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Submitted by
Dallas
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Pines | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Source for Sports | | Strengths: | very smooth riding, great gear transitions under power. Rides like a 2 wheel limo. V-brakes work great, who needs discs? | | Weaknesses: | Tires were slipping over everything and anything, front derailer could be a little better | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock, save for a headlight and tailight | | Bottom Line: | great bike for uphill or decent. Awesome value.
Watch those chilis burn | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edgar Bautista
a Weekend Warrior
from Antioch, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | China Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | classifieds | | Strengths: | Decent components for the price | | Weaknesses: | rear suspension feels like it tightens up under braking | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock xt/lx mix,skareb fork,rock shox shock,maxxis tires | | Bottom Line: | This was my first foray into full suspension. I've been impressed at how much difference it makes. The bike is really geared towards xc, and I've been mixing in trail riding. The bike works well in these conditions. I still have some tweaking to do on the suspension, otherwise I really am a convert now. Looking on trading up to a Trance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Mew
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lane Cove National Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Parramatta | | Strengths: | Good Stock components for the price, fantastic NRS Suspension, Climbs better than a hardtail, great all round bike for XC trails. The brakes are fantastic. | | Weaknesses: | Forks are weak, they cracked after a couple of rides (luckily replaced under warranty). The tyres are terrible for anything other than hardpack. The paint is very thin and chips easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Nashiki hardtail, Schwinn rocket 88, Mongoose MX8.1, Giant NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price and is great for nearly all terrain, but I wouldn't take it off any massive drop offs. Fast XC single track is perfect for this bike, it is really fast on hardpack.
The tyres are okay unless its wet or very rocky. Be careful with the forks as they tend to crack easily. Don't lean the frame up against anything metal as the paint comes off really easily. It's not quite as light as the NRS1 but is a much better price and the brakes work just as well.
This bike climbs so much better than a hard-tail as the rear wheel just follows the terrain instead of bouncing around. I went from walking most short technical climbs on my hardtail to climbing them easily, I did not suddenly become a better rider overnight so it must be the bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wally Randall
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tally's, Clear Springs, MS | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Capitol City Cyclery | | Strengths: | weight, travel, componentry, PRICE!, looks, performance | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none - first and only other bike was a '97 cannondale M-900 | | Bike Setup: | bare bones stock | | Bottom Line: | The bike that I bought is a 2003 NRS 2 frame and shock with all the other parts of a 2005 NRS 3 (kind of like a 2004 1/2). Long story short, I have a marginally better shock, stem, seatpost, and bar, but no disc brakes. The brakes that came on the bike are Avid Single Digit 3's, which I really like. I've only ever ridden rim brakes, so I don't know any different.
This bike rocks! It climbs almost as well as my old Cannondale and descends 10x better. Its made me more confident on the trails because of its agility and comfort. The only thing that I don't absolutely love about this bike is the Hutchinson Python tires. They don't have as much bite as the IRC Mythoses that I'm used to, but I'm not going to trade them out because the Pythons roll faster making them more appropriate about 90% of the time.
If you are a recreational yet serious XC rider and you want to go from hardtail to full suspension, there is no better bike for you. Buy an NRS.
BURN CHILIS BURN!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phua Tai Woei
a Weekend Warrior
from Selangor, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Kiara, Frim | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | KSH K.Lumpur Malaysia | | Strengths: | Valur for Money, very Light. NRS system work very on climbing. | | Weaknesses: | NRS system does not grip/handle so well on technical trial down hill section where I notice when I hit the rear brake, the rear suspension will lift the bike tail. This make the bike dive forward more. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | NRS 2003 Team. XT Group Set, Sram Hydro brake, Race Face on other fitting. Panaracer 210 Tyre. | | Bottom Line: | Still feel the NRS Team give best value. If Giant can invest the NRS system c/w a antidive system, I will be the first to try it out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john bourget
a Weekend Warrior
from st. clair shores, mi
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pontiac Lake, MI | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Franser Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Nice price for stock componentry. | | Weaknesses: | PLEASE HELP - see below. I'm on my second frame and the bike still feels like I can snap it in two. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant hard tails | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Purchased bike spring 2003. Performed beautifully all summer until September 2003 - then something happened. The bike became incredibly loose / unstable. Standing on the pedals and cranking the handle bars back and forth - felt like you could snap the bike in two.
