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Submitted by
kristian taylor
a
from birmingham
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | cannock | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | two wheels | | Strengths: | adjustability, super smoothe ride , eats anything you throw at it, and very reliable if you dont be stupid with it !! i,e stuff it aint designed to do!!! | | Weaknesses: | forks to soft , i upgraded to junior t`s and i cant see me ever wanting to change this bike now !! | | Similar Products Used: | cove stiffe 69er, planet x, kona manu manu. | | Bike Setup: | changed seat post to titec scope , changed mph brakes to hope minis, fitted junior t`s changed stem and appart from that the bike is pretty much stock.. | | Bottom Line: | ive run this bike for 3 years , and the ride just gets better, you may need to change a few things to suit your ride , but tell me a bike you dont !! super reliable , it can change from a mellow cross country bike into a superb downhill bike no problem, it climbs very well , glides the ruff stuff like you are on your a cloud, THIS BIKE IS AMAZING FAR BETTER THAN ANYTHING IVE EVER RODE BY FAR !!!!! WELL DONE GIANT | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from G bury
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | my FR park (backyard) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | this bike can handle anything i throw at it and then bike back up and do it again. The adjustable travel in the rear is great and tires are superb | | Weaknesses: | rear travel should be easier switched via lever or something and front fork should be beefed up other than that its awesome | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | old tire for a chain slap,azonic love seat,jr t for fork and pooping pig for a bar buddy | | Bottom Line: | best bike for the beginner/intermediate freerdier that has little cash | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darko B
a Downhiller
from Bris, QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Boong ( Cootha ) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | 04 Model- Feels Solid all round. Rear suspension is magic, brakes are tops. Well balanced in the air. Bike feels like it can take a pounding all day long and then some. | | Weaknesses: | Not a real Weakness, but I would like a little more travel up front, got 130mm (05 fixed that) having said that the manitou forks really work very well and have a great progressive feel.
Rear brake tends to moan a little while light braking at low speed.
Brakes will need adjusting if the bike shop hasn't put the washers in for the adjusters, all you need is some lock tight and she's apples
Rear Mech slaps up against the frame..easy fixed.
Standard tyres ( Michies ) feel gummy on the road even when hard........but who really gives a crap | | Similar Products Used: | My mates Specialized FSR enduro PRO ??? I think. He took one ride on mine and now he's selling his, and he paid $4500 Aus for it | | Bike Setup: | Box stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! Really, you can't go wrong. I was looking at a Stinky but I think the AC2 looks better and might be lighter. Quality parts, and you can really push it. Smooth solid ride, but you can still flick it about. Nice balance on the rear wheel.
Buy this bike if you want to bounce off trees, pissoff the hikkers, and generally shred and jump anything in your path.......KILLER RIG!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Downhiller
from Mammoth Lakes, Ca, US
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bullit, Mammoth Mtn bike park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$940.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | bike pedals great despite being nearly 40lbs. easily tackles uphill rides. great stopping power. able to take the big drops. great bike for the $. | | Weaknesses: | lots of noisy braking with wet or muddy rotors. would really like powder coat as opposed to paint. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock. wider tires, nothing special. | | Bottom Line: | great set of components for the $. great bike that can take the beginner to the next level w/o having to go out and get a new bike. very versatile. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dana Francey Francey
a Downhiller
from Bangor ME USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Short Bus | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pat's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Swinger rear suspension
Components
Light weight for cross country AND freeride
Optional clipless/platform pedals, clip in for crosscountry wear regular shoes for freeride | | Weaknesses: | Front fork is a little soft but for about $35 you can upgrade the spring
I wont upgrade it because I just did a five footer with it and didnt come close to bottoming(only used about 50% of travel.) | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky Jekyll Coiler (gary fischer advance [oh ya])
Kona Kahoona Gemini EVERYTHING ! ! | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Mine is a 2003 so it cost 1600 on sale, the same as a coiler but this bike blows the coiler away. It's lighter and has better components. This beast pedals like a 28 pound hardtail. I was even able climb up a garbage dump with it without clips. The swinger is definitly the best part of this bike. Its 6.3" is plush and does not bob. Anyway.. this bike is a great value and has no problems with 5 foot dropoffs or fast manuvering on a downhill trail. It is the perfect all around bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Downhiller
from Santa cruz
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | can't tell | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | I bought all the parts seperate and built it up my self | | Strengths: | Good all around freerider. Best for going fast down rough decensts with drops, stunts etc. But able to climb back up | | Weaknesses: | The cable guides are a pain to run brake hoses through unless you want to bleed them. The interuppted seat tube sucks. Also the paint rubs off very fast if it is in contact with a cable. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher sugar, specilized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Basically the same as giant sets them up but i put on beffier handlebars(azonic), stem(titec knuckle head dh), shock (psylo sl), bottom bracket (race face FR), bash guard (race face), and i did away with the crappy internal headset | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike that will get you down some pretty rough trails and get you back up for a second run. I reccomend this for most freeriders unless you are doing 12+ drops. But if you are in to the big hit stuff slap on a double crown fork and you will be good to go. (double crown fork voids warranty? I don't know why)
This bike also races well. Switch the shock from 6 to 4 and it makes a great dual slalom/mountain cross/dirt jumper.
