Strengths: This is the new 2012 carbon FTM.
With the addition of the new Fox CTD shock it really climbs like a goat! It feels so light and manurable up and down hill. Am using a Fox 32 with 120mm and works just great. On my first long ride in trail it felt like I had owned it for long... fits perfectly.
Weaknesses: You should require a special tunning for the shock to be 48mm stroke instead of the standard 50mm, but I just left it that way and so far it hasn't been a problem
Bottom Line:
I occasionally do marathon races and was concerned maybe I should choose a shorter travel bike but after using it am sure I made the right decision. The bike is just great and am so happy to have chosen it.
Strengths: Very good climber, outstanding descender, pedals great, rides and handles nice, the gold anno color is beautiful and has not faded. I am rating the 2009 FTM(1 1/8" headset) which was purchased from Jenson in September,2010 along with a Fox TALUS fork. The bike weighs in at 27.1lbs complete with Gravity Dropper Turbo seatpost.
Weaknesses: Some early FTMs had chainstay issues(according to the forums). So far there have been no problems,but I'm careful to keep an eye on things!
I must unscrew the QR skewer nut in order to remove the rear wheel(this is a non issue for me).
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent light/medium duty trailbike for this 190lb 5'8" rider. It isn't quite as burley as my '04Titus Switchblade,yet it does everything better and it's lighter. It must be stated that the Switchblade was,and still is, a fine bike,but the FTM is what I grab for trail rides. I bought the frame and built it up exactly how I wanted it including the wheels.
Ride On,
George
Submitted by
ryderjin
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2011
Strengths: In my perspective, nearly the ideal cross-country/trail geometry:
Climbing -- even on super steep grade -- is predictable, never squirrelly (even without locking out the fork), which is weird because the bike has so much travel. Efficient, fast-tracking. (Honestly, I climb better on this than on my hardtail.)
Going downhill: Okay, it does feel 'shorter' than the 135mm would have you think... but tracks quite well. (I am still tweaking the excellent Fox RP23 setup for the bike.) If you have decent technique, you can bomb with this bike. Horst Link is executed quite well here... predictably, though not plush suspension. The tapered front headset definitely adds to the sense of control when you need it.
Just a tiniest bit of pedal-bob when you are spinning along, but otherwise feels quite fast, efficient, and light.
On top of all that, it is "Made in the USA." Not that other countries can't make good bikes, but this is a point of pride for some, becoming a rarity nowadays.
Weaknesses: This is the 2010 frame model, and they dealt with the early 2009 problems with 1) bad carbon "light rail" stays, and 2) the low bb issue. This year model is the one that they should have put out in the first place.
Two weaknesses remain:
1. Cable-routing. The standard routing takes it through the rocker. And it is just not a good place for this. While I do not have any ghost-shifting issues, there is unnecessarily annoying cable rattle/rub.
2. As most of you know, Titus went bankrupt and was just bought out by a new company. So future support remains questionable. Hopefully not, as On-One seems to be stepping up.
3. Possible cosmetic issues: The paint is flawless. But 2010 model uses decals, which is bound to get scratched up easily. Probably saves a bunch of change (and may be easier to replace) but for a frame of this level, I would expect a bit more work here...
I do have to confess, while the frame seems well-made, I cannot comment on its long-term durability.
Bottom Line:
With all that is going on with the ownership of the once mighty Titus brand, one might question the point of writing a review of a product that may never see the light of day again. Well, I am writing this review because the FTM really deserves to continue on. The 2010 model, possibly with some minor tweaks, stands as an amazing cross-country leaning trail frame.
Summary: Awesome (ideal?) trail bike for those coming from the cross-country side.
Bike Setup: Titus 2010 aluminum frame, Shimano XT drive train and wheels, Hayes Stroker brakes, Thomson post, stem, Fizik Gobi seat.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
bruteman
a Weekend Warrior
from Seoul, South Korea
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2010
Strengths: Awesome anodized orange finish, strong climber, able downhiller.
Weaknesses: None yet
Bottom Line:
Perfectly suited for the rocky, steep terain here in Korea. No flex problems at all. I love it. Probably would be a little heavy for lighter riders, but if you're also a person of girth this bike won't let you down.
