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Average Rating
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4.33/5
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# of Reviews
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43
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MSRP
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$ 1300.00
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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, Answer Manitou SX, 3.15" travel fork
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Submitted by
Jim A
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | The ones you haven't discovered | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Even coming into the 5th year of riding this bike, I can't justify or find a reason to get something newer. Giant has tweaked the design, but not really changed it. It's been excellent from day one. Hey, they're still selling a ton of them, so you know it's a good design | | Weaknesses: | After trashing the Formula brakes for the Shimano XT's and updating my shifters to LX, and replacing the original adequate Race Face crankset (The old prodigy was cheap, the newer Prodigy is decent) with a new LX, I think this bike is ready to rock for another 4 years! | | Similar Products Used: | Read my previous reviews | | Bike Setup: | You just heard it, in weaknesses... | | Bottom Line: | Still loving the design after 4 years... Does it get better than that???? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim A
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Various | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction Toronto | | Strengths: | Still a great ride even at 4 years old!!! | | Weaknesses: | Original Formula brakes were garbage. Replaced with Shimano XT's 4 years ago, still delighted with them. | | Similar Products Used: | Bikes | | Bike Setup: | Changed Crankset (Original Race Face Prodigy was crap, newer Prodigy is a totally different Crank) to 2004 Deore LX, and it's sweet. 2000 XT disc brakes, XT shifters, bike's getting a bit worn but still a happy ride. | | Bottom Line: | Best Bike I've had. While some of the new rides look attractive, I'm still in love with this baby!
Overall rating dinged one Chile for the POS Formula Brakes that Giant made me buy and never stood behind. (Where's the guy that decided on those things? I want to make him eat them. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | bright enough paint job for urban nite rides,
half decent components, "no bob" rear sus geometry | | Weaknesses: | brakes...what brakes? weak rims, frame dents easily (I can even squeeze it but that's not the same as riding the bike), seatpost keeps on dropping due to weld inside the seattube protruding thru. | | Similar Products Used: | proflex, team marin, marin bear valley, rocky mountain experience | | Bike Setup: | XC, minor trials | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money for a good rear suspension design
components are half decent, frnt/rear susp. fairly well balanced (I'm 130pds), I'm heading in to trials, this bike definitely doesn't cut it for anymore better than beginners.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim A
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hilton Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Well, here I am the first reviewer, finally coming back after having the bike for 2.5 years...
Overall been a solid performer. Changed the travel on the Judy's but not had any problems. | | Weaknesses: | Didn't care for the shifters, upgraded to LX, Grips were too narrow (Personal Preference) Cheap RaceFace crankset has been crooked from day one (not severely, but I can see it if I look), will eventually throw it out and buy something straight, still have the original brakes on the shelf (because Giant should have been spanked for putting such crap on in the first place), the hydraulic Shimano disks I put on, still make me happy, Went with the Red Michelens just for fun, (between the gaudy paint and the tires, I get questions all the time about the bike...). | | Similar Products Used: | Metal things with two wheels on them. | | Bike Setup: | Original, except I put on my old WTB seat, went to LX shifters (shorter throw). | | Bottom Line: | Hey I still love it... But there are days I wish I kept my Avalanche for doing some trials. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Macau
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Wing Lei Bicycles Macau | | Strengths: | light suspension frame, go angle of tubing, feel soft when biking | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy of chainstays | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XtC (hardtail) Team and XCX DS-1, Hasa EX-2 (made in Taiwan) | | Bike Setup: | XtC frame, '01 SID 100, RS SID XC lock-out shock, Sun Ringle DS1 XC, Deore STi, XT mechs and cassette, Raceface Prodigy, Shimano Deore discs, Kore Lite stem, bar and seatpost, Selle Italia ATX | | Bottom Line: | When I brought it, I took to re-built, with the components as above, but of coz, I fitted a lock-out shock as well. I use this of biking in streets, I haven't used this to go cc riding...I need to test it on off-roads...the bike is lighter than XCX's, that's I like it to...haha | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Mullen
a Racer
from Albuquerque NM
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | I could tell you but... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Light enough. Cheap enough. Good travel. Handles well. Very responsive. | | Weaknesses: | I broke my frame after a year of use (many things that shouldn't be done to a xc bike). Giant replaced it no questions asked. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive, Cannondale super-V, assorted hardtails... | | Bike Setup: | I switched to hayes mechanical with the help of Giant for $140 because the Formula mechanical brakes that the bike came with sucked. They had the deal through the shop and it really improved the ride. | | Bottom Line: | It's a very hard bike to beat for the money. I raced all season on it and really appreciated the travel on the decents. It handles well and climbs with gusto. DO NOT try any drop-offs on the bike though. You'll bust your frame like I did. It's better and more fun to just buy the right bike for that if that's what you want to do. All around a darn good bike from a darn good company especially for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Redwood City, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Can't say | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | A lot of bike for the bucks | | Weaknesses: | Major design flaw that the MFG knows about regarding the the shock mount welds on the seat tube. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested and demo'd many brands | | Bike Setup: | When I broke it, it was stock except for the Psylo XC, XTR Derailleurs and Ryno Lites with Panaracer Pyro (rear) and the Fire XC Pro (front) | | Bottom Line: | Totally bummed that I broke this bike. I had finally gotten to the point that I was feeling very confident with it. The thing that really bums me out is that Giant actually knows about the design flaw (the shock mount welds fail under load). The problem was fixed on the 2001 NRS.
