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Submitted by
Ted
a Weekend Warrior
from Castle Rock, C.O., usa
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | I love em all | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bobs bicycle | | Strengths: | It can handle anything I throw at it | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a lot before going to Giant | | Bike Setup: | Sram x.0 build kit, hayes carbon discs, Manitou nixon platinum fork, WTB dual duty wheels, easton monkey light bars, fsa stem, U.S.E. alien seat post. Race face cranks and b.b. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has impressed me from day one. I purchased the frame new on-line and built the bike up. This bike does everything well and is a riot to ride. I have never felt a bike that is as balanced as the VT. It climbs well and the rear tire sticks over the nastiest rocks and roots. It loves to go down-hill, the faster the better and rips through the tight stuff as well. I have done some 4 or 5 foot drops and the bike does not flinch(keep in mind i'm a skinny fella at a whopping 155lbs.) This is my fifth mountain bike in the last in my last 16 years of riding and it is by far the most fun. It may not be as flashy as some of the other customs out there but I wouldn't trade it after throwing a leg over it. I have the bike weighing in at right about 28lbs and it rides lighter than my old 23 XC rig. This is the first stable platform that I have ridden for any amount of time and it is fantastic. Just stay seated and spin. The only thing that I had to get used to was staying seated over rougher terrain. You can flow over most everything and I think that is why even though this bike is heavier I end up less fatigued and can ride farther. If you are looking for a good all around bike that will make everything you ride more fun go for the VT. If all you want to do is the park or race look elsewhere. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Schumacher
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Hill FL USA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | any at kettle morrain st.forest WI | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$455.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Medium weight but not quite heavy | | Weaknesses: | Medium weight but nearly heavy | | Similar Products Used: | haro 8.1,Cadex CFM 2, | | Bike Setup: | Giant VT1 18.5"Risse Trixxy 6"trvl fork 20mm thru axle,or Magura Mid-Ego 5.8"trvl 20mm thru axle(huge heavy indestructible) fork...,Manitou 3way rr shk,sram X7 r-der-shftrs F/R,shimano frt der-btm pull-upswing,grimeca system 8 f&r,Halo SAS rims 36f/48r,-w-halo spindoc hubs,or Halo Tornado 32F/36R w-Halo spindoc hubs,kenda karma 30-80psi,small block eight 30-80psi or Kend Kwest 100psi slicks | | Bottom Line: | I have had absolutely no prob with this bike aside from weight,but I built it for durability...,I weight 220# and have never bottomed it out,it didn't even bottom out when I landed so hard I bent the STEEL bars I was using,Bent em bad,Handling is a bit topsy,but 6" travel will explain that away,I ride really fast on all kinds of terrain,and have never really crashed it hard because of the good handling characteristics and suspension to absorb my flub-ups.
I have not had the opportunity to use the bike for much serious trail riding,but with some lighter components it would kick azz I am sure.
I ride 30 to 70 miles,five days a week,and even though it is a veritable TANK,I still get by...In short,this is one of the best bikes I have ever had the opportunity to use.I would recommend it to anyone who needs a trouble free,beatable steed,not so much for cross country because of the weight of the thing,but anything else,freeride,up to mid-level downhill or hucking,but one thing no bike makes up for is lack-of-finesse or lack of skill and common sense,or lack of maintenance....
Take care of it,and it will take care of you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Euan Carr
a Cross Country Rider
from Chelmsford
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | snail trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | versatile, solid, cheap for what it is | | Weaknesses: | can't think of many | | Similar Products Used: | see below | | Bike Setup: | as below | | Bottom Line: | Got the shock & spv all set up, and this flies along now. I've even taken it racing where it's performed respectably. It does bob a little bit if you get out of the saddle, but most of the time its pretty solid, and I'm about 100kg and not too delicate.
What you lose in carrying the extra weight you gain in carrying more speed through dips and over rough stuff than you can on a hardtail.
Much as I love my old GT, it isn't getting ridden much any more.
If you can get one of these cheap (which you probably can 'cos its a Giant rather than a boutique make or an FSR) go for it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Euan Carr
a Cross Country Rider
from Chelmsford
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lingwood Common | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | built up | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar with thudbuster & 80mm Duke Race forks (other bike)
Specialised FRS Pro (demo'ed) | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Minute 3's, Magura Marta brakes, XTR drivetrain, carbon bits & bobs | | Bottom Line: | Recently built this up from bits & bobs. Original idea was to build up a chunkier bike to take more abuse than my HT bike, but this has built up weighing about the same after going for top notch components wherever possible.
