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Average Rating
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4.29/5
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# of Reviews
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80
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MSRP
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$ 1850.00
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Weight
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More Products from Giant
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Description:mountain bike, front & rear suspension, Mountain Mix components, Rock Shox Sid XC, 3.15" travel fork
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Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Univerisity Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good bike for the price. Haynes brakes stop on a dime, shifts very well, good gear ratios. Great ride on smooth trails and over the rocks. Puts up with serious abuse from a 200 lb rider. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck forces you to keep chain in good working order (aka properly lubed), otherwise it can jam between the frame and a chain ring. I busted the frame at rear shock weld on the seat tube after 3 years. Giant replaced the frame within a month or so for free, with a newer (larger because I asked for it) 2003 frame. The newer frame has additional support at that location. The older frame ran cables over the top tube, newer frame runs them under. This is inconvient because it makes it hard to hang things from the top tube (tire pump in my case). On the plus side the newer frame doesn't seem to have as much problem with chain suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Assorted other bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock, with upgraded shifters, front derailer, newer frame, better chain. | | Bottom Line: | Can't remember exactly how much I paid for it it was somewhere around $1800. Its been worth every penny. When I purchased it, the other bikes I was looking at cost $2800+. It has lasted 5.5 years now (sorta), i've replaced most of the drive train during that time but far less than other bikes i've owned. The brakes worked for 4 years without a hitch, and then It took me 5 tries to get them bled properly. I still don't feel any need to buy another mountain bike, but If I do (for the wife) it will probably be another Giant. Would be a 5 if the frame hadn't broken, gave them a 4 even though it did because I got good service. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
itai
a
from tel aviv
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | flum trail, lake tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | ziv's, Raanana | | Strengths: | best cross country bike yet | | Weaknesses: | rear derailier knocks the frame whith bumps, original sadle sucks.
frames break at cranck, replaced by dealer | | Similar Products Used: | kona fs, giant 990, khs fx | | Bottom Line: | great all rounder, disc brakes are amzing, good rear suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug (SLUG) Erickson
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC Wake County
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rocky Road | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | All Star Bike Raleigh, NC | | Strengths: | excellent component package,suspension works great.Hayes discs,time pedals,Sid shocks,Race Face cranks/chain rings. | | Weaknesses: | Constant problems with chain-suck when shifting from middle ring to granny gear, since day one.Crappy Koski saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | 1st full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | stock,except for grips,saddle,& tires
| | Bottom Line: | I've been riding this bike for a year and a half,and my only complaint to date has been the problem with chain suck.
Had shop mechanic check several times, but the problem persists. Giant Rep authorized replacing middle ring,this had no effect whatsoever.
Took my XTC-DS1 to the shop this week with a cracked seat tube,it's cracked almost all the way around tube just below the top shock mount. Am waiting for a response from Giant via my local bike shop. This will be a true indicator of how reputable Giant is after the sale.
This has been a great bike,even with the continuous chain suck problem. I would still recomend this bike to anyone looking for a good all around full suspension,cross - country ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt s
a Weekend Warrior
from australia
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | uncle's bike shop | | Strengths: | excellent value for money, top notch suspension with its (no sag) technology, reasonable weight and superb brakes | | Weaknesses: | I get chain suck everytime I chane from the middle ring to the inner ring at the front, sh*t handlebar grips and I have heard that the hayes calipers break if pressure is applyed in reverse, ex. trials hopping | | Similar Products Used: | giant hardtail, specialized | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for oury grips | | Bottom Line: | sick XC bike but not to be used on any big stuff or trials.
Great value for money with excellent specs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ken
a Weekend Warrior
from houston,tx
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Planetary Cycles | | Strengths: | suspension works better than advertised | | Weaknesses: | noisy | | Similar Products Used: | spec.fsr,ibis szasbo | | Bike Setup: | avid v-brakes, xt evrything, chris king, monkeylite riser,
marzocchi z1 superfly, mavic,michelin | | Bottom Line: | this bike climbs as well as my mojo,and descends even faster
quick and smooth thru the roots and rocks
I took it to colorado this summer and loved it even more
the only change will be the fork, i think i'll go with
a psylo, more plush! otherwise great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yakka Yakka
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Perth | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wembley Cycles | | Strengths: | Hayes Discs when they work and not being re-bled so often.
