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Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from australia
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | wombat track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$760.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | absolutely everything it is unbelievable im so much faster on this bike than on my old hardtail. once the supension is set it can handle everything short of extreme freeride. it an absolute pleasure to ride on the trails and even better when i start getting some big air + i got all this for an unbelievable price and the guy that owned it before me kept it as new condition. | | Weaknesses: | none except that by a stroke of bad luck that the SPV valve on the shock gots cut off by the seat post when my brotther rode it. =(. | | Similar Products Used: | giant boulder and boulder disc, nothing comapared to this. | | Bike Setup: | epx carbon hangers and stem. truvativ fire x crank set,star rims triple wall, manitou black comp 80-100 forks diatech anchor hydralic brakes with 203mm rotors, bontrager knobbys | | Bottom Line: | awesome allrounder the brakes are incrediable. its tough and just wont stop going. ive ridden this bike through muddy 4wd puddles (probally not good for it lol) that have had the bike and almost me completely under water i just rode out and everything worked just as well as before. my first real ride was in deep sticky mud and it rode like i was on dry. i just wish i could give it 10/5 of those chili thingies. but to any one thinking about it as a first bike it is absolutely amazing and if you can get one in good cond at a resonable price then it could quite possibly be the best decision of your life. Jack :) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim fisher
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Red Route. Cannock Chase | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Hemel Bikes | | Strengths: | Easy bike to ride everywhere. A real modern-day classic. Great bottom bracket clearance. 4 inches or 6 Sir? No bob once it's set up correctly. Easy cock-pit too. Looks great in the later paint scheme of battle ship/cammo colours and very bespoke. Cracking brakes. Easy to steer. All many riders will ever need and far better than many bikes costing considerably more money. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavy? 31 lbs. Bottom bracket - which is simple to replace. Medium frame suits most, so don't over-size her. Tyres. Not so good in some horrible, sticky, gloopy thick mud. | | Similar Products Used: | Pace RC 300. Turner Flux. Various odds & sodds. Some 29'ers. | | Bike Setup: | Standard late-issue bike from 2005. Make sure you take time to set up the 2x chambers on the rear shock - but you can say that about any modern day shock, 'cept this one has 2x chambers. Replaced the bottom bracket and the tyres. | | Bottom Line: | This is a modern “Mountian bike classic”, MBR magazine has it down as one it’s Top 10 bikes, writing as I am in 2007. It was sold originally for £1500-ish as the VT2 (there was a VT-1 also) and really covered all bases for all riders, 'cept the really hard core XC or Downhill crowd. It has attracted sooooo much attntion on the rides I've been on too. I have great affection for this bike, even above other more expensive rigs (my Turner cost £3k+), as it's so easy to have a huge amount of fun on it. Maybe change the wheels, and the tyres for sure, maybe the running gear? As an off-the-peg bike I defy you to find anything better suited to almost ever style of riding! Tim | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Blacksburg, VA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Beauty, Brush Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Everything. This is my first dual suspension bike and I love it. I've ridden everything from 15 mile flat Michigan cross country trails to lift access mountains in West Virginia and New Hampshire on it and enjoyed them all. This bike can do anything | | Weaknesses: | The bushings and shock mounting hardware had some slop in it after some time, but that is to be expected. The problem is I found it hard to find the right parts so I had to improvise. But its solid as a rock now. | | Bike Setup: | Juicy 7s 8in up front, Shimano Lx and Xt shifters + deraileurs, Manitou Sherman Firefly 130mm TPC+, RaceFace Evolve DH cranks, '06 4way rear shock, Woodman hubs with mavic 819 tubeless up front and dh rim in the rear. | | Bottom Line: | I see they have this bike in the freeride full suspension but i wouldn't really say thats where this bike fits best. Its more of a longer travel trail bike that can handle pretty much anything short of full on freeriding. That being said I have done some bigger stuff on it, 6+ foot drops, but I think being 135 lbs has something to do with this bike being able to take it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chay
a Weekend Warrior
