|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Jumper
a Weekend Warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dirp/Jump | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Loves bumps eats jumps and swallows speed i have never had a bike (and i've had many) so good in every department, the built quality is excellent, geometry is absolutely perfect for 6ft1 and simply looks fantastic | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost adjustment is not bery generous, apart from that nothing | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain edge, Trek Y Carbon, Giant XTC, STS DH | | Bike Setup: | Z1 150 drop offs, XTR all round, Hope 3/5 Hydro Discs, mavic X-max wheelset, Super Deluxe rear,Roox stem much more | | Bottom Line: | Truly a master peice of a bike, I had a STS DH back in 1998..what a bike sold it to buy a car and every bike (listed above) since could not compare. In 2002 I decided to go back to what I knew best, Fantastic on the road, canal but really comes to life when jumping, racing downhill or trail, often compete x country and have no problems competing. the only bike close the Shape/style fo bike/rider is the Rocky Mountain. the GT feels tough give you the confidence to do things you wouldn't think possible. I have never had problems with sag, gear slipping brakes...anything | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bremen Seepe
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay.ca! | | Strengths: | Plush suspension; doesn't bottom out! Take 5-fters with ease. Lockouts are great for urban riding and uphill. | | Weaknesses: | Creaking! Damn, all the creaking. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Spice | | Bike Setup: | '99 frame w/Z1 Bomber front fork, 5" Helix rear, C-18 SunRims, lx components. | | Bottom Line: | It's hard to find a durable, full-suspension bike that can take the bumpy trails, and not suffer powerloss on the uphills (and help keep your bank account retain all those zero's on the end!). Freestyle appeals to everyone.
Even only after less than a month of riding it, I can say beyond reasonable doubt this bike is the best investment I own. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frodo Underhill
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria (frame only) | | Strengths: | Solid frame, quality of travel, versatility. | | Weaknesses: | A bit tall, rear end creaks occasionally | | Similar Products Used: | misc | | Bike Setup: | '01 Psylo SL shock, RS Super Deluxe rear, XT discs, TruVativ Stylo Team w/ISIS, SRAM shifters/XTR derailleurs, XT disc/Rhyno Lite wheelset w/WTB Motoraptor 2.4 tires. | | Bottom Line: | After much tinkering and part-swapping, I finally have this bike set up to my liking: a freeride-capable rig that can be easily modified for a weekend XC race. Although it maxes out at 4.5" travel in the rear in "long-travel mode", the design is so active and the quality of travel is so good, it feels like more, and is very well matched with the 5" Psylo up front (I probably get another 1/2" of "travel" out of the fat Motoraptors too). A quick swap of fork and wheelset and a "flip of the chip" on the rear shock mount to XC mode and you have an able, though slightly heavy, XC rig for the occasional race.
In freeride form, it's kind of a pig at 32 pounds (I'm only a buck fifty), but it's so stable and plush heading down that I don't mind paying the weight penalty on the climbs. And, although the rear pivots do wail once in a while, I've never thought it was that big a deal.
In my experience, the STS1000 is a great frame to build into a good all-arounder. It's not quite light enough for pure XC racing, and doesn't quite have the travel or geometry for extreme freeriding or downhill, but it's rugged and versatile, and that makes sense if you like to do different kinds of riding but can't afford an entire stable of purpose-built bikes.
As an aside, these bikes run large, so go down a size if you'd normally be in-between two sizes. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
okko
a Weekend Warrior
from finland
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | The bike looks great is stiff and goes up and down the hills VERY fast!! | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the heavy side. Formula discs sucked. (had to change them) Chainsuck. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first fs bike | | Bike Setup: | rs super deluxe shock, judy race, xt and lx components, magura louise brakes... | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great but not perfect, at least with my setup. The formula brakes were a pain in the ass. Can´t really bother explaining everything... So I changed them for magura louise brakes which seem to work good enough.
