Mountain Biking - Which is a better deal the ’05 Giant Rainier or the ’04 Rainier?

I can get either a ’04 Giant Rainier or a ’05 model both for around $780.00 + tax but I can’t decide between the two.

The ’04 model has Avid CPS mechanical disc brakes while the ’05 model has Hayes Sole hydro so it looks as though the ’04 model has better brakes but then the ’05 model has a Marzocchi EXR Pro fork while the ’04 model only has an EXR Comp.

If you were to compare the specs on both the bikes which one do you think is the better deal?


Thanks, Jeremy

I'd take the 04 model. The Avid BB7 mechanicals are perfectly adequate for the riding that 95% of us actually do. It theory however, the '04 model should be a lot cheaper than the 05

I can get either a ’04 Giant Rainier or a ’05 model both for around $780.00 + tax but I can’t decide between the two.

The ’04 model has Avid CPS mechanical disc brakes while the ’05 model has Hayes Sole hydro so it looks as though the ’04 model has better brakes but then the ’05 model has a Marzocchi EXR Pro fork while the ’04 model only has an EXR Comp.

If you were to compare the specs on both the bikes which one do you think is the better deal?


Thanks, Jeremy

The difference between the EXR Pro and Comp is minimal. If you can get the '04 at discount (which really should be happening) than snag it!

I like that bike. :)

Thanks for the replies. I’m definitely leaning towards the ’04 Rainier especially if I can get it at a lower price.

I called my LBS and will talk to the owner when she gets in tomorrow about lowering the price on their 19 inch ’04 model. What do you guys think a fair offer would be? Right now they have the ’04 on sale for $799.99 down $50.00 from the original price. I found another local shop that is selling a 21” ’04 for only $600.00 but since I’m only 5’ 9” a 21” frame would be a little large for me.

Would an offer of $699.00 be too low?

Thanks for the replies. I’m definitely leaning towards the ’04 Rainier especially if I can get it at a lower price.

I called my LBS and will talk to the owner when she gets in tomorrow about lowering the price on their 19 inch ’04 model. What do you guys think a fair offer would be? Right now they have the ’04 on sale for $799.99 down $50.00 from the original price. I found another local shop that is selling a 21” ’04 for only $600.00 but since I’m only 5’ 9” a 21” frame would be a little large for me.

Would an offer of $699.00 be too low?Offer $600 tell that the other shop has it for that price (you don't need to mention sizes)

... since I’m only 5’ 9” a 21” frame would be a little large for me.

Are you sure the 19" is the right size for you. I am 5' 9" and the 19" is too large. I need a 17". I have a 30" inseam. Might want to make sure you have 2-3" of "jewel" clearance.

Are you sure the 19" is the right size for you. I am 5' 9" and the 19" is too large. I need a 17". I have a 30" inseam. Might want to make sure you have 2-3" of "jewel" clearance.
Bike fit is key

I’ve tried the 19” and it seems to fit me better then the 17”

I guess I’ll offer $600.00 and if they don’t accept it then I’ll try for $699.99.

Thanks for all the input and I’ll let you know how it turns out, Jeremy

I’ve tried the 19” and it seems to fit me better then the 17”

I guess I’ll offer $600.00 and if they don’t accept it then I’ll try for $699.99.

Thanks for all the input and I’ll let you know how it turns out, Jeremy
Damn Dude don't cave for $100 that easy. HAGGLE

Would an offer of $699.00 be too low?

I paid $599 +tax (Colorado/Performance Bicycle/LBS, not online) for my '04 last year right before the '05's came out. Same setup and everything. After disc brakes, I never want to go back to conventional brakes. I'm even basing my next purchase on the brake scenario. I know discs are not legal on a Cyclocross bike, but then, I'm not racing :D