Thomson.
Bottom Line:
1 year and I still look forward to riding this bike. 4.6 inches of rear travel and it's still one of the most efficient climbers I've been on for a FS. After swapping out the "freeride" 15 degree stem, the front end felt a bit more secure and stuck to the ground during the climbs. Although the "LE" stands for Limited Edition, I feel like I see so many out here on the trails in Orange County (although Orange County is GT territory). But the paint job still turns heads.
GT's suggested retail is a bit ugly (the 2001 bikes' prices are even uglier) for what you get, but I have to give these guys credit for their tech support and service every time I've called.
Thumbs up overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tyler Mill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Quick & agile frame. Very responsive. Does not bob a bit and the suspension has no effect on pedaling. Looks sweet! The Fox RC shock is extremely durable and plush.
Weaknesses:
The clearcoat flakes off very easy. The frame is a tad bit on the heavy side.
Sram 9.0 SL shifters, 9.0 SL Woody R. Derailler, XT F Derailler, XT hollowtech cranks, Manitou MARS 1, Hayes hydraulic disk brakes, Rolf Dolomite Disk wheels.
Bottom Line:
The is a follow up to my previous review. This bike truely rocks. It's very responsive and feels like a racing machine. It's been taken of a few 4 foot drops with no problems. Climbing is not a problem, there is absolutely no pedal induced bobbing if it's set up correctly. The only problem I've had is the clear coat chipping all over the place... but that's minor. Great bike, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andre
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Alliso, Noble
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Used - Classified Ads
Strengths:
Paint job, strength, customer service from GT Reps
Weaknesses:
Price if you bought it at suggested retail. Clear coat finish isn't the most durable. For the price, should spec full-XTR.
Similar Products Used:
99 GT XCR 1000, Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Dumped the Formula disc brakes and WTB Rims, XTR V brakes and levers, XTR Hubs on Mavix 517's. Switched out to Thomson stem and post. Shimano 858's. The rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
Probably not the lightest full suspension bike out there (my setup puts my bike at 25.4 pounds according to my LBS) but man, I can't even feel the weight on this bike. The I-drive is one hell of a design, (lots of possible ways to shave off some weight though). Very smooth and supple suspension from the small to large bumps. Power isn't lost through the suspension, even when hammering hard.
Biggest drawback is the price. Suggested retail $3584? And not even full-XTR? Come on GT, when are you guys going to learn. Luckily or unluckily, a guy that had an accident on his road bike had to get rid of his brand new XCR LE to replace his road frame. Bargain at *cough* $1600. 5 flamin Chilis for my "deal."
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tyler Mill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks cool, awesome suspension design. i-drive system works great, it absorbs hits extremely well. The lockout is a great feature, even though it isn't needed because of the lack of bobing during climbing.
Weaknesses:
clearcoat chips easily. A little heavy, but can still be built up to be a fairly light bike.
2000 MARS C, Hayes dual disc brakes, ROLF disc wheels, XTR, XT.
Bottom Line:
This is a great all around bike. I have the weight down to a hair over 26 pounds. Which is light enough for long XC rides. I also wouldn't hesitate to do some downhilling with the bike. If you're the type of rider who likes to do it all such as drops, and high speed descents, this bike is for you. If you're a super weight weenie, you could definitely get something that 3/4 pound lighter....but you wouldn't have the same 4.6" of plush travel as the XCR-LE offers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dominique hinojosa
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
noble, anderson
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
action cyclery
Strengths:
the light weight 25.5 pounds (no disc brakes)all xt.xtr componets.rear shock w/ lockout only $2000.00
Weaknesses:
I think the only potential weekness would be the front shock. my last bike 99 xcr 2000 had a morzochi which was nice. but heavy.
Similar Products Used:
99 xcr 2000,98 LTS,
Bike Setup:
I had the sho trade the disc brakes for xtr v brakes,and they traded the rims for mavic crosslink which are lighter.in san diego you dont need disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is my wife got pissed, but after seeing how much other people paid, it not such a bad thing. This bike is the best one to date. I get the same handling as my xcr 2000.
The rear lock out shock is usefull for flat climbs or road rides. If it is a technical climb leave it unlocked. I gave my bike the ultimate test this weekend at noble, and did about 17 miles of serious downhill action. This was the best ride of my life. The only thing that can be improved is the front shock. marzochii needs to make a lighter shock with 4 inches.I thought about waiting till 2001, but the prices are hugh just for a 3.0. so I figured this is the most bang for the buck. Happy trails. p.s. only hamsters were, the tight black shorts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods, Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Pro-Cylces
Strengths:
Climbs almost as good as my hardtial, decends like a machine, excellent handling, great brakes, light weight for a DS, Fox Float RC is a nice bonus, 4.5" rear travel really makes a differance, decent parts mix.
