A bike that feels as comfortable on the race course as it does on your favorite mountain trail.
Infinite custom sizing options, seven stock sizes and more outright speed than your competition can handle. This is the bike to own if you want your friends to be green with envy at both the start and the finish line. You can choose your weapon in multiple flavors: Titanium or Exogrid/Titanium front ends with 26" or 29" wheels. The Racer-X sets the standard for cross-country full suspension and now it just got better. New for 2006, our 26" wheel options receive an ultral-trick carbon seat-stay assembly for increased stiffness and lighter weight. Combined with the Racer-X's all new cutting edge hydro-formed and tapered lower swing-arm, we shaved 130 grams out of the frame (Yes, that's over ¼ pound!). Losing weight and going fast has never been this much fun.
Submitted by
Onivek
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2011
Strengths: Weight, rigid, solid build, agile
Weaknesses: Lack of customization and sticker decals
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Fast climber, agile and responds well. If youre a tall rider check this bike out. Might be a little stiffer than other bikes but softer than a hard tail, this aids climbing. I have never ended a ride wishing I had more suspension. I push this bike hard it handles it all. I highly recommended this bike for tall riders looking for an all day trail bike for those epic adventures.
Bike Setup: XL Frame; Full XT/XTR, i9 wheels, fox front and rear shock, adamo saddle.
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Submitted by
ekuehnen
a Weekend Warrior
from Holmdel, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2011
Strengths: Pretty light, tight pivots, really rolls fast, a great overall ride...
Weaknesses: ... all the typical drawbacks of any other 29er... but I still love it for the trails I ride- better than a my old 26ers anyway...
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike. First of all, I am 6'1" and 200lbs with a 32" inseam. I have the medium and it is perfect. My buddy got the Large and it was def too big for me. I love the bike with the Manitou 100mm fork on it. The RP23 rear shock is great. I can definitely climb better on one of my 26" XC bikes but that is the only negative thing to say... once you get rolling on this thing- its a blast- enough travel for my moderately rough central NJ trails. Got a sick deal from Chainlove for $950. So 5 flamin' hot stinky turds for value and 5 stinky hot flamin' turds for overall performance
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Blur LT, Giant Anthem 0
Bike Setup: Sram XO, Race Face; Deus cranks, Next SL bars & post. DT Swiss 240S hubs w/ ZTR 355 rims built by Speed Dream Wheels. Reba Race w/ lockout. Specialized Captain tubeless 2.0 tires. Fizik Gobi saddle. Exposure lights
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Submitted by
jeffrey j
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2010
Strengths: Very nice riding bike overall. Stiff frame and just enough suspension to compliment the 29 inch tires.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
With my setup the bike comes in pretty light for a full suspension 29er (I'd say just over 27 lbs). Absolutely loved this bike from the moment I first sat on it!!
I'm just under 5'9" and the medium feels/seems large, but it's actually just right.
Bike Setup: Reba Race, Bontrager XXX lite tubeless, Hayes Stroker Gram, XT Cranks, XTR cassette, XO shifter/deral, Ritchey carbon seatpost, Specialized carbon bars, Selle Italia SLR saddle, Thomson stem, Egg beater pedals...
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Submitted by
EGORDON71
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola,Fl, USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2009
Strengths: No pedal bob.. Swift and nimble, handles very well on fast single track. Climbs like a champ. Soaks up all the bumps well.
Weaknesses: None as of yet.. We'll have to see how long the bearings last.
Bottom Line:
I was very lucky to get an awesome deal on an 08 closeout.. The frame would still be worth it with the big price tag.. Best of both worlds 29" + just enough squish, makes for a great all around bike.
Similar Products Used: Stumpjumper Pro, SC Blur LT, Mooto-X-YBB
Bike Setup: XO Twist 1x9, Reba, Mavic C29ssmmax, XTR cranks, Magura SL ect. Weight 25.96 (S) frame
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Submitted by
gregory brinson
a Racer
from rocky point,N.C. U.S
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2009
Strengths: Bike has a stiff feel to it that I like.Climbs very well,front wheel never gets light or tries to lift up as other bikes that I,ve owned.