from Albury, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | The Minute one fork and the swinger rear suspension works well together. The bike is well balanced, feels natural once you hop on it. Good clearance over logs or obstacles. | | Weaknesses: | Quite heavy in comparison to XC bikes. But that is the price for dual suspension all MTB! | | Similar Products Used: | 1st dual suspension bike, had a Specialized Rock hopper previously. Never go back on hardtail again. | | Bike Setup: | Thompson seatpost, pretty much stock other wise. | | Bottom Line: | The VT is a well balance, comfortable bike to ride. Took me mins to feel confident on it. With the well tuned suspension, I am a better rider! The bike did all the work and I took all the credit. And see ya later hardtail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Hake
a Racer
from Busselton Western Australia
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | It is a brilliant bike, the suspension is plush with very little bob. Handles jumps and 4 foot drops with ease and is fast uphill and even faster down. Mavic wheelset is bomber and the raceface cranks and finishing kit are sweet. | | Weaknesses: | on the heavy side but It is a bike you buy to have fun out on the trails. Definatly not for racers, rear lx derailer is sh!t and will upgrade to sram as soon as possible. Tyres are grippy on hard pack or dry pea gravel but thats about it. Had a bit of a squeaky seatpost shim but nothing serious. Poor component in the shimano lx rear derailer. | | Similar Products Used: | first proper fs bike. I am ashamed to say I used to own a bouncy appollo which was more of a toy than a real bike. | | Bike Setup: | swapped tryes to Larson tt | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for all mountain and trails, maybe a bit of freeride. Suspension is plush and fairly easy to set up. Little or no bob when set up correctly and takes the big hits with ease. I even raced this bike in sport class a few times and won most of them, VERY hard work. I am now hooked on racing and will keep the vt for fun and will invest in a 2007 anthem 0 to race with. It could be a killer xc bike if lots of $$ spent on upgrading to exotic components. The minute 1 fork that mine came with had some weak parts on it, as soon as I tried to adjust the blue rebound setting dial on the bottom of the right leg, it just snapped off. Love the swinger rear shock it does a great job. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
patrick desborough
a Weekend Warrior
from lincoln, uk
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | cannock chase / sherwood pines | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1579.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay (rydon cyvles) | | Strengths: | soooo easy to ride. don't feel suspension moving but you know it's working. great disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | cable rub against frame. really rubbish o.e tyres | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | swapped tyres for continental's straight after purchase | | Bottom Line: | fantastic bike. front end doesn't get 'light' on climbs. easy to adjust seat and suspension settings for extreme downhills. just soaks up everything you throw at it.
went for 2 days in wales after purchase...absolutely brilliant. really builds confidence and doesn't complain if you make a mistake. wouldn't of considered this bike, but giant dropped the price and i got a internet bargain from a established cycle shop that got a good deal from giant. managed to get £600 off original selling price ! great bike for full sus virgins ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Majura Pines | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Go anywhere, do anything. Price, comfort & the fun factor. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post shim. | | Similar Products Used: | various | | Bike Setup: | Larsen TT (2.35), Mallet C pedals, new seat post too. | | Bottom Line: | This is my 2nd review, having had the bike for about 18 months now. It's an awesome bike and I've had absolutely no problems to date.
There is of course the than normal wear and tear: replaced chain, cassette, chainring, rear shock bushings (normal wear). But, it's done a few kms/miles, and is now almost a new bike once again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Everything except seat post. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Love it. Somtimes to plush for me but can be adjusted. I have one question though that hopefully an owners on here can please answer. I'm 5'8" 170 lbs and I have the smallest frame 16.5" for this bike. It feels to small for me. Should I have gotten the 18.5" or is the 16.5" the right frame size for my weight and height. Someone please answer, thanks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mossy
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World Culver City | | Strengths: | Extremely versatile, nicely crafted tubes/welds, Swinger shock works as advertised, value | | Weaknesses: | Lots of pivots to potentially loosen over time, "Diamond coat" looks good initially, but is quite susceptible to housing rub.. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi MX ETA 120, Avid mech discs, Race Face Turbines, mostly "XC heavy" as opposed to freeride-lite... | | Bottom Line: | I originally bought the VT frame as a second bike to complement my short-travel Klein Adept, which I loved. I figured this would be my "play" bike but I'd use the Adept for longer, big-effort rides..
