This was my first "mountain" bike before mountain biking was a thing. I used to use it for climbs, downhill and rock gardens, but it is outdated. If you are looking for a "park bike" - rail trails, canal paths, etc., the definitely it's a good choice, otherwise, grab a more up to date bike.
Pros Solid, rigid frame bike
Works well on park paths, dirt roads and rail trails
Holds up well
Cons Rigid frame
Rim brakes
Frame is unforgiving on rough rides
Would recommend buying for a first bike or anyone looking for a cheap full suspension.
Pros I purchased this bike used from a friend for really cheap and boy have I put some use on this bike. I ride everything from xc to more all mountain which I know this bike isn't made for but it has handled it. I've pushed this bike way past its "limits" hitting 15-20 foot tables and all sorts of drops. It didn't let me down until I hit a 15 ft road gap and taco'd the front wheel on landing. Purchased a new wheelset and she's back out on the trails.
Cons When I purchased the bike I replaced the fork as the Dart 2 was garbage. This could have been due to negligence of the previous owner who knows. Either way the Rock shox 30 Gold I put on it was a welcomed upgrade.
I got mine very slightly used from a med student that rode it maybe 5-6 times. I immediately started upgrading components....Reba Race shock, XT drivetrain, etc. I rode the bike until this past Summer and was very happy. I was definitely a little slower than my buddies on 29ers, but I could make up some ground in the turns. I think this was a great bike for the money. I'm always of the opinion to get a decent frameset, but really, spend your money on components as that's what'll make the most difference.
Pros Inexpensive
nice geometry
weight to price ratio not bad
Cons heavy for current standards
26" con only in that current XC bikes are always 29 or maybe 650b
Great upgrade for me from my old Mongoose. Overall decent entry level dual suspension bike for recreational MTBing. Fairly light too, mine weighs 31Lb.
Bottom line is that in my opinion this bike is a great deal for the cash. I did everything my friend did on his $2800 bike with no problems besides eating a few times which is obviously not the bikes fault. The breaks were great, shifting was ok but could be better but not that much that id have them changed until they are useless. I would definately reccomend this bike to someone that doesnt have alot of cash to blow on a bike like me. For under 900 bucks u have a great bike. Able to do what most others can do. And the warrantee Giant gives you is not bad as well. Lifetime on the frame and i cant remember how long on parts.
Pros I liked the hard rear shock. The handling was much better than I had read in alot of the reviews for this bike. The gear shifting was good but would slip here and there. Not a big deal. I tuned it myself and started shifting perfectly. This is my 1st mountain bike but had done off road when i was a kid all thru my teenage years on bmx bikes and have been riding a hybrid Raleigh sc30 for the last few years just for exercise but got bored of just that str8 line riding on the road. My friends have been trying to get me into Mountain biking for awhile and i finally gave in and got this bike. The price for what it delivers is not bad. My 1st ride was today at Markham Park and i must say im hooked. I already bent my rear disk when i ate the ground a few good times and i didnt even worry about it. Just bent it right back and is just fine.
Cons Front forks are way to soft for a rider my size as opposed to its rear shock which was just right. I didnt need much experience to figure that one out for myself. The saddle can be better but its not really bad. The grips i will probably change soon as they kill my hands.
Great buy for the price this bike will last forever if you treat it right and upgrade the components.
Pros This bike has been great, It takes everything I can give it and asks for more, it actually the best bike under 800 dollars as rated by mountain bike action.
Cons When I first got it had some problems with the drive train slipping but with tunning and tinkering it is solid now, also a little on the heavy side but what do you expect.
I chose the Yukon as my very first mountain bike after reading the reviews in a magazine. Our local bike shop carries GIANT, Specialized, and a couple of other brands that I don't remember. The GIANT felt right when I test rode it and I am glad I chose it. It seems to love the trails around here. I have only had it for a month and it has already seen action on seven different singletracks in the area. I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants to get into mountain biking. I love it already.
Pros The overall feel of the bike. Ergonomics are right on. Discs are a nice touch, as are the Kenda knobs. You can't beat the price of this little gem.
Cons The Allen bolts that fasten the cranks to each side of the spindle kept coming loose after a solid hour of riding hard in the sand. Loctite should cure this. The front brake cable also kept snagging on the brake cam, causing the brake to stick and leading to not-so-fun situations. I found a way to clamp the cable to the cable stay; hasn't happened since then.
A good bike ideal for people on a lesser budget. I paid £300 for mine and for that I got a lot more then I would have on other bikes for the same price.
Overall perfect for people looking for a lot of bike for their money and beginners alike. I cant wait to be out on mine again.
5/5 for value, 4/5 for performance.
Pros A lot of features for your money, a big jump up in the components between this one and the boulder for a relativly small price increace.
This was my first "mountain" bike before mountain biking was a thing. I used to use it for climbs, downhill and rock gardens, but it is outdated. If you are looking for a "park bike" - rail trails, canal paths, etc., the definitely it's a good choice, otherwise, grab a more up to date bike.
Pros
Solid, rigid frame bike
Works well on park paths, dirt roads and rail trails
Holds up well
Cons
| ThankRigid frame
Rim brakes
Frame is unforgiving on rough rides
Loved it. Rode Tim's Ford with it and it did great.
Pros
Great beginner bike or intermediate bike. Durable, shifts great, good maneuverability.
