I got this 2002 Giant Iguana last year, and it sparked my interest in MTB trail riding (green, mostly). I had first posted for suggestions for bars and stem to help civilize the riding position.
Since then, I have gradually replaced every part on the frame – it’s been a vehicle for improving my bike wrenching skills.
I liked riding the trails so much, I decided I needed a 29er to maybe ease my back problems. That proved to be a mistake, as the 29er was not as light or nimble or spirited as the Iguana. About then, I also discovered higher quality suspension seat posts, and that proved to be helpful to my back, and spurred me to continue loving the Iguana – with a new suspension fork, since the old one was EOL.
The Manitou Markhor air fork is available for 26-inch MTB, with disc mounts only. It has good reviews for its XC use and budget friendly price. Buying directly from Hayes, it’s $209, and then $10 more off if you sign up for their newsletter. $199, no shipping charge, and no tax (in Georgia).
I had already switched to cable disc brakes, with wheels from a Giant Revel parts bike. The Iguana frame and original fork already had disc mounts.
The Markhor raises the front of the frame about 18mm, which brings geometry closer to that of newer MTBs. The 100mm travel can be changed to 80mm (disassembly required), which would eliminate the raised front end. It works well, though my basis for comparison is limited.
With a standard seat post, the bike weighs 28.6 lbs, down slightly from when I got it. The SR Suntour suspension post adds almost another pound. I’ll probably try some other suspension posts.
The Iguana is a 19-inch frame, and I’m 5’9” tall. My height and leg length put me exactly between medium and large frames, on size charts for several brands I’ve seen.
Parts include:
Manitou Markhor air fork
SR Suntour SP12 NCX suspension seat post
Shimano BB-MT800 bottom bracket
Prowheel crank
Raceface Ride pedals
FUNN 34t chain ring
Shimano M4100 10-speed 11-42t cassette
Shimano M4120 derailleur and trigger shifter
Tektro Novela brakes
Origin 8 stem, 40 degree, 90mm
MIXSuper 720mm handlebars with 90mm rise
BUCKLOS head set
Marin OEM seat from thrift shop
EdZep789 on
[editing on Reddit kind of sucks] So I’ll add… Originally, I got the Iguana for $25 at a thrift shop.
The entire drivetrain came used from a Facebook post, for $50. I did end up buying a new chain, and chain ring.
The donor bike for the wheels and disc brakes was $40 at a thrift shop, and included other parts that will or have come in handy.
Obviously, this project was not about saving money!
Various-Caregiver471 on
As a stoner college kid in the 90s, I found the proliferation of Giant Iguanas on campus delightful.
3 Comments
The Iguana has landed
I got this 2002 Giant Iguana last year, and it sparked my interest in MTB trail riding (green, mostly). I had first posted for suggestions for bars and stem to help civilize the riding position.
Since then, I have gradually replaced every part on the frame – it’s been a vehicle for improving my bike wrenching skills.
I liked riding the trails so much, I decided I needed a 29er to maybe ease my back problems. That proved to be a mistake, as the 29er was not as light or nimble or spirited as the Iguana. About then, I also discovered higher quality suspension seat posts, and that proved to be helpful to my back, and spurred me to continue loving the Iguana – with a new suspension fork, since the old one was EOL.
The Manitou Markhor air fork is available for 26-inch MTB, with disc mounts only. It has good reviews for its XC use and budget friendly price. Buying directly from Hayes, it’s $209, and then $10 more off if you sign up for their newsletter. $199, no shipping charge, and no tax (in Georgia).
I had already switched to cable disc brakes, with wheels from a Giant Revel parts bike. The Iguana frame and original fork already had disc mounts.
The Markhor raises the front of the frame about 18mm, which brings geometry closer to that of newer MTBs. The 100mm travel can be changed to 80mm (disassembly required), which would eliminate the raised front end. It works well, though my basis for comparison is limited.
With a standard seat post, the bike weighs 28.6 lbs, down slightly from when I got it. The SR Suntour suspension post adds almost another pound. I’ll probably try some other suspension posts.
The Iguana is a 19-inch frame, and I’m 5’9” tall. My height and leg length put me exactly between medium and large frames, on size charts for several brands I’ve seen.
Parts include:
Manitou Markhor air fork
SR Suntour SP12 NCX suspension seat post
Shimano BB-MT800 bottom bracket
Prowheel crank
Raceface Ride pedals
FUNN 34t chain ring
Shimano M4100 10-speed 11-42t cassette
Shimano M4120 derailleur and trigger shifter
Tektro Novela brakes
Origin 8 stem, 40 degree, 90mm
MIXSuper 720mm handlebars with 90mm rise
BUCKLOS head set
Marin OEM seat from thrift shop
[editing on Reddit kind of sucks] So I’ll add… Originally, I got the Iguana for $25 at a thrift shop.
The entire drivetrain came used from a Facebook post, for $50. I did end up buying a new chain, and chain ring.
The donor bike for the wheels and disc brakes was $40 at a thrift shop, and included other parts that will or have come in handy.
Obviously, this project was not about saving money!
As a stoner college kid in the 90s, I found the proliferation of Giant Iguanas on campus delightful.