I used this bike mostly to commute but I also take it off of dirt jumps. The bike has held up and is still in working order even though it has been used pretty roughly. I''ve only had to replace a few parts over the years.
Very good entry level bike for the money. Interchangable parts.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Marrs1721 - 6/21/2010 11:39:37 AM
Pros:
Feels solid, rugged enough for me. Great entry level bike.
Cons:
None that I can tell so far.
Time Used:
3 Months
Comments:
I am a beginner at off road biking, but I can say I am hooked! I wanted a very good entry level mountain bike. I have the XL Boulder SE 2009. I am 6ft4in and the bike fits me perfectly! I considered mountain bike from a big box store, but was educated by my local bike shop as to why to avoid them. I wanted to invest in a quality bike that I can take care of. I was introduced to Giant. It seems to handle very well off road on moderate trails. I am too new to try advanced trails yet. It is perfect for my needs as a rookie to the trails. My only complaint is that the chain slaps against the frame a lot, but I am not sure if that is normal or not for bikes. I just got a chainstay cover and it is all good now.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by TW - 1/26/2009 8:43:52 PM
Pros:
realy good im a vary good moutan bike ridre and i took it down whisler ind it still svised i got a 18'' but the larg tred dose not fit
Cons:
vary low price
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
could have bettre sepenchon
larg tread dose not fit
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by cookie - 5/21/2008 3:38:12 PM
Pros:
rides nice, nice seat, I have jumped it and rode some minor trials.
Cons:
suspensions gets real hard and doesent shift teh best
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
i love it. I got a good deal for under 350 dollars and
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by lovinit - 7/16/2007 6:45:47 AM
Pros:
The frame, brakes, geometry. I have a 23" frame (im 6'4") and it fits me perfect.
Cons:
front/rear derailleurs (can be rough shifting), crank seems to have alot of flex in it, and the seat post seems to have alot of springing in it.
Time Used:
More than 2 years
Comments:
I do most of my riding on country roads (~100 miles/week) and the bike has held up well. I got a little nervous the first time that I took the bike on serious trails, it held up very well but was very loud comming through the trails as the chain was bouncing off of the chainstay. The only thing that I have changed is the pedals to some clipless nashbar SPD's, but the crank has got to go soon. I would recommed this bike to anyone who wants a bike to get started, but if you are a trail rider this bike may not be for you. This bike does very well on easy-moderate trails and road riding.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Malissa - 11/8/2006 6:27:29 PM
Pros:
Fantastic starter bike for those that do not want to spend a lot of cash right off the bat. Very reliable and sturdy. Pretty smooth riding considering the price. Works well as a casual road bike.
Cons:
Heavy. Springy rebound. Gears are fussy and do not like to be dirty, even in the least bit.
Time Used:
6 Months
Comments:
I bought this bike after riding a $40 Wal-Mart bike and was VERY pleased with it. We have recently upgraded our forks (Rock Shox and Manitou) and are very, very happy with the results. The frames are light and the bikes are sharp. The frames are solid and well made.
The Giant Boulder SE is amazing for anyone that wants to try their hand at mountain biking or for anyone that wants a sturdy all-around bike. If I had to make the choice again, I would not have chosen differently.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by nick - 8/21/2006 8:17:48 PM
Pros:
inexpensive, nice in the clay coloring, not too heavy.
Cons:
seat can get uncomfortable on long rides. i rode 48 miles on the street, and my butt was very, very, sore. shifting can be clumsy.
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
very fun bike, great for beginners. worth the price. 280 plus tax, not bad.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by PeterPan - 8/21/2006 12:53:35 AM
Pros:
Beautiful silver! Very good value (paid $195), very good sitting position and gears and brakes work pretty well for the money. Bike seems very versatile for medium trails and road use.
Cons:
Tires are terrible in the wet. Bike is a little heavy. Granny gear (34T)is useless and freewheel ratios compromised as result. Seat has too much padding and can become quite uncomfortable.
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
Swapped-out tires to city tires; swapped-out freewheel; swapped seat to roadbike seat and, since use the bike mostly on bike paths and road, am really happy with it's versatility as the bike now has much better gear progression and the tires feel much safer and now the bike is really fun to ride. I think the bike is definetely worth a 4+ considering the quallity of the aluminum alloy frame and some of the basic components (alloy handlebars, fork, wheels, bearings, shifters, deraliers, crank, etc.) and the amazingly low price of this bike. Hey, just upgrade the components you'd rather notlive with, and you'll be even happier with this bike.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Lori - 2/25/2006 11:31:22 PM
Pros:
inexpensive, good commuter bike
Cons:
downshifting (have to shift down 2x then back up to downshift 1 gear), seat position (could use more cushioning)
Time Used:
3 Months
Comments:
Recently upgraded from a 10+ year old Murray Spectra to the Giant. The aluminum alloy frame is substatially lighter than the steel framed Murray bike (a neighbor, witnessing me carrying my new mountain bike up the flight of stairs to the elevator remarked that she didn't know how I carried a bike up and down the stairs everyday to work - I just smiled). I did change out the seat to one with a light and cushioning and changed the tires to slicks. It does good on the Hawaii roads and is very muneverable. It's a great starter bike for commuters/ as a first mountain bike - and came in a size that fit me - I'm 4'11".
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by 10ch - 8/26/2005 1:08:27 PM
Pros:
Inexpensive, sturdy enough for trails, light enough for commuting.
Cons:
Chain pops when downshifting on steep hills (considerable con). Seat can be uncomfortable on long rides (even with padded shorts). Never had a flat, but would invest in new tires if using for commuting.
