| |
Submitted by
tyler
a
from savannah, ga
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | owls roost, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | quality bike shop | | Strengths: | this is a good bike if you are basically looking for something to piddle around off road a little. they list this as recreational mountain for a reason. if you are into serious cross country, go the extra mile and spend a little more money for a good cross country bike. comes with pretty good parts, feels good riding. | | Weaknesses: | okay, i didn't intend to ride cross country, but that's what i ended up doing. taking this bike off road almost every day has taken its toll. the ranier is not a great trail bike. ihave replaced nearly every part on the bike(literally). not because i wanted to, but because they broke. it's also not a light bike, i'm pretty sure it's around 28 lbs, although i've managed to get mine down to 24 lbs. i have had to constantly get tune-ups, usually after every ride (before i replaced all the original parts). | | Bike Setup: | completely unstock ranier... the frame is the only factory part left of the original bike. | | Bottom Line: | it's a good bike, don't get me wrong, but if you intend to be a serious cross country rider, look at something else. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Fort Worth Cycling | | Strengths: | As good as the 2002 model was, the 2003 is much better and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap Hutchinson Mosquito tires. Manatou fork seems to always ooze. Heavier spring replacement kit seems soft with more sag. Manatou says its because of the progressive design of the heavier spring. | | Bike Setup: | Manatou Super Axel fork, Avid Mechanical disc brakes, Simano 515 clipless, Mavic Rims, Dior LX rear deraillur, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Cane Creek Thudbuster seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | The '03 model has some nice upgrades from the prior year, with only a slight increase in price. Giant replaced the weak Weinman rims from last year with Mavics, The clip platform pedals are replaced with Shimano 515 clipless, and the 03 gets a much better looking paint job. This bike has been tortured by a 220lb rider with no problems, thanks to a good design, and excellent service from Fort Worth Cycling. The fork seems to ooze a bit more than I think it should, but they tell me this is normal. Disc brake pads on the front wore out after 4 months and were replaced for free. The rear tire was replaced for free after only 2 weeks, so ditch those cheep Mosquito tires and buy something with real tread. The Avid brakes are killer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Brady
a Cross Country Rider
from Lebec, California, United States
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacesetter Bikes in Valencia, California | | Strengths: | Extremely durable. The Avid disc brakes make you stop right then and there. The 27-speed drivetrain really helps with the XC, steep hillclimbs, and light downhills. Light-weight. Due to it's all aluminum frame, it is very strong (I've taken it off of drop-offs as big as 4 feet using the trackstand to wheelie technique.) and weighs about 13 pounds (19-inch frame). | | Weaknesses: | Mounting bracket for the front brake broke, so I had to replace the fork. Luckily, it was covered under warranty. The sprockets can't take much abuse, after about eight months of continuous hard riding, whenever I back peddle, it changes gears. And the chain broke after about 4 months of riding. The stock tires get very little traction in the softer dirt, so I had replace the back tire. | | Similar Products Used: | None. I'm flat broke but saving up for a 2003 Giant XTC AC 1 | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Marzocchi Bomber Fork, Panaracer FireXCpro Tire on the rear. | | Bottom Line: | If your just getting into the mountain biking world, or have been in it for a while and are looking for an inexpensive high quality hard-tail, this is the bike for you. I have had mine for a year, and I LOVE it. I do some very light trials riding (not to be confused with trail riding) with it and have even climbed walls with it. Even though it's tires are less then 2 inches wide (the stock tires measure 1.95 inches), it is still stable enough to ride across planks of wood 2 inches wide (something I do quite often). If you do buy this bike, I HIGHLY recommend that you buy a better off-road tire (I am very happy with my Panaracer tire). All-in-all, I HIGHLY recommend this bike for any rider, except for the truly EXTREME downhillers. It also makes a good entry level XC race bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Brady
a Cross Country Rider
from Lebec, California, United States
