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Submitted by
fang_x
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Local | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | Very Great bike, stock suspension isent the best but it works better then the walmart brand bikes^_^. I love the brakes on this bike and the overall size and the way it seems to flow over obstacles. | | Weaknesses: | shocks suck | | Similar Products Used: | other giant bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock, hayes hydralic disk brakes | | Bottom Line: | My favorite bike so far, im planning to upgrade the suspension, then it can take everything i throw at it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from orange county, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | laguna beach | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | fork and brakes | | Bike Setup: | bomber fork, fox float rear, hayes hydro disc brakes, raceface crankset, deore lx derailers | | Bottom Line: | giant is great. this bike is realativily light so i can get through the climbs. at the same time this bike tears up the downhills. moreover, this bike is strong, and doesnt need much maintenance. i recommend this bike to everyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr.com classified | | Strengths: | truly fulfills the moniker of "all conditions": you can adjust the travel to hit the XC trails and then with a hex wrench and 2 minutes convert it to a decent downhill rig. | | Weaknesses: | the original rock shox deluxe rear shock sucked, apparently, so much so that the original owner replaced it w/ a fox vanilla RC w/ propedal. i love the fox and its adjustability is tremendous. also the koski engineering seat was terrible. true, it is heavy at 36#, but just get yourself in better shape! | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first FS bike, having upgraded from a fuji HT that i had built up. | | Bike Setup: | stock except rhyno lites, fizik nisene seat, WTB weirwolves 2.5 front, 2.3 rear, and the fox as above. | | Bottom Line: | if you're looking to buy a bike that can do everything XC, FR, and DH, you're not going to find it. if, however, you're like most of us and don't want to spend $5000 on 3 bikes to do each of these kinds of riding, get an AC. you'll do very well at each of these riding types, the bike can stand up to a ton of abuse, and you can get a good used one for less than a grand. truly an incredible bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nando Redrum
a Weekend Warrior
from Bronx, NY
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sprain Ridge, Graham Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | A Friend | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, Excellent handling | | Weaknesses: | RockShox pro deluxe. This is not a shock for heavy dudes like me. I weigh 225. The seat is pretty uncomfortable too. | | Bike Setup: | Stratos Helix Expert rear shock (Smooth), IRC Kujo DH Tires(2.65) MRP chain guide system, 2001 Marzocchi Jr. T fork. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike from a friend who put it through some serious hardcore drop abuse. Now I’m riding it and though I don’t take it off 10 to 15’ drops, I’m content with 4’ to 6’. The bike handles well and has taught me a lot about control. Some of my friends say eventually I’ll want to get a better bike and even though that’s probably true, I still think this bike rocks. I’m nowhere near the rank of a DH veteran but riding this bike makes me feel like I could reach that point one day. Besides the component problems I’ve faced (replacement of a broken derailleur hanger, a sh_tty rear hub, a non-drive side crank, The rock shox rear shock etc.), and the ever continuing falls and crashes, this bike still holds up to my abuse. On top of this I weigh 225 making this bike awesome for tolerating this kind of treatment. This bike is great for the 200 plus freerider. Just makes sure the components are durable enough to withstand the hardcore rider within you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paulen beavercrochen
a Downhiller
from vancouver bc canada
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | severed dick | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | this bike is great i'm a mountain biker who just had a sex change and i meet so many hunky guys since i get this new bike.it rides great with or with out the seat.and no matter how many times i wipe out this bike just keeps going.the reason i got the sex change was because of my old bike .i got one of my nuts pinched in the frame and it just about pulled it right off.so i went to the vet and got nuderd. | | Weaknesses: | the only thing that i can say about this bike is that when i wipe out on it it is much heaver than my old bike and hurts more when it lands on me.i found that out last time i came to after wiping out.it had knocked off one of my falesies. | | Similar Products Used: | stinky me sorry i ment stinky d | | Bike Setup: | big big seat jr t pink flowers and tassels. and my bike has 2.6 tires funn seat jr t and funn stem. | | Bottom Line: | well i hope to see you on the trail so we can go riding and maybe we can go biking sometime to.and if you find a falesie on the trail i would love to get it back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul beavel