Time Used:
More than 2 years
Comments:
I've had my Giant Boulder SE for over 3 years. Most of my riding has been on local MTB trails or paved bike lanes, but recently I got a pair of slicks and have been commuting and I must say it's holding up well. I think it's a good bike for the money, but that buying a bike with a stingy purse can bite you in the long run, especially if you're downshifting on a tough climb.
Rating:
Recommendation:
No I would not recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Ed - 5/15/2005 4:09:31 PM
Pros:
great gearing for steep climbs, comfortable seat,good suspension,light weight, very good brakes
Cons:
some ghost shifting but cable adjustment will help that.
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
I just picked up the 2005 model and I really enjoy riding it. It is very easy to maneuver and is great for all kinds of trails. Top quality at an amazing price!
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by CG - 1/19/2005 7:27:20 PM
Pros:
Great stock brakes. Light Weight. Shimano Gears and Shifters. Great look. Nice tires.
Cons:
Seat can become uncomfortable after long rides. Gears somtimes slip when you really need them. Minimal suspension adjustment.
Time Used:
3 Months
Comments:
I have been riding this bike for three months and ever since the first day i have been beating the h*ll out of it and everything is still in excellent condition. I am going to invest in a pair of hayes hydraulic disk brakes for more stopping power.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by tyler lowe - 1/9/2005 11:21:03 AM
Pros:
strong frame,shimano components,strong front fork,good set of tires, shed mud easly. nice looking bike for the beginner, under 500$s
Cons:
gears slip a bit. thats it other wise for the beginner bike that is its a great bike.
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
ive been riding it for one year now. im 15 and u wouldnt beleive wat i put a bike through. ive been ridding since i was 10. and i live for it.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by dude - 9/28/2004 8:40:35 PM
Pros:
brakes,seat,frame,super low first gear and quick down shifts,braided steal cables,light weight,accepts 2 water bottle holders,adjustable front shocks,tires good compromise between street/trail
Cons:
Find the handle bars to be a little too far forward, haven't tried adjusting the seat forward yet though.
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
Keep in mind, my last bike was a 10 year old CCM steal mega-framed beast that wieghed more than I me so any upgrade would be a big leap for me. I've never ridden a high-end bike before so I can't compare. This bike does seem to be an incredible bargain though. I've had it on some pretty rough trails (Copeland forest, Orillia)and couldn't get the smile off my face.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Deo - 9/16/2004 2:41:15 AM
Pros:
Strong Frame, Good handling.
Cons:
Handle bars too long, 'Giant' Logo is too big, Stem is cheap and the seat is awful.
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
I got this bike last week from a friend and have spent the last week bringing it up to standard. New bars, stem, crank, Carbon wheels, tyres and Viper seat have really made the difference. This bike is now the Dogs Bollocks. But it cost me 340 bucks. I got the bike for 30 bucks so overall, I done ok.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults adulter - 9/14/2004 12:44:32 PM
Pros:
Great for all types of surfaces! Can do practically everything with it. Good durability (so far)
Cons:
Doesnt look too great. Unfashinable seat. The 'Giant' logo butchers the look.
Time Used:
6 Months
Comments:
So far i like this bike, other the the look its pretty sweet. Dont like hte metal pedals, can scratch yourself pretty badly. Not that light either.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Damian - 6/13/2004 9:46:56 PM
Pros:
I still hav alot to learn about mountain bikeing , but this bike is sick . Aluminum frame so its light and gret breaking . Inexpensive .
Cons:
The only thing is the gears are a little hard to change .
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
Before this bike i had a Fuji . This thing was old (my dads) . Time to move on . This bike is good for begginners like me .The handling is good and it has nice thick tires . It has a nice comfy seat too . You arn't gonna find another bike that is this good and this inexpensive .
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Joel - 9/8/2003 12:06:53 PM
Pros:
the seat, sturdy frame, decent suspension
Cons:
frame geometry could be better, the original crank was bad, and the original tires were horrible.
Time Used:
More than 2 years
Comments:
get new tires and this bike is the best possible bike you can get for 300 bucks or less. I have abused this bike to the fullest and it has only broken slightly :)
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Kevin - 8/19/2003 5:44:11 PM
Pros:
Comfortable seat, great gearing system easy to use, thick tires, strong durable, front shocks, great breaking system, comfortable grips.
Cons:
I can't think of any, sometimes the right gears don't shift for me but that could be because I found the bike in the trash.
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
I found this bike in the garbage and asked the guy if he was really throwing it out and he told me if I was interested I could but it off him for 5 dollars. I did, and the bike needed to be worked on. The chain was in a ball of rust and some of the other parts of the bike had rust on it and the left gear was rusted. Just some brillo padding and WD-40 and I fixed up the bike and than some penetration oil to get the gears moving and the bike works like new! So please and now use it more than my other bike!
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by westend - 6/9/2003 7:58:10 AM
Pros:
Great durability a a great price. I take my bike on all the toughest trails, and abuse the h*ll out of it. I am always over taking these middle aged sissies on their overpriced bikes (you know who you are).
Cons:
The suspension could be a little more active.
Time Used:
6 Months
Comments:
This is a great bike for someone who is not wealthy.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Rich Lamp - 9/8/2002 7:15:24 PM
Pros:
I Had a Walmart special so I am very impressed I order the the 23 inch frame because I am I Large Man 6'5' 260 and I loved. I live on a farm In Ohio and I have been realy beating on it and so fare so good
Cons:
I do not think much of the front forks . But I am going to replace them .
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
Over all Great bike Look forward to the trail every time I ride it .
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Jack Harpin - 8/24/2002 8:58:02 AM
Pros:
Inexpensive, good handling, good gears for steep climbs, good saddle that comes with it
Cons:
Bit on the heavy side, gears will sometimes shift awkward, shock absorbers don't work to well
Time Used:
3 Months
Comments:
It's a good bike for beginers to intermediate riders, who don't want to fork out too much money
