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Submitted by
Rich Forsman
a Cross Country Rider
from Montesano, WA 98563
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | many | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | LaVogue in Hoquaim, WA 98550 | | Weaknesses: | My shock failed, because it wouldn't hold air on the sag adjustment side. I had to pay Manitou $92.00 to rebuild it. There seems to be considerable misalignment between thd top frame mount bracket, and the bottom swingarm monunt bracket. This puts a side load on the shaft and seal, apparently causing the seal to fail. First, in a two welded assemblies, there is a small likelihood that you can maintain alignment through the full length of travel. It would be hard enough if the two assemblies were machined out of solid billet. I am checking to see if the alignment and angularity are close. Second, they could be parallel, but not aligned, through part of, or all of the travel. The bushings and spacers don’t seem to allow any Iateral movement of the shock. This stops it from compensating for any misalignment. The top bushings allow only 0.019” (19/1000ths) of lateral movement, which is not nearly enough. One bottom bushing is badly galled by the misalignment. One is free to spin, and the other is locked tight between the frame bracket, and the shock boss. Apparently, they were better before we evened them up. Its hard to measure the total misalignment, but it may be as much as 1/8”, possibly more. | | Bottom Line: | I have serious questions about Giant's design and quality control for this to happen. The bike works well for an hour or two at most, and then there is on 2 inches of travel, because the sag can't hole air. I don't know what percentage of buyers have this problem, but one is too many for me. I won't buy another Giant bike ever! I own 3, a Rainier(hard tail), and an OCR road bike, but after this, no more. Also, this bike has not ever been thrashed, I am a casual, careful 61 year old. I do not take chances, so you can rule out any chance of misuse. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bullwinkle
a Downhiller
from NH
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Where Do I start... The frame geometry is super balanced. It puts you in a position without bias to either the front or rear. This is a great bike for super technical nasty east coast riding, such as the Kingdom trails in VT, Lynn Woods in MA, Fort Rock in NH. The bottom line is the VT is a true trailbike. It is not an over built XC bike or a lightened up freeride bike. | | Weaknesses: | The biggest weakness is the front fork (Rock Shox Psylo XC U-Turn) This fork, even brand new, is one of the worst forks out there. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Giant Reign, Intense Spider XVP. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Manitou Minute 1:00 fork, Mavic Cross Land Wheel in front, Tioga 2.3 DH tires front and rear, 22/32/Bash ring in front, Tioga platform pedals, Odi Lock on grips, Kona SDG Saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike comparable to trailbikes twice its price. If you enjoy riding technical singletrack and the occasional 3-4 foot drop or jump, as well as hitting up the DH resort 4-5 times a year, this is the bike for you! I look forward to riding mine everyday, eventhough I've been riding it for just about two years. If you buy one, I promise you you will love it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jolly Beggar
a
from Western, OR USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | MRC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Travel adjustment 5-5.7, frame versatilty, strong & light for a long travel trail bike. Good component package for the price. Dependable Avid Mech brakes, Shimano derailliurs just keep on keep'n on. | | Weaknesses: | A little twichy in the rear probably due too the overly complex single pivot rear suspension. I've gone through two rear shocks (thankfully on warrenty), I've got a 04' Swinger 4-way on board now works great! The 03'Rock Psylo was a little klunky.
| | Similar Products Used: | My first full susspension bike.
| | Bike Setup: | I've made some up grades.
06' Talas RLC
185mm Avid Mech up front
SunRingle SingleTrack Rims w/ XT hubs
WTB Rocket V Stealth Saddle
04' Swinger 4-Way Rear Shock
Panracer Cinder 2.25 tires
the rest is stock VT2
| | Bottom Line: | I've gone through lots of emotions with my VT2, First elation having my first FS rig, then disappointment at rear shock failures and the klunky Psylo, supprise at its ability to handle any trail, despair watching my riding buddies pull away from me on their lighter XC bikes, pleasure at the plush ride, fatigue peddling 30 pounds up long climbs and squeezing brakes levers till my hands hurt on long downhills.
