Submitted by
GabiR
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel Date Reviewed: August 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Rosen & Meents - Isr
Strengths:
Great, massive bike, took a hell of a lot of beating during more then 2 years of use, with hardly a dent. Didn't have any major repairs except routine change of chain (twice) and casette (once). Although the derailleurs are only LX, I did not have any trouble with them and very little adjustment was needed. On downhill singles it feels very safe and stable, rides over all kinds of obstacles like they were butter. The front and rear suspensions are very good and I have not felt the need for locking them (which they are incapble of, anyway). On the uphills there is no noticeable bobbing.
Weaknesses:
Heavy for cross-country and especially for climbing. There is no good room for bottle holder (it's under the down tube and the bottle gets very dusty/muddy quickly).
Bike Setup:
Standard off the shelf - front and rear Shimanoo LX, front suspension Splice 130 mm, rear Fox Float 0.5" I think.
Bottom Line:
Great bike, good value for the money - I got mine at 40% discount because it was 2 model years behind.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Diggler
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, US Date Reviewed: May 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Discovery Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes Se
Strengths:
Great feel, excellent suspension system with minimal loss of power
Weaknesses:
Bit on the heavy side
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Stock, clip on pedals replaced
Bottom Line:
I really liked this bike, in fact I have had my eye on the idrive ever since GT came up with it all those years ago but never owned one. Got an amazing deal on the price as it was a 06 model that never left the shop so I got it for 600. Which is cool but as it's 2009 not all that surprising I suppose. Still all the compenents like the SRAM gears still hold up great. One thing to be said is that this is definetly a downhill bike. If you do the occasional paved ride, or use it around town this bike is not for you. It is the first step into more of a hardcore off rode riding style. I do like downhill and hard XC but due to where i live and work I don't get to it that much. So I committed a crime and actually traded this beauty in for a hardtail (Mongoose Amasa Comp '09), not because I didn't like the bike but because for the different types of riding I do it wasn't versatile enough. You burn a lot of energy on road climbs and carry extra weight. So my advice is unless you mash it up off road only stick to a hardtail or something a bit lighter. If on the other hand you are a entry level DH this baby is for you! When I win the lottery I am buying the 09 version and will have a bike for every ride :)
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Submitted by
john doe
a Downhiller
from Ashland, OR Date Reviewed: February 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mt Ashland
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bear Creek Bicycle
Strengths:
Climbs Great. Surprisingly tough! Ive taken this bike 6 ft drops, good size doubles, and have only been shuttling the bike. Im surprised how this thing holds up.
Weaknesses:
The front gear shifter tends to move around sometimes when you haul ass. Only one bolt holds it to the frame, but you can just turn it back and your good to go
Bike Setup:
All Stock. Replaced the front rim.
Bottom Line:
I was a XC rider but after riding this bike, i got into downhilling. But you'd be surprised as to what kind of abuse this bike can handle. All my friends have downhillers and i keep up with them alright. If you want a tough all mountain bike then get it. There is one on pinkbike.com for sale that is my friends, and he has barely used it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lukasz Krolak
a Downhiller
from Ashland, OR Date Reviewed: July 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Ashland
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bear Creek Bicycles
Strengths:
Bike handles really well on jumps, log rides, rock drops, all that stuff, and its a really comfy ride around town to. Its a perfect Dual Suspension bike that you can actually ride off the mountain as well.
Weaknesses:
You will probably want to change the rims. You'll notice they are pretty thin but either than that i freaking love this bike.
Bike Setup:
Manitou Splice front fork 130mm. Fox FloatR rear shock.
Bottom Line:
If your looking for something that can take lots of downhillin and ride comfortably in the city than this bike is worth it. Its not really that expensive for the performance and your really going to get your moneys worth. If all you want to do is downhill though you're probably better off getting a bike that is heavier and has like 7 inches of rear and front travel
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Malcolm
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Winter Park Downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Frame geometry is the most revolutionary out there. Mounting the crank on the rear suspension arm works. Almost eliminates rear suspension bob on climbs.