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacesetter Bikes in Valencia, California | | Strengths: | Extremely durable. The Avid disc brakes make you stop right then and there. The 27-speed drivetrain really helps with the XC, steep hillclimbs, and light downhills. Light-weight. Due to it's all aluminum frame, it is very strong (I've taken it off of drop-offs as big as 4 feet using the trackstand to wheelie technique.) and weighs about 13 pounds (19-inch frame). | | Weaknesses: | Mounting bracket for the front brake broke, so I had to replace the fork. Luckily, it was covered under warranty. The sprockets can't take much abuse, after about eight months of continuous hard riding, whenever I back peddle, it changes gears. And the chain broke after about 4 months of riding. The stock tires get very little traction in the softer dirt, so I had replace the back tire. | | Similar Products Used: | None. I'm flat broke but saving up for a 2003 Giant XTC AC 1 | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Marzocchi Bomber Fork, Panaracer FireXCpro Tire on the rear. | | Bottom Line: | If your just getting into the mountain biking world, or have been in it for a while and are looking for an inexpensive high quality hard-tail, this is the bike for you. I have had mine for a year, and I LOVE it. I do some very light trials riding (not to be confused with trail riding) with it and have even climbed walls with it. Even though it's tires are less then 2 inches wide (the stock tires measure 1.95 inches), it is still stable enough to ride across planks of wood 2 inches wide (something I do quite often). If you do buy this bike, I HIGHLY recommend that you buy a better off-road tire (I am very happy with my Panaracer tire). All-in-all, I HIGHLY recommend this bike for any rider, except for the truly EXTREME downhillers. It also makes a good entry level XC race bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kudzu Kaptain
a Cross Country Rider
from North Georgia
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great Bike for the Money. The Disc brakes rule, although I find myself doing more maintenance with them (but minor things), decent front shocks, real solid frame. Great bike for a novice to the sport. | | Weaknesses: | Weight (bit sluggish on climbs), Seat, Cranks...but for $680, it's not like I have a lot to complain about. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.5 shocks, Avid Disc (front and rear), Suntour Cranks, | | Bottom Line: | I didn't ride much over the winter (but have picked it up here this summer). Being somewhat new to the game of offroad riding, I didn't want to spend too much on a new bike and feel like a poser. Uphill I will take anyone on (even with the sluggishness I feel climbing with this bike), since my road experience has made me a strong climber. I still get a bit hesitant on the fast descents, especially if I am new to the trail. Great bike for a newbie or even a amateur to do some hard core riding with. I plan on doing my first off-road triathlon (XTerra) with this bike come next summer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a
from Park City
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Deer Valley Spin Cycle | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Taylor's bike shop | | Strengths: | I shoped around a lot and this is, by far, the best bike in this price range. Avid discs, really nice. Great XC bike. Solid foundation, a few upgrades and It will be perfect. | | Weaknesses: | Wheels aren't the greatest. Suntour Crankset. | | Bottom Line: | Worth every penny. You won't find a better bike in this price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Claudio Zavala Jr.
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycles | | Strengths: | Value! Avid disc brakes stop on a dime. Frame is race worthy. Climbing and overall riding is great. | | Weaknesses: | Components are okay, just upgrade when they wear out or you want to go lighter. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK, Univega, Schwinn | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shock seatpost, Sella Gel Flite saddle, XT components, Thompson stem. | | Bottom Line: | Beats out any other bike in this price range. Excellent bike to start up with and upgrade as skill and wallet expands. I see others on bikes twice as much as mine, but I still leave them in my dust on climbs and trails. Had this bike for 1.5 years now, if I were to go back in time I would dtill choose this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$690.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Lakes Cycles | | Strengths: | Nice Stiff Frame, Z5 Bomber, Avid Mechanical Brakes, Great Bang for your buck | | Weaknesses: | The drivetrain, with the exeption of the rear deraliur. seatpost, grips, also get a new bike if your going to go big. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500, Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Mosh Half Step Pedals, IRC noto in back, Leader Pro in front, Cheapy Shimano Brake lever (low on $ at time) | | Bottom Line: | I'm only 13 but I have almost thrashed this thing. This is a good bike for XC but I do alot of FreeRide, Dirt Jumping,Urban Assalt and Downhill. If you are new to biking this is a good bike to get started out on. But once you go over 4 feet on this thing, it falls apart. Now my rear deraliur shifts worse then my friends Alivio. I would say this thing is a good all around bike to get started on. I'm going to save up my pennys to by me an Iron Horse G-Spot or Ginsun or an AC Air. This bike will last a complete newbie about 1 year. Overall its a great ride though and you will become fantasic on the rainier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Munoz
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno, Ca.
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Squaw Leap | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Cyclo Path | | Strengths: | Brakes, Forks, Frame. Everything else is satisfactory for a while. But upgrades are needed. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, and wheels | | Similar Products Used: | Brass Monkey` | | Bike Setup: | Titec Bar Ends, Panaracer Fire Pro XC on Mavic 223 rims. Crank Bro Pedals | | Bottom Line: | I first submitted a review a month after purchase. I got it as soon as I found it in the bike shop. I did all the research and felt a made a great decision. I ride hard on a pretty regular basis off road and alot of hard riding everyday to work. I love this bike. Enough said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hamstercaster
a
from Gatineau, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Meech Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclo Sportif GM Bertrand | | Strengths: | Brakes, suspension, frame and overall parts | | Weaknesses: | Seat, that's all I can think of. The seat is quite unforgiving and will make you sore very early in the ride. light enough for a bike that price. Pretty good frame | | Similar Products Used: | last bike I had was a Rocky Mountain Stratos. Doesn't come close to the Rainier | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new seat (Serfas gel seat), Serfas road/offroad tires. | | Bottom Line: | I love my new bike. I use it in trails and on the road and it works like a charm every time. Very well equipped for the price. Climbs well, handles very well going downhill in trails. Brakes are awesome and suspension works very well. Would recommend it to anybody who needs an all around good mountain bike. There are much better bikes out there but for the price you can't go wrong. Unless you are competing, you need no more than this awesome bike.
cheers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam
a Weekend Warrior
from ann arbor, mi
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Lakes Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | Frame, Fork, Avid Disk Brakes, climbing, Price | | Weaknesses: | the pedals are evil, cranks, bb, tires
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | IRC Noto tire on back, Leader Pro on front. Bought on sale for $15 each. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great deal for a bike. I only payed 680 because Great Lakes will take any trade in for 10% off. I mean any, I traded in a beat to hell $200 mongoose. This bike is a great climber. It does everything I need from trail riding to 75 degree downhills with burms, roots, and rocks. This bike realy is good for begginers to intermidiate riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Berto
a Cross Country Rider
from Kenmore,WA USofA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rosie's Fat Face | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Outfitters | | Strengths: | Great frame,good handling,great shifting,strong wheelset and the best brakes.Oh yeah,very good fork. | | Weaknesses: | Sadistic saddle,cheap cranks/bb,Headset cups were mis aligned. | | Similar Products Used: | Worked in bike shop as wrench,owned/rode many,many bikes.Dropped at least 2lbs by swapping soft heavy steel chainringed cranks and ultra bad cartridge bb for LX/ES-70 setup,changed out steel bead tires with kevlar Panaracers and lighter tubes,got rid of the GOD awful Koski saddle for Ti Flite.Do this for 150-200 bucks and have one nice ride for investment. | | Bike Setup: | Sorry,see above. | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely best bang for your buck aside from Swede mail order bride.5 hot lunches....Ummmmm | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skydiver-Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura, CA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Sycamore Canyon/Guadalasco | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame/Disk brakes/fork | | Weaknesses: | thin paint/seatpost/seat/tires | | Similar Products Used: | First front suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | Changed out the seat, seatpost, tires and pedals and added bar ends, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | It's an awesome bike for the money, just read the other reviews. However, the seat sucks (no big deal since an upgrade is pretty cheap) and the seatpost wore out quickly (the teeth were stripped so it didn't hold). Also, I've found a lot of scratches and worn spots on the paint. I replaced the tires with Hutchinson Python Golds and then Panaracers. I also put clipless WTB platform style pedals on (which was a HUGE improvement). The chain does rub a lot on the largest chainring, which is distracting.
