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Submitted by
Daniel Berzen
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Three Stages | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | From Friend | | Strengths: | Very solid frame, very light, aluminum. Genius triple triangle design, nice paint job on the frame. Well priced bike in stores. The tires that come with the bike are very nice, and the brakes are quite responsive. | | Weaknesses: | The fork leaves a little to be desired, the RockShock Q21 that came stock with mine is way outdated and is soon to be replaced with a bomber. Pedals were replaced with nice Ritchey clipless. And handlebar is to be replaced, but thats my own fault. | | Similar Products Used: | A few Trek bikes, specialized rockhopper pro bares a striking resemblance to the richochet. | | Bike Setup: | GT Richochet frame, Rockshock Q21 fork, Shimano system, specialized tires. Easton handlebar, italia seat. | | Bottom Line: | The weight of the bike is unbelievable light for a bike form its time, and the brakes are very good. But the weight basically saved my life as i went 25km/h head on into a tree. If I was riding a heavier bike, I would have suffered neck damage. This bike can take a lickin and keep on tickin. A true legend of its time. Good bike for downhill riders, at least thats what I find its best for. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aaron
a
from pleasanton, california
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | this bike, even though fitted now with a five-inch marzzochi fork, has great handling. the size is perfect for me, and it has stayed solid for a good three years of solid trashing. it still has many good years left in it! | | Weaknesses: | it doesn't have a rear disc brake mount, but what con you expect from a frame produced before disc brakes were made popular? so this is not really a legit complaint | | Bike Setup: | i have completely rebuilt this bike as a bike perfectly outfitted to the way i like it. fork- marzzochi z1 mcr, wheels- shimano xt disc hubs, rhyno lite rims, shifter/derailur- sram 9.0 composite, cranks- raceface prodigy xc | | Bottom Line: | amazing bike for a hardtail enthusiast on a budget. go for it if you don't do huge drops! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Cole
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | off a mate | | Strengths: | nice paint job, strong frame | | Weaknesses: | everything apart from the frame | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Gringo | | Bike Setup: | Ricochet frame, 24Seven Stem, DMR WingBars, XT 8sp shifter, LX rearmech, Mavics d521s laced to XT hubs, MutanoRaptor 2.4 tyres, cro-mo fork off a Trek Bruiser, Gusset Pygmy cro-mo 3pc cranks, 40T single chain disc | | Bottom Line: | after buying this off a mate (he replaced it with a Trek Fuel), I pretty much replaced everything. In fact all that remains is the headset and the seat post. The frame's nice and burly and I've converted it into a nice BSX/street bike. Went a bit overboard as it was intended for use as a second/commute bike, but the bits I've put on it make me nervous leaving it locked up, which was the piont of having it.
I have compromised the geometry with the fork, which mimics a 100mm sus fork, rather than the 60mm (or less) ancient Rock Shock I took off it, but not too evilly. Overall it's a nice little sprinter, but because of the fork lacks the nimbleness of my other bike, an Orange Gringo. At some point the I will buy a proper cro-mo frame like a DMR, Curtis or Cove Stiffee, or perhaps a solid one like the Orange Misle, and put all the bits from this bike on that, and rebuild the Ricochet with the bits I took off it, and have a proper commute bike
I'm an idiot | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairhaven, MA, United States
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Old Faithful, Freetown State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Peddler | | Strengths: | ~beefy frame that can take alot of abuse,
~relatively inexpensive parts specs so they are cheap to replace or upgrade (if you want to pay more for a component that is a little lighter but does the exact same thing),
~great gripping tires,
| | Weaknesses: | ~fork is lacking especially in the winter when the elastomers freeze
~getting a little hard to find replacements for the cassette since it is a 21 speed bike, after the nipples started pulling through the rims i had to purchase a 9 speed wheel and get a spacer with a 7 speed cassette
~geometry a little too hunched over but nothing that a riser bar can't fix | | Bike Setup: | stock except for clipless pedals, riser bar, 9 speed wheelset, and some replaced components from wear and tear | | Bottom Line: | good for a beginner or a rider that wants a strong bike and likes to ride rocky trails and doesn't mind a little heavier bike and a few bumps here and there | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter a
a Racer
from Maine
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | gimp* | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Allspeed | | Strengths: | The bike s great for beginners but the shock and components are only good for begginners who wont give it a lot of abuse. great breaks | | Weaknesses: | Indys, shimano platforms, cheap bottom bracket, bad components. | | Similar Products Used: | rainer,caldera,nuna | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | good for a recrational rider who doesnt abuse there bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Casey
a Racer
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anderson | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Kessler's | | Strengths: | Good frame, great tires, clipless pedals | | Weaknesses: | Terrible fork, generic stem | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820, Cannondale F700, ProFlex, Schwinn Rocket 88...a little of everything | | Bike Setup: | Rebound Frame, WTB Velocirapto tires, Tioga headset, Ritchey Expert stem, WTB saddle, Stx-RC F&R Derailleurs, Scott clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | A very good bike for the money. I race colleigate XC and DS, and am very happy with the bike. The only big complaint is te fork, which will bottom out with hard pedaling, breaking, drops, jumping up or down curbs, etc. I only weigh 160, and shouldn't have this problem.
