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Submitted by
Alistair Turk
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Some Bike shop in downtown Vancouver | | Strengths: | It is funny reading these reviews as most of them reflect my experiences. I bought mine in 1997 (11 years old), and rode it across Europe and the Middle East in 1998. 8 years later, I rode across the Tibetan Plateau and the only parts that were different were the tires, chain, and brake pads. The frame has 4 dents from shipping, yet it is straight and strong. I too, painted it in black (I also wrapped it in cling-wrap and black duct-tape... thus it is pristine). However after, 10 years, I retired the frame for nostalgic sake (it is hanging in my office). | | Weaknesses: | I am not so sure about the new 2008 model... it looks more like a hybrid. I want to stick with product loyalty... so we'll see how the new generation holds up after a few modifications. | | Bike Setup: | 1997 - added front and rear racks - added side handlebars | | Bottom Line: | BEST BIKE EVER !!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Cooper
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | so long ago I forget | | Strengths: | Comfortable, durable, and indestructible. My riding buddy has gone through three bikes in the time I have had my Sedona. It freewheels faster than any other bike on a smooth grade, and no matter how heavy going the trail, it is responsive and always break-down free, comfortable and stable. I've had it for so long I can't remember. 15 years? | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | Can't justify replacing it. It will outlast me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sydney, Clarence St | | Strengths: | Steel frame with Lugs everywhere - perfect for world expeditions,
The geometry is perfect for me (tallish with long torso).
I have done well over 100,000 kms on this bike and the Alivio shifters and levers still work - amazing. | | Weaknesses: | The running gear was average quality, Wheels ordinary but single wall wheels in the mid 90s were pretty crappy. | | Similar Products Used: | - | | Bike Setup: | Mavic/Velocity rims and deore hubs, on to my 15th chain and 6th cluster. Suspension seat post, leather seat, mud guards (full length) Original brakes, forks and frame - Metro Duro slicks, It is the burgundy one with gold trim | | Bottom Line: | This has been my sole bike since 1993 and have used it touring in Asia, Middle East, Himalayas as well as city commuting with a slick setup. The occasional mtn biking too. I keep contemplating getting a new bike but I am bitten by nostalgia and the freedom that goes with a bike no one would steal. I made the right choice back then to make sure I got something with a frame to build on. It is a very light frame for its generation (double butted). Not too light obviously, as it has never dented despite being hoiked on bus tops , boats, planes and trucks. What stories that headset could tell if it could only talk. My next bike will probably be a Surly Karate Monkey or some such, but to be honest with myself, the KM really ain't much different to my beloved Sedona (discounting wheel size) for what I want it for. Why don't I spend the saved cash on some nice new parts or pants? Glad to see such fondness for the trusty Sedona in these reviews - sadly its pedigree has been downgraded as an entry level bike these days. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Collins
a Weekend Warrior
from Broken Arrow, Ok,USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Turkey Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles of Tulsa | | Strengths: | This bike is comfortable as well as durable. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found one yet. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent product!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephan Kraus
a
from Fort Meade, MD
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | none chosen yet | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | gift | | Strengths: | Very rugged. Have not had a chance to upgrade components yet, but it still has the stock ones and they are going strong. | | Weaknesses: | None noted yet. | | Bike Setup: | Stock components with the exception of the front fork. Currently using temporary MOZO C10 front shock and some free bar-ends snagged of a junker in the woods. | | Bottom Line: | This bike originally belonged to my brother. He rode it into the ground then gave it to my father who beat it into submission, but it kept going strong. I have ridden the bike off and on since its purchase and have had no problems with it. I am currently in the process of upgrading the components and hope to be able to put a 9-speed cassette on it. If anyone out there has, I could use some ideas of what type of wheel set would be the best to go for. This bike has experienced several endo's due to the accidental "oops i hit the front brake too hard", but the frame is still good as new. This would definitely be an excellent bike for a beginner all the way to expert rider. It takes a beating and keeps on kicking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Musgrave
a Weekend Warrior
from Savannah, GA USA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | So many trails so little time | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | Somewhere in Orange County CA | | Strengths: | Bike is just flat rugged. It has been used and abused from California mountain trails (when I was younger) to Michigan potholes, to the Georgia barrier islands with red dirt and loose sand... when something goes wrong, it's a minor fix and she's ready to go again. | | Weaknesses: | Biopace... the two year wonder... I should probably replace it with a more up to date shifter, but it works good enough, I guess... Awful seat (so I replaced it) | | Bottom Line: | Thought about going out and buying a new bike... just can't do it... why spend more money when this works just fine. My Nishiki and I are growing old together.