That said, it climbes like a sherpa and handles well. It's also fit for upgrades. The disks kick butt, too. All in all it's a great value, but needs upgrades to please for the long term. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Taylor
a Racer
from Chattanooga, TN USA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | clemmer | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | East Ridge Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great components and frame for the price of the bike | | Weaknesses: | bottem bracket, deriallers, tires, seat is uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | trek y3 | | Bike Setup: | xtr rear derailler, monkeylite handlebar, titec stem, usps seat, thomson seatpost, irc front tire.. rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the price. The components are still middle of the line and will probably want to upgrade some of them. The frame is perfect for upgrading. Seatpost and handlebar are alittle heavy for racing but will work fine for everyday use. I would recommend the bike to anybody. Go get one!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Lexington, KY
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | VALUE!!!
Avid Discs
Marzocchi Z.5
Frame Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Man, my last bike was a Huffy...no comparison! | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Shimano M515 pedals and 2 inches cut off the handlebar. | | Bottom Line: | Getting this bike was one of the smartest things I've done in quite some time...one of the best values in mountain biking! This bike has held up very well, even through a few races (except for the brake lever I bent by hitting a tree). Since it's 2002 now, you can probably get an even better price for one!
I love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Bare
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheridan, Wy USA
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bucking Mule Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Back Country Bicycles | | Strengths: | Strong Solid Aluminum Frame
Best Value For a Hard Tail so far
Cannot Beat Avid Disc Brakes
Z.5 Fork is Excellent | | Weaknesses: | A Little on the Heavy Side
Saddle a bit Uncomfortable on the Long Rides
The bottom bracket is cheap and will need replacing before you put 500 miles on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Kona Lava Dome, 2001 Giant XTC NRS 3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Except Body Geometry Saddle & Rock Shox Seat Post | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a dirt cheap and dirt hungry hardtail. It performs like a bike two time as expensive and has a well built frame worthy of upgrades. It also has excellent componets like a Shimano Deore drive train, Z.5 air coil suspension fork, Avid mechanical disc brakes, & WTB 2.1" Nanoraptor DNA tires. I would recommend this bike for anyone wishing to enter the world of mountain biking or someone who wants to upgrade their hard tail but has a limited budget. I have a FS 2001 XCT NRS 3 with disc brakes, and a 2002 Psylo front fork, but I still find my self wanting to ride this bike frequently. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
will
a Weekend Warrior
from bethesda maryland
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | revolution cycles | | Strengths: | discs, awseome fork, great ride fast and light(compared to my last bike), strong as hell | | Weaknesses: | could use some better pedals, also needs better tires, | | Similar Products Used: | other giant, gt avalanche, schwin moad disc | | Bike Setup: | stock cept sun ringle zuzu pedals and new rear tire | | Bottom Line: | awseome bike for the money, great for any kind of rider. no matter what kind of rider you are you might still have a lil trouble with the tires. i would upgrade the rear to a panaracer fire xc. i give it 5 for value cause the schwinn which is closest to it is 900 bucks compared to its 700. and then 4 overall because of the tires and pedals | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Overlook at Sycomore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray's | | Strengths: | Frame, Disc Brakes, Air Front Fork, | | Weaknesses: | Tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a great ride. The disk brakes rule! I ride 3 times/week climbing up steep dirt single track and fire trails and blasting back down from the summit to the beach. I continue to be impressed with its ruginess and have put 700 miles on it in 6 months. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justin
a Weekend Warrior
from marysville, wa, us