I've only been out for a couple of sessions messing round in the current slime on my own. I don't think I've fully bedded in or set up the shocks to get the most out of the bike yet, but all seems pretty good so far.
Felt fine for general trail riding and absolutely nails any DH. I found myself hurtling down steeper routes I usually take fairly steady on a HT, but feeling much more stable.
There was some bobbing and I felt the extra effort involved in getting it up hills, but think I had the shock & SPV set way to low initially. I borrowed a new FSR Pro recently which was probably better for platform stability, but not as plush or confidence inspiring on the descents or over roots & bumps. RRP on the FRSe is over £3000 though, and it didn't weigh any less!
I'll report back (maybe) when I've got it dialed in more and have:
1) compared it against my HT over some laps and
2) seen how I keep up with the boys on a fast 2 hour ride.
Until then I'll be sneaking out to hammer down rutted paths and jump ditches with a big grin on my face whenever the opportunity arises.
5* for value because I managed to build this up to decent FS bike with fancy bits on for well under £1000.
Overall rating is 4* so far. When & if I get the shock dialled in more, I'd hope to re-adjust this score upwards | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashe-vegas
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Quality welds and hydroformed tubing. Nicely designed. Very solid. Swinger shock is sweet. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, small rear triangle facilitates lots of chain slapping. "Small" frame size has water bottle bosses on bottom of main triangle. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z5 fork. XT shifters/derailleurs, Deore hydraulics, LX crank, SRAM 970 cassette/PC69 chain, Sun Ringle Disk Jockey rims/XT hubs, Race Face bar/stem/post, WTB Speed V saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This is a sweet riding bike. Bought the frame NOS, and built it up with some parts I already had or traded for. Still need to tweak out the Swinger shock, but it's great so far. Overall, it climbs better than my steel hardtail because I can stay seated over heinous roots/rocks. No bob whatsoever if you are seated, but you'll definitely feel it if you stand. Some shock adjustment may help here. You can feel the weight a little on a climb. Tried to build this up as an XC rig, but it's still porky. The front end wanders a bit, and will come off the ground easily. Not necessarily bad, you just need to get used to it. Rear suspension is plush, haven't bottomed it out at all, and it's good over chatter, although rougher trails will cause quite a bit of chain slap, seemingly more so than on a hardtail. Maybe because of the small rear triangle (it hits both stays). Very beefy, and will hopefully last a long time. This is a great bike for 24 hour racing, or all day epic rides. Maybe not for gram shavers, though. Did the 24 Hours of Pisgah with this and it performed great. Excellent value if you can score one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gaston
a
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Value, component spec (Mavic Crossmax XL, Raceface Turbine cranks, Hayes hydraulics, full XT drivetrain) | | Weaknesses: | Titec stem, seatpost, Psylo fork | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR, various hardtails, NRS, | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Manitou Minute fork, stem/seatpost, bars, saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Supergo had these on sale so I picked one up. I wasn't crazy about the softly sprung Psylo fork so I had them swap it out at the shop. Other than replacing the saddle, bars, stem, seatpost, I'm running the stock setup, which has a good parts spec otherwise. The wheels are great(650 retail) though the Hutchinson tires it comes with need to go. The handling is quick but stable and not too nervous. It seems to work well for singletrack well. The rear shock takes a few rides to set up well, but the Swinger does a great job of minimizing the bob. Even when pedalling out of the saddle it doesn't bob (SPV set at about 60% of my weight with the main chamber just below my weight) as long as I'm not too sloppy with my technique. Going down the suspension is a bit stiff on small bumps but soft over bigger hits. Does the job well though not anything to write home about. The rear end seems a bit nervous sometimes.
The short wheelbase also makes it a bit harder to climb steep hills than the Stumpy I rode- the front end jacks up easily.
Overall an all around workhorse of a bike. It goes fast but doesn't feel all that fast. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Porcupine Rim, Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | built up on my own | | Strengths: | Versatile, sturdy frame, responsive handling, Swinger SPV | | Weaknesses: | stock wheelset is crappy - first and foremost, get new a wheelset! Then get yourself a better fork! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized StumpJumper, Giant NRS, Kona Kahuna Dee-Lux, Titus Switchblade | | Bike Setup: | Full XT drivetrain, Race Face cranks, Avid Mech Disc w/Avid SD5 levers, Sun SingleTrack wheelset, Manitou Black Super fork | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks butt! The Psylo U-Turn fork and Mavix wheelset must go... After you upgrade those parts, the bike handles incredibly and you can pretty much take it anywhere, which makes it very versatile for all terrain. 3-ft drops are soft landing, but keep in mind, this is a trail-bike and not a freeride rig, so I would'nt go any bigger than 4-5 ft drops. It takes a few rides to dial in the suspension. Climbs nicely, but keep your butt in the seat.