Cheap as - Thanks Dell. Cranks, Rims, SID shocks, componentry more than adequate, Good all round bike - I call it the happy medium, ride it all day up and downhill. No pushing a big heavy rig up hills. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes, numberous problems with re-bleeding required sooo many times its not funny, brake fail, etc, etc, pads replaced x2 in 10 months.
FRAME REPLACED AFTER 10 MONTHS OF OWNING THIS BIKE- WELD CRACKS around rear shock pivots, GIANTS BACKUP SERVICE IS COMPLETE AND UTTER S**** HERE IN OZ- now more than 2 months waiting and still waiting - NO THANKS VERY MUCH GIANT, no thanks ill be going elsewhere in future. You wait a week for a car to be replaced/repaired with an insurance company, whats going on guys???
Frame creaks, Broken spokes++++, bike never raced.
I'd probably give it 5 lemons but 4 chilles when it was new and running perfectly. | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti Moto, Giant 870, Trek 8500, SantaCruz Heckler, | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but it needs a Psylo or SID100 on the front with riser bars and a short stem for it to be a better play bike, if I did this they probably wouldn't cover it under warranty anyways for some unforseen reason. I'm not having a go at Giant - just telling you how it is. | | Bottom Line: | Go elsewhere, cause their(giants) service is cr**, bike rides well though, and I was happy b4 this all happened, you dont pay $3000 AUS for a bike and have it sit in the shop. Go a new craftworks FR due for release soon. How am I going to offload this bike to some unsuspecting buyer with the front half of the frame in different colours compared to the rear? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from jonesville, Vermont, USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Gas Can, Randolph VT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Alpine Shop | | Strengths: | One of the sickest full suspension designs I've seen yet, no weak y frame here! and the hayes give you all the stopping power you will ever need. | | Weaknesses: | Bike creeks and squeeks alot, hopefully it sjust my forgetfullness in getting it tuned instead of a possible frame brake. The big fat AL tubes allow for easy dents..Just got a good one last weekend. | | Similar Products Used: | X hardtail rider | | Bike Setup: | Stock...been paying more attention to my cars needs then the bike unfortunately | | Bottom Line: | This bike has the uncanny ability to deliver performance no matter what your riding..adjust the dampinging on the rear and go hell bent on through the xc, adjust it again and your ready to tackle the DH. awesome handling and quality componentry make this bike a real sweet ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Lachow
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cathedral Pines | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1549.00 | | Purchased At: | Carl Hart Bicycles | | Strengths: | Incredable value for the money. Reasonable weight. Very good selection of components. | | Weaknesses: | Rear suspension very stiff when set properly for heavy riders. | | Similar Products Used: | First bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Raceface XY seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Bike is a five plus on value, but a zero or five for performance. Need help.
Purchased bike late last season (as a beginning rider) and ran lower than specified pressure (body weight plus 10 - 20 pounds) in the positive chamber for a softer ride. Am much more experienced and faster now and have set positive chamber correctly (210 plus 10 to 20) for not bob. Problem is not enough rebound control with adjuster one last click from full on. Full on makes the rebound over one second. One click back from full on leaves me with a bucking bronco. Bike is not rideable at speed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry Baudoin
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Cycle 360 | | Strengths: | Ability to bridge the gap between a hardtail and a quality full suspension bike. Climbs better than my Specialized M2 hardtail. Light and fast. | | Weaknesses: | None yet, but I specified a custom build. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Where to start? xtr all around (except for cogs and front derailleur), including v-brakes. Easton EA70 bar, Thompson elite seat post, Salsa Bar ends, Spinergy Xyclones.. 24.5 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | Best all around I have ridden on my home trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J. Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from OKC,OK
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Draper | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | budget bicycles (not recomended) | | Strengths: | Hayes discs are great, the same everytime you brake. NSR system just as described if set up right, no sag. Price. | | Weaknesses: | Frame. I snapped my frame at the seat tube, no big jumps or bomb drop offs, just what I consider regular mtb riding. Giant will replace the frame but I'm stuck with the labor cost of the change over. Yeah, I get a new frame but I'm out 70 bucks through no fault of my own. I had lots of creeks and squeeks before the break, so be careful. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except different tires. | | Bottom Line: | I loved the bike before the frame broke, great performance, no sag if set up right, great stopping power, good climber although a little heavy. Excellent value. Poor customer service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim aka RawDogg Farris
a Weekend Warrior
from San Mateo, Ca.