The good news is that I was able to upgrade to an AC Air for a couple hundred bucks.
The bad news is that the dealer couldn't get the outside sales rep to return his phone calls. After two weeks, I had to phone the factory to get the ball rolling on my warranty frame. My advice is that you stay on top of the factory if you have warranty issues. The dealers get no attention.
Giant is a good company that needs some help with their customer service department. 5 for value and 2 for overall because I should not have been able to break this bike the way I did with the type of riding that I do. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RacerX
a Downhiller
from Reno, NV
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hole in the Ground | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | Great frame and rear suspension | | Weaknesses: | brakes,Unsealed integrated headset,Rear bushings, weak ass rims.Go 20lbs higher on the rear shock then what it says and DAM!!!Broke my XTR chain on this bike 7 times.I put the cheapest heaviest one I could find onit and it has been great since. | | Bike Setup: | Totaly different bike now. The frame is what I bought it for.it's the same as the DS1 | | Bottom Line: | I posted a review after having mine for a year, since that time I have changed the stem,headset,Put a Phsylo SL on taken the big ring off in favor of a raceface rock guard, changed the bars to Monkey lite risers and the post to LP Carbon and changed the seat, Rims, and switched to Hayes mechanical........I know it's alot but I really love the frame..it's really a freeride bike now and trust me!!!!it handles it no problem......If you change two things on this bike make it the brakes and the rims....and put some 2.3" tires on it.........this bike is almost as badass as my downhill ride.....but not quite... : ).....Go ride..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daryl Faddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | inner city cycles. Glebe. Syd. Aust. | | Strengths: | easiest bike i have ridden for doing everything from street to downhill, single track, etc | | Weaknesses: | none so far as i had a few upgrades done before i picked the bike up. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive 5 and 6, i have also riden a few others that belong to friends. i would like to try the AC range to see if the feel if the longer travel suspension is as good, but for now i am very happy. | | Bike Setup: | i have changed the handle bars to azonic 1/2 rise, deore hydrolic discs, hutchison tyres, and the best change so far has been to put judy sl forks. i have also had the granny ring removed as i find i get cramps when using it.My local shop helps me heaps with setup and for this i am more than greatful, these guys are the best. | | Bottom Line: | this is my first full suspesion bike although i have ridden many others. i find this bike copes with everything i can throw at it. i ride on the street up and down stairs etc, mainly free riding. i do ride assorted trails on the weekends when i can get away, with this rangeing from single track to downhill type riding and have found no weakness with this bike for someone of my ability. this bike is by far one of the best toys i have purchased and is taking me away from my other passion which is motorcycles were i ride sports bikes as i love speed and try do a lot of track days to feed my adrenalin habit, which is being feed by my mountain bike very well.if you are looking for a full suspesion allrounder this is the bike, you will not be disappointed. Don't forget to set it up to suit your riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Saint Viper
a Cross Country Rider
from WI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | John Muir Trail, WI | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Dennis Sports Shop | | Strengths: | Suspension works well, decent components | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are hard to get into, seat is not good, and handlebars way way too wide | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 9000 (Rated worst FS bike ever) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I picked up this bike from a shop that was going out of business and got a good deal on it. So far I've been very happy. The rear suspension is very well controlled and works well on both big and small bumps. The front works equally well though a little more preload would be nice. I weigh 220lbs so I don't expect to be able to dial out all the bob in the rear end. That said, with a little adjustment with there air pressure, I've managed to get rid of most of it. There are 2 stickers on the bike that say how to adjust the rear shock. Go with the one on the bike, not the one on the shock. The bike does make quite a bit of rattling and clanking noise on rough downhills. Tightning up all the suspension joints (there are lots of them)helps, but it still sounds loose. It doesn't feel loose though which is good.
