Giant XTC 2 2007
 

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

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

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

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!:D

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

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?