I was looking really hard for a good bike and great price, when I saw this bike I was sure it was the ONE!! I looked every where and didn't find a better deal. The bike is just perfect and the shipping was really fast. It rides really good and its light weight is just perfect.
Best deal ever!!! Completly satisfied!!
Was looking for a new bike with great components. When my brother told me about this site and this bike, I couldn't pass it up. The bike worked perfectly out of the box. After tuning up the front and rear suspension and adjusting it after rides for a week or so, I got it just right. Bunny hops are perfectly balanced, and everything is damped just right. Feels unreal. I love riding this bike. I can do anything with it, from climbing like crazy, then mobbing down curvy single tracks with lots of terrain. I love hopping over things with this. I leaps over obstacles.
Definitely satisfied with this purchase.
Just got this bike after an 8 year hiatus from competitive riding and with this bike its like I haven't missed a step. It is so good it literally makes me feel as though I am cheating when I ride. Climbs better than any FS, hardtail or soft-tail I have owned. Screams down hill. Tons of confidence on the trails. My only complaint is a superficial scratch on the handle bar that I guess happened during shipping. Not even close to affecting performance, but this bike is gorgeous and the handlebar (with said scratch on it) is one of the few things I see a lot of when riding. But alas, I'm sure it will have a lot more scratches once I ram it into a tree.
A++ genius build. Super Fast Shipping. Great customer service. Love nerd dollars. I will always preferentially buy from Giantnerd
I did some research on this bike before I bought it and everything I read was positive about it. I've never owned a GT bike before, let alone one that's carbon. I figured it was about time to retire my beloved '04 Giant VT1 when I saw the deal they had going on this bike -- I simply couldn't pass up the deal on it. With full XT components, 6" of travel, carbon frame, Fox Talas forks, Thompson seat-post and stem, Mavic 719 wheels I thought, are you kidding me!? For this price? It seemed it was the perfect combination for me, and I was right.
I ordered it with the Genius Build and couldn't be happier. It's by no doubt a great deal to have your bike shipped to you, ready to rock, built built by the experts. Don't even think, I repeat, don't even think about buying a bike without spending the money for the Genius Build. Believe me, you'll spend it later when you have to take it to your local bike shop to get it adjusted. All I did was slap on the front wheel, mounted the bars, slid the seat in place, threw some pedals on it and away I went. The bike was adjusted perfectly. Not even a minor hiccup with the derailleur adjustment. I did, however, have a minor issue with the chain that the folks at Giantnerd made right with me. I would absolutely buy this bike, and from this store, again.
My first time out I road a 20 mile XC course close to home. The bike worked beautifully. The front forks, with the 110-150mm adjustment was a warm welcome. It couldn't be easier to turn the dial when things got rough. The bike responded well depending on which setting you have it on. The 110mm setting was, obviously, shorter in throw and felt more stable in the uphills and mild terrain. Crank it up to 150mm and I felt like I was ready to attempt a back-flip (kidding).
The rear suspension with the Fox RP23 worked fantastically for climbs and hard abuse. It absorbed everything I threw at it and then some. It's way more bike than I can handle at this point, which is why I went with something above my caliber of riding skill. I love my Giant VT1, but that thing doesn't hold a candle to this. It shifts great with the XT rapid fire shifters (very positive "click" when you shift).
Shipping was extremely fast. I received an email a day after I ordered the bike that said it shipped, and I received it 3 days later. In fact, it said it shipped on Wednesday and I got it that Saturday -- what a nice surprise for the weekend!
It's by far the best bike I've ridden and couldn't be happier with Giantnerd's customer service. Top notch guys and gals who focus on customer service. I've spent my entire career in customer service and believe me it's rare in this day and age to find a business who cares for their customers AFTER the sale. That's huge. I'm very happy with the purchase all around.
LOVE THE GT FORCE CARBON EXPERT
I have had the bike for 3 or so months now and I have found that GT rides with the best of them. I ride with 2 guys with niners ( jet 9 and a rip 9) I might be a little slower on the climbs but not because of the bike! The bike climbs as advertised and eats up the down hills!! The bike also just looks like a beast. I was a little nervous about the carbon, but seems to be strong. I have had the bike at some serious trails and taken a few good falls frame made it through a lot better then i did. I love this bike.