Weaknesses: Does not turn as sharp as other bikes.
Bottom Line:
Best mountain bike I have owned so far.Had one of the first Niner Jet 9 frames and when the bike broke for the second time was able to get a refund.After riding the Titus for a month I was glad the Niner broke and forced me to buy the Titus.
Strengths: Stiffest 29er rear end on the market, light tunable suspension. Climbs like a bird. Titanium makes a huge difference for the good. An incredible marathon machine. Spot on geometry.
Weaknesses: Expensive though this thing will out last anything for years. Aerospace build quality. No weaknesses. I know - it's crazy!
Bottom Line:
This is by far one of the best 29er I've had. I'm a bike reviewer for a MTB magazine (can't say which) and this baby performs like a Swiss knife. Took one for myself!!
Rear end is incredibly stiff unlike other 29ers; Niner and G.fisher.
29ers tend to go flexi on the rear, but not the RX.
That said, the Titanium gives you that extra ride quality you want when you go out there for all day intense epic rides, marathons, 100 mile races. You don't feel any fatigue cause the Ti absorbs everything. It's quite amazing. Titus did use the Ti wisely here.
3" suspension is more than enough. You can tune the sus. to behave like a hard tail, soft tail or a plush typical FSR full suspension XC rig.
The geo is nice! I took a medium (could have gone with a large) - amazingly flick able. Almost not a 29er. Crazy and surprisingly responsive on single tracks. The 71.5 Head angle is spot on stable and responsive. With this Geo you actually go with dedicated offset forks for 29ers, such as the fox (like the new G2 G.fisher Geo).
You wont be disappointed with this one – you do get what you pay for.
Not only the ultimate XC machine but a trail machine that is quite capable. Pure joy. God bless America.
Strengths: Good geometry, good craftsmanship, Titus logo shines and lights the trail
Weaknesses: None what so ever!!!
Bottom Line:
I was afraid to try the 29er for some time but then it A friend showed up with his and I took it for a ride – WOW!!!
I know Titus build quality, I had various brands in my garage – Titus is in a league of its own - period. Its Titus from now on. Best service is the nation IMO, so why compromise on the best sport hobby money can buy?
I have a racer x 26er Exogrid, I have a Motolite Alloy - but bringing a 29er into the stable was the biggest change I did.
This is a smooth ride, rolls over anything, and very fast into turns – why people say that 29er behave like DH monsters I don't know! The Racer x 29 is very accurate handling; perhaps it's the great geometry.
I'm embarrassed to say that I don't feel I want to ride anything else now. Not even my road bike J
I have to say that I cant wait for Titus to come out with a 650b - I (and many other 29ers I know of) will be the first in line to order, cause it looks like the ultimate thing and will make my stable perfect.
Similar Products Used: Titus racer x Exogrid 26" wheels, and other 26ers.
Bike Setup: Only good components!
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Submitted by
Flyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2008
Strengths: Great climber
Laterally Stiff
Good geometry (not too twitchy)
Fast
Solid construction
Great climber- love that!!
Weaknesses: Maybe less standover than some prefer
Bottom Line:
I picked this up on sale and normally would not have bought it but suddenly realized than a good 29er with 3" of suspension is a lot of bike.
I was VERY pleasantly surprised. The frame is very laterally stiff and the suspension is firm but very compliant- 3-5 hour rides will be just fine. The bikes is 28 lbs abut just fast...really fast. It is very stable and I can rail on this bike. The stiffness leads to very confident cornering and the headangle isn't too steep.