But after two rides on the VT, I was convinced selling the Klein was the right thing to do -- and I had ridden Kleins for the better part of ten years.
Simply put, this bike rides everything smoother and faster than my old setup, with the possible exception of smooth fireroad climbs and flats (but who cares!). Technical climbing is aided by gobs of traction provided by the suspension, even out of the saddle. The geometry is very XC-ish and would feel similar to anyone with that background. And with 5.7 inches of travel for descending, this thing is a MONSTER, but is surprisingly nimble in the twisties.
Three-hour plus rides is where the bike really shines -- I definitely notice I'm less fatigued, even after rides with lots of climbing. With a lighter setup, Im convinced this would make a killer 24-hour racer.
As its only been a few months, I'll reserve judgment on durability -- theres lots of pivots that could potentially loosen or go bad. But so far, I couldn't be more pleased.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from indiapolis
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Nebo Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1475.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Swinger 4 Way, Stock Mavic rims have taken a beating and are still true, Avid disks still work great and are very ajustable trailside, Bike eats up everything. | | Weaknesses: | Tires suck, It does squeek alot | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz bullit, Trek liquid,fuel 80,90, and 98, Giant AC1, Reign, And many hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock with 2.3 meaty tires, and Easton MonkeyLite carbon bars | | Bottom Line: | I ordered this bike as soon as Giant released it. I beat the S**t out of this bike. For two years I used it for cross country racing and urban freeride. The first problem I came across was the front avid brake. I was 6 miles out on a out and back, very knarly trail going down a very steep single track when it completly locked up. I rode a nose wheelie for about 60 feet and fell off the side of my bike. After inspecting the brake I realized the LBS left the cable too long and it went into the hole in the rotor. Make sure your cables are trimed properly. Then about three or four months after I bought it I blew My rear shock jumping off a three foot ledge into a nice roll in. Manitoo said the shock was so new they were still working out the bugs. I got the new shock back from them in two days. Thats fast! Since then I have ridden over ten thousand miles of cross country riding without having the derailiers ajusted or wheels trued. Recently I gained weight to 170 pounds so I was doing more urban freeride. I was very cautious at first because I didn't want to taco my rim, but before it got stolen I was dropping six footers to concrete regularly. Bike is so balanced you always ride from the center of the chassis. I can't imagine having a better all mountain bike with a air shock. I was concerned at first because I had a few high speed crashes where my tire washed out because the avids have very little modjulation. A new set of tires changed that completely. This bike has no brake jacking at all. The psylo flexes alot but has been badly abused and shows no sign of wearing out. My new Reighn 2 with a upgraded 8 inch rotor gets in any time now. If its better than the vt I'll be amazed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Carnes
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ho Chi Minh, Houston TX | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Warehouse SD CA | | Strengths: | Hayes hydraulics are the best investment you could make, it is true they are not as reliable as mechanicals but with minimal attention, these will blow your mind. Incredible stopping power and speed control. Overall, the bike is designed to take a beating, a little heavy but it makes up for it in durability. The TIME pedals rock also. | | Weaknesses: | A little bob, but not too bad compared to others. | | Similar Products Used: | Transitioned from '00 TREK 8000. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a great value without spending $3k, the decision is easy. The bike is great for moderate downhill and is the best climber you can buy without getting super high-tech or going hard tail. It is perfect for SD style single track and would recommend it to anyone looking into getting a little more agressive than a HT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Any high altitude trail in colorado | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Manitou Swinger, Manitou Minute, rides like a dream | | Weaknesses: | tires were worthless, lever jiggles loose on brakes - loctite will fix, but then adjustment screw easily strips, hayes brakes work well when working, but unreliable, squeaking seat post | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis hardtail before this, very short rides on countless other bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock (except for tires of course) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. You could easily spend twice as much for a similar bike. I used to think I would always ride a hardtail, but when both wheels needed replaced on my hardtail I bought this instead of replacing expensive wheels. I would NEVER dream of going hardtail again. This bike allows me to ride faster over technical terrain, and has allowed me to clean some stuff I could not clean on the hardtail. I can also clean very technical climbs that would just bounce me around on the hardtail. This bike is an all out blast to ride. If you race CC - then it is to heavy, if you are a serious freerider - then it is not enough bike, but if you love to ride epic, challenging trails, and enjoy the physical challenge of a tough climb as well as blasting downhill as fast as possible, then by all means get this bike. I weigh 170, and run the Swinger at 90psi on SPV, 150psi on the main, and this keeps it plush and responsive but yet it still has extremely minimal bob. I have ridden this bike over one year often on very technical trails with occasional 5 foot drops, and it has held up very well. The wheels have never been trued and spin perfectly. The Hayes hydraulics have been anything but reliable. The front has been reliable, but the rear has had all kinds of problems. First the inside piston started sticking, and after that was repaired the master cylinder developed a major "pump up", and it seems like every time it is fixed its only a couple of weeks until the pistons start sticking again. This has been extremely annoying, because when they stick there is alot of drag. Yes, I know how to work on them, but pushing the pistons back in does not work, nor does the business card trick, the pistons will simply not return away from the rotor like they should. If I could go back in time, I would ask the shop to put on avid mechanicals before I bought the bike. I think the hydraulics work better when working, but the avids are highly adjustable and always work properly. I've had the brake line break, but luckily was on a short local ride. I'd hate to be 30 miles from anywhere high in the mountains and have a cracked brake line (huge fluid mess and no brakes) But, can't really blame the bike too much for hayes lack of attention to detail, as the levers creep out while riding. Yes, easily fixable with loctite, but it is a pain as it is then VERY difficult to adjust the lever. Not a problem on the front, but on the back since the pistons are constantly changing their position every few weeks, it would be nice to adjust the lever accordingly. One would think hayes would have noticed this in product testing????? - Anyways, overall very happy with bike and would buy again, just w/o hayes brakes. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from ACT, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Majura Pines | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Strengths: | Components, versatile, fun, value for money. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post shim, tyres, paint-work, hayes brake levers creap a little. | | Similar Products Used: | Long term on a Giant NRS. Although I've had short rides on the Giant AC2, Scott Genuis, Spec. Stumpjumper FSR, GT I-drive. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced the seat post, pedals (Crank Bros Mallet-C) & tyres (2.35 Larsen TTs). | | Bottom Line: | The VT2 is a fantastic bike, and at a v.good price for it's components. While not the fastest at XC, it's an awesome all-mountain bike. It climbs very well, is fun & comfortable, and easy to ride over almost any terrain....from rock gardens to drop-offs. The SPV front & back is great, and I love the travel. Much more fun that the NRS I used to own, and I'll never go back to a hard-tail either.