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver bc canada
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | neds and cbc | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | bike sport pacific | | Strengths: | i'm a crazzy rider and i'm willing to try any thing on a bike and i mean anything . and if this bike can hold up to what i put it through than it can take anything.it is the plushest bike i tave ever had.this bike feels great on the small bumps and the big hucks.no more sore ass for me at least not from bike riding. | | Weaknesses: | the rear swing arm was a little weak. but i had them put the 2002 swing arm on and my bike is way stronger now. | | Similar Products Used: | the stinky d is the closest bike i have ever riden that would hold a candel to the giant. | | Bike Setup: | funn stem , funn seat , funn fat boy slims for bars ,jr t's seven inch,2.65 tires in front and 2.3 in back. | | Bottom Line: | i find that this bike has helpped me become a better rider.because i'm mental handi caped and riding a bike is something i never thought i would do because one leg is way shorter than the other. so we put a big block on one of the peddles and because of the plushness of this bike i can keep both my legs on the bike and i'm not getting my seat in the bum anymore. i love riding my bike and not have my bike ride my ass. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kendall Isenhour
a Downhiller
from Hickory, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Backside Brown | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Clark Bicycle | | Strengths: | Giant AThe C1 is a good all around bike for the price, It has lots of strong gussets, Plush 6 in of travel, and just a very comfortable Bike | | Weaknesses: | The Intergrated Headset, & not coming factory with dual crown fork like a Super T | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Kona Stinky Delux | | Bike Setup: | XT Bottom Braket & cranks,Azonic Pedals, Super T, Answer Pro Tapers,Sram 7.0 shifters & derailor,Intence ODI grips,Hayes Hydrolics Purple, Cane Creek Head Set, Kona 1in rise stem, Ryno Lite Rims, Maxis mobster up front, Panaracer DH in Back, Axiom Dual seat post,& SDG Seat | | Bottom Line: | Good bike if ya like going down hilling but also like to get into the woods or even do some lite wight shore and freeriding. ONLY IF YOUR A LITE WEIGHT RIDER. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIKE "SPANKY" LEAMON
a Weekend Warrior
from AMARILLO,TX
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | CEDRO CANYON | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | BIKE KORNER | | Strengths: | FRAKE, FRT SUSP. FORK, WHEEL SET AND BRAKES | | Weaknesses: | HAS FLEX ON BIG LEDGE DROPS VERY BIG. TOOK 5 MONTHS TO GET. | | Similar Products Used: | SANTA CRUZ | | Bike Setup: | STOCK EXCEPT CHANGED PEDALS TO SOME AZONIC A FRAMES | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A VERY FUN DO ALL BIKE FROM CROSS COUNTRY TO DOWN HILL AND DUALS. COULD USE A BEEFIER REAR SHOCK BUT THIS IS THE LIGHTEST OF THE A.C. BIKES. OTHER THAN THAT THIS BIKE IS A BLAST TO RIDE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Martin
a Downhiller
from San Fran
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Swiveler | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's | | Strengths: | Extremely nice!! great for drops and jumps!
nice fork and rear susp! | | Weaknesses: | maybe,maybe, maybe lx shifters... | | Similar Products Used: | Many duals | | Bike Setup: | only the best | | Bottom Line: | Very nice bike, extremely nice frame and suspension.!!
Llove the wheels and the brakes work like no other!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shep
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any w/o stupid 'deer in headlights' hikers | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Brakes, Zokes(see weaknesses), Geometry, Looks very sexy much better than '02 model(bOring!), 6" travel, Ball fertilizer, fanny magnet. (Last two not 'actual' products but 'real' strengths) | | Weaknesses: | Rear hub worn out 3 months, Rapid-fire shifters makes adjustment of brake levers impossible for one finger use--who needs two fingers with hydraulics? Front end too light--pops up on steep climbs and easy to wash out--although could be tyres or just plain ole bad riding technique. XT cranks--just doesn't co-ordinate baby! Prodigy stem--needs a 4 bolt fastener to stop creaking.
No lockout on Zokes makes standing climbs a pogostick ride.
Medium frame with 500lb spring--who rides this, Eithiopians?
