ludacoochi

I can get an AC2 for 2400 or a Heckler with Super X for 2300 the Giant has SPV suspension from manitou at both ends and better easton bar/stem/post as well as better cranks bottom bracket (both race face) and drivetrain. Any suggestions with reasons will be much appreciated.

Dannihilator

Ok, first off afew questions.

1)What is your intent for this bike to be?
2)Will you post pics of the bike when you get it?

Well, I would say the AC for the money to parts ratio.

Wilson10

HECKLER, mainly because I like the suspension a lot better!

Raiyn

Heckler. You can't convince me that Manipoo produces a good product (Don't try)

math2p14

Giant AC in my opinion. It has more travel, more guarantee and better components. Dont get me wrong, santacruz are good bikes, it is just that the price/offering ratio is lower than other big companies like Giant or Specialized for example.

crashing_sux

As well liked as they are I don't care for Santa Cruz's that much. I just can't stand the chain torque issues of a single pivot. Still, having owned a Giant AC, a Bullit, and ridden a Heckler for a while I'd say most likely go with the Heckler. Maybe if you're pretty little guy the AC might be allright but their biggest problem is severe chainstay flex. It makes the bike handle like crap, especially if you are a heavier rider or push the bike hard.

bikeCOLORADO

I ride a 2003 AC1...and I ride with two guys who have 2003 Hecklers.

Giant AC
LIFETIME WARRANTY! I've used the Giant warranty twice on two different broken frames. They're FAST, they don't ask many questions and it's for LIFE.

The "manipoo" suspension is amazing. Very similar technology than the 5th Element, but nearly TWO years newer in design and production. Great 4 bar setup, more travel than the Heckler. Suspension bob is nearly non-existant.
Great parts mix for the price.

Chainstay flex - I had SEVERE problems on an NRS-1 with flex. NEVER on my 2002 AC Air Lite NOR my 2003 AC-1 frame. The new frames 2003+ are heavier, gussetted with sweet "fluid forming" techniques and are solid as a rock. I'm no lightweight (185lbs) and I'm not easy on components either.

Heckler
No experience with warranty, but I know it's only a TWO YEAR WARRANTY! Single pivot...
Not a great parts mix for the price.

Hedge

I would say AC. I have an AC1 which I broke. Giant sent me a brand new frame and shock. I received it today after I had ordered it two days ago. It only cost me $25.00. Giant Rules!

dirtbikedude

I like the Heckler better. My preferance.
Plus you will also have an extra hundred in your pocket.

math2p14

Giant has a limited 5yr warranty. NOT Lifetime. Same story with specialized.

Hedge

I had thought that the AC only had a 5 year warranty also. I had my AC1 for 3 1/2 years. It just broke, I got a new frame and I believe I have another 5 years from the purchase of this one to get another one if it breaks.(I am not sure though). I didn't have to show the recept or anything when I went to get a new one. Walked into the bike shop, said to call up the dealership, they sent me a new one. However, the bike shop tried to scam the shock off of me, I called the dealership and the shop "found" my shock. I won't shop there again! So the way I see it, I got my bike for half price because I received a brand new frame! Like a whole new bike. They did send me a different color though. My origional one was red, this one is grey and blue. But it is the newer version so it is more updated than the one I had before.

crashing_sux

Specialized has a lifetime frame warranty. They dropped their warranty to 5 years for a couple of years there but did the cool thing and changed their mind, not only going back to a lifetime warranty but making it retro-active so even if you bought your specialized and the paperwork with it says it has a 5 year warranty you now have a lifetime warranty.

Don't take my word for it, hit the specialized website and read the FAQ.

math2p14

The faq from the specialized website is old. The 2004 catalogs clearly state back to 5yrs again.

bikeCOLORADO

Yes - I stand corrected...Giant's carry a 5 year warranty. As long as you break it within every 4.99 years...is it a lifetime warranty?

crashing_sux

Wow, this really sucks. What the hell were they thinking? They've allready gone that route and switched back once.

I'm a bit of a gear junkie so it's not like I'd ever own the same bike for 5 years anyway but I hate to see this happen because it just makes it that much easier for other brands to shorten their warranty. I'd hate to see the sport go in the direction of MX bikes where you buy a $6000 bike and don't even get a warranty.

bikeCOLORADO

I've already seen a few articles about just that - these knuckleheads are wondering when it's going to happen (no warranties as in the MX world). And the disclaimers on MX bikes! It's almost as bad as buying coffee at McDonald's with all the "caution: coffee is hot" signs...

ludacoochi

Actually Specialiezed have reverted to a life time warranty because they feel it better represents their commitment to customer care (it sells better and they can back it up)

math2p14

That was in 2003. In 2004 they reverted back to 5yrs.

bonusbeat

i have an AC and until this morning i would have recomended the giant --- until my drive side chain stay snapped at the weld behind the chainset.

other than that a great bike..

DMN

This thread is two years old.

[bEn]

There should be a rule... No people bringing up old threads.