For what I paid, this bike can't be beat. I plan on upgrading many of the components, but its a very nice bike off the floor. Excellent for anyone without much money. (me)
I plan on putting a Chris King headset, LX cranks, new wheels, and a different fork on it as I have the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jaimes
a Weekend Warrior
from walla walla wa
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything with tight singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | bombproof frame, good component package, killer price, nice looks (flat black), feels quick even though a bit heavy | | Weaknesses: | indy C fork is garbage, kore litebar is a bit weak, cheap pedals, poor headset quality | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper, | | Bike Setup: | time atac carbons, manitou sx-r, azonics riser, cane creek c-2 | | Bottom Line: | great bike, but replace the whole front end. fork, handlebar, and headset all went out way too soon. I bought it with almost no wear (even though used), so i know how it should have held up. I am not heavy (145), and the kore bar bent on me down a 2' drop. buy this is you want a burly frame and are willing to throw down a few bones for new parts. drivetrain is sweet, and it rides nicely now.
i still like my BMX cruiser more for town riding | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor Boannno
a Cross Country Rider
from West Bridgewater, ma, usa
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | single track | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn in Whitman ma | | Strengths: | The frame is a bit heavy but being a beginner cross country ridder i beat that frame bare balls for the first week i had it when i took it up to big bear.The brakes are incredible opver the bike is light strong add clipless pedals and you're on your way to number 1. | | Weaknesses: | absolutely none drop it off a cliff and ride home afterwards | | Similar Products Used: | GT agressor,Cannondale 600 and 500, Gary fisher hooku eeku | | Bike Setup: | deore dx and lx all goodies new studded snow tires-WOW!! | | Bottom Line: | Get this friggin bike. do not wate another moment on your ass. stop reading the magazines about them and just do it. Beat it up baby it what ever you wish this bike will take car hits drop offs log basher brain/ ball busters and still go home wanting to be riddin hard!Good for beginners to pros! just add about 100-200 bucks in up upgrades and you're at compition level | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Ponderosa NM
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | The OPEN ones | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great entry level bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | I got mine as a year-old close-out at a LBS in Albuquerque, so for what I paid - none. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn, Raleigh, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Indy C (w/Mt Speedsprings), LX 5arm crank, Raceface steel BB, Raceface Airlite straight bar, Raceface XY seatpost, WTB SST98 saddle, LX front STX rear deraileurs, LX v-brakes, Alivio rear hub, Acera front hub, Mavic 138 rims, Michelin Wildgripper Lite S tires... | | Bottom Line: | Overall, the stock bike was a good entry-level bike to get on the trails with. It was, and continues to be a little heavy, even after replacing some of the heaviest stock parts. I suspect that has to do with the basically bomb-proof frame on this thing. It's a little stiffer than I like, but it sure transmits your pedal power to the rubber. I'm not sure if they still make the Ricochet, but would recommend it to anyone just getting started with serious trail riding. It will serve you well until your skills require something lighter & more responive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JimBo
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Topanemus | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Mostly Everything | | Weaknesses: | Mostly Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | Current Bikes I ride :
1996 Specialized StumpJumper
**1997 GT Ricochet*
(Sold my Giant Warp Ds2) | | Bike Setup: | 1996 Judy XC Forks
WTB Velociraptor Tireset on SPiN Wheels
7 Speed Grip Shift Centera
STX Rear "D"
STX-RC Front "D" and Crankset
Mr.Dirt Chainguide
Haro Big Bloxk Pedals
Tooth Fairy Rock Ring
WTB SST.X Saddle (Taped Nose)
Club Roost Riser Bars
Dimension High Rise Stem
Cosmic Blue Paint w/sponsor stickers on frame. | | Bottom Line: | This bike came stock with mid-level componetry in 1997. Since then I have made several up-grades and soem replacements. The bike is a total blast to ride up-hill. Excellent looking. Drop the seat real quick and show off doing trialing in front of the girls. Great bike. The weight is a little portly (from the pasrts spec) but you would never notice the weight when riding the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe F.