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Champion - Snake - Mission Peak - Waterdog lake...any one of those. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bike in San Mateo | | Strengths: | Rigid Ride. Absolutely no bounce when sprinting (except the front end which is expected). No bounce uphill what so ever. Killer stopping power with the Hayes Hydraulic Discs. Very light - Color scheme is cool and even more so if you change the tire to ones with yellow trim. Would like to change to monkey lite handle bars & seat post to make it even lighter. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox Sid XC Shocks were a bit hard to setup. Shock manual contradicts the bike manual on setting up the proper pressure and sag. I went with the shock manual, and the ride is nice. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar, Marin B-17. | | Bike Setup: | Stock from Giant. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a big guy and as light as this bike is it very strong. I've yet to break anything on it. I can't thank Giant enough for producing such an outstanding product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Saxon Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Planet, Syosset, NY | | Strengths: | Climbs better then my Carbon Fiber hardtail. Bob free ride.
Time pedals. Rock Shock Sid XC fork. Hayes hydrolic disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | None so far! | | Bike Setup: | As is out of box. | | Bottom Line: | Bike is all that the advertising and magazine reviews claim. Great climber, love the disc brakes.
For the money, there was nothing else on the market in this price range with such a set up.
I was concerned about the weight of the bike since I was used to a light hardtail, however, it climbs better. I made it up hills that I couldn't on the hardtail! I guess weight is not the sole facter in a bikes climbing ability and ride.
Buy it if you want a great FS/XC racer under $2000. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a
from Newbury park, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Michael's Bicyles, Newbury Park | | Strengths: | real XC rideability without sacrificing all strength to the weight Gods | | Weaknesses: | lack of prestige name, realtively rigid ride | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Raven, Various other Giants | | Bike Setup: | Marzochi Z1 CR fork, XT/XTR drivertrain, SID shock, Hayes hydraulics, etc. Built from frame rather than buying complete bike. | | Bottom Line: | I weigh 210, and am not interested in timing my rides or monitering heart rates, but I also have to ride several miles to get to any fun DH or play areas. The NRS works entirely as advertised; miles are covered with a lot less fatigue than I was used to. I set up the rear shock a little differently that Giant recommends; 210 in the top, 150 in the bottom. Essentially no sag, little risk of bottoming, but more plush than the 50 psi in the bottom that the call for. Bottoming could be an issue with less pressure in the top; I've noticed that the 2001 model has a much beefier shock mount. I'm guessing they've replaced a few frames. (I've seen a couple of minor frame issues handled by Giant with all new frames-not bad.) With this setup, jumps and downhills are much more fun that on any other XC bike I've ridden. Plus, there's a real set tube, so you can drop the saddle for downhill riding. What a concept.