Weaknesses:
MSRP is $$$$, brakes required a few tweaking sessions. Would prefer a Marzocchi on the front. Derailuer hangers were on back order from GT all summer.
This is a great bike and the i-Drive really rocks. What is gained by the added i-Drive weight, is made up for in performance. It took me about 3-4 rides to really get the F&R suspension and brakes dialed in. Now that it's setup properly, the bikes rides like a dream. I replaced the F&R tires because I ride mostly in loose, muddy areas. As much as I love this bike, I would never pay MSRP for it. If you've got $3700 to spend, build a decked out Intense Tracer to your spec's. I got mine for A LOT less than $3700. If you're thinking of getting this bike, remember, the idea behind it is weight savings. The design concept is a raceable full suspension X-country bike. If you're thinking freeride and want the benifits of the i-Drive, go with the XCR-1500. The 1500 weights a lot more, but is decked out better for getting hammered.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey
a
from Orange, CA. Orange County Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Alicia Woods, El Morro, Carbon Canyon, The Oaks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
RIDE
Weaknesses:
PRICE
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Z
Bike Setup:
Stock from mfg.
Bottom Line:
Great handling bike, especially on the "Oh s..t!" sections! Took the WTB skewers off and replaced it with Deore XT skewers. They don't lock in place very well and rattled loose, even though the lever was in the closed position while riding at speed down "Rock It" at Alicia Woods...NOT FUN! Otherwise, faultless ride so far. Tires are don't hook up too well in the sandy conditions with underlying hardpack. Otherwise, on hardpack, awesome! Has anyone else had problems with the WTB skewers?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JAY CHAVEZ
a Downhiller
from DANVALLE. CALIF Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
OUR FRIDAY NITE RIDES
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
NICE PAINT JOB, THE IDRIVE ALL OF IT.
Weaknesses:
$$$$$$$$$
Similar Products Used:
99 XCR1000 BALL BURNSHED
Bike Setup:
WELL WHER TO START. I GOT THIS FRAME FROM GT,BECOUSE I BROKE MY XCR 1000 TWICE. I HAVE XTR CRANKS,XT FR & XTR R DERAILLERS. A WTB GREASE GUARD HEADSET,AZONC BAR WITH OURY GRIPS & XT PODS.AND A Z-1BAM WITH 5INCH TRAVEL.FOX COIL ON THE REAR.KORE STEM & KORE LITE 2 SEAT POST BLACK.A SDG ALL KEVLAR SEAT.AND I JUST PUT ON A PAIR OF GRIMECA DISC BRAKES ON BLACK SUN RHYNO LITE RIMS WITH KENDA TIRES AND LAST BUT NOT LEST CHIRS KING DISC-O-TEK HUBS.
Bottom Line:
ONE KICK ASS BIKE.. THE CHIRS KING DISC-O-TEK HUBS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD,THEY KICK RIGHT IN. THIS BIKE GOES UP THE HILL AS FAST AS IT GOES DOWN. THIS THE ALL AROUND BIKE!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Wood-Ridge, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Bike is extremely light! Improvement over my ProFlex 857. Handles much better too. Find tight singletrack easier to negotiate. Fox shock is awesome. I-drive excels in climbs.
Weaknesses:
Took several hard rides to finally have brakes feel right(and several adjustments). Components should be better for price. Michelins that come with bike suck for North Jersey riding. Get rid of those fast!
Similar Products Used:
ProFlex 857, K2
Bike Setup:
Factory production (Replaced tires with 2.1 Michelins)
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike! Price is a little steep if you pay MSRP ($3,600). Luckily, I didn't have to pay that. I would recommend this bike to anyone who rides XC frequently. You won't be disappointed! Climbing feels easier, and I can really push it going downhill. As I mentioned before, the handling is great! Get out and take one on the trails if you can.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Hanson
a Cross Country Rider
from Burnsville, MN. USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt!!!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great climber, Better downhiller! One awesome ride!!!
Weaknesses:
None found so far!
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale SuperV 700 Some rental ProFlex beast
Bike Setup:
Mavic crossride rims, Specialized Team Master&Control tires, Kooka cranks, Raceface rings and BB, King headset, '00 Marz Z1 CR fork, 858 pedals, XT front and XTR rear deraillers, Thompson seatpost and Serfas kevlar saddle.