a Weekend Warrior
from WHite Bear lake, MN
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Frame, FS, Just about everything! | | Weaknesses: |
Wheels (REAR), The org WTB Tires, and the seat! | | Similar Products Used: |
GT OUtpost trail (Not even close but that was the only other bike i have had) | | Bike Setup: |
98' GT Ricochet All stock but have upgraded
Rear tire to a Specialized tire, Just had a new cassette put on, chain (duh!) | | Bottom Line: | Its a very good bike, from the few days i rode it thought the snow to the 90 degree days it rides AWESOME! its light weight and its pretty darn quick. IT corners darn good (The stock tires weren't very good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GH
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oakland, MI
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Bloomer | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Bullet-proof Frame, reliability, good match of components | | Weaknesses: |
none, given the price of the stock bike | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Stumpjumpers, FST, other hardtails | | Bike Setup: |
Indy C's upgraded with Englund TotalAir, RockShox suspension seatpost, Continental
Cross Country, STX, | | Bottom Line: | The stock Richochet ('98) is an excellent value, and with a few relatively inexpensive upgrades this bike can be a great ride. Replace the stock Indy C elastomer/spring stacks with Englund Total Air, or at least SpeedSprings. Use a suspension seatpost (I chose the Rock Shox but there are several good ones out there now), and, although the stock Velociraptors are good in mud, they are heavy. You'll notice a huge difference with a lighter, narrower tire like the Continental Cross Country. Also, put bar ends on - they did not come stock in '98 (I used the GT ones). The STX Ft/Rear has worked just fine so far, as have the Shimano V-Brakes. Overall, this is a very responsive, reliable and fun bike. The triple triangle may be a bit heavier, but has proven to be reliable and should outlast its rider! GT seems to be able to deliver good quality at prices that don't require a second mortgage. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Oshkosh, WI
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Baird's Creek in Green Bay, WI | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
I think that this was a great buy for the money. Decent rims and awesome tires: WTB Velociraptor, no problems with slipping. I am a bigger guy at 6'4 and 215 lbs. and the frame and all the components have held up quite well. I bought the 20 frame size and that came with chromed seatpost, stem and KORE lite bar. It looks better than the black. | | Weaknesses: |
Fork could be upgraded, but it has held up quite well. | | Bike Setup: |
I upgraded the rear derailleur to a Deore XT, and the seat is a Specialized Body Geometry - highly reccomended. Also got a steal on a pair of GT Cut Weld Bar ends off an LTS frame GT - free! Also put on Time ATAC Carbon pedals - the best there is! | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike to begin with. Pretty light with decent components. My gold frame color stands out in the crowd too. Highly reccomend this bike to all beginners and intermediate riders. With clipless pedals and a few minor upgrades, you get a RELIABLE bike for under $1000. Well worth the money spent. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nate
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
in my backyard in northern new hampshire | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
price good frame for the $$ and a very responsive ride | | Weaknesses: |
none that i have found yet. | | Similar Products Used: |
rockhopper,gt aggessor,gt saddleback. | | Bottom Line: | i think this is a good bike in this price range. fast very responsive and pretty light.and i love the rapid fire shifters. i've tryed gripshift and i think they just plain suck.this is a very upgradable bike i think my first upgrade will be a suspension fork but the indy c is working fine for now along with everything eles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zoly
a Cross-Country Rider
from Resita, Romania
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Semenic, Breazova | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Excelent frame, good price. | | Weaknesses: |
Indy fork | | Similar Products Used: |
Gary Fisher, Giant, ... | | Bike Setup: |
GT/Indy (original setup) | | Bottom Line: | After riding this bike 3000 miles, and hitting a pitbull at 30 mph, that was the end of the Indy fork, the stearer tube was bent, I decided to make some changes, so I spent 600$ for upgrade, new pedals Ritchie WCS TI, new cranks LX, new Hubs XTR, new casette XT, new wheelset 517, new XTR shifters, and a real better fork Judy XC. And now I am feeling much better, and the bike is ..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guero
a Weekend Warrior
from oakland, ca
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
redwood regional park | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great bike for the money. Paid 580.00 new! Handles well, faily light. | | Weaknesses: |
Need to upgrade the peddles to clipless. Indy shock is weak. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike and it has pleanty of room for upgrade. Good frame and a good middle of the road bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KL