To date, I've never experienced the creaks and noises that a few others have. I had another Giant model that popped and creaked a lot, though; turned out to be the seatpost adaptor, so now I use fat seatposts that don't need one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Lo
a Weekend Warrior
from Hsinchu, Taiwan
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | 18-Peak Mountain Freeride Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1064.00 | | Purchased At: | "Jordan" Hsinchu Giant Store | | Strengths: | ( I bought a 2001 Giant NRS XTC 2)Great NRS Design (no-bob), Great Appearance, works well in milder freeriding and works extremely well in cross-country riding, | | Weaknesses: | Mud and Sand easily gets inside bicycle frame, Easy to scratch or dent, a little heavy (OK for a full-suspension bike), otherwise works PERFECTO. | | Similar Products Used: | This bike is a 2001 Giant NRS XTC 2. I rode a 2000 Giant NRS DS 1 before, Giant ATX 1200 (Giant's 1998 downhilll racer) | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Azonic ORC stem, a Look gell seat, Raceface riser bar, and that's about it | | Bottom Line: | I really recommend this bike to anyone who does lots of cross country riding, some mild freeriding and downhills. The NRS system really does work. But, if you do lots of big drops or freeriding stuff, the travel bottoms out easily. If you're like me, occassionally doing some freeriding, but mostly riding cross-country and scenic places, you'll love this bike. And, since I live in Taiwan, this is the cheapest performance mountain bike you can buy. Other bikes such as Cannondale or Sepcialized or imported, so are extremely expensive. I bought mine for only $1064 dollars. Really really worth the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EVAN
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | WESTWOOD CYCLE | | Strengths: | COMPONENT SELECTION, SUSPENSION HANDLING, WEIGHT | | Weaknesses: | NONE SO FAR | | Similar Products Used: | KLEIN MANTRA, GIANT XTC AC AIR | | Bike Setup: | NRS1, WITH PSYLO RACE,XT 11-34, LX CRANKS, SHIMANO 424 PEDALS | | Bottom Line: | HANDLES LIKE A DREAM. I HAVE AN NRS1 2001,WITH MENTIONED MODS THIS BIKE IS ROCK SOLID. CLIMBS MUCH BETTER THAN MY MANTRA DID AND WEIGHS LESS. BEST BIKE FOR THE MONEY BY FAR. FREERIDE, URBAN ASSAULT, OR X-COUNTRY. JUST GET ON IT AND PEDAL! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tor Dahle
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pauly Creek/Butcher/2nd. Div. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountainbike Warehouse, San Diego | | Strengths: | The bike rides really well.Hardly any bobbing.I bought just the frame and I am happy with it.It climbs and decends way better than my old hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Thin tubing might be a problem. I had a 2000 model, the seat tube snapped in half at the shock mount during a ride. Giant replaced the frame with a 2001 model which has befier welds at the shock mount. Thank you Giant and Mountainbike Warehouse in San Diego. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Large frame,Z1-X fly,Grimeca System 8,Bontrager Race Disc,Monkey Lite Bar,King,LX-XT,WTB,Time,Michlin,Kore. | | Bottom Line: | I like it,Giant gives a lot for the money and I like that they back up their stuff.The thin tubes worry me a bit but as I said Giant backs up their stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Weymouth, MA
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Wompatuck | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Norwood Bike Depot | | Strengths: | FS XC Racer - PERIOD That's what it was made for and that's what it does. Climbs and accelerates like no bike I've ever ridden. | | Weaknesses: | Not a free-ride bike. It's built light, as a result, it's not the toughest bike in the world. Also it's made for singletrack, not downhill. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX Team 990, FSR Extreme, Fischer Joshua, and a bunch of hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | This is an '00 DS1 frame which I received as a warranty replacement for my old 990. I built it with: SID 100, '00 Magura Louise Discs, SRAM 9.0SL Hubs laced to Mavic 519's, Thompson stem and post, flat bar, SRAM 9.0SL shifters and derailleur, 9.0 Front der, 8 spd XT cassette, Kooka cranks and rings, raceface chromo BB | | Bottom Line: | I was finally inspired to write my review after reading the one below by the guy who said it was a cheap bike and complained of dents and noises.
This bike has a cheap price tag; as a frameset or as a bike (I have a friend on a stock DS1) its an incredible value. It does dent easily; I have a small dent on my downtube (which I got from a rock that kicked up on my first ride) and one on my chainstay. This is not built to be a bulletproof, freeride bike. It's a lightweight XC racer! As far as the noises go, I've heard none. I ride in sloppy New England crap and I clean my bike minimally. Headset's fine, pivots are fine, haven't heard a squeak or a creak yet.
I run my rear SID with the recommened pressure for my 195 pounds, which results in no-sag, as intended. I experimented with less PSI in the main chamber or more in the top to run a little sag, but now I stick with no sag; it works best for me. And that SID hasn't lost an ounce of pressure!
I love this bike. It's made me a better rider. I can't wait to see how it races. Two things I've noticed most: 1) Amazing acceleration. 2) Remarkable ability to climb, and manuever in slow rocky, rooty climbs. I feel like I can stop in the middle of a messy climb, look around for the best line, make whatever kind of sharp or awkward turn is necessary, and keep climbing. It's a lot of fun.
