Submitted by
dorsey land
a Cross Country Rider
from atlanta, ga usa Date Reviewed: April 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
city streets
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
classifieds
Strengths:
strong, responsive, tough
Weaknesses:
none to mention
Similar Products Used:
huffy and specialized
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I'm abusive with shoes, clothes, and recreational items because I don't worry if it can take the rough treatment; this bike asks for more. I prefer riding at night with proper lighting, I also prefer riding on side walks because of the poor condition of the concrete requires very fast response, also I jump at paylots that are empty at night.This bike is about 25 lb.s, but it is stronger-integrally-than titanium, good tough steel, not aluminum. I'm happy. I can ride 4 hours and have to make myself stop so I can rest for the next work day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Jupe
a Weekend Warrior
from ENGLAND Date Reviewed: January 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Licky Hills (Midlands)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
£289.00 Iam British!!!
Strengths:
AMMMMAAAAAAZING!!! Very strong trust worthy bike that has never failed even all the transmition stuffs
Weaknesses:
on the heavy side but still rides lightly
Similar Products Used:
ummmmm none Its too good to trade!!
Bike Setup:
Added Riser GoFast Bars+Brace Brakes - DX Everything else is the same
Bottom Line:
An amazing bike has been hammered to death by the worlds most crashable rider (me) and still lived it died last weekend after spending 3 hours With vice lump hammer saw and chisle and plumbing wrench trying to remoove stuck seattube and frame didn't dostort or bend despite rough pulling in a vice and only died as I attacked it with a chistel and lump hammmer for a further 30 min and the chistle went through the 3 year old frame instead of the seat tube OOPS!!! and invinceable frame that u can pick up cheep and will last you a life time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Winton
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: October 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Malvern hills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Paul's Cycles
Strengths:
Bullet-proof wheels (Zac 19's), strong frame
Weaknesses:
Weight, components easily bent, poor fork but got the shop to up-grade before buying to RST Gamma TL's with better travel. Funny tube sizes (seat-post etc.), dreadful original pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Boulder
Bike Setup:
Much changed. Alivio groupset changed for full Deore. Mavic F519 wheels, Panaracer XC's, WTB Speed V saddle, bar ends, clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
I'd had a cheap Giant before which I'd worn out before a friendly local did me the favour of stealing it! Did some home-work and tried to stick to a minimal budget by buying 'last year's' ('99) model. Felt like a real MTB following the Giant and immediately inspired confidence. Rear mech bent quickly and everthing else got sloppy so got a cheap up-grade (Deore) kit from Merlin shaving off over 3lbs - mostly from the wheels. It now accelerates and climbs great. Still trying to lose some more weight which is probably a false economy as it's cheaper to buy a newer bike but I like the set-up and feel plus the forks and frame seem to be unbreakable. On rides with my mates I appear to do better coming in less fatigued although descents are slow at the moment following a bad fall early summer this year. I'm sure it's the bike that should take the credit. Still trying to decide what seat-post and bars to fit at the OE kit is heavy. New Panaracers are much stickier but not as strong as the original WTB Velociraptprs. Deore kit slicker than old Alivio/Acera kit. Still trying to sharpen the brakes. If anyone out there has any suggestions as to how to improve the bike let me know. I could write more but off out on the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Dorset, England Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Bournemouth
Strengths:
super frame!
Weaknesses:
rock shox jett c forks could be a bit better
Similar Products Used:
i worked in a bike shop!
Bike Setup:
pretty much stock, apart from replaced forks for rock shox psylo xc forks.
Bottom Line:
Very nice handling now the forks are sorted, very strong frame that will stick a lot of abuse, and generally very good components for the money, and 24 speed rapid fire plus shifters means you will always find the right gear, and quickly. Re-assuring brakes coupled with good quality wheels (zac 19) means you get quite a sturdy set up. the high quality cro-mo double butted steel frame is such that it isn't actually that much heavier than a aluminium frame. lateral movement less than other steel frames by the triple triangle set up frame. i would recommend it to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Massimo
a Cross Country Rider
from Laval, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
the "body" of the bike and the v-brake who's excellent for cross-country
Weaknesses:
rock shok suspension doen't do the job
Bottom Line:
for someone who doesn't have the chance to do a lot of mountain bike it's a really good choice. It's not really heavy, it's easy to deal whit and learn how to use it.
the price is really good and is got a lot of resistence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernie
a
from Norwich, England Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Tires, Frame
Weaknesses:
Bars, stem, cranks, mech hanger, forks(?)