The LBS agreed - and got me a new frame. Now the new frame is doing the same thing. LBS and local rep now conclude it's not the frame (how could two frames both be bad?)and they're currently putting on a fox shock - claiming that the SID fork / head-set connection is notoriously weak. The rep has also promised a new 2004 frame - but has stated that it may take several weeks / months due to limited supplies of 2004 frames-only from the far east. Rep claims 2004 frames have shorter swing-arms and are much stronger?
HAS ANYONE HAD THIS PROBLEM OF - the frame / entire bike just loose as hell? Could it be the shock / head-set connection?
I'm really bummed-out - it was a nice bike until last September when something broke - nobody knows what. I'm on my second frame and second fork. LBS has been great - replacing everything free of charge - but I'm looking for any answer for the bike's poor condition. If anyone has any ideas - please email me at jabsports@netzero.com.
RockOn
JAB | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy Scriber
a Cross Country Rider
from Banff, Alberta
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Benchlands | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Rebound | | Strengths: | Very efficient, climbs like a hardtail. Has enough balls to take the drops with 3.75 in of rear travel, and is a very fast on the downhill. The stock setup for 2003 is very good for the price. | | Weaknesses: | The python tires don't grip at all for area trails. They are very fast, but your always thinking you could lose the front at any moment. | | Similar Products Used: | Self built hardtail for five years | | Bike Setup: | XT rear and hubs, LX front and shifters, mavic 223 disc rims, avis mechanical breaks, titec seat post and hell bent bars, skareb comp adjustable rebound front fork, SID xc dual air rear shock | | Bottom Line: | If you can find a 2003 left over from last year in any bike shop, scoop it up as fast as you can cause it's a buy and a half! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from Downingtown, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | NRS suspension works great for the technical single track I ride. Absorbs the big bumps, logs and rocks while still climbing like a mountain goat. Not as plush as a freestyle type bike, so if you are into huge jumps and drops, it may not be your bike. But if you are into bombing down hills on technical trails and climbing back up hills, it is ideal. Avid mechanical disks are really great. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou fork broke. The "reverse Arch" cracked. Didn't even bother trying to repair under warrenty because it seemed to be weak anyway. Huchinson tires were not good in mud, and I replaced after the first ride. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike. You may want to consider upgrading the fork and tires, but the frame and suspension make it worth the effort. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dookie b
a Cross Country Rider
from riverside ca usa
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | woodcrest bikes | | Strengths: | frame, suspension | | Weaknesses: | hmmm dont know really | | Similar Products Used: | lots | | Bike Setup: | 03 nrs2, 04 marz mxpro eta 100, xt, avid mechs, mavic 223, sgfs components rear link, panarace trailblaster 2.1 | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is, i love this bike!
this is in addition to my previous post. i recently added an aftermarket rear linkage made by company in big bear. this increased the rear travel to 4.5 in, and has made a world of difference in the way the bike rides. it has really smoothed out the ride over the small sqaure edged bumps, and with the added travel i can go harder throught the rock gardens, and it still pedals like a dream. so if you wanna improve on a all ready great bike try checking into this link. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy, UT USA
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Instant Replay | | Strengths: | Price, quality of the stock components, & NRS suspension system. | | Weaknesses: | The stock seat, stock chain, and stock tires. | | Similar Products Used: | My first full suspension, but have had Gary Fisher and Giant hardtails previously. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with SRAM 9.0 shifters and rear der. Egg Beater pedals, XT front der., SRAM chain, and Trek saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! I am a big guy (240 lbs.) and the NRS suspension performs well with little or no bob while soaking up enough of the rough stuff to bail me out of difficult situations. I broke the chain while warming up for my 1st or 2nd ride so i replaced it with a SRAM one and haven't had problems since. I found the stock saddle to be unconfortable so i switched it out. The stock tires are fine for the front, but isn't a good choice for the rear. I also had some front der. issues, but switched out the stock LX for an XT and haven't had any problems since. So basically an amazing bike for the price. So if you mainly ride cross country then this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BN
a Cross Country Rider
from Arvada, CO
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Westside Cycles | | Strengths: | Rear suspension performance, dollar value of specs and frame, ride quality both up and down the "hills". | | Weaknesses: | Fork (Skareb Comp), tires (personal preference), original Avid brake pads. | | Similar Products Used: | 3 Previous hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for new Marzocchi MX Pro ETA fork, Time pedals, Thomson seatpost, 2.3 Conti Vertical Pro tires, and Koobie saddle. | | Bottom Line: | My first full-suspension purchase and I haven't been disappointed. LBW (Westside) gave me a great deal and their service has been fantastic!
