Submitted by
jvossman
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, FL USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2011
Strengths: Strong and stiff, light given its an XL nice blue paint
Weaknesses: No snob factor, people wonder what company it is
Bottom Line:
So, this replaced the voodoo that I had for two weeks (geometry wasn't right for me). Thiso ne replaces my old gary fisher pro caliber. Weights maybe 1/4 lb more, much more stiff.
I can (and do) still rock the vbrakes, the jcurve on the top tube means I can comfortably stand over, paint looks good and its inexpensive.
Its my race bike and it weighs about 25lbs when I run tubeless. Not bad for an XL bike. (I'm 6'3").
Similar Products Used: I've owned 7 (wow!) 29ers. All vbrake animals
Bike Setup: XTR mix.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
srozell
a Weekend Warrior
from Van Nuys
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2010
Strengths: this bike has a stiff frame is very responsive and handles very well.
Weaknesses: I have not found any weakness with the frame. I have a dart 3 fork on the bike which I don't like at all.
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike. It is a good climber and handles very well. The only downside to the bike is the dart 3 fork. I think anybody that rides this bike will like the frame. the bike is set up with red and white components to match the red and white frame.
Similar Products Used: Most bike I ride are 26ers. Specialized enduro and Acess.
Bike Setup: Dart 3 fork, lx, xt parts mixture, magura brakes, carbon seatpost, cane creek headset.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Weekend Warrior
from Stephentown, NY
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007
Strengths: Great geometry that inspires on downhills, perfect paint for now, good climber, reasonable value for a 29er.
Weaknesses: No complaints.
Bottom Line:
I ride a bit of everything (road, cross, XC). My Diamondaback Response was not adequate for long, tough mountian rides. I'm fairly fit (6'1" and 205)and have a dirtbiking background so I can ride hard in most situations. I love the fit of this 29er; it climbs, tracks unbelievably well in the snot and rocks, and stays straight downhill. The extra cushion inherent in the larger tires makes a notable difference. I will try the bike without the seatpost suspension later but for now, I'll take the weight penalty. I bought the bike off ebay but it was in brand new condition. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the frame and build it from scratch. This small company has hit the mark: looks great, performs very well, and is not overpriced.
Similar Products Used: Diamondback Response, Specialized Stumpjumper.
Bike Setup: Mix of LX and XT, Cane Creek Onos, WTB Nanoraptors, FSA bars, stem, headseat, RaceFace Crank, Avid BB7 brakes, ThudBuster seatpost, RockShock Tora 318, SPD pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Texican
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX USA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2007
Strengths: Price, Quality, Handling, Weight, and Overall very well finished
Weaknesses: Maybe the color? A little bit on the heavy side, but not anything that is a deal breaker
Bottom Line:
Very agile, nicely finished frame. It built up easy and looks great. As for the ride, it is very quick and rolls easily. Lots and Lots of stand over height. The geometry is very balanced, and it holds a line with ease: just point and go. I also have a Niner EMD, and the finish quality is indistinguishable, but the Rook is half the price. As for ride quality, the Rook is a little better climber and a little more nimble, but that probably has a lot to do with the fork.
Bottom line is that for the price, I don't think that there is a better 29er frame out there. I am extremely pleased with the Rook.
Bike Setup: White Brothers Rock Solid Carbon Fork Sram X9 drive Train Race Face Deus Crankset, Low Rise Handlebar, and Seat Post Stans Flow Rims laced to Hope Pro II disc Hubs, with Kenda Karmas Formula K18 Brakes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Sevo
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO USA
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006
Strengths: Where to start? First off for $499 the frame is an excellent value. 4lbs for a large frame is quite a deal considering I can run v-brakes still if I want (which I currently am). Welds are similar to those of frames that cost 2x as much and the paint job is quality too.
Ride quality is definetly up there. It's just a nimble riding frame that is great for riding singletrack. I love it. Just jumps when you get on the pedals yet the ride is not as harsh as you would expect from aluminum.
Weaknesses: None really. Sure be nice if it was a wee lighter or wee cheaper but currently for the money/weight it's a steal.
Bottom Line:
This is a quality frame I think you'll start to see more of as Astrix starts marketing more. Price, ride quality, weight, and finish are all outstanding values. Add in the fact this is one of the few lightweight frames you can use with v-brakes and you have a real winner. I've recommended this frame to one friend already who bought one. I'd recommend it to others as well. I'd buy it again. Top it all off the people at Astrix are great and really love bikes, which you can tell when you ride the frame.
[IMG]http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m218/gunnarpilot/DSC04384.jpg[/IMG]
I'm in the process of finishing my new Rook.I need to run some cables and get a chain.I decided t Read More »
After I got the Rook from Astrix, I pretty much fell in love...
It just feels like the bike was made for me. So then all I have wanted since, was a Monk.
I got the frame direct f Read More »
My wife, who is doing some work for this company showed me this video.
Cool to see technology moving forward not only in bikes but in the other gear we use!!
Wonder what' Read More »
[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_vXw6ulp-dmc/TYPdxgCRh9I/AAAAAAAAFog/kHLGQdK88ds/s800/DSCF1452.JPG[/IMG]
[IMG]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_vXw6ulp-dmc/TYPdebhZdzI/AAA Read More »
