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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Rotorua, NZ
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Redwoods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Takes the hits really well. Beefy gussets, and hayes have been working sweet. Forks have performed really well. | | Weaknesses: | Creak in the headset gets a bit agitating. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, Trek Fuel 80, Hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except platforms, bash ring. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has worked really well for me. I purchased it new only about 6-7 months ago (old stock in the shop). There are a few noises coming out of the headset but I can't fault it otherwise. The psylos have worked well, I have heard from other AC riders that the newer psylos tend to blow out (02-03 models) but mine are fine so far.
It is definitely the best for xc, but with some faster rolling rubber (maxxis larsen/dynomite) it does the job.
The perfect bike for those who love the downhills, but want to bike up (slowly) rather than walk. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from washington
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | this frame is strong so far. component setup is pretty good. this bike can take a lot of abuse. rockshock customer service has been great. i broke both shocks and they sent new ones w/o question. | | Weaknesses: | both shocks are low quality if you ride really aggressive. i broke the fork in 3 weeks of purchase and 2 weeks ago broke rear. both need to be upgraded eventually. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky dee lux, cove g-spot (demo only) | | Bike Setup: | ac 2, phylo front( soon to be 2003 jr t), fox vanilla rc rear (just got today). raceface cranks, xt fr and rear derails., everything else pretty much stock. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great. after i put on the vanilla rc, rear end feels much stronger. great freeride,dh rig for the price. runs great out of the box. can't wait until the '03 jr t comes out to finish shock upgrades. i have done 8 foot drops with the phylo and it has been holding up pretty good so far but to go much higher a dual crown will be much better of course. frame is strong and will hold up to abuse and seems to be durable. not a five flamin' cause of shock problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Bivens
a
from Littleton
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | dakota ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike source | | Strengths: | frame, parts, confidence compartment, and about every other aspect of this bike. I honestly will probably never buy another brand of bicycle as long as i ride, unless they go "mongoose". one word. tough. | | Weaknesses: | after this much use, i would say that a few parts picks could be called a weakness, but honestly the only thing I would change is the lx cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX downhill, kona stinky, K2 disco monkey, specialized enduro. | | Bike Setup: | stock, sun ringle zulu pedals. | | Bottom Line: | if you get a deal on this bike, wait scratch that. if you enjoy jumping and trying to hurt your self or your bike, and constantly found yourself hurting your hardtails parts or your lightweight full suspension, go out and get this. this bike is bad. not just bad, but truly bad ass. i have never ridden such a fantastic execution of idealogy as this. Rolling art work. there are also travel upgrade kits available through gold-techcycles.uk, that upgrade the bike to a 5,6,7.5 inch travel bike. I am getting them, and once i do, you will be able to read about them here. 5 flaming turds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damian Hendren
a Downhiller
from Tauranga, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | 42nd Traverse | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Underground Cycles | | Strengths: | Good strong bike, able to land big drops without bottoming out. Adjustable rear suspension good for XC & DH riding. | | Weaknesses: | Creaking in front headseat and had rear shock lock up on first ride. Vibration coming through frame from rear disc. All repaired under warranty
Not the best XC bike out there but good compromise as really good freeride bike. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS 2000, Schwinn S10, Marin Pine Mountain, Marin Indian Fire Trail etc. | | Bike Setup: | As standard except Keywin DH pedals, Tioga DH seat, Maxxis 2.5 High Roller DH tyres, Psylo 2002 XC fork upgrade, XT rear mech upgrade, 8" disc's front & rear. | | Bottom Line: | Best bike I have owned for DH and jumps so far. Slow XC bike but still able to keep up most others and lack of speed mainly due to 2.5 tyres and choosing the Small frame size.
Very strong with relatively few breakages.
Front shocks (2002 Psylo's) are excellent, better than Z1 Marzocchi's on my 2nd bike.
Rear suspension has good action and no harsh bottoming.
