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Submitted by
Mtn Sport Dog
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, Co usa
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Pipe Line | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | Great Suspension at a great price | | Weaknesses: | Could be lighter | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur LT | | Bike Setup: | Full XT W/ Fox | | Bottom Line: | I just walked into the Colorado Cyclist store. They have the Titus ML-1 / XT bike for 2500 bucks. The sales guy ryan? said that they would be hitting the catalog soon / web now. Guess they bought-um special from Titus. I rode the thing around and it rides like any great FSR suspension design. I have a Blur LT (old style) and this bike rides really sweet. Gotta ask the wifey if I can have one cuz it time to upgrade and the ML-1 is the real deal>
Bicycling and MBA love the thing.
Follow-up: My woman gave me the OK!!!
Stay tuned-
dog- | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mansky4343
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson, WY
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Biker Bob | | Strengths: | Overall value, versatility | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper- First bike; hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talus Suspension, Sram X7, Juicy 7 hydraulic brakes | | Bottom Line: | I recently moved to Jackson WY from the Midwest and wanted to purchase my first full suspension bike. Being into mountain biking for only one year, I hadn't heard of Titus until Biker Bob showed it to me.
I have ridden it in Jackson for approximately two weeks and have been very satisfied with all aspects. I think the bike's main strength is its versatility to do both climbing and downhill riding. The bike has been light enough for me to do some extremely long and steep climbs, however, I have been most impressed with the bike's performance on the downhill sections.
The frame and rear triangle look and feel strong. The bike's solid frame and suspension absolutely eats up all rocks and stumps. I have ridden it downhill about ten times and gain new confidence on each ride. Cornering is also excellent; when I am riding singletrack I can ride hard into and out of corners and trust the bike's excellent responsiveness. I have taken the bike on some extremely steep and technical downhill sections near Jackson and have almost always been able to do all sections.
This bike is a great buy if you want a solid bike that can do both climbing and downhill. Also, its cool to have a Titus when 90% of people around you ride Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, etc.
Also, it was nice working with Biker Bob. He gave me a good price, let me build the bike alongside him taking the time to give me a custom setup. In the process, I learned a lot about how the bike worked and gained a greater appreciation for my purchase. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BigBull
a Weekend Warrior
from Nor Cal
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Mr. Toad, Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Joyride, UT | | Strengths: | versatile, shifts prefectly, great components and value for complete 'boutique' bike | | Weaknesses: | Too versatile? not the strongest on either clibing or downhill in the similar category. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned: 03 Sugar, 04 IR MK3, 05 SC Blur, 06 Commencal Meta 5.5 | | Bike Setup: | Complete ML, Fox 140 talas, rp2. Sram X7 | | Bottom Line: | Motolite is a great ‘do it all’ trail bike for someone looking to keep just ONE full suspension ride in his stable (along with another SS hardtail would be nice). However if you have multiple FS bikes, Motolite’s versatile characteristic might be its own drawback. It never felt as fast and effortless as my 03 Sugar, which is 26lb, steep head angle XC machine, nor as plush as Commencal Meta 5.5, which provide better downhill stability. The lack of plushness might be due to small size ML frame that I got, but I have not feel the complete 5 inches of rear travel yet, the Fox RP2 works good in platform setting but bottom out too quickly in open setting with 25% sag. ML excels other two bikes on the other end though, just a perfect blend of the uphill and downhill abilities.
Motolite climbs good, but adequate effort to keep the wheel down and straight is required.
It is a great bike overall and I definitely love to take it out to most of the trails. My dilemma is whether I should keep the other two bikes or just this one, if you are trying to ‘add’ bike to your collection this is something to consider.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rpark
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville,SC,USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Dupont | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Biker Bob | | Strengths: | My first Full suspension bike and I have liked everything about Titus except items noted below | | Weaknesses: | Carbon Seat Post had some issues and Biker Bob Swapped it for Thompson no question asked. Juicy sevens squeel alot | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | Fox rp23, Fox Talus, sram x9, panracer, juicy 7 | | Bottom Line: | Love my Titus and main reason I bought it was the reviews here, and what a great dealer Biker Bob is to work with.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, VA USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Wakefield | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Biker Bob | | Strengths: | Balanced handling and very supple suspension action. Fairly light at under 28 lbs for a large-framed full susp bike.