Bottom line learning to set up the suspensin took awhile and the fork up grade made a world of difference. Heres what I did keep in mind I started with a stock 03' VT, Fork up grade to the FOX completely changed the steering handling it sweet as can be now, I love the lockout and easy travel adjustment, get a FOX Talas. Th rear shock issue came down to finding the right set up. I start using the factory recommended settings, no good. I found that for trail riding using the upper end of the recommended settings and then adding 10psi was just about right. I weigh in at 175lbs, I use 90-110 psi in the SPV chamber and 155psi in the spring with the volume adjustment at two turns, this set up gives me about 25% sag. The end results is a peppy ride, a little firm but quicker peddling on singletrack spins.
The stock Avid brake levers have two settings to set leverage ratios, I switched to the out side setting and found it a lot easy to squeeze the levers, I also switched up to a 185mm disc up front for a little more stopping power.
Now I'm loving my VT. Its now a great Trail bike, it can handle moderate drops and jumps, peddles decent for a 30+ lb bike. Its sturdy, dependable and easy to maintain. The FOX fork is sweet smooth and tunable to perfection, the Swinger 4-Way plush. The right components make this a great bike.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason McAvoy
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mt Clear | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Onya Bike | | Strengths: | Endurance King, used this sucker for many back country rides and two entries in the MONT 24 hour race (in a three and a pair). | | Weaknesses: | Drivetrain eventually wore out afer 3 years, but I guess that's fair engough.
Minute 1's flex under brakes, although you don't notice it while riding. They are also not as plush I would like, but they are damn light, so I guess it's a fair compromise. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive, Canondale Scapel, Spesh Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but changed tyres to a Bling Bling and a Larson TT rear. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was awesome for the 24 endurance racing scene, I did many laps on her and alhough the driveline gave out after three years (I did replce it all and it ran fine after that), the rest of her was faultless.
All Mountain Bang for your Buck, this bike wins for sure. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Booty
a Weekend Warrior
from Kings Lynn, UK
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Red Bull, Coed-y-Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pauls Cycles, Dereham UK | | Strengths: | Beautiful suspension action, makes you ride harder over terrain you wouldn't believe! As a complete bike, top value! Groupset is reliable proven kit. Truly a do-it-all bike! Takes big drops with ease and pedals like a X-country thoroughbred! | | Weaknesses: | Not the best design for UK riding- too many mud traps around the BB. Rear shock bottom bush wears rapidly due to the large amount of rotational movement it suffers due to the complicated linkage. I've replaced three already due to 'knocking' from this point. Have now fitted a grease nipple to the shock bottom eye and regular lubing seems to have cured this.
The stock Manitou Black forks are flexy for heavy riders like me and lack preload adjustment (mine's a 2004 model). The Hayes 6" brakes are a little effeminate for hard riding too. Have upgraded both as a consequence.
I have also swapped the long stem for a 80mm Hope item for better steering feel and a more relaxed position. | | Similar Products Used: | My previous bike was a GT LTS DS1000, have test ridden a few other 6" full sussers, but the Giant was best value overall. Products tried included, Marin Wolf Ridge and Kona Coiler. | | Bike Setup: | Standard bike with the following upgades-
Nixon Super IT Forks
Hope Mono M4 200/185mm brakes
XT rear mech (old one broken)
Hope Hubs and Mavic x317 rims (swapped from old bike immediately to replace the dire Shimano hubs)
Hope 0 degree rise 80mm stem
Crank Bros Mallet C pedals
ODI Yeti Lock-On grips
Conti Vertical 2.3 tyres to replace the girly nearly slick Hutchinson Scorpions. | | Bottom Line: | As a package, a great bike.
Sadly for UK riding it needs a bit of money spent on upgrades for hassle free riding.
Would recommend it to anyone on a budget especially as end of season sales mean you can get a 2005 model for as little as £900.
Lighter riders than me would be happier with the package, I weigh 96kg and I found the brakes inadequate and the forks too flexi. These niggles wouldn't be a problem for less lardy riders!
