Very light, climbs great. 2003 came with XT components, very durable. Mavic 200 series rims very durable.
Cons:
Broke 2 Manitou shocks. 3rd one working still after 1 year, feels soft for quick left to right turns compared to friends Marzocchi.
Time Used:
More than 2 years
Comments:
I know its a XC, but I do a lot of free ride with it (no drops over 3 feet). I weigh 210lbs and have had this bike for 3 summers, the frame is fine. Don't wipe out and hit rocks and you'll be fine, yes its thin, but know this and ride accordingly. I am going to buy a Kona freeride and use this for XC like its meant, I don't picture a problem in the future at all.
Overall, except Manitou shock, great components! Great for XC and mild freeride. Remember I weigh 210lbs, and I have not broke my frame yet!
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by scott blacklow - 8/11/2005 4:34:39 AM
Pros:
Light weight, good value, versatile enough to set up to climb and descend
Cons:
The 1999 model came with criminally bad cable pull breaks, failed on a 1300m mountain road descent! Back triangle of frame broke (drop out began to shear off) without much punishment. The plastic adjustor on the Judy fork broke but in about my favourite setting. under hard braking the rear suspension will firm up and bounce but let the brakes off and it'll soak it up.
Time Used:
More than 2 years
Comments:
Had a 1999 model for 5 years bought secondhand, many friends have later models and are like me basically really happy with this bike. Although the back section of the frame had to be replaced, at only $250 AUS that's a couple tyres and brake pads. I added 4 piston hydraulic disks and its a really good all mountain rig. I use the middle fork travel setting (and as I said don't adjust it) and alternate between firm pressure (I weigh 73kg) 180 psi in positive chamber for road and climbing, to anything less than that for rough and down hill.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Turtle - 5/19/2003 1:57:55 AM
Pros:
Great bike for XC riding. It doesn't flex and rides without pogoing at all in or out of the saddle. It's light, under 28 lbs out of the box.
Cons:
nothing major. Manitou fork came with a spring stiff enough for an elephant. They admitted they had problems with their spring supplier. They replaced under warranty. I was happy.
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
About the NRS denting easily, it is made from an alloy that can be drawn into tubes 30% thinner than other alloys. That's how they make a full suspension frame that weighs 5.5 lbs. They can dent easier than heavier bikes. That being said every bike buyer should ask them selves "How do I ride?" and buy the right bike for their riding style. You shouldn't try to race a down hill bike cross country nor should you expect a light weight XC bike to take any and all the abuse one might dish out on it.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by ZJER - 10/21/2002 9:32:09 PM
Pros:
Flashy good looks, good reviews, relativly low price.
Cons:
The Bike Itself. Weak, thin, poorly built frame.
Time Used:
3 Months
Comments:
I had the bike for three months ('02 NRS 2). I had a rock hit the down tube which dented it. (to be expected) The frame is so thin that it actually cracked AROUND the dent, the dent was not much bigger than a quarter. Took it to a shop and they found another crack in the middle of the frame. No damage, just a crack. Giant Wouldn't warrenty the frame. They said it's not designed for any abuse. It cost me $400 for a new frame. I examined the new frame (which was a 2003 team frame)and it had the most horrible welds I've ever seen. On the inside of the tubing, there were metal shards, it looked like a three year old kid welded the frame. Never Again with Giant. Bought a specialized and I'm never going back.
Rating:
Recommendation:
No I would not recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Andrew Clark - 9/22/2002 1:45:39 PM
Pros:
Pedals Great, Relatively light, Very Versatile.
Cons:
Heard stories about the 2000 frames being weak but so far I have not had a problem.
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
I love this bike. It is my first high end MT bike and it works great. I really dont have anything else to compare it to but i will be recieving a hardtail here in the next couple weeks so i am curious to see how they compare.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Jay5150 - 9/18/2002 4:03:59 PM
Pros:
Climbs like most Hardtails, if not better. Great for the novice/intermediate xc rider.
Cons:
Hutchinson python tires and frail paint
Time Used:
3 Months
Comments:
I drove three hours to get mine! I would recommend this bike to anyone!
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Ollie - 9/7/2002 7:42:43 PM
Pros:
stiff, climbs like a monkey
Cons:
not too responsive, suspension isn't that active
Time Used:
6 Months
Comments:
A must for all HT converts like me. I can't get enough of having 2 sides being squishy.