Pedals--plastic crap, Freehub protector--what am I, a baby? I know I'm picky but riding 4/5 times a week for 6 months you get real intimate. | | Similar Products Used: | Last ride: Jamis Dakar Team w/rigid forks--wild ride. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except 700lb spring and Azonic A-frames. | | Bottom Line: | Top titty bike, I know I listed more weaknesses than strengths but these are product-mix glitches which can be easily rectified. The price is well below any USA--but made in Taiwan anyway--bike. As with most complete bikes, manufacturers' cut corners to acheive attractive prices. Here you have a good chassis, suspension and brakes--the cornerstone of a good ride, all the rest is just accessories--expensive accessories though. Wicked for downhill, confidence boosting. This bike makes you want to get air all the time. If you're passionate about riding and don't want to break the bank--get one and don't upgrade the crappy stuff until it wears out. The first time I rode it I truly believed I couldn't fall off--until I did, but I was so stoked I didn't feel a thing. The problem with this bike is: you will fall off a lot because you will do crazy stuff.
Weight wimps need not apply!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stupidlyhappy | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Riders cyclery | | Strengths: | Parts list can't be topped for the money, stable at slow and fast speeds, lots of travel, jumps and drops well and can still climb, looks good - gets lots of looks from every one | | Weaknesses: | The rider, saddle | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC-2 (simmilar but heavier), Craftworks FRM125(simmilar price but lower spec'd) | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock except Tioga Multi-control XL saddle and Lizardskin chainstay protector. Upgraded to 700lbs spring | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to a previous review. This bike gets better and better, I'm doing stuff I didn't believe possible - big log crossings, big gap jumps, incredibly steep and technical descents. I love this bike.
I weight 165lbs and have set the rear shock on:-
Changed 500lbs spring for 700lbs spring
6" travel
10 clicks out from min rebound
6 clicks out from min compression
1/2 full turn of spring preload from free length
The front is set on:-
1 full turn from min compression (still have not bottomed out from 4' drop)
5 clicks in from min rebound
this set up is perfect for me but might not suit any body else, if you are unsure how to set up you AC-1, try my set up for a week and then change to suit your self. They work better set up soft I have found.
The tyres I previously thought were crap now hook up perfectly with the above mentioned set up. I also run 18 psi in the front and 25psi in the rear, I haven't had a pinch flat or bent wheel yet and have done about 500klm of hard bush riding.
I also put a Tioga Multi-control XL saddle on. The saddle is about 2" longer than the original and looks funny at first but is a huge improvement to both comfort and control, I will never buy a different saddle, it is perfect for the AC-1.
The AC-1 is lighter than the AC-2 and is noticeable when riding, so if you have the choice go for the AC-1.
If you are considering an AC, buy one, you will not be dissapointed guarenteed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Strengths: | Great Frame but if you have developed play in the rear end I can help you out | | Weaknesses: | Often the rear linkages will develope play | | Bottom Line: | If your AC has developed play in the rear end and Giant will not warrentee the frame then look no further. I am selling Nylon washer kits with installation instructions which will stiffen up that rear end to that of the 02 model. E mail me if interested.
-Disclaimer-
This product is NOT a Giant product and will void all frame warrentee. However the modification requires no permanent changes to the frame and can be removed at anytime.
It is a great solution if you have the problem and want a quick cheap solution. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane QLD Aust.
