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Submitted by
Victor Primacio
a Racer
from Dededo, Guam, USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Hornet's Sport | | Strengths: | Solid carbon frame matched with top of the line components. | | Weaknesses: | Can't go smaller frame because 16.5 is the smallest | | Similar Products Used: | My very first DS bike but former XTC and Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR's, Sid Team fork, stock NRS air rear susp., Crossmax SL | | Bottom Line: | NRS Air gives me a natural high for speed and comfort riding a bike. No need to take a nap post ride unlike my hardtails, I guess the carbon frame plus rear suspension took all the beatings. I can't wait for my new shorter stem I special ordered from dealer after then no other weaknesses. I wish I could afford to buy all my 5 sisters and 4 brothers each one with nrs air. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neville Bailey
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Liteweight, Strong, Value for money. Made in Taiwan - you're not paying for the name. (That comes free). | | Weaknesses: | Some small issues with the rear suspension
Does anyone know where I can buy a rear bush kit ?? | | Bike Setup: | Custom built. Magura Marta brakes, Shimano XTR groupset, Manitou Minute 3 Forks, Mavic F219 Rims, Panaracer fire Pro tires, | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I built it from the ground up 2 years ago. It has beefed up rims over what you normally put on an NRS, due to the large rocks here, and weighs in at 29lbs. Could easily be built for 27lbs with lighter tires and rims for normal X country.
Two issues with the rear suspension. One, after it gets wet it squeaks. Best fix is to lube the bushes with white lightning if required.
Second, after alot of riding on rough terrain all the rear bushes have worn (several thousand KM'S), and there is now some lateral movement in the rear swingarm. This leads to ghost shifting etc. I am already on the second set of forks, rims, derailler, handlebars, and third bottom bracket, I guess its no surprise to need to replace the rear bushes. The rest of the frame and rear shok has held up well.
So.....Does anyone know where to buy a bushing kit ? Please email if you do, or there is another fix. Giant reps welcome !!
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Morgen S
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane Wa
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Down RIver | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Spoke and Sport | | Strengths: | This bike is the most reactive bike I have ever owned. It is quick and limber climbing the steepest hill but yet forgiving on the descents. If you like to XC this is the bike to get. | | Weaknesses: | Really nothing serious, a little chain slap no matter what the position; easily fixed with a chainstay cover. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Team i-drive, GT 1000 i-drive and a GT Team Zascar hard tail all XTR with sid SL forks. Great bikes but no comparison to the NRS, its a better climber than any GT I have ridden | | Bike Setup: | All 03 XTR, Sid Team fork, Easton Bars and stem, Alien post and WTB seat. Mavic SL tubless Hutchison Tube tires/running tubless with Stan's<-much lighter than tubeless | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a Santa Cruz Blur because of all the reviews. I tested it out then went to my local shop and the owner convinced me to at least try the NRS Air before I bought the Blur. One ride and the smile hasn't come off my face! As a XC rider the Santa Cruz was nice but the NRS was much more responsive. The Santa Cruz is much plusher and feels like it has endless suspension. The NRS Air handles any bump or rock you would see "on" a trail with plenty of give but stiff for anything over 18". How often trail riding do you go over anything 18", not very often. Bottom line: if you like single track and want to join a weekend race now and then, this is the bike. If you want to leave the trail every once in a while and go over rocks and stumps Blurs the bike. Booth are great but the NRS AIr sells for $1,500 less | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George E
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rocky Point, LI | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 800 frame only | | Strengths: | Stiff and supple at the same time, light. | | Weaknesses: | a little tall feeling. Im used to a lower center of gravity feel from my hardtail. But Im getting used to this higher setting. | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel 95, trek 6700, gary fisher tass, sugar 2...others | | Bike Setup: | NRS team frame, mars elite, racelite cranks, rolf dolomite wheels. | | Bottom Line: | At first I was having trouble setting the SID shock to my liking. It seemed either too stiff or too plush and the rebound knob seems to adjust both compression and rebound damping. Its also EXTREMELY sensitive, between a quarter of a turn it goes from lots of damping to virtually none. (I have learned to actually like this aspect). Anyway, about 4 rides into the NRS experience I found it. The "symphony" setting, whereby you forget the suspension (front and rear) is there. I have found that setting the shock at about 7 pounds over my weight with the standard 55 neg. air pressure, with the point in the rebound knob where the shock feels like it has medium rebound.