The pro build was good, no issues -- 2 weeks ago i got the creak -- but lubed the I- Drive and all is good. XT group is great -- put a bash ring on after 3rd ride -- smashed the teeth on the big ring in the rocks. Bike looks even better -- GT Bikes-- I'm working on earning my wings!! GREAT BUY !!!
Everything I expected and more
I have had the Carbon Expert for the past 3 months. I orginally had a 3.0 and this is so much lighter. This bike's components have made me soo much more confident of a rider. For the money you will have a really hard time finding a better bike. A couple of pointers. ISG Racers Tape. Buy IT and put it on. Great tape, protects the frame and you cannot even tell its on the bike. The pro build was worth it in order to get the warranty. A few nicks on the uptube on delivery from the wheel attached to the frame. A little foam between the tire and frame would be better to protect the frame.
I was worried about the carbon. I cannot find anywhere where someone had a problem with it. I haven't. Also take the I drive apart and use Marine grease to get rid of the creak. Easy to do and takes about an hour.
Just received this bike with the genius build option and I have to say I'm impressed. First, I just ordered the standard 'free' shipping option and from online purchase to box on my doorstep it took 11 days (with a long weekend thrown in too). Next, after hearing about some of the negative reviews of the genius build, I was expecting to run into a glitch or two - however, it was smooth sailing. All I had to do was take the bike out of the box, undo the quick release for the front wheel and slide it into place (remembering to take out the red disc-brake spacer), undo 4 bolts on the stem with the tools provided to fit the handle bar and then drop the seat post into the frame. Done in 5-10 mins.
Also, following some of the other helpful reviews I'd read here, I spent my nerd dollars on a shock pump and also a pair of crank bros pedals - sweet.
As for the bike itself, I'll have to see how it rides, but it seems very well put together and after a lot of shopping around I have yet to find anything that gets you this much bike for the money. Giant Nerd - great job. Genius build - can't fault it. GT Force Carbon Expert - so far, so very good.
so I had my first trail ride on this bad boy.....amazing! This thing floats down rough descents, eats large washout ruts like nothing. My riding buddies couldn't believe how much bike I got for the money. Drop the fork and lockout the rear and this thing climbs! The GT i drive works...no pedal bob,no drive train feedback. I couldn't be happier with this purchase. The best MTB I've owned...I've had several different types and brands...from basic to custom build, and this one blows them away. This bike feels lighter than the claimed 27lbs or so while riding.....and this thing likes to air out! I found myself looking for rocks, humps and drops to air off of....brought back my youthful days of "fun" riding.....like stated in other review, make sure you get or have a SHOCK PUMP, there isn't one included, all though I feel there should be, since you can't set the bike up without one.....but whatever, the bike is amazing...as far as Giantnerd...hmmm?
Purchased the bike build...that's an extra $60. Un boxing the bike I looked it over and felt like, ummm, maybe no one really did anything to it. There is a huge check off sheet inside, showing everything from cable stretching to wheel truing. Checked air pressure and both were really low, the rear in fact was near flat...I figure, no biggie, minor thing. I assemble the bars/stem, get the wheels on, and my new Candy Titanium pedals. I take her for a trial run in the neighborhood.....wtf? The rear derailleur is skipping out of gear and clicking around....they test rode this and adjusted the derailleurs? Doesn't look that way. I make a couple of cable tension adjustments, and she starts shifting properly. I immediately start going over everything on the bike, making sure everything is tight. I go buy a shock pump and set the proper shock sag. The fallowing weekend we hit the trails, everything was looking good...until I tried to make the first tall ring shift on the front derailleur....ping!....and nothing...stuck in the small ring. Apparently someone must have missed the cable casing not sliding into the fitting right above the derailleur...but it certainly found its way in when I went to shift and bam! Tons of slack in the cable. Now wait a minute...I thought this was thoroughly tested prior to shipment?...at least the long check off sheet that came with the bike indicates so. I also found that the rear tire was so low, because it actually had a leak. The only reason I bought the build, was in case of warranty issues if I were to have any problems....in the end, I wouldn't recommend the bike build. If you ride bikes, chances are you have some assembly knowledge...unless warranty will be void without a "pro" build, save that money for some gear...one of which would be a shock pump. Overall...the bike is superb, but the Giantnerd bike build, that's definitely in question
Great performing and looking bike. Can't beat the price for the components that are installed.