The complaints i have with this bike is the warranty void with the double crown fork, the cable guides and the crappy paint giant uses. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Danbrook
a Downhiller
from Vernon
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Spankys | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | This is a 2002 giant AC3 because there are no catagories for it so ya it is a great bike and if you ever get one use the chain guide it is great but i tell you why it is bad in the weaknesses. The components are great lx, deore and others it has a great rear shock and also the discs though mech are great and is a great frame for any type of riding i just got it and i was doing 6 foot drops. love every part about this bike it is alot of fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | The forks arn't the greatest but they work well great for riding around time and all that very good for xc the chain guide is to far from the sproket and it slips off and i have had trouble gettign it un stuck so ya that is it about it oh there is a little flex in the rear when flying down a hill in to burms. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona stinky, coiler and also other ac's | | Bike Setup: | rock shox psylos in the front (getting 2002 jr.t's) rockshox pro deluxe in the rear new ninja 2.75 tires. hayes 6 inch mech, lx and deore rock guard/crank hubs and deraler and titec stem and handle bars and avid brake levers and giant custom chain guide, rhino rims thats it. | | Bottom Line: | a great bike for all conditions (hint hint AC) it is strong and will last along time it is very good value and only one or two probs the chain guide alittle flex pretty much all strengths very smooth ride over all can tak tons of abuse and big hit stuff but is a fun bike to just ride over all(alot better than my norco screamer)
AND THATS THE BOTTOM LINE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | The one Nearby | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1685.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Value, Component spec. | | Weaknesses: | Weight, but then it is a 'hard-hitting-go-anywhere' bike | | Similar Products Used: | the old proflex reptile. | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock, swapped the LX shifters for XTR. got rid of the Michelin Comp24.1 2.5 Tires which were only good for going downhill. | | Bottom Line: | Great value for a great frame and component spec. Would change the rockshox shock for a SPV platform shock to improve pedaling performance on the climbs.
About the climbs, they are still possible, although it does get to be a chore after a while, this bike is approx. 35 pounds.
Once I managed to get the suspension dialed in on the rear this bike performs well. There is bob during hard pedaling which is expected but while pedaling under control it was not really noticeble.
The psylo XC's bob quite badly when putting the power down uphill when the travel is at full stretch. Shortening travel helps as I'm sure most of you know.
All in all a good bike for bombing around trails and jumping off any ramps, made by mother nature, you can find. Great on the downhills and bearable on the uphills. Since, as I'm sure most of you will agree, bombing downhill makes up for every climb and the fact that this bike does downhill well, it gets a 4 chilli mark.
