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Submitted by
Sean
a Racer
from Montreal,Quebec,Canada
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$6000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Experts | | Strengths: | Every inch of it. Light weight, stiff but not unridable | | Weaknesses: | shock bottoms out and needs to be pumped to ridiculous pressure. (I only weigh 150lbs and ride at 200psi) | | Similar Products Used: | Always been a hardtail rider | | Bike Setup: | 2005 NRS,Sid race with lockout,DT SWISS XR1540 wheels,SRAM X.O drivetrain,Selle Italia SLR Carbon seat,carbon bar,Syntace f99 stem,xpedo TI/TI pedals,race face crank,hayes hfx9,easton post and maxxis maxxlite 310 tires. Overall weight 24.5pounds.18.5 inch size. | | Bottom Line: | The frame instills confidence and speed without trying or noticing i am on average aproximately 3-5km/h faster on my nrs than on my GT Avalanche from the previous season.
I custom built up the bike but it goes so well that i would pay anyprice to keep making it better. I prfer this NRS to the new ANTHEM model that they offer.
Buy one build it up it's worth it.This bike is for everyone from the beginner to the racer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Burlington, KY, USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Winona Lake Trail. You Gotta Ride IT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$926.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | The Frame is Just awesome. Wheels are strong. Overall good bike. really shined at the 12 hours of DINO.(gonna be 24 in 2006) | | Weaknesses: | The sid Fork was the weakess point so i changed it for a Fox Float RLC. another thing i didn't like was the cables and cranks. Changed Cranks for Truvativ Stylo Team, their narrower and easier to hammer away on. Changed Cables for XTR | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized Epic, Haro, Leader,... | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the cables(xtr), Fork(Fox Float RLC 100), Cranks(Truvativ Stylo Team), Pedals(Speedplay Frogs), Tires(IRC Serac 2.1 Tubeless), Rear Shox(2006 Fox Float RP3 coming :)) | | Bottom Line: | If used this bike in a variety of ways training, endurance racing and regular trail riding. I absolutely love this bike and dont see myself riding any other bike for cross-country purposes. Very solid bike highly recommend bike to anyone (just wont tell anybody trying to keep this advantage to myself).
I did come from a hard tail so the ride to me seems butter smooth but there is no bobbing when climming.
This bike really helpped me this season improving my results at every event dramitically. the bike just gives you so much confidence that you dont notice til you look at your time. If you have any specific questions feel free to e-mail me prosoccer2115@yahoo.com
P.S. No im not selling my bike, well if you say $5,000 ill think about it lol. still couldnt see myself selling it tho | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Parman
a Cross Country Rider
from Oshkosh, Wi
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Fond du Lac Cyclery | | Strengths: | All around great bike, I like how it rides, I like the action of the suspension, I like the fork, I like the tubeless tires, I like the disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | If one were to want to make this bike lighter, I don't know of a single component that would make a huge difference, they all seem kinda medium weighted to me. But very durable. | | Similar Products Used: | A few, hardtails mostly. My friend has a top fuel for 2005, the weight difference makes me jealous. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I would buy this bike all over again. I sometimes miss the lightness of my hardtail, but the "extra" traction the dual suspension and the tubeless tires offer make up for the difference. I am 5'7" and have the medium. I sometimes think that I would like the small better (but who knows), or more frame size options. As I've read in other reviews, would have appreciated XT all around instead of the LX shifters/front derailleur. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevo
a Racer
from Portsmouth, Va
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | York River Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | PortNorfolk Bike | | Strengths: | NRS system no bob, SID shock and fork. Hayes Brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Titec components: specifically the seatpost, seat bracket snapped, leaving me to ride standing up for a long time to get back to the parking lot. | | Similar Products Used: | First Full Suspension | | Bike Setup: | Thompson Stem and Seatpost, Race Face 1.5 riser bars, Continental Diesel Pro 2.5 tires, they work trust me, and lots of lube. | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike, for the price Giant should of included a XT front derailler and scrapped the Titec stuff, I'm a little bitter about the company right now, The bike can climb well, descending for long durations is kinda rough on the bod being all stretched out but it is tolerable. If you like light smooth handing bikes this is a good choice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt Reagan