I´m not totally happy with my judy. I used to have a psylo xc on my last bike and I loved it. It was alot stiffer and plusher than the Judy race. I guess I´m gonna buy a Duke SL100 to replace the judy soon.
Don´t understand why people are saying that their sts 1000 are noisy. Mine is very silent. I have to say that it climbs better than my old hardtail schwinn and goes downhill like a beast. The frame is lovely and I really ain´t afraid of breaking it. I´ve gone over the bars a few times and I haven´t got even a scratch on the frame.
This is really going to be my dreambike once I change a few components!
"Flow" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Middlesex Fells | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | This bike is excellent for DH rides smooth over rough terrian, and handles great off 3-5FT drops. | | Weaknesses: | Shocks need to be a little more stiff. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose DS5000, Raliegh M60, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Judy rock shoks, Shimano LX deore shifters, cassettes, and derailleur. Monkey grip light handlebars, tooth fairy guard, rock shock super deluxe 750 rear shock, and mavic wheels, | | Bottom Line: | This bike is excellent for aggressive riding, I am 6'3" and weight 220lbs I ride this bike like a freaking maniac. So far, I have been over the handlebars twice, fell down an 8' cliff, hit a tree and have kissed the terrian many times and has not even had a flat yet. Thus so far no problems!!! For its durability, performance, and price that I payed I am giving this 5 Chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Ilic
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Oaks Fire Trail (Blue Mountains, Sydney.) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World, LAX | | Strengths: | Very quick down hill. Can ride over almost anything faster than my mates. | | Weaknesses: | Few.....squeeky lower pivot (I think). Chain suck can be nasty and gouges the aluminium frame every time. | | Similar Products Used: | 97 STS 1000 | | Bike Setup: | As standard from GT with clear spirap around rear link to protect from chain slap. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike whilst in Los Angeles for work and it has lived up to all my expectations. Not only am I the fastest down hill, but also have more energy and stamina for the up hills due to the comfy ride. I am very impressed and so are all my mates. Even though this design is over two years old now it still holds its own in performance and looks. WELL DONE GT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Estdale
a Weekend Warrior
from Dover Kent England
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Penshurst | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Activ Cycles Folkestone Kent | | Strengths: | Quality and amount of suspension travel, Weight, Durability,
Build Quality (awsome),Looks. | | Weaknesses: | Lateral stifness (rear linkidge),Nylon bushings. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stab | | Bike Setup: | XTR/XT Groupset, Rock Shox Judy 100,X-Lite
stem/saddle/finishing kit, Mavic 521 cd Ceramic Rims with Hope titainium hubs, Club roost bars and Wtb Enduroraptor tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Having ridden this bike on pretty much every terrain out there I have found the bike to be an amazing all rounder with a lean towards the freerider style (anything goes!!!).
Because I am extremely happy with this bike I am not going to replace it for the forseable future and will just upgrade component as and when required. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Caldwell
a Weekend Warrior
from Bowling Green, KY
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hamilton Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Overall travel, active suspension, adjustability | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, I have had issues with chainsuck, Rock Shox rear shock blew its wad. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DS2 | | Bike Setup: | Z1 fork, Stratos Helix Expert shock, Race Face, XTR | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike! The only issue I have had with the bike is the chainsuck I have been experiencing lately. I have replaced the chainrings, cassette and chain so let's see if that solves the problem.
The adjustability of the B/B height is a plus. I am 6' and weigh 210 lbs., and this bike is a good match for me. I run the 5" rear travel with a 4" travel Z1 and it sucks up everything. The OEM RS Super Deluxe shock was good initially (rebound and compression adjustment), but it blew its wad. I was sent a replacement but just bought a Stratos Helix Expert which changed the ride considerably (for the better).
Since it is a trunion mount shock, there are limited options for a new rear shock. The Stratos is a coil over with air spring, but I wish I could mount a true air shock. In addition, the pivot points are bushings. My choice would have been sealed bearings.