what can i say about the value? I got what i wanted for a great price. 5 chillis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damon
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | AC 2 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | That's a great frame for XC and FR. Also DH is very good. That not too hard for uphill. I think the feeling like the NRS. And it is very stable in downhill(after the rockshox had been broken and change the Romic twintube!!!!!). The travel adjustment is the best design. | | Weaknesses: | The quality of the bearing is bad. That's too weak and not durable. And the RockShox extremely bad. That's extremely not durable. Also the quality is very bad. That's broke after I build up it after 4 mouths. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense SLX, Xtension FR, Giant VT and GT Rockies | | Bike Setup: | Romic Twintube rear shock, 2002 Z1 FR, full set Shimano XT component, Maxxis HighRoller SuperTacky 2.35 tires, DT hubs with D521 and Easton handle bar. | | Bottom Line: | That's are great all condition bike, that's great for any off road. Anyway, that's the cheapest FR bike in all famous brand. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guillaume
a Weekend Warrior
from montreal, qc ,ca
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | this bike rocks! nice kick ass bike nice components (xt, raceface,titec...) it rocks for dh, fr or even trail riding(the only problem is the weight (38 pounds)) the tires are awsome and the 8 in. hayes hydro. disc brakes make you stop in a sec. | | Weaknesses: | i blew my psylo on a 5ft flat landing drop! there is a loose in the swingarm and and he cables exessively rub onto the frame(i recommend lizard skins' new carbon fiber frame protector) . the seat mast or the seat tbe makes a squeaky sound! | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky, banshee scream, rock mtn switch, norco vps, cannondale gemmini 900, 2000 , 1000 | | Bike Setup: | stock plus chainguide, race face stem and odi lock on grips!!! | | Bottom Line: | this bike rules and rocks if you take really good care of it! buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jake coin
a Weekend Warrior
from hemet,california, u.s.a
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | ??????????????????????? | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle service center | | Strengths: | the michalin tires are realy sweet
hayns disk brakes (make some noise when not brakeing)
handle bars I have had no realy problems yet
frame
suspention for the pices
etc. | | Weaknesses: | I realy dont like the forks but I never have had to much
trouble I would just prefer some fox or marzocchi.
The pedles realy sucked but it was my first time with clipess.I just never realy hurt more than a ride with clipess became real good freind with the dirt and rocks.
| | Similar Products Used: | mongoose something and had a few different hard tails | | Bike Setup: | every thing is stock other than some platform pedless (dk) | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I have ever had. It can take some
major rock jumps as long as you done land like a brick.
Some flat landings just not over 5 or 6 feet. It also
handles the trails realy well I thought It would be a complete pain to ride up hills but it held its own.
For the money you cant realy get a better bike.
Worked all summer for 8 1/2 bucks and was able to
buy this bike it was the best I could find. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Devin Mills
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | I love the bike, it has a smooth ride, great manuverbility, all around great bike | | Weaknesses: | The pedals suck royally. No matter how much i adjust them, i still get stuck in them, so i removed them and replaced them with some old 747. They stil work great.. The disk brakes could use some fine tuning, they sqeual if you get water or dirt on them. | | Bottom Line: | The bikes okay for the money, i wish i had waited for the "VT", i like the setup and the new rear suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Excellent bang-for-the-buck component group (LX/XT, Raceface)
20mm front axle
8" hayes hydros
| | Weaknesses: | Rear shock (rockshox pro deluxe)
Composite (plastic) Hayes brake levers
Titec seatpost and handlebars (both needed replacement after 4 months) | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant AC2, Rocky Mountain RM7, 2001 Norco Team DH, 2002 Giant AC air | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Boxxer Race, 7.5" rear travel upgrade (BETD), ODI lock-on grips, converted to 8spd XT drivetrian - rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | The Giant AC2 is a super fun bike to ride. It is great for freeriding and DH riding. It has been able to take anything I've put in front of its path.
The stock springs in the Psylo fork and ProDeluxe rear shock are spec'd for like a 140lb rider. I upgraded the front spring and the rear shock spring to a 750lb spring, and then the damn spring blew through the perch and snapped of the rebound adjust knob!
The Titec seatpost bent in about 2 months, and the handlebars bent in about 4 months of use.
The composite brake levers are not the best. They are expencive to replace when broken (which has happened).