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Platte River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Bike Masters | | Strengths: | This bike is fast, light and forgiving. The component list is great for fast hard pack single track. The suspension takes time to dial in but once you have it setup correctly it work great. | | Weaknesses: | Not really weakness just FYI the Hayes brake levers (handles) require adjustment after every other ride. The levers have adjustment screws that unscrew bringing the brake levers closer to the handlebars. Also I have read a few reviews that complain of ghost shifting and this will happen on any setup that is not correctly maintained. The ghost shifting can be fixed by adjusting the rear derailleur. The tires Hutchinson Python are also not the best for loose dirt but they are fast | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 98, Santa Cruz Blur, NRS 2 | | Bike Setup: | Standard except from front fork has a SID World Cup | | Bottom Line: | If you want to go fast on XC trails this is the bike. The ghost shifting will happen every year but is easily fixed by you or your LBS. I would recommend upgrading the front fork to a SID world cup that has the carbon crown but other than that the bike is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Apex, NC
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | TSALI, Beaver Dam, New light | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | ALLSTAR Bike SHOP, Cary | | Strengths: | Light and Fast. Soaks up the bumps with ease. | | Weaknesses: | None so far...... | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC/SE2, Specialized Epic, FSR Stumpjumper, Trek 90 | | Bike Setup: | NRS1= Rock Shox SID Fork (Cable Lockout)/ Rear shocks, XT drivetrain, Hayes Hydraulic Disc, RaceFace Cranks Hutchenson Tubeless, | | Bottom Line: | Spec set up right out of the gate at the Bike shop for XC Race mode which was too firm. Needed plush ride so after I re-adjusted my SAG, Positive Pressure/ Negative pressure and Dampening the Bike simply out-performed all my expectations. AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! Be patient and the bike is there to set up to your riding and it will perform more than you can imagine. No Bob when pedaling. Don at Allstar Bike shop in Cary,NC is the best. Thanks Don for putting me into such a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerry P
a Cross Country Rider
from Mexico
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | lightness and super stability, sid rear shox good response and recovery of the whole frame in big bumps | | Weaknesses: | top tube needs to be re-designed, because of my weight (210)i've bended it twice, I think someday it will crash or collapse. | | Bottom Line: | If you are a xc rider I seriously advice to buy it, maybe in S or M sizes, but if you weight above 200 pounds or want the 20.5 in frame maybe you should think in some other frame design | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Purdiddy
a Downhiller
from CT
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | empty ones | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Efficient, affordable, readily available. Race geometry | | Weaknesses: | Efficiency comes at the expense of small to mid sized bump compliance. Top tube is similar in strength to a beer can. | | Similar Products Used: | Foes FXC, Intense Spider | | Bike Setup: | Medium, '02 Psylo Race,full xtr, monkey lite, Spinergy Xyclones, Avid disc. | | Bottom Line: | Due to replacement and warranty issues I've had the pleasure of owning three years worth of XTC frames. They have improved over the years, but I wouldn't recommend as a daily trail rider. A very race oriented bike, extremely light frame, but not very durable. I put the brake lever through my first frame, replaced for $1000. My own fault. My second failed at the shock mounts, the welds started to crack. To be fair at 200lbs this probably wasn't the best choice of frames for me, I could feel the flex beneath me and it never felt like 3.75 inches. At this point I bailed and bought a Foes FXC. The giant was a great climber, but the suspension was always a bit harsh and too stiff to track well on the downhills. If you race I could easily suggest this bike, if you want a daily trail bike and a Giant, look at the VT. Bottom line: A great race bike for the smaller guy who rarely takes a digger. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A C
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Desert Classic | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The NRS system really works. No bob at all. The fastest bike I ever rode. | | Weaknesses: | The Rider. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona King Kikapu, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Thompson Stem and Seat post, Easton monkeylite riser bar, Mavic Crossmax rims, Avid Juicy's,xo shifters and rear derailer, xt front der. WTB laser saddle, Manitou Elite Air, Cane Creek AD12. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the 2003 NRS frame from ebay, and built the bike from the ground up. This is the best bike I ever rode. I sure as hell made me a faster rider. The NRS system works great. The only problem now is that the rider needs to work more on his techincal skills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Dejo
a Cross Country Rider
from El Paso, TX
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Red Road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Crazy Cat Cyclery | | Strengths: | The no bounce rear suspension is all they promised and so much better then I expected. Plenty of travel on the big front shock, and nice tight frame. | | Weaknesses: | I've read the complaints about chain suck and my very first ride showed it to be an issue. I'm planning on shortening the chain to see if that helps. I also noticed some chain skip when on the big chain ring and smallest 2 gears of the casette. Here again may he related to chain legnth | | Bike Setup: | Stock - For now | | Bottom Line: | First impressions are everything and this bike exceeded all my expectations. There is absolutely no sag when you get on the bike, so the full legnth of the rear is available to suck up bumps. One thing that really impressed me was that while there was no bobbing on tough climbs, the rear suspension was still soaking up the bumps like a champ...much better then a locked out rear suspension.
Great bike at a decent price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Tisdall
a Cross Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pishill route | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Beyond MTB | | Strengths: | Great all-round performance, bob-free climbing, only slightly heavier than the GT Zaskar hardtail it replaces. I'm now completely sold on full-bounce and am convinced it's faster on virtually any course (for climbing and descending). Also a big fan of the Hutchinson Python tyres it ships with, which are good on virtually everything apart from thick mud. Also very easy to get off the rims and to repair.
Tubeless tyres - excellent feel, goodbye to pinch flats (I weigh about 180lbs), and I've finished a race with two large thorns straight through the tyre. | | Weaknesses: | Grub screws on Hayes brakes continue to work loose despite applying loctite etc. High time Hayes fixed this as it's been a problem for several years from what I've heard. Generally not that impressed with Hayes brakes which I will probably replace with Hopes. Original bottom bracket only lasted two months which is very poor. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Mountvision | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock except that I've added bar-ends. My friend made the mistake of getting an NRS2 and has upgraded almost everything. | | Bottom Line: | Highly recommended. And the 2004 model is going to be even lighter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patto
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong SAR
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2160.00 | | Purchased At: | Giant dealer | | Strengths: | very light weight on a full sus. bike, climbs very well and sharp at corner. No bobbing at all, thx to NRS degign and rockshox's fork and shock. | | Weaknesses: | as many people mentioned b4, paint easily scratch off by the hosing. take times to get the best suspension setup. overall is great then! | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90, Scalpel 1000, 2001 NRS1 | | Bike Setup: | orignal setup, except XTR front der. and crankset | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for one year and raced for a couple of times. I found that it's still in good condition if you give him a good service, and it still very stiff and tough now. I can't see any big problem til now, the only problem i sjust I found that the Rcae face crnakset not stiff enough, a bit flexy and creaky, I changed it to XTR M960, the problem solved. What to say then, if you are looking for a reasonable price no bobbing light weight and quick responsive full suspension bike for daily trainning, use or even race, NRS 1 is definitely the choice for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from Liberty, MO
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Smithville Lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Stop | | Strengths: | Responsiveness. No bob. Faster than I'll ever be. Great component mix. Compares well with similar and even more expensive bikes. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes brakes had a leak in front caliper, kept me from picking bike up from shop for a week. LBS couldn't fix it, had to shipped to Hayes. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode the Epic, Gary Fisher Sugar and Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | 20.5 in frame with tubeless tires, Mavic rims, XT up front and in back and XT hubs. Hayes hydraulic brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Just got the bike and rode it over a trail I have frequently ridden (on a Giant XTC SE2 hardtail from 1999). This bike is fast and I had great confidence over terrain I usually struggle over. I rode longer than usual and didn't feel so banged up. Didn't notice any bobbing when I was out of the saddle climbing and the Hayes brakes worked well. Quite a bit lighter than my 4 year old hardtail, and very reponsive. Could really carve between the tress and down switchbacks with speed and confidence. Great bike so far. Suspect anyone who rides frequently and considers local races with full suspension would do well with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cameron
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | $3000 cdn | | Strengths: | responsive, light. the bike carves corners, really stays connected to trail. good balance, easy to stay centred on bike. didn't think i'd use it so much but the fork lock out is a godsend on hills. excellent climber. rear suspension seems invisible. | | Weaknesses: | I don't hold back, but I still worry about durability. Ride North Shore Vancouver and avoid monster trails, but pure cross country is hard to find. I've taken a gouge out of the top tube. Otherwise though, its held up. (I'm only 145lb). So its not a weakness in the bike, its designed as XC, and its done well for me, but its a very specific bike. front derailleur is a bit of an annoyance. | | Similar Products Used: | last bike was fully rigid 1992 Rocky Mountain Equipe. so nothing. the lockout and no bob made switching a pleasure. | | Bike Setup: | stock excepting egg beaters. | | Bottom Line: | Know what you're going to ride. I'm pushing my bike, but its holding up.
I feel the money was worth it.
when i first got on the bike i was very comfortable. if you test and you are, you will continue to be.
I'm very pleased. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Renzo
a Cross Country Rider
from Belluno,Italy
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | No bobbing, reactive, rear suspension gives great traction,don`t have to think about activating/disactivating lockout for rear suspension,absorbs everything when it needs too. Great for my back!! | | Weaknesses: | Needs time to set shocks up properly, admittedly this is the 1st time I`ve had shocks on a bike. Tyres could do with better grip. | | Similar Products Used: | Kastle Hex 1000 | | Bike Setup: | Standard with XTR shifters, front/rear mech. | | Bottom Line: | Really enjoy riding this bike. Seems an excellent compromise between a full sus. and hardtail.Great going up,great coming down. I too had a few problems with ghost shifting a my first rides but with a little tweaking to the cable tensors at the shifters the problem has disappeared. I like it so much I`m looking for an NRS 2 for my wife!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Rodkey
a Cross Country Rider
from Muncie, IN USA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | VBR | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Kirk's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Weight, Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Weak derailer hanger, but replacable for cheap. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Skarab Super, XT/XTR, Chris King/517's, Easton Carbon... | | Bottom Line: | I actually have a NRS3 frame with upgraded rear shock and my own pick of parts. This bike has a shorter wheelbase and handles faster than others I've ridden. It feels more like a race bike and less than a riding bike. Accelerates fast and turns excellently. It took me a few rides to get used to the handling, but once I did, it was far to my advantage. I like it a lot, but the composite version is out for '04 and ohhhhh momma, I wants one of those. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jo
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | pacific bicycles | | Strengths: | solid frame, mostly good components, comes with shock pump | | Weaknesses: | LX front derailleur, tires, skipped gears in the rear with xt rear derailleur, shimano pedals, no quick release for seat post | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher Sugar 3+, Specialized Epic | | Bike Setup: | replaced xt rear derailleur with xtr, will upgrade to xtr front deraillaur soon, went back to my old ritchey clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | After 5 years on my Specialized M2 Stumjumper Comp I thought it was time to go full suspension. Ginat NRS 1 is fairly light for a dual suspension bike and the geometry fit me best. I like Specialized but the brain shock on the epic is too weird and doesn't absorb the first impact. It's also way too expensive for hwhat you get. The disc brakes are awesome, although I had to bring my bike back to the store three times to get the front brake adjusted properly.
The derailleurs are the low points on the bike. I had XTR/XT setup before and was disappointed in the XT rear derailleur, so I upgraded to XTR in the rear. The lX shifters are fine but the front derailleur sucks. will go to xt/xtr shortly.
I am a fairly big rider (6'1 and 200lbs) and the bike holds up well. This bike has improved my downhill abilities a lot. On my old bike, the bike was the limit, now I seem to be the limit ... ;-)
Very good deal for the price, but I strongly believe that each bike above $1000 has to have an XTR rear derailleur because that's the most utilized piece in all of the drivetrain. Gets a 4 here for the shifting problems, overall rating is a 5 because it's such a sweet bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ashton Cooley
a Cross Country Rider
from fort collins, CO
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | all local trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | Westside Cycles | | Strengths: | The newly developed frame, and pretty much everything on the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork, i dont care much for the sid. It flexs way to much for my liking, although it is really light! | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar, Epic, fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Had to change out the stem to a shorter one. Easton EA50, very rigid so far, no complaints!!! | | Bottom Line: | For the money you're not really going to find a much better bike all around. Its loaded with everything you would need and my only complaint is the sid. I do love the no bob, and although its an older no bob setup it works just as stated on giants web page. When i stand up out of the saddle i do notice small movement but nothing like my jamis dakar. I will say that this bike does climb like a billy goat and decends very well. Once i get a fox on the front it will decend even better. Overall you wont find a better bike or bang for your buck. I waited almost half a year to purchase a bike of this level and i am very happy with my decision. Gets 5 chilis for value and 4 for overall cause of the front fork! I think i read in someone elses review that they got on the bike and could ride longer and harder and i'll have to say that i feel the same way!!! If you haven't rode one, go do it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
g matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ned | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | University | | Strengths: | This bike is specked out nicely for fairly light non aggressive riders. It's light, fast and the rear suspension system works well. | | Weaknesses: | The NRS 1 is under built for aggressive and heavy riders. I weigh 180 lbs and ride Colorado Front Range trails. Destroyed products after three months include: free hub, two blowouts on the SID fork (took two days to do that), bent seat post (not from a wreck). | | Similar Products Used: | Good ol S-Works Hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for grip shift, Ritchie pedals and all the parts I have had to replace. | | Bottom Line: | First off, It's a good bike for your average Cross Country rider. However, the bike is under built for an aggressive 180 lb weekend warrior. I've been riding a S-Works hard tail out here for 6 years with little to no problems. Original everything except the crap Ritchie seat post that came with the bike. My riding style hasn't changed but I'm finding the NRS 1 can't take the medicine. I had the SID in the shop 3 times.... Unacceptable. I traded that disposable fork in for a FOX Talus. Now that's a fork folks but that's a different story. The seat post bent after a month of riding. No surprise there. I've had significant shifting problems with this bike. You can see from the other posts that I'm not the only one with that problem. Last weekend by free hub gave up the ghost. I can’t see any reason for that to happen after 3 months while I’m still using the original XT setup on my other bike.