Not much more praise to say. If you decide to get this bike, you will NOT regret it! I used to own the NRS and wanted something more suitable for trail-riding/all-mountain use. Giant definitely hit a home run with this bike in its price range! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mt. Pinos | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Solid, sturdy frame. Light weight for a 5.6" travel bike that can take on almost anything. The Swinger 4-way is awesome, rides plush and is very active in any condition. | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing could use some help but it's ok. | | Similar Products Used: | Other smaller VT's, GT iDrive, NRS, Turners and SC Blur. | | Bike Setup: | VT1 Med. frame, Psylo U-Turn, XT/XTR Drivetrain, Mavic/XT wheelset, Avid Discs, Kenda 2.1 Tomac series tires, Thomson Stem, WTB Laser Ti saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I came off a GT XCR recently and my LBS had a VT1 frame that we ended up swapping all my parts over to. Ever since my first ride on this frameset, I've been amazed at the total new feel of the bike. It handles extremely well and takes on the singletrack like no other bike I've ridden. It'a a very efficient climber, the suspension really sticks to the ground on steep uphill switchbacks and it can absorb everything out on the trail. It took me a couple of rides to get it just right. At first, the geometry didn't seem to compliment my body, so I moved the saddle forward more and took off a couple of spacers off the stem to bring the geometry closer and lower up front. I contacted the Manitou Tech. people to adjust the shock properly and they were very helpful, this shock works great and makes the bike feel very smooth. My setup is not to factory specs but if it were I'm sure this bike would feel even lighter. My plans are to upgrade to a Minute 1:00 fork and a better and lighter wheelset. Everything else works well witht his bike, I would seriously recomend it to anyone looking for a DO-IT-ALL bike, it's not too heavy, you can huck it a bit and it'll make your epic rides very enjoyable. I seriously recomend the tire selection I'm using. The Kenda Blue Groove up front and Nevegal on rear, both 2.1 but wide, they handle and stick to the trail and the bike loves em'. A friend of mine has the new 2004 VT1 and it's a sweet bike, very, very nicely equipped, lightweight and made to last. Another great bike by Giant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo. CA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Performance in San Rafael | | Strengths: | Strong frame, great rear shock | | Weaknesses: | Heavy? Mine weighs 31 lbs out the door | | Similar Products Used: | NRS | | Bike Setup: | Avid mechs, Fox 100RLC, Easton carbon bars, Ritchey seatpost, Gravy Wheels | | Bottom Line: | This is a replacement frame for my NRS that cracked on the seatpost tube above the toptube.
This is a great bike for many reasons:
First, I have to say the customer service at Giant and the guys at Performance Bikes in San Rafael got this bike under me and out the door in TWO WEEKS! I suggested to them that I upgrade to a more durable frame. The Giant rep offered the VT1 frame with Swinger shock for $150! I think the shock costs more than $150. A big Thanks! to everybody involved.
Secondly, the Swinger shock works great, just don't stand up when pedaling. You will probably have to go to a lower gear. The setup for my 220 lbs. body is to run at 5.7 inches with 185 lbs in the main chamber and 155 lbs. in the SPV. Inflating the shock is a pain in the a$$, I kept losing too much air when I disconnected the pump and it took many tries to find the best way to unscrew it with out leaking. Make sure the pump handle is all the way in when taking off too. The shock is PLUSH and I never felt like it would bottom out. I can ride downhills way over my head if I'm not paying attention. You need to have a 20-25% sag before the SPV works well.
Thirdly, trail riding just keeps getting better with this bike, I take different lines and attempt more than I would with other bikes. So this is good.
This is my fourth Giant bike, I've had a Rainier, NRS and my son has a 24 inch hardtail. I plan to buy more bikes from them. If this doesn't tell you something positive about Giant your not reading this review!