I don't plan on purchasing a new bike for a long time... the AC2 is a good all-round bike if you like freeriding and DHing. In stock form, it makes for a great versatile trail bike, but at 36lb., it isn't the lightest - but if you want a light trail bike - the AC air is a nice ride also.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Downhiller
from Calgary, AB
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | A-Line | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Very plush, many people dont think it climbs very well but compared to most other freeride bikes it climbs quite well. Nice price for a good bike, although i recommend customizing it and just buy the frame. | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the heavy side but who cares. Put an RC on it, the stock shock is not that good | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky series, Banshee scream, Most Norco fullies | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Jr T, Vanilla RC, Race face Prodigy DH cranks, Azonic seat post, Michellin 2.7 tires, Sun rims, 8" Hayes hydros | | Bottom Line: | Very nice frame, Great as a freeride/entry level DH bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Novato, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Bike has excellent suspension and handling charceristics but will never be a great climber (but its not that kind of bike). Surprisingly agile given its relatively high weight and tall CG. Overall the basic geometry is very good. Design concept is excellent. | | Weaknesses: | Quality is poor and reliability is the worst I have experienced over 4 different MTBs. The bike came has had numerous problems due to at least one manufactuing/design defect. So far, the frame and rear drive train had to be replaced with less than 500 miles of relatively light riding. I have been told that the rear hub design is prone to failure (I have experienced that one personally). Giant's customer service is extemely poor and their warranty process is very cumbersome. So far I have lost 2 mos. of riding due to quality/warranty issues. Also, heavier riders will experience G0 Shifting due to flex in the seat stay. This can be fixed rather simply but you have to ask around about the fix. Giant does not have a good way of disseminating technical information to the field. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super-V1000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, however I now have an AC-1 frame which as an oil/coil shock which is much better. I'd recommend the AC-1 over the AC-2 just to get the better shock. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a great design however, Giant has cut corners in the wrong places and when compounded with their poor customer service I'd recommend that you save your money and buy something else. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
b-Rad
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Raiders Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | used from MTBR.com classifieds | | Strengths: | Great package deal
8" hayes hydros
heavy gussets, love those gussets
wide handlebar feels very stable
| | Weaknesses: | plastic brake levers
Titec X-wing seat post sucks, bring your allen wrench
stock shock spring is too soft if you weigh over 160 lbs.
Rock Shox components maybe, unreliable but mine are fine.
stock pedals suck, scrap them for some quality platforms | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn 4 Banger, not enough suspension though.
Ellsworth Joker, single pivot is not as smooth
Intense Uzzi SLX, frame cost more than my whole bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock but changed shock spring to 700 lb.
Motoraptor 2.4's
Tioga platforms
ODI lock on grips
Suspension set on longest travel always. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for agressive XC. It weighs about 36 lbs but feels lighter when riding, and if it was less it would not feel as solid. The weight scared me at first since I am mainly an XC racer, but kept breaking my lightweight frame and components due to agressive style and adverse conditions. I got mine from this website in the classified section, a guy in Alberta rode it about 5 times and decided it was too much bike... lucky for me. Put platforms on it and it feels like an oversized BMX bike, so much fun I feel like a kid again. Riding it is more play and less work (XC training can become a sucky job!) So far it easily handles 4-5 ft drops to flat and over 6 ft drops to trannys. I feel like I know its limits so I wouldn't attempt more on it, plus bigger than that is beyond my capability. The Rock Shox are fine so far, no spewing oil or any problems... well the u-turn plastic knob broke off but I set it on 5" and left it. Rock Shox are not reliable and have a bad rap but I must have gotten some good ones (as in not defective)I will ride them til they break and then go from there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephan
a Weekend Warrior
from NH
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Andy's Cycles | | Strengths: | Great bargain
Well sorted parts spec
Very stable
Adjustable travel
Not too heavy
Good customer service
Did I mention what a GREAT FREAKIN' BARGAIN this bike is?? | | Weaknesses: | Interrupted seat tube sucks
Double crown voids warrenty
Zero Stack headset is silly
RockShox Pro-Deluxe sucks | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Straight 6
AC2 frame built with nothing even remotely close to stock | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Stan's tubeless, Odyssey Twisted Pro flats, and an XT crankset. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this bike is a great bike at a great price. After riding my friend's Straight-6 a lot, I was sold on full suspension. I was looking into this bike, and the mechanic at the LBS let me take his out for a ride - built with a Z1, 6" Hayes, and whatever parts he took off the 4 banger he broke. It was so much fun to ride, I told him to order one the next day.
This is my first foray into the world of full suspension/big hit bikes, and I think this is a really phenominal bike for a FS newbie to buy. The parts spec you get for a mere $2000 retail (which any good LBS will knock a couple hundred dollars off of) is really astounding. 8" Hayes, 36h Rhyno Lite XL's, Titec cockpit... I don't know how they did it.
The RockShox Pro-Deluxe sucks. It makes funny noises, and I have to keep it over dampened to keep it from topping out. It's getting switched for a Fox next week, maybe a Romic after the holidays. However, I've never believed in knocking a bike manufacturer just because one component manufacturer sucks.