| | Weaknesses: | Suspension was a little fiddly to set up at first, but it works quite well when you hit the sweet spot. Avid brakes are pretty noisy most of the time. Seems to be a common complaint. (Yes, the pads have been replaced and the calipers adjusted per Avid's recommendations) They do stop well though. Don't know if Hayes would be any better. | | Similar Products Used: | Pro-Flex 856, Intense Tracer, '07 Cannondale Rush, '07 Fisher Hi-Fi, '07 Trek Ex-8, '08 Trek 69er, '08 Spec Stumpjumper
| | Bike Setup: | Large 2007 Titus Moto-lite II, Sram X-9 shifters and rear derlr, XT fr derlr and cranks, WTB bars and stem, Maxm seat and carbon post, DT Swiss hubs and X455 rims, Hutchinson Python Air-Lights, Fox Talas fork and RP23 shock , Avid Juicy 7 brakes | | Bottom Line: | I'm just under 6 feet, 180 lbs. I ride singletrack and hills mostly with plans for a couple 12-24 hour AR's this summer. I've kept the bike in the 4-inch travel mode so far and it really rocks! One word to describe it is "plush." That doesn't mean I'm losing power on hills though. It climbs very well. Pedal bob is virtually non-existent unless I'm standing up and being extremely sloppy. But even so, I keep forgetting to flip the pro-pedal lever on because it climbs so well in the open position. It sucks up all the tree roots and rock ledges I climb up and just maintains traction. And I still have another inch of travel to play with if I want to! Cornering is just amazing. It sticks in the corners rather than skating or skipping to the outside of the turn. On the few occasions I've had the tires break traction while cornering they did so in such a progressive manner I just rode it through the corner ever so slightly sliding both tires. I guess the other phrase to describe this bike is that it just has "great feel." It is so predictable and communicative that you just trust it as you ride. And that one factor above all else has made me a faster rider. I'm less fatigued after riding too. This bike really has exceeded my expectations.
Let me take just a second to put a plug in for biker Bob too. He worked with me on many e-mails and telephone calls to get just what I wanted at a very fair price. If you are thinking of a new or even a previously demoed bike, you owe it to yourself to check with Bob. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | tiger | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | bikerbob | | Strengths: | great in tight corners, even with a small frame. pretty light setup at a good price point. easy to toss around.
little bob with hard pedaling | | Weaknesses: | dunno yet... | | Similar Products Used: | big change from my old hardtail... | | Bike Setup: | fox rp23, talas rlc, XT | | Bottom Line: | Great, forgiving ride. Looking forward to some more time in the saddle.
Appreciate the great service from Biker Bob in the setup and arrived in great shape. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Fox
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Salmon Falls w/ Mickey | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light weight for a full 5"+ travel bike, rails on the downhill, climbs well when locked down in front, prestige of riding a Titus, so far seems very well built, Horst link provides a smooth ride that really sucks up bumps, yet climbs great even when unlocked with pro-pedal shock. Carbon seat stay is sweet - light yet stiff. Best of all worlds... | | Weaknesses: | Anodized finish seems to scratch easier then I would like. | | Similar Products Used: | Last sled was Ventana El Saltamonte | | Bike Setup: | Moto Lite ll frame, Fox Talas 32 140mm fork, RP 23 shock, XT drivetrain, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Mavic Crossmax XL wheels, Easton Monkey Lite bars. 28 lbs with light UST tires. | | Bottom Line: | Great do everything bike. High center of gravity and long wheelbase will affect you climbing if your speed diminishes to a crawl, but Talas helps with that immensely. Fun bike to ride on all trails in all conditions. If you're looking for an all Mt. bike this is your sled, though I hope to ride the Ventana El Ciclon sometime soon to compare. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anand
a
from Lansdale, PA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | bikerbob | | Strengths: | Balance, stiffness, feel, little or no peddle feedback, loves power. | | Weaknesses: | A little finicky to set up. Loves power. | | Similar Products Used: | I rode a modified 1998 FSR for years. Demoed a Blut LT, FSR and Iron Horse DW bike before this. | | Bike Setup: | Large MLII with a 2007 Talas RLC, RP23, X-9 shifters, XT cranks, 819 rims with XT hubs, 2.35 Nevegal up front with Stans and a 2.1 Maxxis Highroller UST in the back. | | Bottom Line: | Balance, that is what this bike is all about. Once properly set up, this bike is just so smooth. Going up or going down, the bike just flows. The first time you ride down a tight singletrack trail on this bike (after it is properly dialed in) you will fall in love. It just feels so right.
