[xcoffmanx]

I have been a fan of Giant and was looking into getting the Faith frameset. Recently I discovered the Driver 8 and fell in love. Are these two comparable? They are both freeride frames obviously. Seems like the Faith is more jump oriented and the Driver 8 more downhill oriented. Can some one please help me make up my mind?

Thanks for your time.
-Mike

 

[Ghea714]

Faith is a little more FR than DH. D8 is the oposite.

 

[flyingwalrus]

Faith is a little more FR than DH. D8 is the oposite.

agreed. they both seem like really solid bikes, but personally I would go for the faith. I must admit I'm not really sure why though.

 

[myarmisonfire]

Giant builds Santa Cruz's frames. That may or may not matter to some people.

 

[sammysmc]

Giant markets the faith as an all out freeride bike 7" rear travel

Santa cruz markets the Driver 8 as do anything freeride/DH/park 8"

I like the new faith, plus its $400 cheaper. Can't go wrong with either of those really.

Take a look at the geometries (HA fairly similar on both, 66.8/67) and decide how much travel you want for your purpose.

I think the faith is lighter based on how lightweight giant's new frames have gotten, but that's just a guess.

 

[wormvine]

Bear in mind you cannot use a front derailleur on the Driver 8. It might not matter to you!

 

[waterdogs]

I just picked up a Driver 8 over the weekend, but it in process of being shipped. I can let you know what I think when I get it.... but it will be a biased review as I have never been on a Giant.

 

[xcoffmanx]

Yeah, I would have got the Faith by now but they dont have anymore. So I have to wait till the 2011's come out. Thats what is killing me!

 

[Moosey]

My friend rented a faith... It was awesome. He hit double blacks like nothing. Faith can be downhilled fairly easily, and if you have ever seen the pro rider Sorge ride, you know the faith is solid with all the massive jumps he hits. I'd go faith, plus I like the looks of it.

 

[Uncle Cliffy]

Faith plusses: Lighter, FD compatible, lifetime warranty.

 

[Gman086]

Faith plusses: Lighter, FD compatible, lifetime warranty.

The biggest advantage, to me, is superior suspension. I have 3 VPP's including my M3 so know this isn't brand loyal BS. The DW/Maestro suspension is flat out a better design - try eating up braking bumps like it can with a VPP bike! I ride my 6 Point more than my M3 these dayz if that tells you anything. However... if you want to ride this year you may have go with the D8 as Faith's are very hard to come by. I did see a small and a medium over at Discover Bikes in Hood River the other day tho. Driver 8's should be a lot cheaper too as they've gotten some poor reviews (most saying just get a V10, even for FR - much better bike) so there should be plenty of inventory laying around.

Have FUN!

G MAN

 

[xcoffmanx]

Thanks for all your help everyone. I am sticking with my original plan of the Faith. I guess I will just be waiting longer till one is available. My LBS is on top of it for me, they treat me well.

Thanks for your time!
Mike