The Psylo is.. Well, let me just say I'm impressed with it. My friend had an '01 Psylo SL that I really grew to hate. The '02 XC has been very decent. It's pretty plush, fairly active, and reasonably stiff. You see those adjectives I used? Yeah, those are adjectives used to describe a fork that you can get for around $200. All of you guys who say "OH IT SUCKS BUY A BOMBER", well, you just can't expect that level of performance out of a budget, entry level freeride fork. For what it is, this Psylo is really unbeatable. That said, I'm getting an '03 Z.1 FR soon, and that'll shoot this bike's performance through the roof.
The ZS headset is kinda silly. Why is it there? It offers no performance increase, and just means you have to run spacers to put in a regular headset.
The issue of double crown forks is irritating, but understandable. Could you throw a Jr. T on this fork and ride it on the local trails? Sure! But Giant doesn't want to hear it when people put a Monster T on it and throw themselves off their cousin's roof. Therefore, they will not warrenty a double crown.
All in all, Giant made a hell of a bike for a hell of a price. If you're looking for a bike that will handle aggressive trail riding, reasonable size drops, urban, and a little DH, you can probably do better, but not unless you want to spend twice as much! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Whiteshell area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Olympia | | Strengths: | - plush ride
- incredible descender
- inspires confidence
- great adjustment range on rear shock
- pedals well | | Weaknesses: | - not a great climber
- a bit on the heavy side | | Similar Products Used: | - Giant Warp 2
- Kona Chute | | Bike Setup: | Prodigy DH cranks (ISIS), platform pedals, Sun Rhyno Rims, SID 100 fork (yes, a strange choice), Deore/LX derailleurs, Alivio shifter/brake handles, Tektro V-brakes | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to post a review for the frame, but couldn't locate a listing for the 2002, so that is why it is in here instead. The parts on mine would probably place it below the AC3 level.
I am not a bike destroying, heavy duty free rider. Or, at least, not yet. Currently, my biggest drop is 3 feet, although I am aiming for 4 to 5 sometime in the near future. I also ride stairs, and some very rough trails.
Basically, I wanted a bike that I can ride anywhere, trust to do anything without breaking, and that isn't too hard on me (ie: full suspension). The AC seemed like a good choice.
I had a frame built up with the parts from my last bike (hence the SID fork and Tektros - and yes, the frame only option does have V-brake bosses).
So far, I am impressed. It is a pretty good trail bike. Sure, I may have to push it up the top part of a few steep hills, but coming down the other side makes it all worthwhile. It absolutely rockets down the descents. The ride is smooth, and very controlled. It may turn you into a 'gravity junkie'.
As far as light free riding goes, I have had no problems. I have only run the suspension at the 4.5" setting, and have bottomed out twice, before getting the shock set up. When I go for the bigger stuff, I'll upgrade the spring, probably to a 700+lb range and get a new fork, of course. I've also done some smaller dirt jumps with the bike, and it performed well.
So, the bottom line? For someone like myself (mid thirties, and just beginning to explore the world of freeride), this is a good bike. It will allow me to push past my boundaries, and have no concerns if it will hold up.
I strongly recommend buying one.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bugzee Malone
a
from Kobe, Japan
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hikers on Rokko Mountain Beware! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | 1000 | | Strengths: | AC-3
4 to 6 inches of rear suspension
Marzocchi 130mm Z1 front fork
Hayes Mech discs F/R | | Weaknesses: | Derailleur hanger is butter soft | | Similar Products Used: | Hardrock Uno, GT i-drive4
| | Bike Setup: | Stock AC-3 except for:
Serfas RX seat
850lb x 2 spring
Amoeba bar ends | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike!
It goes well, stops well, and does everything well in between. Flies like a bird.
At 16.5kg its a little heavier than a normal XC bike when its time to sling it over your shoulder but you don't notice it when peddling. The WTB Motoraptor tires have a high rolling resistance on asphalt but are great on soft dirt or sticky mud.
I recommend changing the stock 500lb spring to something heavier if you are over 70kg/150lb.
I am 185cm/6?1" & weigh 90kg/200lb.
Kerry at Phantom cycles in Australia recommended a 800lb/850lb spring upgrade.
This also took out the suspension bob even when climbing in the rear 6inch setting.