This bike will also climb anything. Many of the other bikes I tried would either become mushy when climbing (FSR) or feel to harsh (Blur). This bike just goes. And if you jump out of the saddle, the bike just goes, no hesitation at all. The bike itself, loves power. If you are a strong rider, this is your bike. Hammer and go. I lack power so this is a strength and also a weakness.
This bike requires that you spend time to set it up correctly. Set sag at 25% front and back. This required a bit of work with a troublesome Fox fork but that seems to be sorted.
Overall, a great bike that is a singletrack monster. Highly recommended!
Also, highly recommended is bikerbob! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dufess
a
from Joisey USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | High BB = Good clearance, weight, stiff, balanced feel (when you get it all together),Good do all trail bike, good "I only can have one bike". | | Weaknesses: | High BB = high center of gravity. Squirrely on climbs as well as sluggish on long climbs. Took a bit of playing with the rear der. cable routing to eliminate ghost shifting. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots of 4-5" FS bikes | | Bike Setup: | 06 Medium w/RP3 Mainly XT, Hayes 9, FSA XC300 (light and strong) Carbon bars and post. Several forks tried = 07 Vanilla 140R, 05 Manitou minute 3 it, 07 Fox float 130RL. 29lbs even on a digital scale. | | Bottom Line: | O.K. This is my second post after 1.5 years of riding this frame. I built it up myself so I won't complain about the grips etc. I have been trying to love this bike but I only like it a lot, the main reason is it was finicky setting up and getting it right. I have had several forks and it has always been lacking in the climbing department. I've changed stems, stem height fork lengths etc. The Vanilla 140 was bouncy and the 130 Minute although it had the same crown to axle length as the van was better even when the travel was all the way out but it was a wriggly fork and it sucked in the technical stuff. I now have a 130 float and the a-c lenth is shorter so we will see. A TALAS 32 would be the best for this frame.
I am 185 and a hair under 5'10" and I have medium. The high BB clears all the big stuff but leaves you up in the clouds when getting full leg extension which has me lowering the seat up and down when I ride places that are steep up and down.
If I had to keep only one bike this would be it but I since I can have several bikes I find it hard to love. Don't get me wrong this thing rails down hills and corners great as well as smoothing out the rough stuff like it was non excisting but again the climbing is what hurts it. It is an effort to keep the line straight on the slow technical climbs and this bugs me.
All in all it is a great bike, I just am all over the place with it, but at times depending where the ride is I am glad I brought it out. A younger rider may never feel the climbing issues that I do, I'm 44. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Inderbitzin
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Clarita, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | McGill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3700.00 | | Purchased At: | Rbikes.com | | Strengths: | 5+"s of plush travel, climbs great, & still competitively light weight. Very stable & balanced ride. Titus quality & reputation. | | Weaknesses: | It's not titanium! | | Similar Products Used: | Titus Ti Racer X. Specialized Stumpjumper Carbon | | Bike Setup: | Fox R37 fork & Float R shock. Sram X-0 shifting. Mavic Crossmax wheels. Easton carbon bars & seat post. Tru-Vac carbon cranks. Juicy brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I originally was not blown away with the bike, until a few month later I took my old Titus Racer X up to my vacation home to leave up there & ride it vs. dragging the Motolite there. Absence apparently "makes the heart grow fonder". I missed the extra travel & plushness on one of my favorite trails that has a bunch of rock drop offs. I missed the nice stable feel of the Motolite. I never shuttle ride so weight of the bike was important when I made my purchase. This bike weighs under 26 lbs. & climbs great. And the shifting on the Sram stuff is awesome. Great bike for a rider who wants more than a cross country bike, (but still wants to occasionally race), & doesn't want to committ to all that weight of a free ride bike. Definately an inspirational bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominic
a
from Bay Area