I'm happy and satisfied for now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alain Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Trinidad, West Indies
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Matrix | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$985.00 | | Purchased At: | My little Secret | | Strengths: | Sturdy, Strong and well put together. This bike does it all. | | Weaknesses: | Found very few as I immediately changed components to suit my needs. | | Similar Products Used: | None to date | | Bike Setup: | XT all the way, Rocket 5 Stealth saddle, EA70 riser, Kenda tyres and a few goodies here and there. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was made for the heavyweight. It's strong, sturdy and light in weight (relative to it's size and components) I am a 225Lbs rider and I opted to change the forks to Manitou Minute 1:00, and put on a few stronger, lighter coponents (titanium works for me) Any sturdy fork with an extra firm ride kit would do for us clidesdales out there. It takes DH trails really well and I do some XC here and there, very versatile. SPV is amazingly sturdy and can keep my big backside from bottoming out... which is fantastic. Finally, a bike that's made to take multiple weights of riders... we don't all weight in at under 170. For the money...best buy out there. Giant, you have made me a continued customer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Critic
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma, WA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Victor Falls | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Raceface/XT drivetrain, Awesome wheelset, Swinger 4-way | | Weaknesses: | Undersprung, clunky Psylo Race fork, Titec X-wing seatpost is a disaster waiting to happen. And why were entry-level SPD pedals speced? This bike should have been sold without pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Never owned FS before, last bike was Schwinn Homegrown hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock (Psylo Race, Titec bar and stem, XT deraillers and shifters, Hayes hydro disks, Hutch Scorpion UST, Mavic Crossmax XL, Swinger 4-way, Raceface cranks/rings, XT cassette. The only things added have been Cane Creek Ergo bar ends, Time Z pedals and a bottle cage. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike! I cannot believe how much better I can ride with this than on my hardtail. The only place it gives anything up is on paved/fireroad climbs and in VERY tight quarters. Singletrack climbing is much easier, even though the bike weighs around 30 pounds. I had no problem setting up the SPV shock and it really does work as advertised. The only time I notice any bob is out-of-the-saddle, and then the front end is much worse anyway. The Psylo Race is the weak point in the suspension, as it is undersprung and clunky, with no way (that I know of) to pre-load it other than to dial down the travel. It is also somewhat flexy, as I can hear the front disk rub everytime the fork cycles. I DON'T hear or feel any flex at all in the rear end; it is more laterally rigid than my Homegrown hardtail. Still, I think the fork is still adequate for the type of riding I will be doing(I bought this as a trail bike. I don't intend to ride six foot drops, nor do I intend to race it). The Titec X-Wing seatpost is another matter. Mine lasted 3 months before leaving me stranded several miles from the trail head. If you really care, check the reviews of this seatpost here and you will see why it is the lowest rated post in the history of MTBR. If you buy one of these bikes, insist that the post be swapped for ANYTHING else before you leave the shop. Fortunatley for me, Supergo replaced mine after it broke with a Weyless post, which may not give me bragging rights but also will not sodomize me. Only other problems I've encountered is some cable rub, addressed with duct tape, and chainsuck when sifting from middle to little. It only happens when I attempt to shift when the rear suspension is deep into its travel and is something I'll have to live with. And to the guy below who complained about "ghost shifting": that is what those little barrel connectors on your shift pod are for. My bike did the same thing until I gave them a half turn. Oh, and as to the VT (variable travel): why bother? I can't think of any reason to change from 5.9 to 5 inches of rear travel, so I haven't. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris lauga
a Cross Country Rider
from Grenoble , France
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | l | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Routens Bikeshop , Grenoble, FR | | Strengths: | Suspensions , stability , fun , hydrolic brakes , Rigidity of the rear when SPV set correctly. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale , Kona , Rocky Mountain , Lapierre , CUBE | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The seat post is not really confortable.
This bike is so fun to ride...double your speed in downhill , and helps you so much in difficult stip rocky climbings.
I recoomend to set up you shock with your weight in lbs(1lbs = 0.454kg ) and put 70% the previous value in the SPV chamber.
I am relatively big 1,95m for 200lbs and this bike will find your limits before you found its limits.
Great bike for ral mtb riding .Thank you GIANT!