At first I was unsure about the NRS. Now I am a believer.
As far as the height of the bike, it does feel a little tall. My last bike, a trek fuel, felt really agile in switchbacks, this bike feels a bit lazy through the tight twisties.
I am a former GS and Slalom ski racer who has 4 years of NCAA experience...so carving is my specialty...and I know what Im talking about when it comes to tight turning.
I have been working hard to learn the bikes handling characteristics and Im almost there, at the point where I was with the fuel.
ENJOY this bike. A real tight XC machine, light, stiff, but there when you need it. NOT a plush pleasure rider!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff J
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Shoots/ Columbine/ Buckhorn loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Light weight and stiff. As a heavier rider the frame has very little bob on the climbs, even eithout a lockout. | | Weaknesses: | Have not found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | Zocchi X-fly fork, XTR drive-train, XTR shifters/ brakes, bontrager wheels, WTB tires | | Bottom Line: | I bought the frame as a crash replacement. Bent the chainstay on my 2001 NRS. Of course I could not find the proof of purchase, but giant hooked me up with this deal. The NRS Air climbs like a MTN goat with very little bob. That NRS system rocks. Downhill the NRS AIR is plush. The 2003 has new reenforced welds and a little different rear triangle, which helps to almost eliminate chain slap (which I hate). I set the shock up as the manual says and adjusted the rebound for my comfort level.
I love this frame thus far. Great frame for the cross-country rider that wants a stiff climbing full susension, and who wants a smooth decent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wentworth Knipe
a Racer
from Sheffield,MA,USA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | kennedy park or berkshire school | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4100.00 | | Purchased At: | BERKSHIRE BIKE AND BLADE | | Strengths: | light, stiff when you want stiff, light, flex when you want flex, did i mention light? | | Weaknesses: | The tyres are the ONLY thing | | Similar Products Used: | giant XTC 1 and the Giant TCR composite 1, trek fuel, sugar | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the serfas bar ends i added and the michelin comps tyres | | Bottom Line: | This bike is TRICK! it is easily the best hardtail i have ever ridden- oh wait i just forgot its a full suspension- the thing about this bike is that it is so stiff going up hills, the lock out for the front shock is so beyond perfect and bob- whos that- this bike is sooooooooo stiff going up hills and then you get to the top and all you do is push a button and unlock the fork and woosh you're gone-I AM NOT a technical rider and i won a race because i caught the front man on this final hairy down hill- if you are a hadrtail rider going for an FS bike this is the way to go period. hands down this bike is the best cross counrty full suspension out there- this bike is sooooooo good! just ditch the hutchinson pythons for some other tyres instead because those are the worst tyres known to man- i would recomend eirher michelin comps or if your going for semi slicks definitley pick up a pair of kenda klimax- but don't let the tyres bring the bike down though- any manufacturer can make the mistake of specing a bike out with crappy tyres- this is the best XC FS bike HANDSDOWN | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Staron
a Cross Country Rider
from Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Shenipsit | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | MTB CLASSIFIEDS | | Strengths: | Super light, responsive, lightning fast acceleration, Renault racing design NRS frame. | | Weaknesses: | Paint rubs off easily - if you can call that a weakness - it's a f***in mountain bike!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Epic, Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | NRS Air Frame, Dave's Speed Dream Wheels (King Iso Discs, Stans 355ZTRs), Sid Team/lockout (front), Cane Creek Cloud Nine (rear), Avid Mechanical F&R, XT Components | | Bottom Line: | You people who complain about flex in the NRS, you don't understand that that's the inherent beauty of the system! SPV came along for all those stiff as bikes that need to compensate for their being so god damn stiff. If want to ride a marshmellow through the woods, be my guest... that's not what XC is about.