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Braille @ Demo Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicyclebob's | | Strengths: | I would like to say that this is my second review. The first one being the Aluminum version of the MotoLite. this one being the Ti version. I have to say that I was skeptical at first of buying Ti with all the people saying it would be too flexy. Well, with Titus they have constructed a frame that is soooooo solid yet supple. It is a combination of Titanium, Carbon and hydro-formed aluminum. It is a thing of beauty. It climbs like a goat and descends like a mountain lion after Bambi. It absorbs the minor vibrations that the aluminum does not. And talk about quiet, it whispers through the forest. It is definately "The One Bike"! | | Weaknesses: | Price, but it's Titanium! | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz, Yeti, Intense | | Bike Setup: | '08 Ti ML Blinged out to the max! XO, King, Formula Puro, Crank 4ti's etc... | | Bottom Line: | If you can afford the Ti...do it!? Right now they are having a $1000 off of the Ti frames!!! If not, the aluminum version is incredible. You will not regret it at all. The only downside is the Titus stuff (shirts, stickers etc.) are always sold out! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from Melbourne Australia
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | second hand | | Strengths: | beautifully built, great angles, solid and capable all rounder. | | Weaknesses: | na, expensive here in oz | | Similar Products Used: | 575, Specialised Enduro, Intense Tracer and 6.6 | | Bike Setup: | Fox 32 (soon to be Minutes), fox rp23, Sram XO, XT, King on 819s, thomson and carbon juicys, maxxis ust rubber. | | Bottom Line: | nothing rides like a ML............ period!!!!
Its true, if l was to have one rig it would be the ML. It is the perfect blend of xc race and all round , long riding enduro machine. I am 6.4 and 230 pounds and the XL fits like a glove. It climbs and accelerates in a flash and can handle being jumped with finese. Five foot to flat is fine even with my heft. I would suggest a 20mm front fork for the large riders out there (pike, Minutes) just to stiffen things up a touch. it is so beautifully balanced and such a joy to ride...... if you can afford it go for it ..... it will never date .... and always return its value and its fun factor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny G
a Cross Country Rider
from Tejas
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Bunny trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | classifieds | | Strengths: | Super responsive, light, unlimited adjustability, all around top-shelf performance | | Weaknesses: | I can't find one. It's not the exo-grid?? | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Specialized, Intense | | Bike Setup: | '05 ML, Push'd RP3, Push'd Talas 32 RLC, King Iso-disc laced to 819's, King HS, Hope M4's, Full XO drivetrain, Raceface Atlas cranks, Easton EC 90 post, Easton Monkey-lite low rise bar, Raceface Evolve stem, WTB saddle, Maxxis Crossmark UST. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will not hold you back from reaching your true potential. The performance on any type of terrain will have you grinning ear to ear. I purposely find myself picking a bad line to test it, and it always comes out shining. This is hands down the best 26" bike I've ever had the chanced to own. If you demo one, you'll want to take it home. I scored the frame from a member here on MTBR and got a hell of a deal. Buy one of these!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iwan Kemp
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Eden / Delvera Blk Route | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$16500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Factory Store | | Strengths: | Light, fast, confidence boosting, corners as if on rails. AWESOME FREAKING BIKE! | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Merida AM 3000-D, Racer X, Giant Trance, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | '07 MLII in ano silver.
RockShox Rev 426 Dual Air U-Turn Fork with Push Loc
Fox RP23 Rear Shock
SRAM X0 rear der and twist shifts.
X9 front der.
XTR cassette,chain, pedals
KCNC stem, handlebar, Cranks, seatpost
Selle Italia SLR XC Saddle
Kenda Nevegal Front tire and Small block eight rear
DT 240 hubs and revelotion spokes
Stan's ZTR Olympic rims
Spin Stix Ti Skewers
Ergon GP1 Grips
Alligator Cables
Avid Juicy Carbon Disc Brakes with Alligator disc pads
Chris King NoThread Headset
...all of this put together with ProBolt Ti Bolts and Nuts
Polar takes care of speed and cadence monitoring | | Bottom Line: | It was battling to decide between the ML and Mojo. Couple of things made me go with the ML in the end and I am absolutely stoked! This is an awesome do it all bike. Trails, All Mountain, XC...you name it.
