Giant XTC 2

[blackhillsbiker]

So... after I was all set to buy a Kona Blast I tried out this Giant. It is very light and nimble. It fits me well and climbs like a little goat (the Kona felt very heavy and slow in comparison). I think I grinned the whole time I was riding. I've read mixed reviews – always seems to be the case. It has a RockShox Dart 3. Some have had problems with these leaking. I'd be buying it at a local shop, so they'd do maintenance/repair. Any thoughts?

Deb

[ridebikeme]

There's no doubt that Giant makes quality bikes. If you happen to have the opportunity, I would also check out the KHS Alite 1000. In terms of specs, they are very similar bikes. Same forks, drivetrain etc... Both companies make frames for others, and have great quality. I know that right now, KHS has the Alite 1000 on closeout, so I'm sure you can get a pretty good deal. Maybe you can give them both a test ride and find out what fits you best.

Personally, I just bought the KHS Alite 2000, and simply love the bike!

At any rate, have a fun time shopping and keep us posted

[Irulan]

That's a basic entry level mountain bike. While Giant does give a lot of bang for the buck component wise, I wouldn't have high expectations for the RS Dart forks. It's an entry level fork and can be expected to perform as one.

[blackhillsbiker]

Got the Giant today. I have an entry-level budget, and it seemed to have the best components for what I could spend. I think it will serve me well to learn on. I rode it home from the LBS (with a detour on a little bit of M-Hill). Whew. Even though it is light and fast, it is a lot of work riding home on a MTB compared to my Dew. I had some fun on the hill. I have a LOT to learn. I only went over once. A little muddy but no damage.

Deb

[ridebikeme]

Congradualtions on the new bike I'm sure that you will create many hours of memories!!

The Dart fork may be the initial fork in the Rock Shock lineup, but also realize there are MANY that are below that as well. At any rate, have a great time and keep us posted!

[Trek420]

Can one upgrade if she wants a fancy schmancy fork as riding needs and budget require and allow? Could one even add FS to a bike without FS?

[ridebikeme]

Yes, another fork could be installed on the bike, although it might not be cost prohibitive. Perhaps if one finds a good deal on a closeout fork, but remember they are generally a very big percentage of the cost of a bike. Either way, the Giant is a great bike to get started on!

As for full suspension bikes, I suppose changing the frame could potentially happen although again, VERY VERY costly! This is NOT something that I would recommend.. it simply would be less expensive to buy another bike.

Have fun on your new bike

[blackhillsbiker]

I have a freshman in college and 2 high school juniors. In about 5-6 years life might not be so expensive. In the meantime, I intend to enjoy the heck out of this bike. If I waited until I had the $ to get the bike of my dreams, that's where it would stay – in my dreams. The sale price on this bike made it just barely do-able. It's light years better than the Giant Boulder I had in the 90s. I'm looking forward to learning to MTB and hitting the local trails. One trailhead is right off my usual morning commute.

She's brushed aluminum with black accents. She still needs a name.

Deb

[Irulan]

blackhillsbiker, congrats on your new toy, and ride it like you stole it.

Can one upgrade if she wants a fancy schmancy fork as riding needs and budget require and allow? Could one even add FS to a bike without FS?

A decent fork runs 500+ so with lower level bikes it's better to just ride the crap out of them until you can upgrade the whole bike. It is not possible to to turn a HT into a FS. The frames are completely different. You can add a suspension seatpost but that is about it.

Many of us started on entry level bikes. They are great! If you find your true passion tho, you'll never be content with just one.

[Aggie_Ama]

Deb- I started on a Scott Contessa hardtail with very basic components I found on Craigslist. Other than the disc brakes, it seems comparably equipped to your new bike. I kept her drivetrain clean and rode the heck out of her to discover I love the dirt. I was able to ride anything I wanted to try with that bike. I now have a FS but I wasn't about to spend $2k on a bike at the beginning only to hate it. Enjoy your new bike and have fun!

[ridebikeme]

Although it isn't cost effective, there is a possibility of changing a hardtail frame into a FS. A friend of mine is also a bike shop owner, and wanted to take a frame building class. He got the idea that he would take his favorite hardtail and make it FS. Needless to say, with a lot of work and patience, he was able to do this. His bike is indeed an awesome bike and rides really well. However, for the most part, I would agree with Irulan that it simply isn't the best choice. Although, I still in my mind tend to think that "nothing is impossible", but it certainly can be not practical

[ridebikeme]

Generally a hardtail means a mtn bike with front suspension, simply because most bikes come at least with that now. It's very difficult to find a bike (mtn) without a suspension fork nowadays.

It sounds wonderful to me that you take such good care of your bike(s)... I wish everyone were like that Regardless, by taking good care of your bike, in the long run, you generally save yourself some money. However, I do agree with you, keeping the engine in shape makes a HUGE difference! That's my goal for this upcoming winter season!

As for lightweight bikes, they are definitely out there, although as I'm sure you are aware, a bit more expensive. I think if I were looking for a lightweight mtn bike(hardtail) I'd look into Luna, Margo definitely has a very good reputation and is very knowledgeable as well. And of course, a fellow TE"er doesn't hurt

[Irulan]

hardtail - front shock
rigid - no shock at all ( rigid front fork, and yes people still mountain bike on these)
Full suspension : front and back suspension. Front suspension is a fork, back suspension is a shock or spring integral to the frame, built into the rear triangle.

Although it isn't cost effective, there is a possibility of changing a hardtail frame into a FS. A friend of mine is also a bike shop owner, and wanted to take a frame building class. He got the idea that he would take his favorite hardtail and make it FS. Needless to say, with a lot of work and patience, he was able to do this. His bike is indeed an awesome bike and rides really well. However, for the most part, I would agree with Irulan that it simply isn't the best choice. Although, I still in my mind tend to think that "nothing is impossible", but it certainly can be not practical

wow, that is the first time I've ever heard of something like that. Takes all kinds I guess. Most normal people wouldn't consider it.

Is front suspension be lighter than an alloy fork? I think when the remodel expenses get paid off I'll look at the power train or ....

You'd have to pay a LOT of money for a light fork. Comparing rigid alloy forks to suspension forks is like comparing apples to potatoes. They are two different things.

[Trek420]

hardtail - front shock
rigid - no shock at all ( rigid front fork, and yes people still mountain bike on these)

Got it, I'm rigid

I love my bike, I'll never look at another bike (yeah, really).

She's pictured here:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...bradley&page=2

She sports Shimano Altus power train circa '97. Over time I've replaced the rear cluster a couple times, the chain, front brakes and Chris says next time I bring her in they'll match the rear brake just to keep it shiny and stuff.

The shifting is great but a tough reach for my tiny mouse-like paws. Someday maybe as reward for weight loss, new job, move ..... new cranks, gears, shifters.

[ridebikeme]

That's a beautiful paint job Trek! Did you have someone local do it?