2010 Giant XTC 29er 1

[cyclestarbicycles]

The new Giant XTC 29er's are out and about. This one just came in today.
26.37 lbs




This bike looks fast sitting still. If your in the area swing past and check it out.

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[Hollis]

hubba hubba

[scralatchtica824]

daaaammmnn.. that thing looks sharp. So what's the deal with a maestro equipped Giant 29er? Was that just a big rumor or what?

[MMcG]

I'd a thunk it woulda been lighter. What's making it over 25 pounds? Heavy cranks, and hubs and rims?

[agu]

lookin' good! I guess the OEM wheels could be lighter? Digging the color scheme and the blue ano touches on the seatpost and headset.

[cruso414]

Never been a fan of giant but that thing looks really good. Looks a lot better than anything I have seen from the other two generic bike companies. (i.e. specialized and trek) Very nice touches on the annodized parts for a stock bike.

[rollinon29s]

that thing looks sweet. is that a thru axle for the fox?

[Jan2X]

Giant's website doesn't show the 29'ers yet.
Anyway, that's one very nice-looking bike!

[TR]

Looks like a Giant.
Meh!!

[boomn]

Originally Posted by TR

Looks like a Giant.
Meh!!

That's what she said!

(sorry, just got back from Sierra Nevada Brewery)

[TR]

You need to go and have a Dr check it if it looks anything like that pic.
Maybe have it lanced.

[Schmucker]

Deore cranks, Giant brand rims, 2.0 spokes, Deore rear hub, Giant thru axle front hub. That's a fair amount of the weight.

[D1PHAM]

Nice blue anodized headset and yes those rims look massive. I thought they were coming out with a singlespeed compatible version....

[illnacord]

Any idea on who makes the Giant spec rims? They look deep, like deeper than the Velocity Chukker's!!!

[LyNx]

I dunno, looks quite nice and all and the ano bits are a nice touch, but over $2k for a 26+lb HT Bit heavy IMHO, even considering the stock crappy, rebadged parts Hope all the ugly Giant rebadging is all stickers and comes off easy Wonder what they might sell the frame only for?

[froth14]

Anyone having any weight figures on the frame? Surely, like stated above, all the weight is in the wheels/cranks, but that still seems a bit higher than I'd expect!

[iliketoridebikes]

they really did some brain thinkin when they came up with the name of that bike

[Davidcopperfield]

Originally Posted by LyNx

Wonder what they might sell the frame only for?

Do you mean Trance 29er, which is the first stage of testing? You like it much before the rip9, trance has 127mm of travel and in 29er format will rock&rule.

[civil]

Originally Posted by LyNx

Wonder what they might sell the frame only for?

Yeah, frame only option has me very interested.....anyone hear anything yet?

[::DYSLEXIC::]

Right now the frame only option is not available. It probably will be later on once they get the complete builds out to the dealers.

[Rivet]

Originally Posted by iliketoridebikes

they really did some brain thinkin when they came up with the name of that bike

Ya, but at least I won't have to endure all sorts of lame ass forum thread headlines like " there's something about Mary" with a plain moniker like XTC29_1, so there's that.

[bobbotron]

Originally Posted by Rivet

Ya, but at least I won't have to endure all sorts of lame ass forum thread headlines like " there's something about Mary" with a plain moniker like XTC29_1, so there's that.

That is definitely a good thing!

[EGF168]

Originally Posted by Schmucker

Deore rear hub

Often makes me wonder whether manufacturers actually want to sell the bikes they’re are making when they spec components like that…

[iliketoridebikes]

some cheesedick will come along and tell us how much eXsTaCy this bike gives them

[M_S]

That's a good weight considering those parts.

What are the rest of the specs? Price seems in line with what other manufacturers are giving at that pricepoint. The Stumpjumper base model has the same cranks.

[slowridemo]

Originally Posted by iliketoridebikes

some cheesedick will come along and tell us how much eXsTaCy this bike gives them

If I see that used in a title anywhere in the forum I'm blaming you.

[Wish I Were Riding]

Originally Posted by LyNx

I dunno, looks quite nice and all and the ano bits are a nice touch, but over $2k for a 26+lb HT Bit heavy IMHO, even considering the stock crappy, rebadged parts Hope all the ugly Giant rebadging is all stickers and comes off easy Wonder what they might sell the frame only for?

It's lighter then my rigid SS.

[justinb]

The name establishes brand continuity... Giant's 26er hard tails also have the XTC moniker.

[boomn]

Originally Posted by Wish I Were Riding

It's lighter then my rigid SS.

Same here

[LyNx]

What's your SS? I will say it's lighter than my geared, rigid commuter, but it's a Steel KM, with mostly old parts thrown on it - although I have done some upgrades recently, but haven't re-weighed it. Wonder if someone from a shop will strip one down and then throw on some XT type parts and then give it a weigh. I'd be more than happy if it weighed in around 23-23.5lbs with that sort of build.

Originally Posted by Wish I Were Riding

It's lighter then my rigid SS.

Anyway, not to be too negative, I'll say again Props to Giant for stepping into the market, but wish they would not have such a hefty price and weight for that sort of spec bike - FYI I purchased my '05 Trance3 with al LX stuff for $1500 back in early '05 and the new TranceX-3 is around $2k with a mix of Deore and SLX type stuff. The 26" XTC1 with a X5/Deore build is only $1100, so HTF does this get to $2k?

[boomn]

Originally Posted by LyNx

Anyway, not to be too negative, I'll say again Props to Giant for stepping into the market, but wish they would not have such a hefty price and weight for that sort of spec bike - FYI I purchased my '05 Trance3 with al LX stuff for $1500 back in early '05 and the new TranceX-3 is around $2k with a mix of Deore and SLX type stuff. The 26" XTC1 with a X5/Deore build is only $1100, so HTF does this get to $2k?

Like has been said, it seams reasonable to me. It is a very similar spec to the Spec Stumpjumper

The Fox thru-axle tapered-steerer fork alone is a huge step up from a Marz 22 on that comparison bike, nevermind the rest of the components. That's HTF you get to $2K. It is odd though that the models names between 26er and 29er won't match well in terms of spec though

[GiantBicycle]

Guys,

Here's a more affordable option for you:

$1350, MSRP.

[D1PHAM]

I wonder how the ride quality stacks up to a Vassago or Niner. I've ridden a 26er XTC before they were really stiff....

[Slurry]

I like the rims, they look like they might be nice and wide. Good to see manufacturers who understand the need for wide rims. Does the OP know anything more about them?

[Wish I Were Riding]

Originally Posted by LyNx

What's your SS?

OS Blackbuck B9er

[grrrah]

a black on black (gloss/matte) like some of the 26" bikes would look sweet.

I'd be interested in a frame only option. Are the carbon seastays all gone?

[nor]

Guys,

Here's a more affordable option for you:

$1350, MSRP

I dont think I want a cheaper option just more for your money with the XTC 1. 2K for a 26lb bike is crazy expensive.

[shapelike]

If I hadn't already ordered an Air 9 I would probably get this. Looks great. Giant might be a "plain/generic" brand but I trust their manufacturing abilities (as do dozens of other bike companies) and they seem to focus more on developing good products than marketing EVERYONE EVERYWHERE.

the extra weight's probably just coming from a heavy-ish seatpost, stem, bars and rims. Throw money at the problem and it'll go away but otherwise it seems like a nice bike spec.

[pimpbot]

Originally Posted by EGF168

Often makes me wonder whether manufacturers actually want to sell the bikes they’re are making when they spec components like that…

It's just not particularly light... and doesn't have a tons of engagement points. It won't impress your friends, but who cares as long as it doesn't' break. I might expect better parts for that price range, but that would not be a complete turn-off for me.

[EGF168]

Originally Posted by pimpbot

It's just not particularly light... and doesn't have a tons of engagement points. It won't impress your friends, but who cares as long as it doesn't' break. I might expect better parts for that price range, but that would not be a complete turn-off for me.

Problem is that Shimano freehubs break all too often, they aren’t very well sealed, they don’t have enough engagement points and they aren’t very smooth compared to cartridge bearing hubs. Considering the price and the rest of the components I wouldn’t expect Giant to spec such a poor rear hub, it isn’t even a 2010 Deore rear hub...

[D1PHAM]

Originally Posted by nor

I dont think I want a cheaper option just more for your money with the XTC 1. 2K for a 26lb bike is crazy expensive.

1+ Agreed. I'm a Giant fan but I just built up a comparable 29er for less money and it weighs less as well.

[twoflats]

I just ordered one of these! I'd tested a number of other 29ers and all but the niner felt like boats...the niner felt like an actual bike...as does this giant. The giant,with a100mm fork feels a little less nimble than the niner did with an 80mm fork...but still like a bike. Frame seems stiffer than the niner...for better and worse. The additional stiffness of the 15mm axle fork/wheel is notably a good thing...unfortunately, the fork is not the RLC version, but my LBS said they'd upgrade the internals for a couple of hundred bucks. It is heavier than I'd like, but for the price it will get me riding a 29er immediately...I can work on the weight later. Wheels will be my first upgrade...I loathe the feel of wheels with plain spokes.

Anyway, this bike, with it's noted problems was good enough to separate me and my money to become my first 29er.

[boomn]

Originally Posted by EGF168

Problem is that Shimano freehubs break all too often, they aren’t very well sealed, they don’t have enough engagement points and they aren’t very smooth compared to cartridge bearing hubs. Considering the price and the rest of the components I wouldn’t expect Giant to spec such a poor rear hub, it isn’t even a 2010 Deore rear hub...

What about their competitors? All of these bikes have M525 hubs as well:
HiFi Plus 29 - $2500
Stumpjumper Comp 29 - $1900
Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29 - $2700
For the third or fourth time, I don't understand why everyone is bagging so hard on Giant when their new offering is similar to what is already out there. Yes, its a bit heavy but they also made it beefier than the competitors hardtails (tapered headtube, thru-axle fork, rims look stiff and wider). Its a tradeoff you don't have to like but that doesn't make it stupid

[ADDam]

Yeah, our Giant rep stopped by today with one of these and also one of the new flat bar road bikes. It was pretty sharp. The FS 29er will be a 2011 model.

There's some neat stuff coming out for 2010, including PRICE DROPS.

[Davidcopperfield]

Originally Posted by ADDam

The FS 29er will be a 2011 model.

Hopefully it is Trance (not anthem sic!) with tapered Manitou minute 120mm TA.

[dgaddis1]

Here's what I heard from a local shop, who was told this by their Giant rep:

Frame weight - 3.14lbs

They're working on an Alliance version also

[1-bar]

Originally Posted by D1PHAM

1+ Agreed. I'm a Giant fan but I just built up a comparable 29er for less money and it weighs less as well.

+2! The XTC 1 should be AT LEAST 2 lbs lighter. Its not a trail bike it their top of the line HT racer...

[boomn]

Originally Posted by 1-bar

+2! The XTC 1 should be AT LEAST 2 lbs lighter. Its not a trail bike it their top of the line HT racer...

Sorry, but their top of the line 26" HT racer is actually the XTC Advanced for over a grand more. The 26" XTC 1 is an $1100 entry-to-mid-level trail bike. The spec with a thru-axle fork makes it look more like a trail bike to me.

[jamesmichael]

I am glad to see giant come out with the 29er. it is about time. but i am suprised that they are so well known for the meastro suspension, why not make your first 29er with that full suspension.

[Jaybo]

We NEED a Maestro Giant 29er.

Jaybo

[EGF168]

Originally Posted by boomn

What about their competitors? All of these bikes have M525 hubs as well:
HiFi Plus 29 - $2500
Stumpjumper Comp 29 - $1900
Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29 - $2700
For the third or fourth time, I don't understand why everyone is bagging so hard on Giant when their new offering is similar to what is already out there. Yes, its a bit heavy but they also made it beefier than the competitors hardtails (tapered headtube, thru-axle fork, rims look stiff and wider). Its a tradeoff you don't have to like but that doesn't make it stupid

I thought they’d make a better hub choice than this given what they usually spec on bikes of this component level and price. I really wanted to buy this bike and was happy to throw the brakes straight in the bin but having to rebuild the rear wheel before even riding the bike is putting me off quite a bit, and Giant probably won’t even sell the bike in the UK.

If you look around in the forums you’ll find I spend a lot of time having a go at Shimano hubs and it just so happens that the Deore level hub I broke was on a Specialized Stumpjumper, I’ve also had two other Shimano hubs break. I spent a long time picking on Specialized for that too…

[boomn]

Originally Posted by EGF168

I thought they’d make a better hub choice than this given what they usually spec on bikes of this component level and price. I really wanted to buy this bike and was happy to throw the brakes straight in the bin but having to rebuild the rear wheel before even riding the bike is putting me off quite a bit, and Giant probably won’t even sell the bike in the UK.

If you look around in the forums you’ll find I spend a lot of time having a go at Shimano hubs and it just so happens that the Deore level hub I broke was on a Specialized Stumpjumper, I’ve also had two other Shimano hubs break. I spent a long time picking on Specialized for that too…

Fair enough I guess. I had one of these hubs on my last bike too; it withstood a year of rough riding under my 195lb self and being stored outside under a tarp and was still going strong when I sold the bike. Luck of the draw I guess

[Coach417]

Originally Posted by Jaybo

We NEED a Maestro Giant 29er.

Jaybo

They make one....it's called a RIP9!


...shields up.

[Jaybo]

Originally Posted by Coach417

They make one....it's called a RIP9!


...shields up.

The design is very similar and they are excellent bikes. I have a Jet 9.

Jaybo

[Coach417]

If I rebadged my '09 RIP9 with Giant stickers, no one would know the diff. The suspension feels identical to my Reign and Trance X. I believe it is one of the most under rated or overlooked suspensions on the market at any price. The fact that the RIP looks and reacts like my Giants is WHY I bought it.

[Davidcopperfield]

What about Reign 29er with WB 150mm 35 stanchions and tapered steerer tube? yammy isn't it?

[BigWheeler]

Originally Posted by Davidcopperfield

What about Reign 29er with WB 150mm 35 stanchions and tapered steerer tube? yammy isn't it?

yammy indeed!

[Davidcopperfield]

It would be first serially made longer than 140mm 29er. It would bring some forks along the way as fox 36 or even Marzocchi 66

[ParkerFly]

and we also carry Redline and Fuji. We all thought the frames looked really cool, and then laughed when we saw the prices.. Stick an XTC 2 (the only 1 we'd even have a chance at selling here) next to the Fuji Tahoe pro 29 with avid juicy discs, x7 drivetrain, truvativ firex cranks, etc. and we'll never sell 1 since it's still 100+ dollars more expensive than the tahoe. Don't even get me started on how to convince people to buy it next to the Redline d440 package we sell with bb5s and a tora for just under $1000. I think it AND the specialized bikes are priced out of the market for mid-level 29er buyers when you compare the spec you can get elsewhere for less $$.

Also, for ~600 less than the cost of the XTC1 29er you can buy a "parts kit bike" from bikes direct and an on-one scandal frame and build a bike that's nearly 2 pounds lighter and has nicer parts. I just don't see it being particularly competitive in the marketplace, unless they lower the suggested prices, which I think they will eventually do.

[Pinchphlat]

Originally Posted by dgaddis1

Here's what I heard from a local shop, who was told this by their Giant rep:

Frame weight - 3.14lbs

They're working on an Alliance version also

Yeah that makes sense - the 26lbs couldn't have come from the frame. Even with the 26lbs, it is good to see that Giant are bringing a 29er onto the market. Many of us 29er nutcases have been waiting for a Giant 29er as a sign of this bike genre entering the mainstream. Well now it is here, but we need a Giant FS and some higher end models. 2010 looks as though it is going to be interesting!

[Natedogz]

Originally Posted by agu

lookin' good! I guess the OEM wheels could be lighter? Digging the color scheme and the blue ano touches on the seatpost and headset.

X2....................looks GREAT and glad to see another 29er choice!

Originally Posted by EGF168

Problem is that Shimano freehubs break all too often, they aren’t very well sealed, they don’t have enough engagement points and they aren’t very smooth compared to cartridge bearing hubs. Considering the price and the rest of the components I wouldn’t expect Giant to spec such a poor rear hub, it isn’t even a 2010 Deore rear hub...

Not sealed for ****, few engagement points and could definitely be smoother...cartridge bearings are waaay nicer. My last Shimano freehub didn't even last six months....all gritty and not freewheeling at all.

Originally Posted by nor

I dont think I want a cheaper option just more for your money with the XTC 1. 2K for a 26lb bike is crazy expensive.

Me three...

[Schmucker]

Originally Posted by Natedogz

Not sealed for ****, few engagement points and could definitely be smoother...cartridge bearings are waaay nicer. My last Shimano freehub didn't even last six months....all gritty and not freewheeling at all.

That's why I only use at least XT. Worked just great all winter in WI. One was the 765 and the other, much more abused was the 775 (Pugsley).

[EGF168]

Originally Posted by Schmucker

That's why I only use at least XT. Worked just great all winter in WI. One was the 765 and the other, much more abused was the 775 (Pugsley).

One of the other Shimano hubs I broke was the XT M775, it was replaced by Shimano but the replacement felt pretty awful by the time I sold the bike. Engagement and weight are fine once you get up to XT level but smoothness, strength and sealing are still lacking IMO.

As far as I’m concerned the only good hub Shimano makes is the Alfine…

[01tj]

I rode one yesterday and thought it felt pretty light for a 29er. Of course the other bikes I rode (and the one I bought) were priced more like the 2. They just got the bike in on Friday and didn't know the exact price so they let me take it for a ride while they looked it up. It does look even better in person and feels really fast.

[Ridin'Dirty]

2K and you get Deore cranks, hubs? Does anyone else remember when Giant was seen as one of the best specs for the money?

It may be 2009 but over 2K is still A LOT of money! I just don't get it.

[::DYSLEXIC::]

Originally Posted by Ridin'Dirty

2K and you get Deore cranks, hubs? Does anyone else remember when Giant was seen as one of the best specs for the money?

It may be 2009 but over 2K is still A LOT of money! I just don't get it.

Giants new wheels which are suppose to be 40% stiffer than other 29r rims and lighter, hubs are also made by Giant. The fox RL fork is not cheap approx $700+. The frame is 3.14 lbs compared which is comparable to Niners 3.10 lb Air 9 that is $800 retail. XT rear derailleur, SLX shifters, Juicy 3s.

Its hard to build a 29r with respectable parts for under $2000.

[Ridin'Dirty]

You say Juicy 3s like thats a good thing.

Fox forks are great but I say they should have put a Reba on the front and spread a little more love around. Especially on the crank. If the wheels are 40% stiffer and lighter than "other wheels" then what is weighing the bike down? You have a really light frame. A 3lbs fork.... I know you can't please everyone though.

[agu]

the $2K question is...

how does it ride?

hope a ride report gets posted soon (a real review, not an e-review!)

[::DYSLEXIC::]

Originally Posted by Ridin'Dirty

You say Juicy 3s like thats a good thing.

Fox forks are great but I say they should have put a Reba on the front and spread a little more love around. Especially on the crank. If the wheels are 40% stiffer and lighter than "other wheels" then what is weighing the bike down? You have a really light frame. A 3lbs fork.... I know you can't please everyone though.

