Submitted by
nicco2go
a Cross Country Rider
from Santee, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
RPQ / Daley / MTRP
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10000.00
Purchased At:
North of the Border
Strengths:
Best bang for the buck; no it didn't cost 10k although I would hold it up against bikes that do.
Weaknesses:
New elixir rear brake made the frame vibrate like no tomorrow. Switched it out with Juicy 7. Still vibrates from time to time but now more tolerable.
Weakness too is that I can only give it 5 chilis.
Similar Products Used:
SS frames out there... those who know; know.
Bike Setup:
Thomson Stem and Seatpost, WTB Laser disk front and back (SS specific), WTB saddle, Race face riser bar, ODI grips with Cane Creek bar ends (installed backwards), Chris King headset and BB, Juicy 7, Race Face evolve Cranks 38t, Surly rear cog 20t, Maxxis Ignitor front and rear 2.1.
Bottom Line:
I got hooked on SS 29ers buying a GT Peace Niner from Craigs List for $200. After careful consideration, Vassago won out but ultimately, I am the winner. Got rid of my 26" FS all together; the only geared bike I have is my road bike now. 38x20 gets me up nearly anything in SD; even Mission Trails (crazy steep and loose in certain parts).
The most fun I've had on a bike in a long time and to quote another reviewer, the bike simply fits me. The best part is the simplicity; no gears, no decision. Either I gut out the climb or walk like a wuss. Either way, I don't feel like a loser at the top of the climb. if I make it, I made it on an SS. If I don't make it, it's because I'm on an SS.
I may get a geared 29er in the future but for now, I love the sound of dirt breaking beneath my tires, getting out of the saddle, and using body English to clear obstacles. It's a full body work out not to be taken lightly.
Speaking of lightly, I've lost 23 lbs since I got this rig. Ask me how..... kidding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peachdrafting
a Cross Country Rider
from golden, co, us Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
jeffco open space trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$479.00
Purchased At:
Vassago
Strengths:
29er specific steel singlespeed frame, nuff said. great price ~ great frame!
Weaknesses:
when you buy comes w/ frame only (nuthin else), but you are already getting a killer deal for 479bones!
ZTR Arch w/ King hubs, Weirwolf front Exiwolf rear, ENO crank and BB, Formula K24 brakes, Thomson stem, seatpost, easton handlebar, time pedals, White Bros. magic 80 fork, it is a SS not much more.
Bottom Line:
great frame, great ride ~ if I have a choice and can handle goin uphill, this bike is my choice. ride like the devil!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toby Welborn
a Cross Country Rider
from Carson City, NV Date Reviewed: June 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The one that goes up and down without too many people
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$479.00
Purchased At:
Bike Smith in Carson
Strengths:
Wet Cat geometry is all it is made out to be. This is an absolutely fabulous bike. It climbs great, descents perfectly, and turns on a dime. I did a lot of research before buying this frame and I have not been let down.
Weaknesses:
Paint - not a big deal, touch-up paint is cheap from Vassago.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first 29er and it has opened the door. I just ordered a Bandersnatch. Bianchi CUSS - since I bought this bike as my single speed replacement.
Bike Setup:
Ritchey stem, seatpost, and handlebar, Truvativ Stylo SS crank, Avid Juicy 7, Mavic rims, Paul hubs, Bontrager carbon fork, and a Specialized saddle.
Bottom Line:
Worth every penny. I ride this bike everywhere. The Jabberwocky handles like dream and is just good 'ol fun to ride. You would have to "pry it away from my cold dead hands."