The shifters work well under load. Shifter action is a little light, but it works well once you get used to it. Shifts are fast and solid, you can shift while standing up. They gear indictors are useless as they don't line up with the markers, but who uses those anyway? At least they are small.
Only minor complaints about the bike so far. The pedals are more difficult to get into than my old Shimano SPD's, and the release tension when set to max is just good enough. The seat isn't the worst I've ridden on and looks good, but could be a little more comfortable. The only really screwy thing with the bike is the width of the handlebars. I suppose it's best to start out wide so you can cut them down, but geeze, if Hulk Hogan were riding the bike, he'd be right at home. Well I cut them down and now they are fine.
I see lots of complaints about the brakes. Mine have been fine so far. I hear that both Giant and Formula have replacement policies, so the problems must be real, but mine have been fine so far. Since the new bikes have different brakes, that's not much of an issue anymore, but don't let the brakes keep you from buying this bike. Try them out first and if you don't like that, Giant will send you new ones.
Overall I give this bike 4 chili's since it's kind of heavy and the components aren't top of the line. That doesn't bother me since I'm heavy and not going racing, but the DS1 is better so I can't give this bike a 5. For the value though it's tough to beat so I give it 5 chili's there. If this bike is in your price range, I strongly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, Oh
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything that is steep | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeSource | | Strengths: | The best part about the bike is the promised no power loss under pedaling. Nice component mix. Best value of the full suspension bikes that I tried out. The concept of disc brakes is a good idea.(After the Hayes swap out). Nice smooth ride, but not the best balanced climber (riser bar and stem issue). The front manitou shock is plush, just as they claim. Good Job Giant!!! | | Weaknesses: | The brakes are the absolute worst part of this bike. Take advantage of the swap-out from Giant. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is the best value for the money. Giant is an award-winning company for their NRS for a damn good reason. This bike kicks ass. Swap the brakes as soon as u get it and also change the riser and stem to something lower if you plan on climbing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Redwood City, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dirt ones | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | It carries my heavy a#@ up and down the hill without the wheels or frame folding! | | Weaknesses: | Crappy Formula MD-1 won't stop squealing!! One day Giant will honor their upgrade offer and give me the Hayes I was promised when I purchased it. Maybe then I will stop scaring the wildlife and small children on the trail and people will stop pointing and laughing as I ride by.
Manitou SX fork...janky adjustment and $25 for the special grease gun to lube it? Whose idea was that? | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd many brands in the sub $1500 price range before settling on this one. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the Panaracer XCs | | Bottom Line: | The fact that it carries all 250lbs of me up and down the hill with very little pedal bob while managing a really plush DH experience speaks volumes to this bikes ability and design. If you are in the market for a solid entry level bike that will give you a lot of bang for the buck then this is the bike to buy!! $900 bought a heckuva lotta bike. I doubt there is anything other than the brakes and maybe the fork that I would change on this scoot.
If you are looking to start out and don't want to spend a a@#load of money then this the ride for you!!
Five for value 'cuz I gotta a rippin' deal. Four for overall because after three months I still can't Giant to upgrade my brakes as promised! Come on guys!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from nj
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Local shop | | Strengths: | What can I say great bike !!!! Just Finsh a 24 hours race on this bike.The bike ran great.This company just got bike of the year 2001.If anyone is looking for a great bike check this bike out!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Thin paint on the frame.Seat post makes noise.Fix grease the seat post | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Changed the brakes out. | | Bottom Line: | Please check out this company for bikes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos D'Anda
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Gilberts' | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Crazy Cat Cyclery | | Strengths: | this is my first full suspension, but the thing handles awesome. It climbs and decends like it's glued to the ground!!! very comfortable overall. | | Weaknesses: | so far I'm not convinced with the mechanical discbrakes, and the Judy it came with feels a bit soft when going down big rocks, but that's about it! | | Similar Products Used: | none, first full-suspension | | Bike Setup: | SID on the back, and JUDY on the front. Hutchinson tubeless tires (love these things!!!) Avid mechanical disc brakes, SHIMANO XT and RaceFace components. (are XTR components really that much better than XT's?) | | Bottom Line: | ...this thing rules!!! you defintily get your money's worth | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Richland Wa
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Strengths: | Very good bike with some great componets. It handles like it is glued to the ground. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I can ride it hard into the corners and know I will make it out. I really like the disk brakes. When they start making noise sand the rotors with some 220 grit sand paper lightly and that should take care of it. Its a great bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lenny Buck
a Weekend Warrior
from Bolton, CT 06043
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Drop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Escape (LBS) | | Strengths: | Solid suspension design, great on climbs. | | Weaknesses: | Rims, needed a littel truing after 5 rides, but I went off some drop-offs. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | XTC DS/2 Rear Xthub w/Sun Rhyno Lite rim, Avid break levers, Hayes Mechanical. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is designed very well for a crosscountry rider, and handles very well on down hills. Although the wheels aren't made for drop-offs, they held up well. thats why I upgraded to a Sun Rhyno lite rim w/Shimano XT disc mountable hubs.
