Post by gulliver on Jul 20, 2004 12:59:53 GMT 8
My first FS frame, and it did not disappoint. Aside from its cool paint job, its NRS system really works if you set up the shocks right ...meaning no bob felt on the rear esp when hammering on rough ground...but the suspension is working to absorb the bumps from under. i can definitely cover more rough ground on this while hammering compared to my hardtail. and for as long as you're not pulling on the brakes, the FS system works fine ;D
the wheelbase is quite long (additional 2 inches over my first hardtail) and typical for XC FS bikes...which means more stability...but for my setup, also means slower turn response when my fork is at its 5" travel setting. still, whether at 3" or 5" travel on the fork, the bike doesn't feel unbalanced.
my set-up (more of trail-oriented than race oriented...which this frame was designed for) finds the bike weighing in at 29lbs on my digital scale...and over the next year, will try to find ways to bring it down closer to 25 lbs (the lightest i read was 21 lbs!)
concerns...real and anticipated(?): chain slap and derailleur slap with the shimano XT drive chain i have on. may not be as bad with an SRAM derailleur (supposedly much stiffer spring), but on mine, i had to put guards on the chain stay, and the section that connects the chain stay and the "seat stays". bummer when cleaning the bike and having to remove and wash those things.
rock shock SID durability and reliability ....while it has done its job over the past year, i have read a lot about how this particular shock model collapsed not too long after their owners bought their NRS...esp in other countries. am thinking of getting the '04 Giant Air shock supposedly made by Manitou, when this shock collapses...but should i wait for it to? hmmm...
frame was bought at 35K last year about july-august, and the paint and parts have held up very well, with almost no sign of wear and tear.
to sum up, for a trail bike it would probably not be my first choice due to its somewhat slower turning response, but as a cross-country bike for long rides, its a great bike! and with its history and design, anyone looking for a fast, FS bike for race, and set up for that purpose...this is definitely a good buy...its also lot cheaper than the other race FS XC bikes in the market, and its warranty is lifetime. ;D ;D ;D
the wheelbase is quite long (additional 2 inches over my first hardtail) and typical for XC FS bikes...which means more stability...but for my setup, also means slower turn response when my fork is at its 5" travel setting. still, whether at 3" or 5" travel on the fork, the bike doesn't feel unbalanced.
my set-up (more of trail-oriented than race oriented...which this frame was designed for) finds the bike weighing in at 29lbs on my digital scale...and over the next year, will try to find ways to bring it down closer to 25 lbs (the lightest i read was 21 lbs!)
concerns...real and anticipated(?): chain slap and derailleur slap with the shimano XT drive chain i have on. may not be as bad with an SRAM derailleur (supposedly much stiffer spring), but on mine, i had to put guards on the chain stay, and the section that connects the chain stay and the "seat stays". bummer when cleaning the bike and having to remove and wash those things.
rock shock SID durability and reliability ....while it has done its job over the past year, i have read a lot about how this particular shock model collapsed not too long after their owners bought their NRS...esp in other countries. am thinking of getting the '04 Giant Air shock supposedly made by Manitou, when this shock collapses...but should i wait for it to? hmmm...
frame was bought at 35K last year about july-august, and the paint and parts have held up very well, with almost no sign of wear and tear.
to sum up, for a trail bike it would probably not be my first choice due to its somewhat slower turning response, but as a cross-country bike for long rides, its a great bike! and with its history and design, anyone looking for a fast, FS bike for race, and set up for that purpose...this is definitely a good buy...its also lot cheaper than the other race FS XC bikes in the market, and its warranty is lifetime. ;D ;D ;D