I've been told that I'm to heavy and probably ride to hard for this bike. I will probably keep the bike but have to fix up my 7 year old S-Works as a backup for the really serious riding I'm expecting to do out here.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Sanford, FL
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Outspoken Bikes | | Strengths: | Stable, good bike, good look, price | | Weaknesses: | Had some sifting problems at first but my local shop fixed it right away. Tires are terrible in the mud and sand here in Florida. Tires would be great for hardpack singletrack. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, good bike but exspensive and had a lot of bob. Tried the epic disk, it was a good bike but on the exspensive side for what u get. I did not want to pay for the new suspension system. The lockout system stil takes a lot of bumps in the lockout position before it goes out of automatic lockout. | | Bike Setup: | Stock besides, eggbeaters and panaraces fire xc tires(I love these tires) | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for the money! Could not find a better deal out there. It takes bumps really well and jumps under 5 feet, Im afraid anything over that will hurt it but I could be wrong, it may be tougher than I give it credit for. Then again, the bike is an xc bike and not a freerider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jesse
a Cross Country Rider
from fayetteville AR
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | lake fayetteville | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | lewis and clark bikes | | Strengths: | the SID fork with remote lockout, NRS design, brakes, XtT derrailur, rider position(although some might not like the racing postion), Tubeless tires, NRS consistancy | | Weaknesses: | nothing so far whatsoever some people complain about the SID fork flexing but I personally thought it was great | | Similar Products Used: | EPIC Disk | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I do not own this bike its my freinds but it is totally awsome. The second i got on it the tubeless tires mixed with the NRS i began to fly on the singletrack. The lockout on the front helps tremendassly when u are on smooth straight track. There is no rear bob whatsoever yet the rear shock soaks up bumps wihtout the rider even noticeing the shock move. The brakes are excellent and the Xt derrailer shifts instantly. Due to the no need for high PSI in your tired the tubeless tires roll over stuff and flex with the things you are hitting but withought being low and flat elsewhere. This bike is an excellent choice for a nice XC race bike ready out of the box | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$66666.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | comfort over long rides, allows to stay seated more than on a hardtail, light weight, good parts for the price, good looks, awesome adjustability, versatility, etc. | | Weaknesses: | not really a weakness... but all those pivots and extra suspension adjustments require more attention and maintenance than a hardtail... but (...see "product strengths")
ultra lightweight aluminum granny gear can get bent (not a giant issue though) | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, others. | | Bike Setup: | stock, LX parts swapped for XT, and read D is now XTR | | Bottom Line: | After a few months and a few races (12h and 24h relay), the bike is holding up very well. My confidence is going up.
It took a few rides to stretch the chain and the shifter cables, and I had to loctite the brake lever setscrews, but after that, the bike has been flawless.
The tubeless system works fine for me. put a bit of soap with very little water to help seat and seal the tires on the rims and go!
The bike works very well as a commuter with michelin 1.5" slicks.
Brakes are good.
This bike will suit both a national champ and a weekend rider. The limiting factor is the rider BY FAR!!! not the bike!
:) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aj
a Cross Country Rider
from bainbridge, ohio, usa
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | century cycles | | Strengths: | light,strong,good suspention,lockout,brakes are smooth | | Weaknesses: | lot of stuff that could go wrong | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale | | Bike Setup: | xc | | Bottom Line: | a nice riding bike worth the price any one thats riddin trails can ride it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aj
a Cross Country Rider
from bainbridge, ohio, usa
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | century cycles | | Strengths: | light,strong,good suspention,lockout,brakes are smooth | | Weaknesses: | lot of stuff that could go wrong | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale | | Bike Setup: | xc | | Bottom Line: | a nice riding bike worth the price any one thats riddin trails can ride it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Pellegrini
a Cross Country Rider
from Parsippany, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Diamond Cycle - Montclair, NJ | | Strengths: | Suspension works great, no bob when standing.
Light frame
A lot of bike for the money | | Weaknesses: | Drivetrain
Ghost-shifting
chain - snapped 3 in a week | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930, 990, Y22 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike, would highly recommend it to more riders if the drivetrain worked as it was meant to work. I just find it is difficult to rant and rave knowing the drivetrain issues. My friend Sean has the NR2 and is going through the same issues...does GIANT have a flaw in the drivetrains? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Hachadoorian
a Racer
from New York, Ny
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Toga Bikes | | Strengths: | This is a follow up to my review posted on November 17 last year. The bike is great. I have raced with it 6 times now and love it. | | Weaknesses: | Remote lockout is great when it is set up correctly. Problem is, not too many people know how to do that. It freezes in the locked position if it is adjusted too tight and you have to reach down to the fork to unwind it. Rock Shox and Giant are no help either. They left me hanging for 3 weeks without any answers. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to 2003 XTR crankset, front and rear deraulairers. Love the package. The crank is stiff and responsive. Hutchinson Mosquito tires. The Pythons suck. | | Bottom Line: | Get this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
longtrailahead
a Cross Country Rider
from philadelphia, pa
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | pennypack park horse trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | liberty bell bicycle | | Strengths: | Rock Shox sid fork w/handlebar mounted remote lockout - found this to work very well on hills, lockout the fork and watch your aggressive climbing ability improve greatly. Hayes hydraulic disc brakes provide ample stopping power in all conditions. No Resonance System(NRS)is great, extends riding time considerately. Phyton tires run fast on dry hard pack and corner sharp on turns. Respectable components. Bike has a great look to it. | | Weaknesses: | Phyton tires come up short in mud and sand. Brake cables WILL rub paint off of frame very quickly. After reading many complaints about this in prior reviews, I took simple precautions to avoid this problem on my bike. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first full suspension bike puchased. I upgraded from a 2002 Giant Rainier. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fast and why wouldn't it be, after all, the color is called "stealth black" Great package for the price. If you are thinking about buying one, worry no more. Hurry down to your local Giant dealer and tell them I sent you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddy Kuipers
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | 42 traverse, Tongariro Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Penny Farthing Cycles Wellington | | Strengths: | Dream ride, flows extremely well over rough terrain, climbs like a demon (due to shock "tracking" over all obstacles), screams downhill (rider holding on to sphincter), all in all could feel like I could ride this bike all day everyday. | | Weaknesses: | Felt like I needed to sit an exam to operate this puppy effectively. (Bike shop guys must of thought I was a dawlk!) Such a big step from an 8 year old crapped out Avanti to this black stealth bomber. Bike should have XT all round for the price. All in all a better instruction manual for us traditional riders would of been useful. | | Similar Products Used: | Had a range of older bikes for last 15 years. Mostly rigid | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded FRDR to XT and glad I did. Bar ends (personal pref) | | Bottom Line: | Have very big perma grin for several hours after riding this bike. Partner has problems getting me to leave this bike in the shed. This is for any rider having problems with the decision to go to full suspension - DO IT!!!!!! I was a hard tail advocate (due to some road riding) and thought this bike was too over the top at first. Was told to go see NASA if I wanted a better bike, it has lived up to that so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Winmalee, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anywhere in The Blue Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2080.00 | | Purchased At: | Panther Cycles, Penrith | | Strengths: | Light, Strong frame, thicker walled tubes than 2002 model. Fast rolling and quick acceleration, very tunable to be smooth and comfy or hard and racy like a hardtail, fantastic brakes. Climbs very well (no bobbing) and descends with much greater confidence than a hardtail. You can stay on the seat and just pedal almost everywhere without having to use your legs for suspension. No lockout is required on this bike for road riding or hills, there is next to no bob or m |
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$ 2300.00
