GT verses Giant - which is better?

[FNQ]

I am relatively new to the mountain bike circa after enjoying many years racing BMX. I have been looking at the GT M/B range in comparison to the Giant M/B range.

I am weighing up the purchase of a GT Ruckus 04 (hardtail) model for $AU1400 or a Giant VT 3 (Rear Shock) $AU1900.

Can I get some advice on what the GT's and the Giants are like and which you feel are a better bike.

Open to options of other brands as well, providing that they are below the $AU2000 mark.

My main interest is downhill work factoring in some heavy jumping. Given that I am 98kg, its gonna have to be able to take a flogging.

Any responses appreciated.

regards

 

[melleg]

get a gt mate

 

[Duckwah]

GT and Giant are both good brands however.....

If you are interested in jumping and stuff then a VT is the wrong bike for you. Especially if you weigh 98kg. The VT is an all purpose trail bike thats good for lots of variety but not particularly well suited to any one thing. Ie its a little too heavy to be an xc racer and its not beefy enough for freeride.

They are great bikes for all round and my flatmate loves hers but for what you want to do i'd go a Giant AC2 (but probably outside your price range) I've got one and its bult to take a lot more punishment. Just don't try to ride XC epics on it.

If you are serious about heavy DH work then you might find that you need to spend a lot more money than $2000 to get dual suspension. You might get a decent jump hardtail for that but at your weight i'd make sure its got decent forks and brakes etc and that can push the price up.

As for the ruckus i can't help you much, the last GT i rode was a 1997 GT tempest.

If you are in Sydney give "the bike shed" at Mortdale a call on 9586 0138 they specialise in DH and Freeride

 

[trekrider4315]

Originally posted by FNQ
I am relatively new to the mountain bike circa after enjoying many years racing BMX. I have been looking at the GT M/B range in comparison to the Giant M/B range.

I am weighing up the purchase of a GT Ruckus 04 (hardtail) model for $AU1400 or a Giant VT 3 (Rear Shock) $AU1900.

Can I get some advice on what the GT's and the Giants are like and which you feel are a better bike.

Open to options of other brands as well, providing that they are below the $AU2000 mark.

My main interest is downhill work factoring in some heavy jumping. Given that I am 98kg, its gonna have to be able to take a flogging.

Any responses appreciated.

regards

Go Giant for sure.They have the best guarantees ever. But if youre looking for a DH bike look at the Kona line and maybe the Specialized if youve got the $$$.
Good luck.

 

[FNQ]

Thanks Duckwah - quality replies are always appreciated. I'll price the AC2 in the 2003 and 2004 models.

Regards and Merry Xmas.

Originally posted by Duckwah
GT and Giant are both good brands however.....

If you are interested in jumping and stuff then a VT is the wrong bike for you. Especially if you weigh 98kg. The VT is an all purpose trail bike thats good for lots of variety but not particularly well suited to any one thing. Ie its a little too heavy to be an xc racer and its not beefy enough for freeride.

They are great bikes for all round and my flatmate loves hers but for what you want to do i'd go a Giant AC2 (but probably outside your price range) I've got one and its bult to take a lot more punishment. Just don't try to ride XC epics on it.

If you are serious about heavy DH work then you might find that you need to spend a lot more money than $2000 to get dual suspension. You might get a decent jump hardtail for that but at your weight i'd make sure its got decent forks and brakes etc and that can push the price up.

As for the ruckus i can't help you much, the last GT i rode was a 1997 GT tempest.

If you are in Sydney give "the bike shed" at Mortdale a call on 9586 0138 they specialise in DH and Freeride

 

[trekrider4315]

Look for the Liquid line also. They can be good for some hits and so can the Foes line. ehhh watch the prices on the foes though they can get high.
Hope it helps.