If you look at any decent road bike frame, the frame is designed to "give" to absorb some of the what the road throws your way (aka. carbon, shaped seat stay), since (last I checked) road bikes don't come with shocks! It's the same concept Giant had with the NRS, a true breed racing XC frame that gives a little so your whole body doesn't reverberate every tiny bump in the trail. This translates into confidence and speed through technical terrain. Contrary to some belief, just because the bike is full suspension the bike is NOT meant for freeride/drops. Leave that sh** to the marshmellows of the bike world.
Ever wonder why a it's so hard to snap a live tree branch in half, but how on the other hand it's so easy to break a dead branch in two... it's SCIENCE you pions! It's the reason carbon fiber is so strong.
But do yourself and your a** a favor, trade in that Sid rear shock for a Cane Creek Cloud Nine. It climbs better and rebounds much better than the Sid.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted Putvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Olympia, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Peak run | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | classifieds/frame only | | Strengths: | Sweet ride, smooth climbing and even better going down. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Trek hardtail, 2001 Giant NRS3 | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Frame, XT front der., VIVO rear der., Tubeless wheelset, Thomson stem and seatpost(30.8mm) | | Bottom Line: | A great bike and it is even stiffer and tighter than my old NRS. I finally got it hooked up right with great shifters and derailleurs and riding the bike is a dream. (Hint to anyone owning a NRS; get rid of the shim and get a Thomson seatpost sized 30.8mm)the increase in stiffness and lack of sliding caused by the shim is worth the price, plus the Thomson is an amazing seatpost.
I would recommend for anyone coming from a hardtail background. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Gangi
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anywhere I am riding | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | El Tour de Tucson Swap Meet | | Strengths: | Very efficient suspension design, stiff frame, handling, overall geometry, looks (electric blue color is awesome), RockShox SID rear shock is very tunable and is holding up well, durability | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost shim + carbon post = slippage, cable rub, rear suspension can be a bit harsh under braking | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000 hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Custom build - NRS Air frame, Fox F80RLT fork, Truvativ Stylo Team crankset, XTR/XT derailleurs, Answer carbon bar, Sette carbon post, Velocity VXC / AC disc wheelset, Magura Marta disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | This bike just plain rocks. I must have spent the better of 4 months shopping for my first FS race rig and I am glad I settled on the Giant. Fortunately for me, I found the frame on sale (new) at the Tour de Tucson swap meet and I snatched it up.
At first I thought the geometry was a bit sluggish, but after playing around with the stem, bars, and seat position, I got it dialed in perfectly. Now I am very comfortable in the cockpit and the bike responds very well in the twisties.
The rear suspension is a gem. There is absolutely no pedal feedback or rider-induced bobbing that plagues some other rear suspension designs. It feels like every ounce of effort that goes into the pedals translats directly into power to the ground. If you are a hardtail convert (like me), you will really appreciate the rear suspension.
That being said, the rear suspension does tighten up under hard braking. This is supposedly common with all 4-bar designs (felt the same on a Titus Racer-X). It's something that does not bother me but I can notice it.
This bike also gives the feeling of "toughness". Unlike some other FS bikes that felt flexy and wimpy, this bike just feels durable. It doesn't flex and the beefy tubes on both the front and rear triangles give the visual impression of a well-constructed bike.
Aside from the brake-jack issue, the biggest complaint I have with the Giant is the use of a seatpost shim. As with other bikes that use a shim, seatpost slippage has been an issue. I have addressed it with various fixes, but the bottom line is that a bike should not need a shim and the associated headaches that shims produce. I have been told that one can use a 30.9 seatpost and get rid of the shim, but I don't know if that voids the warranty.
