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Submitted by
ruslt
a Weekend Warrior
from Atl, Ga
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bull Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Used/Second Year | | Strengths: | SOLID frame!!! | | Weaknesses: | Head set, Stem, Brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rainer, Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Rock shox Judy XC Fork, Titec Stem, Titec Riser Bar, Titec Seat Post, Bontrager Revolt SS Tires , WTB Speed V Gel Seat, STX components, V Brakes, Mavic rims | | Bottom Line: | I bought it in 99 second hand from a guy my mom knew who bought it and never rode it. It still had the tits on the orignal tires. I rode this thing hard. I had to upgrade from the rigid front fork after an up close meeting with a stump. The Rock Shox Judy XC has done a great job. The stem mounting bolt broke after a month or so and im now on I think my 3rd stem. I have went through too many sets of tires to mention. I just put on my 4th seat. I still have the orignal STX components. I do need to replace them now as Im having some shift issues. Im dreading the day when I have to get a new bike. This has been the best! I may even look for a used Pantera if mine ever kicks the bucket. I imagine you can get one real cheap now. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JIm Mann
a Weekend Warrior
from Endicott, NY
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | NEPA rails to trails | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Babcocks Bikes | | Strengths: | Indestructable frame. I really like the stiff ride. Very durable product. I can't remember when I purchased it, but it had to be the very early nineties. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can think of. I don't think it is heavy compared to other bikes I have been on in that price range | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Diamondback, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Still has original SunTour equipment. Upgraded to Manitou shocks. Riding on at least the fourth set of wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I have been on newer and lighter bikes, but can't see buying a new one as long as my old GT still runs like a champ. I would purchase a used Pantera over a new bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew BUrtt
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Chuckies Skates | | Strengths: | Triple Triangle Frame, wicked orange colour | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavier than I wanted, but with component upgrades I compensated somewhat! | | Similar Products Used: | Rek, Marin, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Full set shimano XTR front to back deraileuar and brakes sets(installed after purchase), WTB VelociRaptor tires on Mavic Rims (can't remember model), then I had purple anodized cable ends, brake levers, shift levers, cranks and pedals (looked slik as well as performed) | | Bottom Line: | It was by far my favourite bike, unfortunately I sold it with plans to upgrade the following season... ended up 6 yrs before purchasing again... still regret selling that bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham King
a Cross Country Rider
from Nantucket, MA USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The Triple triangle frame design | | Weaknesses: | Mine was an early edition that had "U" brakes only.
Also is a heavy bike. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE!! | | Bike Setup: | Monkey bars 27 speed up grade grip shift PSYCHO tires DiComp 990 rear U brake | | Bottom Line: | The best mountain bike I have ever owned. It was stolen 3 times, I got it back 2 of the three times. I rode it in 4 diffrent states over a period of 4 years and literally thousands of miles! Thanks to ebay I was able to replace it almost exactly, this time with "V" brakes!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
donald nuccio
a Cross Country Rider
from yamato, japan
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | hakone mountains | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Robbie's Bike Shop in Stockton, CA | | Strengths: | The frame is so solid, one of the strongest designs in the history of biking | | Weaknesses: | It is a tank, pretty heavy I mean graphite was a concept when this baby was hot in the showroom | | Similar Products Used: | first mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | complete deore group with front/rear blackburn racks and a full set of bags. Like say, I wasnot aggressive, just liked to tour. | | Bottom Line: | You know I ofter think about getting a new bike because this one is 15 years old. I crashed so hard I have been bruised, scratched, rolled up, ets. and one one occasion had to get sewn up. The frame however still remains solid. Been through 3 sets of wheels, 2 lower brackets, three sets of gear, and you't think I own stock in rubber because of all ot the road I chewed my tires up with, but hey rubber doesn't really count.