This is the bike to get it is GREAT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH USA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | faster un's | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Montgomery Cyclery | | Strengths: | Rear linkage
Deore/LX components
Michelen tires etc............ | | Weaknesses: | Koski seat is crap, other than that, perfect | | Similar Products Used: | Whole lot, but not everything(bike shop employee) | | Bike Setup: | stock other than Specialized MTN seat. | | Bottom Line: | 2001 NRS 3, Bike is very responsive, upgradeable, and low priced. Downhill it gives you just enough travel for you to be in complete control and gives the ability to reach high speeds. Uphill it DOES NOT BOB = me being able to reach the top without others planning my funeral. The sid rear shock is great for customizing your riding situations. I'm married to it, lets hope I don't get a divorce. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James McCallum
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Naseby | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Laurie Dawe Cycles | | Weaknesses: | Bushes in pivots on suspension at rear | | Bike Setup: | same as below | | Bottom Line: | More my fualt than anything but something for every one to think about
As I ws not instructed by the bike shop I wasnt aware tht the rear bushes in the rear need cleaned - consequently they have worn out after 1500km so just a word of advise I will be cleaning the replacements after every 5-10 rides | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Draven
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Frame.
Rear & front shocks. | | Weaknesses: | Formula disk breaks.
Colors. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant atx 970 full suspension.
Cannondale super V-900 full suspension. | | Bike Setup: | Shocks: RockShox Judy XC 100mm (f) , RockShox SID 95mm (r).
Derailleurs: Shimano Deore (f) , SRAM 7.0 (r).
Brakes and levers: Shimano's XT Disk (Hydraulic)
Tires: Bontrager Jones 2.1 / 1.95
| | Bottom Line: | The frame is just great. It stays active through the bumps and rocks but you don't get that swinging motion when pedaling like in the Cannondale super V frames.
You should replace the Formula MD1 disk brakes (cable) - they don't work well. I recomand to reset the front shock to 100mm, so it will give you a kind of a freeride bike with the 95mm travel at the back. Other than that, it's a great bike!!! I don't see any reason I would buy another bike for the next few years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerset West, South Africa
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Grabouw Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Maverick | | Strengths: | Wow - so many of them. For an FS bike, the weight I reckon is pretty good. The NRS system is just plain awesome -climbs like a hard tail. So many of my mates comment as we climb that they are still waiting for the rear to bob. Geometry is good. Race Face crank is great. Descents into Hell are made an absolute pleasure. | | Weaknesses: | The Brakes!!!!!! read my report on the Formulas They gave me endless grief. | | Similar Products Used: | Supermarket special that shall remain nameless | | Bike Setup: | Bog standard execpt for LX at the front and hopefully the Hayes will arrive before the weekend. Also upgraded the tyres to full Continentals (huge improvement on the WTB's) | | Bottom Line: | I'm in love with this bike. It climbs very well and downhill - well you just gotta try it. The control is superb, even at breakneck speeds. Both front and rear suspension soak up anything the trail throws at the bike. if the rock or logs too big the bike bunny hops like a dream. One reveiw commented on the rear derailleur clanking on the swingarm - tightly wrap an old innertube around the swingarm and finish off with plastic pull ties - end of problem. The handle bars felt a little wide to start off with but I can't quite bring myself to chopping off 15 to 20mm to compensate. The bike is great value for money but someone please tell Giant to sort out the Formula brakes. I've subtracted 1 chilli due to the brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bugalugs Jnr
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anyway out of the City | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Cranks in Nth Sydney | | Strengths: | NRS is as good as everyone says.
