Quantcast

Choose one for me for a trail bike:

bikeguy100k

bikeguy100k

Monkey
Nov 11, 2001
348
0
Seattle, WA
Giant VT1 (2003) or Iron Horse Hollowpoint Sport 2004).

Both these bikes are within my budget. Parts on the VT are better (and used), and a little more travel. Hollowpoint has a DW link and not as good parts pick, but is new.

I'm definitely much more into freeriding and am pretty smooth on the trails when riding "XC." Either of these bikes will be subject to some light freeriding, but nothing more than 2-3 foot drops, etc; the kind of stuff you see on most trails these days...

I'll be deciding in the next day, so any input would be great!

Thanks!
Tom
 
joelsman

joelsman

Turbo Monkey
Feb 1, 2002
1,369
0
B'ham
i would get the IH hollow point, frame is better because: it pedals better, lighter, bearings last longer.
New parts work better and last longer than old ones usually. Components wear out and can be replaced with better ones. Warranties are also good to have(new bike).

important parts to look at: brakes, fork, and shock. get good brakes.
 
buildyourown

buildyourown

Turbo Monkey
Feb 9, 2004
4,832
0
South Seattle
I was shopping 2 bikes for my dad over xmas. I think they were the VT2 and expert, but the comparison should be close. He's a pretty advanced rider so don't let that fool you. He choose the IH. Here's why. Overall, the parts where a bit better for the $, except the fork. I wasn't impressed by the manipoo minute, but it seems to be holding up.
He thought it pedaled better. I think the VT tends to sit lower in the travel and bob about a bit more than the DW link. Depending on your riding style, this could be good or bad.
 
mobius

mobius

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
2,158
0
Around DC
The IH. I know a few people with the VT and they had lots of troubles with them. I am not a fan of giant's chainlines also. DW link definetly sells it for me on that IH.
 
Tame Ape

Tame Ape

BUY HOPE!!!!!!!
Mar 4, 2003
2,284
1
NYC
bikeguy100k said:
Tame Ape is just trying to get me to buy his Heckler frame! Gotta respect the guy for his persistence!
Click to expand...
well, they say Rome wasn't built in one day...
 
J

JRogers

talks too much
Mar 19, 2002
3,785
1
Claremont, CA
I've never ridden an IH, so I cannot comment on it, but I own a VT. I am pretty sure it's a 2003 model (VT1, grey color). I built it up myself so I cannot comment on the parts spec Giant has (mine's set up with a TALAS, Hopes, Mavic UST/Hadley, XT/X.O if it matters). I've posted my thoughts on the bike a few times on this board.

Basically, I have almost nothing bad to say about the frame. The only problem I had was one of the bolts came loose while I was riding and casued the bolt and one of the links to bend. Replaced easily and instantly at my LBS even though I bought the frame on MTBR. Pretty much a fluke thing that could have been prevented by me checking the bolts after I initially rode it 2 or 3 times. I have not had any issues with building it up, chainline or bearings (even after riding it in both dry and dusty Idaho and wet and rocky Vermont for several months).

I basically have it set up for what most would consider XC or trailriding. I race and ride DH quite a bit (not on the VT) so I go pretty hard in the rough; the bike sees some abuse. As far as pedaling efficiency, it totally depends on how you set up the shock. It's an air shock with quite a bit of adjustment. With enough air in the SPV chamber and the main spring, it doesn't move at all. I get a little feedback in lower gears because I am lazy and often don't put any air in either valve for weeks on end. The bike climbs well enough. It's not stellar, but I think it's pretty good. With the suspension set up correctly, it can really shine on descents. With almost 6" of travel in the back and 5" in the front, it's a capable ride. BB is low enough and HA slack enough to give some confidence. It seems just as quick in steering and accelerating response as any other similar bike. Set up the bottoming resistance right and the travel is really controlled. Not the most plush ride considering the amount of travel, but efficient and tunable.

Overall, I like it a lot. The one problem I had was annoying but it happened once and that was it and I have not had any issues since. Seems to just be a solid ride to me.
 
MikeD

MikeD

Leader and Demogogue of the Ridemonkey Satinists
Oct 26, 2001
11,737
1,820
chez moi
From having short spins on a 2003 VT and a 2004 Hollowpoint, I can tell you I'd buy the Hollowpoint without the slightest hesitation or reservation. I found the suspension to be superior and the frame to be stiffer with just a better feeling of quality on the IH. Something about the VT design is just sort of cobbly.

Dakars aren't bad bikes, either.
 
DHS

DHS

Friendly Neighborhood Pool Boy
Apr 23, 2002
5,094
0
Sand, CA
hm, i have VT 1 from 2003. yea went to the swinger 4way coil with Ti spring. i've beaten the crap out of that bike. longest bike i've ever owned. also the crossmax xl wheels are still alive, i'm quite surprised by that one.
dunno about the problems you guys are talking about, maybe cause i'm a mechanic and do all my repair jobs here at home. if you set the bike up and keep it in good condition. have had no problems what so ever.

but the VT is a good bike. i like the longer travel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom