The all-new Carve Pro 29 is a competition-inspired aluminum hardtail 29er with an 80mm-travel RockShox Recon Gold 29 SL fork, Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, and Shimano SLX shift levers.
Fully butted, smooth-welded M4SL alloy frame is superlight, stiff, and efficient, with 29er XC geometry, integrated, tapered head tube for front-end stiffness, plus bridge-less seatstays for compliance over bumps
80mm-travel RockShox Recon Gold 29" air-sprung fork features aluminum stanchions and steerer for even lighter weight, plus remote lockout for additional efficiency when climbing
Light and stiff, double-walled alloy rims for added stiffness; front and rear hubs have cartridge bearings and oversized dropout interface for front-end rigidity
Light and efficient 29" Specialized The Captain Control tires are 2Bliss Ready with aramid bead for fast and predictable speed and control on the trail
Two-piece 10-speed Shimano crankset with outboard-bearing BB features oversized spindle for increased power transfer and lighter weight
Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes feature Servo Wave technology for more pad clearance with light weight XT 6-bolt rotors (180mm front, 160mm rear)
Shimano Deore XT Shadow 10-speed rear derailleur for lightweight, pro-level shifting, and improved clearance
Submitted by
Prickles
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2011
Strengths: Light, geometry, customer service, standard kit, shocks, wheels
Weaknesses: None yet. Seat not the most comfortable but will wear nix next time
Bottom Line:
First 29er. A lot more nimble than I thought - was concerned at first about coming from a 26 inch 2009 Trek 6700 which I loved. But no complaints - I am more confident on this than the Trek. I am sure a lot of than had to do with the fact that Specialized store in Chatswood too heaps of time (two hours) to run a proper fit on the bike for me. I was impressed. I was originally leaning towards a Trek 6700 or Trek 8000 again, but shocking service and little room for move by Trek dealers (CBD, North West of Syd, North Shore of Syd) who all just jumped straight to "here, save $100 and be off with you" sealed the deal to the company willing to go the extra distance.
Back to the bike... I was told that the best thing to upgrade first would be the chain and at $60 for a top of the range XTR chain, I did so pre-purchase. I also got the upgraded shifters, cassette, front derailure and pedals all included in the $2000 price, rather than haggle for money of the price itself (is it $1999 RRP).
Would go back and get another. I haven't put the computer on it yet, but it feels faster on the firetrail's for less work.
There really isn't too much of a difference between 29er's and 26er's I don't think. Maybe once I do some 100km+ rides I will change my mind. But if you look at it from the point of view that you're learning a new bike type, it's not too difficult.
Frame is great. Drivetrain is excellent. Brakes are good. Wheels are surprising good in that they are withstanding a lot of punishment that usually sees me out buying custom rims within about 2 months of purchase.
I'm a weekend warrier - maybe firetrails of 80km or so once every fortnight. 24 Hour enduro's will come, and only done one. I can't comment on what it's like for a pro - but I love it.
And it's rare to get this level of service in purchasing a bike (other than the fit, but the knowledge, future services that I can sit in on, advice etc etc from Jeff was great).
Bike Setup: Standard plus - XT front derail (rather than standard SLX), Cassette is SLX (rather than base model), Shifters are XT rather than Alivio/ acera, Pedals XT, chain is XTR rather than non-shimano cheapie