With the U-Turn fork, RP23 rear shock and the ML's suspension design this bike climbs as well as any HT, but it's MUCH faster coming down on the other side.
It carves through sgl track like a hot knife through butter and handles jumps and drops with confidence. The front whell tracks unbelievably well.
I have moved the rear shock to it's 4" position, dropped the fork and raced XC as hard as hell (which is not THAT fast for me!).
I'm much faster on the trails I usually ride and have a lot more confidence on new trails.
Get one. Hell get two,one for your buddy battking to keep up with your new do-it-all speed machine! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Weekend Warrior
from Wetumpka Alabama
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Swayback Bridge Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3750.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | I studied this through for a year before deciding on this machine. I was able to demo the ML & Switchblade when I lived in Arizona, just couldn't afford one then. Light weight, superb geometry with Horst linkage, superb weld work, makes me want to ride, bathroom scale weight is 27.5 lbs. Darn good for large all mountain bike with 5" of travel. I'm 6' & 190 lbs and I can set the Talas RLC to 100mm w/lockout and go up stuff like never before. As only my 2nd bike I can only say the Motolite is "controlled-plush" over roots and rocks. My inner voice has to remind me to slow down at times as I no longer heal very quickly at age 50. :-) | | Weaknesses: | None thus far. Luckily my wife is good looking or I'd never be home. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88 Stage 2 | | Bike Setup: | Large ML2 silver anodized, Fox Talas 32 RLC, XTR front-D, crank, cassette, chain; SRAM X.0 rear-D, X.0 trigger shifters (I'll never go back to Shimano tranny after the joy of SRAM 1:1 ratio - click...shift...so simple), Magura Marta SL discs & levers, DT Swiss XR4.1d wheels & hubs, Kenda Nevegal 2.35, Alpha Q carbon post, Maxim Ti Saddle, Chris King NoThread, FSA KXC carbon riser bar, FSA OS150 stem, WTB grips, Shimano M959 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Superb deal and service from Chris at Speedgoat dot com including customized rider profile as I had never had a "fitting" before. If you're spending thousands on a bike, spend $75 for the on-line fitting which goes towards the bike price. Love everything about the bike and setup. No more numb wrists and lower back pain. Love the flexibility of the Talas RLC and RP23 with 3 levels of pro-pedal. Had the fun of touring the Titus shop in Tempe Arizona years ago. Even though the ML frame construction is now "out sourced" the quality control is evident. If you're younger than 50 (I'm physically fit) with energy to burn but with less disposable income the ML complete could be the best deal around. Happily Speedgoat had the top-o-the-line build on the shelf at a discount. Go Speedgoat Go! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Montgomery
a Cross Country Rider
from South Carolina, USA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Julie's Bikes | | Strengths: | Solid Build, Tracks well, Comfortable position, great climber and desecender. | | Weaknesses: | Only complaint: Slightly Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR XC comp, DBR carbon Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Fox suspension, SRAM Drivetrain, Panaracer Tires, WTB saddle, Avid disc brakes, Titus factory parts | | Bottom Line: | I've always wanted a Titus from the number of quality reviews I've seen. I had a chance to ride a Moto-Light and a Racer-X and I was impressed with both. I picked the Moto-Light for a bit more bomb-proof ride. Both bikes climbed like after-burner lit jet fighters. I've now had the bike for a full year and have used it in varity of terrain and in adventure races. If you want an all around great ride get this bike. If you more specific towards XC racing I'd go with the Racer-X. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Prescott, AZ. USA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Clean simple design. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS XC504 and Giant Trance. | | Bike Setup: | Small ML frame Fox RP2 shock Fox Talas RL 130mm fork, XT cranks, XT fd,Sram XO shifters and rd, Mavic wheels with Hope hubs. Bontrager stem 100mm 25 degree rise. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a noticeable improvement over my Giant Trance. It is much more fun and stable down technical downhill sectins, switchback corners and it takes to the air nicely. Climbing on the ML is good about the same as my Giant Trance. The Moto Lite will not make me a great rider but in just eight rides it has made me a better rider. I know because my friends are not so far ahead anymore. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Price
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Sullivan | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Competitive cycles | | Strengths: | Very stable ride. Climbs great for a 5" travel frame and absolutely fantastic on the downhills. I rode the '05 ML for 2 years (and loved every minute) but decided to upgrade to the ML 2. Combined with a carbon fiber handle bar, Shimano's new '08 XT crank and the carbon chain stays this bike is noticeably lighter than the '05. | | Weaknesses: | Climbs better with an adjustable fork up front. | | Similar Products Used: | '05 Motolite and a bunch of XC stuff. | | Bike Setup: | XTR trigger shifters and brakes. '08 XT crank and rear cog. Sram chain. XT front der and XTR rear. Dave's speed dream, UST wheelset. RP23 shock and Rock shox Revelation fork. | | Bottom Line: | This review is an update to my earlier one since I changed over to the ML 2 frame.