If you are looking for a great all around ride with plenty of travel and adjustability, this is for you. If you are looking for a lightweight racer, look somewhere else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Wayman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, Mi
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
don't have a favorite | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiffness, Overdesigned for strength. | | Weaknesses: |
Squeeky pivots. When this bike drops a chain it galls the bottom bracket lug. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Y, Giant hardtail, Schwinn S-20, Gt LTS I drive. | | Bike Setup: |
Bommer Z-1 Alloy, XT drive train, Mavic Crosslink wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, I ride crosscountry trails here in Michigan and this bike performs way better than needed. The suspension keeps my back from hurting the day after the ride and it does not bob up and down when seated. I would buy the bike again if it came to that. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Wilson
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Smooth as silk
No bob
stiff | | Weaknesses: |
rapidfire | | Similar Products Used: |
Jamis
Stumpjumper
K2 | | Bike Setup: |
Stock Coupe Deluxe rear with 750lb spring
Judy 100mm travel Dual Crown | | Bottom Line: | I have been a die hard hard tail racer, but our local trails have really gotten rooty and can be a real pain in the back, My wife talked me into buying this 98 GT-STS-1500-DS which was on sale for $1400 complete. Man am I glad she did. This bike is great, after a couple of adjustments I was flying down trails that use to rattle my teeth.
I get NO bobbing while seated and can spin through areas I would have to stand and coast on my Specialized M2. And as for climbing, So what if it weighs a bit more, I can stay seated and spin up the rootest climb and the bike just hooks up. My HT would bounce and slip when trying to climb rooty trails, causing loss of momentium.
Not this bike. I have ridden a few FS bikes and never really liked them, But GT's design is the best, I wish I hadn't waited so long to get one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Downhiller
from NJ
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
THis bike is the absolte bomb. | | Weaknesses: |
None, the pivots on my bike do not squeak at all. Maybe its because i use oil to lube them, it works better than grease. | | Similar Products Used: |
FSR, | | Bike Setup: |
I have XTR, A Manitou X-vert R fork, A superdelux rear shock, and a Hayes front Disc | | Bottom Line: | THis bike smokes!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Gambier, OH
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Byrne Mtn | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
surprisingly light, considering the components, climbs way better than I thought it would | | Weaknesses: |
squeaky bushings, way soft fork springs, and some other things I'll get into below. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized FSR pro
GT Team LTS
Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: |
Coupe DeLux (650 spring)
Judy XL, medium springs | | Bottom Line: | I actually have the STS 1500DS, which has cheaper components and no disk brakes. This bike was absolutely awesome out of the box. Ridiculous amounts of fun. It climbed way better than i expected (even with the front end jacked up, I was faster than on my old S-works just because I wasn't weaving everywhere). Super plush, components were cheap but they all worked well. I had initial problems with the fork being too soft. Heading down hill it bottomed out on pretty much anything, but a firm spring set remedied that and was still plenty plush to be balanced with the rear (which is wierd because I only weigh about 150).I've had some durability problems though. Besides those skinny rims causing a million flats and rolled tires every once in a while, the screw fell out of one side of the shock linkage along with the little plastic insert that the shock attaches to. I have to check with GT to see if that's under warranty. Besides that the whole bike creaks SOOOO loudly, between the BB and the Bushings. I've tried cleaning and reinstalling the cranks but they're only LX so I shouldn't be suprised they still creak.