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
single speed kid
a Cross Country Rider
from Hayward, WI, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009
Rocksolid carbon fork, XT cranks, XT disc brakes, Stan's 355 rims on Hope Pro II hubs, etc
Bottom Line:
This bike climbs incredibly well, is very comfortable, flexes where it is suppose to, has a stiff bottom bracket, and most important - it simply just fits me. This frame may weigh more than an aluminum or scandium frame, but due to it's climbing capability and comfort I believe it is very race worthy. The 'Wet Cat' geometry is right on! It makes for a perfect fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ghost.97
a Cross Country Rider
from Front Range, CO Date Reviewed: June 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Vassago web site - f
Strengths:
Where to start? This bike pretty much does it all. It climbs like a mountain goat on speed. It descends faster and plusher than my old GF X-Cal w/ Reba. The ODI's fork tracks like a dream. I'm not sure I understand the WetCat Geometry, but it sure does make for a comfortable, reliable ride.
Weaknesses:
The stock axle tensioners kind of sucked, but they have an upgrade available on their website. That's it.
Similar Products Used:
GF X-Caliber. Blacksheep.
Bike Setup:
White Industries hubs/Salsa Del Gado rims. White Industries ENO crankset 32t. On One Mary Bar. Avid Juicy 7. Thomson seat post and stem. WTB Devo saddle. Kenda Nevagals. 19t rear cog (for now)
Bottom Line:
Read all of the marketing stuff on Vassago's website and believe it. I have a hard time believing that there's a better value for a frame/fork in the 29er market. If you're looking to build up a XC SS bike that can handle all day rides, I would highly recommend taking a look at the Jabberwocky.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirtdevil555
a Weekend Warrior
from MI Date Reviewed: May 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Poto, Highland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Trails Edge
Strengths:
The 09' Jabber handles like it's on rails around tight-twisty singletrack, absorbs bumps well and rolls over rocks and roots with ease. Frame geometry is da bomb.
Weaknesses:
Initial problems w/rear tire coming loose & rubbing on frame when braking. LBS fixed the problem by setting the wheel back further and by using stronger tensioning screws. Vassago should sell the frame with the Jabberbolts as a standard feature, not an "upgrade".
Similar Products Used:
First 29er, First SS. Other rides is a 06' Trance 2.
Bike Setup:
Truvativ Cranks, XR post, XR stem, Stylo riser handlebars, Ergon grips, Cane Creek headset, WTB Exiwolf tires 2.3"
Color: None More Black
Bottom Line:
I've had the bike for 1 wk. now and have about 65 trail miles on her. I'm totally digging the feel of the 29er and it's excellent handling ability. I find that I'm faster on the SS than on my FS and I have more confidence cornering and meandering through curvy singletrack. Much more fun riding this bike than any other I've owned. The Wetcat geometry really does work as I can climb better and faster as the wheels/frame stick to the ground even when standing and mashing up steep climbs. My friends have ridden it and are also sold on it's ease of use. I have the capability of switching to a 1x9, but don't think I will until I'm old and rickety to handle the SS thing anymore. Why did I wait so long to drink the cool-aid???
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas Date Reviewed: May 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At:
cycle progression
Strengths:
Fit, handling, looks, weight, geometry.
Weaknesses:
No mounts for panniers, no mounts for canti or v-brakes. Is it really so inappropriate to want to use an SS for trails one day then groceries the next? I guess it saved 0.2 grams not having the mounts...
Similar Products Used:
Surly Karate Monkey, Spot Longboard, Rocky Mountain Slayer, Schwinn 1989 sierra steel hard tail
Bike Setup:
SS with XT hubs, 2.5" tubeless WTB Weirwolf tires, BB7 brakes, Ergon grips (love them so much), WTB laser saddle (omg so comfy), flat bmx pedals, ODIS fork (super stiff, no flex, great feel)
Bottom Line:
The bike just grows on me with every ride. I've lowered the seat a lot like a DH bike to help compensate for the low gearing, makes wheelies and bunny hops a lot easier, and overall makes the bike a hell of a lot of fun. The geometry is just so insanely good that you can wedge the seat between your legs and basically steer with your legs. It handles corners like it's on rails, lands jumps like my RM Slayer (but with less noise), and it cruises around parking lots and urban settings like a predatory animal amidst a herd of sheep... It just feels READY all the time. I let my brother ride it on some trails with me, I could barely keep up, and he had the same reaction to it as me. It feels like a bike you've ridden your whole life - it's mysteriously familiar!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lemonpedals23
a Cross Country Rider
from California, Laguna Beach Date Reviewed: April 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Holy Jim
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$429.00
Purchased At:
Bike Co
Strengths:
Handling, value, Customer service.