In 12 months (2,500kms), I've only just had to replace the middle chain ring, chain, cassette & brake pads - all this expected given the work it's done. The paintwork has suffered a little from cable rub, and the occasional crash - I'd recommend some type of clear covering for protection. The Hayes brake levers tend to creap a little, but nothing a little locktite can't fix. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric
a Weekend Warrior
from maryville, tn
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Harpers Bike Shop | | Strengths: | GREAT ALL-AROUND BIKE. I HAVE NEVER HAD A F/S BEFORE AND THIS IS THE GREATEST THING EVER. I AM 200# AND I GO THROUGH EVERYTHING FASTER, EXCEPT UPHILL. I HAVE TO WIND THE FORK DOWN FOR STEEP HILLS, ALTHOUGH I MIGHT JUST BE GETTING USED TO A F/S COMPARED TO MY OLD HARDTAIL, IT STILL CLIMBS GREAT BUT JUST SLOWER. IN ALL OTHER AREAS IT IS MUCH BETTER | | Weaknesses: | WITHIN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS I HADE TO HAVE THE REBOUND DAMPNER REPLACE IN THE FORK. TWO WEEKS LATER THE REAR SHOCK GAVE OUT AND WAS REPLACED WITH A SWINGER 4-WAY. BOTH WERE REPLACED FOR FREE AND THE 4- WAY WAS A GREAT UPGRADE BUT TOOK 3 WEEKS TO REPLACE. OTHER THAN THAT THE SHIM IS ANNOYING. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE. MY OLD BIKE IS A 2001 TREK 6700 WITH MANY UPGRGADES. (GREAT BIKE) | | Bike Setup: | SWINGER 4-WAY, TIME CARBON PEDALS, MAXIS MOBSTER 2.1 OTHER THAN THAT STOCK | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS THE BEST BIKE I HAVE EVER RIDDEN. I GOT IT FOR $1600 BECAUSE IT WAS A DEMO MODEL. IT HAD BEEN RIDDEN 5 TIMES. I NEVER HAVE BACK PAIN LIKE I HAD ON MY HARDTAIL. IT HAS MADE ME A BETTER RIDER. IF YOU STILL CAN BUY THIS BIKE.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gordon
a
from albuquerque
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | faulty | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | slickrock | | Strengths: | good combination of travel, and pedal stability at approx. 30# off the shelf. | | Weaknesses: | heavy for trail alone, loctite for the brake lever adjusters, | | Similar Products Used: | K2 razorback team, hardtails | | Bike Setup: | carbon seatpost, carbon bar, wtb laser disc hubs and rims, wtb ti saddle | | Bottom Line: | It fits the trail /light freestyle. Got it down to 27# mainly with the wheelsets which work well for me since I'm lightweight(130#) and think 18" is an awesome jump. The combination of the good geometry, suspension and relative light weight is hard to beat for the price. This was a demo , so worth it to put the saved $ into upgrades. Pleased with slickrock service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from FT LAUDERDALE FL
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | MARKHAM PARK | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | WEST BROWARD CYCLES | | Strengths: | GREAT SUSPENSION, SMOOTHS OUT THE ROOTS AND ROCKS THAT MAKE SOUTH FLA TRAILS SO TIRESOME. | | Weaknesses: | NONE TO TAKE TO MUCH NOTICE OF, THE BRAKE LEVER SHOOK LOOSE BUT WAS A QUICK FIX. NEED TO USE A HYDRATION PACK NOT ENOUGH ROOM FOR WATER BOTTLES. | | Similar Products Used: | UPGRADED FROM MY STARTER BIKE, A JAMIS DAKAR, I WILL NOT BADMOUTH IT ( IT DID ITS JOB) BUT TO SAY THE 2 BIKES NAMES IN THE SAME SENTENCE SHOULD BE CRIMINAL | | Bike Setup: | STOCK, THE ONLY THING I CAN FORSEE DOING STRAIGHT AWAY IS A COUPLE OF CARBON PATCHES AND A SUSPENSION BOOT | | Bottom Line: | I WAS LOOKING FOR A BIKE THAT WOULD TAKE MY 200+ POUNDS AND NOT CAUSE ME TO MUCH WORRY ( I BROKE 1 JAMIS FRAME AND ADAPTED MY RIDING TO AVOID ANYMORE PROBLEMS)I AM NOT A FREERIDER BUT BELIVE IT OR NOT THE TRAILS IN SOUTH FLA CAN (AND DO) BEAT YOU AND A BIKE UP. I