The monstrous seat post bulged the first time I tightened it into place so now I can't lower it for downhill and technical stuff, and last, when the chain comes off it get's wedges between the small ring and the pivot and tears up the soft aluminum BB lug. I don't know if it effects the bike functionally but it hurts my soul each time it happens.I still give it 4 stars because it is SO sweet when it's working correctly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Loehr Young
a Weekend Warrior
from Athens, GA. USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Plush travel, great components, Sweet ride, Lots of adjustability, if it bobs you won't notice it, climbs well etc.... | | Weaknesses: |
Squeaky rear bushings!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
None, its my first dualie... | | Bike Setup: |
Rock Shox Super Deluxe rear, Rock Shox Judy XL front. | | Bottom Line: | I did alot of looking before I decided on this last years closeout. I did change a few of the components-Mavic X-Max wheels, put a v-brake on the front, Easton carbon monkey light bars, and a king head set round out the changes. All I can say is that I am blown away how good this bike is !! It really does do everything well! It smokes the downhills, climbs well, I don't have any trouble with tight single track either.It's not overly heavy (26lbs). I keep it in the long travel mode (5) and it is awesome !! I ride pretty hard and the frame is holding up great. I really do love this bike, the ONLY thing I don't like is the noisy, squeaky pivots. Other than that I can't find anything wrong with it !! The only reason I give it a 4 is the noise. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PAUL STAMISON
a weekend warrior
from CHANTILLY VA. USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I'VE LISTENED TO ALL THIS BAD STUFF ABOUT THE WONDERFUL THE GT STS 1000DS. WELL A FRIEND OF MINE SOLD ME A GT STS 97 I'VE BUT RIDDEN IT FOR NO MORE THEN 2MONTHS WHEN WE WENT TO WHITTAIL AND WERE INTO THE RIDE FOR 10MIN.WHEN LORD AND BEHOLD IT BROKE . IT SENT ME OVER THE BARS AND SKIDING NOSE FIRST ALL OVER THE PLACE.WELL I SURVIED BUT THE BIKE LOOK LIKE A DEAD RABBIT SO WE HUNG IT UP LIKE ONE. WELL MY BUDDY SAID TO ME DON'T WORRY IT'UNDER WARRANTY,SO WE SENT IT BACK TO GT AND I HAD MARK IN WARRANTY TAKE GOOD CARE OF ME . NOT ONLY DID I RECIEVE A 98 GT STS 1000 DS BUT A THOMSON SEAT POST AND BEARING KIT ALSO.I'M VERY PLEASED WITH THE SERVICE BUT THE PROMTNESS OF DELIVERY. HEY MARK DO YOU REMEMBER ME ??? FROM MANNASSAS AND YOU USED BIKE USA IN POTOMACMILLS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a downhiller
from NYC
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased this frame four months ago and it still performs very smoothy despite no
maintainance, a race, and 2 bad crashes. I have set it up for downhill and it performs
suprisingly well in a variety of conditions. The short top tube allows you to get back for those
steep descents. The rear end is very stiff and the same can be said for the front triangle. I
initially had some head tube creaking, but that was fixed with a few drops of lube between the
frame and headset junction. The suspension is plush compared to several other 5 travel frames.
This frame makes a great entry level downhiller or a freerider. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is to the dude that said GT's suck because they break and because GT won't warranty the frame when it does. That's bull. I broke the rear chainstay on my '96 LTS and GT replaced it in a week. I just broke my '97 STS and GT came through the same way. GT make some of the best bikes out there. If you ride hard, you might break something (this goes for any brand), but if you do, GT will make things right and fast. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike McDonald
a cross-country rider
from Gulfport, MS
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After breaking the seat tube on my 97 STS, I was given a brand new 98 STS in record time. This is the most amazing bike I have ever ridden except for one thing; it is too heavy. My 18 inch bike weighs 27 pounds with kooka cranks and full XTR components. The suspension works perfect though. I prefer the short travel mode with the shock set up very stiff. I get absolutely no pedal induced bob. I mean none. This is a great choice for anyone who has spinal injuries like myself. If it was lighter and had bushings that didn't squeek two rides after I serviced them, I would give the bike 5 chiles. As is it gets 4. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anti-GT
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike (maker) should not be on the best list.
GT's break.
GT does not stand behind their product.
