|   Thoughts on Giants? | cg
Jan 11, 2002 7:17 PM | | I'd love to hear your thoughts about Giants, specifically the AC1 (for me) and NRS2 (for my fiancee).
I've been out of mountain biking for a few years, and I'm looking for one bike that I can ride to work, do light trail stuff with my fiancee, and do more "serious" XC/FR/light DH with friends or alone. "Conventional wisdom" suggests that I initially get the best possible frame, and upgrade components as necessary. However, the research I've done indicates that with the AC1 at $2400, I'd be paying roughly $600 for the frame and $1800 for a pretty good component set, and the thought of replacing broken crap every few rides doesn't appeal to me. My previous MTB experience has been on cheap Schwinns, a cheap Fuji, and a lower-end Cannondale; I never had frame trouble but I constantly mangled components. Since all the "stuff" on the Giant is fairly high-quality and standard, I figure I could swap it all onto a new frame if the Giant ends up being totally unsuitable. Is my reasoning ridiculous here? A similarly-specced LocoMoto would be around $800 more, which isn't out of the question, but I'd rather not spend it unless I'm sure I'd be that much better off.
Also, I'm 6'4", 240lbs, and shaped roughly like an orangutan (long limbs/short torso), so any input on the suitability of the AC1 for my body size & shape would be appreciated. I know, "Ride it first", and I will, but preliminary info (especially if you've had one for a while) would help. I'm also thinking that at 240lbs, it won't really matter to me that the AC1 isn't the lightest bike out there.
My fiancee is primarily interested in riding on pavement, gravel, and fairly tame trails, so the fully-suspended NRS might seem like overkill, but I'm hoping that good experiences in the light stuff might lead to interest in more "aggressive" riding. Not counting on it, though: if our "together" rides end up being no more than light XC, that's fine too. I'm thinking the comfort of a FS bike will help in the "good experiences" department, as will the better reliability of the Giant's components (I doubt she'd have trouble with any frame out there). On the other hand, she's 5'3" and maybe 130lbs, so the bike's weight might be more of an issue for her than for me. Thoughts? Oh, and before you ask, this won't be a suprise for her--we'll make sure the fit is right before leaving the LBS.
Thanks in advance!
cg |
| Giants | Loser
Jan 11, 2002 11:45 PM | | They all suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| That's an intelligent post, your mom must be proud | someguy1
Jan 12, 2002 3:05 AM | | |
| Giants | cg
Jan 13, 2002 10:59 AM | | At first, I was skeptical of your broad generalization with no facts or details to back it up, but the sheer number of exclamation points you took the trouble to include has convinced me that you might be on to something.
Thanks!
cg |
| Some good choices | firecrotch
Jan 11, 2002 11:48 PM | | Giants are all excellent bikes. They are among the top companies (right next to Fisher/Trek) and have eliminated the common stereotype of Tiawanese-built bikes and raised the standard to produce an excellent line of frames and technology at affortable prices. The AC1 in my opinion has a somewhat short cockpit. I have not ridden one, but if you really have longer limbs with a shorter torso, I bike that allows you to be more spread-out will probably suit you better. The AC1 has a slack head-angle (69.5 degrees I believe) and a short stem. It's meant as a hardcore freeride bike that is supposedly unbreakable. May be overkill for your riding style. Don't get me wrong, I understand bigger guys like you want bikes that don't fall apart after a few rides. But look more into heavier built XC bikes if you plan on riding mostly like that. Some of these bikes are also at home with more aggressive riding (the AC1 is built for 10ft. drops and other crazy sh*t). Could I recommend any of the specialized enduro line. The AC air might also be another option. Also, try a Gary Fisher Sugar 2 which comes with a psylo SL and a splined crank. Whatever bike you choose, look specifically for things like a splined BB and crank, a little wider rims with 3-cross lacing pattern and maybe disc brakes if you like to descend fast. Just don't overkill with a bike that just has too much travel, too much weight and costs too much! |
| Hmmm...Sugar... | cg
Jan 12, 2002 9:42 PM | | Good info! Thanks very much.
I took a look at the Sugar 2+Disc on Fisher's site (what was it again? www.WorshipGaryNOW.com?), and it seems to be a pretty good bike overall. I like the Hayes hydraulics, but I'm not tickled about the Psylo, and I'd probably mangle the rims on the way home from the store. I'm not too sure about an air shock on the rear--maybe they don't blow out MUCH anymore, but I don't think anybody has ever broken a coil. The MTBR reviews (S3+ and S2+) scare me a bit--seems to have chronic shifting/chainsuck problems due to the swingarm design. I like the green, though! ;-) I'll have to do some more research--if the swingarm problem is exaggerated or has been fixed, I think it's a contender.
Same basic gripes with the components on the Specialized. Although I don't see frame problems reported, it's just ugly (call me petty).
So, I guess I'm still leaning towards Giants. Your comments on geometry prompted me to look a little more closely at the NRS as opposed to the AC...I'll have to try them both out along with the Fisher and a few others.
Again, thanks for the thoughtful reply!
cg |
| re: Thoughts on Giants? | Hank
Jan 12, 2002 10:15 AM | | I think Giant in general offers the best bang for the buck of any company out there. I don't know anything about the AC1, though. At your weight you're going to want a very solid bike. I'd also look at something like the Santa Cruz Bullit--solid bike with a great rep backed by a company known for their customer service. Good luck.
http://www.santacruzmtb.com/bicycles/bullit/bullit.asp |
| Not bad, but... | cg
Jan 12, 2002 9:58 PM | | ...a little pricey. If I spend that much, I think I'd rather go with a LocoMoto, or maybe just the Giant and a trip to Moab! Decisions, decisions...
Thanks!
cg |
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