Lastly, I have yet to experience the RockShox "clunk" that others with 2003 bikes have noticed. Supposedly the DU bushings develop play after a modest amount of use. So far I have not noticed this.
As far as the part spec is concerned, I can't comment because I bought just the NRS Air frame and built it up with my own components.
Bottom line - if you want a fast FS XC race bike, put the NRS on your short list. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a Cross Country Rider
from Flowood,MS,USA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The SID Air Suspension is great. Rides like a hardtail and XC Full Suspension when needed. | | Weaknesses: | have yet to find one. | | Similar Products Used: | Went from a 99 Trek 7000 to a Giant XTC1 to the NRS. Will never go back to a hardtail again. | | Bike Setup: | I transfered most of my parts. Bought frame by itself with a Manitou Skareb Comp. Great fork. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a great XC full Suspension look at this bike and try it out. You will not be disapointed. The NRS system works great. I have had the bike for a week and have already put 70-80 miles on it. If i had done that with one of my hardtails i would have so much back pain. But with the NRS there is no pain at all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a Racer
from Woodstock, NY
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light weight,
no bob suspension
new XTR
those wheels | | Weaknesses: | Cable rubbing off the paint--reported by others--easy fix with some little round protectors but do it early before the rubbing begins. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Mt. Vision Pro, Kona King Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | Stock '03 | | Bottom Line: | Love this bike. The no bob suspension works as advertised. As a test pushed the o-ring up to the top of the rear shock and jammed up a hill on the road out of the saddle. When I got off and looked the o-ring hadn't budged. NO BOB! If I lock out the front shock, (another great feature on the Sid Team that came with the '03) it feels like climbing on my road bike, but still lots of active suspension on the downhills and the rock gardens. Came to mountain biking starting from dual suspensions rather than hardtails so I'm comparing with my other dual suspension rides. I love my Marin for its plushness, but this is a faster, more agile and lighter ride while still being comfortable. Great for racing, combining the sprinting and climbing performance of a hardtail with the control of a dualie. Disk brakes are fantastic. Rode several races in the mud that would have been a panic with rim brakes but the disks were completely reliable. New XTR is a great group. Definitely a 5 chili rating. If you're looking for a fast and comfortable dual suspension, ride it, buy it. You'll love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bush surfer
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | This is actually a review of the '04 carbon frame NRS Air with the Fox AVA shock. Strengths are...
- Lighter weight (22-23 lbs)
- Very stiff bottom bracket and front triangle
- No pedal feedback (like the earlier models)
- Carbon frame dampens the high frequency vibrations missed by the suspension
- Slightly longer top tube compared with my old '02 NRS | | Weaknesses: | None found so far. I'm a little concerned about the carbon frame on the more technical rocky trails, but time will tell. I suspect its considerably more durable than it looks. | | Similar Products Used: | Truth, '02 NRS Air, Enduro Pro, Turner 5 Spot | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Skareb Super, Mavic 317 with CK hubs, Easton seatpost and bar, Sram XO, XTR Rings, FD, and BB | | Bottom Line: | I'm fortunate enough to own a number of excellent bikes. The '02 NRS Air was already a favorite due to its speed, agility, no-bob suspension etc.
The '04 is significantly improved. It is lighter and stiffer. It accelerates like my road bike. The geometry is quick and ideal for racing, but the bike is comfortable enough to be used as a trail bike for the long ride.
The Fox AVA is noticably better than the RS on the older version although I never had a reason to complain.
The Skareb super is a perfect match for the bike. It tracks more reliably than the SID and is reasonably plush on the big hits - plus its light.