I have broken frames on all 3 LTS style bikes I have owned (96 LTS 2, 97 LTS 1, and 97 STS DH). All time the GT warranty dept has been slow and unwilling to help. Don't Buy GT | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cohiba (the kamikaze dude)
a downhiller
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A few months back my 96' LTS thermoplastic frame cracked on me whilst I was overseas (what else is new!). Although it took 3 months to get here, GT sent me a 98' STS 1000DS frameset with a free Kore lite seatpost, which, in my mind, makes up for all the waiting. The difference in ride quality is quite amazing. The old design had 3 1/2 inches of travel, which in this day and age is not really enough for decent all around riding. Now, I've got a plush 5 inches of travel, which I'm still learning how to adjust (the GT has 5 different variables for suspension setting - XC or DH mode, rebound damping, compression damping, spring preload, and ride height). The frame looks a lot better than the old one, feels stiffer, but hasn't got the same level of ball-burnish on it. Overall a pretty good bike, but not so heavy you can't ride it up hills. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rafael Valdez
a cross-country rider
from Lima, Lima, Peru
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own one of this and i can tell you it's the best mtb ever made. After using an amp and several specializeds i can tell you the gt sts 1000 was made for people how want to explote the hard stuff and have a great time riding mtb. The frame is perfect and ait adjustable to whatever one want's. It's perfect for cross countr and down hill. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mental Mike
a downhiller
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After owning a Specialized C3 FSR for a very brief 2 months before the frame cracked and was recalled, I became the proud owner of a STS-1 (with a whole bunch of Specialized parts) This bike performed unbelievably with the Rock Shox Super Deluxe and Marzocchi Z1. Well, it took me almost 8 months to crack that frame. Over those 8 months, I also blew a shock. However, the performance of this bike was good enough to overlook this and the maintenance issues associated with the pivots. Now I am riding a STS1000 (with the same Specialized parts and Z1) and love the new Super Deluxe and longer travel. I am still waiting for the sealed bearing kit, and look forward to its arrival so that I no longer have to endure the taunting of my friends over the constant squeaking of the pivots. Did I mention that it is the best performing bike I have ever ridden? After all the problems I have had with the frameset and shock, I am very pleased with the service I received from GT and Rock Shox. I give the performance of the bike 5 chiles, but the maintenance and durability only 3 for an average of 4 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a cross-country rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought one of these frames used for $700, and I must say, GOOD LORD! It's a work of art. It looks so awesome and has so many adjustments. It makes my DBR V-link look like a huffy. I can't wait to build it up and ride it! Can anyone tell me how far the seatpost can go in before stopping? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alika
a weekend warrior
from Honolulu, Hi
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought a 1996 Thermoplastic LTS. The frame cracked at the head tube after 3 months of just weekend riding. GT replaced and upgraded the frame to a 97 STS-1 model. Supposedly this frame has a tighter graphite weave then the 96 versions. The rear suspension is plush in the downhill setting, why limit the bike in its XC setting? The different suspension adjustments were mind boggling at first, but allowed me to zero in on one sweet ride. This bike will hold its own against newer designs for many years to come. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a downhiller
from Northwest
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'll be quick and to the point. I bought an LTS 1000DS as my downhill race bike. I didn't even ride it until I removed the Judy XL and put on a new Rock Shox Boxxer. This bike is awesome. Total difference from my 96 LTS 2. I bought a smaller size, so climbing isn't the most comfortable, but at least I can ride it to the top instead of pushing it like most guys in this area. I raced it yesterday, it felt great. Probably would have done better had I not crashed (my fault, not the bike's). I'm going to enjoy the next couple years racing this one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T Haas
a cross-country rider
from Reston, Va
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This posting is in reference to an STS 1000DS frameset. There is no section for this frame as of
yet, so I'm putting it where somebody might read it. I purchased my frame in March of '98 and it
lasted just shy of 2 months. The new and improved head tube snapped like a twig. During an
very low speed endo, the frame broke company and is now in 2 pieces. It really suprised me
how easily the bike broke, in fact, I got up (unhurt fortunately) and just laughed, how pitiful I
was thinking. Anyway, GT was very very attentive as they 2nd day aired me a new frame.