Like say, it is my first real mountain but set up for touring and that first bike is like your first of anything elst, it sticks. I have een he nae for 11 years and takenis on 3 cruises. I has been all overn the world; Japan (currently reside and too many cities/places to list), Okinawa, Hokkaido, Seoul, Baharain; UAE; Kuwait City; Pago Pago, O'ahu, Hawai'i, New Calodonia, Bunbury, Perth, Darwin, Cairns, Gellong, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville (I love those last 6 places), Guam, Saipan, Vladivostok, Shanghai and of course all over the US, espicially my greate home state of CA. I take it on almost every short cruise and all of my long cruises. After 2 years of sea time, these ports all over the Pacific have been ridden.
I am about to do a complete rebuild because it is still cheaper than getting a new bike. But it is still like new regardless. The only drag is that it's a hard tail. When it is finally, dead, stolen, broken, burned up or in some other foorm decinigrated, then I'll go with a full suspension, until then................nah, I'm stickin' with my ol' Pantera just fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Petchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Eagle track | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | from a mate | | Strengths: | Awesome strength, I've given this frame a beating over the last 13 years on road and off. Stiff as rigor mortus. | | Weaknesses: | She's a heavy old girl. Canter lever brake mounts (well she is old) | | Similar Products Used: | ???? they don't make frames like this anymore! | | Bike Setup: | Only thing original is the front derailer and the frame. Currently running knesis forks, deore hydros (had a bracket made to mount the rear brake), LX running gear | | Bottom Line: | I love this old girl, bought it of a mate back in 92 or 93, can't remember. She's seen half the world with me on my travels and about 4 years of bicycle couriering. I reckon I've done about a 100,000+ km on her. She's seen 3 sets of wheels, 4 rear derailers, 2 sets of cranks, 4 44 tooth chain rings, 7 or 8 cassettes and chains, 2 seats and posts, and god knows how many tires.
She spent 2 years hanging in the back shed in a sad state. She got stolen once and returned (Bit stupid to steal a bright orange/red bike that every courier reconises). She's been through rain, shine, mud and dust. No one builds frames like this anymore, I hope she'll out live me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ghosttown | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | local cycle shop | | Strengths: | Frame is indestructible. The bike's been in three crashes--the last one, I was hit by a car. The frame remains solid. | | Weaknesses: | None I can list. | | Bike Setup: | Every component has been replaced two-three--four times. Current set-up is mostly Deore. | | Bottom Line: | I have put this bike through everything, 3000 miles a year for the past eight years. It's a great ride, climbs well, and has never let me down.It handles well on and off road, but is at its best on an all day ride. The frame alone was worth the money I've put into it. Get a Pantera, if there are still any around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Thompson
a
from Norwalk, CT
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Urban Jungle | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Smart Cycle | | Strengths: | Very strong and durable. We have used these as Police Mountain Bikes for 9 years. They hold up very well. Rear rings replaced after about 9 years of abuse.
Handles great! | | Weaknesses: | Came with solid fork. ( Department was too cheap) Hard ride but bullet proof. I am FINALLY getting front suspension this week. | | Similar Products Used: | We have 15 GT's and have replaced some with Fuji's | | Bike Setup: | Stock set up with Police add-ons (head lamp, rear rack, flashers front and back, equipment bag- lots of extra weight and no failures other than flat tires. | | Bottom Line: | I am 6'3" and 200lbs+ and I ride this bike mostly on the streets and pathways. Every surface imaginable. Lots of curbs, cars, rocks and glass. If it holds up the to pounding I give it in the city- it will do well on the trails.
This frame is rock solid! I like it so much I bought one for me. Would be great for a build up project! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ut
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | used from friend 6 years ago | | Strengths: | Even though I have several much nicer bikes, my GT Pantera gets more use than anything I own. I bought this used from a friend with all the old crappy components and have switched everything out to XT/Sram 9.0sl and a Marzocchi Xfly 80mm fork. I think that the durability of this frame is what makes it stand out. Even thought it's not the lightest, you just never worry about it. I am going to keep riding this bike and continue to upgrade it until it dies; hopefully never. | | Weaknesses: | Flexy seat stays - original componentry sucks - even though the seat/top height are perfect for me, the top tube is a little short | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel100, Trek liquid 30, Santa Cruz Chameleon (single speed), a bunch of road bikes | | Bike Setup: | Pantera frame - XT cranks, BB, frt.der. and brakes - Sram 9.0sl twisters and rear der. - XT hubs with Mavic 517's - Marzocchi X-fly 80mm fork - Ritchey post, stem and bars with a Flite saddle | | Bottom Line: | This was my first real mtb and it is still my favorite bike. There is something special about your first nice bike and when you personalize with all of your favorite componentry, you never want to get rid of it. For a relatively inexpensive frame, it is absolutely indestructible and worry free. I ride this everywhere from around town to really technical and difficult trails and it handles everything I throw at it. The weight penalty is well worth the added durability and it is stiff enough that it climbs great, particularily out of the saddle. When you stomp on it, it goes without the frame flexing on you. I added a Salsa brake booster to the rear end and it has taken care of the flexy brake boss problem. If you find one of these frames for a reasonable price, get it and ride it forever. Mine may become a single speed at some point in the future. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Abrams
a Racer
from Glendale Az USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ceder Point Nature Trail Ny L.I. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Rocky Point Cycles | | Strengths: | This frame is sick. I've met guys who have scoffed at the tri-angle thoery, saying it weighs to much, but when we compared my $800 bike to there 2000+ ride, the weight was negligble. Now, it does help that i completely replaced the entire group with xtr. | | Weaknesses: | It's been a while, but i can remember that the bike came originally equiped with an stx rc package. I didnt care for it, becaus the brake levers and shifters were molded from into one component. It's a 21 speed, equiped with a heavey steel cluster. Needless to say, i had to ditch that and go Ti. | | Bike Setup: | Xtr: V brakes, Rear derailer, Levers and shifters. Stx Rc crank. Standard Shimano steel bottom bracket. Tioga Head Set. Rock Shox Rc. Specialized Ergo Seat. GT Seat Post.
Kore stem. Nuke Proof Atomic Hubs, Xtr 24speed casset, Look clipless pedals. Mavic 521 orange rims. | | Bottom Line: | This Frame, is to stay. I'll lose the components and rebuild this bike from scratch just to hold onto this beaut. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Abrams
a Racer
from Glendale Az USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ceder Point Nature Trail Ny L.I. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Rocky Point Cycles | | Strengths: | This frame is sick. I've met guys who have scoffed at the tri-angle thoery, saying it weighs to much, but when we compared my $800 bike to there 2000+ ride, the weight was negligble. Now, it does help that i completely replaced the entire group with xtr. | | Weaknesses: | It's been a while, but i can remember that the bike came originally equiped with an stx rc package. I didnt care for it, becaus the brake levers and shifters were molded from into one component. It's a 21 speed, equiped with a heavey steel cluster. Needless to say, i had to ditch that and go Ti. | | Bike Setup: | Xtr: V brakes, Rear derailer, Levers and shifters. Stx Rc crank. Standard Shimano steel bottom bracket. Tioga Head Set. Rock Shox Rc. Specialized Ergo Seat. GT Seat Post.
Kore stem. Nuke Proof Atomic Hubs, Xtr 24speed casset, Look clipless pedals. Mavic 521 orange rims. | | Bottom Line: | This Frame, is to stay. I'll lose the components and rebuild this bike from scratch just to hold onto this beaut. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from BFE, IL
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | singletrack, local stuff | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | handles great, stiff, solid, great looking welds, 10+ years old and still going | | Weaknesses: | a little heavier than some, funny color | | Similar Products Used: | Mesa GS, Outpost, Custom Marin, BMX cruisers | | Bike Setup: | riser bars, LX cranks, original rigid fork,suntour XC derailleurs, original front canti's and rear u-brakes | | Bottom Line: | I bought this thing used 4 years ago (for a beater) and it was old then. Heck, it has a u-brake on the rear. Anyway, I've ridden trails, dirt jumps, some urban, etc, and I cannot kill this thing. I've roasted some parts, but the frame and fork are nearly indestructible. I recently put 38mm semi-slicks on it and it now has new lease on life as a commuter/touring rig. I thought about selling it at one point, but now I think I'll keep it just to see how long it will go. Four-point-five big honkin chili's. Five if you can stand the funky orange color . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Gold
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, Cali
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Magic Carpet...today | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$432.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokesman, SC (consign) | | Strengths: | Frankly...its light.lookat GT Alum weights..there impressive.3.3 I think. Climbs well(short drivetrain?), anyway, solid for the price is the major strength | | Weaknesses: | For 400, not many worth discussing. solid CC and takes the hard stuff well. (Specialized FSR) on a radially laced from wheel. Kinda scary with the carbon legs. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Xt.rder, XTR fder, XT vbrk, FSX (Ti set w/ carbon leags),clipless | | Bottom Line: | Still discovering but if you can get a hold of one of these for 50-100 for the frame of your size, buy it and build really light...it'll turn out as a studly CC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cam
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Welly | | Bottom Line: | Had the Pantera for 10 years now. It's a rock solid beast machine that I just can't seem to break. Time for a full suspension now though.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Arrow Head CA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | North Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Oceacyclery | | Strengths: | This Bike is the Best for tech down hills and up. I have invested the $ for XTR to save weight from the the STX that came on it. I rode the bike for 8 years with out a hitch. Over 40,000 Miles I can't remember how many computers I replaced! | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar, GT Backwoods, Trek 830 | | Bike Setup: | XTRthrough out Dean TI seat post, Mavic 517 SUP CER Wheelset with 14 Gau spokes(Bomb proof) SACH chain, Alum Headlebar. | | Bottom Line: | I loved this bike!! I am writing this to give my bike final tribute to what it gave me through out my life time. If any one has a 1994 Patera Gt Please email me. darren@cliffhanger.com .I miss that bike! I have replace it with a Cannondale F3000sl 03 the only way to go! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
indefinite
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mt Wilson | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Very durable and bullet proof frame. STX-RC still going good after 5 yrs. Rock Shox Quad still going good. Cantilever brakes still good. | | Weaknesses: | had to change shifter and stuffs to change the front cantilever brake to V-brake. 21 speed. | | Bike Setup: | Kore stem, rock shox quad, stx-rc, profile FR riser | | Bottom Line: | bought this bike in 9/1997. Bike and components still going good and strong. will definitely recommend anyone to buy this used bike. had used this bike on very technical rides. 21 speed but i climbed the hill still with ease, but a 27 spd will be better.
now i have a Giant AC Air, so this bike will be in my garage. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy Burrows