I had some doubts whether the new frame would be worth the upgrade since I was so satisfied with the '02. Its exceeded my expectations. The damn thing is incredible.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ride
a Racer
from Indianapolis
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Bottom Line: | Purchased at a bike shop that helped me set it up. 50psi in the negitive and 10 psi over rider weight in the positive. This bike ROCKS! My favorite bike yet. The NRS is designed by the same engineers that design formula one race cars. It is not like other 'lets copy the other guy' design. It is locked out until you hit a bump then it's active. There isn't any lockout lever...it is all built in! The bike also has sealed bearings in the pivots which allows for smooth operation for years to come! This bike is faster than a hardtail, and I hear there is a Carbon model coming in the spring?? If so...I am all over that frame! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spangels aregreat
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Glentress | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Velo Ecosse | | Strengths: | Light, rides like a hard tail, geometry suits my style of riding, good climber, 4.5 aftermarket rockers gets the best out of the shock. | | Weaknesses: | Shock bushings (see below), normal rockers make for a bit of a harsh ride on small stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first FS. | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Psylo SL (2002), Hope XC on Mavic 317, Michelin Wildgripper XLS on Eclipse Tubeless, SRAM 9 shifters and mechs (1998 still going stong), Race Face cranks and seat pin, Time pedals, Giant MPH brakes, Profile bars, Flite saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for the NRS system. I do not like bouncy suspension so the NRS solves this problem.
It rides really well and is very ridgid. I changed the rockers for the 4.5 inch ones and this has improved the ride. It is a lot plusher but it still retains the NRS feel when riding out of the saddle. These is a slight trade off when climbing in the saddle in that it feels a bit plusher but that is not really a bad thing.
I had problems with the shock bushings fitted (they were the wrong size) and despite me finding the problem early on it took Giant UK 4 months to accept this and replace them. The bike is fine now that they have been changed but the customer service (from Giant, my dealer was great throughout) left a lot to be desired.
Overall I really like this bike. I also like Santa Cruz Blur but I have saved £700 by going for the NRS. With the option of the 4.5 rockers it is now a great all day bike. The rockers also seem to get a lot more out of the Shock. There has been some criticism of the RS shock but the longer travel makes it plusher and it seems to get the full travel without any problems.
Pound for pound (or dollar for dollar) there is nothing that matches Giant for value vs functionality. With the new shocks on the 2004 models it is a great bang for buck bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Broken Arrow AZ | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | AZ shop.......? | | Strengths: | Light for full XC'er. Vertually no bob design when pedealing. Excellent for hardtail'er looking to switch.
22.5 is perfect fit for a large guy no other serious race bikes out there will fit me. | | Weaknesses: | SID... too flexy | | Bike Setup: | Fast XC set-up | | Bottom Line: | WOLFSTER, the flex you are having is your rear axel is broken. I had the same problem...it's warranty...I am 6'6" and 220lb, no BS. I broke mine and they replaced it with a 24 spoke XT, no problems since.
If you are looking for a race bike that has the best of both worlds you can't go wrong with this bike. I was a hard tail racer/bigot now I can't imagine anything else. This is the most efficient system for long day XC riding. It is not a Caddy but it will take the sting out of your lower back on a 3+ hour ride and make the down hills more fun. It also climbs like a demon since the active rear keeps the power on the ground and not bouncing arround like a hard tail tends to do. It is not a drop-off bike but it is the best full-sys XC raceer out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain | | Strengths: | Light and fast. Excellent handling with a very stiff and responsive ride. | | Weaknesses: | The front is a little lite requiring some body English to keep the front wheel on line on the REALLY steep sections. | | Similar Products Used: | Truth, 5 Spot, Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | Sid and then Skareb Elite (excellent fork), XTR cranks and cassette with XO shifter and rear D. | | Bottom Line: | I'm struggling with the recent reviews that criticize the NRS. I'm 6'2 and 185 lbs. While I don't race, I train hard through rough conditions. Flex has never been a problem for me. This is a very fast bike with excellent handling. With the Skareb fork, I'm able to descend with confidence and speed.