However, I opted for the alloy LTS instead. After reading all of the reviews and asking around,
the number of broken STS stories I've heard I can't count with all of my fingers. Needless to say,
$1800 is a whole lot of money for something that failed so miserabley. Maybe I got a lemon,
then again, I wouldn't take the chance on an STS again, unless, GT could
come up with some very convincing proof as to the integrity of their thermoplastic/carbon
designs.....So, piss caution in the wind? Buy an STS!As to the LTS 1000DS? Great ride. Can't tell the differece between the two. I put up a posting
under STS 1000DS, check out my review there (currently under new reviews). GT is a great company, there rep was very cool. They back up their propaganda 110 percent and
there is no substitute for that. They will take care of you, and for that I'll keep on buying GTs.
My only gripe out of all this was, I started out looking for a bike and was going to get either an
STS or a Specialized FSR, now, I don't have either. Plus, my LTS is orange, not the exact color
I requested--I like it now, but when you're blowing a bunch of hard earned cash, you want
WHAT you want. I set out for a no-compromises bike, spent a lot of money and ended up with a
compromise. Guess that's life some times. One chili for the thermoplatic STS.Four for excellent servie from GT (except sending the wrong color).Three overall. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Gest
a weekend warrior
from Thousand Oaks, CA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My loss is your gain!!
I recently had the misfortune of cracking my aluminum bottom bracket lug on my STS-1 frame (see review of STS-1). Let's face it, aluminum will eventually fail. John J at Wheel World in Woodland Hills, CA went to bat for me and successfully warrantied my frame from GT with an STS 1000 frame. I was a little hesitant to accept the new design (A.R.C. technology) as my original frame was, in my mind, perfection. Mike G at the shop assembled my bike from the parts off my last frame (great mechanic) and here's how it worked out:
a) You'll probably need new cables since the original STS frame had internal routing - might as well finally switch over to Gore cables, less friction and zero maintenance.
b) You know that real expensive seatpost you finally bought? Time to get a new one! The seat tube is larger. GT was thoughtful and sent a new KORE LITE post with the frame. Make sure the shop cuts the seatpost for you though since the new ARC system limits how far it will go down in the seat tube.
c) GT shipped a brand new RockShox Super Deluxe rear shock to replace my old one! I don't know if this is standard practice but man was that sweet! I was ruuning a 650# spring on my old one (which inadvertantly went with my frame) but the new one came with the standard 700# spring. Which brings us to...
d) YOU NEED TO GET THE NEW BEARING KIT TO REPLACE YOUR BUSHINGS!!! I paid $90 for the kit and about another $75 for installation. It was the best upgrade I've EVER made (besides my Crossmax's)!! The new bearings make the rear unbelievably PLUSH - so much I've opted to keep the 700# spring! (I weigh 165 lbs)The Ride: Night and Day!! The new frame definitely puts you in the driver's seat for fast, rutted fireroads! The new bearing kit made the stutter-bumps disappear! I took it to gnarly singletrack and had no problems climbing the technicals and maneuvering through the switchbacks. Watch it on the tight ones though! This is the bike for the weekend warrior/downhill racing/I gotta beat my buddies every time to the truck freak!
I'm not that way... but I can see how that could be fun...
I would give six Chili's if I could! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcos Valente Ramos
a weekend warrior
from Brasilia-DF
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the STS1 on June of 97. I didn't need to switched anything, although I was advised to
switch the hubs. STS1 Bike is very beaultiful and have an agressive desing. My 19,5 weighs
28.2LB. It is not as light as I am made to believe. My hardtail weigh closer to 24lbs. Truth is it does
not matter. These bikes are well balanced and a joy to ride hard. Dollar for dollar you will not find
better bike. The frame and design can justify any upgrade you feel necessary. This bike is extremely
confortable in almost all trials types and it has a very good performance in turns, up and down hills.
| | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$
