Strengths: This is for the 2012 model. Everything is good except the weaknesses I will list below. I rode the Specialized Hardrock, Giant Talon 1 first. Then I rode the Trek Mamba and Cobia. Although they are not the same price range I found that everyone I talked to said to go for the Cobia due to the fact it had better components and a Rock Shox Recon Air Adjustable Fork. All the others came with SR Suntour forks. Non-Adjustable. This was the same for Specialized Rockhopper.
Weaknesses: Seat Evoke 1 - Hard in my opinion
Pedals- Wellgo (not sure of model They are a stock model with the reflectors)
Bottom Line:
Im giving it a 4/4. Why? For the price paid I think they would do better slapping on some under 40 buck platform or similar pedals instead of the stocks. How about Wellgo MG1 which is one of the top reviewed pedals here on MTBR?
Similar Products Used: GT, Mongoose (the real mongoose), Redline
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Cognoggin
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2011
Strengths: Rolling over things, large and small, and climbing.
Weaknesses: Heavy, cornering.
Bottom Line:
Used for cross-country, commuting and racing. Average height and 165 lbs.
My first 29er and still not happy with the poorer cornering due to the long GF wheelbase. Otherwise I'm a convert to the big wheels. Faster rolling than previous bikes and I can coast past others while they're still peddling. Downhill speed is great. Almost don't wish for full suspension as those big, fat wheels take some of the mickey out of the roots and rock.Climbs anything you aim at.
Submitted by
hoser.holmes
a Weekend Warrior
from Pto Vallarta
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2011
Strengths: Great cornering, handeling
Weaknesses: Fork, Crankset,
Bottom Line:
After the modifications, this bike climbs like no other, and gets down really fast. I never pass over obstacles like this 29er. Easy handling in technical rocky-sandy trails... Amazing cornering.
Bike Setup: Gripshift X.0
Fox RL29
X.O RearDeraileur
Shimano LX FrontDeraileur
RaceFace Crankset
Rhythm Wheelset
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
29erforlife
a Cross Country Rider
from BedFord NY
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2011
Strengths: Great Frame, G2 Geometry, light for a 29er, color looks better in person, built Strong!
Weaknesses: I think the bike would be nice with thinker tire.
Bottom Line:
I would like to preface that the last bike I bought I listen to, too many people. It was a good bike but did not suits my needs or the trails. This time around I wanted to know exactly what I getting. I also, plan to have this bike for a while. The trek dealer got me hooked on a $1600 x_caliber, that was before I rode the Cobia. I went to specialized dealer to see if the trek and specialized could compare. I got to the dealer around 6 and closed at 7. Lucky for me, I know the salesperson so we hung out and rode the $1600 and the Cobia.
I stayed at the dealership till 8:15 or so. It was a good I really enjoy the new bike. At the end of the day I know I went with the right bike for me.
FYI I could have afforded the Xcal or Cobia. It was the bike and not price .
Similar Products Used: There are good 29er out there, there are some great 29er but they ONLY person that it matters to is the rider. Cannonade 29er, Trek X Cal, Rockhopper Comp 29er, Giant Talon 2($700) and 1($1000). Felt 29er($2150) This is an investment, I could have bought the X cal but like the ride on the Cobia better. It is all about preference.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mstevens02
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2011
Strengths: Great component upgrades over last year's model (hydraulic discs, air shock, Sram X7).
Weaknesses: Very low quality brakes. Promax hydraulic brake system with Tektro rotors. The rear brake began squeaking loudly on the 4th mountain ride. Sounds like metal on metal. The entire frame shudders and vibrates when applying the brake. Took the bike in to local Trek dealer. Was told that they have done 15-20 warranty returns on the brakes in the last 4 months and that the manufacturer has stopped accepting warranty cases on the rotor. Evidently a very common problem. Bought a new rotor for the bike, solved the problem.
Submitted by
ELM
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston MA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2011
Strengths: Looks killer, great stance, rolls over anything, very stable
Weaknesses: Comes with a crappy drivetrain
Bottom Line:
This was my return to a hardtail and I really like my choice. I am 5'9" and weigh 165; I thought the 17.5 was the right size for me until I rode the 19 and understood what the geometry was up to. My stem and bar change has tightened up the cockpit just slightly: the stock bar is 15 degree sweep and my carbon one is 12, the stock stem is 10 deg and it's a 105mm;I put on a 17 deg and it's 100mm. I did change out the drivetrain to one more of my liking. All of that said I have found this to be a fast stable cross country ride. The fork has a nice lockout that allows for some spring even in lockout. I will often lock it going up a singletrack hill and it performs very well. Decending and on technical terrain it holds it's own. NOTE: Have the shop call Rock Shox and get the specs for the Recon oil level; some left the factory low and it makes the fork bouncy without the correct ammount. Mine was low and the change is dramatic. I also keep a check on the air level...properly set-up she's a beauty. I have had no sleepy steering, it feels like a 26 in every way...well except for going over stuff. I have made it a point a number of times not to lift my front wheel when log or rock comes up and just feel the amazing ability of the 29er to roll right over it. For climbing I have found that this climbed well stock but with the changes I made it's a billy goat. It has dropped some weight but numbers are just numbers. The brakes were a concern for me and I really thought I would end up replacing them. I have to say though they have perfromed very well and I have been impressed; they will stay. I will change out the saddle and eventually the wheels. If you are looking for a 29er put this on your list and take it out for a good 2 hr test ride...you'll get hooked.