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$725.00 | | Purchased At: | skadgit pedal sports | | Strengths: | components, geometry, a very good bike for the price | | Weaknesses: | the saddle sucks, the stock peddles and crank are weak and the paint is thin. | | Bike Setup: | tiogi xl saddle, michaline side wire hot s tires, gt (really big peddles ???) and shimano xtr crank | | Bottom Line: | it didn't take much to make this a very very good bike. according to my wife i am still under my allowed budget. now all i need is to find some stickes by giant that dont look like crap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a Cross Country Rider
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Chicopee Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Frame, Brakes, Shocks, Price, Price, Price | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Heavy, Cranks | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.4, Avid Disc, Deore Drivetrain, WTB Rims, Michelin Tires | | Bottom Line: | Have had the bike a little over a month. This is my first suspension off-road as my previous bike, a GT All Terra from the early 90s, was my previous machine and it was fully rigid. The ride is so much sweeter and the brakes stop on a dime (not that hard to work with either). It is a bit sluggish on climbs though and this could be in part to my riding style (time to adjust), but I am sure the 29 pound weight doesn't help. The price is incredible and I figure Giant, even though it's Tawainese, cannot be making much of a profit here, unless they had an overstock of parts when they started building these things. Bike handles well on switchback climbs, but that may be in part to the Z.4s I have on the front, something I did not have the luxury of previously. Riding a Rigid frame previously, I cannot comment on how sweet the ride is compared to other HT Bikes. So I will only give it 4 Chili's as I am sure there are sweeter machines, but I only ride for Adventure Racing, so I am no expert. But for the VALUE...totally SWEET for now (A novice rider's dream)!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Naked Man | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | ATA | | Strengths: | Durability. Components for the Price. | | Weaknesses: | Seat Sucked | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3, Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for 3 months now. Have done a combination of road riding and trail riding. Only had one slight setback with a broken chain, but that was most likely my fault for not greasing after a ride in the rain. I had held off reviewing the bike because i wanted to test it out, but after this weekend, I think I am prepared to offer an honest review. Went to Killington this weekend, took on the gravel roads... I am 6'1" and 250Lbs, and you can imagine the abuse. The Rainier took it all, harsh terrain, heavy braking, Avids were smooth. Got dirty and started to squeal, but still stopped on a dime. Durability is the number one asset of this bike. Came off trail 7 only to hit an unnoticed rut with twisted the handlebars... and almost bottomed out the fork.... checked wheel... still true as the day i bought it. Can't say enough for durability... so for the bigger guys out there, the Rainier can not be beat for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, OK
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Boulder City, NV | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | PLay it Again Sports (bought new) | | Strengths: | Kick ass bike. Brakes, shock, gears, all good. | | Weaknesses: | None really, the only problems I have had are with my own weaknesses. | | Bike Setup: | Avid discs, deore, marzocci bomber Z-5, michelin tires, i dunno | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, especially now that 2002 bikes are coming out. The price has decreased by hundreds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy P
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | San Juan Trail, Riverside County CA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Avid discs, relatively light frame, decent components, great value for the dollar. | | Weaknesses: | Suntour crank and crappy BB! Poor to non-existent documentation supplied with the bike: no info on the Avids or the Marzocchi fork accompanied the bike. Toe-clip pedals, an average Koski saddle with fairly weak rails. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab. | | Bike Setup: | XT crank with ES70 BB, SRAM PC69 chain, RockShox suspension seatpost, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Time ATAC Alium pedals. | | Bottom Line: | As several reviewers have commented, the Achilles Heel of the Rainier SE is the cheap Suntour crank. Like others, I could not get the derailleur chain rub to go away. Worse, the chainrings were warped causing the bike to want to jump gears when pedalling hard. The BB was mushy and not adjusted properly when I took delivery, so it exaggerated the problem with the crank. Giant is aware of the crank problem and did authorize replacement of the crank under warranty. I had several service department issues with Performance and did the upgrade on my own. Since then it's been great.
