giant xtc 4, how does it compare

wittetulp
wittetulp Posts: 33
edited September 2008 in MTB beginners
in my quest to find out what I want to replace my current "no suspension at all" 20 yr old MTB I hired a "Giant XTC4" from a local reputable shop and tried it out at the tracks at Cannock Chase.

I kind of expected a major difference compared to my literally old bike, and indeed, disc brakes do work much better and front suspension is very nice for hands and wrists, but otherwise...? Steep uphill was still the struggle is has always been..., maybe my expectations were wrong and somehow expected that with modern materials and technology it would all be a bit easier.

Now, I do know that this is a fairly basic model, but i understand that higher up models do not change the frame, so weightgain from lighter components cannot be that big and relevant (??). Or am I wrong, are a few pounds here and there going to make a big difference (considering i am carrying 12 stone in bodyweight already)?

So, what can I expect from higher spec models, and how do these "Giants" compare to other makes on the market?

Anyway, next one to try will be a full suspension version? What will i notice? will my steep uphills be harder or easier?

Still, I do start loving this mountain biking......

Comments

  • I do start wondering whether just to use my old Diamond Back, get a frontsuspension-fork and maybe some disc brakes installed, must be much cheaper.... and will I be much worse of?
  • .........didn't think it was that bad a question...???
  • Bugly
    Bugly Posts: 520
    not a bad question, I cant answer re giants but to an extent the same frame is used in several models with the distinctions being between the models being the components.
    The most expensive compenent changes being in the shocks and the wheels.

    If you have threaded headset you will be limited. Firstly you would need to change to an ahead set type (threadless) and change your stem and handlebars as well as your forks. Also the bike wont be designed for forks so you will be limited in getting short travel forks. Lastly you wont have much choice in this scenario as the range of 1 inch forks is very limited. After spending a reasonable sum of money you most likely wont be satisfied.

    Dont forget the manufacturers buy parts in bulk and save big dollars so can put kit on a bike and sell the bike for what you would pay for the parts.
  • gthang
    gthang Posts: 293
    edited September 2008
    Your questions looks ok to me, I’m no expert though I have been in a similar position to you last year.

    I used to ride a "no suspension at all" 15yr old GT, got my new bike in March the sus fork helps and the disc brakes make a big difference, i.e. both give more confidence to go faster down hills etc. But the hills I struggled to climb with my old bike are just as hard with the new!

    I did also briefly think about fitting new brakes and sus fork to my GT however due to its age modern kit would not fit, chnaging one part resulted in the need to change 10, So was a none starter.

    Higher spec models generally have smoother forks, more powerful brakes, and wheels etc. and are a bit lighter. Saving a few pounds here and there will make little overall difference, however improving personal fitness will, hills get easier the more you climb them. Also make sure the bike is a good fit and the saddle is at the right height, climbing with a saddle too low is a nightmare.

    I tried a few full sus bikes but did not enjoy riding them as much as a hard tail, I felt disconnected from the ground. They will allow you to ride faster over rougher ground and are generally more comfortable on your backside. I have to say I do sort of miss riding my old rigged GT, (now in box in the garage rafters) I’m just glad I have pop lock on my forks, I can lock them out when they aren’t needed.

    Giant are the worlds largest bike manufacture (I think) so they are sure good bikes, however some of the smaller less well known brands offer top value for money, Merlin cycles seem well regarded here as do GT. I got a Cube as they are / were new to the UK and offered the best spec I could find. Your doing the right thing, trying bikes is the best way to decide what you want in a new bike

    read this buyers guide http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/b ... -bikes-826

    G.
  • gthang
    gthang Posts: 293
    2 replies in 2 minutes :)
  • thanks for comments, appreciate the remark re general fitness, which is continue to improve, and indeed it is an important factor.

    Where i confused myself a bit i think was that last week i borrowed subsequently a hardtail and FS bike from a friend and was quite staggered by how much easier the ride was, also steep uphill, compared to my current bike. Only problem; his bikes where both in the 2000 pounds range ("Specialised" was the make), which is a little bit more then i can afford.

    I don't know whether it was easier because of the technology or just because it was lighter (haven't got a clue how much all these bikes weigh) or maybe i was just feeling super fit that morning, feeling great as the ride was fantastic anyway (despite the rain)

    when i rented the 575 giant bike, i was hoping for a similarly positive experience, which i did not get, and i suppose what i need to work out is up to where in that 600-2000 range i get real benefits from additional investment and from where it is just fancier technology but nothing more....
  • gthang
    gthang Posts: 293
    What type of riding do you want to do??? (and budget?) deciding that will help you decide on the type of bikes to look at.

    You can get a top hard tail for £750 - £1K, good for trail centers and XC if you like riding more rough stuff / downhill then look at FS, decent FS start at about £1K.
  • thanks gthang

    type of riding; I only have experience with the trails at Cannock Chase which feel pretty rough to me, and include some nasty little climbs. Not sure how they compare with trails elsewhere, but I do love what I get there.

    Budget; well, that has shifted already since i started looking. "Topmodels" at my local bikeshop were 300-400 pounds (HT), but do understand now it is worth going beyond that. In the end, budget will be determined bywhether I'll choose FS or HT, and I'll budget for what i need. Would be reluctant to go beyond the £1000 mark though

    FS rental will be next step (however expensive at £30 a go...)
  • ratty2k
    ratty2k Posts: 3,872
    Should get the £30 back tho if you buy it....

    I'd suggest a longish travel hardtail as being a good compromise. You get the slacker angles up front which will help on the downs, but still good on the ups.
    But there are some good sus bikes out there for £1k, might be last years models tho, but there are one or two new at the £1k mark worth a look.

    Top 3 in the mag are
    Mongoose Canaan comp £999
    Giant Trance 3 £1000
    Specialized FSR XC Comp £900

    also recommended are the
    Pinnacle Tharpu Peak (from Evans IIRC) £1000
    and Trek Fuel EX5.5 £900
    My Pics !


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