Bike Setup:
Upgraded bars, stem, cranks then finally a new frame this year becaiuse the timberline was a bit to big for trials.
Bottom Line:
A great beginners bike, as long as you keep it running smooth. It was my first proper bike so i diddnt understand the maintenance it really needed and bits started to fall off but this is entirely my own fault. I also had probs with the rear mech sticking in the spokes and bending the dropout. This happened three times and had to be heated and bent back again everytime. Oh, and i bent the forks, but only through mucho abuso. Get a smaller size than u think u need though, my 16 was more like an 18.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
oliver walden
a Racer
from east riding of yorkshire Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
west wood
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
for £300.00 at my local bike shop halfords i live in england!!
Strengths:
u could shoot the frame and it would saty strong its tollay rocks and its got a good chain set and hasent let me down yet
Weaknesses:
the fork is to hard but i just got new elomatmars
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
full lx group set mavic d521 on lx hubs titec hell bent riser bars airzonic stem bommer z5 f.u.n.n. big grab saddle avid 1.9sd brake levers and brakes.
Bottom Line:
its great for jummpin' and duel the frame is great and strong so it's great
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Tamworth Australia Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
A great buy all those years ago-97 model. Rode stock standard for a while.
Weaknesses:
A weird seat stem for my size, head stem set u/s from new, front bar geometry a little too far forward (a bit daunting on some DH) Shimano brake pads way too hard for rims (Burnt rims!) all the plastic stuff fell off on first rock trip, outside crank sprocket unusable after first trip.
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Cannondale, Mongoose
Bike Setup:
Azonic wide bars with soft grips
Bottom Line:
Great Bike! love it and will continue to use frame as it has been absolutely thrashed and hacked on tough rock trail/semi DH. Climbs really well even with my 98kg mass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
christopher
a Cross Country Rider
from poole, dorset, england Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
which one?!
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
winton, bournemouth, dorset
Strengths:
the frame on this bike is solid! i havn't broke it, yet! nice paint job, good wheels (zac 19) great to handle. feels sure-footed at speed. good rapid fire plus shifters, which are quick to change good build quality. will last ages
Weaknesses:
rock shox jett c forks could be better. no other problems to date
Similar Products Used:
i work in a bike shop!
Bike Setup:
stock, apart from a new ahead set, and 2001 rock shox psylo xc forks
Bottom Line:
great, the weight isn't a problem, you can climb easily in it, and will develop you're strength as a rider, great to control, when forks are changed, and gt85 is put on the rims the brakes bite a lot more! good for anyone who wants a well built bike, fun to ride, but something you can go and race as well. i'd easily buy another gt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MaryLouise
a
from Windsor, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: December 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$528.00
Strengths:
Smooth ride, sturdy frame & very good paint job.
Weaknesses:
This bike is way way way too heavy for it to cost this MUCH. Cheap components.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Well, I wouldnt buy this bike again if given a chance. I paid CDN $799 for this bike, I wouldnt mind paying a few hundred more to get a better bike with better components & weights lighter. Anyway, I only got to use this bike for roughly 6 months before it got stolen. I bought a 99 FSR Comp, to replaced the Timerline, & I'm totatlly in love with my current bike. Hmm, my 99 Timerline, looks different from the picture above, mine is a green frame without the curvy top tube. This bike is only good for entry level bikers with low budget & wouldnt mind the heavy weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pascal Cormeau
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything with huge jumps
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Eurotech Cycle
Strengths:
The frame is very strong and will take a serious beeting.
Weaknesses:
Weight-this bike weighs almost as much as my friends steel CCM bike!
Bike Setup:
Rock shox steapost, Avid brakes, jett race front shox,deore gear shifts and axles
Bottom Line:
I got this bike for 1000 cdn, and now I seriously regret not having spent more money on the frame. If you wanna get a nice bike, don't be like me and keep upgrading your lousy timberline, just by a nice bike in the first place. Though, for 500US this bike would be a kewl deel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Leeds, UK Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too many...