If you want a bike with little or no flash, but dependability out the old waaazooo... it's a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh White
a Racer
from Bethlehem, PA USA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | one with red dirt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Gift | | Strengths: | Handling feel that is intuitive like no other. Optional mounts not commonly available(racks, paniers, etc) to a raceworthy frame, Awsome paint job. | | Weaknesses: | Mine is a '92 and it originally came hardnosed. It had a tendency to be twitchy until I added a suspended fork. It was as if it was designed to do it, and there is no looking back. | | Similar Products Used: | 93 Yukon, Ranier, XTC(still using) | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.4 air 80mm, XTR derailleurs, Raceface Prodigy crankset, Rocket rings 46t big ring, Sun DS2 rims, Shimano Deore hydraulic discs(I added the caliper mount) | | Bottom Line: | I Got the frame with junk wheels as a gift 8 yrs ago and instantly fell in love with it because it was the first frame that fit me really well. (20.5"). I raced it within the first month of building it up and I have been upgrading and racing every year since with great results. It is the one bike that in my mind can do any and all areas of cycling. I have freeridden, XC raced against 22 lb new bikes and won, road tours all day, Light DH raced, tractored trailers and other bikers. I was in top 3 in several XC series with her this year and I crashed on a rock in the last race. It fell right on a sharp spot which dented the left seatstay in an inch (this was at 27mph on a trail mind you) and I did not notice until my friend pointed it out after the finish 7 miles later. Thats tough. I felt like my friend got shot when I found out. Fortunately I work in a restoration shop so I acquired another donor tube from a junked bike and slpiced it in, now I am taking my time doing the paint job that I had postponed for the last 2 yrs due to her being in such high demand. For now I have an XTC, and it is increddibly nimble, but the SID is always going to feel better, and more secure. The XTC is very prone to endos, a trait I do not fully trust. The SID was about the most DH competent XC setup I have yet had, and I have had a few. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kameron Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane Washington
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | the bluff | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | North Division Bike Shop | | Strengths: | completely and totally bulletproof frame! handling, lasted forever! pretty upgradeable, decent drivetrain | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals sucked really badly, pedals shouldnt be made with plastic yokes. kind of heavy (oh well) the stock Weinmann/Bontrager wheels sucked balls | | Similar Products Used: | so many bikes i cant keep track | | Bike Setup: | 96 Sedona (duh) Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Sun Rhyno Lite, Specialized BG saddle and Durango Grips... | | Bottom Line: | Oh my god this bike is tough 8 years of abuse and all it has to show is some paint scratches, which are minor to say the least, the plastic yoke pedals that came with the bike broke in the middle of a ride last year after i got serious with the bike (and after my dad gave it to me). this bike has been a champ through and through someday if i don't get a new bike its 8 speed XTR and a new fork for it. its pretty hefty at 29 to 30 pounds but a small price to pay for it being BULLETPROOF! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan [-Ry : )]
a
from San Fracisco, California USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Harveys Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Rock solid bike, no-frills, no-gimicks. One of the lightest moutain bikes I've ever had the pleasure of riding. | | Weaknesses: | 0% weakness rating | | Similar Products Used: | too many to list | | Bike Setup: | OEM -saddle & tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is friggin awesome, it's withstood the test of time, neglect and abuse, and I do mean abuse - the buger got hit by a car and did more damage to the car, surviving with only a few out of place dings. I've had this bike to ten years now and I've been riding it every single day for the past five. I've only had to take it to the show twice in my ten years of owning it, once for the car incident, and once just for a tune-up. I've used it on mountains, off-road, street, & cross-country. This thing is a monster compared to other mountain bikes, not for weight, 'cause this thing is lighter than most, but for the sheer power and ferocity it brings into play. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike TedFred
a Weekend Warrior
from DubTown Ont. Canada
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | suicide | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | some stupid shop that i bought another bike from and shouldnt have | | Strengths: | simplicity, versatility and durability | | Weaknesses: | its a '96 and ive only replaced the chain, right now lots. But id like to build it back up for the sake of nostalgia.
