elAdi

Hi guys,

Would be great if you could quickly give me your opinion.

I've been single trailing regularly a few years back when I lived in NYC. I moved away from the gang (back to Switzerland) where it's more about climbing and more on wide tracks (designed for hikers), so I let it slip a bit (started doing Thai Boxing and Kung Fu). Now, I'm again closer to some cyclists and I want to buy a decent mountain bike to go single trailing again.

I've been looking around a bit and have been riding a few bikes: Hardrock, Rockhopper, Stumpjumper, Giant Talon and Giant XTC 2. Recently I've been riding a friends bike, which is based on a Merlin Titanium frame. When I tested the Hardrock, Rockhopper and Talon it felt like extremely clumsy and heavy...so basically they were out. Left are the Stumjumper and the XTC 2. I am aware, that generally the Stumjumper is the better bike...but the once available to me are about 1000 bucks more than the XTC 2 - and right now, that's quite a bit to me.
Now, I'm a fairly aggressive rider - but not hard core, I don't go for races nor am I a big jumper. Do you reckon, I should be fine with the XTC 2 (2007 edition)? I've read accounts of the XTC2 frame folding - is that likely to be an issue for me, as I probably won't push the frame to 100% anyhow?

I'm thinking about giving the dealer the thumbs up tomorrow - so that he can change the set up (negative stem, etc.). Are there any major concerns with the bike (in my scenario) that I should consider? Any positive/negative experiences with the bike?

Thanks for your info and help.

Adrian
www.aresthetics.ch/trav

born2bahick

that bike should be excellent for what you described, Itwill feel completely different than the stumpy, although both would be great!

elAdi

Thanks born2bahick for your reply. That's what I thought. I did ride the XTC2 and thought it was great. I ordered it today and they are setting it up to my liking as we speak. I'm excited! Hopefully I'll be able to pick it up on Friday, so that I could go and give it a first trail test on Saturday. Yay me, new bike. Hurray.

Adrian

born2bahick

WE will, of course expect pictures! Both with and without mud on the bike, If you can get a little of the trail in the pictures, that's even better!

elAdi

Hehe. Will of course show some pictures of Western Australian trails. However, *bummer*, the bike take-over has been delayed. I did order and was supposed to pick it up today. Yesterday, I quickly rode my friends new bike. While riding down the stairs, I hit the rear break - or what I thought was the rear break anyhow. Shock: Australians have the breaks switched around. Not only did that almost kill me on the stairs, but now I'll need to have my breaks switched around so that I won't kill myself on the trails. Takes a few days to get all the bits and pieces in and to work on it. grmpf.
However, might still go for a off-road ride on Sat, riding my friends bike....so, if I can get some pictures, I will show.
adrian

schmo

You bought an 2007 XTC2? Solid. I live in Australia also, and have been eying off this bike since release a few weeks ago. Seems a sweet deal. One question, how are the juicy 3s going? I know they are only new on the market, so interested in your opinion. Also, one thing I can find out, the giant site states the fork is 100mm travel, but rockshox says its up to 130mm. which is it?