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chocolate Budha Daisy Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Riders cyclery | | Strengths: | Value for money, ability to adjust to different moods, good fun to ride anywhere | | Weaknesses: | Seat, chain guard not compatible with XT crankset, noisy rear shock (Rockshox Prodelux) | | Similar Products Used: | Mainly BMX and an Avanti hardtail crosscountry MTB | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock so far, will change seat and tyres | | Bottom Line: | If you can get one, then do it, you will not regret it. This bike has taken my enthusiasm for MTBing to obsesive levels. I got the bike as a compromise - "ALL CONDITIONS" thinking it would cope in all cond. but it excells. If I were to race this bike XC, I would do better on this bike than my Hardtail XC bike and I can still rip it up at the BMX track (doubles, triples etc, no problems) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fatman
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney,Australia
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the one I'm riding | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesport Thornleigh(where else?) | | Strengths: | Great value.Heaps of variable travel.Comes with chainguide and bash ring. | | Weaknesses: | Seat and post,pedals,frame flex,handlebars,grips,tyres,formula hubs,a bike in this price range with a shim in the seat tube! | | Similar Products Used: | All kinds. | | Bike Setup: | Michelin DH tyres,Odi lock on grips,Hellraiser bars,8" rotors,Tioga sofa seat,syncros seatpost,XT hubs and 16 gauge spokes. | | Bottom Line: | I've broken a heap of parts on this bike but I still love it.I'm quite heavy at 100kgs but this machine keeps coming back for more.I've snapped the swingarm on mine but it was warrantied immediately by the Giant rep,the new models come with a parrallel swingarm as they are having problems with the older type.Unfortunately they supplied an arm for an AC AIR rather than an AC1.The flex is consistent with alot of bikes with so many links.It really comes into its element when going off drops or downhilling.Had I known how cheap it was going to be I would have saved a little extra and got the 2002 DH Comp instead.But at the same time the DH isn't as friendly going uphill as the AC1.For someone my size and who rides their rig to work every day you have to expect a few breakages,I'm lucky enough to ride through the bush to work.
It is an awesome bike and I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rich O'Connor
a Weekend Warrior
from MA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 'Nam, Lynn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Landrys | | Strengths: | Adjustability, parts(mostly), | | Weaknesses: | flexy, petals, | | Similar Products Used: | hardtails mostly | | Bike Setup: | stock with 850LB spring | | Bottom Line: | Great all around bike, light enough to climb, strong enough to abuse. I go faster up short climbs, go much faster down hill, and jump and drop farther and further than ever. I even fraced it in a XC race and did as well as my buddies on bikes that weigh 10LBS less!
The rear end will flex lateraly on roots and rocks (grab the seat and push on the right petal and you can see the bottom bracket move left towards the tire) I only notice it on roots when the rear end slides out without the rest of the bike. Hasn't been a problem, but I wonder if my 220LB body is gonna cause problems with the linkage because of this.
The stock shimano petals have a plastic cage around them? That's crap, I already cracked one on a 3 foot drop and the loud snap scared me pretty good. The guys at Landrys(great place) replaced it and sayed they would upgrade them if it broke again.
Overall I'm happier then hell about the bike. Also as I said above the guys at Landrys are top notch.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aron
a Weekend Warrior
from Tenerife, Canary Islands
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | when riding, it's all good | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance in WA | | Strengths: | Feels like a Cadillac the way is sucks up the bumps. Adjustable rear travel a bunus. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy- and some questionable components (e.g. crappy Cane Creak headset, weak RS deluxe pro). Seat is ridiculously painful. | | Similar Products Used: | Jekll, Fuel, Rocky Mountain DH | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock except for Michelin DH tires and Selle Italia saddle. | | Bottom Line: | The bike felt the smoothest of the many I've test ridden- as far as eating bumps and drops. However, the CC headset feels awful and needs to be pitched. Also I blew the RS deluxe recently and had to send it to Madrid to be repaired (the nearest dist.) although they were quick to get it back to me (8 days). Can't say I'm impressed with the weakness of this shock- at least it looks cool.
She climbs pretty damned well for all the weight. I find you can get a lot more traction out of this bike than a hardtail when climbing over rocks, roots, and loose terrain. It also helps that I weight in at 150lbs. So for you XC biased riders who are on the heavier side, this might be an issue.
I question the durability of the WTB tires as I split the front one (six inch crack, lord knows how). They also grip poorly in the lose and sandy stuff. I find the Michelins' much better for the desert-like climate here although they are noticably heavier (hopefully stonger).
As I end up riding a lot of XC with friends, the 5" setting seems to be the right mix of travel for the climbs and downhill bumps. With the compression cranked up (the blue knob) the bobbyness in the rear can be dialed out and she almost feels like a hardtail. I've lost my confidence in the RS though and am looking for something more durable.
As far as the flex in the frame goes: I don't know what those mag guys were smokin'! I've yet to experience this.