Of course, 5 hot chilis...is a minimum
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from East Greenwich
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Classifieds | | Strengths: | strong, stiff, SPV really works. its pretty damn plush, doesnt pack up AND will absorb bumps at slow speed. looks nice. can take a 5 foot drop if asked too. i have found that if you use a lower gear (as you would be when climbing) and spin the pedels as much as possable you get pretty good efficiancy even while standing. the added traction also makes up for lost power when compared to the NRS | | Weaknesses: | 5.75' setting can feel imbalanced but its nice to have for when you need the extra smoothness. dont like the interupted seat tube becasue it limits saddle hight options but ill deal | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | stock exept for Thompson stem and post and Fox vinella RLC fork | | Bottom Line: | This bike is pretty damn sweet. it kicks the crap out of my old NRS. it handles better and inspires more confidence. its also alot smoother. i found that the suspention does suck up pedaling force when jamming on the pedels but if you sit down i swear its faster than the NRS in the low gears. it would be nice if i could lower the seat more (damn interupted seat tube) but ill deal. the bike is deffinitly more stable at every speed but it honestly handles the tight stuff better than my NRS did and my freind found the same thing when he rode it. im getting the sram X9 setup so we will see how that goes. the fox fork works perfactly and when the back is set to 5" the whole bike feels perfactly balanced. the whole package is remarkably durable. i never need to fix anything. great bike, get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
allister
a Cross Country Rider
from atlanta
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | the ones with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Downhill stability, 4 way air shock | | Weaknesses: | access to the SPV is a SOB | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz sl, fisher sugar & joshua, cannondale raven, rocky mountain, etc. | | Bike Setup: | All XT, changed out wheels to AC Disc hubs and Mavix XM 719. That upgrade took a pound off my weight. Bike weighs in for small frame at 28 pounds. | | Bottom Line: | Follow up to my review in 10/2003. I still like it, ALOT. Harder to pedal uphill than my santa cruz sl, but that's a given. I learned not to stand when climbing cause that'll kill you on this bike. Any complaint is my weakness. When I'm back in shape I'll be alot happier with the longer rides.
Uphill is acceptable for the downhill performance that you get. You can pedal this bike uphill, it up to how good your legs are. Downhill is smooth and controlled. Jumping off surprise ledges aren't a big deal either (2-3 footers).
Only bad thing is getting the SPV right. The main chamber is easy to get to. The SPV is a pain. I have to inflate to 180lbs. to get the 150lb setting. I bleed off that much PSI when removing the pump head. I wish someone would come up with a quick release like the floor pumps. IT would solve this problem.
The 2004's only get the 3 way shock. I think that was abad move. Get the 4 Way if you can. Dialing in the ramp up really adds alot to the ride XC or shuttle run. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Bountiful Utah USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bountiful Bicycle | | Strengths: | I love this bike, I just stepped up from a hard tail and cant say enough about this bike. The rear shock is amazing how it will soak up rocks and roots when you pedal in the sadle. The hayes disk brakes stop on a dime even when wet and muddy, the XT shifters and derailers work perfect so far, and the bike is comfortable going up and downhill. | | Weaknesses: | The Psylo fork just plain sucks. I have an old-school manitou spyder R with only 3 inches of travel and it almost feels more stable than this shock. I think that the spring is just too soft, I am going to try to order a stiffer spring, but just because I can't afford to switch to the manitou minute fork. Also the chain bangs the frame alot on the downhill and has beat up the paintjob. I talked to the bikeshop and they had no answers so I just put a lizard skin on, and called it good. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh 600 (hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | stock (XT shifters and rear derailer, LX front derailer, Hayes disk brakes, manitou swinger 4-way rear shock, Psylo front fork, mavic cross max rim/w tubeless specialized tires (26x2.1), Raceface crankset, shimano clipless pedals, easton seatpost, and titec handlebars) | | Bottom Line: | While I haven't rode this bike a whole lot, (500) miles I love it so far. It feels solid and is very responsive. The rear shock doesnt bob on the uphill, pending you stay in the saddle, and I bomb the downhill like a runaway truck. But unlike some of the other reviews this bike doesn't really climb like they claim. It is pretty heavy compared to my last hardtail (30 lbs) and it starts to feel heavier the longer I climb. But maybe that means I am just out of shape. So far I love this bike despite its heaviness and front fork, and I feel like it has been a worthwhile investment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Volak
a Weekend Warrior
from Green Bay, WI
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Beaver Creek, CO | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Great Frame Design, Pretty nice components, Race Face Turbine Cranks, Crossmax XL wheels | | Weaknesses: | Psylo Fork, weak ass springs, made for 140lb bike testers.....GET STIFFER SPRINGS! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic Disc, Kona Dawg Deelux | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except switched out Drivetrain to X.0 Rear, X.9 Sram Trigger Shifters, p-99 chain, Diaboulous Race Face Stem...70mm | | Bottom Line: | I got a killer deal on this bike, BRAND NEW, off of ebay(a little risky)...but i came out on top of things! This bike has been out on the trail 4-5 times already, and I can say it does not climb like a Full Suspension Rig...I have a hard time believing that this is a 30 lb bike! I am an avid Shimano Hater, so after I switched out my drivetrain to full SRAM X.0 w/x.9 triggers, I am happy as a pig in "you know what"...This thing handles nice, and flexes only slightly, but it is a full suspension bike, and it is going to flex, people! I will see how it holds up, and write another review in a couple of months!! The only thing that sucks on the bike is the Psylo Race Fork, due to the weak-ass springs that come inside of it...I weigh 190lbs, and even I can bottom this thing out of of a 6" curb...new "Extra Firm" kit has helped tremendously...may switch to Sherman (manitou) or Talus (FOX) if any problems arise, however(if the bank account allows it!) Sweet ride, though overall! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory Feggestad
a Weekend Warrior
from Edgertob, Wi USA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | still the John Muir , Kettle Moraine State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Budget Bikes, Madison, Wi | | Strengths: | Hell of a fun ride!!! Awsome components out of the box. Bike climbs great, and decends the same! | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox Psylo fork broke just after my first review(figures) I blew out the rebound. The lock out on the fork also busted---twice! I may put a Manitou Minute on it this year. The Hutchinson tires are good in the dry, but your all over the damn place when its greasy.