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good strong frame, comfortable ride. Great value for money. Takes a bashing and comes out on top.
Weaknesses:
Groupset is a bit dodgy, cheap components wear out quick.
Similar Products Used:
Scott Tampico, Carrera Maxima
Bike Setup:
Mostly as stock, swapped heavy bar for Pace Renthal Sub, brake levers for Shimano DX (Red) and added LX V brakes. Cheap pedals thrown out for decent flatties.
Bottom Line:
This is a good strong piece of kit with a decent feel for a bike in the sub £500 range. Although GT have skimped on a few of the components, things are easy (and cheap) to replace when they wear out. You get plenty of bang for your buck at this price mark.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KEN COLLUCCI
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
MOUNTAIN CREEK,NJ
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
CRO.MO FRAME, VERY STRONG ,PRICE
Weaknesses:
CHEAPO COMPONENTS,ODD SEATPOST SIZE(29.6)HARD TO FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR THIS SIZE,SHOCK WAS CHEESY
Similar Products Used:
SPECIALIZED HARDROCK SPORT
Bike Setup:
TITEC LIL AL STEM,BONTRAGER CROW BARS,TITEC SEAT POST,GRIP SHIFT ATTACKS,SUN SUB VI RIMS W/LX HUBS,TEKTRO BRAKES,MANITOU SX-TI FORK
Bottom Line:
GREAT BIKE FOR XC RIDING, THE CHEAP COMPONENTS CAN BE UPGRADED TO SUIT YOUR TASTE.RODE THIS BIKE STOCK FOR 6 MO.AND WAS ADEQUATE FOR EASY TO MOD.TRAILS. UPGRADE TO BETTER QUALITY PARTS IF YOU INTEND TO RIDE HARDER TECH.TRAILS. GREAT BIKE FOR THE BEGINNER AS IT COMES, BUT,IF YOU INTEND TO RIDE HARDER UPGRADE, UPGRADE, UPGRADE!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob Olchovy
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio, USA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
tuttle park trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
the bike is rock solid in performance, great frame, pretty good shock, ok componetry
Weaknesses:
the componetry is kind of low-end, but they still work pretty well 29lbs (not too bad for the price)
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Aquila
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike, I got a great deal on it because it was a 99 (a mere 350 bucks brand new). The paint on it is awesome (solar grass). It is fast solid and I really like it. I would recommend it to anyone just getting into mountain biking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a
from England Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Frame !!
Weaknesses:
Nothing I know of
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Timberline frame, RST mozo pro's, d/h stem and bars
Bottom Line:
I brought the frame second hand, and built it up as a jump / duel bike - IT ROCKS !! It's fast, responsive, strong and very fun. The complete 2000 bike looks great value for money as well, but the frame is definately the strong point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Mullholland
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol Date Reviewed: March 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
??????
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
looks cool responsive ride good wheels and components
Weaknesses:
strength of the drop out hard saddle flat bars
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
standard just with titec riser bars and x lite saddle
Bottom Line:
good bike for the rider who is on a budget but change the no bunny hoppppping bars
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Spike
a Weekend Warrior
from Adrian, MI Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Heritage Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great components for a beginner, price ~$400 (98 model)
Weaknesses:
Seat was extremely hard, replaced with Specialized hollow back. Great bike though.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
STX-RC, no shocks, avid 1.0 brakes
Bottom Line:
Great for me, a beginner - first real mountain bike. I want some front shocks on it when saved up enought $$. Love riding it when I get the seldom chance - 3 toddlers at home :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DT
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Date Reviewed: February 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
The bike I have is a '98 Timberline. The steel frame is nice, strong, the components are deservingly for the price you pay for this bike (ie STX-RC, Alivio). Great value considering the Canadian dollar isn't doing so well.
Weaknesses:
Weight- but I don't care, I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. Specs- but then again check out the price.
Similar Products Used:
tested friend's GT LTS-3, dad's Kona Lavadome
Bike Setup:
Everything is stock except I replaced the rigid for with a 99 Marzocchi Z2 BAM .