Bottom Line:
I think this rig speaks for itself,"I AM THE BEST!!!" Got this as a frame set to replace a broken '94 GT Pantera. Alot of the parts were transfered off the old frame to this one. I can't say thanks enough to Erik's Bike Shop of Minnesota and GT sales rep for the deal they got. There is not one thing that would change on this bike. If there is a dream set up, this one is mine!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Denny
a Weekend Warrior
from Cumming, GA USA Date Reviewed: July 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Unicoi - Helen GA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great frame! Light, stiff, and no biopacing! I also really like the Fox Float RC.
Weaknesses:
I agree with Todd that the clearcoat is chipping around the pivot areas. Also, no XCR LE - specific manuals or information. Apparently, the dealers do not even have the technical specs and have to call GT.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher X1, FSR, XCR 1000
Bike Setup:
Bought frame only and built it out with RS SID 100, Chris King Headset/hubs, Profile carbon bar, Fisher bar ends, Profile stem, XT brakes/Fr der/Cranks, SRAM ESP 9.0 shifters/Rear Der, Time pedals, Race Face seatpost, WTB Ti saddle, Mavic rims, Michelin Hot S tires. All together the hanging weight is 26 lbs.
Bottom Line:
This frame rocks! Avoid the OEM crap that GT is shamelessly pushing at this price point and just buy the frame and spec it out yourself. I paid $1370 for the frame from Olivers Cycle Sports in Tampa, FL (Cheapest quote I could get around GA was $1600) and then used the "power of the internet" to bring it together for under $2000 (I did migrate some parts from my old bike though that helped a little). Kudos to Earl at Oliver's and Pricepoint.com. I put this thing together as my "Dream Bike" and so far it is everything that I had hoped for. My one complaint is not with the bike but with GT. It was a pain and a real disappointment dealing with them to get LE-specific info on little things like seatpost diameter and Front derailleur post diameter that the dealers did not have. GT has also, in their infinite wisdom, removed all tech specs from their website making it virtually impossible to find this info yourself. Still, I can't ding the bike for this issue. I just pray that I never have to deal with GT customer service ever again. 5 chili-peppas!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange, CA. USA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Oaks, El Morro/Crystal Cove
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Agile, Lightweight, stable
Weaknesses:
Should be fully XTR for the price!
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Z1
Bike Setup:
Stock from the mfg.
Bottom Line:
Who cares about the paint job/parts! This bike is meant to be ridden hard, fast and often under any and every condition! That's where the TRUE VALUE of this bike comes through! Thanks to GT for putting something like this together as a package.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Helena, MT Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
fs # 104 lolo ntl. forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light (relative to other xcr's), handles great, scary fast, handles great, makes you want to ride all the time.
Weaknesses:
crappy disc brake spec. flexy SID fork to spec. w/ disc brakes. paint job sucks. overall weak parts spec. MSRP
Similar Products Used:
fsr pro, jeckyl, sugar, santa cruz sl
Bike Setup:
stock, except for ti flite saddle and tire swap.
Bottom Line:
bad news, then the good news... this bike retails for over $3500. don't pay that much for this bike or you will be pissed. here goes: the cool scalloping on the frame are stickers whose color doesn't quite match the actual paint. the clearcoat scratches easily (read:leaves and lycra) and is coming off in flakes around the pivots and wherever i've bumped the frame. weak. XT compact drive cranks w/ 44 tooth ring max with an xtr rear. hello, what top gear? and why no disc specific rims? come on, at this price point? the heaviest syncros post. sid sl... with discs. that is a joke. this fork disgraces the handling of this bike. it's a noodle and very frighteningly so at times. don't get me started on the saddle. swap the michelins... please. and the formula brakes. does anyone racing for GT use these? doubt it. mine work great. now. after three visits to the shop. GT, you should be ashamed. spend less on the damn ads and more on the bikes.
by now you are thinking 'why the hell did he buy this bike?' well, ride one. it rips. I've never gotten pinch flats like i have with this thing. it is insane. just like all the gt's i've owned in the past only BETTER. even with the flex-o-fork it consistantly handles far beyond my expectations. I can't wait til i get a stiff 4" travel fork - look out. the frame is laterally stiff for a FS bike. i-drive works well but don't line the dots or you'll constantly bottom the shock (and i weigh 150#). I also paid less than the MSRP which made the above gripes sting less.
anyhow, here's the bottom line: GT cut corners on this bike and that is a shame. the LE is supposed to be their flagship and it's finish sucks. look at my old bravado le. it is ancient and it still looks better than this bike. add the cheapo parts pick and the value plummets. too bad. but it rides great. hmm... maybe buy these up at the seasons end or even better buy the frame and build your own. trust me, you won't be disapointed... once you start riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a Downhiller
from walnutport,pa,usa Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
slatedale rock quarrys
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
bought as frame ultra light weight.was optionable rear shock for different terrains.can get bike with fox float rc or fox coilover long travel.4.6 travel with rc.5.5 with coil
Weaknesses:
havent found any yet rode twice so far will have future reviews.
marzocchi jr.t raceface cranks lx derailiers,titec bars,mavic cross links for now.getting mavic 521dh with discs yet.