Hayes 8" discs awesome stopping power. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Bennett
a
from Tempe
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle wheelers | | Strengths: | This is an update to a previous review. Bike has been working awesome. I have run it with many different setups. Most recently is with a Junior T. All I can say is WOW! If you have this bike...I highly recommend putting a dual crown on it. Brings it to the next level. | | Weaknesses: | Mine came with a 500lb shock and it is way too soft. Upgraded to a mountain speed 750lb. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinkies...Psycle werks...bla bla | | Bike Setup: | AC2, Junior T, Mavics, Mrp, race face | | Bottom Line: | This is an update from a previous review. Bottom line is the bike is so much fun and can be built with many applications in mind. Put a Junior T on it and launch off anything you can find...makes the head angle perfect.
It would be really cool if Giant came out with an after market rear end like specialized did. Give us an option of like 8" of travel with a Ellsworth Dare type rear end. That would be sweet but I cant see Bigtime Giant putting in the time or effort to accomadate us like that...but who knows. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tyler
a
from powell river
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | pre roller | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | suncoast cycles | | Weaknesses: | the deralliur hanger has broken 6 times already, the back shock broke and i sent it away about 2 months ago and havent gotten it back yet | | Bike Setup: | mosh flats ring guard | | Bottom Line: | this bike would work well if it didnt brake every 2 weeks i have done 7ft drops and it lands well but a week or so later something will brake again. i do not recomend this bike to anyone because it gets expensive braking all the stuff. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRIAN BIVENS
a
from littleton co 80123
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | dakota ridge/red rocks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | BIKESOURCE | | Strengths: | SICK DROPS? NO PROBLEM. THE FIRST DAY I GOT THE BIKE I TOOK IT BEHIND THE GROCERY STORE AND JUMPED IT OFF OF THE CONCRETE SEMI LOADING DOC (ABOUT 5.5-6 FOOT DROP) AND WRECKED. BUT THE BIKE WAS FINE. NEXT DAY TOOK IT OFF THE SAME DROP TWICE, LANDED IT BOTH TIMES. THIS THING IS BOMB PROOF. | | Weaknesses: | THE ROCK SHOX PRODUCTS I QUESTIONED, BUT INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY, THEY HAVEN'T FAILED ME YET. LX REAR DERAILER, BUT AN XT FRONT? | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT AC 1 (SAME BIKE DIFFERENT COLOR AND FORK)
KONA STINKY (CRAPPY PART SELECTION)
| | Bike Setup: | STOCK EXCEPT FOR MY PLATFORM PEDALS. SUN RINGLE PLATS | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE IS SICK, I COULDN'T IMAGINE TAKING THE DROPS I TAKE NOW ON THIS BIKE TWO MONTHS AGO. IF YOU READ THE MOUNTAIN BIKE MAGAZINE REVIEW OF THE AC 1, DONT BELIEVE THEM, FLEX MY ASS. THIS IS A CONFIDENCE INSPIRING DROP MONSTER WITH A MISSION OF GIVING YOU BIGGER BALLS FOR BIGGER HITS. I LOVE THIS THING | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Corvallis, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike-n-hike | | Strengths: | Excellent manners on the small-to-medium-sized stuff. Light(34lbs) for a bike with 6" rear/5" front travel. Jumps well. Pedals good even with the travel in the 6" position. Also pedals good while rear suspension is in motion. Adjustable compression(24 clicks)/ rebound(38 clicks) on the rear shock was a good idea anyway, even if you can't make use of the whole range. Sealed bearing rear suspension pivots are holding up well. 6-inch Hayes hydros are flawless, the only thing better would be 8-inch hayes hydros(as spec'd on the 2002 AC-1/AC-2). | | Weaknesses: | I'm still questioning the rock shox products, both front and rear- when it comes to anything larger than about 3-4'(weak) drops to flat ground(if anyone at RockShox or Giant reads this, please e-mail me with suggestions)..
First, the rear shock. After reading other rider's tales of blown RS Pro Deluxe's, I was weary of running the rearshock at a high compression/rebound setting. The shock also growls at you if you actually have the compression/rebound set stiff enough. The end result: I bottomed the rear end so hard that I put a flat spot in my Rhino Lite rim THE SECOND DAY I OWNED THE BIKE. The no-name hub was also bent in the process. As a credit to rock shox, my shock has not blown yet but I really wish I could use the entire range of compression settings.
Now on to the Psylo XC fork. There's actually a combination of issues:
- external adjustability(or lack thereof), and
- initial setup was not right, probably due to poor manufacturing practices.
When I first got the bike some other guys pointed out that the fork was extremely stiff and was topping out badly, so I put a ziptie on the left stanchion to measure the sag. Even with the pre-load adjuster backed all the way out, I could not get the the proper amount of sag out of the fork. The funny thing is, when taking hits as small as 3 stairs, the ziptie reveals the harsh truth: a bottomed out "freeride" fork! Come on, RS!
Why put an external rebound adjuster on the fork with only 90 degrees (1/4 turn) of adjustment?? Even the stiffest rebound setting does not stop the shock from topping/bottoming out unreasonably.
There was also noticeable play in the front fork, but I've heard RS is replacing the bushings on 2001 psylos with the 2002-style bushing, which is 3 times thicker.
Also the chain slaps the frame a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Big Hit, Gary Fisher Sugar 2+, Fisher Joshua | | Bike Setup: | All stock except XT shifters, XTR rear derailleur, and platform pedals. Next up: cranks, tires, rims, hubs, headset! | | Bottom Line: | A sweet bike, the 2002 AC-2 should be even better. If you are shyed away from the 2002 AC-1 because of the obese Marzocchi Shiver XC fork, take a good look at the AC2 because it is almost exactly the same thing. I know I wrote a novel in the "weaknesses" part, but the truth is that any beefy full-suspension bike under $2000 new is going to be compromised in some areas. When you compare the AC-2 to anything else in its $ range, I think it will emerge as the clear-cut winner. Despite the fork issues, I will still ride my AC-2 around the OSU campus pretending chicks dig it every day! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lionell Jansen
a Downhiller
from Wilrijk, Belgium
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | haven't got any yet | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | drivesports.net | | Strengths: | Great bike for extreme freeride with the upgrades I did and for downhill | | Weaknesses: | none found so far | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Shimano M646 pedals, Woodman Rockster S stem, Manitou X-Vert DH, Odi grips, RF Taperlock BB, RF Prodigy cranks,... | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike ever, it rides just great. Since the moment I have it, I spent quite a few $$$ on it upgrading it to the way I wanted it to be. In future Nokian tires will be put on, MRP or FSA chainguide and SDG Big Boy saddle.
I haven't had loads of time yet to ride it, but I will do so this year and give you a later review! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve A
a Downhiller
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | pick | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles St.Laurent | | Strengths: | just updating my review from last time | | Weaknesses: | just about perfect.i fixed that braking problem | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Black Spire big ring protector, boXXer (painted black), 8 in hayes up front, 24" doublewide with xt hub and arrow 2.7 tire | | Bottom Line: | I'm not sure if i should turn it into an intermediate level dh rig, or make it into an extreme freeride...that will be to decide later, right now, i like it how it is...right in between | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Bennett
a
from Tempe, Az
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | national | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Wheelers (Tempe) | | Strengths: | This bike decends like it gets paid for it. Point it and its there. Can't really say enough about the bike. Buy one | | Weaknesses: | Well...on my first ride I blew the rear shock out but kept on riding it! I guess the bunners at Rock Shox forgot to put it together completely. I was a little bummed but no problem. It was also hard to keep the front end on the ground for steep climbs so I am gonna change to 110mm stem...that should do the trick. I also bought the medium size and I am 6'3 so I think it will give me a better riding position. The seat sucks and the tires are so so but fatty. | | Similar Products Used: | Psycle Werks, Stinky Dee Lux | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock...I want to put a bash guard in replace of the big ring...new stem...new rear derailer...maybe a shiver sc in the future. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike...Great price...Good bike to beat on for awhile and then upgrade when you break something. Very trailworthy right out of the box. I think that this bike would be good for anyone who wants to put their feet in the freeride waters and test it out. Not quite a downhiller but an awesome freerider. If you don't have alot of knarly terrain around you...it may be alittle to much bike but you can trailride it at the 4.5 setting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Amend