Bike Setup: (New)SRAM XO rear and X9 front,XO twist shifters, Truvative Stylo cranks, Bontrager RXL big sweep bars, Bontrager 17 deg 100mm stem.
(Came with) RockShox Recon Silver fork, Promax hydraulic brakes, Bontrager Ranger wheels, Jones tires. Bontrager seat and post
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Frozenspokes
a Cross Country Rider
from Minot, ND
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2011
Strengths: Geometry that works, TORA fork, SRAM drivetrain components.
Weaknesses: Heavy wheels and crankset
Bottom Line:
For only $600 this was a great introduction to the 29er world. This bike retails for over $1100 so I couldn't pass up the deal. The cranks are Deore and a bit heavy. The wheels sport Deore hubs and bontrager rims and come in on the heavy side also. But that is to be expected at this price point as it is an entry level bike. All of the parts on this bike are smart, durable, and effective.
The TORA air fork is more easily adjusted to rider weight than a coil spring fork and makes the price jump from the Momba worth it even at full retail. It has lockout for long climbs and road sections also making the bike more versatile.
Fisher/Trek got the 29er geometry right before most other big manufacturers. The G2 geometry is nearly perfect for me in that it makes this bike ride like a bike. I have no trouble lofting the front of the bike when riding over obsticles. The front does not flop around in low speed maneuvers like some other bikes I tested.
Submitted by
tcofer
a Cross Country Rider
from Marietta Ga
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2011
Strengths: air fork, hydraulic brakes
Weaknesses: loud breaks
Bottom Line:
In my opinion this is the best around for the money. The air fork is great for rocky terrain and its 29 inch wheels roll over everything. I had 26 inches on my DB and I can tell a huge difference. it just takes a couple rides to get use to the turning radius (which is not bad at all considering the pros that come with it)You can always upgrade the components if you have to or when they wear out. All in all this is a solid bike, I absolutley love it and would be happier with anything else
Similar Products Used: diamond back response sport
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mountaindrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Garrett County, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2011
Strengths: Sharp turning (I can turn completely around on sidewalks)
The stock tires actually work much better than expected both on and off road.
Pretty confident at high speeds (hit a 3+ foot drop/turn at 25ish and felt completely comfortable)
Looks awesome.
By far the best bike I've ever ridden, good all around bike.
Weaknesses: Brakes are loud, but work just fine.
Brakes seem to rub just a little bit, like barely at all. (they don't even slow the wheels down while spinning freely)
Derailleurs took a little while to get broken in, but now are pretty smooth (but not high end)
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike.
Best bike I've ever ridden.
Not too heavy.
Prolly put 60+ miles on it and it's still working fine.
All of my friends (both bikers and non-bikers think it's awesome.
Similar Products Used: Mid/Low range Specialized 26 MTB, Mid range Cannondale 26 MTB.
Bike Setup: Stock for now, Specialized air tool
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Momokahn
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2011
Strengths: Smooth Ride, Quality Craftsmanship, Color
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
After test driving darn near every bike in this price range, the Trek Cobia won hands down. This bike had the feel that is was custom built for me and what a pleasure it is to ride. I ride mainly on sand/gravel roads and it just cruises right on down the road. I purposefully ride on top of the washboards in the road and unless they are real severe I barely notice them. If I ever decide to hit the asphalt more than I do now (which I doubt)I will definitely look into some different tires but for now the stock tires are just fine.
Similar Products Used: Haven't had a bike in years. Previous bike was a Specialized Road Bike
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
paracielo
a Cross Country Rider
from Saint Paul, Mn. USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2010
Strengths: Strong frame, smooth ride, comfortable position
Weaknesses: Heavy
Bottom Line:
I use this to commute. Took off the nubbies and put on Schwalbe Big Apple slicks. Major difference in speed, and quiet! I hate that whine of nubbies on pavement. Slower than my road bike, but easy to carry a backpack without stressing shoulders, arms and hands.
I am only 5'6", 130 lbs., bought the size medium, so the bike is big for me. Too big to use on switchbacks, but I use my 26er Tassajara for that. No problems with brake fade, but they do get stuff in them and start singing.
Climbs great, in or out of saddle. Front fork locks down well enough, but not entirely. Bounce from big balloon tires when out of saddle, but it is fun, like jumping on a mattress. Makes me start thinking.....
Goes over all the road furniture of urban environment, straight up onto curbs,
down rough brick roads, over pot holes.
Smooth and relaxing, I don't feel beat up after long rides. I don't want to get off.