This is not the best descending bike I've ever ridden. It descends well, but if you're looking for a downhill or freeride bike, look elsewhere. This bike was made to race. If you want to win your races throug climbing and acceleration and you're not a clydesdale (I think my 195 pound frame is pushing the limits) then this is the bike for you.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Bennett
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Porcupine Rim, loop from town and back | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Bike Warehouse | | Strengths: | The suspension works BETTER than advertised. This bike will regularly bail you out of potentially bad situations. You point it, relax and it does the rest. Two words: Hayes Discs. If you've tried them, I don't need to say more. Adjustability of both front and rear suspension makes for a very tunable ride. Frame itself is pretty light. Climbing is effortless both in and out of the saddle. This bike is just flat out fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the components are a cheap spec, but for the overall package, Giant skimped in the right places. Wheelset was trued 3 times in the first 2 months and suffered a broken spoke on the rear wheel. Seems to be OK after that. Main pivot bolt on the chainstay fell out and disappeared on a technical trail rendering the bike almost unridable. Fortunatly, I was only about 2 miles from home. Frame tends to be creaky some days, but not others. Rear derraileur smacks the chainstay in about 3 gears but if you zip-tie a small piece of old tube to the spot it hits, it quiets it a lot. It's not the lightest bike out there, but I took off a couple pounds (for a couple hundred bucks)with upgrades before I even brought it home. Headset binds and needs regular adjustment. Pedals require a little too much effort to get in and out of. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback V-link 3.1, Intense Tracer (tested), Specialized Enduro Pro (tested). | | Bike Setup: | Easton carbon riser bar and seatpost, Serfas grips and racing saddle, IRC mythos tires, grip shift, XT front derailleur, rest of bike is stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules!! All of the stuff that I have found as weaknesses are all pretty minor. I have heard and read a lot of horror stories about this frame cracking, but after 8 months of hard riding (and I do like drop-offs and jumps a lot) it is still as strong as the day I brought it home. However, I only weigh 160lb and this might not be the case for a heavier rider. I have spent about $400 between the bar, post, seat, etc and with the addition of a better wheelset, my bike will tip the scales at 25lbs. Not bad for a disc equipped bike. Do yourself a favor and get some Loctite and go through all the pivot bolts. Don't trust your bike store to do it...peace of mind is worth a lot when you are 30 miles from civilization! My friend has an identical bike and loves it to death, although he has experienced most of the same problems. This bike is an outstanding value for the money and a blast to ride. Plus, Giant gives us just enough opportunity to do what we inevetibly end up doing anyway...upgrade!! Nuff said...buy this bike and GO RIDE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
el conquistador
a Weekend Warrior
from CO, US of A
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | where there isn't horse manure | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | reasonable bb ht. wt. on frame is 5.5 lbs for a medium. | | Weaknesses: | cheap bike. dents easily, paint chips off very easily, and this frame is a noise machine. | | Similar Products Used: | Adept, YBB, Racer-X, Uzzi | | Bike Setup: | tricked out | | Bottom Line: | I'm not sure about mtbr.com's reviews. Either no one has actually beat on their bikes or they just want to justify their purchases. I look at alot of the products that have been reviewed to glowing praise when, in fact, my friend's and I experiences are different.
This frame is a perfect example. Rides nice, bb doesn't jack you way up, firm feel. But... this was tried before - ala the GT RTS series.
My main problem is the amount of creaking noises that come from the pivots/headset/who knows where else. For me epic rides are about the scenary, terrain, buddies, effort and I find this bike to be a distraction. This frame is always creaking, popping, chirping, etc. Maybe it's the bushings, maybe it's the zero stack headset, maybe, maybe, maybe...
So, back to my original statement. Doesn't anybody else notice this kind of thing? Dudes, I am an animal but, sheet, I shouldn't be the only one who's noticed these kind of issues.