when new, no weaknesses...wait stock plastic cage wellgo pedals. I broke about 30 of those. But what do you do when yer just a dumb kid with no money for clipless pedals? | | Similar Products Used: | now ive got a '02 kona roast and a jamis komodo on the way | | Bike Setup: | stock stx front/rear der., shifters, hubs, brakes, crank, stock bontrager rims, rigid factory fork, panaracer smoke and dart tires | | Bottom Line: | AWESOME bike. Anyone lucky enough to have owned one back in '96 knows what I mean. I beat that bike into the ground and it came back for more. Its been sitting for a while now but with new tires, cables, bottom bracket and cranks I would be comfortable racing this bike alongside brand new rigs costing thousands more. (well maybe new v brakes too.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nariz Bola
a Racer
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Los Angeles river bed!! (in '94-99) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | Artesia Bike Shop | | Strengths: | comfortable ride, handling ability (feels solid even in 2003!), shifter set (ATX) has always been responsive, value. | | Weaknesses: | can't kill it - but what can i say? it's been nearly 10 years since i bought it and it still kicks (just bought my second bike -- a road bike). hard to let go.
the atx drive train has seen better days -- failing at times but going to have a local bike shop bring it back to life | | Similar Products Used: | nishiki pueblo (a hybrid sort of bike). since i used my sedona for urban forays, the nishiki is the closest. | | Bike Setup: | all oem set up - only changed the saddle to a terry gel saddle. everything else is o.g. | | Bottom Line: | i can't imagine anyone else finding this set of postings unless one is interested in finding out about their steed or is looking for a replacement (e.g., the bloke from south america). i found these postings because i wanted to know more about my beast and whether people have "upgraded" components to make it a worthwhile bike. well i haven't added anything, save a punctured tire and the saddle. seems that people have, in general, kept it as is, and it has stood the test of time. this is very reassuring for me. i am glad i still have it.
i have put this bike through hell and have neglected it but recently started to take it out again (been riding my new road bike). took it out on trails in santa cruz and it rose to the occassion. the chrome moly frame is heavy, but feels tight. the only thing that i can compare this bike to is my volvo 240 GL wagon - this sucker will last forever! i am bringing it in from the porch and back into the house tonight.