One of the shop workers complete Air 9 with a full XTR, FSA Carbon bar, stem, seatpost, crossmax wheels, fox forks, weighs in at around 24.5 lbs for a approx $5000 build. The fact is 29ers are going to be heavier than 26 inch bikes. Shimano uses a trickle down approach to manufacturing as well as sram, at one point the quality of today's deore was xtr quality. Juicy 3s are better than Hayes 9 which was placed on everything Giant offered at and around the $2000 mark in 2007. 2008 was Hayes Strokers still lower quality than Juicy 3s, 2009 was shimanos which are about equivalent to that of Juicy 3s.

29ers are going to continue being more expensive than 26ers for a few years because parts are just starting to finally become readily available for them. Look a few years back and see how little component/tires there was for 29ers, now look at today. Not to mention the American dollar is not what is used to be, buying power it has in China and Taiwan is dwindling while the Chinese and Taiwanese economy is booming, causing the quality of living to go up, thus causing the manufacturing cost to climb. Last bike year experienced a 30% increase in price for product, hell xtr went up a $100 in wholesale last year.

[01tj]

Originally Posted by agu

the $2K question is...

how does it ride?

hope a ride report gets posted soon (a real review, not an e-review!)

I actually rode one so I can give you a road ride test review

[Timo]

Originally Posted by MMcG

I'd a thunk it woulda been lighter. What's making it over 25 pounds? Heavy cranks, and hubs and rims?

Agree. do you get pork rinds with this purchase....

I thought Giant was a leader, not someone going after the entry level market.

[Schmucker]

Originally Posted by Timo

Agree. do you get pork rinds with this purchase....

I thought Giant was a leader, not someone going after the entry level market.

Entry level at mid level pricing

[LyNx]

Wonder how the new Rocky Mountain bike will compare price wise to the Giant Sure looks very sweet and similarly if not better specd.

[EGF168]

Originally Posted by LyNx

Wonder how the new Rocky Mountain bike will compare price wise to the Giant Sure looks very sweet and similarly if not better specd.

I completely forgot about the Vertex, I’m guessing that’s going to be pretty expensive considering the parts, neat frame details and the fact that it’s a Rocky Mountain. The good thing is they seem to sell their 29ers in the UK but their 26ers are all well overpriced compared to Trek, Giant or Specialized so it doesn’t look good for the 29ers.

[Ridin'Dirty]

Originally Posted by ::DYSLEXIC::

29ers are going to continue being more expensive than 26ers for a few years because parts are just starting to finally become readily available for them.

Besides tires and rims what other parts are you referring to? Forks cost about the same.

I have a FS 29er that weighs on the low side of 28lbs with Rampages, Flow rims, tubes, and no carbon to speak of.

I think a hardtail with XT parts and good wheels should not be unreasonable in the 2K range. Anyway, I won't beat a dead horse and I'm glad Giant has a 29er offering.

[mefistofeles]

I just had a chance to ride the XTC 1, it's awesome bike. The geometry is superb if you have short legs,I was actually able to ride the 18 without any problems( I'm 5'8 and have a short inseam of 27 inches.) .

The bike is quite light and superb climber. I found climbing on it easier than the Rocky Mountain Hammer 29 geared with the same gear settings. I can't tell if this is because the XTC 1 uses a Shimano Crankset versus the Race Face crankset used on the Hammer. The Rocky Mountain used Shimano PD 520 clipless pedals while the XTC 1 used some sort of platform pedal. Note I wasn't wearing clip in shoes when I tested the bikes on this particular parking lot hill near the bike store.

The XTC weighs in at 27 lbs with a set of platform pedals. So far it seems to be a very fast and nice bike.

[Lorca1]

Can we get a rundown of the specs on the XTC1? I haven't been able to find the full specs on the bike yet, and it's difficult to compare it to others in the same price range. Been shopping around looking for a 29er lately.