I'm sick of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin County
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Will's secret trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | stan's bikes | | Strengths: | Unbeatable value with stock parts package.Works as advertised you rarely even realize that the back shock is working(NO BOB).Been beating the hell out of my ds1 for about a year and only thing Ive broken is some of the weaker parts that come on bike(headset,bb).Also color scheme is great looks mean!Climbing on this bike is great,I really shock myself sometimes how I can clear sections of trails I never did on my own hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Was down right a pain in the ass to get this bike.Waited for three months for a LBS(PACIFIC)to deliver my bike and was always greeted with next month and it will be here soon.They promised me a low price (1599) but never could deliver it.Finally I became fed up with there service and spent one morning on my day off using giants dealer locator to find other dealers in the area,made about 40 calls when finnally I got lucky a store just received some in my size.I drove over a 100 miles and payed list price and it was worth every penny and the hassle of driving.Two other complaints would be bottom bracket height should be a little higher I do occasionaly scrape small obstacles.The other owuld be paint chipping but ey its a bike its meant to be thrashed a little so no biggie.Oh and that damn clanking noise of the rear derailer hitting frame(fixed on 2001 model for all you considering one). | | Similar Products Used: | tested sugar 1,specialized s-works,raven,and jeckyl.None compared and all were more expensive would have considered the Jeckyl if it wasnt for the crappiness of coda parts especially there disc brakes. | | Bike Setup: | stock besides chris king headset(rasta looks so cool works even better than it looks),xt bottom bracket(phil wood ti coming soon),easton monkey light riser bar,oury grips,sella italia flight gel saddle,hutchinson mosquito light tires and torrelli light tubes. | | Bottom Line: | The best trail bike/cross country bike on the market.Tracks on fast siingle tracks like no other.Downhill is a joy in general.Hayes breaks really inspire confidence and have a habit of saving you in bad situations.Stock wheels are very durable have tried and tried to beat or break them so I could have excuse to upgrade to a lighter wheelset but after a year they are still dont need to be trewed.DAMN YOU MAVIC 223's break!Bike ways about 25 3/4 lbs with a few more upgrades it should be 24 and half when im done.Note to reader this is my first full suspesion bike but ive been a bike nut for years so I know quality and Giant makes quality bikes.If your in the markey for a new bike I would say get your self a ds1 and if you cant afford get a lower level version of it.To much talk must go ride:) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississauga, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | NRS design
Climbs like a goat on speed.
Descends like an express elevator to hell - goin' down!!! | | Weaknesses: | Weight, initial setup is spec'd heavy.
Rocker arm pivot weld. 4 cracks from a 165Lb rider. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Ground Control '99, Rocky Mountain Spice '99 | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace cranks/headset/BB, Easton Monkeylite handlebars, Thompson seatpost/stem, ChrisKing disc hubs on Mavic 317's, Hayes brakes, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Serfas saddle, SRAM 9.0SL Halfpipe and drivetrain, RS SID XC fork, RS SID rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up review to my previous in 09/00.
The CaneCreek ZS-2 integrated headset is utter crap. It cannot resist any moisture and works marginally at best.
I am only 165Lbs and I do not ride particularly agressive, yet I managed to put 4 (yes count them 4) cracks in the gusset collar for the rocker arm pivot. Its on its way back for warranty, and I noticed the 2001's have a slightly different design at that exact place I had a problem. ;)
No other complaints, just miles of smiles.