Stock Hutchison tires were too slick and skinny but would be ok for racing on mainly hardpack. The trails I ride are rocky and loose so switching to the Conti's is something I recommend. The Skareb Comp fork was the only disappointment as it is merely a "price point" item. It would take the edge off of hits but nothing else. The bike felt somewhat imbalanced with this fork. After 300 miles I found oil on the stanchion so I knew it was time for another Marzocchi. I went with the MX Pro w/ ETA which has been awesome! Why anyone would buy a Manitou product is beyond me . . .On my S-Works hardtail the Manitou had the internals replaced twice before the stancions finally cracked. I've NEVER had a problem with a Marzocchi (The S-Works has had an X-Fly for the past 3 years with no problems.) Bottom line, swap out the fork if you can. The Zoke balances the bike very well. The increase in stability and steering precision is very noticeable . .not to mention the increase in travel. The extra 3/4 lb of fork is easily lost by a few less cookies throughout the year . .well worth it!
The ride quality is excellent as the rear shock feels quite plush to me. To test the "no pedal feedback" claim by Giant I did a number of sprints (standing and seated) in the street and found that the shock (when set up as recommended)moved only 1-2mm. Yes, it works. Also remains active when climbing.
The Avid Mechanical brakes have been interesting in that there is occasionally a ghost squeal when I am NOT using them. The stock pads wore out at 175 miles but were replaced free of charge (Avid tech support is great). New pads are wearing fine. The fork replacement has solved the front brake squeal, as the Skareb was just too flexy for this bike. I replaced the small wire brake pad holder on the rear and the noise is almost completely gone.
Bottom line: I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a great value in full suspension bike. The wheels are strong and except for the Manitou Skareb I've had no complaints. The bike is fast, efficient, plush and with a few upgrades as things wear out can be reasonably light. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Schaeffer Farms, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Price, components (good bang for the buck I think), Avid Mechanicals have gotten rave reviews (though I have noticed that squealing which kind of comes and goes, and I have had very, very minor adjustment issues) - NO WEIRD FRAME GEOMETRY SO IT'S REALLY EASY TO PUT ONTO MY TRUNK RACK - DIDN'T NEED TO GET A WHOLE NEW ROOF RACK TO TOTE THE BIKE AROUND!!! (After all, I have a Ford Focus sedan). This was a selling point in itself. | | Weaknesses: | Did not like the stock tires (never have, but changed out to Panaracer Fire XC Pro's on front and rear - red sidewalls match the bike nicely, and it made a huge difference in the way it handles), the brake noise (i'll get over it for the price), the seat (soon to be replaced w/ the Performance brand Forte Pro SL w/ Ti rails which I like a lot - have it on all my bikes now), the color (not too big on the red), I wish there were more travel in the fork like with the Pilot on the NRS3; the pedals, but i had not intention of keeping those and replaced them w/ a pair of Time Z's; the chain (yep, replaced); needs more/better cable guides; does Chris King make an integrated headset yet? That's a staple in my house... All these are minor issues though. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension, so nothing similar really. I still have a pretty nicely decked out 2000 GT Rebound hardtail I use for tooling around, particulary for trail riding and around town w/ slicks. Pretty bulletproof bike as well and i love the geometry. | | Bike Setup: | Everything still stock except: tires (now the Panaracer Fire XC Pros, front and rear); seat is soon to be Performance Forte Pro SL; pedals are now the Time Z's, though I like the Crank Bro's Eggbeater Hammers; NiteRider lighting system as I enjoy local night rides as well. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, great value. Lots of fun to ride, can't lose it in the woods. Climbs great, very responsive - will make you a more confident rider. Lots of little things that might be annoying like break noise, and the cable guides, chain quality, tires, but all that can be changed pretty cheap and you forget about them 10 minutes into your ride anyway. I'd recommend this bike to just about anyone, especially someone on a budget as I was/am. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BobKreyole