If you are a heavy rider you might be better served by something from the Specialized Enduro or Orange Patriot ranges.
I'm gonna rate the Giant happy due to the fact I'm a fussy git and I know lighter riders would be happy with the standard kit on the bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a
from Chattanooga
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | I pretty much agree with all the other posts. The disk brakes work great. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, seatpost, seat-I got one of the fat sissy seats and it is pretty good.
Bike needs some type of projectile device so can hurl objects at cars that get too close because it is hard to ride with a handful of rocks. Aaaaayeeeee!! | | Similar Products Used: | Nishiki Mt. Washinton. This Giant is really the only bike I have ever riden enough to review. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for street tires, fat sissy seat, and bell handle grips which are crummy. | | Bottom Line: | Very good. I ride 6 miles to work EVERYDAY. I put road tires on it. Rides good. When I started riding to work I weighed 230 lbs. I pumped up the suspention shock to right at is max setting, I thought it would blow out but it hasn't. No bobbing if sitting even at 230 lbs. Now I weight 200.
I have not used it as a mtn bike so I can't really tell you about that, but as a street bike on sidewalks and RR tracks and all the other usual bumps it is great.
I have read most all of the other posts and pretty much agree with them. The seatpost is just now (11 months) starting to squeek loud enough to get on my nerves. I had tightened it and it was not sqeeking but now I am looking for a new one. FYI size is 30.8 or .9
I had a $35 tune up at 6 months and it is getting time for another one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudolf steenkamp
a Cross Country Rider
from paarl,WstCape,S.A
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Delvera | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal to paddle | | Strengths: | awesome bike for the money a real looker like the manitou 4way rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | The bearings dont seem that strong had to replays all four on the linkages.I bought it second hand maybe they were worn out. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Spezialized pro evel twin roller 26x2.4 tires Front hub deore rear deore xt marzocchi bomber all mountain 3 fork(awesome) xtr rear deraileur titec hellbent handlebar end titec xwing seatpost front rim mavic m223 rear sun ringle rhino light with dt swiss spokes truvative fiveD crankset | | Bottom Line: | a great bike for the money perform great i have taken a 4foot drop handels it great would recomend it to any beginner allmountain rider. gets a smokin hot five red hot ones | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jd
a Weekend Warrior
from Olympic Peninsula
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tahuya River Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | Great component mix for $$$. Lightweight. Plush ride on downhill. Easy to tune. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires (Hutchinson Scorpion)suck. Real minor annoyances, probably more due to getting out of tune. Had chain suck once, time to replace chain. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT component hard tail. Gary Fisher Cake, Trek Fuel 90, Cannondale Prophet. | | Bike Setup: | stock: Shimano XT R. Deraileur, Deore LX Front Der. Evelve XC Race Face crank. Manitou Swinger 3 Way R. Shock. Manitou Minute Front Shock. Hayes Nine Hydraulic brakes. Mavic 223 Disc rims. Hutchison Scorpion tires. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the $$$. Amazing travel and capable of handling anything you can throw at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | To Grandma's house! ...duh | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1149.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle Warehouse, San Francisco | | Strengths: | Hey! There's no Giant VT topic in 2004/5 thread.
O.K. 2004 VT3
Nice!
It felt, rode, and fit better than d' others.
Deep discount! | | Weaknesses: | Some of the competitors have nicer component groupings.
My friends didn't mess themselves when they saw it! The respect and appreciation for this machine "grows" - not overwhelming. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed GF Cake2, 3, 3DLX; Giant AC2, NRS1-3; Kona Dawg, Coiler. | | Bike Setup: | All stock.
The saddle blows, goes asap ( my backside and that saddle don't get along)!
From there, bars, later the drivetrain and wheels, but only as they wear out. | | Bottom Line: | Pacific had Cake2 for less $$, Cake3 DLX for about the same, but I liked VT better.
Like some other posters, I wanted to like the the other bikes more, but the feel and fit of VT wins!
If you aren't drooling over straight freeride, downhill, or some other niche, check out the VT! Ride some others, yeah, but don't overlook this sleeper, especially if you're a "large" at all.
Value, 5 buttburners; can't beat the price and thanks Pacific!
Overall, 5 rectum reamers!
O.K., no cusswords this time, so POST already! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Tx
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | emma long | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | *Very smooth ride with no pedal bob. I've known others to complain that the suspension is too plush for them. I'm a light weight at 145 lbs. and this suspension is perfect for me.
*the hayes hydraulic brakes can stop you on a dime.
*looks way cool (obviously inspired by maverick)
*comfortable geometry
| | Weaknesses: | *You have to clamp the seatpost really tight to keep it from slipping. It seems like they made the post hole bigger than it needs to be.
*Not very fond of the raceface cranks or the scorpion tires | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper, enduro | | Bike Setup: | *stock components with xtr shifter upgrade.
*I set the swinger main pressure to my body weight. ~145lbs. and the Minute fork to 130mm of travel. | | Bottom Line: | You just can't beat the performance and component set for the price. I bought this bike because the trails here in Austin are very rocky. My previous bike was a hardtail and I felt like I had been in a fight after each ride. The VT cruises through rock gardens with ease. And when tuned properly, it even out climbs my hardtail. I've even been daring enough to launch it from ~4 ft. No problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andre
a Weekend Warrior
from Indonesia
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | - Handling
- Plush & comfortable, but assuring ride
- Looks chunky (and funky).
- Very good mecha-brakes (Avid CPS)
- TITEC stock stem, bar, & seatpost look somber & utilitarian, but serve the purpose.
- Well-built, excellent paint job, solid construction
- High-Tech (Hydroform tube, SPV, All-Mountain: latest breed of MTB) | | Weaknesses: | - Looks a bit unusual
- Small size has no place for bottle cage inside the triangle (leaving you with dirty bottle. Happy soil drinking)
- Limited seatpost adjustment (if you get the Swinger SPV4 like I do)
- Brake lever kinda lousy (Avid AD3)
- A little heavy compared to XC bikes. But then, this is an all-mountain type
| | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS3, SC Blur, SC Heckler, Scott YZ4 | | Bike Setup: | Stock (5.6' rear travel, 5-' front travel) with several upgrades: Fox Vanilla RL fork, Shima XT Rapid Rise R/D, Shima HONE shifters. Shima HONE brakes, Truvativ Hussefelt pedal, Kenda Kharisma tires. | | Bottom Line: | I had an NRS before & traded it with VT since I felt little assurance with NRS (very light, thin-wall tubes), and harsh (no-sag system). One ride proved that VT is a comfortable bike with minimum bob. I somewhat experienced better pedalling with this than VPP bike. Probably should give the credit to Manitou SPV system.
My swapping the Psylo to Vanilla is only an insurance move.
The bike is too heavy for XC race, and it was not designed for downhilling / freeride, either (shock type, weight, size of stays, are the judges).