Depending on your riding style, you may also want to chuck the OE Michelin Wildgripper 1.95 tires in favor of more meaty rubber. I just installed the 2.10 Panaracers and have not had much of a chance to thrash them offroad, but in the few outings I've had, they seem to do a better job of absorbing the hits.
Buy this bike if you're a weekend warrior with mostly XC in mind. Forget about it if you're a serious downhiller, though I can hang with the FS guys on many of the trails I ride. Climbers may want to upgrade the 11-32 Shimano cassette to a 11- or 12-34.
I've put about 500 miles on my Rainier since March and have been very happy with the purchase. I look at it this way: the money I saved on the bike I could spend on upgrades such as a better crank and seatpost shock yet still come in under most of the competition in price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr Happy
a Cross Country Rider
from Somewhere that isn't here
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | If I'm On it, i like it | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$725.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry, Brakes, Fork (once adjusted properly) | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, Seat, Grips | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale f600 disk | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Profile Design Stiffy Stem and Carbon Fiber RS riser bar (40mm rise), Race Face Good n' Evil Grips, Sella Italia Flite Gel Seat | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. I rode it a few times completely stock, I didn't want to upgrade parts based on only what I've heard. After a couple rides I swapped out the seat because it was horrible. But, if a company is gonna shave dollars somewhere, thats not a bad place to do it. The handlebars and Stem where fine on this bike, but they didn't offer me a more compressed riding possition I prefer, so I swapped them out. The stock grips feel to hard and have too many little bumps, could just be me. The avid disc brakes are great and once you find the right pressure for the fork it really smooths out the trail a lot, especially considering the bikes price tag. This is an incredible bike to buy and upgrade slowly, you won't end up with components that out perform the frame thanks to very good frame geometry. I have had no problem with the stock wheels, beside their weight. They have stood up to everything I've done and are as true as the day they were purchased. The deore components work as well as one would expect from that level. I'd highly recommend this bike to anyone who needs a lower end bike now, but wants to upgrade in the future. This bike serves all those needs. 5's to the Rainier | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Syracuse, NY
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Greenwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | THe bycle Inc | | Strengths: | Avid mech disks, bomber Z5, frame. PRICE< PRICE | | Weaknesses: | crank is pretty cheap. chain ring broke 2nd time out (no big deal). Major problem was/is the tuning of the front derailer. Since I first got it the chain rubs against the side when in high gear. This is normally something that I would fix, but the dealer said that he doesent want to me to touch anything. Anyway, I brought the bike back to him, and he didn't even touch it. He was supposed to tune it up and not a single thing was done. He also said that the bike was the last in stock (when I was looking at it)and that giant was not producing anymore and that no bike shops were able to order anymore, forcing me into a sale which I really could not afford at the time. When I went back 2 weeks later 2 more of the exact same bikes were there, and he was giving the same story to some other kid. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | Origonal except for seat and post. Plan on getting some clipless pretty soon as well. | | Bottom Line: | Great price for the dollar. If you are not an extreme rider, you can't come close to this bike for the price. I did a lot of research and no other bike maker came close.