a Weekend Warrior
from Queens, New York City
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Long Island Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Peak Mountain Bike Pro Shop, Queens NY | | Strengths: | Light, no pedal feedback resulting in a very responsive handling machine. Its not the bikes fault, its the rider. | | Weaknesses: | Can't blame it on the bike when other riders drop me. Annoying seat post size. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Sid dual air fork, Easton EC70 bar, Giant carbon stem, Race Face Prodigy cranks set, Avid mechanical disk, TIME ATAC carbon pedals, WTB saddle & wheels, & XTR drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | Great cross country bike built for speed. This is a very specific function bike, not an all purpose bike, but can take the rough stuff. Stick to what it was designed for, and you will not be disappointed. This bike climbs like a goat. Was surprised at the absences of pedal feedback. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Westridge Singletracks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | ATA Cycle, Cambridge, MA | | Strengths: | Efficiency of the NRS is as advertised. Coming off a stiff hardtail, I have only noticed the benefits of full suspension and none of the problems. This is a great bike for someone who wants to ride fast trails and moderate technical sections. It's all around fast but is also very well balanced and tracks beautifully through steep, choppy sections. The Avid mechanicals took a while to dial in, but now, the lever action is so smooth, they modulate well and have fantastic stopping power. | | Weaknesses: | That fork. I didn't even bother and swapped it off the bike out of the box. Sadly, I noticed Giant has further downgraded this fork for the new year. The Hutchinson tires that came with the bike were not ideal for the riding conditions around here, but I won't blame Giant for that. | | Similar Products Used: | '00 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a few choice upgrades: swapped out the Skareb for a Marzocchi MX Comp, Easton EA70 flat bar, Avid Speed Dial Ti levers, Panaracer Fire XC tires (better for the sand and gravel here) | | Bottom Line: | This bike has made me a better rider. I bought it because I wanted the downhill benefits of a full suspension bike without sacrificing uphill speed and it hasn't disappointed. I always trailed off the back of my more experienced riding buddieson the downhills, now I'm setting the pace!
This is a also a very functional bike that I can beat on week in and week out and I don't have to spend a lot of time in bike shops messing around with tubeless tires or hydraulic disc brakes or bizarre suspension systems. After an initial break-in period setting up the suspension and brakes, I have hardly touched the thing other than to ride it and hose it down. Dollar-for-dollar, it's a great value. I'm trying to be as objective as I can, so one point off for that Skareb--but a few choice upgrades (my advice? Pay full retail at the shop and make them EARN IT with extra service and steep discounts off upgrades) and it's a straight-up five chilis! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BoboTheClown
a Cross Country Rider
from harrisonburg Virginia
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bike Setup: | marathon S fork, easton riser bar, bontrager mustang wheelset, lx crank/BB | | Bottom Line: | This is an updae to my first post almost a year ago.
It has been a long year for my bike. Not that I have ridden it as much as I would have liked. On my first header I tacoed the front wheel and brok the reverse arch on the crappy skareb. Replaced the front wheel got the fork warrantied ,sold it, and put on a marathon S. Pretty soon after that the BB was creaking took it in and it was shot. Warrantied that and replaced it with an LX crank/BB combo. The rear shock bushings have also developed play and were repaired under warranty.
Now saying all of that, I do really love the bike especially with the new fork. I have not had a problem since all the modifications but in all reality I should not have had to make them this early on in the game.
It may be that I am a little heavier at 195lbs but either way I have put a lot of money into this bike and am planning on keeping it for a while.