Bike Setup: Custom wheelset (Hadley hubs, Mavic 321 rims, DT Swiss spokes), Fox RCL fork, X9 shifters and derailers, Hussefelt 2x9 crankset, Thomson stem, Truvativ pro-team carbon bar, WTB grips, Avid Elixer R brakes
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Submitted by
tmarko
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, CO
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2010
Strengths: 2010 FTM Carbon:
Stiff, light, quick, stable, good standover clearance
clean look with internal routing
Weaknesses: future of company unknown,
subtle difference between pro-pedal/non pedal setting for the RP23 shock (needs to be revalved in my opinion.
having to break a hydraulic line to route the rear disk thru the frame's internal routing.
Bottom Line:
After riding and demo'ing several bikes and then riding this one, it was clear which bike I wanted. I was looking for a long travel bike with handling traits more towards the cross country side of things than a full-on free ride bike. Its not quite as plush as the Mojo but quicker and stiffer, and had a better overall ride quality than the LTc. Its climbing ability is awesome, especially in the really steep w/the fork in the 100mm setting. Descending is rock solid, especially with the fork in the 140 setting. The QR15 (a 1st for me) combined with the 1.5" to 1 1/8" steerer tube makes for a very solid front end which aids in both attacking rock garden corners and just rocketing downhill with confidence. For normal singletrack attacking, the 120 fork setting allows for quick but stable handling. Overall the handling is neutral but quite cabable of handling tight singletrack. Both the front triangle and the rear end are stiff and solid. To me, its the best overall ride I've ever been on. Sure, there are some with more or softer travel or quicker handling but with less travel but every time I go for a ride now, I think its just an AWESOME ride. Its light, stiff & nimble enough for long distance racing but solid enough for all day high country adventures...
Similar Products Used: 3 previous Racer-X's, GFisher Hi-Fi Pro Carbon (broke), Ibis Mojo,
Blur LTcarbon
Bike Setup: XTR, 10' Fox RLC Talus (100-140)QR 15, Marta SL's, Stans/240's, Thomson, S-Work carbon bar, 2.1 tires, 24.9 lbs (med.)
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Submitted by
Tiptx
a Cross Country Rider
from Willard Ohio
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2010
Strengths: Fantastic build quality, predictable handling, durable, stiff Very light, agile and comfortable. Great looking (Sexy).
Weaknesses: None for me as some may say the price but this bike is worth every penny. When it comes to MTB, you get what you pay for. If you want great without problems & something you know will handle what you dish out, you pay for it. So glad I did
Bottom Line:
This is the Carbon 2010 FTM & all I can say is WOW! Props to RBIKES.com who took such stellar care to build such a great bike for me. Adam & Mike went over the parts selection with me carefully, made the extra effort to obtain hard to get parts, built the bike exquisitely. This is the best bike I have ever owned. Mine weighs in at 24 which is lighter than my C'Dale Scapale. I did some research on the Internet about several bikes before I went into Richards or Rbikes.com & whoever said you can't find a good deal & get a great build from the internet is crazy. I got a great deal on the price and was really impressed at how knowledgeable the staff was, they gave me a lot of insight on what I was buying and also on other bikes it compares to. Thanks to Adam for being so patient with me as this build started over a year ago. It was worth every penny & absolutely one magnificant looking & now the fun is back into riding a mountain bike
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel, Giant VT2, Cannondale Scapale. Bikes I was considering was Ellsworth Epiphany, Turner 5 Spot, Ibis Mojo SL, Santa Cruz Blur LT as this Titus just has that something special when looking at it as it's one fantastic ride
Bike Setup: FRAME: Titus FTM Carbon (Red & Black)
BRAKE LEVERS
Shimano XT Hydraulic
REAR BRAKE
Shimano XT Disc, 180mm rotor
GRIPS
Lizard Skins Peaty grey grips w/ red end clamps
HANDLEBAR TruVativ Noir Team Riser 680x20mm Rise 9x5d 31.8 Carbon
155 grams 9 degree sweep 5 degree upsweep
HEADSET
FSA
PEDALS
Xpedo Face Off Platform red/black XMX11's
REAR BRAKE
Shimano XT Disc 160mm rotor
REAR SHOCK
Fox Float RP23 Shock
SEAT CLAMP
Salsa Quick release (red)
SEAT POST
Ritchey Comp Post
STEM
Ritchey 31.8 clamp, 3-D forged
Sunline XC-1 STEM 100 mm + 6 rise