HAVE TAKEN MINUTES OF MY LAP TIMES AT MARKHAM, HAVE MUCH MORE FUN ON THE TECHNICAL SECTIONS. ONLY PROBLEM IS, DUE TO THE LACK OF TRAILS DOWN HERE, WILL THEY STILL BE ABLE TO KEEP MY INTEREST NOW THAT THEY ARE SO MUCH EASIER? IT IS A LONG DRIVE TO OCALA!! ONE MORE THING, I HAVE ALWAYS SHOPPED FOR THE CHEAPEST PRICES MOSTLY ON THE INTERNET, DO NOT OVERLOOK YOUR LBS, THE GUYS AT WEST BROWARD MATCHED THE PRICE I COULD FIND IN OTHER OUTLETS PLUS I GOT GREAT SERVICE. I WOULD RECCOMEND THIS BIKE TO ANYONE WHO RIDES TRAILS THAT ARE A MORE TECHNICAL THAN FIREROAD,MINE WEIGHS IN AT 28.5 WITH EGGBEATERS SO IT IS NOT A XC RACE BIKE BY ANY MEANS (BUT IT IS LIGHTER THAN THE 05 REIGN2!) I RECCOMEND THAT YOU GRAB ONE WHILE THERE ARE STILL SOME LEFT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan v
a Weekend Warrior
from whitby ontario
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle path which was at the bike show | | Strengths: | everything, this is what a true mountain bike is supposed to be. all of the parts are great. any thing that should happen to break i will replace. sweet. | | Weaknesses: | the seat shim... the tires can be annoying | | Similar Products Used: | all, tou name it ive probably tried it, read about it seen it. | | Bike Setup: | stock right now. though i will eventually upgrade | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike ever. it has its own class. great price, cheaper than the vt1 with almost the same components. will deffinately reccomend, i would like to try the new giant relpacing this, it better be good.
if youre looking for a sweet bike pick it up while you can. i want to eventualy geth manitou swinger 4way in the rear, and a nixion platinum in the front.
final words, sweet, ride on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan v
a Weekend Warrior
from whitby ontario
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle path which was at the bike show | | Strengths: | everything, this is what a true mountain bike is supposed to be. all of the parts are great. any thing that should happen to break i will replace. sweet. | | Weaknesses: | the seat shim... the tires can be annoying | | Similar Products Used: | all, tou name it ive probably tried it, read about it seen it. | | Bike Setup: | stock right now. though i will eventually upgrade | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike ever. it has its own class. great price, cheaper than the vt1 with almost the same components. will deffinately reccomend, i would like to try the new giant relpacing this, it better be good.
if youre looking for a sweet bike pick it up while you can. i want to eventualy geth manitou swinger 4way in the rear, and a nixion platinum in the front.
final words, sweet, ride on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan v
a Weekend Warrior
from whitby ontario
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle path which was at the bike show | | Strengths: | everything, this is what a true mountain bike is supposed to be. all of the parts are great. any thing that should happen to break i will replace. sweet. | | Weaknesses: | the seat shim... the tires can be annoying | | Similar Products Used: | all, tou name it ive probably tried it, read about it seen it. | | Bike Setup: | stock right now. though i will eventually upgrade | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike ever. it has its own class. great price, cheaper than the vt1 with almost the same components. will deffinately reccomend, i would like to try the new giant relpacing this, it better be good.
if youre looking for a sweet bike pick it up while you can. i want to eventualy geth manitou swinger 4way in the rear, and a nixion platinum in the front.