Weaknesses:
None so far. No suspension, but almost as good!
Similar Products Used:
Voodoo, KHS, Niner
Bike Setup:
Vassago Pitchfork, WTB wheels, Avid BB7 disc, various tires, riser bar, 34X20.
Bottom Line:
This bike redefined 29ers for me. Quickly became my go-to bike. Fantastic customer service and surprising handeling for a 29er. I now ride only 2ers. These guy re defined the buying experience. Total fan.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbnachos
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon, CA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Geometry, flex/stiffness combo, price, clean welds, quick, custom color options
Weaknesses:
Dropout, tire clearance
Similar Products Used:
Soma Juice
Bike Setup:
Single speed, ODIS fork, RF cranks, CK cog, Arch 29er w/ LX hubs
Bottom Line:
This is a bike you can start on 29ers and end with. The geometry is spot on for climbing and descending. I point the bike where I want to go and the Jabber complies in a heartbeat. You can add very nice components to this frame and get it under $2k.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
7daysaweek
a Cross Country Rider
from NC,USA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kanuga
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Private Seller
Strengths:
Weight, feels great, good quality, price.
Weaknesses:
No complaints yet, we'll see how it does long term.
Bike Setup:
White Brothers Rock Solid, Easton Bars, Thomson stem/post, BB7s, DT Swiss wheels, Stylo crankset, set up as a 32x20 SS.
Bottom Line:
First impressions: I've had the bike for less than two weeks. I've ridden it nearly every day for those two weeks and I absolutely love it. The build came out very lightweight, looks very good, and handles like a dream. This bike will climb anything and feels better on all but the roughest trails than my full suspension did.
Highly recommended. Excellent bike, not too expensive... worth more than every penny. I love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Niskayuna, NY, USA Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$529.00
Purchased At:
Vassago Online
Strengths:
Geometry! Long ETT and stays with low BB is a winner. This bike climbs technical stuff like nothing else. It rails corners. It does everything so well and gets lots of attention at the trail head. Well made and durable. Nice quality paint and clean welds. No frame prep needed for assembly. Love the rigid pitch fork as well. Track dropout which can be used with quick release and disc brake is cool.
Weaknesses:
Eh- I didn't buy one sooner? No cable guides on rigid fork. 2mm allen chain tensioner bolt should be hex bolt or thumbscrew instead.
Similar Products Used:
Redline Monocog Flight 29er (frame cracked after one year of XC use)
Bike Setup:
SS with Vassago rigid fork. All other parts were stock on Flight 29er.
Bottom Line:
This bike is so good that everyone should try one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett Dudo
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, Cali Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Trails Edge
Strengths:
the geometry of the bike is incredible. vassago touts the riding position 'in' the bike, and it is so true. the steel tubing used is top notch, and i feel totally safe doing things i probably shouldn't be doing on a XC bike.
Weaknesses:
none that i'm aware of... nothings perfect, but for a rigid SS, this bike very well might be.
this bike is great. at about $400 for the frame, you really can't go wrong. it's stiff... but a little flexy. perfect, if you ask me. when you turn the wheel, it turns w/o question. the handling is wonderful.
i want to have something bad to say about it... but it's just not going to happen. if you want a steel frame for singlespeeding... this is it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marshall
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: May 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry or Tunnels (hard call)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
PBW
Strengths:
Excellent bike! Like others have said, the Wet Cat geometry is no gimmick. The bike climbs extremely well, descends with confidence, and really provides a comfortable and stable ride. The bike is not harsh or nasty at all over bumps and ruts. The 29er wheels roll up and over stuff that would be scary on a 26er. With this bike, NO problem. I have a blast riding the Jabber, and it has become the ride of choice.