Gotta drop my ratings a little bit because of all of the problems I have had. Not necesarrily Giant's fault but it still happened nonetheless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from helensburgh nsw australia
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycles plus nova scotia canada | | Strengths: | value for money&realy dose what gaint claims | | Weaknesses: | i havnt had any. though i have heard of the skareb forks cracking | | Similar Products Used: | fuel 90 klein adept pro | | Bike Setup: | stock but changed the seat | | Bottom Line: | a great bike for any rider that likes to race and ride xc but has to pay for their own bike. i cant understand why people pay alot more for bikes that are not as efficent. the bike climbes better than a hard tail in most xc conditions and dose not need a lock out as there is no bob at all as long as you are under load the whole bike seems to work just as gaint claims wich is a pleasent suprise. i consider this bike to be all most as good as my adept pro but for only about 30% of the price you cant go wrong | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dookie b
a Cross Country Rider
from riverside ca usa
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | woodcrest bikes | | Strengths: | great looks, good weight,works like it says its supposed to, its lasted me a year and counting. | | Weaknesses: | if any i would have to say the wheels | | Similar Products Used: | 98 gt lts1000, diamondback x something, giant warp | | Bike Setup: | 03nrs 2, easton carbon risers, kore stem, 02 duke sl, mavic 317 disc rims, avid mech dics, xt hubs, 03 xt cranks and bottom bracket, wellgo clipless, lx front deraileur, xt rear, deore shifters, avid single digit 7 levers, titec seatpost, flite saddle, panaracer fire xc, xt cassette, giant grips | | Bottom Line: | i bought this bike basicly as a frameset. well actually frame, wheels, and brakes. so i am going to judge it by those 3 things that come stock on the bike.
the mavic wheelset with xt hubs has been good for me although recently i started busting spokes on the rear. i just had the whole wheel respoked to remedy the prob. i feel the wheelset is a bit heavy probably due to the xt disc hubs.
The avid mech brakes have been awsome. No probs what so ever with those.
The frame has performed flawlessly as well. Im a very aggressive xc rider, and has held up through all the rock gardens and fast decents. I dont try to use it for drops or jumps cos thats not what it was made for, but i will take it off the occasional launch or 2 foot drop when i come across them. Besides i have downhill bike when i want to do that sort of thing.
Work with air pressure settings on the shock to suit your riding style. The pressures they recommend makes the bike ride too harsh. I use 10lbs under my weight in the positive and 100 psi in the negative with just a tiny bit of sag. I still get very little bob, if any, even when im standing, and the suspension is much more active on the bumps.
Ive had this bike for a year now, and its still going strong. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a fast riding xc machine. Minus one chili for the wheelset. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis
a Weekend Warrior
from Marshfield, MA USA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Wompatoag State Park Trail System | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeway | | Strengths: | First Full Suspension Bike riding a Big Sur for four years. Getting to old to be beat up on a hardtail. Excellent suspension and rides like a hardtail on climbs and smooth ground. Slightly heavier than my Big Sur but definitly worth the comfort and my back appreciates the rear suspension. Was concerned with easy damage to disc rotors because I am still learning with my clips. They will take a beating. If you think you bent a rotor before ordering a new one remove the old one and re-attach. I took a major spill and the rotor sprung back to shape after removal. Constant adjustment with these brakes but a major improvement over rim brakes. Avid mechanicals are probably the best available. No brake noise like other reviewers. Check your set up on these I had to bring them back x 2 for adjustment and everyting is fine. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires really stink for any wet or mud. I immediately changed them after several spills on wet roots etc. and put on Panaracer Dart Kevlar. Problem solved. I guess stock tire would be OK in dry stuff but I don't see dry where I ride at all. Front derailer is poor. Time to shift chain stay is agonizing. Chain has fallen off several times and it is time to take back and get several links removed. Come on Giant this is not rocket science send the bike out with the right chain length. Paint chips just looking at it. Final finish coating is very poor with no protective qualities.