I am way faster on this bike than I was on my Flux. Titus did a great job with this one. The wheelbase is long enough for high-speed stability but not so long that it gets in my way...pretty intuitive feel right off the bat I love riding the Racer-X...it is so much nicer than the 26er version, and way more comfortable. The suspension is well designed. Square-edged bumps are dealt with smoothly and since there is little squat, the bike climbs like crazy. Carving is addictive and once you get used to the slightly longer wheelbase (over a 26er) the stability at speed is nice to have. Bonus- not twitchy at all. I use a 100mm TA Reba Team fork..the ugly white one. :(
I also have the RIP9 but when I ride with my faster friends, I take the Racer-X. It has really evened out the playing field and made me a faster and stronger rider. It almost feels better balanced as the speeds go up. I'll do a follow-up in a few months. It may be a 29er thing of course, but I am way more impressed with this bike than I was with the Moto Lite and Racer-X, though the Moto Lite is a nice bike. This one impresses me though.
Similar Products Used: Flux, Salty, Spot, Moto Lite, X-5, ASR, 575, RIP9, Moots 29er, and a few more but not as much.
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Submitted by
Phil
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2008
Strengths: Laterally rigid, snappy full suspension yet supple on small stuff. Not a super plush bike, this is a X country racer, no noticable pedal bob with Fox RP23, rolls right through and eats up roots, limestone rocks and ruts. Climbs like a billy goat!
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike in January and it arrived while there was a fresh 4 inch dump of snow. So I took it out.. damn it just laughed at snow. Cars had trouble and I just waltzed through. With spring here I have trail rode twice and it is a dream. The lower rolling resistance of the 29rs is readily apparent to me as I am a clyde. I blasted through rocky rooty sections of my favourite trail that I had to really work through with my Hard Tail Oryx. I wanted a x country/endurance bike for Adventure Races and Exterras. The RX 29r does not disappoint! I find it turns as easily as my Oryx but does everything else better with no flex in the frame and no bob while seated -standing I have to engage propedal but Iam 215 so Im not sure if anything out there would stand up to that pounding- . I am riding with 170lbs in the rear shock with the blue knob set on 2 for trails. Climbing is a dream, especially technical loose sections. The rear end simply rolls over small stuff while not loosing momentum and giving me traction. I climbed two sections that are always a challenge. One lengthy climb I make about 80% of the time. The other steeper section with a switchback I've only made once. With the RX 29r I smoked both. No more spinning out.. no more loosing momentum hitting small stuff. This is the bike I have wanted for a long.. long time! Lastly, I've read a number of posts that speak of being "between the wheels" on a 29r rather than on top on a 26r. I have to say that for a bigger guy this is readily apparent. Not once have I felt the forward push and potential endo. Going downhill was the hardest adaptation to my riding style because I was always had to be a bit conservative now I just point and shoot.
I researched this bike extensively (and others) and greatly appreciated the info the MTBR community posts on these boards. I credit my purchase to proper bike fit (done online) and the knowledge gained from all sources. Due to my location in Canada I was not able to ride this bike.. so you can understand it was a leap of faith! I have absolutely no regrets and I cant wait to race with this rig. This is not an inexpensive bike and it is a significant investment. Weighed as a whole though I have given it 5 and 5.
My thanks to the MTBR community as a whole. I hope that this review helps someone else out!
Similar Products Used: Moto lite, Specialized Epic Comp, Spec 29er, Rocky Mtn ETSX 50, Oryx Equipe 4500
Bike Setup: Maxm Stem + Riser Bar (660mm), XT crank, shifters, fr + r ders, DT Onyx wheelset with DT 7.1 rims, Nevegals 2.3, Martha SLs, Thompson Setback Seatpost, Ergon grips, Spec'd saddle. I am considering getting a set of I'9s for racing though and keeping the DT's for training.
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Submitted by
Tony Clemente
a Weekend Warrior
from Sierra Vista, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008
Strengths: Super light and rides like a hard tail. Climbs very well-rarely have to use the pro-pedal on the RP23. Ti is sexy and only flexy where you need it. Super fast and stable.
Weaknesses: A bit on the expensive side-but worth it. If you want super plush-look for another bike. Not a tight turning bike in switchbacks.
Bottom Line:
I am kind of the odd bird running this bike as a SS-but it is awesome!!!! When I rode it as a geared bike, I loved it as a pure XC machine that ignored Babyheads and other small obstacles.