Weaknesses:
I had to wait over 5 months to get a frame... but so what? The wait was WORTH it. It has been what I wanted my 29er single speed to be like. The rear wheel adjusters could use a small knob or something...
Similar Products Used:
Surly 29er, Redline (cool bike -- but the Jabber is better) GT Peace 29er.
Bike Setup:
WTB Speedisc 29er rims, WTB Exiwolf tires, Surly disc hubs, Shimano LX disc, FSA bar and stem, Race Face cranks, White Brothers Carbon 29er fork, Thomson seat post,SDG seat... some old school Shimano DH pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike! Not at all top heavy or hard to handle like some of the 29ers I tried. It took about one ride to feel confident on this bike --and it totally rails on singletrack. Vassago deserves the rep they have for building a sweet bike that normal folks can afford.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dash
a Cross Country Rider
from OPKS Date Reviewed: April 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Strengths:
WetCat is great. Frame is very responsive, feels lower than it is. Works well with 29er wheels so that it doesn't feel top-heavy. Climbs well, much lighter than I expected. Rider is very well balanced between wheels.
Weaknesses:
Limited color option.
Similar Products Used:
Redline MonoCog Flight 29er Cannondale F300
Bike Setup:
singlespeed, of course. Rigid atm, 29er suspension forks are expensive
Bottom Line:
Best bike purchase I've made. They have my future business.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duckman
a
from Johnson City, TN Date Reviewed: March 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
To many to list
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Vassago Cycles
Strengths:
Well designed and constructed. The Wet Cat geometry is no marketing gimmick. It works. Vassago is a great company to work with. Awesome support.
Weaknesses:
None that I have found
Similar Products Used:
Niner One-9
Bike Setup:
Thompson seatpost and stem, Easton bars, Ergon grips, WTB saddle and tires, Formula Brakes, Chris King Headset, Middleburn Cranks, Crank Bros bottom bracket, Stans/DT wheels, XTR pedals.
Bottom Line:
I love these bikes. Until about a year ago, I had never ridden a 29er and I bought a One-9. After having issues with it, I got my first Jabberwocky, built it and the first ride (after a short shakedown) was 65 miles through the Pisgah National Forest. Not a bad place to test a bike.
I race endurance races (12, 24hrs and 100 milers) and if these bikes didn't ride and handle well, I couldn't imagine what (additional) torture that would be.
The Wet Cat geometry really works. The idea of having a longer, lower bike to put the center of gravity more between the wheels than on top of them is brilliant. My bike handles like it was on rails, especially in tight, twisty singletrack (not what you'd think from a 29er). Don't look at the numbers and scoff. You gotta test ride one before you make any judgements.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge, LA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008
Everything about it is great. It just feels like the perfect rigid bike to me. I went with the matching Vassago Pitchfork and it rides great. The steel frame seems to absorb the small stuff and make the big stuff fun. I believe it's the perfect bike for my local trails. I liked the ride so much I built a hardtail Vassago Bandersnatch as well.
Weaknesses:
none so far, been perfect for a year.
Similar Products Used:
Redline MonoCog, Gary Fisher Rig
Bike Setup:
bolt-on Profile hubs, Velocity Blunts, FSA Pig DH Pro headset, Sunline V1 pedals, TruVativ Hussefelt cranks, Easton stem/bar/seatpost, Selle Italia C2 saddle, Avid Juicy5 disc brakes, ESI Chunky grips
Bottom Line:
if you're looking for one of the best 29er values out there, you've found it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Xayden
a Weekend Warrior
from So Cal Date Reviewed: March 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$379.00
Purchased At:
Bike Co
Strengths:
Excellent climbing - great agility
Weaknesses:
Wanted a different color ---- waiting for the pitchfork to come out!
