With almost 30 years of leading the pack, Giant has had its share of
innovative designs tearing up the roads and dominating the trails. Much of
that experience has been packaged into its new line of AC adjustable
suspension bikes. The AC series looks deep into the soul of the rider on
the edge and answers the question, “How can I own that mountain?”

If you’re
looking to conquer every obstacle in your path, create lines where most
riders only see their own mortality, or nail stunts like you’re a Cirque du
Soleil veteran, well, you’ll likely need more time on your bike! But, if
you’re on a Giant AC, you’re going to get there a lot faster.

Giant was really thinking of the all-around tech rider when they put the AC
series together. If you ask most on-the-edge riders to close their eyes and
imagine a wish list for their steeds, the package on the AC-1 wouldn’t be
far off. The desert silver/black AC-1’s ALUXX SL butted aluminum tubeset
with extra gussets ensures the bike will stand up to heavy hits from stunts
and dumps. Every pivot is a sealed cartridge bearing, ensuring the life of
this bike will be a long and healthy one.

The AC frame also features a rear
rocker arm that allows for adjustable rear travel of 4.5″, 5.15″, and 6.0″,
giving the bike an edge on multiple terrain. Supplementing the fully
adjustable rear Rockshox Pro Deluxe is a rock-solid, single-crown Marzocchi
Z.1 Dropoff up front. With 20mm thru-axle and 130mm travel, it provides
razor-sharp steering precision, big hit strength, and confidence-building
stability. The Z.1 Dropoff was born for this bike.

Giant’s attention to detail carries through on the XTC AC-1 with a full
complement of Shimano-XTR nine-speed rear derailleur, Deore LX front
derailleur, XT cogset, Deore LX shifters, XT 11-34 nine-speed cassette, XT
splined crank, and a 68 x 113 BB. Shimano also makes an appearance lower
down with M424 clipless pedals.

Other sweet bits on the AC-1 include a Prodigy Race Face eight-degree stem
and 27.2 x 300mm seatpost, Cane Creek ZS2 integrated threadless 1-1/8″
headset, Titec Hellbent XC 6061 Black 640mm bar, and a WTB Koski Contour
saddle. The AC-1 also features powerful Hayes hydraulic disc brakes on a
set of Sun Rhyno Lite XL 36H double-wall rims, all wrapped up in a pair of
WTB MotoRaptor DNA 26 x 47/50 tires.

If that’s not enough to satisfy your overstimulated thirst for kick-ass
components, Giant has thrown in a custom, race-face bashguard for the
boulder grinders and a custom, removable, alloy chain guide for quick
switching to DH/DS riding days. Did we leave anything out? Giant sure
didn’t!

It’s pretty hard to find any fault with the AC-1 and, really, why would you
want to? If on-the-edge is what floats your boat, then the AC-1 is sure to
put a smile under your full-face helmet. The only limitation of the AC
frame is the inability for long-legged riders to drop the saddle very far
as an S-bend in the seat tube blocks the seatpost. Of course, the S-bend is
what allows for the great angles on the AC, so you have to suck it up. Most
riders won’t find this a problem, but check it out before you take to the
trails.

Thanks, however, to the S,, the relatively slack angles allow the AC-1 to
bring your level of riding up several notches and inspire confidence as it
attacks the gnarliest of drops. The tight precision of the front end
provides fast response, getting you out when you get in deep, while the
suspension soaks it all up and asks for seconds. The nastiest looking
obstacles were approached with almost bored insouciance by the AC-1, and
when you open your eyes, you’ll more often than not find you made the stunt
all in one piece. (Note: Neither Pedal, nor Giant, encourage the closing of
eyes during stunts.)

Those who aren’t speeding to the top of the mountain with their AC-1s
perched proudly atop their urban assault vehicles will appreciate that this
bike can actually climb well. Sure, you may need an extra bowl of Wheaties
to get the AC-1 up some of the more technical trails, but try it.

You’ll be surprised at how well this bike grabs the trail, and you just
might learn to appreciate how good a descent tastes after a lung-burning
climb. Of course, you’ll have to give up that pre-descent mocha as,
unfortunately, Giant left out a cup holder!

Giant AC Series

Suggested Retail: $3,999

Weight: 33 lbs

Components: Shimano, Race Face,
Marzocchi, Rockshox, Hayes, WTB

Frame & Fork: ALUXX SL butted aluminum,
Marzocchi Z.1 Dropoff

Geometry: 69° head tube, 72° seat, 23.03″ top tube

Sizes: S-17″, M-18″, L-19″ (18″ tested)