Giant Pistol 1 Reviews

Great entry-level FS bike, quality components, decent pivot design

Pretty heft (over 30 lbs) but this is a pro and con. It can definitely hunk over any terrain you throw at it. Crankset is bottom of the line, Hayes Sole brakes are just adequate.

This review is for the 2006 model. For some reason (possibly to cut costs?) Giant lowered the specs on the 2007 model. Therefore, I really think the value is in the 2006 model, many of which are now on the used market at fantastic prices. Deore front/rear derailleur, Tora 302 U-Turn fork, Hayes Sole hydro brakes, Fox Vanilla R rear shock. Decent components for a bike that should be found used now in 2008 for under $600. Although it is only a single-pivot rear suspension design, it does not bob on climbs, and the Tora 302 front fork is really a quality fork at a price like this. When it comes down to it, if you are looking to go full-suspension for your first mtn bike, the Pistol 1 can be an excellent choice for the budget-minded. I really don't believe there is as good of a deal for such a relatively new bike with solid components such as this. To really make this bike shine, I'd get rid of the rear derailleur, the Isoflow crankset, and maybe upgrade the brakes to a different hydro or mechanical set. But really, for the money, this is such a hidden deal in the bike world!