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Washington
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The frame is very good, although my frame (as well as others I have seen) came with a 6061 decal on it when in fact the frame is really 7005. I have taken it off large drop-offs quite often and the frame looks awesome! (slate) Component group is great for the money | | Weaknesses: |
The way the cables are routee on the frame makes them rub the paint off. Also didn't like the Suntour cranks at all. Should come with bar ends | | Bike Setup: |
Since initial purchase I have upgraded to XTR brakes-levers, XT 5-arm cranks, shimano 545 pedals, marzocchi Atom Bomb fork, XT deraillers, XT shifters, RaceFace RealSeal headset, Mavic 517rims with Michelin Wild Gripper Lite S tires, Kore Lite 3 stem | | Bottom Line: | My rating and review consist of the original component group and frame. The Ricochet is a great bike for the guy/gal just stepping into mountain biking. First bought it because my friends were getting mountain bikes and then the high performance bug bit! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant Colvin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
horsetooth | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Awesome frame, components are amazing, sweet wheelsets. Great handling. | | Weaknesses: |
The fork and the pedals. Other than that, it is awesome. | | Similar Products Used: |
I have tried GT OUTPOST w/ IndyS shocks, way below performance of the ricochet. | | Bike Setup: |
GT Richochet, upgraded to Manitou's fork, upgraded to clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for intermediate-advanced enthusiasts. 5 chiles for me! Get this bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GTRider
a cross-country rider
from Bremerton Wa
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Ricochet for about a year now I have upraded everyting except the wheels i use this bike for commute/urban assult.It handles very nice Heavy my weight is 26.9 pounds.That will drop to the 25 lb range with a new wheelset and seat post.If you are buy lookin for a good this would be it.Note get rid of the indys | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K. Bonnefin
a cross-country rider
from Mammoth Mtn. CA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I actually recieved the bike as a gift about 6 months ago. But I have been impressed ever since. The Ricochet is a light, quick, and very responsive bike in all terrains. I had been into bikin' a bit but now I live for the trails. I actually keep my bike in my bedroom and break it down to clean and lube it every time I get serious. (it tends to get a bit dirty when you're flying down a 65% grade at 50 mph and hit big pits of mud and snow!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Martinez
a weekend warrior
from Carpinteria CA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got into mountan biking not to long ago and with the money i saved from my birthday (14)i bought a 98 ricochet in the bike store i normaly go to, they were treying to get rid of their 98 bikes to make room for their 99 bikes. I needed a aluminum bike with front suspension and this was the best i could get for how much i had, the bike is great for what i use it for the only thing I dont like is the front derauler but everything else is great for anyone looking for a good alumminum bike with front suspension that will use it as much as i do, this bike is great on singletrack and other stuff but its terrible on road so if your looking for a bike that is great on road and off road dont buy this on. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DISHY
a weekend warrior
from Mt. Hotham , Vic , Australia
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Good all round bike for cross country. Light , reponsive, and goes off on the trails at Mt. Hotham and doesn't mind a bit of air time either. Riser bars have made it good for fun downhill sections and more responsive. Not enough room to dink CHICS on it . Well FAT ones anyway!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a weekend warrior
from Seattle, Washington
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got the bike 6 weeks ago, on sale for $650. Am very pleased! It is a relatively light bike that is stiff, strong, and aggressive (killer looking, too!). Stock came with Velociraptors, STX and RC drivetrain components, Kore-Lite Bars, and rat-cages which I quickly upgraded to Wellgo 800's. The bike handles extremely well in normal (what's that?) or wet terrain. If weather is very dry traction becomes a problem. Repeat after me: dust tastes good. I would have liked a better drivetrain - the front derailleur is a bit, well, clanky (ie: going uphill, shifting to smallest front gear, listening to the chain try to jump the teeth while praying it will shift before ones legs simply can't work anymore). After two tune-ups the clanking finally went away. 24 gears is a major plus for the sheer cliff climbs to the passing on yer...(passes another biker)...nevermind straightaway speeds. Bike is light enough to bunny-hop over curbs no sweat, even at lower speeds. And to top it all off, it looks KILLER! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter D.
a weekend warrior
from Blacksburg, VA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike *kicks*. Unfortunately, I didn't have a good enough lock, and it was ripped. EVEN LOWER END KRYPTONITES CAN BE CLIPPED IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. I had only put about 200 miles on it, but I couldn't stop riding it. It feels agressive, and very stable. For the price, it is very light and has kicken components. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a weekend warrior
from Antioch , Ca , USA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my bike 3 month's ago ,and I'm really impressed with the performance . The bike handles very direct ,and performes very well on the downhill runs. The shocks do a outstanding job to keep the bike going where you want to .The weight of the of the bike makes it easy to accelerate very fast on flat surface and with the V brakes you have no problem to stop on a dime. The only thing I had to get used to is the handle bars with are positioned very low. The shock is on the heavy side but that will benefit you when you clim to keep the front weel on the trail. Overal A very good bike for the money . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LeeVing
a downhiller
from Bremerton Wa
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a 98 for 589 dollars with my piece of shit diamond back trade-in.the frame is a bit heavy but what do you expect with the triple tri design.for this price point you get indy c,sr suntour crank which is the same weight as an lx crank.But unlike the lx you can change the chainrings.stx and stx rc drivetrain,wtb tires kore bars,wtb sstk saddle around gts in house front hub and seat post who can ask for anything more if you can' afford a higher end gt this is the perfect bike for upgradeing.five somokers.Can't wait fo the new xcr. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirt Monk
a weekend warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I was gonna wait a couple of months more to review my bike, but...I think it's passed the test...WITH FLYING DIRTCLODS! Couldn't beat the price($650) sharp pointy stick! I was looking to spend $1,000. So I had a coupl'a xtra houndred to burn(on bike stuff). Didn't need to upgrade anything at the time.
It handles very well on all DIRT. Very well balanced. Steering is easy to control during slow technical or fast DH(single or double-track). Brakes(Shimano) great! Gears very responsive on climbing.
The only upgrades needed(my personal desire for preformance- but not totally need) would be new/upgraded forks, Clipless pedals, crank, & a riser bar. Choose your own brands & models. The tires(Velosiraptor's) handle fine for now, but will upgrade later(when they wear out or blow out) to Panaracer FireXC's. Gonna try for light weight components, as the Riccochet is a tad heavy fo my tastes, but that's what leg mucsles are for! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from Marin, Ca
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This was my first MTB and I have had for 2 years now. The bike handles very well and I have had no problems with the frame or any parts. Mine has the old cantilever brakes which suck big time, the new ones have V's which is a great improvement. This was an excellent choice for a 1st bike as you get decent components a good frame at a very reasonable price. I weigh 220 and ride some of the most difficult trails Marin County have to offer. I am in the process of upgrading to the $2000 range because I enjoy this sport so much. All due to such a wonderful experience with my GT Riccochet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Maclean
a cross-country rider
from San Diego, ca.
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike for my wife so she could have a bike to ride with me after test riding a Trek, and a Cannondale at the same price point she chose the gt for its more aggresive handeling Right after the purchase we went riding with some friends I first had to locate them I choose to try to find them on the trail using her bike. I instantly noticed the stable handeling on decents and an over all confident feeling of the bike. Making me think twice on the mony I spent on my bike. (see my review on Specialized stumpjumper pro) over all a very good bike for the price. I would recomend this bike to over 80% of the riders I see on the trials like Noble canyon San-Diego and Snow summit in the hard tail catigory. I am comparing this bike aginst other bikes from 700 to 1000. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Fleck
a weekend warrior
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: February 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had mine for over a year.... I've abused it pretty heavily at Hard Rock in Ocala and I have never had a problem.. It's been flawless and I think it is the best bike for the money you can find.... I cant think of a single bad thing to say about mine.... well, maybe one, you feel a little stretched out when riding... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a cross-country rider
from Carlsbad, CA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great steed for $700. I completely satisfied with the frame. I had no problems for 60+ hard rides prior to upgrades. I have had it over a year now with no problems except component tweaks and have upgraded to XT/XTR and a Zoch Z-2 to further my enjoyment. Every gearhead upgrades! I recommend this bike highly to start out. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ethan Wain
a weekend warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: December 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 97 ricochet last December. Over the last year I have done quite
a bit of trail and single track. This bike is great. Excellent handling and climbing. I have upgraded the fork to Judy XC's and the cranks to XT. These changes made a noticable improvement over what was already a great ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat
a weekend warrior
from the big city n.c.
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i bought a '97 for 650 bones, what a deal!!! it was the most bike for
the money. it is very solid on the local single track. the alum. frame is
very rigid under my 210 lbs. this bike is the bomb!! recommend it to all
of your friends. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chua MingHong
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This Bike Is a Beast!!!!!!!! It geometry is perfect for stunts,but i not too happy about it's rims and it's pedals. It should come with slighty more durable rims as i also dented my pair and had to replace it with a pair of spinery rev x. what's more since the bike can be a beast ' it should be paired with an minimum of shimano 535 spd pedal instead of the VP pedal which sucks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a weekend warrior
from Sydney, Australia!!!!
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the '97 Ricochet in May for my b/day...and IT KICKS ASS. Well, it's my first *real* mtb, although I've been riding since I was 5. No major problems at all, reasonably light & good accessories (why are the cables crossed over? i don't know of any other bikes with that design). Oh, yeah, maybed it's just me, but those Mavics are expensive to replace (I've dented two already)...and those Raptors are dog's work on the roads (but that's not what they're made for).
Well, time to go, ROCK ON dudes, don't waste your time here, go out and get your bike dirty...NOW!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brin
a cross-country rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a ggod bike. A touch on the heavy side but quick to accelerate, excellent climbing ability & fair manoveurability on singletrack. The Alivio/stx & oem is still going strong, I thought about upgrading prior to failure (as you do with this spec level) but canned that as a bad idea. Front fork needs an upgrade though. The saddle, v-brakes & tyres shine. It takes abuse and comes out wanting more. A good bike for intermediate riders. 5 points. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
felix
a cross-country rider
from israel
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I L O V E THIS BIKE !!!!
THEY LIKE A RED HEAD WOMAN , SEXY AND GIVING
I'M SORRY THAT I'M SELLING THEM TOMORROW ...
I'M GONNA MISS YOU OLD GIRL ,WE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME TOGETHER ...
THE BEST BIKE YOU CAN BUY FOR 1000$ !!! GO AND BUY TODAY !!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Young
a weekend warrior
from Hickory, NC
Date Reviewed: August 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike! Durable frame, solid fork, good shifting what else do you expect from Gt. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HUGH GASS
a racer
from mANLIUS
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS BIKE IS FLAT OUT EXCELENT, GREAT FOR THE MONEY AND HAS GREAT COMPONENTS,DECENT SHOCKS AND ONE HELL OF A FRAM 7005 HEAT TREATED ALLI. IF MA COULD SEE ME NOW | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Marshall
a weekend warrior
from Manlius
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My dad bought this bike because he liked the color?