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Beach VA U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Waller Mill Virgina | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Conti's Bikes of Virginia Beach | | Strengths: | The frame is bullet proof, and suits me very well on technical trails. The Components have lasted since 97 without missing a beat, but the punishment has also been limited to road riding and weekend trail riding. Only recently have I began to thrash, but the parts are still going strong | | Weaknesses: | You get what you pay for, there really are no great weakness's, the components handle what they were designed for. I do wish the Shifters and Brakes would have been separate components rather than the one piece STX installed on the Pantera, upgrading becomes a tad bit more costly as you have to replace more than one component to add new brakes. The Cantelever brakes work ok but again, I would have preferred installed V brakes to allow acceptance of a set of shocks for the front. To istall a set of Rock Shox requires installing a new set of shifters, brakes and brake levers. | | Similar Products Used: | Panasonic MTB (learner bike) | | Bike Setup: | Currently retains all STX components, (not bad for a 97) but sitting ready for installation is a pair of AVID Arch Rival V Brakes with SD-7 Levers, STX-RC Shifters, Rock Shox Judy SL, with further improvemtns planned. | | Bottom Line: | THe bike is outstanding, I have been riding on the STX stuff now every weekend on local racing tracks around Virginia and it is still going well with proper maintenance, the frame is the strong point, I will upgrade this frame with new components until it blows up under me, I love the frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick carleton
a Cross Country Rider
from ny
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | brother | | Strengths: | i ride the crap out of it and the frma seems to be indestructable. not too heavy for the age (it must be almost 5 yrs now. i race this bike and will keep it until the frame is on pieces. love it! | | Weaknesses: | had to replace EVERY SINGE COMPONENT on it, i'm not kidding, the frame is the only original part. broke the shock, headset sux, rims suck, can't say enough bad things about the components. now that i spent over 1500 upgrading it, i'm gonna keep it | | Similar Products Used: | almost every montain bike out there | | Bike Setup: | air shocks, egg beater pedals, cane creek wam rims, all shimano xt components (or better), kore handebars, race-face chain rings, new break set-up. | | Bottom Line: | awesome frame, components ok for the week-ender. i've broken a few bones on this bike and its still holding up. don't buy to race unless your willing to upgrade everything | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | VICMTB | | Strengths: | Frame geometry, stiffness and responsiveness equals strong frame that goes hard. Climbs like you wouldnt believe. | | Weaknesses: | Components were ok for the money paid but the frame certainly deserves better. Wheels built from the factory are crap (mavic 221). Wheels will probably be the first replacement. | | Similar Products Used: | Ridden one or two hardtails since and demo'ed giant xtc nrs1 but nothing comes close. | | Bike Setup: | 1998 intern'l version that came with indy xc's | | Bottom Line: | This was my first (proper) mtb and hopefully there is still plenty left in it. I think ive replaced everything on it at least once (except for the stem and shifters) but after 40,000 km or so this is to be expected. Frame has stood up to more than i care to mention... it started out as my weekend, ride anywhere, mtb as much as possible sort of bike, then some xc racing and now mostly commuting to and from work and as a result it has been involved in numerous collisions with trees, cars, dirt and the occasional pedestrian and it just keeps going. Im 6ft which seems to suit the medium frame size pretty well... if I had a frame made specifically for me, they would come up with THIS frame. I cannot recommend this bike enough for its price. For those worried about weight, give me one stronger bike that lasts the distance over 2 lighter bikes that don't anyday - just get stronger legs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paulo Rasera
a Weekend Warrior
from Bento Gonçalves RS BRASIL
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | DH da Eulália | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | CXS | | Strengths: | The f****** frame is bullet proof! I never see an aluminum frame like this. Its very rigid and its good even for downhill | | Weaknesses: | The group its not the best for its frame...it needs to be an deore lx | | Similar Products Used: | Caloi Aluminum (Braziliam) piece of crap! | | Bike Setup: | all deore lx | | Bottom Line: | If you need a bike to start no compete in xc races, thats it. Or if you are en entry level free rider or downhiller, the frame it´s bombproof! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Bombproof frame. Great looks. | | Weaknesses: | Poor wheelset (Alivio hubs!) A few corners cut with componentry. Awful grips. Seat rails bent on 1st ride (I only weigh 150 lbs). Front Mech (STXRC) rattled about. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Velocity deep V front, Mavic 121CD rear, LX hubs. XT rear mech. DMR speedguide with 38T chainring. Azonic WorldForce bars, Red DX V-brakes. 96 Judys. | | Bottom Line: | A fantastic ride, the bike feels indestructible. Especially good on fast, technical downhills. Haven't tried to climb on it. Probably too heavy.
Not great for jumping (mine's too large for a start (18")).
Buy it if you like a good thrash through the woods. The frame is great but it's well worth upgrading the componentry (buy the Avalanche, but the colour is not as nice).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff testa
a Weekend Warrior
from fort smith ar usa
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | behind fianna-locals know | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycles etc. | | Strengths: | fells tight on trail, great climber, strong frame. | | Weaknesses: | componet group when new, upgraded everthing but the handlebar and stem. the bike deserved a better set up new. mabey i am a little biased | | Similar Products Used: | trek, schwinn, both lower end bikes the schwinn was a fs bike suited more for downhill, weighed a ton!!! | | Bike Setup: | xtr, raceface,judy sl, mavic wheels, scott pedals | | Bottom Line: | i hope this bike lasts forever, it sure has been a good one so far. the frame is the most important to me, everything else can be replaced, hopefully not to often. if i do decide to buy another bike it will be a zaskar | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Falcon
a Cross Country Rider
from New Bedford, MA. USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$825.00 | | Purchased At: | through MASS buying power | | Strengths: | Climbing and responsive ride. | | Weaknesses: | The parts originally spec'd with the bike. Right from the start I had them replace the cheap RS in favor of the Manitou Mach5 sx. | | Similar Products Used: | First mtb. I have ridden a Steel Kona and a Pro-Flex. | | Bike Setup: | Currently, I have a Manitou SX-r, Tektro V Brakes, Time ATACs, Mavic D521 rims, XTR hubs, XT derailur, and it now has 8speeds, by SRAM. | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'2" @ 200 and enjoy a good climb. If you need the lightest thing out there, look else where. This bike is not for everyone(reason for only 4 peppers on the overall rating). If you're like me and don't need to buy a bike every 2 years, then get this frame/bike. And unlike some really expensive Ti frames, this frame comes with a breakaway derailer hanger. You snap it, you pay 10 bucks, you replace it, you continue to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scorch
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Strengths: | almost indestructible
good xcountry geometry | | Weaknesses: | the stock parts except for the stem and the headset | | Bike Setup: | raceface cranks & rings, blackspire guard, judy c fork, club roost riser bar, wtb saddle, bontrager seatpost, avid 2.0 vbrakes and levers, sun rhyno lite rear rim, raceface bb | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a 95 model and I bought it in 96 on clearance. Best thing I've ever bought. I dented the downtube on a concrete ledge recently but that's all I've had to worry about. Climbing is not that great out of the saddle. The rear tire doesn't stick well. the stx cranks weighed like boulders. It was prime for upgrades when i took it off the floor. Frame is excellent as usual from GT.
I use it for urban assault, trials and free riding w/o disc brakes though. Which sux. There's a little flex in the stays but doesn't bother me. I'm still on the stock STX hubs and I've only serviced them once. I also have the stock stem, front rim, and the headset. They don't need replacing at all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry(Young&Wild) Ecklund
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City Ut./So. MPLS Mn.
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Upper Sweeney Switchbacks | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Northern Lights,Virgina Mn./Closed | | Strengths: | If only my woman was as respondsive as my GT Pantara,[Dream a little dream!]The frame is the heart of this raped-ape.I was considering a moab[Sounds like I was on drugs-Hah?]When one day I was "BRO-ING"down with bro Cory O,And he remarked that if you put the "General Trash"and the schwin in a fight the General Trash would be spitting chunks of alluminum out in a matter of seconds![Gee Cory,you really think so?][This from a guy who used to ride a Homegrown,Later moving on to a 4-banger[Now we know who was on drugs.]Best riged frame I ever rode,[But I'd like to try the Zaskar-with disc's.Maybe I will if I ever manage to bust my Pantara.[Can't see it happening anytime soon.] | | Weaknesses: | Unfortunately,the"Out of the box"version leaves alot to be desired.The next spring after I got my bike,came the advent of V-brakes[Wich I noticed on the Outpost Trail I bought for my"At the time"girlfriend.[Side-walk riding Tramp]So back to the cantalever brakes,[swap them out first thing.]then the pedds,[Gotta have clipless and shoes!]The Chromo fork was also a shortcoming from my posion in the saddle.