Similar Products Used: Niner SIR9, Intense Spyder 29er
Bike Setup: Jones Bars, SS with a Melvin, CK hubs with DT Swiss TK 7.1 Disc rims, Magura Marts SLs, Dirty Dog Rotors, Thompson elite Seatpost and Specilaized Rival seat.
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Submitted by
T
from PHX, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2008
Strengths: laterally rigid, efficient, adjustability, good tire clearance ('08 version)
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
All the FS 29ers I've ridden todate never felt quite "right." There was always some degree of flex that was bothersome, lack of efficiency, not enough travel etc. I feel like i've hit the motherload. This bike is an absolute pleasure to ride each time I get on it. It doesn't hurt that I got a screamin deal for it but having known what I know about it now, I'd pay retail in a heartbeat. The travel is just enough and with the RP23 its got plenty of adjustability. There's not a hint of flex in the rear end. The Horst link sus is all that and a hunk of cheese - stays active while climbing or braking (i've never felt this before). This is the 08 version and thetire clearance is huge, I'm running a GEAX which is a pretty fat tire and there is still 1/2" on each side left. The handling feels spot on. 4" fork is recommended but I like the handling with 80mm. The RIP was OK but there was some frame flex noticeable which bugs. The thing weighed as much as the titus, the sus bolts backed out while riding on a trail, I could not get my cable routing to work out (sounds like a minor issue I know but annoying) and the chain was like a buzzsaw on the atomic blue paint/aluminum on the front R chainstay. Ventana's El Rey was very, very nice as far as workmanship goes but LOOONG chainstays and slack geo made it feel like a downhill rig. Had a very plush 4" out back. This thing was a NICE bike, but the Titus is better for me. I don't need the 4" on a 29er. I'll take the efficiency. The Fisher are just WAY too squirelly. Nuff said. They are light though. I don't see any bike beating this one for me for a long time. Rumor has it Cocalis may be creating a Pivot 29er. If he can match the rigidity, shorten the chainstays and figur a way out to beat the beefy horst linkage of the RX, he may have somehting. But I'm not holding my breath. This bike kicks ass. I'm gratelful to have it. I just wish I'd have purchased one three years ago before wasting my money on the other products!!!!
Similar Products Used: Niner RIP 9 (owned), Ventana El Rey (demo), Fisher sugar 29ers (owned), Moots Mooto X YBB (Owned)
Bike Setup: King/Stans, RST fork 80mm, juicy 7
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Submitted by
Robert Dimino
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007
Strengths: Simple and efficient suspension (arguably the best) mated to a quality spec and Ti frame. This provides for a strong and stiff platform seated or while standing under power. There is little need to use any of the settings in either shock or fork. The design, spec and materials used give this bike top shelf control and handling capability. With some nice ribber the end result is an other-worldy grippy feel that seems to suck you into trail.
The new light MavicCMX29 wheelsts reduce rotational weight allowing me to navigate with zen like handling and excelleration.
Weaknesses: The Ti version and spec is expensive! However, I was able to demo the aluminum version of the Racer X 29 before I made the purchase of a Ti model. The aluminum version was about 3+lbs heavier with moslty XT spec.
My point is, the aluminum version possessed all of the performance qualities that sold me on the bike in the first place.
Bottom Line:
At 46, I have ridden a few bikes and owned some very nice ones, recently.
A Maverick ML7.2/DUC combination. This bike is different than most however, like it or not, the ML7.2 climbed like a monkey on crack and could decend with confidence inspiring aplomb
The Voodoo Azian allowed me to become more appreciative of the 29er ride charecteristics. I noticed right away the differences in ride quality and I began to ride the ML7 much less. Over time I knew I wanted to have these big wheels mated with some rear suspension, so.
The Ti Racer X 29 is strong and stiff. It allows tight control in the cockpit under extreme conditions. The light and stiff Mavic wheelset reduces rotational weight enough that I feel quicker and more capable in the tight and during excelleration. I ride the suspension front and back and in all conditions set to fully active. The efficient Titus design mated to the Reba 29 front and Fox RP23 provides machine that is limited only by strength and technique.