OH YEAH, IF YOU LIVE IN NORTH JERSEY DON'T GO TO THIS BIKE SHOP. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
travis
a Weekend Warrior
from sacramento
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | anywhere the cars aren't | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$629.00 | | Purchased At: | performancebikes | | Strengths: | Brakes! Brakes! Brakes! z.5 shock and the Frame. The price
could not be beat! | | Weaknesses: | the paint is very thin, have assorted scratches and haven't
even bailed yet! Other than that it's been great! | | Similar Products Used: | tested just about everything. | | Bike Setup: | basically stock. I did toss the cheap z chain. I also cut
the handle bar down (way to wide)
| | Bottom Line: | I was not planing on buying a hard tail. I was going to the
store to put a full suspension bike on lay away. I saw the
price had droped again and I was wanting to ride now! I am
very glad with the purchase. This bike helped my confedence
level when riding. The brakes are fantastic. I am never going back. Disks Rule! The shock took some time to dial in
but was worth the effort. They work great when set up for the different riding you might do.(you will need a shock pump, buy one before you leave the store) The bike climbs
like a goat. I haven't lost traction once, and I ride on
some pretty lose granite. Overall I don't think you will find a better ride for a better price. I don't understand
the complaints about the seat. I am a big guy 235lbs and it
is not that bad.(maybe you guys have it pointed the wrong
direction) Excellent bike for the cash! ( I am still going to buy the full suspension, I will just be riding in the meantime.) Buy this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Hilow
a Cross Country Rider
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Your front yard! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$649.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bike, SF CA | | Strengths: | Just a 6 month up date.
This bike is still ripping after +1200 miles on the clock. I am 204lb and everything still works flawlessly. Did the Tour de Peninsula this weekend, aired the tires up ta 70psi in front and 75 in the back. Got shown up by roadies and showed up a few more than that too, especially on the climbs. Front shock aired to 55psi Riding in dirt makes you strong when on the road!
The bike is still completely stock! I ride much, so the koski saddle is actually excellent. Stock tires handle it, whats with all the complaints about the Nanos?
Had the free tuneup at PB Cesar the mechanic gave it a clean bill of health. I have been inspecting the frame. Especially after taking it to a down hill resort in the Sierra (NorthStar). The 21' frame is by no means a tight to very tight single track setup. I was totally braking into, over and on through berms, the tires stay hooked up in the dust and slide controllably, but short of locking the rear wheel into the turn and laying the bike over one foot down it was not pleasant.
| | Weaknesses: | Yeah, the thin paint, scratches to the metal easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Balance, Rocky mt. Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Minor setup changes, controls, minor tweekage to the rear derailer. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is like the girlfrind I never have had! I am actually falling MORE in love with my Rainier everyday! It makes me a better rider than my old crappy Balance FS Pro. Great and versatile machine. Increasing my initial overall rating from 3 flammin turds for assembly to 5 turds after getting all the bugs out. A fun, solid, inexpensive machine that puts the hurt on more expensive gear. I proved it at a race this weekend. A good bikes makes a good rider better. An expensive bike does not make a couch potato, poser, rich guy with a big ego zero skills and Cannondale Lefty (?) a excellent rider. Not that all big ego guys are not good riders, someone is always going to be better.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from New York City
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hudson River Approches to George Washington Bridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS in NJ | | Strengths: | Price! Avid Disc Brakes, Marzocchi Fork, Black Rims. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle (ouch), grips and the peddles. The chain rattles like a handful of quarters in the dryer, when jumping off anything substantial. Hard to find one right now. | | Similar Products Used: | None .. first bike in 5 years. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Easton Carbon Fiber CT-2 handle bar with Oury grips and gel seat cover for current saddle. NO REFLECTORS PLEASE. | | Bottom Line: | For the money you cannot beat this bike. I spent two months researching the purchase of this and could find no rig that offered better components for a lower price. These are kind of tough to get your hands on right now, especially if you are on the East coast. The saddle is horrible, so had put a gel cover on it until I have time to switch it out. While probably not a fault of the bike, my wrists and hands were becoming extremely numb after only 30 minutes on the trail, so switched to the Easton bars and Oury grips in order to dampen vibrations. The Disc brakes on this thing are absolutely are killer .. they stop on a dime and are very simple to adjust if need be. Ride is nice and solid over/down almost any set of stairs, ledges, potholes, ditches, bodies etc. Looking forward to switching into some clipless peddles in order to perfect the bunny hop over them.
5 Flamin Chilis for value without a doubt. Took one back on overall, as I will probably need to spend $300 on upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
|
$