Bottom Line:
Well after having this bike for two years, it's a '98, I can finally make a concise review. I love it. It's my baby. I rode the bike one year rigid, then saved up the following year and got a Z2 BAM. Smooth and plush but that's another story. It's my first REAL mountain bike. I'm glad I chose this one, my choices were fairly limited considering the funds I had. It handles well, I don't get bounced around too much since I put on the new fork. This hardtail has taught my better control and technique. It's all in all a fun bike. I'll probably be slowly upgrading this bike in the next year because it's fun to ride. Good bike for the dollar.
PS If your a beginner, you'll love this bike but seems to me GT has downgraded the 2000 models components wise, however they upgraded the frame to aluminum from steel. Might want to see if they have any 98 or 99 models left. Just my thoughts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheboygan, WI Date Reviewed: February 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The frame can handle anything. It climbs hills like nothing.
Weaknesses:
THE SHOCKS!!!
Bottom Line:
This is a very good bike that has handled everything I've thrown at it very well, but I suggest getting new shocks as soon as you can. Begginers should definately buy/use this bike at sometime.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jude Evbenata
a Cross Country Rider
from Surrey, UK Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Epsom Common
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Looks. Components. Nice saddle. Agile handling.
Weaknesses:
Tyres drag too much and clog in mud(Velociraptors). Short stem caught me out a few times. The grips are also soft and big.
Similar Products Used:
None really
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
My GT Timberline was a great rigid ride. It was fun, and it climbed like a mountain goat. I'm a broken man since it got stolen...boo-hoo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Racer
from ottawa ont canada Date Reviewed: January 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
jack pine
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
I have the 98 modle it is great
Weaknesses:
?
Bike Setup:
stx rc indy xc long
Bottom Line:
this bike kick ass
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Bike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Maine Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It can take anything you got!
Weaknesses:
The Shocks!!!
Bottom Line:
It's a great bike that can handle anything, but you will probably need to upgrade the shocks! I recommend this bike for anyone who wants to have a great time, for under$500
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Philp
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Woodhill state tracks
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good value takes hits
Weaknesses:
Lo-travel shox
Similar Products Used:
first hardtail
Bike Setup:
as-is
Bottom Line:
Its a great bike to take out for a spin on the weekend. shox are cruddy but serve purpose. excellent for the newbie such as myself.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kami
a Cross-Country Rider
from Opole/Poland Date Reviewed: October 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
cross country
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
frame design tires shifters
Weaknesses:
jett c weight
Similar Products Used:
giant terrago
Bike Setup:
handlebar ends chain (after 1300 km) to sachs pc 51
Bottom Line:
I like my gt timberline. I ride in mountains, in the mud and rocks, timberline have very good traction. Ps. in Poland it isn't cheap bike (~ an average month's salary).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian D
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: October 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
No Favorite
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Ridgedness, and value
Weaknesses:
Front Shocks, Rock Shox Jett C isn't really good at all! Would have been happier with Indy C =) Jett C No Travel
Similar Products Used:
GT Tequesta
Bike Setup:
99 GT Timberline, riser bars roach padding,pretty much stock.
Bottom Line:
The GT Timberline holds up nicely, this is a bike you can trust and depend on. The Bike is worth almost every penny, except for the front Suspension. Rock Shox jett C is not a very hot fork at 1.8 inches of travel. If you were to buy this bike, upgrade the shocks right away:save the money. another thing. the Frame is CrMo so it's a tad heavy, but if you upgrade components and the drivetrain, it's a lighter bike. But, in the end spending money replacing parts, just get a totally new bike.Great bike overall. 4 hard earned flames.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott stefaniak
a Weekend Warrior
from show low arizona Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
frame wheelsets price
Weaknesses:
suspension brakes weight
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
99 timberline with brake-boosters, downhill handlebars, and chain tentioner
Bottom Line:
First of all the suspension on this bike suck!! I have had this bike for six months and i have allready messed up the shocks! I only ride on fairly smooth trails and on street. I think that this bike should come with higher quality shocks!! Two inches of travel isnt nearly enough!!!! But i am going to buy a pair of RS JUDY 100 shocks. This bike will take anything you will throw at it and come back for more!! Since this bike kicks so much ass i will give it 5 chillies.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from California Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
shocks bang for the buck tires
Weaknesses:
little heavy
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose NX 7.3
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for a beginner like myself, really get your money's worth. We took it out day one and this bike can chew up some trails. I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for an entry level hard-tail around $500.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Nakamura
