losdog
07-28-2009, 11:20 PM
Okay, I’ve ridden my new Giant XTC2 twice now. In the woods at Eglin and he urban streets of the LSU campus and downtown Baton Rouge.
First, this bike rocks. Coming from the 26er world, it took some getting use to but the way they have the geometry set up, it didn’t take long. I still have to learn how to turn faster but I’m getting there but Giant helped out by shortening the chain stays so that it actually handles like my 26er. The front end is loaded with features from the 15mm thu-axel, the awesome Marzocchi fork, and the tapered head tube. This thing is solid and there is absolutely no lateral flex, zip, nada, goose egg, zero. A couple of times I went off into the woods but this bike kept rolling over anything in its path until I got back on the trail. On the streets of Baton Rouge, curbs, potholes, you name it this thing ate it up. Add the hydraulic brakes, upgraded Deore drive train, the double action pull/push shifters in the cockpit and a solid aluminum frame and you have got a freaking incredible bike for $1250. The bike rides like something twice that but you get a lot for your buck. I was hesitant at first but now can’t wait to hit the trails this weekend if I am not too hung over from the Bushwhacker 5K.
If I’m ever out there bring your SPD shoes and you can take her for a swing and see for yourself. It is truly a great bike and Giant listened to the customer and delivered on what they wanted. By coming into the 29er market late they improved on the lessons learned by other bike companies. So kudos to Giant. and the paint job is sweet.
First, this bike rocks. Coming from the 26er world, it took some getting use to but the way they have the geometry set up, it didn’t take long. I still have to learn how to turn faster but I’m getting there but Giant helped out by shortening the chain stays so that it actually handles like my 26er. The front end is loaded with features from the 15mm thu-axel, the awesome Marzocchi fork, and the tapered head tube. This thing is solid and there is absolutely no lateral flex, zip, nada, goose egg, zero. A couple of times I went off into the woods but this bike kept rolling over anything in its path until I got back on the trail. On the streets of Baton Rouge, curbs, potholes, you name it this thing ate it up. Add the hydraulic brakes, upgraded Deore drive train, the double action pull/push shifters in the cockpit and a solid aluminum frame and you have got a freaking incredible bike for $1250. The bike rides like something twice that but you get a lot for your buck. I was hesitant at first but now can’t wait to hit the trails this weekend if I am not too hung over from the Bushwhacker 5K.
If I’m ever out there bring your SPD shoes and you can take her for a swing and see for yourself. It is truly a great bike and Giant listened to the customer and delivered on what they wanted. By coming into the 29er market late they improved on the lessons learned by other bike companies. So kudos to Giant. and the paint job is sweet.