Cons
| ThankHeavy
Would recommend buying for a first bike or anyone looking for a cheap full suspension.
Pros
I purchased this bike used from a friend for really cheap and boy have I put some use on this bike. I ride everything from xc to more all mountain which I know this bike isn't made for but it has handled it. I've pushed this bike way past its "limits" hitting 15-20 foot tables and all sorts of drops. It didn't let me down until I hit a 15 ft road gap and taco'd the front wheel on landing. Purchased a new wheelset and she's back out on the trails.
Cons
| ThankWhen I purchased the bike I replaced the fork as the Dart 2 was garbage. This could have been due to negligence of the previous owner who knows. Either way the Rock shox 30 Gold I put on it was a welcomed upgrade.
I got mine very slightly used from a med student that rode it maybe 5-6 times. I immediately started upgrading components....Reba Race shock, XT drivetrain, etc. I rode the bike until this past Summer and was very happy. I was definitely a little slower than my buddies on 29ers, but I could make up some ground in the turns. I think this was a great bike for the money. I'm always of the opinion to get a decent frameset, but really, spend your money on components as that's what'll make the most difference.
Pros
Inexpensive
nice geometry
weight to price ratio not bad
Cons
| Thankheavy for current standards
26" con only in that current XC bikes are always 29 or maybe 650b
Pros
Good bike for the price you get what you pay for.
Cons
| Thankbroken frame twice in less than 18 mos.
Great upgrade for me from my old Mongoose. Overall decent entry level dual suspension bike for recreational MTBing. Fairly light too, mine weighs 31Lb.
Pros
Front & rear suspension and disc brakes.
Cons
| ThankOEM seat & pedals, which i replaced.
Great beginner bike capable of riding some pretty moderate to advanced trails.
Pros
This was my serious first mountain bike and I beat it up pretty well, but it kept on ticking and easily paid itself back in fun many times over.
Cons
| ThankVery high stand-over height. Wish I had gone for the Yukon FX for downhills.
Bottom line is that in my opinion this bike is a great deal for the cash. I did everything my friend did on his $2800 bike with no problems besides eating a few times which is obviously not the bikes fault. The breaks were great, shifting was ok but could be better but not that much that id have them changed until they are useless. I would definately reccomend this bike to someone that doesnt have alot of cash to blow on a bike like me. For under 900 bucks u have a great bike. Able to do what most others can do. And the warrantee Giant gives you is not bad as well. Lifetime on the frame and i cant remember how long on parts.
Pros
I liked the hard rear shock. The handling was much better than I had read in alot of the reviews for this bike. The gear shifting was good but would slip here and there. Not a big deal. I tuned it myself and started shifting perfectly. This is my 1st mountain bike but had done off road when i was a kid all thru my teenage years on bmx bikes and have been riding a hybrid Raleigh sc30 for the last few years just for exercise but got bored of just that str8 line riding on the road. My friends have been trying to get me into Mountain biking for awhile and i finally gave in and got this bike. The price for what it delivers is not bad. My 1st ride was today at Markham Park and i must say im hooked. I already bent my rear disk when i ate the ground a few good times and i didnt even worry about it. Just bent it right back and is just fine.
Cons
| ThankFront forks are way to soft for a rider my size as opposed to its rear shock which was just right. I didnt need much experience to figure that one out for myself. The saddle can be better but its not really bad. The grips i will probably change soon as they kill my hands.
Its a great price, and will work for anyone.
Pros
Great bike, smooth and fast. Will last a life time if maintained and upgraded. I have the 09 Yukon it makes for a great ride.
Cons
| ThankUpgrade the chain and shifters asap. You will want to upgrade the peddles asap as well.
Great buy for the price this bike will last forever if you treat it right and upgrade the components.
Pros
This bike has been great, It takes everything I can give it and asks for more, it actually the best bike under 800 dollars as rated by mountain bike action.
Cons
| ThankWhen I first got it had some problems with the drive train slipping but with tunning and tinkering it is solid now, also a little on the heavy side but what do you expect.
I chose the Yukon as my very first mountain bike after reading the reviews in a magazine. Our local bike shop carries GIANT, Specialized, and a couple of other brands that I don't remember. The GIANT felt right when I test rode it and I am glad I chose it. It seems to love the trails around here. I have only had it for a month and it has already seen action on seven different singletracks in the area. I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants to get into mountain biking. I love it already.
Pros
The overall feel of the bike. Ergonomics are right on. Discs are a nice touch, as are the Kenda knobs. You can't beat the price of this little gem.
Cons
| ThankThe Allen bolts that fasten the cranks to each side of the spindle kept coming loose after a solid hour of riding hard in the sand. Loctite should cure this. The front brake cable also kept snagging on the brake cam, causing the brake to stick and leading to not-so-fun situations. I found a way to clamp the cable to the cable stay; hasn't happened since then.
A good bike ideal for people on a lesser budget. I paid £300 for mine and for that I got a lot more then I would have on other bikes for the same price.
Overall perfect for people looking for a lot of bike for their money and beginners alike. I cant wait to be out on mine again.
5/5 for value, 4/5 for performance.
Pros
A lot of features for your money, a big jump up in the components between this one and the boulder for a relativly small price increace.
Cons
| ThankSaddle is quite uncomfortable.