a Weekend Warrior
from Carson, CA Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
still looking
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
decent level of components value fun
Weaknesses:
weight 21 speed only pedals
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Terrific bike. The cro-mo frame des not punish me. I tried a GT Aggressor before buying this bike. Better components on the Timberline, better frame on the Aggressor. Either way, you can't lose.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BriKMan45
a Weekend Warrior
from Providence Date Reviewed: September 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
looks frame tires/wheelset
Weaknesses:
weight transmission
Similar Products Used:
hardrock
Bike Setup:
stock, mostly
Bottom Line:
great bang for the buck, will outclass any other bike even close in pricerange
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erich Wenis
a Weekend Warrior
from Stamford CT Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price Bang for the Buck
Weaknesses:
Gear Shifters
Similar Products Used:
Trek 830 AL Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
As-is
Bottom Line:
Being a newbie owner but part-time rider I got the bike as a gift that suits me perfectly. I'm overcoming a back injury and the bike is able to adapt to my abilities as I get better. I started on street, and now I'm hitting the ruts on the trails and it keeps up every step. Its a bargain for the price and while not top of the line stuff it does the job damn well. My only problem is I sometimes have problems getting smoothly into gear, but it probably just needs to be tweaked. If you're looking at entry level around $425 or so - GET THIS BIKE!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anonymous
a Cross-Country Rider
from Western New York Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Letchworth State Park
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Sturdy frame Good front shock Quality components
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike...I have taken it on a variety of trails and it has held up wonderfully. It takes a beating and keeps on ticking. Even the front fork (Rock Shox Jett C) has held up real well. I changed the seat for a more comfortable ride. This thing also climbs hills like a racecar and the Velociraptor tires just eat up the dirt and mud.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Bendfeldt
a Downhiller
from Overland Park, Ks Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Shawnee Mission Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price Sturdy Agile
Weaknesses:
Shox weight
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock
Bike Setup:
Timberline FS Shimano Accera hubs, and shifters Rock shox Jett
Bottom Line:
I love my timberline, It is a great bike for beginners such as myself. It is a very rugged bike for deep trail riding. I will probably upgrade to Shimano XT components to bring down the weight, but the bike is well worth the cost.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from North Andover, MA Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks great, competitively priced, not bad components
Weaknesses:
front derailleur a tad heavy
Similar Products Used:
specialized rockhopper fs
Bike Setup:
factory specs
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the money. I shopped around, and you can't get a better bike sub $500. It takes off off the line, and shoots up hills. smooth shifting once its dialed in. great upper end beginner bike. go for the solar grass color. 5 red hot flaming ostrich burritos
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill ellis
a Cross-Country Rider
from oakville, canada Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Allegany mountain ski trails
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Excellent bicycle for those interested in getting into mountain biking without the expense. The steel frame is not so stiff that it rattles my 54 year old bones yet stiff enough to to handle bouncing over rocks and trees. I love steep climbs but limit my downhill on the dirt and rock trails to 30MPH. I used this bike on the mountain trails for 2 years then upgraged to a Gary Fisher Mt Tam. The Timberline is now used for commuting 20 miles to work in the spring to fall. The bike is not as agile or responsive as the Mt. tam but at 1/4 the price it is a fantastic buy. It is excellent on Tar and gravel as well as the mountain trail. Its weight is a little heavy but this is expected at this price line.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy Not as agile as I like in the highly technical rock gardens.
Bike Setup:
stock bike with no shock I prefer the 1 piece bar and ends on the GT to the Bontager race lite and ends on the Mt Tam.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike to get into the sport and have fun
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Show low arizona Date Reviewed: April 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
trail 638
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike is really fun to bash around on rocky trails and bumpy trails. it has not given me any problems once so ever and i ride this bike MUCH harder than its supposed to be ridden.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness is the shocks!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
1999 GT timberline Downhill bars
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike for the money!!! I recomend this bike to anyone who is looking for a all around good bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JimN02
a weekend warrior
from Oxnard, CA Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money. Will have to upgrade to aluminum frame and ditch the heavy tires after a short time though. I recommend you buy an aluminum framed bike the first time. Great bike to thrash!! Four flaming chilis for good componentry and performance.
Overall Rating:
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