thanks to all of the other postings!!!! you guys rodk!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Tan
a Weekend Warrior
from VIC, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | undecided | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cash Converters | | Strengths: | Well built frame, can't say more as nike wasn't stock | | Weaknesses: | Front end has too little rake | | Similar Products Used: | Shogun SlickRock STX (current), cannondale Super V700, Various front fork Giants and Treks. | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher front hub with Mavic X221 rim, rear STX-RC hub with same rim, Tektro V-brakes, Avid 1.0 levers, Deore LX rear/STX-RC front deraileur, STX-RC bottom bracket and crankset, Rock Shox Quadra 21R front fork, Avocet O2 saddle. | | Bottom Line: | A really sweet bike I bought in the setup listed above. Previous owner must have been riding a lot on beach trails cos there was plenty of saltwater corrosion everywhere. Bought as a bargain A$190 (US $100) and completely stripped it down, sandblasted and resprayed frame green. Fully rebuilt the bike was a real dream to ride, was my first really good bike (rode some made in China iron brick b4 that). Front had too little rake and soon buggerred up my then freshly rebuilt fork. Did make the bike rock stable in a straight line which was good for commuting. Was little matter as the bike got stolen from my house soon after!! Bugger who stole it sure has a decent bike now no doubt. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from St. John's, NF, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | 12 Mile Dam | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Georges Ski World | | Strengths: | Solid, literally Bombproof frame!! The components are a very good value, Shimano STX, and hold up well. | | Weaknesses: | None that I know of! | | Bike Setup: | The bike setup is still pretty mucht he same as when I bought it back in 1993. Except for a Vetta Trishock Saddle, and a few small things, They amde a good choice when selling it withthe Orginal Panaracer Smoke and Dart. Excellent set of tires!! | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that I've had this bike for a while and it is absoloutly the best bike I have ever owned! I use it on fire roads, singletrack, downhill, X-country, in town, you name it. I've done it all with this bike and more! The bike is BOMBPROOF! Especialy with it's double butted CHRO-MOLY frame!! This year's model has been wussed out into some sort of hybrid, but the older model is deffinetly rock solid and worth the money if you can still find one. I've put it through A LOT! Lot's if direct hits and times when I thought I might have even fractured the frame but not a chance!! Anyway, the bike is a very sweet ride, The frame is ROCK SOLID and handles very well through any type of terrain you can throw at it! and I'm sure I speak for all the Sedona owners out there when I say Congradulations Giant, on a bike made very well!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pablo Estevez
a Cross Country Rider
from Argentina
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Trips | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Similar Products Used: | Scott, GT outpost trail, Specializad (all CROMO) | | Bike Setup: | Standar | | Bottom Line: | I am talking about Giat Sedona '93, the BEST CROMO frame I have ever used. I have ridden 6000 miles/year plus a Patagonia trip to Ushuaia 1500 miles trough unpavimented roads with 110 kg on it. This bike has supported more than you can imagine until a truck roll over me, she couldnt support that ;-)
I dont know why Giant has discontinued this frame.
If anyone knows where can I bought this frame (Sedona '93/'94)please let me know. I know it is allmost impossible but maybe someone has one of this over there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC USA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pipestem WV Canyon, | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | All Star Bike | | Strengths: | Weight, dependibility,versitility with slicks, only stock change was 44t but while the most fun is technical, the most miles is conversion, commuting, and as a camera mount. Most rides are commute or 90 minutes on week ends, vacattions are 10+ miles technical (but I'm cautious on downhills) to 45m plus on rail to trail conversions. I felt comfortable and in control regardless of the load I was carrying. | | Weaknesses: | Occasional problems going from mid to high chain ring but that's because of the chain ring size. Biggest weakness. Whoever took it. Going to be hard to replace. I'd consider a getting away from rigid if I was doing more downhill. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper, Trek 820 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for 44t. | | Bottom Line: | The kind of bike you can form a relationship with butno 5s because nothing is perfect.
Any suggestions on what my next bike should be? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heath
a Weekend Warrior
from Akron, Ohio
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Jim Thorpe | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | WEIGHT: One of the lightest bikes Ive ridden
STABILITY: one of the best handling and stable bikes that I have ridden
OVERALL RIDE: better than many of the higher priced bikes that I have ridden. | | Weaknesses: | NONE! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rock Hopper, Stump Jumper, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | ATX version, XT components all around, Rock Shok Judy, Ritchie Logic Pro SPD pedals, Shimano XT hubs, Panaracer Smoke and Dart tires, Performance TOPO bar ends, Rapid Fire Shifters, Performance Axiom 8.0 wireless computer
| | Bottom Line: | BOTTOM LINE? the best bike that i have owned, and I've owned a few, (rockhopper, stumpjumper) The ride is solid and control is great. the rapid fire shifters are easy to use and show much less problem than the gripshift. Smooth on all terrain and easy to control. I love the bike and have not bought a new bike for this reason. Just to prove the point a riding buddy spent some $1200 on a new Gary Fischer, had 3 flats and a busted rear derailer in the first of three rides and then rode mine on a ride and put the new bike in the basement and bought a Giant Sedona ATX.
Any rider from the light trail to the hardcore single track will get a good ride and their moneys worth out of this bike. Mine has been raced at Jim Thorpe in the Lehigh Valley of the Poconos and ridden from the everglades in Florida to Sequoia in California. Its seen Moab and Baja and never had a problem! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr Huck
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bike Setup: | spray-painted black to deter thieves, panier rack on back, the only stock part on this bike is the stem! | | Bottom Line: | Holy SH*T this bike has been through a lot. First, it carried my dad over many mountain passes in Colorado. Then my brother used it as a trials bike when he was learning the sport (19" frame - he had some learning to do yet). Now, I use it as my commuting bike. 6 times a week 40 km boy! This bike probably has more miles on it and more direct hits to the frame than all the other bikes in my family put together (okay so I exaggerate). Awesome bike (considering the price that is) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian Dixon
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Fox Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
The frame is very sturdy and light weight, very good for trials and street riding with a small frame (16). | | Weaknesses: |
The rims and canterlever brakes were a problem at first. The frame flexes at the rear brake pivots, These problems have since been replaced with Verlocity Deep V's and XT V brakes and a rear brake booster. | | Similar Products Used: |
The giant is my first good bike, my next consideration is either a Specked, AZONIC slalom frame or a Kona Chute | | Bike Setup: |
The set up of the Giant is STX-RC mainly throughout, XT V brakes, Cyclone cranks, LX Bottom bracket,
Deep V rims, Fat 2.3 Tioga tyres, Rock Shox Judy SL,Club Roost DH Bars and OURY grips. | | Bottom Line: | The bike has survived my abuse, accept for a few up-grades, ie brakes, rims and shocks I have had little trouble with the bike accept for the old rims tarcoing. A very well priced bike but the specs could have been better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A!
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Annandale Power Lines | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Bombproof frame, literally I think. | | Weaknesses: |
the crappy stock wheelset. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized-HardRock, Stumpjumper
Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: |
STX, LX all around stock (then)
XT hubs, brakes, bontrager mustang rims, XTR HS, Ritchey clipless | | Bottom Line: | I'm a 6'6 250 pound rider. I got a 97 at the end of the season for $400. The frame felt the best of all the bikes I tried in my size, stiff, zero flex. It's a great urban ATB bike, with great road feel as well. in the dirt it used to feel great, the wheels flexed so much I think I had a little bit of improv suspension ;-) Got new bontrager mustangs, and that bit of softness is now gone. I'll be getting a fork, and upgrading the rest of the components as they snap, and as the credit card permits, but I think this is going to be my daily driver for a long time. It's got a 5 because I haven't been able to dent it, yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Los Gatos Creek Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Reasonably light-durable frame, good components for the price | | Weaknesses: |
none really- unless you count lack of a front suspension | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 820/920/930,
Rockhopper/RH FS,
Hardrock, Schwinn, Jamis | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike at a very good price. I was able to find a '97 still available in summer of '98. STX-RC front and back, excellent tires, sturdy, comfortable ride but still rather light (sub 27 lbs.) Chromo frame. List price was $530 I got it for a little over $400 ... I ride a mix of roads/fire roads and trails-all with no problem. This bike does well on dirt as well as the road - have done Wilder Ranch and Hiway 9 to Felton recently. Be aware: Giant seems to have remade the current Giant Sedona into a hybrid/mtn bike- but if you can find an older (real mtn bike) model I'd recommend it!(P.S. - if you are in the mood for some laughs, read the Huffy reviews, I laughed so hard I almost cried!!) | | Overall Rating: |
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