Similar Products Used: ML7.2 with XTR, DUC front fork and Avid J-7. Voodoo Azian 29 with XTR, SC32 front squish and Avid J-7. I like the all around XC ride quality of the ML7.2 and I also loved the big wheel mojo of the Voodoo Azian. The Racer X 29 seems to have blended the stuff I liked about both bikes into a single highly competent machine.
Bike Setup: Ti RacerX 29, XO shifters and derailure, XTR cranks, cog and front derailure. New Mavic Crossmax29 wheelsets running Maxxis Ignitors, Avid Juicy Ulitiate hydrolic brakes, Reba Race 29, Fox RP23
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Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Aviemore, Inverness-shire, Scotland
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007
Strengths: Big wheels combined with Titus suspension, geometry and quality.
Weaknesses: For me - none, well maybe not as quick out of slow corners as a 26er and big wheel weight (that could be sorted though).
Bottom Line:
It really works for me! I use a Truth and an ML8 and neither are as good as the 29er. The Truth is a light nimble race bike that I like to grab for a quick blast, but it has it's limitations on the rockier terrain, so I use the ML8, but with it's bigger tyres and flawed riding position - that slack seat angle and my long legs - I wouldn't use it for fast work. So onto the 29er, first off, as I said, I have long legs for my 5'10" and therefore the whole big frame / wheel thing felt spot on for me. On the loose, gravelly track ride out the first impression was of effortless speed, well far less effort than the ML8. Cornering on the loose fast corners I felt far more confident and carried more speed without "washing-out". The climbing ability on rocky, rooty, bumpy terrain was superior to the ML8 for traction and to the Truth for speed. Downhill and again the rooty and rocky terrain was all rolled over with far less drama than the 26" bikes, it's as if the suspension doesn't have to work too hard as the wheels have already "ironed out" the bumps. Even rocky drop offs were tackled that I would never feel happy with on the Truth. On very twisty stuff I found I carved round the corners rather than steered round them, I was using a flat bar set low so I wonder if this speeded up the steering or whether it was the head angle? anyway I didn't feel the big wheels sluggish on the tight stuff. So what I feel is that I have found a bike that fits me perfectly is racer quick like the Truth, yet can handle far worse terrain, climbs superbly, never wants for traction - even on "slickish" tyres and descends as confidently as an ML8 with loads of travel and big burly tyres! For someone who likes to ride quickly over proper mtb terrain rather than mince around in "funparks" I think its my perfect bike. I can only say if you fit one give it a go - then form your own opinion - don't be put off by the whole 29er "thing". All I need to do now is sell the Truth and ML8!
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Sisters, Oregon USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2006
Strengths: Smooth 29er ride, great climbing, sure handling and cornering. Great all-round XC epic/marathon type trail bike.
Weaknesses: none that I am aware of if you can forget about the price
Bottom Line:
Got it Friday 23rd, rode it 55 mi Saturday and 25 more Sunday, over a little bit of everything. Perfect September weekend. Loved the 26" version, this is even better. Very high confidence at speed and over rough terrain, climbs with aplomb, and oddly steady in steep switchback descents, which I did not expect. Like the difference between my 170 Rossi slalom skis and my 182 Fischer GS. Both great solid skis, only one pair goes faster. 970 drivetrain has quicker and more positive shifting than the Dura-ace stuff on my road bike. Maybe my last bike...thought I'd never drop the other one. Can't say enough about the confidence that comes with the larger wheel size for bigger guys (6'3"). That along with whatever Titus does to make a bike feel like it's part of your body. Special thanks to Craig at Competetive Cyclist for a patient professional process from first call to last minute pre-ride set-up advice.
Similar Products Used: Previous ride was also racer-x, 26". Rode the 29" Gary Fisher 293 and the Niner rigid ss before purchase
Bike Setup: Reba Race, Shimano 970 xtr, DT Swiss w. Stan's rims, WTB Moto front and Kenda Klaw rear, Thompson post and stem, eggbeaters, FSA carbon flat bar, Ergon grips.