| | Similar Products Used: | Big Sur, Tested a Gary Fischer Sugar 2+ $4,000.00 bike on demo day and suck a chain 3 times in 2 miles and my son suck his x 2 in the same distance. Come on Gary this is costing you big time. This has been a problem for two years. Fix it. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except changed tires after two rides to Panaracer Dart Kevlars for my wet riding. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the money compared to bikes that cost as much as $800.00 to a $1,000.00 more. You will not be disappointed. Giant has an excellent distribution network. My store dealer is great. A great bike for the weekend warrior or the racer. This bike will perform for many type riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Irons
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedford
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rowney Warren | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Grafham Water Cycles | | Strengths: | The rear suspension really does work well. During a recent 3500 on road ascent with a Gary Fisher hardtail I found myself wishing I was riding the Giant. The ride is quite not as plush as the Sub 5, but the improved handling cross country is easily worth it. There is no real sensation of having suspension, except improved handling and a better ride. The brakes have worked extremely well, never fading even after long fast descents, and the bike is extremely stable at speed. Forty on the right road is not at all scary, whereas I have always bottled it on my OCR2 road bike. Chain slap over rough ground, which affects all my mates bikes does not happen. | | Weaknesses: | The gears were a great disappointment and seem a big retrograde step from my 6 year old 7 speed LX. The rear change is not smooth under power, which is sometimes necessary, and was always fine on my old bike. The front suffers badly from chain suck and will be going back to the dealer to have this looked at before the chain saws through the chainstay. The cables rub in several places, but I found all bar one before setting off on my first ride and managed to tape them all before any damage was done. I did experience ghost shifting as the chain stretched, but this was easily fixed with a little adjustment. Brake squeal and a tinging from the front forks went away as everything bedded in. | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Sub 5, Marin Rock Springs, Gary Fisher Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | As supplied | | Bottom Line: | For the level of equipment the bike seems to be exceptional value. The dealer was very helpful and enthusiastic, and let me have a decent (two hours off road) ride on a range of bikes.
The suspension is everything Giant claim it to be, and does an excellent job behind the scenes. Small bumps do make it through, but larger ones are eliminated and the bike just gets on and does its stuff. Hill climbing is easy but I was always faster than my mates anyway so it is hard to say if it is faster than a hardtail.
Minor details let the bike down, a few more cable guides would eliminate the rubbing. Having cables under the top tube gets in the way of shouldering the bike. There is a bottle mount on the down tube instead of a crud catcher mount. The seat post clamp is on the muddy side of the seat post. Last but not least the gears need improvement. Six years and a step up in quality should have resulted in a better not a worse product. I can only hope that things get better with a bit of wear on this front. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Stebles
a Cross Country Rider
from Bromley, Kent, UK
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | bigfoot bikes | | Strengths: | The rear suspension is the best I have ridden, no power lost once set up correctly, making it very fast at acceleration, plus giving it sharp handling. but at the same time the rear end is still very soft when going over the most minor of bumps, making it comfy, and giving good traction. Great value for the spec u get on it, and the brakes are great, better than hope mini's, you can do stoppies from 40mph without any brake fade. Forks are great very plush, all the other components are good and i like the saddle, just the right shape and softness. and its very light too, making it easy going when climbing. great on cornering on the edge of grip, give good feed back. | | Weaknesses: | None really, if u enjoy fast cross country riding and also fast road riding this is the bike for you. just being picky, but I get a bit more chain slap than i expected, so i reduced the links by 3. Not that much mud clearance at the back end around the tyre. | | Similar Products Used: | I tested several bikes before I decided on this one, including a gary fisher sugar 2, Whyte prst4, specialized epic & enduro, Marin east peak, trek liquid. And i think the giant was the best suited to me. because it felt the fastest while still having plush travel. the epic, is faster but is very harsh and only absorbs the biggest of bumps, and all the rest were too slugish for me. | | Bike Setup: | I'm 11 stone(70kg) and i find the best rear shock pressure is 175psi + and 50psi -. or 200psi + and 100psi -. with this bike its all about balancing the rear shock on the edge of having no sag, and takes a bit of fine tuning to get it right. with a higher pressure in the -negative ie 100psi, this gives it a smoother transition form zero sag to full travel, but also requires a higher positve pressure. but thats how i prefer to run it, just so it is very smooth. | | Bottom Line: | The best xc full sus bike in the world and at a great price. The no sag system really does work and is what makes this bike the best. So fats yet so smooth. Great commuting bike too, if you up the tyre pressures to 60psi, its very sharp and nimble on the road. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Olathe, KS, USA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Kill Creek, BuRP, Landahl, Clinton Lake, Perry Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikesource, OP | | Strengths: | Good value for components, climbs like a hardtail | | Weaknesses: | front shock, brakes noisy | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Brakes have been noisy since day one, replaced pads after 3 months and 300 miles. Finally quieted them down. Still need constant adjustment and are wearing out fast again.
