[spokedwheel]

I'm thinking about getting a giant AC 1 and was wondering what you all thought of the bike. I want to use it for trailriding, occasional shuttle, hitting the dirtjumps, etc... I want something that's more burly then my XC racebike, but I also want to be able to climb at some what of a steady pace.

A couple quick questions, does the chainguide system that comes with it, make it a single chainring or is it like the MRP longrange with 2rings? Is the rear suspension travel adjustment simple enough to do trailside? Does the rear shock need to be adjusted after the travel is changed?

I don't see a huge amount of stuff seperating the AC1 and AC2--Cranks, rear der, cassette and most important the fork. So I guess what it comes down to is the Marzocchi Shiver SC, is it worth the extra money over the Psylo SL. I would say that it is, but having never rode the Shiver SC I can't know for sure. I did find my psylo sl to be a bit flexy in the full length of travel though and would like to avoid that.

Seems like a great bike for the $$.

 

[Zark]

The chainguide that comes with it is for 1 ring, but you can leave all your rings on.

The travel adjust is easy enough with an allen, you do need to adjust spring a little or set your spring for a primary setting and dealing with it.

AC2 is a better way to go, the shiver is not stiff enough and black paint looks way better (clean anyways) .

 

[chillindrdude]

my impression...

i'd dump the chainguide...it doesn't work very well. i'd go with a MRP LRP or Evil Dual Security. as for the adjustability...all you need is an allen key to set the shock position. altho, i would probably set it before my ride and just keep it for the duration of the ride. the BETD link will bump the AC to 7" of travel...altho i dunno if it requires a different shock stroke...

personally for a FR/light DH rig...i'd throw a Jr T up front.

my shop carries giants...they're a nice bike for the money. great customer service.

 

[mtbiac]

I own the AC Air which has the same frame and mostly everything else is the same except i got a SID air in the rear which I switch with a vanilla RC when i do Freeriding stuff. I think this bike is AMAZING!! DH/freeride its really good with the 6" which is plenty unless you are going HUGE on drops and such. Hayes hydros work great, I have a Psylo upfront, and some 2.5s in F/R. I also have a MRP Mini-me (both rotating plates) and it fits and works well.

BUT, for XC i slap on some 2.0 contintentals, SID air, 4.5" travel setting, etc and it becomes a 28.5lb trailbike that climbs like a goat and can still handle the occasional 10ft drop

email or PM if you need more info.

 

[Big hit]

I am currently riding an 2001 AC-1. I have ridden a few different bikes and am very happy with mine. The psylo is a greta fork though I have updated my bike with a few components to make it a little more DH FR friendly. I matched the 6" travel in the rear with a new super T and 321D Rims. Updating the AC-2 with a couple of new components is always a good option as you can get a better deal at the shop (I like to customize my ride for my riding styles)

I think that the Pro Deluxe in the reat is a great shock and you'll be happy with it (though I blew mine into two pieces and is gettin' fixed under warrantly). After riding with the bike a very full season the frame is still solid, bushings are in great shape...etc etc. I consider the bike a good buy for the price... I am very hard on my equipment taking big DH runs and large drops and it held together....

 

[James]

Originally posted by spokedwheel
I'm thinking about getting a giant AC 1 and was wondering what you all thought of the bike. I want to use it for trailriding, occasional shuttle, hitting the dirtjumps, etc... I want something that's more burly then my XC racebike, but I also want to be able to climb at some what of a steady pace.

A couple quick questions, does the chainguide system that comes with it, make it a single chainring or is it like the MRP longrange with 2rings? Is the rear suspension travel adjustment simple enough to do trailside? Does the rear shock need to be adjusted after the travel is changed?

I don't see a huge amount of stuff seperating the AC1 and AC2--Cranks, rear der, cassette and most important the fork. So I guess what it comes down to is the Marzocchi Shiver SC, is it worth the extra money over the Psylo SL. I would say that it is, but having never rode the Shiver SC I can't know for sure. I did find my psylo sl to be a bit flexy in the full length of travel though and would like to avoid that.

Seems like a great bike for the $$.

Hey-
Here's a couple of notes:
Chainguide- Yes, it does use only 1 ring, the outer ring.
Travel Adjust- I can do it in between 15 and 20 seconds, using a 6mm allen wrench. Super easy.
Shock Adjust- Nope, just set the shock where you like it, and it's fine. The shorter travel will have a slightly stiffer rate, 4.5" of travel. The 6" mode is more plush, same ratio as our '00 Team DH bike, just less travel. 5.15" is between the 2.
Fork- I hate to say it, but most of the people who are bagging on the Shiver SC have never ridden one. Don't just take anyone's opinion. I know that BMXMan has been riding one for quite a while, and can give a good review. And I know that while Brian P. works for the company, and can't say anything bad about the fork, he will give you his honest opinion on it. I've ridden it a little, not enough to really give a big review, and yes, it's a bit flexier than a Z-1QR-20, but not excessive (and I'm not a little guy). It all depends on what you're using the bike for.
Also, the AC-2 comes with a Psylo XC, not the Psylo SL. And RS has extended the bushings in the '02 forks, making them much stiffer, especially in the longer travel modes.
Anyway, there's my piece, I tried not to "toe the company line," but I like my AC. It's an '01, and not as cool as the new ones, but I like it.

James@Giant

 

[gordo]

I have an ac-2 and really love the bike.I ran a single crown for a while but then upgraded to a 02 jr-t and now a WC shiver 190mm.You'll liket the dual crown more, stiffer more travel or the same . the rear seemed a little flexy but my friend owns a bike shop and sells a brace for the walking beam which helps.now I run the betd plates in the rear so it's 5,6,and 7.5'' travel and they're thicker.they also have bearing upgrades that help the flex.I think it's the best bang for the buck.I'm really pleased with the bike

 

[grommet]

I really like my 01' AC2. It's been through a lot on the North shore and is holding it's own. I will be putting a Super T on the front for this years DH'ing. I did have to get the swing arm replaced but it was done in 3 days, fully warrantied...Giant CS really rocks.