SADDLE
WTB Rocket V SLT
BOTTOM BRACKET
Shimano XT Outboard
CHAIN
Shimano Nine Speed
CRANKSET CHAINWHEEL
Shimano XT FC-M770 Hollowtech 2 44/32/22
FRONT DERAILLEUR
Shimano XT
REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano Shadow XT
SHIFTERS
Shimano XT
FORK
Fox Float 32 R wth QR 15 through axle system 5.5"/ 150mm travel with air spring pressure and rebound adjust with 7050 aluminum steerer
FRONT HUB
Shimano XT centerlock disc for 15 mm through axle system
NIPPLES
DT Swiss Alloy
REAR HUB
Shimano XT Centerlock Disc
RIMS
Mavic XM-719 DISC, welded with stainless steel eyelets
SPOKES
DT Swiss Competition butted 2.0 / 1.8 stainless steel
TIRES
Front: 26"x 2.3 Kenda Nevgal, 120 tpi with Kevlar bead, Rear: same only 2.1
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Submitted by
djs165
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2010
Strengths: Plush Ride, Light Weight
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This bike is my first FS bike. It replaces a Specialized Stumpjumper HT Comp. I have been riding the bike for about three months now and enjoy it immensely. The trails in my area are very rocky and rooty, so the FS has been a welcome change from my HT. I was concerned that there would be a decrease in climbing ability, but have not experienced any. The bike climbs well and the handling is agile. I haven't experienced any of the rear triangle issues mentioned in some prior reviews. So perhaps Titus has resolved those. I am a large rider (6'5" 220#) and the Large frame fits me well. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for an excellent all around trail bike.
Similar Products Used: None - this is my first FS bike
Bike Setup: Large Black frame, Fox RL fork, Easton Monkeylite Riser bar, SRAM X9 derailleur, SRAM X7 shifters, Magura Louise disk brakes, Shimano XT crankset, Mavic DeeTraks rims, Specialized Captain tires.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
scpete
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO, USA
I demo'ed this bike this past weekend after riding the Rockstar 29'er. I have been considering a dual suspension bike and was leaning toward a DS 29'er. After riding both, I am still considering the 29'er, but the FTM impressed me and made me reconsider a 26'er as a good option. Thanks to Mike, the local Titus rep, we were able to take the bikes out for a couple of hours on our local trails to get a really good sense of their capabilities.
The FTM Carbon has 5 inches of travel and really managed all of the bumps and rocks I took it over. The bike had a very plush ride. I could tell the difference in ride firmness between this and the 29'er. It was a bit "squishier" but still a very tight ride. I didn't notice any of the flex issues of previous models, so I assume that these have been resolved.
The bottom line for this bike is that it is also an amazingly sweet bike and reaffirmed my plan to start saving for a Titus. I am not sure if it will be the FTM or the Rockstar 29'er, but either would be a welcome addition.
Fork: Fox 32 TALAS RLC
Rear Shock: Fox RP23
Wheels: Fulcrum Red Metal 3
Tires: Continental Trail King UST 2.2 C
Crank: FSA Afterburner MegaExo
Chain: Shimano HG73
Cassette: Shimano SLX 11-34
Front Derailleur: Shimano XT
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Shadow
Shifters: Shimano XT
Brakeset: Magura Marta
Handlebars: Titus 7075 Riser Bar
Stem: Titus SL-6 Forged
Headset: FSA
Saddle: Fizik Gobi XM
Seat Post: Titus Carbon
Grips: ODI Ruffian
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Submitted by
33MTB
a Weekend Warrior
from East Coast, USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2009
Strengths: Excellent geometry for aggressive trail riding, very comfortable cockpit.
Weaknesses: REAR TRIANGLE IS A WET NOODLE
Bottom Line:
The geometry on this bike couldn't be better. It is comfortable and perfect for trail riding. BUT, the rear triangle has a tremendous amount of lateral flex. When the chain is on the smaller cogs of the cassette, I can actually make the tire hit the chainstay when pedaling. The tire clearence is also an issue, which shouldn't be a problem since I'm using the tires that they sell with the bike. The space between the tire and the chainstay is not equal on both sides, which seems to compound the aforementioned issue.
And yes, I'm sure after this post, someone will post a glowing review to get the average back up. But I honestly wouldn't buy this bike again unless they fix this major design/quality control problem.
Similar Products Used: Rocky Mountain ETSX, Trek Fuel EX 7, Giant Anthem.