Singletrack? Long journey? Unfamiliar trails? Get the VT. It will not show you what talent it possesses, but it will take you there without hassle, with minimum fatigue, at lesser time. That's probably why All-Round All-Mountain bike becomes the most popular choice. Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SCOTT
a Weekend Warrior
from MIRAMICHI
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | FRENCH FORT COVE | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | INCLINE SPORTS | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | nothing, realistically (cost inhibited weakness only) | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | cross max xl's, thomson post, X9 triggers with XO rear derailer, Race Face Next LP, Crank Bros. Candy Ti, Fox Talas RLC, Easton Monkey Light XC, Race Face Deus stem, Panaracer Fire XC w/Stan's No Tubes, Race Face Signature ISIS BB, Avid Juicy Seven Hydraulic Disc brakes etc. | | Bottom Line: | Although my bike is far from stock, it is the frame and shock that really make it perform (always run in 5" for trails). It is the most fun bike I have owned and I really love it. Buy a VT, do yourself a favor, if you love mountain biking buy a VT whichever one you can afford. Don't buy it as a DH rig, nor a freeride bomber, not an expert class xc racer but a VERY GOOD MOUNTAIN BIKE! I have done some sport class xc racing and I have done better than previous years on xc specific bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean-Louis Croteau
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec City Canada
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | montagne des roches | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Gagné Velo-Ski | | Strengths: | pedaling efficiency(spv rear shock works well), confort ride(good position), nice look, good frame,Shimano XT-LX at this price. Not too heavy for an all-around bike (29 pounds) | | Weaknesses: | The psylo is a little smooth for my 190 pounds. Maybe I will upgrade to stiffer springs. But for the kind of trails I ride, it did well. I go on technical rides but I don't try big jumps or downhill. | | Similar Products Used: | I went to a lot of store to see: Trek liquid 10, Cannondale Jekyll 600, Specialized Enduro and Kona Dawg. All of the are good bikes with their strengths and weaknesses | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to get a long travel bike without going to heavy freeriders. So,I've got what I wanted: a bike who climbs well and able to do moderate free ride. If i had enough money, I'd buy a light hardtail xc and a freeride, but for the moment I found a good compromise with the all mountain category and to me the VT two was the best value for my budget. I think I will be happy with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Lauga
a Cross Country Rider
from Grenoble , France
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | routens shop , grenobel | | Strengths: | Frame , SPV shock , hydraulic brakes
Stable , comfortable , no shock oscillation while pushing hard on pedals.. | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy....might change the wells for Mavic CrossmaxXL | | Similar Products Used: | canondale , kona dawg & kikapu , lapierre Xcontrol , Commencal | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really fun an confortable......
I have been out on a trial I could barely handle with my hold Commencal and I was just flying with the VT.
Suspensions works great on rocky uphill , and tremendously well on downhill(I am heavy rider ,200lbs , 1m95).
For those who hesitate between frame size L or XL , keep the L.
Overall , a excellent bike for trail riding, and even for downhill racing.
I have been hesitating a long time between several bikes....and this one is really the best I could find.
This is worth a 5 flaming chilis.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a
from Cle Elum
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | The SPV shock is the real deal, little or no bob from the rear. This bike has a very comfortable, natural riding position. This bike is the Buick of mountain bikes with a cushy ride. | | Weaknesses: | The Psylo shock bobs too much unless you stay in the saddle or turn the dampening to max. It weighs too much and at my age, maybe too much for serious climbing. The two pivot arms for the rear linkage both had to be replaced due to failed bearings. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Fire XC tires make this a very stable ride. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is on the heavy side, the pivot arms failed prematurely, The Psylo bobs too much unless you have max on the dampening. On the other hand its a great work out bike. In fact with the dampening on max it feels like a rigid frame. I have taken this bike on 4000 foot climbs and coming down rutted single track and fire road without hardly feeling a bump. The suspension really soaks up the bumps. I have also raced this bike, but over a 20 mile race I think I am giving up 4 or 5 minutes. If you can afford it get the new VT-One where they have solved the weight and fork bob problems. That would be the bike for somone looking for a plush ride. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO Bike Shops | | Strengths: | Great bike for the money. Hard to find a bike with these components at this price. | | Weaknesses: | No major problems thus far but I have only had the bike about 3 months. When putting the front wheel on to ride (I need to take it off to get the bike in my car to get to the trailhead.), it is more difficult than other bikes to get the brakes to not rub on the front disk. This may just be a problem with disk brakes? The bike is heavy but what do you want for the price? | | Similar Products Used: | None - I had been riding a Bridgestone MB3. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a full suspension bike with at LX components or better and disk brakes. The bike I have has LX in front and XT in back. Many of the bikes I looked at had LX or XT in back and some piece of crap in the front. This was by far the least expensive bike I found that had LX/XT and disk brakes.