The bike has some of the best component value on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe petruso
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas, nevada
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Late Night, Red Rock Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | light and fast. | | Similar Products Used: | sugar, liquid, heckler. | | Bike Setup: | Custom job, I am the kind of guy that takes all his favorite parts off his old bike and puts it on his new bike. | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding the NRS Air for about 6 months now and all I can say is that this bike is the real deal. I beat the living hell out of this thing and it keeps asking for more. I love to freeride and always jump when possible. I weight 195lbs (without the camelback) and still have yet to bust anything. The bike is stiff and climbs like a dream, but gives you the suspension just when you need it. This bike isn't going to cushion you on small stuff or an all day ride, but when push comes to shove, the suspension will cut you a break. I would buy another one if I had to do it all over again. Maybe the VT will be my next addition as well. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
soufian amri
a Cross Country Rider
from falls church, va,usa
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | fountain head | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bike | | Strengths: | Efficient frame design, and a damn beautiful color.
good component setup(XTR)(titec)(mavic crosmax sl)* | | Weaknesses: | could have an inch more travel and use a sid world cup fork | | Similar Products Used: | intense spider, santa cruz blur(vpp), and the beautiful VT1 also by Giant | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | one of the best Ds XC bikes out there. Anyone who talks bad about it probably works for spesialized or trek. Because the Epic suspension design is pointlessly expensive. Only the TREK fuel 100 comes even close to the nrs air. If you XC and you looking for a fast and cool looking bike the NRS AIR IS FOR YOU!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent Parker
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensburg PA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hmm.. laurel highlands hiking trail :-) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Warranty frame | | Strengths: | Fairly light weight, no bob and great geometry. It looks great too, I love the paintjob. | | Weaknesses: | Paint wears quickly (one ride) where any cables rub, use electric tape or 3m clearcoat adhesive to prevent this. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond back v link (98) much older design so not really relevent. | | Bike Setup: | Giant nrs air frame/ manitou elite 85-100 fork/ avid mech brakes/ xt components/ mavic wheels | | Bottom Line: | I had a giant mcm se frame (carbon fiber hardtail) that I just warrantied, they gave me the option of the nrs as a new frame so I went for it. Ive only ridden it once so far, but I love it right now. The frame doesnt bob when pedaling, all in all im liking it so far. Just make sure you have the rear shock set up properly (positive air +15 psi over rider weight, negative air 50 psi)
*I cant vouch for the value because I got it from a warranty issue. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BM
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The BEST frame I have ever ridden | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Santa Cruz blur, Giant NRS (older version), GT Idrive, Fisher Suger | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The best full suspension design for those looking for a fast XC racing or very efficient XC riding. The bike totally out classes the compition. Intsead of using a lockout lever (bike engineers use that as a "bandaid") Giant worked with Renault Sports, the same company that designs Formula 1 race car suspensions (yes Giant paid some dough on that!). I am on a big frame and weigh 200#, and there is no flex...none. The others that have said it is flexy may want to look at the rear SID bushings...RockShox says that they machined a few wrong...it is a free fix from RockShox, and it is just not on Giants. The rider below said the frame is made of cheap aluminum and that Trek and Specialized are made better...dude, that guy needs to wake up! Giant makes Trek and Specialized bikes...and they use the lower end aluminum on those, and a nicer, higher end aluminum on the NRS. It's time to ride...see you on the trail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wolfster
a Racer
from Austin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light, fast, climbs well and really does sprint like a hardtail. mostly... | | Weaknesses: | flexy as hell! - frame and fork. | | Bike Setup: | stock - SID Team, 2003 XTR, Crossmax, etc. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line... if you're big, and/or strong, this is not the bike for you. In granny gear I can put enough torque down to bow the chainstays on my L (20.5") about 1/2" to the sides. Very scary - and can make for some horrible issues with skipping in lower gears. Granted, I'm larger than most racers (6'3", 185lbs) but I'm a smooth and pretty light on the pedals, and I've never been able to flex any of my other bikes like that! The fork is a noodle also, but that's not Giant's fault and is to be expected from a SID.