Formula MD1s aren't as bad as all the reviews on these brakes suggest, I have yet to experience any problems or trail situations that would cause me to upgrade to hydraulics.
The frame is solid and rider posture is ideal for cross country pursuits.
| | Weaknesses: | Formula Mechanical Discs do squeal and take a while to bed in.
The bike does feel a little heavy.
Rear deraileur hits the lower trailing arm on rocky sections making an annoying "clacking" noise (can easily fix with lizard skin). | | Similar Products Used: | GT Backwoods, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Hutchinson Alligators, Judy XC front, SID Rear, Deore/LX drivetrain, Formula Mech discs, Oury grips & titec bar ends.
With plans to extend the Judy out to 100mm travel.
| | Bottom Line: | Giant has done a great job with these bikes. For the price I paid there was nothing close on the market that could offer similar suspension, drivetrain and disc brakes, therefore they represent great value for money.
I started riding about 4 months ago on a hardtail ... as you can see I came to my senses very quickly. Since I have had the bike the entire trail riding experience has been thoroughly enjoyable, even the uphill bits. Whether your riding cross country, single track or suicidal downhill drops this bike ceases to amaze.
The tyre upgrade has made a hell of a difference on tight and hard packed trails, certainly a worth giving considertaion to when purchasing.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Cod, MA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Strengths: | Rear suspension is fantastic. Front may be too, once I figure out how best to adjust it. Feels soft in the meantime, but this is my first Full Suspension bike. | | Weaknesses: | Manuals are contradictory and so full of lawyer-ese that it's hard to find the technical info. For example, there are several different suggestions for setting rear shock pressures. The sticker on the bike contradicts all of them and seems to be more accurate, but that's no way to document a product.
Bike is heavier than my old Cannondale, but I'm learning to love it anyway.
Frame geometry and wide bars equal faster steering than I'm used to. I've gotten in trouble trying to slide certain corners as a result. | | Similar Products Used: | none -- first full susp. bike | | Bike Setup: | stock DS-2 | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike and even its brakes. See my separate post under Formula Brake Systems for simple adjustment which cured what I thought was going to be a fatal flaw.
It climbs stuff my hardtail would lie down and die on. Shifting is very smooth and reliable, once adjusted properly.
I'm giving it top value points as I managed to find it for under $1,000, which is a lotta bike for the buck.
I'm deducting one flame for the handling issues, but after I put more miles on the bike, that could change. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James McC
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Technical Single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Lawrie Dawe Cycles | | Strengths: | See reveiw below | | Weaknesses: | Hmmmm - freewheel body goes rusty and needs an overhual if cleaned regularly and not dried wellafter three months | | Similar Products Used: | WorldRider full ridgid, Marin Hardtails, K2 fullsus | | Bike Setup: | Hope XC2, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, shame some of the componentry lets down the excellent frame design - Purchased bike on July 25th since then have ridden approx.1200km-1400km the majority of which was off road single track around local hills - will upgrade components as old wear out - rear hub real soon!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Dunn
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Red Bull route Coed y Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Ken Ellerker cycles Hull | | Strengths: | Solid frame, rear shock, hydro discs as standard. Free NRS race kit upon purchase of the bike worth about £100!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Judy xc forks have 10mm negative travel which feels like play when riding on flattish stuff. No riser bars. Saddle gives you the numbest ass you're ever likely to get. | | Similar Products Used: | none, just gone full sus. | | Bike Setup: | Hope XC2 disc on front, then stock. | | Bottom Line: | What an ace bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!. You poor Americans got totally laughable brakes but these are alright. I had a Hope on my hardtail, and that went straight on, but the back brake is really powerful(Magura Clara). You can hit a foot high boulder on this bike at 30 mph and not notice it!. Just set the upper chamber with higher pressure than it tells you to. Mines set to 60 psi instead of 50, this gives you a much plusher ride, for very little sag. Wasn't too sure about grip shifters, but they're cool, miles better than Shimano rubbish which needs adjusting every ride! I'm not joking when I say I went 50% faster down hill on this than on my Kona Blast hard-tail, it just fills you with confidence......... BUY IT!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Richards
a Weekend Warrior
from Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | fast technical single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Hadley Cycles | | Strengths: | This is a great bike out of the box! Race Face cranks have to top the list. Rock Shox front and rear are well matched, especially with the NRS setup. | | Weaknesses: | Flat bars and bar ends butthis is personal preference really and not a problem with the bike itself. The brakes, well, they tend to deteriate with time. I think this is more of a problem with the pad compound though. When properly set up, they work relatively well. The squeeling is simply a cleaning and adjustment problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant hardtails 860 and 870, Specialised FSR XC and several others. | | Bike Setup: | Basically standard with FUNN 1" riser bars and Tioga pedals added for more of a freeride feel. | | Bottom Line: | Most people tend to buy this bike for its sensational cross country ability, however, with a few modifications i.e.loose some pressure in the negative chamber,add riser bars and a slightly smaller frame and this bike becomes a solid all-day trail bike that switches to a free ride bike on call. PERFECT! For most cross country situations I found the braks adequate but probably don't justify the extra weight they add. An upgrade to hydraulics is probably a serious consideration for the future. With the current brakes, make sure there is a rubber boot protecting the cable where it enters the sleeve. My rear boot was missing and a lot of brake power was lost in the rear due to dust and mud etc getting in the sleeve. The frame is super stiff and strong and, considering what it has already been through, it looks like it will last a long time.