Main reason I post this review is because the skarab shock broke in two the other night. See reviews of skarab comp for more details. Seems this is a common problem with manitou shocks. If you own one of these bikes with a skarab shock I highly recomend checking it closely, especially around the crown where it attaches to the lowers, for cracks/breakage.
Manitou (Answer) is being very responsive in fixing the problem. I only hope the new lowers they are sending have been redesigned to address the problem. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | TRTP | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1395.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light, Fast, Plush, Tough.
Pretty decent stock components for the price.
This is my first MTB and it has performed up to my expectations so far. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes squeel sometimes to the point of insanity.
Brake adjustment is very finicky, they need adjusted all the time.
Ghost shifting if the rear derailer and cable is not adjusted exactly right.
Chain suck going from the middle to granny gear in front, although that may be caused from my poor shifting technique.
Paint scratches pretty easily, especially from the cables. | | Similar Products Used: | Never had another bike, but compared this one to the trek fuel series. | | Bike Setup: | all stock, except replaced the seat and put "regular" pedals on because I was afraid of the clip pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike has performed well except for the minor things listed above. I ride mostly on hard packed trail and haven't done a lot of big climing yet.(not in shape for it) the trail I primarily ride is relatively flat and fast with a number of steep ups and downs. The tires are great on this type of terain. I have had some traction problems in mud however.
I think this bike is a pretty good value for the money. Now that I am a little more experienced riding, I will probably either replace the front forks for ones with more stiffness or stiffen up the ones it has, if possible. I am a 210 pounder and have definitly given this bike a workout. I can and have taken 3-4 foot drops with no problem. The rear shock soaks them right up. This is my first bike, so I can't really compare it to anything, other than to say for me it has been great. I am taking away one chilli on the overall rating because of the brake issues. I think at this price the brakes shoudn't be that way, but I'm happy overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Bassett
a Cross Country Rider
from West Greenwich, RI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Big River | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | East Providence Cycle | | Strengths: | This bike is relatively light at Approx. 28lbs, and has a great component spec for the money. I've ridden it hard about 3 times a week for six months and it has been rock solid. | | Weaknesses: | The Avid mechanical discs do not seem as powerful as a properly set up xt v-brake system. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 880, Proflex 955, Marin Team Issue, Schwinn S-10,Trek 800, Litespeed Toccoa | | Bike Setup: | 2003 XTR crankset (Purchased on Ebay for $300 and worth every penny),Thompson Post (light&strong), xtr chain, xt cassette,richtey tgv grips (try these if you have a medium size hand, you'll love them), Continental 2.3 Vertical Pro Tires (Does not roll as fast as the stock Hutchinsons, but transforms the bike from a pure cross country bike to a great all conditions machine) | | Bottom Line: | As you can see I have swapped some parts on my rig, but it had little to do with the performance of the stock equipment, and a lot to do with personal preference. This bike performs beautifully in any condition,except for big freeride (wrong category machine). That being said I have ridden this bike Downhill at Killington for 3 days and it was great with the bigger rubber. I predominately ride cc(read: fast semi-technical). The terrain here is rocky, rooty, and can be wet, so don't mistake cc for boring. This bike in my opinion is one of the fastest ways to cover cc terrain, coming off of a litespeed hardtail I can honestly say that surprised me. The hardtail still has the edge in buffed out singltrack, but as it gets bumpier the NRS shows its superiority with its ability to keep the rubber hooked up, both climbing and descending, and by taking the edge off the hits. If it lost a pound or three I truly believe the hardtail would be on the trailer for good (ahhh to have more expendable income). I never write reviews, but the reason I'm writing this is to help anyone trying to decide whether or not to buy this bike, in my opinion for the money this is the best cc full suspension bike there is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Build quality, forks, brakes and great overall balance. | | Weaknesses: | Chain and pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Bike shop changed damaged chain with Sachs. I replaced pedals that were difficult to exit and added Prodigy stem. Longer stem was needed to fine tune rider fit. | | Bottom Line: | Like others, made change from many years of riding hardtail (older rider). Looked at/rode many FS bikes and kept returning to this one. Pleased with well thought out and wise choice of components and performance of FS system. Skareb Comp is stiction free after wear-in. Rear shock works great with rebound knob offering fine tuning. Read setup literature and adjust forks and shock accordingly. Avid brakes work very well, easy adjustment (read instructions) and simply rinse pads to reduce noise. One "ghost" shift. Reset barrel adjuster for cable stretch and hasn't happened again. Did find a need to change my riding style on downhills - helps to stay seated and let the suspension do it's job. Seems way too simple to prevent all to common cable housing paint damage. Buy some clear plastic tape at OSH and cover affected areas. Cheap, easy and one less complaint. Very well balanced bicycle overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Catharines
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | 1400 | | Strengths: | The no bob system performs as Giant claims. There is no doubt this bike climbs better than my old hardtail. Technical hills that I might make one time out of three on my old bike are no problem with the NRS2. Bike is light for a full suspension in this price range. Giant (generally) did not cheap out on the components. | | Weaknesses: | The ghost shifting problem that people have complained about in previous years is still there, although it is not as bad. Keeping the rear derailleur adjusted exactly seems to prevent it. However, I have noticed a different type of shifting problem involving the front derailleur. When shifting from the middle chainring to the granny gear the chain will often ride up over the chainstay. What happens is the chain coming off the bottom of the chain ring loops up over the chainstay and scrapes along the top of it until it drops back off before contacting the rear derailleur. This does not cause the chain to jam. It just makes an awful grinding sound and scrapes all of the paint off the chainstay. You can get the chain back in place by shifting the front derailleur up and down a couple of times. I can't believe no one else is complaining about this because it has happened to me several times.
Also, I find the Avid mechanical brakes, which most people seem to think are wonderful, are very difficult to keep adjusted. The problem is that both rotors have a slight warp. It isn't very much, probably not much more than 1/32 of an inch. But this warp means the pads have to be backed off a little more than normal to keep them from rubbing on the rotor on either the high or low point. The trouble is, if you back them off this far, they squeal so bad the whole bike vibrates. Tighten them up so that they don't squeal, and they rub on the rotor. I find that I am constantly adjusting them, looking for that nonexistent point between rub and squeal. I've just about reached the point where I am going to take an adjustable wrench to the rotors to see if I can bend them into shape.
The stock Titec seatpost is a POS (read the reviews). The stock Shimano pedals are cheap. The rear shock on my bike was blown when I took delivery. It would not hold pressure in the negative chamber. LBS replaced it with another from last years NRS2 that was still on the floor. This one is still working well. The stock WTB saddle just did not fit the shape of my butt. I replaced it with a Selle Italia Fight.
The suspension design means this bike is not sensitive to small bumps and road irregularities. It takes a fairly large impact for the rear suspension to become active. Most of the time, it feels just like a hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco, Devinci | | Bike Setup: | Time ATAC's. Thompson seatpost and stem. Selle Italia Flight saddle. Stock handlebar was too wide. LBS cut an inch off each end. | | Bottom Line: | I am not quite as enthusiastic about this bike as most of the other reviewers. The shifting problems, while not major, are something that should not occur on a bike in this price range. The brake problems make me wish I had a good set of rim brakes. However, I think you would be hard pressed to find a lighter full suspension bike in this price range. It definitely rides and climbs better than a hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawrenceville, Ga. USA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Chicopee oods (ZigZag) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Slick Rock Cycles, Moab Ut. | | Strengths: | Light, fast, and efficient rig that eases the transition from hardtail to dually. | | Weaknesses: |
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$ 1650.00