That said, the suspension design is good - rides great. Fast and efficient. Smaller and/or less agressive riders will probably never have a problem with flex (but it will be there!) Components are top-notch, except for the Titec stuff. Thanks to Giant's shop employee purchase program, I got a killer deal on it, so can't complain about cost. 1 chili off value for retail price, although for some people it's worth it. Although it's a great bike, I can't give it more that 3 chilis overall until they put some metal back in to stop the flex. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Southeast
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Anodized paint sticks out... Components can be put onto a MUCH better frame (while upgrading to a sid world cup) and get rid of that crappy titec componentry. | | Weaknesses: | -Paint chips easy/wears
-Frame dents really easy
-The ride suxs. Anyone with a full suspension can buy a shock and set it up at zero-sag, then have the same riding bike. Idiotic design.
-Frame flexy and almost is scary that it wants to snap apart from under you. | | Similar Products Used: | S-works epic, Fuel, Merlin XLM, Scalpel, Santa Cruz SL | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I thought it was going to be a real nice bike. I'm coming from mostly hardtail, so I knew I'd like it. But once I road it I immediately hated it.
I spent countless hours adjusting the shock and making calls to shops, and even Giant USA. All were falled attempts. Giant had indicated it would handle just like the epic and function just like the epic. Far from it in my mind, the concept is right, but it just won't be an epic.
The realization I had to grasp was there was nothing special about the design. Any full suspension can be setup with no sag, and then adjust the negative (compression really high) to get the same exact ride.
The bike felt plush, then other times it felt rough. It never made up its mind.
The biggest issue was frame flex. I didn't know if it was just bad angles or what, but the frame flexing felt worse then a sub 2.2 lbs titanium frame. I had more confidence riding my Titanium bike then this.
The only likings I had were shimano '03 xtr did it's part flawlessly and the Crossmax SL's were extremely great. Giant was at fault one this one. People buy giant because it's cheap and they get good components for that price. The reason is mostly overseas machine made garbage aluminum. This frame would go for about half that of any other REAL bike (s-works epic) or Fuel 100 OCLV mainframe.
Two Flamin' Chilis because the parts are cheaper then buying them individually, plus you can sell off the fork and frame on ebay for about $600 then get yourself a world cup and real bike.
My opinion, put hard miles on this bike before you buy!!! Tisk tisk, Giant, step it up guys!!! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trent
a Racer
from Leadville, Co
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Web | | Strengths: | Beautifully made bike. Tubing manipulation is amazing. Light weight. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | SC Superlight, Dean | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Skareb, etc. | | Bottom Line: | This is the FS bike I have been looking for. Perfect blend of suspension and stiffness when you need it. No unwanted suspension action, no bobbing, it works only when you need it. Frameset is light for FS and handles flawlessly. The color is beautiful. I am a little skeptical of the SID rear shock but time will tell. If you are looking for suspension but want the stiffness of a hardtail, look no where else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Cross Country Rider
from Duesseldorf
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Strengths: | brilliant bike | | Weaknesses: | geometry not suited for extreme DH | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale jekyll | | Bike Setup: | original with conti tires - hutchinson tires suck | | Bottom Line: | great bike with brilliant gear - worth money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Creasy
a Cross Country Rider
from Hood River, OR USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bikes Unlimited, Lynchburg VA | | Strengths: | Light bike, great components, loves to climb... | | Weaknesses: | Maybe change to a new front shock | | Bottom Line: | Is that this bike rocks, I am so stoked to be back out there riding single track with this huge smile on my face. I love to climb and so does this bike. The new XTR is something that everyone should ride and just about everyone will love it. It took me awhile to get used to the shifting but now is is like second nature and hope to never go back to the old way. I did swithch to riser bars from the flat ones and a different seat but for everything else this baby is stock... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Adams
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Poto | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Great Lakes Cycle | | Strengths: | A great compromise between pedaling efficency and active suspension - perfect for those just coming off a hardtail or who want a fast, efficient ride. | | Weaknesses: | None really | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Scalpel, Specialized Epic | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for a Thomson post | | Bottom Line: | Too many people are stuck on the idea that full suspension means a pillow for your ass - it's not. If that's what you're looking for, get a suspension post and a mush seat. Full suspension at its best should increase your control over the handling of the bike, ultimatly making it easier to negotiate the rough stuff as well as the flat stuff. It should not penalize you heavily for this improvement, and its easy to see after only a few rides that Giant has done it right.