So far it has been a blast to ride and I have no complaints. It has held up well, the brakes and shifters work well on the trail and the bike climbs fairly well. For the intermediate/aggressive rider who wants to ride singletrack but does not need to do 5 foot drops, this bike fits the bill. For the money, you cannot go wrong! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jolly
a Weekend Warrior
from Florence, OR U.S.A
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cummins Crk Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | I bought this bike because I was looking for a bike that would do it all. I haven't been disappointed. The bike handles roots, rocks, jumps, drops, mud and dirt. It screams down hills, climbs like a goat, and eats up single track. The SwingerSPV shock is plush over rocks and roots and can handle moderate drops, the Psylo U-turn variable travel fork lets you set up easialy for long climbs and blazing decents. I hear a lot of trash talk about the Psylo but they seem to work well for me. The Avid mechanical disc work great and are easy to maintain and adjust even on the trail. | | Weaknesses: | The stock Huchinson tires are crap. The seat post doesn't have a lot of room to drop unless you reverse(invert) the shock from its stock set up. There are sqeaks and ticking sounds when your riding but I usually don't notice them cause I'm screaming so loud (have too much fun). | | Similar Products Used: | I test rode everything out there Trek Fuels & Liquids, Kliens, Jamis, Cannondales. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new tires Bontarager Jones, Crank Bro Candys | | Bottom Line: | My riding buddies are taking their $2500+ carbonfiber XTR bling bikes to the shop for repairs while I'm still crank'n down the trail. I'm pushing my limits on this bike but I haven't yet pushed the VT's limits. I got a great bike for the money, its more depandable and tougher the many of the bling bikes you pay through the nose for. Bottom line it fun,fun,fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from Florence, OR U.S.A
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cummins Crk Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Preforms great on every trail I've ridden. Handles drops, rocks, roots, scream'n down hills. Love the plush Swinger 4way, it smooths out everything, love the travel adjustablity of the Pyslo U-turn, the Avid mechanicals are reliable and easy to adjust on the trail, easy to maintain. Bottom line, best bike I could find for the price, better than many of the high pricest bling bikes on the market. | | Weaknesses: | After changing out the Hutchinson tires and replacing the seat post I've ridden the bike for 6mth now and can't find a dang thing to complain about. There a a few squeaks and tics here and there but I'm usually screaming way louder and don't really care. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode every Trek, Cannondale, Jamis, GT , even Klien full suspension I could find. Could find a better value than the VT2. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tires Bontarager Jones, and pedals Crank Bro Candies. | | Bottom Line: | My riding buddies are taking their $2500+, carbon fiber, XTR bling bikes back to the shop for repairs while I keep tearing up the trails trouble free on my VT, enough said. This bike loves to jump, drop, pound, & fly, in mud, on roots, rocks, and gravel and it keeps asking for more. Down hill it screams, up hill its as solid as the rocks its climbing. I'm pushing my limits but haven't come close to pushing the VT's.
I think you can't go wrong buying this bikes if you are looking for a multi-purpose trail bike that can handle moderate drops, climb well, and keep you in the saddle all day on just about any trail. Besides it just fun fun fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
troy esch
a Cross Country Rider
from andover minnesota
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | lutsen mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | ramsey bicycle | | Strengths: | value; descent components for price,eats big hits well, very plush, handles well for a 5" travel bike | | Weaknesses: | psylo fork sucks.I havent been able to get the shock set up to flatten out the small bumps without srewing up peddling efficiency. chain suck is a major problem, and of course the usual issues:tires and seat post | | Similar Products Used: | first full suspension | | Bike Setup: | richie post,sram 9.0 cass,x-9 shifters,x-9 der, hollowpin chain,michelin wild grippers, | | Bottom Line: | before you buy this bike, have your bike shop swap out the tires for something acceptable and get a spring in the fork that matches your weight. the one that comes stock is for up to 135lb rider. (new fork on '04 anyway)besides that, upgrade other stuff later.
if your looking for a cross country bike and a bike you can take to the downhill park, this is it. of course there are better choices, but not for under $2000. This is a bike that is meneuverable enough for tight singletrack and tough enough for 5 ft drops and some bigger hits and is still reasonably light | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike b
a Weekend Warrior
from manila, phil.