After riding it he became bored. Jared the Road Warrior talked me into going on some trails and differant terrains,I fell in love with the bike as soon as I sat down.
It has the same frame as models up to the Zaskar and suspension almost as good
as any,I havent been biking for,but for the most part its the best bike I've
owned,and its relatively inexpensive for what your getting. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seva
a weekend warrior
from Moscow, Russia
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my '97 ricochet 2 months ago to commute/ XC/ and most importantly as my first trials bike, well after 2 months of learning to bunnyhop, dropping off 2 foot ledges and stuff like that, my BB makes creacking noises constantly and crankarms are a little bent. I'm planning to upgrade to XT or RaceFace, don't know yet. Any suggestions? I give it 4 tamales 'cause of the BB/cranks (Alivio, what do I want with my 185 lbs!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a racer
from york
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
good bike except really over priced, get a TREK 850 or 930 for less! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peat
a cross-country rider
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
An awesome bike for the price I got it at ('97 model, $680). I'm
upgrading from a '91 Hardrock .. and it feels so much nicer, and
faster. It's a great bike for the $700 range. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a weekend warrior
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It's a good all around bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Cuttone
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great cross-country bike and I would recommend it to anyone iterested in purchasing a mountain bike. I have a '97, with Shimano STX rear and Alivio front which is adequate. the Rock Shok Indy front suspension is perfect for all my rides so far, and I have been on some rough rides. Overall it's a great beginner - intermediate bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian Hunt
a cross-country rider
from FL
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Good bike. Takes a lot of abuse and still rides great. Mine is a 96 that came with Shimano Alivo all around. The Shimano beginner components held up great. I later upgraded to XT's. To sum it up I think it's a great beginner bike that is worth upgrading. Hats off to GT for superior bike making. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NoNameJoe a downhiller
a
from Compton, California
Date Reviewed: March 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
it looks cool but they didnt make it in a 22 so i settled for a timberline and saved myself $300 bucks, plus steel is better. watch your back...BigBrother is watching................................................* :0 | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rassie van Aswegen
a cross-country rider
from Gauteng, South Africa
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the 94 Butted Chromo model with STX-SE equipment from Shimano. It has a RockShox Quadra 10 suspension fork. This bike is mondo strong and has not broken anything in over 3000 kilometers of serious riding. The Quadra 10 is old but works well with an elastomer upgrade from newer forks. The handling is spot on with lots af stability at high speed. The frame is fexy at the BB but you get used to it. It is excellent value for money and i shall never part with it. In a nutshell it is one sweet ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos Utah
a cross-country rider
from Gloucester,ON,Canada
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a 1995 Ricochet, I chose this rig for two reasons: 1) Price 2) Buff looks. Lets face it folks, out of the box this bike at best is an entry level XC bike. The Tioga tires and Alivio Brakes suck, the frame albeit made in Taiwan is Nuke Proof. I have added Panaracer tires, R/S 21R shocks, XT brakes, Race Face crank, Race Face Headset, rear brake booster and Richie clipless pedals. After a season of XC racing and several face plants, I can honestly say that these additions have improved the overall performance and good looks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I hate this bike. If I coould I wouldn't give it any tamalies!! I had one for one year and the frame cracked. GT wouuldn't replace it.
GOODS:BADS:
Everything!!!!!!! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane B Place
a
from Ft Walton Beach Florida
Date Reviewed: December 7, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
For the price I paid for this bike 750 samolians,thats with a discount I am quite pleased with it performance. It is responsive yet forgiving. This is the first bike i have had in over 5 years and it is a great way to get back into the sport. The shifting is smooth and quick and i do not feel any chain slippage
during shifting. Over all I am very pleased with the performance of this bike.
my bike is equipped with the rock shock INDY-C,Shimano stx and shimano servo action brakes mavic 238 rims and velociraptor 2.1 tires. this is one tough bike that does not even flinch at my 230 lbs
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben the speedster
a racer
from san Diego CA good old US of A
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I havent bought it yet but deffintly looking at looks solid i stand behinh GT good componts will see how iy holds up to my abuse of 125 lbs of speed and skill let you know PS. lookng for sponser | | Overall Rating: |
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$ 729.00
