|   My New NRS | dgangi
Jan 18, 2004 8:06 PM | | After over 1 month of toil and effort I *finally* have my Giant NRS Air frame built up. It's an '03 frame with the following parts:
Fox F80RLT fork
Truvativ Stylo Team crankset
Velocity VXC rims + WTB Laser Disc Lite hubs (built by Mike at Odds and Endos)
Magura Marta disc brakes
Answer Hyperlite carbon bar
XTR rear / XT front derailleurs
Maxm stem
American Classic skewers
Performance Topo saddle
Sette carbon post
ODI lock-jaws grips
Wellgo MG18 pedals
Total package weighs in at exactly 24 pounds.
I put roughly 120 miles on the bike over the past 2 weeks and I absolutely love the bike. The 3.75" of suspension travel is just right for my style of riding. I took the bike on all of the technical uphill spots that are favorites with my hardtail and I am very happy to say that I lost NO pedaling efficiency...in fact, some parts were easier to climb on this bike than my hardtail (particularly rocky hills). This NRS frame is bob-free and very stiff on the ascents. The handling is also very crisp, so singletracks are just as fun on the Giant as my old hardtail.
My only complaint thus far has been with the Fox fork. It had to go in for warranty work already and I am not happy about it. The fork works very well, but now I am concerned about reliability.
BTW - the rear shock, a Rock Shox SID, works surprisingly well. Based on so many negative comments about Rock Shox SID rear shocks, I wasn't expecting much. But the shock works very well. I guess we'll see how well it works in another 6 mo's. :)
For anybody who wants a lightweight, responsive, full-suspension XC race bike, I highly recommend the Giant NRS. When shopping for a full-suspension XC bike, the Titus RX was my first choice and the Giant NRS was my second choice (and I shopped a LOT of bikes). I got such a good deal on the Giant that I could not pass it up. And now that I have the riding experience on the Giant, I like the rear suspension better than the Titus. But that's a personal preference and I am a lighter rider. I understand the Titus is a better frame for a heavier person.
Thx...Doug |
| Another photo | dgangi
Jan 18, 2004 8:07 PM | | |
| Nice bike! | Quattro
Jan 21, 2004 4:10 AM | | I like the blue color! I've seen a few out on the trail in SOCAL. |
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