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | bang for the buck, manitou's spv rules, climbs pretty well, can be easily tuned for specific purpose, travel, 2.4 fits unlike the others | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | jamis xlt, intense tracer | | Bike Setup: | vt2, answer protaper, nokian gazzallodi | | Bottom Line: | got only the frame so the rating goes for the frame only, plush ride when tuned right, almost 6 inches of travel w/c makes it an ideal all mountain bike, spv is really the way to go for an fsr, plus the frame doesn't cost as much as the competition, bushings held up well unlike other more expensive bikes w/c you have to tighten the linkages after every ride w/c suck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob OBryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Logan, WV USA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Middle Ridge Trail, Kanawha State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Huntington Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | 1. SPV works as advertised; This bike is plush as well as a great pedaler.
2. Beautiful paint.
3. Price vs. performance is great! There is nothing performancewise that even comes close for under $2k.
4. The saddle is quite comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | 1. Despite the excellent reviews the Avid mech brakes have gotten, I did not like them AT ALL. They squeaked and moaned from day 1.
2. The Psylo is crap. I got the extra firm spring for it, and it's still crap. I'm getting a Minute 3:00 as soon as I can afford it. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC2, Trek Liquid (tested), Fisher Cake 1 DLX (tested), Cannondale Jekyll 600 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with the following adjustments:
Hayes HFX 9 Hydraulic Brakes, Platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks for the money. After I get the Minute fork, I'm sure I'll be in love all over again. I also have a 2003 AC2, and I changed out the Psylo for a '04 Sherman Firefly w/SPV... HUGE difference. If you have one of these bikes, get a SPV fork. You'll not regret it.
If you don't have one of these bikes, GET ONE. It's the best, sturdiest all mountain bike that I have found in this price range. It has quality, name brand parts that are built to take abuse. Yes, there are better parts out there, a'la the XTR, etc., but you won't be disappointed with what you find here.
If you go for a test ride, I'm sure you'll have a smile on your face when you're through. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike m
a Weekend Warrior
from phil
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | any as long as there's a way out | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | the SPV way too cool does everythng for me, looks!, bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: | none that i have found | | Similar Products Used: | giant nrs also a great bike, intense tracer, specialized s-works | | Bike Setup: | vt2, deore crap, mavic rims, pro taper riser bars, hutch tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is perfect for trail riding and the available travel lets you discover new lines. The spv makes it a decent climber compared to dedicated xc bikes but sometimes 3" of travel ain't enough when the road gets rough and too much travel is a pain to pedal around. The xc bike with more travel that's why i'm givin this bike double 5s for the grin factor plus it doesn't cost as much as the competition and when its tuned right there is actually minimal bob uphill! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blair
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It's a good trail bike.The manitou swinger shock works well.The frame design is well thought out with very little flex.I like the fact that the fork is adjustable. | | Weaknesses: | the avid mech brakes need to be upgraded to hydro aswell the mavic 223 could be upgraded to something stronger. | | Bike Setup: | i run with the forks all the way out,and recommended air pressure in the shock | | Bottom Line: | I love my VT, however I will be upgrading some parts before the next season.The bike can handle almost anything you can throw at it with the right parts.Anyone who is looking for a good riding trail bike should seriously consider a VT2.This bike isn,t for someone who is looking to do extreme all the time,but it will feed your appetite once in awhile. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA, U.S.
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | No Name | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | ARB | | Strengths: | -The manitou shock is quality built
-Replaceable drop out
-Burly front triangle
-Good saddle
-Paint has taken some abuse and still looks good
-Rear hub has taken some and still rolls true
-Unbeatable customer service | | Weaknesses: | -Linkage design is faulty. I crushed the bearings in the links between the rear swingarm and shock mount.