The Z-1 on the other hand feels flexy as hell...and after numerous dismountings, I'll be curious to see how long those screws for the axle retainer last before they stip their mounts. Anyone know about a quick release system for this fork?
In general I'd say for the price you get a sh@t-load of bike. Thus 5 turds for value.
I hope Giant will rethink the headset, RS, and seat for next time- hence, 4 turds.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper Oilcan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Efficiant design, suspension works well. Travel to weigh ratio is excellent, infact it is the best available. | | Weaknesses: | Warranty committment from manufacture. WARRNING don't import bike frames and expect the manufacture to replace or accept deductables for broken suspention components. They will NOT! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Sana Cruz, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | The way I like it | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this frame from a bike shop in California. Brought it home with me and built a great ride. This bike is still a great ride. I just replaced the lower link/chainstay and the local shop would not warranty it. They said it is rider abuse and to read the warranty. Well I did and they have the right to take their stance. So to all you people out their whom come here for peer related consumer advice I recommend you read the following. This is a direct quote from Giants documents*.
"All aluminum and carbon fiber frames and rigid forks as well as suspension frames are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of purchase for the original owner. All other original components and all Giant-brand repair parts, replacement parts and accessories are warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from the original date of purchase."
"Unless covered by the free 60-day repair labor period, you will be responsible for labor costs associated with warranty replacements. "
"The above warranty, or any implied warranty, does not cover normal wear and tear, and all warranties are void if the bicycle is used for other than normal activities, including, but not limited to, the failure to follow the owner’s manual; using the bicycle for commercial activities or in competitive events, including bicycle racing, bicycle motocross racing, stunt riding, ramp jumping or similar activities, and training for such activities or events."
I guess their are a few stunts on upper oilcan where I ride.
The stunts are the tammest stunts on the North Shore. The last word? Buy a Kona STINKY it is made to take a bigger pounding then this bike. The DELUX STINKY is around the same price range. I would have bought the stinky but patients are not one of my best virtues
*to view this document completly
http://www.giantbicycles.com/us/055.000.000.asp#2body | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Denva from OZ
a Cross Country Rider
from VIC, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2550.00 | | Strengths: | Great allround bike. This bike has increased my confidence to do just about anything. I was very suprised at how well this thing climbs. Last weekend i used it for my first dual race and i came 6th. It was 80% the bike. Handleing is excellent and the bike itself is pretty tough. | | Weaknesses: | Catalouge spec is different from product spec. Eg XT crank and rear mech instead of RF North Shore crank and XTR rear mech. Also my rear spring was rubbing the inside shock when riding. I took it to the dealer and they said it was a bad batch and replaced straight away. they also serviced my fork for the inconvience. Great guys down at Steve Cramer Products! Tires are alright but you can't have everything! | | Similar Products Used: | Dual Slalom Bikes:-Santa Cruz Heckler, Intense Tazer, Planet X bomber and jack flash, Norco 250cc, DMR trailstar, Azonic DS1 etc | | Bike Setup: | Don't like marzocchi so got a manitou X-vert super(waiting for the black elite in bike colour), Azonic hot seat, cut down ritchey seat post for racing otherwise RF stock post, Easton Scandium Bars, ONYX front hub, DT COMp spokes, IRC KujoK fnt and hutchy jumbo rear (almost perfect race wet combination). | | Bottom Line: | I will use this bike for mostly dual races. I love racing and nice equipment. So this was the bike. I wasn't all the crazy about the giant sticker, but so what i can spend the extra money on upgrades.
If you got the money there is nothing better in that range and it not only looks the part but rides and handles excellent too which not many bikes do.