and last of all, although not a biggy... it needs a little tougher pain job due to cable rub...ick!! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V 1000,
Specialized FSR S-Works | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, dont notice the 30# at all on the trails. I'm about 225lbs and the bike still does it for me!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stevan Gajic
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Very balanced bike. Long travel frame/shock combo. SPV Works! I love the look of the hydroformed frame. Great customer support. | | Weaknesses: | Frame Flexes, Suspension somes appart from time to time. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS1 | | Bike Setup: | Truvativ stem, bars and seatpost from my Warp DS1 as well as the saddle. Avid Ball Bearing Disc Brakes with 203mm rotors, Sun Singletrack Wheels with XT hubs and WTB MotoRaptor 2.4's. ODI Ruffian Lock-on, SRAM X-9 Trigger Shifters, Manitou Minute 3:00 fork, FireX crankset with Truvative Gigapipe DH Bottom Bracket, SRAM 7.0 Shifter, SRAM 9.0 Cassette. | | Bottom Line: | I broke the frame of the Warp DS1 in Moab last fall during the fat tire festival. The Giant rep loaded my the 04 VT1 the following day (which was my last day there anyway). When I got back I asked my local Giant dealer to find out if I could upgrade to the VT1 and pay the difference or something. Giant gave me the frame. I've since upgraded most of the components I moved over from the Warp.
The frame flexes some in turns, but so does the fork. The whole bike weighs in just under 30 lbs configured like that but seems to be a very solid trail bike. I tend to run relativley heavy components, and the frame/shock weigh in at 7.5 lbs (19" frame). I test rode a GF Cake 1 DLX and didn't like the unbalnced feel of the frame. Quite tail heavy. This bike's center of gravity is about 3" infront of the seat tube, which is more, or less dead center of the bike. This is a solid trail bike, feels much lighter than it is when riden, and can take quite a bit of punishment. I regularly do 3' drops on some of the trails I do and haven't had any significant problems, and I'm 6' 2" and 225 lbs...
My biggest complaint was that the suspension would losten up while being lugged around in the back of the truck. I reassembeled the rear suspension with red locktite and evn that problem was solved. The bottom bracket is rather high so the bike rides more like a freeride rig at times. Agressive descending is quite controled and comfortable. I keep the suspension rather stiff but it's still suprisingly compliant over bumps, small and large. On climbs it feels similar to my friend's x-country DS, mabey 1/4" of bob most of the time, front wheel stays planted easily, unlike my Warp which would pick the front wheel up much too easily, even for a single pivot. When pushing hard into turns the frame flexes enough to rub the tire, but with the 2.4, clearance is kinda tight.