a Downhiller
from Montreal Quebec Canada
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles St-Laurent | | Strengths: | Amazing, travel is very plush, handles great. love the sure wide handlebar. | | Weaknesses: | Not related to the bike itself, but the brakes piss me off sometimes....make noises and rub, but I guess it's all a matter of adjustment. I used to hate the seat, but I made myself get used to it, and now it's fine, the setpost was a bit too long, but hey, I paid 2600 (CDN$) tax included, so i can live with the few pet peeves. The bike's strenghts far outweigh it's weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco VPS 1 w/ Shiver, Santa Cruz S8 w/ Monster, Karpiel Armageddon, Aeon Joker w/Stratos S8 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, other than Axiom pedals, Front Derailleur, Shifters and crank. Also a Black Spire Big Ring Protector......I am considering putting on a Super T next spring. | | Bottom Line: | Love it! Well designed, well made, well priced (cause Giant actually manufactures their frames). I want to put on a Super T. Any word on what i should do about that? I don't care about that warrenty gerbage, I'll just put on a sigle crown if anything happens. But I just want to make sure the headtube to can take it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
evan johnson
a Downhiller
from calgary
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | all down hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | (price is cdn.) mountain edge ( in cochrane) | | Strengths: | hayes r sweat,the psylos,frame takes a huge beating | | Weaknesses: | rear derailleur is sh!t,this is my 3 and now i am sending it back to giant 4 the fourth.the cranks? they should not have put lx. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky deelux | | Bike Setup: | race face grips kooka bash ring,every thing else fac. | | Bottom Line: | sweat ass bike,great for free ride and dh if u r not more than 150lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ned Kelly
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Sydney | | Strengths: | Light, yet plush and strong. Great all round bike.The rear end seems to be very solid compared to the FSR, | | Weaknesses: | Flexy in the rear if you land of center on big drops. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR Big Hit, the rear end sucks compared to the AC2,
| | Bike Setup: | Big One Pro 180mm travel. (Similar to Mons/T's) Mavic 521's RS Pro Delux + all the good stuff. | | Bottom Line: | I dont care about warranties so I just fitted the big forks and it takes the drops well heaps plush. The front end is high now but who cares its not a XC bike. Great rear end takes 1 minute to adjust to different travel lengths. If you want a bike that can go from DH to XC with the change of your forks this is it. I will keep it until I break it!
:)
Buy this bike if you love XC and DH cause it will do both easily even with the original Phsylo's | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Adelaide South Oz
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | www.phantomcycles.com.au | | Strengths: | Lots of stand over clearance, travel, pretty solid. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom pivot loosened after a few rides! Dual Crown voids warranty. Kinky seat post limits travel. Ahh to be able to afford a Stinky | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 950 | | Bottom Line: | I actually only bought the frame. For the price the setup is pretty hard to beat. It's solid and takes some decent drops and general abuse. The Pro Deluxe seems to be holding up well so far, although I'm keeping my eye on it. It's a bit un nerving that one of the main pivots in the rear suspension loosened to nearly falling off after a few rides, if you buy one, check all this stuff! Other than that it does it's job very well. On 4 inches the back end is very solid for climbing or no bob. On 6 inches it soaks up a hell of alot! The integral headset seems good for me so far. All up I'm gonna give it 5 for value.. but 4 overall for them not doing up the rear sus and trying to kill me! ;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cox Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Ridley's Cycle | | Strengths: | Hayes discs, adjustable travel, smooth ride inspires confidence | | Weaknesses: | Terrible seat
Limited seat-height adjustability
I don't know why they went with XT front and LX rear?