Just let this bike ride you. Really, it is that good. My '05 ML was great and the upgrade to a ML 2 may not be for everyone. Most could not discern a difference in the handling. But if you want a fantastic trail bike that can be ridden all day while plastering a smile on your face this is the one for you. The quality of the frame really becomes apparent after 2 hrs of technical singletrack riding. You just want to keep going. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Spence
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, AL
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Strengths: | Climbs with efficiency. Stable downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap stock headset. | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT Anthem | | Bike Setup: | Fox talas RLC, Fox RP23, CK headset, Truvativ crank, Juicy 3, Sram shifters, Kenda kinetics | | Bottom Line: | This bike will make you a better rider. It is incredibly efficient climbing out of the saddle. On steep rocky/rooty single track, when you step on it, you can feel the back tire hook up with no peddle bob. This comes from the frame technology, not from the Fox RP23 rear shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Spence
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, AL
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Strengths: | Climbs with efficiency. Stable downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap stock headset. | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT Anthem | | Bike Setup: | Fox talas RLC, Fox RP23, CK headset, Truvativ crank, Juicy 3, Sram shifters, Kenda kinetics | | Bottom Line: | This bike will make you a better rider. It is incredibly efficient climbing out of the saddle. On steep rocky/rooty single track, when you step on it, you can feel the back tire hook up with no peddle bob. This comes from the frame technology, not from the Fox RP23 rear shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Spence
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, AL
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Strengths: | Climbs with efficiency. Stable downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap stock headset. | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT Anthem | | Bike Setup: | Fox talas RLC, Fox RP23, CK headset, Truvativ crank, Juicy 3, Sram shifters, Kenda kinetics | | Bottom Line: | This bike will make you a better rider. It is incredibly efficient climbing out of the saddle. On steep rocky/rooty single track, when you step on it, you can feel the back tire hook up with no peddle bob. This comes from the frame technology, not from the Fox RP23 rear shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Spence
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, AL
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Strengths: | Climbs with efficiency. Stable downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap stock headset. | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT Anthem | | Bike Setup: | Fox talas RLC, Fox RP23, CK headset, Truvativ crank, Juicy 3, Sram shifters, Kenda kinetics | | Bottom Line: | This bike will make you a better rider. It is incredibly efficient climbing out of the saddle. On steep rocky/rooty single track, when you step on it, you can feel the back tire hook up with no peddle bob. This comes from the frame technology, not from the Fox RP23 rear shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve McCaughan
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Port hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1395.00 | | Purchased At: | Competitive Cylist | | Strengths: | Frame geometry numbers work well.
Weight 6lb for large, very respectable
Laterally stiff
Horst link suspension
Carbon seat stays works well
Ano finish should last well
Works well as a 5" MTB
| | Weaknesses: | Frame construction is not in the same class as my Ventana and its probably unfair to compare considering price difference!
| | Similar Products Used: | Have rode or ride with most out there..... | | Bike Setup: | I am 6ft 1" and ride a LG with 120 mm Thomson stem, Talas fork, XTR build, Crossmax SL, Oval carbon bars, Chris King etc etc. | | Bottom Line: | I am a VERY fussy and demanding rider.
I have been riding a Ventana El Saltomantes over the last 18 months so anything compared to this would have to be good!