The part setup on the bike is without fault - full XTR, Crossmax wheelset, and SID team. Despite my own reservations, the SID came out of the box flawless and a joy to ride. So far, its been a good experience. Having ridden a few, this one really stacks up well.
Buy if your a racer, or if you just want a fast FS/XC ride.
Don't buy it if your looking for a plush ride
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gil Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, ACT, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mt Majura | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Rides like a hardtail up the hills (and grabs the ground better over bumps), the back end tracks very confidently and overall it will save your bottom on long rides. | | Weaknesses: | No real inherent weaknesses. As always, spend a little time setting up the bike and it will reward you in the long term (playing around with pressures - shocks and tyres) and brake adjustment (re-bleed). | | Similar Products Used: | Various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | NRS frame, SID team fork with remote lockout, new XTR with disc brakes, Crossmax SL, Egg beaters, Continental Twister Superlight etc. | | Bottom Line: | The only annoyances that I have encountered was that when the bike was delivered, the rear RS SID rebound adjuster was very stiff (as it had sat unused in a factory for a while) and the XTR front brakes were not very good even after they were worn in (required a re-bleed).
Besides these little annoyances I have been surprised in how well the the overall package works and moreso about the NRS system - not just marketing hype. Your bottom thanks you for a long ride.
The new XTR shifter is great on RHS lever but if you have short fingers, as I do, it will take a little while to get use to the big throw required to change to up on the front chain ring (need to play with the angle and the distance of the LHS lever to the bar). Once you find that perfect setting, shifting is smooth.
If you are looking for a light XC dually that can sprint and climb like a hardtail, this is definately an excellent purchase. This bike is definately suited to XC riders and those who find it difficult to part with their hardtail.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a
from East Greenwich, RI, USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Classified adds | | Strengths: | climbs with the same amount of bob as my hardtail and alot more traction. smooth suspention if set up write. one of the best looking bikes in the business. its just all around fast with good handling. it puts all hardtails to shame. | | Weaknesses: | RS rear shock, the damping is loud and it deffiatly isnt as smooth as a fox or cane creek. the bottom shock mount losend up on me but giants website tells you how to fix it and its fine now. | | Similar Products Used: | demoed as specialised fsr | | Bike Setup: | i bought the frame only and built it up with manitou black elite air (with TCP+damping upgrade), XT drivetrain, mavic/specialized/DT wheels, kore cockpit, FSA cranks | | Bottom Line: | the suspention is incredable. i found that if you put about your wight in PSI in the + chamber then about 30 PSI less then that in the - chamber the suspetion is much plusher then the recommended settings and it still doesnt bob. i was able to get the rear suspention to mach the very plush front suspention and thats exactly how i want it.
the new intagrated gussets are nice and they are suppose to add a lot of strenth so im very confident doing 4 foot drops on this bike. and the suspetion doesnt bottom out eather. i wouldnt suggest it for hardcore freeride, but it makes a perfactly good trailbike when set up right.
the rear shock isnt really a big deal becuase it isnt that bad and can be upgraded to a Cane Creek. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cranks North Sydney | | Strengths: | Light, Fast, Precise. NRS system really works - Climbs like a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | <
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$ 4100.00