If you're to own only one mountain bike, this would be the one. It does everything well but nothing great. It's too heavy for cross country, to weak for pure freeride, but as a trail bike, not much is better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lee scully
a Weekend Warrior
from newcastle.UK
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | HAMSTERLY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | dentons | | Strengths: | DROPS & HILLS | | Weaknesses: | only my bank acount | | Similar Products Used: | only rode XC and DH rigs | | Bike Setup: | self build.4 way swinger.hope on mavic 321disc.M4 brakes.sherman break outs.full 04 XTR setup.xlite parts. | | Bottom Line: | WANTED SOME THING TO RIDE ALL DAY FOR A LONG TIME NOW. ON ANY GROUND ON THE STREETS FOR MESSING ON STEPS DROPS AND JUMPS.RIDE HARD. FREERIDING DH AND DIRT JUMPS.TOOK An unecspected rolling 8 foot drop to flat the other day LOOKS LIKE THIS BIKE IS THE REAL DEAL.SNOWING TONIGHT FIRST RIDE DOWNHILL IN THE SNOW.KEEP IT REAL,ill update in a few months time | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson AZ
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Fantasy Island Tucson | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | (Frame Only) Looks, Design, Weight, Overall Strength, Manufacturer Reputation, mtbr.com reviews | | Weaknesses: | The Manitou 4-way blew a seal and Giant and Manitou were unwilling to assist unless I had my LBS send to Manitou. The Warranty is weak and only good if you are the original owner and the bike was purchased at your LBS... Some manufactures still need to step up to web-commerce in 2004? When bike ownership changes Giant believes the manufacturer of the bike changes as well. I don't like companies that hide behind fine print because they are afraid to stand behind their product. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic Disc | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Fire 2.1s, Avid Mechanical Disc brakes, XT Shifter/brake levers, SRAM 9.0 Cassette, XT Derailer, Truvativ Stylo ISIS Crank, Welgo Platform Pedals, Mavic Rims, Manitou Sherman Firefly. | | Bottom Line: | While the bike rode well until the rear shock blew a seal (24 miles later), I was not impressed with the direct level of service from either Giant or Manitou. I bought my VT-1 as a frame, brand new from a dealer who parted it.
I built the bike from the ground up and followed the detailed instructions for the Manitou 4-way adjustments to fit my weight. I am 200lbs and within 3 rides(24 miles) i never took my VT-1 off drops over 2 feet. Anyhow the shock blew while showing my VT-1 to my frieds in front of my house in the driveway...weak! My LBS said this was common on the VT-1, and they send a lot of VTs in because of blown seals in the 4-way shock. You can imagine my disappointment in putting forth all the agony of building a onto a bike frame and after only 3 rides (2 weeks) to have to send in the Manitou rear 4-way air shock through my LBS and be without my sweet new ride for 2-4 weeks.
Don't get me wrong, I was impressed with the way the VT-1 handles and the way the VT-1 feels while riding compared to my old 96 Schwinn Moab Elite with .5" of travel and the Specialized Epic Disc I test drove at my LBS. Overall, I am no longer a big fan of Giant because of the way they disinfranchise riders looking to save some money by building up frames with parts purchased through the web. Honestly, if I would have known Giant could care less about its product owners who did not purchase their product from an LBS, I would have gone with a Manufacturer that does and who also was rated high within mtbr.com
I give 4 stars for a good product and value, but 1 star total because Giant is not interested in standing behind their product as a quality manufacturer. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | online local ad | | Strengths: | Reasonable weight, great components and the Manitou SPV shock. Agile yet tough on the trail. | | Weaknesses: | Found some creaking in the linkage area, shock takes a bit of time to set correctly. A little bit heavy but not too bad. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88 Stage 1, Specialized Enduro, Trek Liquid Fuel, Haro Extreme X-3. | | Bike Setup: | Stock but with Mavic X-317 Disc hoops and Hugi hubs, Weyless DFR 40 bars, Raceface Turbine LP crankset/Diabolus stem, Specialized Roll-X pro with Stan's No-tubes system. Manitou Black 100/120. | | Bottom Line: | To be totally honest, I was not at all impressed when I was first testing this bike at Performance Bicycle. I was cycling through the travel on every pedal stroke during my parking lot test ride so I asked them add more pressure to the rear Manitou shock. They said that they maxed it out and it was still extremely muchy. I pretty much wrote it off and was going to purchase a Trek LIquid 30 until I found a deal in my local paper online. I decided to give it a test ride again since the price was only $1250.00. I drove out to the seller's house only to find a nearly unused Giant VT-1 hanging from the rafters in his garage via a very cool rope and pulley system. I tested this bike again and found this one to be ride much better and much higher in the pedaling platform, without the mush I had felt before. I found that the people at Performance Bike did not add air to the SPV chamber (only in the main chamber). The owner did have one change I was not expecting. He kept the sexy Crossmax wheels for his own and took the wheelset off of his '03 Specialized S-Works Epic. (Mavic X-317 Disc hoops on S-Works Hugi disc hubs)I told him that he had a deal and my not so secret love affair with my '03 Giant VT-1 had begun. It has taken a few weeks and about 10-12 rides to get the bike dialed in, but it is now a very capable and functional ride. I have the main pressure set to 175 (my weight) and the