Only changed due to the fact that I thoght the Salty was a bit small and the MLII was on special at a great price, so I thought I would give it a go!
I bought this bike due to the frame geometry numbers and Horst link suspension plus the light weight at 6lb and it being on special at $1395 from Competitive Cyclist.
Climbing: Excellent, with no pedal feedback etc. Very efficient on the pedals in 5". I find PP 2 setting ( I weigh 185lb and have 135lb in shock), ideal with enough traction plus efficiency on the pedals. Some tendency to lift ever so slightly on the real, real, steep narly climbs!
Descending: Very, very, very, good as to be expected with 5" of travel under your butt. Laterally stiff so very secure blasting through corners and over baby head rock gardens etc. Rails corners VERY well! I can't stress enough this bike is stiff laterally, as I have been spoilt with a quad bearing Ventana the best in the business and the MLII was as good!
Fast single track. The MLII is very, very, good at this. Carbon rear end, plus the frame numbers seem to work on fast single track and you really feel your on a pocket rocket!
The bike is exceptional at railing corners with confidence. This bike is most suited to a rider who has a couple years plus riding time, as the head angle is quick but stable.
General comments:
Competitive cyclist brillant to deal with as frame came with check list and delivery in four days from USA to New Zealand.
Anodised finish looks set to last.
Bike very easy to build with no quirks with cable routing etc.
Horst link suspension seems good, but to be honest I cannot notice any difference from Ventan "Faux Bar" under braking into rutted corners etc!
I know the science says otherwise but on the trail I can"t notice and I looked for it.
RP3 vs RP23 not sure about this. I like two PP settings being available on the fly for trail work with RP3 however I can see the advantages of having the PP1 (hard) setting for pedal efficiency and racing with the RP23.
Yes this bike would be reasonably competitive as a race bike for a "one bike does it all" approach plus you will get the advntages of a great trail bike.
I feel the MLII has a XC bias to it where a bike like the Yeti 575 has a more "All Mountain" bias to it.
Did I say it pedals effeciently, well it does.
Out of seat pedalling is rewarded with accerleration and the rear wheel grips quite well witout it being weighted even with a Hutchinson Python on the rear!
My take is the MLII is a bike you should consider alongside the Yeti 575, Stumpy, Turner Spot, Blur BLT, El Cilcon, Intense 5.5 and for me it won out due to price, BB height, the frame geometry, carbon seat stays (but not chain stays) and the simplictic proven "Horst link" suspension design that works!
PS Inch for inch the MLII is about as plush as my Ventana El Saltomontes at 4" hence my take it on it being slightly more XC although this suits me fine as I like the connection with the trail etc....!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gayphil
a Weekend Warrior
from Joisey
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Campmor | | Strengths: | It's the only FS I haven't busted yet | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | many FS, destroyed 4 Klein Palomino's and one GF Cake DLX. | | Bike Setup: | 07 Vanilla 140, RP3, Mostly XT, FSA XC 300 wheelset, and a beat up set of Hayes OEM HFX 9's | | Bottom Line: | My bike with heavy pedals comes in at @28lbs. I ride the piss out of this thing like it was meant to. No XC riding on this at all. It sucks up bumps better than other bikes boasting more travel and takes lines and tracks itself in the same manner. The 140mm coil up front causes some problems in the climbing department when the angle gets steep and loose but I will deal with that. A Talas 140 would probably be the best fork for this frame. I also went with a 110mm stem on a medium frame and I am just under 5'10. The longer cockpit centers me more evenly since Titus sets a lot of bikes toward the rear. All in all it is a great frame. I will actually keep this bike. I sometimes demo bikes and I always realize that I made the right choice.
Oh yea, if you want a 23 lb bike get a racer X, this bike is an all mountain bike that begs to be beat. I have run into people with this bike built up light and that's OK but they ride it like a XC racer. Beat it, Drop it, Huck it, Love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brett kenmotsu
a Cross Country Rider
from lisle,il usa
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | shadow mtn wy | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | richards bicycles | | Strengths: | over all comfort, downhill control | | Weaknesses: | none as of yet | | Similar Products Used: | klein polimino, specialized stump jumper | | Bike Setup: | basic | | Bottom Line: | greatride | | Value Rating: |
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