Mountain Biking - New Bike Advice

Alright so i have been looking at a few bikes and i might have chosen one that i like. I am looking at the Giant XTC 2 I have ridden my boss' and i like it a lot but im wondering what you guys think of it. or any bike that are comprable. i also am looking for something with disc brakes or xt or nicer brakes. what do you guys think?

the XTC 2 is a great deal you get a lot for your money plus the frame is giants top of the line hardtail. The only problem I would see is as you say not having disc brakes, unfortunetly they don't make a disc version. The avid brakes that it comes with are good brakes and work well. If you want disc brakes (I would highly recommend them) you may consider a cannondale f600, it has much of the same components and is close in price, although it has disc brakes, the f800 would also be a good buy, but a bit more pricey.

JR_Sith

Flatline can you give me a link to where you saw this bike, i have been looking at the reviews at MTBR and they all basically love the bike, and the only XtC2's i can find to buy are the SE versions or the NRS versions.

You may want to look into the SE version, its around $1000 and comes with hydro MPH discs, i wouldnt have a clue what these are like, just may interest you.:beer:

I think your a bit confused the XTC line doesn't have multiple versions. and neither model has disc brakes.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?lYear=2003&bikesection=8817&range=110&model=10640

JR_Sith

Well i have been looking in the Giant bicycle catalogue, and there no sign of an *XTC2* theres two versions in the book, one called the XtC NRS# - Dual suspension
XtC SE# - Hardtail

Maybe the bike range differs from european to US dealers.

Giant UK bikes (http://www.giantbicycles.com/uk/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?bikesection=8785&lYear=2003)

If you look down the right hand side, theres clearly two different XtC's

"XTC SE 2

The high performance hardtail XC bike
Double butted and ultra-light AluxX SL 6013 Aluminium tubing
Giant Integrated Headset design for lower maintenance and smooth outlook
Manitou Skareb Comp front fork with 80mm travel
Shimano XT/ Deore shifting components with Giant MPH Hydro disc brakes, Mavic X221 rims, Race Face Ride XC crank set and Titec handlebar combo "

http://www.giantbicycles.com/images/_upload_uk/bikes/models/zooms/2003/XtCSE2.jpg

Thats the one above i can find to buy, but the XtC2 i cant find anywhere except MTBR reviews.

Some of you guys are in the US and some are in Europe. Different spec under the same name. Happens with Canadian bikes as well. Us XTC's come in hardtail 1 and 2, and full susp. NRS models. Not sure about Europe.

Thats dissappointing, it means me having to pay full price for it!

i have noticed the lack of disc brakes as well...i was possibly just considering buy a used set or something of hayes cuz ive ridden bikes iwth them before i think the old xtc series did have disc brakes but i dont remember exactly i might have been riding a nrs or something that did. i didnt look at any review sites i just went to the giant site and looked on there. my boss had a giant and i liked it so i thought i'd just see what there line up is.

that xtc se 2 is Purddy * drool.... thats what i think atleast :D