|   Giant NRS 3 or Giant XTC SE 2? | Trip0202
Jan 12, 2002 4:56 PM | | I am getting a new performance mountain bike and I can't decided between these two bikes (Giant NRS 3 or XTC SE 2). The mountain bike team I joined starts riding and racing in the spring and racing is what I would like to do the most. I've heard that the XTC SE 2 is great for racing, but I will be doing more than just racing. I will also just be doing trails and other offroad courses. That is why I would like to get the NRS 3. Both bikes cost around $1,000 and I have that money covered (I work for it) plus extra for gear. I live in Pittsburgh, PA and we have some awesome trails in the area. Please tell me what bike would seem better, the dual suspension NRS 3 or the Hardtail XTC SE 2. You can e-mail me at Trip0202@hotmail.com
Thanks for all the help. |
| depends | Hank
Jan 12, 2002 6:03 PM | | I know nothing about the riding in PA, but my guess is that there is going to be at least 3 pounds difference between those two bikes. Also, unless they've changed it for 2002, the NRS3 doesn't have rebound dampening (which the other NRS bikes do have). Hardtails are better for some rides/races whereas FS is better for other rides/races. So without knowing anything about riding in PA, I'd say unless you can spring for the NRS2, I'd lean toward the XTC SE 2. My $.02. |
| SE2 | Pete
Jan 13, 2002 2:42 AM | | I just got an SE2 and I luv it had my first race on it the other day and had my best result ever
I went on a 5 hour ride today and one of the guys had a NRS 3 and I had a ride while it does smooth out the bumps a little it does feel slugish compared to the SE2 which made me glad I chose it over the NRS as I did consider it and I dont think I would have enjoyed racing it. and I reckon there would be close to 4 pounds difference between them and the SE2 has much better components
My advice would be go with the hardtail and put a suspension seatpost in for those long trail rides I am waiting on one and it would have helped my butt today but I survived anyway
I upgraded the folowing at the time of purchase
fork to Duke Race
XT cassette
XTR chain
XT middle ring
and the weight came in at 23.8 pound I reckon the stock bike would be close to 25 pound
Good luck |
| Agree with Pete | Flyer
Jan 13, 2002 9:37 AM | | I wouldn't bother with the NRS 3. You would go nuts replacing components, like the riveted chainrings, a front fork that really isn't that great. If you are serious about racing, you would be dropping a minimum of a grand to get it where you would consider it tolerable. Either save the money and move up to an NRS 2 or go with the xtc se2. I bought the se 2 this last fall, and you could probably race it out of the box, but I am sure there will be things you will want to do to it as well, but you won't have to spend a grand doing it. I think I have put about 700 in mine putting on new wheelsets, xtr shifters, cassette, rear derailler, xt front derailler, RS suspension seatpost, python gold tires, a different saddle, and I bought a set of 2002 time atac carbon pedals that I am waiting on. For the money....I have a hardtail with a under 3 pound frame, and it now is under 25 pounds. No brainer as far as I am concerned. |
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