[It's like a jeep wrangler with the 4-banger motor,Leaves alot to be desired-But very fixable and easy to do.] | | Similar Products Used: | Tried alot of ridged's thinking of getting of the jet black-gold logoed[bordered with red]Pantara and just recently I've came to the conclusion that I'm gona keep this one and get a I-Drive for those day's I want to act insane! | | Bike Setup: | Where Do I Start?I 1st went up-grading the brakes[U gotta stop!]deoreXT V-brakes.Then the saddle[Vetta]mounted on a[should be OEM]Rock-shox seat post[Mines red and makes the bike very plush]Put gervin titanium pedds,[Had specalized Comp shoes]Now I ride'm with these cleated cannondale mountian-style hi-tops,[There so choice!]I miss the silent clutch-hub[Still got it.]But with the Spinergy's[Carbon-Fiber-Mags]There's no choices there.That Chromo fork went long before the toe-cliped peds,Rock-Shox Indy XC taking the brutt of the punishment up front.[Should've put more fork up their is the way I feel now!]On my third Head-Set[ACT,in red this time]but whose counting?Currently I'm in the process of getting a new crank,[Xtr is my intention]Then I'd like to get the last of the STX gone[Probably go the Deore XT Goodies]for derailures.My ride is every-bit"SHOW&GO,GOING,GONE!" | | Bottom Line: | "BEST BIKE I'VE EVER OWNED![yet any how] | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a Cross Country Rider
from Annandale, VA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Flagpole Knob/Reddish Knob | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Climbs like a rocky mountain goat on crack! This is my second mtn bike. I will only ride GT bikes, their frame geometry is awesome for climbing. Gotta love that Triple Triangle! | | Weaknesses: | None. Well, it is Series 7000 aluminum, the Zaskar which is Series 6000 is probably stiffer. If this frame ever gives out I will buy a Zaskar frame. | | Similar Products Used: | First bike was a GT Timberline | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace Cranks w/rings, Palmer FSTi fork, XT drivetrain, LX controls | | Bottom Line: | My bike is a '94 Pantera AL, midnight blue (looks purple if you ask me). Bought this bike in '95. Rode it stock (STX) for three years. Wanted to get a new bike as my skills had developed, but I love the frame, so over the last two years I have upgraded just about all components, save for the saddle and handlebar.
I don't think GT makes this bike anymore, I just wanted let everyone know that my old bike still kicks a s s! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jono Haycock
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
The Frame is f***ing great. I've had it for 2 years now (97-99) and it has never failed me. I've snapped enough bottom brackets and i thought that would screw up the BB area but the frame was stil in top knick. | | Weaknesses: |
Gt should have specked this bike with better components, tyres, wheels, handlebars, seat, cranks, rims and especially the fork. The Indy XC's are just pathetic. I've got a Long travel kit in their and some Plush plus springs and the fork nearly pops out o it's sockets when you jump and the fork isn't resposive at all. But once you've changed it all, it's a kick arse bike! | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
Sun Ryno lite rims, IRC Kujo DH's and IRC Elgato, Azonic Risers, Azonic Shorty stem, LX/XT components, Rockring, FSA chainrings, Indy XC, Mr. Control Brake Boosters, Mongoose BMX plaforms/Shimano PD-M545 clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Gt make great frames, But can't really spec their bikes well. I'v changed nearly every single component and now it is the sickest bike ever. I mainly ride Trials and Dual Slalom and the bike takes like you could not believe. Even though i've screwed heaps of parts i'm sticking with this frame as long as I can. I'm giving it 5 out 5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Racer
from Glendale AZ
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Every thing | | Weaknesses: |
Hair pin turns | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona Trek | | Bike Setup: |
Rock Shox Indy XC, Scott Bar ends, C4 clipless | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy McClure
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Dirt Ones | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Indestructible, inexpensive, wicked looking BB finish and triple triangle construction. | | Weaknesses: |
Stock headset, cranks, rigid fork, cheapo seatpost and old cantilever brakes | | Bike Setup: |
LX/XT, '99 Judy XC, Kalloy seatpost, Sun Sub IVs, Velociraptor 44/50s, 535 pedals, Race Face realseal headset, LX V-brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I bought my Pantera in 1996 and have replaced every component except the saddle. The stock seatpost is crummy (mine bent after a year) the stock headset and STX cranks are kind of lame also, but for US $600 you'd be hard pressed to find a better ride. It's still my only MTB, and other riders ask me about it wherever I ride. I bought a size smaller than I should have (16 for my 5'10 frame), but that's fine for me as I like a more BMX-ish ride. If this thing ever breaks, I'll upgrade to a zaskar but I doubt that that's going to happen! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Racer
from CT
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
gypsy moth | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
awesome strength, it stands up to sick 5 foot drop offs, head on crashes with trees and headers off of picnic tables | | Weaknesses: |
|
$ 789.00
