free bike... opinions on how good it is and worth fixing?

mac_man

Ok... so it's not mine.

My brother in law has been given a Giant full suss bike.

From memory I'm sure it says XC (plus some numbers... 95? or 950?) on the frame lower tubes. Front forks are Rockshox Judy. It looks maybe 4-5 year old as the fork seems to have limited travel. Plus it only has has v brakes.

Does anybody have a clue what it might be and how good it is compared to current models. Still have to see what needs fixing. Assuming it's nothing more than a basic service to get fixed... how much to get it up and running eg new brake cables and pads plus a full service (can these old shocks be serviced?).

Can probably get some pics if necessary but was hoping some people might have a better idea than me.

Andy B

Need pics to give a proper assessment

RevellRider

ATX990?

stunter ant

I had an ATX970 untill by mistake it got thrown away in a skip it was a good ride so if its an ATX keep it there a classic

mac_man

From memory it does look like the 970

http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/it/03 ... model=9534

But in black. Th egeneral spec and shape from the above link looks about right... V brakes and Judy fork.

So worth keeping a hold of then? (assuming it's generally sound).

stumpyjon

The forks will be difficult to service, not sure you'll find spares for them easily. Same for the rear shock. My guess is it's near 10 than five years old. Pivot bearings etc. will probably need replacing. Difficult to say whether it's worth sorting, maybe more as a renovation project rather than as a normal bike?

mac_man

Cheers Jon... yeah it does look like it's more 10 years old than 5.

Is it possible to fit contemporary (even 2nd hand) parts to it?

Maybe some 2nd hand Toras up front perhaps?

But I know what you mean.... anything more than a basic service and he might as well just buy a new bike.

mac_man

Right.... sorted.

It's an XTc 950.... so how old does that make it?

Am struggling to get some data on it....

schweiz

:?:

http://www.devercycles.co.uk/bicycles-m ... giant1.htm

2002 if it is

mac_man

schweiz wrote:

:?:

http://www.devercycles.co.uk/bicycles-m ... giant1.htm

2002 if it is

That's the rascal. So quite an old bike then.

The front fork feels pretty stiff I have to say.

Was it a good bike in its day?

stunter ant

If its in ok condition and its free why not have a fettle! Get some cheap forks from ebay lube her and have a blast 8)

mac_man

stunter ant wrote:

If its in ok condition and its free why not have a fettle! Get some cheap forks from ebay lube her and have a blast 8)

Yeah... need to give a ride first before spending time/money on it. Am thinking the fork is shot, on 1st look. It really does feel stiff. The rear shock feels like it has some bounce in though. No idea how the transmission runs just yet.

mac_man

stunter ant wrote:

If its in ok condition and its free why not have a fettle! Get some cheap forks from ebay lube her and have a blast 8)

Yeah... need to give a ride first before spending time/money on it. Am thinking the fork is shot, on 1st look. It really does feel stiff. The rear shock feels like it has some bounce in though. No idea how the transmission runs just yet.

stumpyjon

The Judy's weren't particulalrly new technology in 2002 either, so you've got an old fork with older technology. Plus frame design has come on along way. If it had been a hardtail it might have been worth turning it into a hack bike or single speeding it or something. Unless you don't already have a FS bike i don't see much point in spending money on it as it won't be a great FS. However if you don't have an FS bike might be a cheapish way to get one although it's like to still cost a good few hundred pounds.

mac_man

It's my brother-in-laws.... given to him by a mate. If it's no more than £100 - £150 to get fixed up he'll get it sorted.

Will see what the LBS thinks....

supersonic

A bit flexy, but decent XC bike. The forks are a doddle to strip and clean, but if the bushings have gone, bin time.

Howver the 970 has a RS Jett - about the worst fork ever made.

mac_man

supersonic wrote:

A bit flexy, but decent XC bike. The forks are a doddle to strip and clean, but if the bushings have gone, bin time.

Howver the 970 has a RS Jett - about the worst fork ever made.

If the forks are shot... what would you recommend?

Is it worth sticking something like a Tora SL on it? They can be had for around £130.

Or would a more basic Dart 2 or 3 be ok?

supersonic

Worth the extra for the Tora.