I also took a round file to the seat post?s seat mount hole to give me a few more mm of tilt down to the front of the seat. This made the split seat even more comfortable and allowed me to hit those missing low notes.
This bike seems bulletproof so far, except for the hanger which was bent when a friend ran into the back of me.
(LBS guy bent it back straight and commented about the softness)
This bike is the most fun you can have with your pants on.
Buy it! Thrash it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy barker
a Downhiller
from edson alberta canada
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | the hoo doo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | western cycle | | Strengths: | this is an awsome all round bike it's light it has an awsome suspension it gives a nice landing when u jump it when you do a drop off if your into serious down hill riding this bike is for if u jus want a nice ride buy a cruiser | | Weaknesses: | its rear hubs ive had mine 3 and a half months and i have had to replace my rear hub its not expensive but for a brand new bike i should'nt have to replace it yet | | Similar Products Used: | giant ac 1 and ac 2 and 3 | | Bike Setup: | full suspension hydraulic brakes rhyno lite rims | | Bottom Line: | it kicks ass | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a
from austin tx
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | going down | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | this is a second reveiw. since the first one i have put on a evil 13 chainguide a 36 tooth ring platform pedals. but the thing that makes the most difference is the fox vanilla rc. this shock makes the bike about tentimes better along with the evil guide this bike feels 20 times better than stock i recomend these upgrades alot. soon i will have a boxxer then i will check back in | | Weaknesses: | little bit of flex in the rear end not enough travel in the psylo. dual crown fork is against the warranty but im gonna do it any ways at christmas ill report on thaat. | | Similar Products Used: | kona 01 stab | | Bike Setup: | oddesy pedals FOX VANILLA RC AND EVIL13 CHAIN GUIDE(u must get these) 36 tooth ring | | Bottom Line: | this bike was badass until i blew the rock shox rear in three weaks and i only weigh 170 i got a stiffer spring but it was way to hard finnaly i got the fox rc and then a evil guide annd this bike whoops ass in texas though i still want a bullit | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PoInTBaWeXtOr
a Weekend Warrior
from Auztralia
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Um... A Bike Shop Maybe..... | | Strengths: | For the price you get the goods.
Frame seems to be fairly strong and sturdy, surpisingly. | | Weaknesses: | - The Pyslos, are to easy to blow and break.
- Rear shock is known to have major problems
- The Replacable deralliur hangers are as weak as.
- Is a fair bit of rear end flex at high speeds.
- Stock rear hub is as bodgy as.
| | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant ATX 1(Still Da Best), 2002 Giant DH COMP, Mates Ac2, Iron Horse SGS DH, Mongoose Grand Marquis, 2002 Kona Stinky. | | Bike Setup: | Stock besides the following - Azonic Shorty Stem, Snafu BMX Pedals, Truvativ DH BB, Blackspire AS1 Chainguide, ODI Ruffian Grips, Maxxis Highroller/Mobster Tires, Shimano XT ShortCage Deralliur. | | Bottom Line: | After nearly a years use(10 Months)is still going fairly well. But have had many problems, leaving me being unable to ride which is a bit of a dissapointment. Its much like everyone says, Giants may have the great prices, considering the top notch gear upon them, but no matter what Giant Bicycles seem to always have problems, no matter what. Anyways, its good when it works, but isnt to good when it stops you from riding, and or costs you a lot just to fix it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andre Gomes
a Weekend Warrior
from Sao Paulo
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | free ride, Soft DH | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bikerspoint.com.br | | Strengths: | Good parts for the invested money. Very tough bike for free ride and jump up some stairs. | | Weaknesses: | Psylo XC sucks..I upgrade for the new Boxxer 7"(Race) and i would suggest all bikers to do it...up to now, the bike has an excellent shocks combination( 6"- rear and 7" - front)
Change tires for Maxxis Mobster or High Roller 2.5, it worths a lot!!!