final words, sweet, ride on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Dennis
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Austarlia
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Red Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Value for money. Good quality at every corner. This bike strolls through critical situations with ease. A great confidence builder. | | Weaknesses: | As many have said the seatpost squeaks and the rear shock sounds like it being woken up in the middle of a deep sleep. both sounds don't worry me at this stage. | | Similar Products Used: | None, my previous bike is not worth mentioning | | Bike Setup: | As purchased, Minute front shock, Swinger 3 way back shock etc. | | Bottom Line: | My previous bike was less than a third the price of this baby. Yes you get what you pay for. This bike rides through soft tracks ie:tracks with tree roots, small bumps etc, to let you understand what the word PLUSH means, but when you get to some serious stuff it shines. Three foot jumps are like riding off a gutter. The bike almost looks up at you and say's, SO. This bike is ready to take me to the next level. I now have the confidence (buy lacking a bit of fitness, been riding to work 3 days a week so I can give this baby what it wants) to let it all hang out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jorge Henriquez
a Weekend Warrior
from Cerritos, CA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Redbox, Angeles crest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | weight vs. travel, color scheme metallic gray and black, likes abuse, price, handling
| | Weaknesses: | Stem is to long, seat post slips, seat post shim. Stock Tires | | Similar Products Used: | other bike is 04 NRS 2, Enduro, intense 5.5 | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer 2.4's, easton carbon DH bars, and easton vice stem 65mm, soon to change seat post | | Bottom Line: | Due to my increased experience in the last year of riding it has pushed me to get a trail bike. I love my NRS But since day one on my VT 2 it has inspired confidence on terrain that I would walk thru with the NRS. It handles and corners great. I have set up the bike for stability when going down hill and leans toward the freeride side more than the XC and it has handled everything I've thrown at it.
Overall it's a great deal for the value and if you dream about taking that 4ft drop or cruising thru that nemisis hill or rock garden (you all have one) this is the bike that wiil give you the confidence to do it all! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Giant dealer | | Strengths: | incredible handling, great geometry, front and rear shocks, breaks, actually everything except for stock tires | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires, used them for a while and never felt confident with them, put on some fire xc pro and the bike rules | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup, Fire XC Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | I went from a hartail with a duke fork to this amazing bike, changed the way I ride completly. Yes the bike weights a little more, but I see it as a plus, this bike goes over any and everything. I used to need to look for the best lane and if I screwed up even a little I would not make it, NOW... now I only have to point the bike and let my VT do all the work. Yes you read correctly the VT does 90% of the work, it is that amazing. Once you are confident with this bike, you will go over anything much much faster than before and go places you used to think belong only to "freerides". You need to set the rear shock correctly, and it does take time, but once you do that, the bike "floats". I wont lie, I have yet to do any big drops (more that 3 feet), so I wont go there. But the handling, the way it eats up the terrain (roots, rocks, you name it) and the confidence you get on it, will bring a smile to any guys face, it surely does everytime to mine.
Bottom line: Get one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex theShopwrench
a Downhiller
from SD, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | The fast and flowy ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Zumwalts College Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light weight for such long travel (possibly one of the lightest). Incredible parts package! Good company to deal with, acceptable suspention design and great price (if you shop the right spots). SPV, SPV and also the SPV. | | Weaknesses: | I'm not sure...um. Well, hays brakes suck. If your new to disc brakes they'll be fine, but shimano or avid would be super nice. Stem comes very long, but thats easy to fix. | | Similar Products Used: | AC1 and FR2000 (no thanks), Enduro (wait till 05), Heckler (sweet), Liquid (liquid poo). Unless it's turner or an intense custom build, nothing can compete. | | Bike Setup: | This is the only complete bike I have ever bought! Even better, it 100% stock hot off the showroom floor and I love it! Oh yea, that's hard to do when your use to building 'em up. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is not made to freeride; Fork, wheels, tires, stem and bars all scream XC. This bike is a trailbike! Light weight, great peadling platform, and roomy fit. I wouldn't suggest beating this thing up, but on the bright side, it can handle most everything. Enough travel, and with the nessesary upgrades (2.35 tires, odi grips and a short stem) then this bike is one wild ride! It can be anything you want! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Unadonis
a Weekend Warrior
from Palm Springs, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Local desert mountain single-tracks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The combination of relative light weight and plush ride | | Weaknesses: | As so many others commented: Scratchable paint and squeeky seatpost shim. Adjustment on brake levers loosens up, have had to readjust. Other odd thing: Unless my LBS just set it up wrong and lied to me because they're lazy, the shifters work in reverse of the VT1 & VT3 and virtually every other bike. (You click bottom to upshift, click top to downshift, as opposed to visa versa.) Apparently it can be regeared if you insist. (?) | | Similar Products Used: | Considered Specialized Enduro Pro and Yeti 575 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for more rugged Enduro Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike, learned WAY MORE from mtbr reviews than anywhere else, and want to try to give back by filling in a couple gaps I didn't realize before I bought:
1) In the Giant manual, it says for true mountain biking, standover height should be 10 mm (3.8"), NOT 2". I have a 30" inseam and don't even have a 2" standover on the small, but I my LBS let me order a medium (mistake) when I said the small size "felt" small. DON'T rely solely on your LBS to fit you to a bike, you might get an idiot.