SPV chamber to 140 (I think). I changed to Roll-X tires with the Stan's no tubes kit. The bike rolls great and really tracks the ground now with the lower pressure in the tires and the chock set up correctly. I ride with a rather fast group and I am able to hang with them and their Santa Cruz Blur's with full XTR. These guys spend 4 to 5 grand on their bikes and I am able to spin up the hills with them and pass them on the downhills. Their bikes are much lighter, maybe 4 to 5lbs lighter, but the performance of the SPV on the VT-1 helps me level the playing field. Granted the VT-1 is not as responsive to the quick attacks as their bikes, it is more than capable to tackle the technical stuff when their bikes run out of travel. One of the best features is the Manitou Black Comp fork. It may not be the top of the line fork but I must say that the quick travel adjustment on the top of the left fork leg is the best travel adjustment out there. One flick of the lever gets me to either 100 or 120mm instantly. Unlike the Psylo which I would have had to get off of the bike to make travel adjustments by spinning the dial until I get the right travel. I have had to cover certain parts of my bike with clear frame protectors because of cable rub and chain slap, but other than the slight creak that sometimes emits from the linkage and the extra couple of lbs on the bike, it is by far the best and most versatile bike I have ever had the pleasure to ride. I will give it 5 chilis for the amazing value and another 5 for the versatility. Hats off to Manitou for the SPV suspension and hats off to the guy who sold me his near new bike for a song!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shabazz Weiss
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL 32804
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Alafia State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Locomotion Bike shop-Orlando | | Strengths: | The Giant VT is very comfortable, solid, and reliable! This is my second review on this bike. I am glad to say that the it has not let me down yet. I ride very aggressive and am always on the look out for a wheelie drop or lip or two...... Nothing like lauching yourself like a bird in flight..... Ok I have awakened. Very plush when you want it to be or have it very firm - thanks to the SPV adjustability. I switched out the wheels to Salsa Gordo and IRC Kujos and never looked back once! This thing climbs very well too!!!! Perfect for the hard agressive rider that love to lauch it when the opportunity arises! Yeah! | | Weaknesses: | Cable rub in certian areas (Combat that with carbon frame patches by Lizard Skin). Occassionally, the chain will fly off due to hard riding and lodge down below the inner ring and bottom bracket - really chaffing the aluminum down there and scratching up the paint (no one can really see it-so big deal!) That's ALL!!! | | Similar Products Used: | (1st bike)2002 Mongoose dualie
(2nd Bike)2003 Marin XC hardtail (Psylo XC, Xt, Panaracer 2.1 | | Bike Setup: | Xt drivetrain, Manitou Black, swinger 3 way SPV, xt hubs, Avid disc, Salsa Gordo Rims, IRC Kujo2.25, Easton ea50 rise bar and seat stem, | | Bottom Line: | If your money is tight and cannot afford to go out and purchse a bike for every style of riding you enjoy - Buy the VT, you will not be sorry! If I want to go lighter and hit some flat XC trails, I just switch out the wheelset to my Panaracers laced to xt hubs sitting on strong but light Mavic XM117 rims. I can feel the difference - So I can pretty much have the best of both worlds. At least check it out if you fit the rider mold!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Gunnell
a
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Buckhorn/Captain Jacks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Overall great bike. Plush when it needs to be plush and climbs like a mule. | | Weaknesses: | The tires. Hutchinson Scorpions are just too soft. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Santa Cruz Blur. | | Bike Setup: | XT throughout, Rockshox Sid Race, Hayes Hydraulics, Manitou Swinger SPV 4 way. | | Bottom Line: | I couldn't be happier. I test rode a few bikes and this was seriously the best. 6 inches of travel and I have not seen any loss in climbing. Manitou hit it out of the park with the Swinger. I can't wait to take it to Moab. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan hughes
a Downhiller
from folsom california
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | flameout/karpiel (northstar) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | giant | | Strengths: | pedals awesome for 5.75 inches of travel. very responsive suspension once dialed in. no noise! great design for long travel all around bike. | | Weaknesses: | cable rub! big drops and hits can ovalize bearing cartriges. whats with all the bottle cage mounting bolts, does anyone use those things anymore?? | | Similar Products Used: | lobo, dbr X6, tomac, mtn. cycle dh, ventana dh | | Bike Setup: | VT1, bomber, hayes disc, hussefelt, sun rims, etc. | | Bottom Line: | i got the frame as a freabie from giant on a warranty issue which they more than came through on (excellent warranty dept.) i set it up for some big hit local riding and have been very impressed so far with its performance especially its pedaling considering it sports almost 6" of rear travel on a sweet manitou swinger. the VT is ideal for the cross country rider who likes to hit the big stuff once in a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from East Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Case Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Bike is great, my was upgraded to the max. Brakes are great, Crossmax's can take a beating. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Hardtail |
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$ 3000.00