Titec seatpost x-wings sucks and it is crap...losses all the time..it is almost bent.. I will replace it for a Thompson Elite
| | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit, Specialized Big Hit Comp or Pro. | | Bike Setup: | All original factory parts(2002) and Boxxer Race 02, Maxxis Mobter 2.5 (front) and Righ Roller 2.5(Rear). | | Bottom Line: | Extreme Free Ride bike, abuse it!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G-ride
a Weekend Warrior
from San Marcos, CA, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Snow Summit | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | This bike handles bumps quite well. DH's like a champ and corners very well. Very smooth ride | | Weaknesses: | The front shocks are a bit weak for this hefty of a bike. Too heavy, and the tires are too heavy as well. And need to be able to lower the seat more. | | Similar Products Used: | Dakar comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great freeride bike and you will have a lot of fun riding it. If you downhill and take big drops then i would suggest upgrading the springs in both shocks or upgrading to a Shiver if you got the cash. But everything else is sic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Morty
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Outback Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Strengths: | Plush, Strong, reassuring when away in remote areas, Hayes 8" brakes, tough enough. Tough Michelin tires. 20mm front axle is good. | | Weaknesses: | Springs way to soft for me @ 95kg but adequate for friend at 70kg. Seat can't be lowered far enough if the seat post is not cut. Michelin flywheels a little heavy for cros country but excellent for downhill on rugged sandstone bouldered full speed descents.
Psylos flex a little under extreme braking but have held up so far. Front travel isn't up to what is claimed even sith stock springs and my weight. | | Similar Products Used: | None since suspension was invented. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2002 AC2 Aussie spec with 750lbs MRP rear spring and firmest front spring. | | Bottom Line: | At 95kg (210lbs) it needed upgrading to the firmest coil spring for the front and a 750lbs MRP speed spring. Since the spring upgrade it's been excellent and it's reassuring that it's tough enough to ride in remote areas without fear of breakdowns. I was amazed at how tough the Michelin tires are with such grip but a ful face helmet might be needed due to the number of small stones flung up at full speed. Brakes are awesome but my friend rode the AC2 for a few minutes then switched back to his V braked GT and forgot how long it takes to stop before meeting the trail gates. Weight is good for such a tough machine but lighter weight tires help if you want to put it on a diet. Cost a little high in Aus at $3700 aus but it was a sellout within approx 6months especially in the middle frame size and if it's a sellout that still sold twice as many as the year before it much be good. High center of gravity is unnerving till you get use to it if you have come off a bike that is much lower but high ground clearance is good. To sum up "King off the road" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Moscow
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Paradise Creek bikes, Moscow | | Strengths: | I have not broke the frame, the Hays 160mm disc brakes stop me on a dime, the adjustable travel (4.15-6.00 inches) in the rear is a nice touch | | Weaknesses: | I had to send the 2001 Psylo front fork in 3 times to have it rebuilt in the first 6 months due to loss of oil. I destroyed the Rock shox Pro Deluxe rear shock once. The original Rhyno lite rear rim split at the seam, the spokes pulled through the rear hub. I bent the Titec Hell Bent handle bars and the seat post. the Bike has destroyed both an lx and xt rear derailer and broken a few chains and cables. (None of these were the results of crashes.) | | Similar Products Used: | I destroyed 3 Walmart "full suspensions" in 3 weeks. Dang their return policy was good. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Giant AC2 frame, White Bros Fr3 Front fork, Rock shox Pro Deluxe Hays 160mm Hydrolic disc brakes, Kore Strictly-D Handle bars, LX 9 speed Rapid fire shifters, XT front Derailer, Deore 9 speed rear derailer, Shimono sealed bottom braket, Lx crank arms, Race Face 22/34/44 sprokets, Real design Rear hub, Deore front hub, Rhyno Lite 36 hole front rim, Big Mammoth Fat 36 hole Rear (laced 4 cross) WTB Moto Raptor 26-2.4 tires | | Bottom Line: | I ride hard. This bike has taken some pretty hard flat landings and has been ridden away from most of them. When something breaks, I try to upgrade, when I have the money. I do a lot of "urban assult" riding along with a little downhill. If it were not for the Psylo forks that came stock on this bike, it would get a five. Their loss...
I guess the bottom line is, if you ride hard, expect things to wear out, break, bend... this is a good all around bike. Good luck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | 8 inch hayes, michelen 2.5s, proven linkage design, good components for the price | | Weaknesses: | Pyslos suck ass, first fork pissed out oil and the steerer twisted in the crown, second fork came in and the same thing happened again. Rear shock blew out doing drops under 7 feet. Chain stays are weak bent within a couple months of riding. Giant charged a hundred dollars to replace them. Rear wheel began to seperate at the seem, not really suited for free riding. | | Bike Setup: |
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$ 2000.00
