Submitted by
Glenn
a Weekend Warrior
from Stephentown, NY Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pittsfield State Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$960.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Great geometry that inspires on downhills, perfect paint for now, good climber, reasonable value for a 29er.
Weaknesses:
No complaints.
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
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Texican
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX USA Date Reviewed: March 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Comfort
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
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
Similar Products Used:
Niner EMD
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
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sevo
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO USA Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Asrix Sports
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.
Similar Products Used:
Owned an On-One Inbred. Ridden GF, Niner SIR/EMD/Air, Karate Monkey, Dos Niner
Bike Setup:
Astrix Rook Frame, On-One Superlight fork, Avid Magnesium brakes with WTB pads, SRAM Shifters/Brake levers/front&rear ders/Chain/Cassette, Easton Carboon Post/Riser Handlebar, Race Face Stem, WTB Lock On style grips, Panaracer Rampage Tires, Crank Brothers Candy SL Interbike 2006 edition pedals, XTR Crank 2x9 (42/29), ZIPP carbon front hub 28h radial to Mavic CXP 30 rim, rear LX hub 32h DB spokes to Mavic Open Pro rim.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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