Mountain Biking - Giant XTC 0 Alliance Opinions

I'm looking for a light HT. Being a little older, I want a light bike for hills, etc. I test rode the (2008)Alliance and really liked how snappy it was. I'm torn between the XS and S size. I'm 5'6, 30" IS, 150 lbs, 60 years old.

The XS felt like I really had a lot of control in tight slow turns but didnt let me stretch out like I like on my larger bikes. The small felt good but not as controllable.

My LBS didn't have a scale! so I couldn't get the weight on it. Anyone know?

Plus I think they lied to me about the MSRP, too. They said $1700 and 3 calls to Giant's sales dept confirmed $1300? What's up with that?

Appreciate any input, or other ~25# mtb's that don't break the bank!



thx

bob

MSRP is $1900, they probably said price to dealer. You get a better deal with the stumpjumper ht comp, msrp is $50 less and has a better parts spec.

MSRP is $1900, they probably said price to dealer. You get a better deal with the stumpjumper ht comp, msrp is $50 less and has a better parts spec.

No, That's *2009* MSRP. Giant comfirms that but says that *2008* MSRP was $1300, due to a huge increase!


thx


bob

If you would have mentioned it was a 2008 model, it would have made it easier. ;)

I did

:)

Aw look at you too.

Anyway, Spec gets recommended a lot on here and for good reason, but for some reason I would spring for the Giant, maybe its my inner esotericism (yeah I know, hard to say that about the biggest manufacturer in the world, but still I hear it a lot less than spec in these parts).

Whats your budget? How handy are you with working on bikes? You could build up a pretty mean bike from scratch with 1700 bucks.

Aw look at you too.

Anyway, Spec gets recommended a lot on here and for good reason, but for some reason I would spring for the Giant, maybe its my inner esotericism (yeah I know, hard to say that about the biggest manufacturer in the world, but still I hear it a lot less than spec in these parts).

Whats your budget? How handy are you with working on bikes? You could build up a pretty mean bike from scratch with 1700 bucks.

Not handy enough to build one yet! My budget is 12-1500 max. I can get the 2008 Alliance for $1260 out the door but am ticked if they lied about MSRP :cry:


thx

bob

I have that bike and I love it. I have large and it weighed around 28 pounds when I put it together. It has seen some upgrades since I first got it and a few more this year, still trying to decide on a wheel set or build. I say go for it if you like how it rides. They probably wont move much on the price due to the 09 costing more unfortunately. The 09 does however come with better components, however IMO the brakes on the 08 are much better.

Here is mine. I knew I wanted a hardtail as well and chose this because I felt the frame was good enough to justify upgrading as I went along (that and I work at a Giant dealer). Now I am lusting for an Anthem however, maybe someday.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/liv_rong/bikee002.jpg