[mefistofeles]

The cranks and components are Shimano Deores. The brakes are Avid Juicy 3's. The fork is a Fox fork. I haven't ridden too many 29er's but from experience riding an XTC Advanced carbon hardtail and the Rocky Mountain Hammer 29 Geared I feel the XTC 1 is an awesome bike. It's wonderful bike to ride you should ask your local Giant dealer if he can sign up for the "demo program" where they let you take a bike home for a day.

[Yorto]

Would love to hear peoples heights inseams and the size they are riding

[105millimetersofpleasure]

Originally Posted by EGF168

Problem is that Shimano freehubs break all too often, they aren’t very well sealed, they don’t have enough engagement points and they aren’t very smooth compared to cartridge bearing hubs...

True and false, IME: True, shimano freehubs are not the strongest out there. But everyone of my shimano hubs, when properly adjusted and regularly serviced, has spun smoother and longer than all of my cartridge bearing hubs. The trick is to crack the cone nuts loose and retention the bearings before using the hubs. They last longer and roll super fast if this is done on day one.

In the end, I'll keep beating the daylights out of my Hadleys over any shimanos, but at their price level, shimano stuff is better than anything comparable.

[Lenny]

I agree with everything written below.
All of you putting the bike down because it weighs 26 lbs and has a crappy rear hub need to ride the bike.
I have and it feels much lighter than 26 lbs. Climbs like a mountain goat, handles awesome, and the front end feels stiff as hell and responsive.
The rims are made by Giant, and although heavy, are part of the reason why the front end feels so stable and responsive.
Giant obviously put a lot of thougt into the frame, which includes a tapered head tube which many 29ers lack. This accounts for a lot of the front end stiffness.
Frame geometry is spot on: it feels nimble in the tight stuff, and stable at speed.
Can it be lighter? Sure.
Can it have a better rear hub? Sure.
But it's obvious to me that a large part of the cost of this bike is due to the R and D that Giant put into the frame.
After all, that's really what makes a bike.
Go to your local Giant dealer and take one for a test ride.
Compare it to other 29ers you've ridden.
You can always ride it till the rear hub explodes, then rebuild the wheel.
Plus, you can always save a little weight by by upgrading the stem, seatpost, seat, etc as $ permits.
Bottom line, ride one before you put it down.
And no, I don't own one, but will some day.
Lenny

Originally Posted by mefistofeles

I just had a chance to ride the XTC 1, it's awesome bike. The geometry is superb if you have short legs,I was actually able to ride the 18 without any problems( I'm 5'8 and have a short inseam of 27 inches.) .

The bike is quite light and superb climber. I found climbing on it easier than the Rocky Mountain Hammer 29 geared with the same gear settings. I can't tell if this is because the XTC 1 uses a Shimano Crankset versus the Race Face crankset used on the Hammer. The Rocky Mountain used Shimano PD 520 clipless pedals while the XTC 1 used some sort of platform pedal. Note I wasn't wearing clip in shoes when I tested the bikes on this particular parking lot hill near the bike store.

The XTC weighs in at 27 lbs with a set of platform pedals. So far it seems to be a very fast and nice bike.

[chpfly]

Looks like it has a carbon seat stays? Kinda like the Salsa mamasita.

It is also available as just a frame set in white.

http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-us...er/5729/37118/

[Jubas]

Originally Posted by chpfly

Looks like it has a carbon seat stays? Kinda like the Salsa mamasita.

It is also available as just a frame set in white.

http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-us...er/5729/37118/

That's the Alliance version, not the standard version. Available in both versions obviously..

[Velobike]

Any shops there able to supply an Alliance 29er (frame only)?

[surlyboy]

i have heard that the alliance frame and bikes were not coming out in 2010, not sure if they will ever make it to the market but as of now those bikes are on hold. This was told to me by a giant rep. He also said they are working on a full carbon frame, but thats still a ways off.

[mtroy]

Originally Posted by Yorto

Would love to hear peoples heights inseams and the size they are riding

6'2",34", XL size

[monolith]

Originally Posted by Velobike

Any shops there able to supply an Alliance 29er (frame only)?

The XTC Alliance 29er is a mid-season release. Look for it aound January/February.