Weaknesses:
Heavy- both front and rear suspension are weak. Stock tires are trash. Hydraulic brakes don't seem to be built for extreme braking (an 8" rear disk would help). Note: all problems (aside from weight) with the 3.0
Similar Products Used:
First full suspension I've owned. Rented others and used to own a treck hard tail.
Bike Setup:
Switched tires with Nevegal front and Michilin All mountain rear (get a minion for DH folks). Upgraded fox float seals.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike for the frame geometry concept which I pointed out works great, but if you're looking for a great DH bike, go for an I-drive 7 (which allows for upgrades to rear travel) or the ungodly treck session 10 which uses the same concept. This bike is heavy for xc if you race (there is a composite frame out now) but you just can't beat the frame geometry if you want a full suspension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN. Date Reviewed: July 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Warrior's Path
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Earth Traverse Outfitters
Strengths:
Beefy frame. Comfortable saddle. Great brakes and shifting. Very solid suspension.
Weaknesses:
Little rear heavy when you have to hop, but you adapt quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Epic, Cannondale Rush and Prophet, Jamis Dakar XCR
Bike Setup:
All stock except for new Maxxis Ranchero rear tire (which is amazing) and Maxxis Ignitor front tire. XTR rapid rise rear derailleur. The only upgrades needed to make this a perfect ride.
Bottom Line:
This is my only full suspension bike. I've had this bike about a year and ride East Tennessee trails 5 times a week. I've bent the derailleur hanger on it couple of times trying to climb some wicked rocks, but other than that I haven't had any problems. I am seroiusly considering racing this bike with no upgrades other than what I specified above. If you weigh under 180 , this is a good solid ride. I weigh 175 and launch off some serious drops and jumps at some serious speeds and have never been disappointed with the outcome. I've crashed this bike numerous amounts of times at 20 mph+ and didn't so much as scratch it. If you are a beginner, you can't find a better full suspension bike for the money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland Date Reviewed: June 27, 2007
Personal build, 02 Z1 20mm, XTR cranks, Hayes hydros, 8 speed XTR cassette, XT deraillers.
Bottom Line:
This is for the 2007 bike. bought the bike, parted it completely so I could put my own bits on it. I actually swapped it out for my 05 ID5 since the "flex bone" was becoming such a pain in the arse. The new frame has a solid chunk of metal. Now I don't have to carry a spare link in my camelbak. Anyway, My original intent in 2005 was to buy a cheap beater frame for the winter/wet riding months. Turns out, I actually like the ride BETTER than my main ride. Efficient pedalling with a nice progressive feel to the suspension. Very agile feeling frame, the 07 more so than the 05 if that's possible. Maybe the dropped top tube? Anyway, if GT keeps up the nice product engineering and development, it may start turning more heads. Hard to dig your way out of the walmart bike stigmata, but so far, nice job! And Mongoose is hitting the DH and big hit bike seen hard! Too bad it seems Schwinn has been burdened with the task of the low end bike duty. As for the ID5, I bet if a different company with a different (better) reputation slapped their name on the frame, these things would draw a lot more attention. Sure ultimately it's a high single pivot design with a lever arm to negate the bob but it just plain works! And for anyone who's curious: the shock length and stroke is 7.5 x 2 even though the web site says otherwise.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Rucks
a Weekend Warrior
from Alpharetta, GA USA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Big Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1020.00
Purchased At:
www.thebicycleoutlet.com
Strengths:
The i-Drive system is a dream for climbing. The components are good and easily upgraded.
Weaknesses:
Well I am 190 lbs so the front fork was too soft and the rear derailleur was just ok.
Similar Products Used:
Tried out a Cannondale Prophet 4 (awesome, but GT was a better economical choice)...upgraded from a 2002 Mongoose Sommet, my first full suspension and a great bike.
