Giant VT 2 Bike Review - Full Suspension Variable Travel Freeride Bike

The FFTA Ledge
Giant VT 2

Brand:	Giant
Name:	VT 2 (also VT-2 or VT2)
Retail Price:	Not yet on the market, but likely around $3000 USD complete.
Type of Product:	Full Suspension Frame
Duration Tested:	One ride
Manufacturer Website:	http://www.giant-bicycles.com/
Technical Info:	Rock Shox Psylo XC, Manitou Swinger (Rear) Air Shock, Shimano LX/XT Drivetrain, Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes
Pros:	A great bike for terrain a bit rougher than the average XC weenie feels comfortable on. Very little bobbing for those long road climbs. 14kg / 31lb. weight and the larger travel is great for going down the rough stuff.
Cons:	Limited seat travel. Water bottle location on the underside of the downtube right where your front tire kicks up mud. 14kg / 31lb. weight is defintely not your helium balloon going uphill. Manitou Swinger Shock not easy to adjust compared to a standard coil shock with rebound and compression dampening dials.
Ride Summary:	Not as "Cadillac plush as some 6" travel bikes I have ridden; more of a firm BMW type ride, but will eat big hits in stride. Click here to read the full-length summary.
FFTA Verdict:	Nice package from Giant for the Enduro niche of riders. It is heavier, stiffer, and more plush than Giant's XtC NRS. It is a bit lighter than the Giant AC and pedals up hills way better. If seat adjustment and water bottle placement is really important to you, take a look at the Azonic Xtension/Xtension Xplore series of Freeride/All around bikes.