The rear hub failed, but Giant is replacing it with XT and paying for labor
The Psylo has a bushing problem causing too much play - Rockshox is fixing the problem - I'll live with it til winter. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90, NRS-2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for XT rear derailleur, Axiom telescopic seatpost, Truvativ big ring, Selle Italia seat, Ritchey pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike - made me a better biker instantly (though I am not doing 6 foot hucks on it - more of an agressive xc bike). I was thinking about getting an xc bike and I am very happy that I went with this bike instead. I am 160 pounds so I can't foresee ever needing more bike than this. Great brakes.
Overall not that much difference in climbing between this and a hardtail because on rough terrain the AC2 provides more consistent traction. Only time the climbing bob is significant is when standing up - tightening the compression on the prodeluxe helps this problem.
Bottom line is this bike is awesome - goes uphill ok and you can fly down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from adelaide,sth.australia
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | gate 19 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | stupid elliotts | | Strengths: | adjustability,loads of good gear for the money.psylos with their trick 20mm axle work fine,if a little soft.the over all feel of bike is great,and the extra weight is hardly even noticable...this thing rails | | Weaknesses: | yes,the rear does seem alittle flexy on dodgy landings.chain drops off and sucks up alot!! it was real squeaky before igot it all sorted.tyres are sketchy,lose 'em.seat,chain,nogoodeither..rear shock needs looking at,bloody sh#tshox.it tops out overstutter bumps,and yes,i have played with the adjustments.the shop guys haven't got a clue about much at all,don't waste your time with these guys!!! | | Similar Products Used: | my old fsr,new fsr's are way expensive for what you get. | | Bike Setup: | stock,except for xt rear and shifters,and better[read grippy]tyres,2 1/2" riser bar,azonic[luv 'em] | | Bottom Line: | i absolutely love this bike,now i've gotten rid of the little squeaks from it.it has definetly given me way more confidence on drops,jumps,and downhills..i thought my old fsr was fun until i jumped on this baby!!!6" rear is sooo plush on 4' or 5' drops...it never bottoms out!! i know this frame can handle stuff way bigger than i'll ever do!!sure,6" triples would rock on the front,but hay,we can't have[afford] everything.5 out of 5,all the way...if you've always wanted to go just a bit bigger,but hold back a little,have ago on an AC 2...you'll soon be smilng!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from adelaide,sth.australia
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | gate 19 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | stupid elliotts | | Strengths: | adjustability,loads of good gear for the money.psylos with their trick 20mm axle work fine,if a little soft.the over all feel of bike is great,and the extra weight is hardly even noticable...this thing rails | | Weaknesses: | yes,the rear does seem alittle flexy on dodgy landings.chain drops off and sucks up alot!! it was real squeaky before igot it all sorted.tyres are sketchy,lose 'em.seat,chain,nogoodeither..rear shock needs looking at,bloody sh#tshox.it tops out overstutter bumps,and yes,i have played with the adjustments.the shop guys haven't got a clue about much at all,don't waste your time with these guys!!! | | Similar Products Used: | my old fsr,new fsr's are way expensive for what you get. | | Bike Setup: | stock,except for xt rear and shifters,and better[read grippy]tyres,2 1/2" riser bar,azonic[luv 'em] | | Bottom Line: | i absolutely love this bike,now i've gotten rid of the little squeaks from it.it has definetly given me way more confidence on drops,jumps,and downhills..i thought my old fsr was fun until i jumped on this baby!!!6" rear is sooo plush on 4' or 5' drops...it never bottoms out!! i know this frame can handle stuff way bigger than i'll ever do!!sure,6" triples would rock on the front,but hay,we can't have[afford] everything.5 out of 5,all the way...if you've always wanted to go just a bit bigger,but hold back a little,have ago on an AC 2...you'll soon be smilng!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | buller (new dh track), big hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | tfm | | Strengths: | >value for money is way ahead of pretty much everything else, particularly in australia
>good balance of weight vs travel, (for trail riding / jumping / “freeriding”)
>looks great (with good stuff on it, anyway)
>climbs fine when set to 5”
>adjustability of travel (not bb height/head angle, which would be really useful for an “ac” bike) | | Weaknesses: | >rear end does flex noticeably compared to many (heavier) bikes
>giant still haven’t worked out how to tighten the pivot (and disc rotor) bolts properly (stupidly common problem with most of their bikes.. why?!?)