The XTC DS2 is a FUN bike to ride. It promotes stupidity by allowing you to pick paths you would normally avoid on a hardtail. Five chilis for the overall rating because this really is a great all round bike for a very reasonable price.
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Submitted by
Mike Plata
a Racer
from Brockville, Ontario
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | J&J Cycle, Kingston, ON | | Strengths: | Great Frame design, love the rear suspension design, shocks work great, good cranks, came with bar ends | | Weaknesses: | The brakes suck, just read every other report in here!
The seat is as hard as a rock.
Did I mention that the Formula Mech. Disc brakes suck!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Ground Control | | Bike Setup: | Basically still stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall I love the bike!!! Frame, Rock Shox's and the rear suspension design work great. Componentry is good for the price of the bike but I expect to upgrade as components wear out/ break. Absolutely hate the brakes and I will be upgrading to Hydraulics very shortly! At two different races, both in very rainy/muddy conditions, I completely lost all braking ability! In response to my problems I have not received any support from Formula or Giant however, my bike shop has been great and I am currently working on a deal with them to upgrade to Hayes for minimum cost. Formula hubs haven't caused any problems (knock on wood!) I like the cranks and have not had any problems with the LX bottom bracket but I intend to upgrade to an XT or XTR in the future. I've already had to replace the chain but as I mentioned above I've been racing in some awful conditions. The pedals have already developed play in the bearings so I'm not overly impressed with them.
Descending the bike tracks straight and hammers through the worst stuff with no worries. Climbs as good as a hard tail. I swear to God that the rear suspension does not move while climbing!!
I give it 3 chilis for the value - it would be 4 or 5 if it weren't for the brakes as it will still cost me to upgrade.
4 chilis for overall rating, it would've been a 5 if not for the brakes again.
This is a great bike for a weekend warrior and with some small upgrades is a very competitive sport class XC racer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROBERT LEBLOND
a Cross Country Rider
from NORWICH
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | SINIPSIC STATE FOREST CT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | RAY WILLIS RHODE ISLAND | | Strengths: | VERY NICE REAR SUSPENSION SETUP. NO BOBING. GOES UP HILLS LIKE A HARDTAIL, BUT DOWNHILL VERY SMOOTH. NICE CRANK. | | Weaknesses: | BRAKES. I HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BRAKE. THE FRONT WORKS GREAT BUT THE REAR HARDLY WORKS AT ALL.(IT DEFINATLY NEEDS HYDRAULIC BRAKES IN THE REAR.) FRONT SHOCK IS ALSO A LITTLE WEAK, NOT STIFF ENOUGH. | | Similar Products Used: | SPECIALIZED FSR XC, JAMIS, SCHWINN MOAB | | Bike Setup: | ORIGINAL SETUP WITH PANARACER TIRES | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE IS GREAT FOR THE MONEY. ITS A HEAVY BIKE BUT WHEN RIDING IT IT FEELS LIGHT ENOUGH. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE RIM WARPING AFTER I RODE IT 5 TIMES, BUT CALLED WTB AND THEY HAVE EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. IF YOU CAN FIND ONE OF THESE BIKES THEN YOU SHOULD BUY IT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john hunter
a Weekend Warrior
from slidell Louisiana
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | great fork, awesome rear suspespension, geometry, soaks up bumps, good components, race face crank | | Weaknesses: | heavy, brakes suck, stem too short | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is good for just goin out and havin fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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