I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a new All Mountain/XC bike to give GT a chance.
Shipping from GiantNerd was extremely fast and accurate. Make sure you have a FOX Shock pump to get your suspension set up.
I haven't taken her for a ride yet, still waiting for my titanium crank bro pedals, but pictures of this bike don't do it justice. This thing is absolutely breathe taking in person, and "BEASTLY" looking.....I have her sitting in my living room, and I can't stop looking. Fit and finish are outstanding....I'm sure the ride quality will be the same. I can't wait to hit the trails!....maybe Skyline this weekend, then I'll give a review on the performance....ooooh yeah!
Sweet deal for a great bike!
Giantnerd Member, Donny Alonzo, provided this 5 star review of the GT Force Carbon Expert Mountain Bike:
I was just browsing the net planning to purchase an MTB. When I saw this bike it was like someone read my mind because the specs was just perfect to my liking. Initially Medium and X-large was posted nevertheless I bought it even a size bigger then my optimum size. The following day they posted a small size, I called right away to have it changed, GIANTNERD peeps are awesome to change it ASAP and now i can't wait to break in my new bike.
Best "All Mountain" Bike you will ever ride
Giantnerd Member, Jose Gonzales, provided this 5 star review of the GT Force Carbon Expert Mountain Bike:
This is the most fun bike I have ever owned, it gave me more confidence to go over trails that previously I was too worry to ride.The bike is versatile and tuff. It can handle anything you throw at it including jumps. Forget that its carbon, rides like a dream, climbs like a goat and rolls over obstacles with ease. Nice buttery ride feeling. Just like I like it.
I would say that the combination of FOX front and rear shocks is the perfect combination for a smooth ride. The XT component make shifting an ease with no problems.
I would recommend it to anybody for all mountain and all day riding in all conditions. This bike is a steal at nearly $2000 off the retail price.
You wont be disappointed. You will love this bike as much as I do.
Thank you Giantnerd
Giantnerd Member, Jacob Flinn, provided this 5 star review of the GT Force Carbon Expert Mountain Bike:
The day after I got and put together my force expert a couple buddies and I headed out on a five day riding/camping trip to Arkansas. The Force dominated everything on the trail. The Carbon frame was great, it feels much more nimble and responsive compared to my old aluminum Force 2.0, the weight difference was also a huge bonus all around on the trail. The suspension was also awesome, being on a really rocky trail I keep the fork open to 150mm the whole time and then went back and forth with the pro pedal on and off the whole day depending on climbing or descending which made a noteable difference. All around i was thrilled with this bike and how it held up on 30+ miles a day of riding and cant wait to take it out again. I Also went with the pro-build which was easy to put together and everything was working great.
Giantnerd Member, Rob Lins, provided this 5 star review of the GT Force Carbon Expert Mountain Bike:
I was a little nervous about ordering a bike unseen on an internet site. As it turns out I'm really glad I did. This bike is awesome; great component package, carbon frame, great suspension. I love it. Giantnerd got it built and sent right away and I received it a few days later. The disc brake calipers were too tight to install the front wheel and I'm guessing the brake was activated without the wheel in during the build. It wasn't too hard to adjust. I'm glad I did the probuild to activate the warranty for only $59. I'm sure it would cost $200 at my LBS.
Amazing Jack of all Trades
Giantnerd Member, Bob Morris, provided this 5 star review of the GT Force Carbon Expert Mountain Bike:
If you want an all around full suspension bike that can be used for any situation, then look no further than the GT Force Carbon Expert. With a full carbon frame, XT groupo and FOX Talas-R fork; you have a lightweight goat that will climb effortlessly. I have taken this bike off a few jumps this past weekend, and the FOX Talas felt like a pillow with the 6 inches of travel. Ritchey PRO bars, Thomson Elite post...this bike is just a more than perfect upper-mid level full suspension bike.