>can’t run a triple clamp fork (the warranty is made void. - think rm6/7, bullit, rfx, stinky)
>integrated headsets suck… doesn’t hold up well. often either too tight or loose; refuses to remain stable (and yes everything else is tight). It is happier now after 8 months of use (?). They should only be specced on xc bikes, where the tiny weight saving is a concern.
>There is a heap of chainsuck (nice chunks removed from under swingarm near front chainring), and the chain generally falls surprisingly often. But that’s partly my fault for wanting to do jumps with 2 or 3 chainrings.
>I despise rock shox rear shocks (the pro deluxe is better than their past efforts, but you supposedly still can’t service them at home. Don’t understand that at all, since most people who want to service parts are capable anyway). I wish giant would use FOX!! (that is my biggest gripe with giant)
>bending seat tube… why sacrifice seat adjustment for aesthetics? need to have a few seatposts
>head angle pretty steep with normal forks... an acceptable concession to climbing control maybe, but that geometry argument is pretty weak for a bike which is meant to be used for serious riding. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky/stab, gt lts, I-drive, norco vps, specialized big hit, intense uzzi dh/tazer, etc.. lots of dh bikes | | Bike Setup: | rock shox boxxer (2000) (don’t tell giant), Hope Enduro (185mm f&r; the best brakes, PERIOD! Those who say hayes are the best obviously haven’t used these… I have had formula, hope c2, dh4, used gustavs and lots more extensively, and still have hayes on another bike… email if you want/need details), Hope bulb hubs, Mavic 321s, Thomson posts, Azonic shorty, 2” DW bars, ODI, XT bits, Michelin Comp16 or Hot S tires, truvativ hussefelt cranks & bashring, dmr v12 / dx636 pedals, black spire rings, etc… otherwise standard (which leaves the front derailleur and chain) | | Bottom Line: | I obviously can’t really comment too much on the standard ac bike, since I never rode it in anything but a very altered state. The ac is almost as plush as a dh bike (in 6” setting obviously), so I thought I’d get rid of the dh bike (giant atx dh, but kept some of the better bits). The biggest difference is that the rear of the ac bikes really do flex when landing with any side load. It isn’t too annoying during normal riding, and I guess for anyone progressing from a “normal” bike (ie not a Brooklyn/m1/disco) it isn’t too bad, but comparing the rear stability to a decent dh or strong freeride bike, it is a bit disconcerting. This knocks marks off for downhilling, but then again, this bike isn’t intended for serious downhill, so I can forgive it to a degree.
This bike can be used for most types of riding, and as a compromise it is pretty good. I think it works best at the 5.15” setting, and being used as a trail bike. For that reason, I am planning to put on a shiver sc when they become available, which should complement the frame better (coincidentally, that’s what the 2002 ac-1 is coming with, if people haven’t heard yet). That should be a sweet bike. Funny enough, it is going to pretty much return to its intended state, which it is definitely best suited (not surprisingly!). My advice: don’t try and turn it into a serious freeride bike like I have, - unless giant strengthens the frame (which it appears they didn’t do, judging by the photos).
Fundamentally, it is not possible to expect a bike to do everything well; it’s like trying to get a 4wd (“suv” for you yanks (that has got to be the ultimate oxymoron in terms, except maybe ‘microsoft works’)) to keep up with a tvr (or corvette if you don’t know what that is). There has to be a compromise (and don’t cite the bmw x5 as an exception, since that doesn’t even stand a chance in hell of keeping up with a 540 in 99.99% of driving (x5 wastes fuel, etc, also)).
Anyway, I guess the point is, the ac isn’t perfect. The best freeride bike in my mind is probably the turner rfx, - but you pay a huge (and unjustifiable) premium for it. Even so, the turner is still compromised. If the ac did cost as much the turner, I’d say it was seriously flawed, - but it doesn’t. The only real plus (for what it’s worth) in a turner, uzzi, or whatever is the street cred. And I really don’t care enough to spend the cost of a whole bike on just a frame (which really isn’t that different). So despite all the complaining, I actually would recommend the ac for most riders, just don’t expect to be inspired (or able) to do a bender.
End lecture…
Happy ridin and go big | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt j
a Downhiller
from sydney,australia
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | various @ redhill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | supreme cycles | | Strengths: | rockshox pro deluxe,heyes are good,stable at speed. | | Weaknesses: | seat sucks,psylos are a bit to soft,cant upgrade to duel crown fork,chain falls off easily,cheesy rear derailleur hanger.wtb tyres are pretty average! | | Similar Products Used: | stinky | | Bike Setup: | azonic shorty stem,selle saddle,dmr v12's,single ring & chain guide,xt short cage rear der,intense 2.7's. | | Bottom Line: | the bike has alot going for it with some good components(for the money)although it has taken me a little while to get it feeling & working nice.i had alot of trouble in the beginning with breaking rear hangers,but now it all seems good.i think its a great ride for an introduction into free riding although, as you get more serious you may want some some better forks up front.
if you dont want to have to sell your car to buy a bike & you want something that you can ride up hills & still drop off the other side this bikes for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Downhiller
from Seattle, Wa, US of A
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Redmond | | Strengths: | Adjustable rear shocks, hayes brakes have treated me well, the bearings are good because you can replace them. | | Weaknesses: | SEAT is really uncomfortable, the pyslo xc front shock sometimes bottoms out over medium drops, the chain always comes off when you do a little drop or go over a root in the middle of the trail, seat post for little adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | no good bikes | | Bike Setup: | platform peddals, 6.0 inches of rear travel, hayes disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | It is a great bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from W. Van, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Upper/Lower Oilcan N.Shore | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Fairly light, climbs ok because of weight. | | Weaknesses: | Psylo front shock really sucks ass. Overall feel of the bike was scary with Psylo, factory tires. Needs lots of adjustments to make it rideable over slow steep drops. Gives you the "going over the handlebars" feeling on mild drops. Needs 2.7" front tire, Marzocchi 5-6" up front. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky Delux, Brodie Diablo, Kona Chute | | Bike Setup: | Factory stock | | Bottom Line: | Need to swap out a few parts or make some serious adjustments to ride confidently. Bike has potential though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The adjustable rear suspention, Hayes discs, Hell bent bars. | | Weaknesses: | The tires have to soft of a side wall had to run realy high pressure, changed to Maxxis. Fork is a little soft but you can put stiffer spring in. LX rear derauler, it has an XT on the front and LX in the rear kinda backwards I think. Of course the seat sucks. Can't upgrade to a 8" disk the Psylo can't handle the extra tork, they should make stonger mounts on the fork then. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinkey, R.M Slayer | | Bike Setup: | Maxxis tires and downhill tudes, XT rear derauler, lock grips, Alian Wamb b1 pedels, Kooka rock ring, Italia seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great, I find myself going off bigger and bigger stuff and it keep sucking it up. This bike is very durable and a great all around ride. For you guyes who think it weighs to much it's a free ride bike if you don't like it go by a XC bike with 3" of travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Downhiller
from Prince George B.C.
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Learn to Fly | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia Cycle and Ski | | Strengths: | Bike rides great when it is not in the shop. Is good at climbing and decending. | | Weaknesses: | The way the seat post is set up so you can only move it a couple of inches. The seat sucks. My derailer mount broke three times in a day and I had to get a new swingarm but giant sent me one of an ac1 bike. one of my hayes was mounted crooked so the shop had to take a file to it. The reer hub has come loose a few times and the screws in the swingarm have to be tightened before and after every ride. My reer shock also has had something wrong with it since the day that I bought the bike somtimes it partially compresses and does not pop back up forcing me to get off my bike and do it manually. I have also had to get a new lever for the hayes diskes. when the swingarm was messed up the derailer boke. I think I bought a lemon. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky Deelux, Specialized big hit, norco buzz and drop, Rocky mountain RM6, pipline and slayer some devinci bikes and various others. | | Bike Setup: | OURY grips, AC1 swingarm, one grey hayes lever, funn seat. | | Bottom Line: | It is a great bike I think I just bought one that was made on a friday afternoon. I will rate it good because when it is working it rides great. The bike is great for a cross country rider who isn;t afraid to fly down hills and try new things. Sometimes the bike makes alot of noise that is not a confidence builder other than that I would strongly suggest buying this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a
from Whistler BC Canada
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Impossible to say. Too many amazing trails around here. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Pemberton Bike Co. | | Strengths: | Hayes discs are a revalation. Frame works really well. Can't really feel too much flex when riding. Rides light for it's weight (which is low in it's class anyway). Rock Shox both work flawlessly. Confidence inspiring. | | Weaknesses: | Tyre sidewalls a little thin considering what the rest of the bike wants to do. DH tubes work well to stop pinch punctures from becoming an issue. Rear freehub gave out after a few weeks. Giant are aware of the problem and are replacing the hubs with XT, and paying for labour. Full points there. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain pipeline (test ride). Kona Mano Mano (owned 1 year). | | Bike Setup: | Pretzeled Rhino Light on front replaced with 321 disc. 8 spd (I've no need for 9 and mud sensetivity is an issue). Rokko 2.4 on front. DH tubes. ODI lockjaw grips. | | Bottom Line: | The saddle seems quite comfortable now... This bike has taken my riding places I really didn't expect in the last 2 1/2 months. Great weight/strength compromise. X/C to 3500ft descents are handled with ease, and extra beef means I don't have to mother it like the Mano Mano. I gain confidence every day, but I can still use it as transport at the same time. Overall spec the best at the price. Impressed with Giant's response to rear hub weakness outlined above. Seems born for BC trails. I have no doubt it'll be just as good when I'm back in the UK and will allow a new look at what's ridable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria VA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Patapsco, Bear Creek, shaeffer farms | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal &spoke | | Strengths: | Everything! Adjustable travel from 4.5-6 inches, Hayes hydraulic brakes, beefy wheelset, frame thats ultra strong, and it even has a bolt on for a chain guide system | | Weaknesses: | Like everyone else has said, the seat is way uncomfortable. Can't wait to change it out. I thought the shimano peadals that came with it were junk too. Really hard to get in and out of. Switched those out to a set of platforms. | | Similar Products Used: | Had a Cdale super V900 for 3 years. Took test rides on a Specialized enduro pro, Rocky Mountain Edge, Cdale Jeckel sx, and Gt I drive | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock setup. For now at least | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. I find myself trying things on this bike that I would never have considered on my old super V. Has no problem taking big hits and leaves me with a smile on my face after every downhill. There has been a lot of talk about flex in the rear end of these bikes, but honestly I havent noticed any myself. There is a weight issue, but who cares. It will get you there, just takes a little longer. If youre into long strenuous climbs , buy an NRS, or other xc bike. The AC2 has no problem doing a little xc riding though. Just not a racer. The psylo xc fork is a gem, but after a 2 inch travel headshock, what isn't? I keep it set on 5 inches, as well as the rear. Really well balanced ride. Think about it, psylo fork, hayes hydraulic brakes, and a bombproof frame with adjustable travel make for a bike thats a blast to ride. Ive been mt biking since 1994 and never knew it coould be this much fun. All for around 2 grand. GO GET ONE!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael David
a Downhiller
from Sherman Oaks, CA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | hummingbird | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | cycology | | Strengths: | cost.COST.COST. rear suspension...sun rims...hayes. I added Junior T's cause I'll just yank them if I need warrenty work and it works PERFECTLY. The psylo sucks bad for launching and screwing up landings while the junior T just keeps kicking ass! | |
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