I ride to live..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Goucher
a Weekend Warrior
from Florence
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pisca, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bikes Plus | | Strengths: | Frame review only - Suspension set-up is as advertised. No BOB yet smooth over the small bumps and large hits. Weight is good for f/s. Highly adjustable suspension RockShox SID. Handles great - fast & slow. | | Weaknesses: | Get a little noise from the shock on rollers. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback V-Link 3.1, Trek f/s, Pro Flex | | Bike Setup: | XTC - NRS - Air = Psylo forks, Magura hydrolic rim brakes, Shimano xt, Sram grip shift, Bontrager Revolt SS tires. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the frame and used some parts off my old bike. Went to the Psylo forks to hold my 250 pounds. This is a great XC bike. Weight is 27 lbs. 3.75 inches of rear travel and 4 inches up front. Handles great in tight rough stuff and eats up the dounhills. Acts like a hard tail when you stand for a hill or sprint. Very plush ride. You will be going faster than you feel like your going. With the very flexable air systems front and rear its up to you to dial it in. I change the positive and negative pressures for the type of ride I'm on. Anticipate that it will take you some time to get the suspension the way you like it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Abe
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Fantasy Island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1720.00 | | Purchased At: | Broadway Schwinn | | Strengths: | Great handling and braking, climbs like a goat, best bike anywhere for the money cause nothing else has this frame design with discs near this price. | | Weaknesses: | Handlebars, stem and seat post too heavy, mediocre paint | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSX-RC (good design), Santa Cruz Superlight (inferior frame design and braking, but a good bike), Schwinn Rocket88 (worst frame, poorest handling for the money),Cannondale Lefty (average handling), Turner RFX (only bike that beat it's handling, $4000 and no discs), Moots YBBeat, (nice, light but nowhere near as plush), Trek STP 300 (worth a look but not near as plush), GT 1500 (very good bike, no discs). | | Bike Setup: | Sids work fine, my Hayes discs are great, Kore elite seat post, Terry Liberator Ti seat
| | Bottom Line: | If there's a better bike under $3000 I didn't find it and I looked at everything good I could. If you climb you can get lighter but the traction here is great and the stopping power is so good hang on tight! It's time to ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MikeyMike
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mt Gungin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Wembley Cycles | | Strengths: | NRS suspension really, really works. Hayes discs are topnotch. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap shifters. Tubeless Mavic rims means tyre range limited (but can use tubes on the rims). Saddle is bloody uncomfortable. Not big on 4 arm cranks - too easy to bend on rocks. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR XC - borrowed. Never owned a DS before. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. See giant-bicycles.com
Hayes discs, Rear XT shifter and cluster, Front derllr and shifters Deore, RaceFace Prodigy cranks and chain-rings, Rims Mavic UST Tubelss 24 holes, Michelin tyres. Front Sus RockShox SID XC, Back Rockshox SID | | Bottom Line: | Santa brought me the XTC NRS 1. Was I surprised. Santa obviously DOESN'T know who's been naughty - either that or he hates cats nearly as much as I do!!
Took it to one of the race trails this weekend and loved it. The ability to set up the shock's air pressure to suite the trail is a real plus. When set up correctly, the NRS is truly rigid while peddling up hill but still comes in on bumps UPHILL as well as making for a profoundly more comfortable ride on the downhills. One of the main advantages is that during a race, I will be able to sit down for much more of the course meaning I'll get less tired.
Just need to shorten the stem, get a new saddle and I'll be happy as Larry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
donkey boy
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hochimin | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Great value speced with nice parts | | Weaknesses: | Do not like the pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Element, cannondale, Yeti | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | How did they get such a nice bike so cheap?
Only problem, is this visual I have of an 80 year old political prisoner, wearing a diaper, chained to a milk stool welding & sanding frames for the Giant corporation.
Say it aint so........ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Bennett
a Racer
from Canberra, ACT, AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | luv 'em all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Versatility - there aren't many DS bikes you can race semi-seriously | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Jeckyl, Sugar 1 | | Bike Setup: | Raceface, SID Race, Hayes discs, SRAM 9 speed | | Bottom Line: | This bike is actually the XTC Team version which does not seem to have been on sale in the US. It is an up-spec'd version of the DS1 and weighs in at about 24-25lbs. I was looking for a DS bike that I could race (had to be reasonably light and no bob). I narrowed the field to the XTC Team, Jeckyl and Sugar 1. In the end it was a no brainer because I was offered a near new XTC Team by a guy on the Australian MTB team (Paul Rowney - came 10th in the Olympics). The great thing about this bike is that I can trail ride or race on it - it is definitely quicker than my Cannondale hard tail (which has now been sold). I have also used it for a 24hr race - the DS was worth its weight in gold! No regrets at all! In my view, the best bike of its type currently available. It will be interesting to compare it against the new Trek Fuel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reed Rawson
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrenceville, GA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mountaintown Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1960.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle South | | Strengths: | Good for heavy riders. Adjustable shocks on both ends. | | Weaknesses: | Squirrely on fast downhills | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike and it was worth the cost. I have had no trouble with it at all, the Hayes disc brakes are great. Being able to adjest the shocks is nice as well.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mo
a Weekend Warrior
from Sedro Woolley
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Chutes and Ladders | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
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