2) For those reviews that say, "I test-rode the VT and Enduro Pro and ***** won hands-down", listen: It took me 5 rides before I dialed in the shocks so I finally smiled. Anybody test-riding it for an hour is only going to find the right setting by the luck of the draw. (It takes time)
3) The rebound setting on the shocks matters a lot, even though it's not talked about much. Set it to slow, and you feel every bump going over the rough stuff. Again, experiment.
I'm giving 4 Chilis because I unluckily had both shocks fail in different ways (just bad luck), but I don't hold it against the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dmitriy
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, Fl, USA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1325.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Awesome geometry, light and well designed. Air Shock rocks. Handles great and you cannot get the same components for this money elsewhere. Fully adjustable suspension both front and rear. 90-120 MM fornt and 5-5.7 in rear. The SAG is also adjustable for both shocks. | | Weaknesses: | As people say the damn seat post squeaks like a rusty door hinge. The However it only slided down on me once and I am 240 lb. So just clip it well and it will stay there unless you want to spend and extra $60 on the right post. All that said the seat is great and worth keeping in any event. The wires routing could also be better although it is not realy a problem since the few tire wraps will take care of the issue. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Drakar | | Bike Setup: | All stock plus time atac pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the buck. Great geometry and the component group for the money is the best. The bike is borderline Free Ride and XC, which may or may not fit you depending on goals in mind. It is the best for the hardcore intermidiate XC and Free Ride. There are lighter bikes outthere for XC race and heavier (more durable) for downhill. But this is a very good "ALL MOUNTAIN" bike since it is fully adjustable(rear and front shocks). It has the durability of free ride without the weight of other bikes like Giant AC or some downhill machines. A bit uncomfortable to carry dew to geometry but it is something to get used to. The only weakness is the seat post and that the paint chips easily other then that the best bike I ever had. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve McCaughan
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Second review now done 2000km off road. Component specs, shocks and the fact that this linkage works so well with the SPV shocks supplied. Very efficent and plush ride. Brakes and wheels. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres are ok have changed out for Speacialized Adrenilin/Roll X PRO and this has suited me far better. Seatpost and shim has been changed for Thompson. Changed seat to Speed V. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried most in this price bracket. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for XT chain, cluster, Tyres and Thompson seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I have now travelled 2000km off road on this bike. I have ridden with loads of others in that time on all sorts of bikes out their. This bike cuts it. In fact at this stage I have not seen a bike that I would rather own for my style of riding Cross country/ Single trail tracks/forests/hills. The suspension works VERY well and this bike climbs well if you have the legs. I often pass lighter bikes as the VT rides lighter than it is. I have the 20.5 " and it weighs 29.5lb. I have needed to replace the rear cluster,chain and front chainring and I have also replaced the front shock rear bush. All this has cost about $120. I am currently using the new 05 Speacialized Adrenilin dual compound tyre and find the fit of thid tyre on the VT excellent. So after 2000km in 8 months these are my thoughts. Email me questions if you want. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RICKY GREEN
a Weekend Warrior
from GLASGOW SCOTLAND
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | local woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | |
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$ 2000.00