Bottom Line:
so far what ive rode bike is great.handles well in all conditions.climbs well for f/s bike with long travel setup on it.not really supposed to be used for dh but works well cuz in my area need to climb to the top to come down.over all awsome ride but expensive.1500 for frme only.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a
from East Hartford, CT. USA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Case Mountain / Bolten Drive-In
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Climbs great for F/S. Handles great for Technical riding. Smooth ride. No flex noticed.
Weaknesses:
Couldn't get used to the stock pedals(Time A.T.A.C.).
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Raven SX900, GT LTS-1, GT RTS-3.
Bike Setup:
Stock other then pedals. Replaced ATACs with 747s.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great compared to my old LTS. Feels much lighter everywhere. Can climb and descend with much more confidence. Everything one this bike seems to work extremely well together.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
blind muddy
a Cross Country Rider
from san luis obispo CA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
?
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
climbs great,stiff,good all around bike
Weaknesses:
price, but mine was free!
Similar Products Used:
gt sts (lts style)
Bike Setup:
z1 xfly king hubs hope discs etc
Bottom Line:
I recieved this as a frame for a warranty replacement for my broken sts1. Initially I was skeptical that this would be nothing better than a y bike. I wanted to trade it for a wildhare.When I got it though I decided to try it anyway.Im glad I did.This thing is great it climbs really well better than the sts by far, corners way better, much stiffer too the only place it gives up anything to the sts is its not quite as plush, but it doesnt bounce around either.Im about 200 lbs and there is no hint of flex in the rear end.Theres also no ybike sensation with the bottom bracket mounted in the rear triangle.This rear end soaks up everything set up how they say you will get full travel and a very forgiving ride,I just hope I dont break this one too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny T Nordahl
a Downhiller
from Lierbyen, Lier, Norway Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Aronsløypa
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excelent frame!!
Weaknesses:
All those cross country components...
Similar Products Used:
98' Gary Fisher Joshua X1
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Super Deluxe rear shock, Judy XLC fork, full Shimano XTR gears and 636 pedals, Race Face crank, DMR Ring Thing, Mavic Deemax wheel set, Hayes discs, Azonic stem and handlebar and Michelin Wildgripper DH tires.
Bottom Line:
For being a cross country bike, it's pretty good goin' down!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bar-H, Warda, Cleburne SP
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Weight. Looks...I second the great paint job! Very solid feel. The frame's high quality manufacturing. I like those SID SL's (2 lb 14oz).
Weaknesses:
Some of the stock componets did not agree with this level of bike...so I upgraded a few.
Similar Products Used:
None...
Bike Setup:
Upgraded: Front Derailleur & Shifters from XT to XTR, Cranks to Race Face Next (110mm Std.), BB to Race Face CrMo & Pedals to Frog Ti. Otherwise, stock.
Bottom Line:
I have been riding my 1990 Trek 990, 30 pound (approx), hardtail for almost 10 years. It has been a great bike; very solid & very reliable (all XT). However, this bike blows it away! Everything about it has impressed me. Very solid feel, no rattles, shifts great, cranks feel very stiff. A total turn-around for me. GT put a great paint job on it & you can tell they put some work into it. I really like those disc brakes (they do need some more break-in though)!
Amazingly, the amount of money I threw down doesn't even bother me. I don't think I will have any days where I decide to ride my hardtail over the LE. If you can justify the $$$ (& not ride it only once a month) it is a great choice & value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleon,CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tipperary Creek, Winter Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent feel. Much better specs than '99 XCR-1000, AND two pounds lighter. Great paint job. Formula disc brakes stop on a dime. Compression lockout on the Fox shock is a great addition.
Weaknesses:
Stem WAY too short on the XL. Longer cranks would be nice, too. A little pricey to be spec'd with XT parts and chromo saddle rails.
Similar Products Used:
'99 XCR-1000
Bike Setup:
Stock right outta the box.
Bottom Line:
Last year when I bought the '99 XCR-1000, I thought all it needed to be the perfect bike was a trip to Jenny Craig to lose a few lbs. Well, it's back, leaner and meaner than ever. The LE is 2-3 lbs less than the 1000. This one is a keeper. I knew the guys at GT could do it!! The '00 LE may be the best all-around bike on the planet.
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