-Psylo is not good
-Avid brakes are good for XC not for anything else
-Seatpost. Bent with very little force
-Grips. When wet, hands will slip
-Rims don't like heavier riders
-Creaking sound from seatpost collar. I believe it is from the friction between the collar and the paint. A little grease will fix
| | Similar Products Used: | Giand AC1, RAM custom DH, Specialized BigHit Pro, Giant Team DH, Specialized Enduro Comp, Ellsworth Joker, Ellsworth ID | | Bike Setup: | Giant VT2 Frame
-30.9 dia. Cheapo Seatpost
-Answer ProTaper
-Sram hydraulic disk brakes. 8"rotor front, 6"rotor rear.
-SunRingle flat pedals
-Marzocchi front hub laced to Mavic D321(Stout) using DT swiss spokes.
-Shimano XT rear laced to Mavic D321 using DT swiss spokes.
-Marzocchi Junior T Pro
-Race Face Prodigy Cranks
-XT Front and Rear DR
-IRC Kujo 2.65" front, IRC Mud 2.2" Rear | | Bottom Line: | I am sorry, but I can't recommend this bike to anyone. The whole linkage system is faulty from the start. Let me tell you why. The linkage used on the Giant VT2 is designed to operate under compression. This would be ok if it were properly supported on each end but it was not. Also, larger bearings or possibly needle bearings would have been better. The idea is good, rising rate suspension, but the design was off a little.
You are probably saying, if this guy knows this then why did he buy it, well, I went against my better judgment. That is the reason why I am going to have a custom built to my liking.
The reason for a high value rating is because it is a lot of value for the money. One last recommendation. If you are in the market for a Giant VT2 type bike, look into the Giant AC series. I would be much happier with one of those frames. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stoker
a
from Central Coast CA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Strengths: | Just about everything. What you get for the price you pay is incredible too. If you were to buy the components seperate, etc, this bike would cost way more. Just about every part or component is a well respected brand and quality part, plus the bike is lightweight for what it has on it and it can handle a big guy like me (6'4" 218lbs). 95% of this bike is great stuff right out of the box and you can be up and riding with an insane bike quick. Just buy it cause there isn't anything that comes close to this bike for its price.
| | Weaknesses: | There are some minor weaknesses, but nothing that is a problem. You just have to do some switch outs and some adjustments like any other bike to fit your needs. The seat post and shim are lame. Just replace it new and sell it, then get a new post. The cable wiring is weird too and scrapes the frame as well as mine would catch the rear shock and make a weird noise as it rubbed up against it. Just did a bit of re cabling and some zip ties and its fine. The Hutchinson tires are really bad. I flatted them the first day, but then again, im a big guy. I switched them to my WTB Moto Raptor 2.4's. If you are smaller then they might work ok, but not for me. Other than those, the bike is great and i wouldn't want any other bike for its product quality and price | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro Pro, Trek VRX 300 | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup, switched out seat post with no shim, and switched the Huthinson tires to WTB Moto Raptors 2.4 | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike. You aren't going to find any other bike of this quality for its price anywhere. I can't even think of a reason not to buy it. It just floats over the big stuff and climbs like a charm with no bob. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P-Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne,AUST
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Bang for buck, travel, SPV, Hayes hydraulics. | | Weaknesses: | At this price, none. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale hardtail, KHS hardtail; mates duallies, Foes etc. | | Bike Setup: | I've got the Oz '04 version which comes with Hayes hydraulics and Manitou Minute SPV fork. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike after much research, and simply couldn't find a better bike for the money, for what I wanted. The 3 way SPV that came with the bike was faulty, so Manitou replaced it with a 4 way SPV, no questions, no charge. Just awesome warranty back up ! I can ride this bike all day, it'll climb, jump, drop off and barrel downhill fast with oodles of travel. It handles light freeride (4-5 ft drops), will be 24 hr enduro raced, and makes me feel like a wheelie king ! (The Minute's light)
Anyone can pick a bike to bits, but when I think about the dollars I paid, I just laugh.
I love this bike ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor Ratliff
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | haw ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | West Bicycles | | Strengths: | Incredible suspension and lots |
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$ 2000.00