Unreal banana peel! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
schwinnson
a Downhiller
from turkey point, ontario
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | da downhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Just about everything, from the adjustable travel to the frame, disks are a plus, just bout everything | | Weaknesses: | XT cranks creak more than your mom
Seat is terrible
chainguide is a good idea but doesnt work up to my standards | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 schwinn mesa gsx | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for xt fr. and r.derailler | | Bottom Line: | this bike is awesome, its good for a lightweigh rider like me (105pounds) and is capable of Dh racing plus a little freeriding and some xc. as for the rear end flex, there is none, those mag editors must have hit the crackpot a little hard. I plan on swapping the cranks with some raceface north shore xs cranks soon because im not in favor of the xt, they can go on my xc bike, but overall its a sweet bike, its held up to many bumps and bruses and hard landings and is still goin strong
10flamming poop stains and 2 thumbs up to giant | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Shearer
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Foreplay | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Fresh Air Experience | | Strengths: | Specs & Adjustability | | Weaknesses: | Dual Crown voids warranty | | Bike Setup: | Almost Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my earlier review. I should have replaced the 600# spring with an 800# spring because my ass blew the rear shock. Rock Shox is experiencing problems here in Canada but I hope to have my old shock back soon. In the meanwhile, I bought a Stratos Helix Expert. Liking it so far.
I plan to look for a Super T despite the warranty situation. All in all, an amazing bike. An amazing deal. I can't wait to live up to the bikes potential. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Manila
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Dual Purpose ride | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost adapter squeaks. Warranty stinks. Installing dual-crown fork voids the warranty! | | Bottom Line: | I think everyone enjoys the bike here but there's somebody also here does'nt agree on it.
1. Is there a "freeriding competition"?
2. I also don't think XC and DH specific bikes won't perform on this event either. Isnt it?
3. If you're into racing, go specific! and be a loser if you're beaten by rider with an AC.
If the bike seems to do well on your style, it is definitely yours.
Enjoy the ride... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Beverly
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sunday river- pro DH course | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Landrys | | Strengths: | Well lets just say four foot drops dont feel like anything now. And it is sweet for DH racing. Just drop the seat and max out the travel and your ready/ | | Weaknesses: | I have had so many problems but they've all been fixed accept for one. THE bb fell off twice, the disk breaks fell off till I lock tighted them on. My rear shock BENT something I have never done before becuse RS stinks. Im getting an avalanche though | | Similar Products Used: | Intense M1. Kona stinky, stinky 5, stinky dee-lux, disco monkey....list goes on | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Rock Shox Boxxer. 8" rotors front and back grimca, odi lock on grips, i forget but I got sick 150$ platforms, all XTR, MRP world cup 2 chainguide, RACEface seat post,I love the rock shox boxxer, get one | | Bottom Line: | Its a sweet and cheep bike, mine cost more becaus I added a rock shox boxxer for 1200, So the bike at first cost me 2300, and its cheep for the travel, I might sell my AC 1 frame because Im gettng the new model or te santacruz V10 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Whitney
a Downhiller
from Ipswich, Mass, USA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Stoney Squa, Mount Norquay Alberta Canada | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Alpine Sports in Canmore Alberta | | Strengths: | long and short travel | | Weaknesses: | does not come with a triple crown
| | Bottom Line: | This bike is really great. It takes anything, which really blames the rider for any mishaps. I love it, and the Marzochi Z.1 QR20 is great, and really stong. The travel is so smooth. The lower travel settings are great for an almost cross-country style ride. It has fantastic geometry which works well on the BC ladders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jesse lorenz
a Weekend Warrior
from collingswood, nj usa
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | wisahickon park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | erlton bike shop | | Strengths: | Price, quality, fun to ride, confidence booster. great front shock, great rear shock, good spec. The brakes,wheels everything. | | Weaknesses: | 6 foot wide weak bar, god awful seat, noisy crank bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: | too many | | Bike Setup: | stock- to cheap to get a new seat.I'll buy a new one when i destroy the old one. | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE ROCKS. those clowns at the mag are idiots. This bike gives you so much confidence, i have desended too fast and gotten into trouble because of it. The change of spec sucked but the thing wouldn't shift, AND having to wait for them to get the bugs out of the wheel problem. I was one of the first people to get one of these things. The geometry is great this bike climbs like a champ and screams down the hills with incredible control. Sealed bearings in the pivots were a plus. The spec is great. The bike is a steal for what you get with it. What else to say about it, oh the bike kicks. What a blast, and i tell the rep all the time best bike i ever bought. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben S
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | BigTrees | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR (used frame) | | Strengths: | Burly build, p |
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