Similar Products Used:
Surly KM
Bottom Line:
Absolutely love the bike and the customer service is top notch. Definitely a great buy and worth more than paid!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Racer
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: March 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dakota Ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
vassago.com
Strengths:
Steep climbs are very comfortable on this bike but the technical climbing is unreal. I am able to make several nasty sections of local trails that I have dabbed so many times before. The ride is lateraly stiff but still very compliant which is perfect for longer races.
My 3rd 29er hardtail, and I feel like I have found the missing link. Hard to put a finger on it, but the jabber feels different from many 29ers, in a very good way. Out of 3 bikes in the garage, the Jabber has become the go-to bike. It just seams to be comfortable in any condition.
Another strength is the finish. The paint is beautifull and welds are clean. Not at all the beater/trainer I expected considering the price.
Weaknesses:
color options are available, but you have to upgrade to a powdercoat for $175. I cant justify that on a $400 frame no matter how great it rides. Stick with the green.
Also, the internal tentioners require a small allen key. Its minor, but it bugs me to have to use tools when tey could have some grip.
Reba SL or waltworks steel fork. DTswiss 240s/DTswiss TK7 rims/DB spokes. S3 HeadSet, White ind. cranks, thompson stem. Moots ti post. Seven ti flat bar. XTR hydro discs. 32/18 or 34/21 depending on course.
Bottom Line:
I wish I would have bought this bike years ago. The lap time saved with its climbing prowess, more than makes up for the 1/2 lb heavier frame than my previous boutique frame.Ill never go back.
Bottom line, if you're a 29er guy, this frame will not disappoint. Spend the extra money on some kick ass wheels!
Value rating is unquestionable. I am giving only 4 chilis because of the lack of color options and the tensioners. It should really be a 4.5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stanton Mayers
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo Date Reviewed: January 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Gooseburry Mesa, Ut
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$390.00
Purchased At:
on line from website
Strengths:
Climbing is amazing with this frame. Technical or loose climbs are a treat, traction and ballance are amazing.I think I have actually gotten better at climbing since buying this bike. This frame feels low and nimble and I cant ride it enough! Frame is compliant and smooth, but still stiff tracks great.
Also, you can change the rear tire whithout taking off the brake caliper! The way it should be.
A Ti version with the same geometry and design would be the perfect 29er!
Weaknesses:
Only comes in one color - Army Drab Green. Not really a weakness but I like brighter colors. Also, I dont like cable guides on a singlespeed frame.
I have ridden and owned many 29ers. I love them all but the Jabberwocky has great ballance to it. It has emabled me to climb things even as a singlespeed that I cant believe. The frame is avarage wieght for steel but climbs fast and light. I can't rave enough about it. I have paid twice as much for a frame and not been half as happy.
I am giving it a 4 out of 5 only because I wish it had more color options. but I guess for a frame like this at under 400 bucks, I'll be happy with the green.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaheim, Ca USA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sherwin Forrest San Diego, Ca
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Website
Strengths:
THer are almost to many strengths to list. The frame is perfect. It gives you the feeling of being low to the ground and your center of gravity directly under you. When it is next to my Santa Cruz Bullit, it is the same height even though it has a 29 inch wheel. I have mine set up as a 1 by 9 and love it. The pedal power is always there without a lot of flex in the frame. I have not found a flaw in this frame yet. This is the best 29er bike on the market. The Surley seemed to sit much higher and it seems that the geomotery of the Vassago is far superior.
Weaknesses:
Have not found any weaknesses yet. I will update this review if one is found.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M300, Surley Karate Monkey
Bike Setup:
Race Face Cranks, Avid Mechanical Disk Brakes, Easton Seat Post and Handle Bars, X9 rear derailer and grip shift, WTB Saddle, Cane Creek Head Set, Race Face Stem, Warewolf Front Tire, Panaracer Rampage Rear tire.
Bottom Line:
If you want a 29er, this is the only bike. You can ride all the other frames out there and you will always come back to this one. The designer thought of everything when they put this together. You can tell a rider designed this frame. Since this bike is also $100 or more cheaper then it's competition, what more do you need to say. Go buy one. You will not be disapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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