One dis: Big time tail slap due to long wheelbase. Get the arse out of the saddle and you're fine.
Two dis: Heavy.
Even with the Big Apples I can do the trails along the rivers here, even through sand. Would need nubbies only to climb loose surfaces, and even at that I bet just a nubbie on the rear would be good enough. Great rear traction.
Submitted by
ctbarron
a Weekend Warrior
from Annandale, VA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009
Strengths: Stock set-up, frame, GF customer service
Weaknesses: Frame sizing
Bottom Line:
Had my Cobia for about 8 months before it was stolen (arrgh!) and liked it a lot. I used it for local XC riding, and it seems well suited for that purpose. As with most 29ers it rolled well, climbed well, and descended great. The downhill handling was especially good - it felt a bit more in control. I also thought the G2 fork made tight handling a lot better, although I still needed to muscle it a bit in tight corners. All of the stock components worked fine for me (I would have eventually upgraded the BB5's).
The one issue I had with the bike was the frame sizing. I guess I am long-legs, short torso, and the GF's seem to be the opposite of that. I needed to use a 19" (I'm 5'10"). The 17.5" left me using extra-long seatposts and seated several inches above the handlebars (even after stacking those). Initially I like the longer wheelbase and top tube. It was more stable in the corners and stretched me out for climbing. After awhile though, it became harder to ride faster around tight corners/technical parts and the stretching left my back hurting. I tried a shorter stem, and this helped with the back pain but not the cornering and made climbing worse. If you are of a similar body type, please watch the frame fit.
Overall, I still think this bike is one of the best values on the market. If they fit me better, I would stay with the GF's forever.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Salsa ProMoto handlebars, shorter stem, Specialized Rival saddle
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
sabertrail
a Cross Country Rider
from Springville, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2009
Strengths: all that comes with being a 29er
Weaknesses: Freehub, crank, frame
Bottom Line:
Pretty darn good bike. I love the way I can climb on this sucker. All the benefits of a 29er.
But I'm not super happy with how it's held up.
I've had multiple problems with the freehub breaking (I've gone through 3 now).
I must have hit something at some point because I bent a tooth on my front crank which caused me to break 3 chains until I found the problem and tweaked it back into place.
Those problems I can blame on the component manufacturers—but now it turns out my frame cracked. I don't ride aggressively. In fact I rarely have both tires off the ground at the same time.
Granted, I'm a big rider—started at 240 and am down to 225—but I'd expect the fame and parts to hold up better, not withstanding.
I love the bike, but I'm not happy with how it's held up.
Bike Setup: Stock parts except Candy C pedals, Ergon grips, BB7 brakes, and a Specialized seat.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
TxMtnBiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Tx
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2009
Strengths: Solid Frame, Great Components, Insane rollover capability
Weaknesses: None Found
Bottom Line:
By far the best bike I've ever riden. I'm 6'2", 220# and switched to a 29'er for comfort. All issues I had on a 26" are gone, plus the geometry of this frame increased my skill level tremendously! Riding this bike is like being on a bulldozer. New mentality for the GF Cobia is point and pedal. This bike will get you there!!!
Submitted by
BrokenAnimator
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2009
Strengths: Pretty good for the price
Weaknesses: Frame rubs back tire due to not enough clearance(Bike shop refuses to fix)
Brakes are very weak
29 inch tires have to much flex
Pretty heavy for a hardtail
Bottom Line:
Beware, at least the model I have 07 has some pretty big design flaws. The back tire flexes and hits the frame when you hammer down the pedals on uphills and tight corners. The brakes seem to contaminate very easily causing loud brake noise (have to clean the break pads and rotor almost once a week).
Also not a huge fan of the control loss you get with the bigger tires, doing rocky climbs with roots it's almost harder to get over the roots and maneuver while climbing then with normal tires. Also I found I have less traction on climbs (there is a steep fire road I ride everyday), and with this bike I have to really distribute my weight on the back wheel for it to dig in. I dunno if that's because of the 29er tires or the geometry of the frame, but not a fan of it.
On the positive side, I do notice the biggest difference in descents. Going downhill is faster with the bigger tires, but again not worth it for me for the reasons above.
Overall it's an OK bike, not horrible, but not that great.
Hello everyone,
[B]I need help asap to decide between Trek bikes 2012 Cobia, 2012 X-Caliber, and 2011 Rumblefish. [/B]I found unbelievable deal on 2011 Rumblefish, and since tha Read More »
Hello everyone,
[B][COLOR="Red"]WHICH BIKE WOULD YOU CHOOSE IF PRICE WAS THE SAME: 2012 X-CALIBER OR 2011 RUMBLEFISH?[/COLOR][/B]
I need help asap to decide between Trek bike Read More »
Hi All,
I was wondering if any of you have upgraded a Trek Cobia or care to offer input (on another Trek with same frame or just in general/parts). I haven't started upgrading m Read More »
looking to get a trek cobia or mamba real soon. the cobia is really pushing my budget but it is a sweet ride. is there a better bike in this price range? the guy at the lbs was pus Read More »