Bike Setup:
All stock except for new FOX Float RL front fork and XTR rapid rise rear derailleur. Good setup for weekend thrashing.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. The first climb with this bike was a treat. My old Mongoose was good, but this was great. Lots of folks wondered why I bought a GT, but for the 7 or 8 times I ride a month it is just what I needed. If you aren't 190 lbs like myself you can probably get by with the stock front fork. So far this is a top-notch buy, will update after a few more thrashings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOE
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: January 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
North Shore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1029.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle outlet.com
Strengths:
The frame(idrive)& Geometry are great to build on. Climbs well.
Weaknesses:
Just the fork- it could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Gt i-drive xcr
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
For the price it can't be beat. A great frame that climbs,handles well and looks good. The 8 inch front rotor on the Hayes is a major upgrade to the earlier 6 inch. Received outstanding service from the guys at The Bicycle outlet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jake gonzo
a Cross Country Rider
from valinda, ca u.s.a. Date Reviewed: September 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
santiago truck trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
amazing climbing ability, feels solid downhill, shifts and brakes well, very comfortable enjoyable ride
Weaknesses:
front forks are a bit weak, bottomed out several times, plan on exchanging to a fox or rock shok
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz, jamis, diamondback
Bike Setup:
all stock parts, added tires (kenda nevagal)
Bottom Line:
lots of bang for the buck, rides smooth and can climb anything. the i-drive system really digs in on tuff technical climbes. it seems very solid and handles all surfaces well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, VA USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Wakefield
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Peformance
Strengths:
The iDrive is awesome climbing hills. Great disc brakes. Rear shock is nice.
Weaknesses:
Fronk shock could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized XC, Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. Can be upgraded easily. All it really needs for someone who is really into mountain biking is a new front shock. The fronk shock isn't terrible just not top of the line. Comparable to the Rock Shox J3.
I read the reviews below and disagree. The bike does not make noise. The noise heard is probably the disc brakes. All disc brakes make noise if not properly adjusted.
You won't find the high end features on similar bikes for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Burke Latimer
a Downhiller
from Manassas, VA, USA Date Reviewed: July 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
FountainHead
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Great Brakes, Strong Frame, Great rear air shock, Great for a freeride bike
Weaknesses:
Front fork is to soft
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for some less the 180 pound but heavier you need a different front fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Connell
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
£700 [$850}
Strengths:
Great looking bike with some good components esp the Avid brakes and the saddle is awesome - you forget yt's there! Toe clip pedals with platform are great and the pivots look great and feel solid
Weaknesses:
Definitelt the Front fork which is way tto soft and Ive already had to change the springs in the thing. Also got a lot of creaking in the frame unless it is REALLY lubricated often which can be apain because its not the best bike to wash.
Similar Products Used:
Old hardtail, Marin Hardtail
Bike Setup:
From Stock with new pedals. I redid all the cable housing esp with the brakes at the back. They were all just too long. Fed the back brake and back derailer cables through the back sus bholding bracket on the downtube. Keeps them out of the way.
Bottom Line:
Love this bike a lot though at times it feels like a high maintenance girlfiend. I just wish it would be a bit more solid and 'chunkier' Ive not yet ridden it for a long time without something bothering me a bout it and I just wish I could get a few months use of it without some thing popping up. Will it ever settled down a nd be a solid dependable bike or Im I forever going to be treating it like some pampered ballerina?!?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, CT Date Reviewed: May 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
BicycleBuys.com
Strengths:
I-Drive works well. I get NO pedal bob even when spinning very fast. I like all the components that came with the bike EXCEPT...
Weaknesses:
The maitou splice fork was broken out of the box. Rebound assembly broke making the fork into a rigid. Manitou is replacing it with a minute :02 for free.
Bike Setup:
Stock 2006 GT I-Drive 5 3.0 Look it up on their website and thats what I got.
Bottom Line:
I like this bike but I have only ridden it once or twice so I cant speak of durability. However all the I-Drive stuff seems to work very well. Again, only issue I had was with the fork which was broken out of the box. If you get a frame with a manitou Splice, plan on getting a new fork or at least getting warranty work done.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Darwin Australia Date Reviewed: May 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Charles Darwin National Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1540.00
Purchased At:
Cyclezone
Strengths:
Pretty good value for money, frame looks good. When working it is a comfy all day riding bike.
Weaknesses:
Almost everything, the bike creaks and falls apart and has done from day one. The I-drive consistently comes loose and I have snapped the bit of metal that attaches the bottom bracket to the frame. The frame is overly complicated and painful to clean.
Gone through three sets of brake pads, cables, bottom bracket, bearings and soon need a new drive train. Chain broke after 2 months use, snapped seat rail.
I don't do any big hits, but weigh 100kg and have done about 5000km on this bike, have needed to get my rear wheel respoked with alpine spokes, and have started breaking front wheel spokes now too. I needed to get a stiffer spring in fork straight away as the one the bike shipped with was ridiculously soft for a large bike.
Similar Products Used:
Used to always ride Giant, very good value for money and never let me down.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except FSA sealed bottom bracket and stiffer fork springs.
Bottom Line:
It is good value for money, however spend a bit more and get something that will last you.
This bike may be better suited to a whippet. It is definetly not a freeride bike and I would be very cautious about doing any real drops on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Casey Jahsman
a
from Hollister, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle
Strengths:
Quick shifts, nice frame design, handles great.
Weaknesses:
I can bottom the forks by hoilding the front breaks and pushing down.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson , AZ, USA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Star Pass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$989.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Considering what I spent, everything! Great brakes for mechs. Smooth pedaling. Climbs well for the weight.
Weaknesses:
Manipoo shock. No rebound adjustment for fox shock. Too much cable housing. (but that could have been the assembly dudes)
Bike Setup:
this bike, but with a Marzhocchi All Mountain 1 fork, XT rear, Race Face riser bar, Easton stem.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. However, I probably would not have paid the $1499 at which it was originally marked. Getting the closeout sale allowed me to spend another 400 on a decent fork. (and buy a Santa Cruz for my wife)
I realized the Splice had to go on ride 1. Without preload adjustment, you're either too heavy or too light. I guess I'm too heavy because every little dip (not drop...dip) in the trail gave me an umpleasant 'thud' as the thing hit the stoppers. I only weigh 170, so...whatever. I have a lot more to say about it, but I'll post it in the fork review seperately.
I was really shy about buying a bike with mech discs, as this would be my first disc bike and I wanted to 'have it all'. But the Avid BB5's work VERY well.
The bike is fitted with an internal headset. GT's web page specs it out to an 'integrated' headset, but this is not the case and it's a BIG difference. The HS that's actually in the bike is an FSA Orbit ZR. It's a Cane Creek compatible zero stack, sealed bearing unit. It has pressed in cups. An integrated headset does not. This is much better than an integrated headset.
Overall: great bike if you can get it on sale and weigh less than 170. It rides smooth over the bumps and soaks up the bigger stuff with grace. It handles great in descending turns and keeps traction well. It climbs pretty good for a FS heavy, I guess that owes something to the Idrive stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ, US Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Idrive provides a unique climbing ability. Good looking bike which for the money offers an average rider the ability to downhill/mountain trail well.
Weaknesses:
The dog bone and bolts were a pain in the a@%. Called the kind folks at pacific cycles and they have a new dog bone and bolts built for the 06's. A word of advice: explain to your dealer there are stronger components for this problem.
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bike Setup:
standard, however going to have to upgrade on the front fork. Dissapointed with Manitou probably go with ROX SHOX. Also looking at a better stem with more angle.
Bottom Line:
A good bike for the money. After working through the BS with the dog bone. I just now got the new set up so I will report back later on how it holds up. Since they are selling the 06's I believe this problem has been resolved. Never know until the trail bleeds GT blood though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dwayne Tiggs
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Built it from the ground up so not many weaknesses in terms of components. Good looking bike that climbs well. for the price it holds up to the light free rides while maintaining a cross-country stance.
Weaknesses:
Gt has a good concept on their hands in terms of the pivating crank, reducing chain slack, however it is poorly designed. If the flex steel isn't breaking the screws are being sheered off causing the whole bracket to move freely, messing up the wounderful mat black paint.
Submitted by
Mick
a Cross Country Rider
from Newcastle, Australia Date Reviewed: May 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Killingworth
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Drift Bikes
Strengths:
Full 5 inches of travel in front and rear. Real comfortable. Avid brakes, although mech disc, are great.
Weaknesses:
For what it is I love it. Although cleaning the mud off after a ride is difficult due to style of frame.
Similar Products Used:
none. I came off a hardtail.
Bike Setup:
Standard as sold.
Bottom Line:
I looked around for a while before making the move from a hardtail into the full suspension bike and ended up with the GT i-drive. $$$$$ was the biggest limiting factor and I looked at Trek, Kona and Giant in a similar price bracket. With this being said, Robbie at Drift Bikes did do me a good deal to make the GT look better. So, thanks mate.
At the end of the day, the gear that came standard on the GT was a heap cooler, ie better quality, than what came on the other bikes. I would have liked more suspension control/settings both in the front and back end, but to come off my hardtail it was a pleasure to ride.
I like the front Manitou forks, they give a soft comfortable ride and once the rear float was set right it took a heap stiffness out of the rear and allowed the bike to absorb the knocks rather than my back.
I know that the 5" travel is more than what I really need for cross country and that I give up a little more in weight, but the bike is comfortable and I could ride it all day.
This is my first move into a full suspension bike and I am stoaked. I am real satisfied with what GT have come up with. I have ridden my GT in 2 endurance events, plus a few social rides, since I made the purchase and I think it has helped my confidence and riding ability a heap.
I dig the GT and reckon as a base model full suspension bike you can't go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Pepper
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland NZ Date Reviewed: May 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Be Rude Not To (Rotorua)
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Easy riding, Good geometry, Brakes despite being cable disc's worked well.
Weaknesses:
Lower end parts, but still reasonable quality.Fork a little under-sprung for my weight.
Similar Products Used:
Ironhorse Warrior Pro
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
Entry level trail bike aimed at Wayne the weekend warrior. Good supple suspencion, forks a bit soft for my 105 kgs. The whole ride was a HUGE step-up from my 10 year old hard-tail. Now to afford one I have to kill who?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reek
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD Date Reviewed: March 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Clementine loop in Cal
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Strengths:
Nice styling, efficient suspension design, decent specs, well engineered
Weaknesses:
"walmart" stigma but hopefully that will change, lack of available dealers that actually carry GT bikes.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis XLT 1.0, Giant AC1, Marin Wolf Ridge (TARA)
Bike Setup:
Z1 FR, Hayes 8" front, 6" rear hydros, X7/XTR
Bottom Line:
The frame works well. Never was a fan of the original Idrives but after looking at the IDXC and testing that model, I figured the ID5's would be just as good. I was right! With the Fox propedal, the suspension really climbs well and yet works perfectly when the trail gets rough. The suspension pivots look and feel solid. In fact the whole frame is just nice to look at.
The component list is OK. I knew I was going to tear down the bike and put my own bits on from the start but the stock ID5 3.0 isn't too shabby. It comes with mech discs (larger front rotor - as it should be!) and lower end shimano wheels. The fork is a new one from Manipoo. Not a fan of Manitou but the fork has every adjustment possible. The drive train is nothing fancy but a solid component mix that works.
Like I said, I bought it for the frame. But the bike for $1299 ridden as delivered still isn't a bad deal.
If you can find a GT dealer and aren't hung up on the Pacific Bikes issue, this is a great bike and great design. Definitely an underestimated bike that should be getting a lot more press.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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