Bike Setup: Large Aluminum FTM with; Full XT, No Tubes Flow rims, and Kenda Nevegal tires.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Alistair G
a Racer
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009
Strengths: Light weight, sweet suspension, all round performance
Weaknesses: Rear tire room a little tight at chainstay yoke, cable routing
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! I bought this to complement my X-Carbon race bike and for playing around with my DH mates on rougher XC rides. The bike is a 2009.5 with 2009 frame and 2010 Fox suspension. TALAS feature is great for long climbs especially with short 80mm stem and 685mm bars. Descending is too much fun but bike will also do some planned epic rides at Mt Buller this summer. MBAction write that this is one of their favourite trail bikes and I can see why. Just don't go toocrazy on rear tyre size. I'm running Maxxis 2.25 Advantage F and 2.25 Crossmark R which seems to be a good combination.
Similar Products Used: Titus X-Carbon, Turner Flux, Santa Cruz Blur
Bike Setup: 2010 Fox Talas RLC QR15, 2010 RP23, XT/XTR groupset/wheels, Chris King, Easton EC70 lo-rise 685mm bars, Thomson 80mm stem & Masterpiece post
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Submitted by
Rickterrusty
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2009
Strengths: This is a great 5" Trail Bike that is super light and pretty stiff. With the Horst link and the Fox RP23 this thing can do anything, from almost locked out to super plush. The Carbon Triangle really adds some damping to the over all ride as well. Also the powder coat paint job is super durable.
Weaknesses: There was some problems with the rear carbon seat stays, they had made them not heavy duty enough. I talked to Titus and they new about the problem and had made a new seat stay that fixed all the problems, even the tire rub that the first reviewer talked about.
Bottom Line:
This is a great do everything bike. I am also i preety big guy at 225 without gear and this bike handles it no problem. I have done long XC rides as well as some light DH and it does it all in stride. It pedals like a champ and is plush. It is so light and stiff that it is almost perfect!!! I have been riding for 15 years and this is the do it all bike I have been looking for.
Bike Setup: 2009 Titus FTM White, Rock Shox Revelation U-turn, Fox RP23, Easton carbon hand bars and seat post, and Havoc wheelset, SLX front and rear derailleurs, LX cranks and shifters, Thompson stem, and Hayes Stroker Ryde disc brakes, WTB Pro Gel saddle, Chris King headset and BB, Sram 990 chain and cassette.
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Submitted by
kartman
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2009
Strengths: Plush.
Great anodized black/gloss decal treatment
Compared to the ML2, climbs as well, descends even better!
Pretty light! Got my trail bike down to 26 lbs.
Weaknesses: Cable routing for rear derailleur (housing goes through swing link and this causes the housing to rub against the link and the seat tube).
Bottom Line:
Another great frame design from Titus.
The Horst link is a proven design that works, period! Nuf said.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a do-it-all bike.
Similar Products Used: Intense 5.5 VPP
Titus Motolite 1
Titus Motolite 2
Bike Setup: Fox RLC, Shimano XT/SRAM Rocket drivetrain, Avid Juicy 7, Mavic Crossmax, Thomson stem/post, FSA XC riser bar, ODI grips, Jagwire hoses/cable housings, Specialized Enduro S-works/Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires
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Submitted by
'T'
a Weekend Warrior
from San Fran
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2009
Strengths: Lightweight for a 5in bike, badass blackano with glossy TITUS AND FTM. Climbs well decends even better.
Weaknesses: none except had a problem with chain rub on the rear stays, shop added a shim supplied by Titus to correct problem.
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a trailbike put this on you short list along with the SantaCruz Blur LT. A great bike that does everything well. If looks could kill! Made in America want else could you ask for. The rider from Maui sounds like he had problems with the parts package not the bike itself or the frame.
Bike Setup: Small, complete custom build, with XT drivetrain, Hayes strokertrail, Wtb laserdisctrail with Kenda Nevegals, Thomson post and stem, Ritchey bar and lockon grips, Fox talas rlc and rp23, selle italia slk and sram chain.
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Submitted by
Maui Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Kula, Maui, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2009
Strengths: Light weight, Horst Link, crawls though the tight stuff, riders cockpit is a nice fit, Fox Talas 32 fork is very ridgid with the 15QR axle, Crank Bros. rims were a nice free up grade
Weaknesses: Titus support - had component problems and Titus taking care of them. New light rail rear end is flexy
Bottom Line:
I bought the FTM because I was very impressed with a Racer X that I bought for my wife several years ago. I had bought the Racer X originally because it was one of the only bikes that came in a XXS size to fit my 5' tall wife, but I found that it was a great little bike with a Horst Link that was easy to maintain. When I ordered the new FTM, they said it would come in 2 to 3 weeks; it came in 4. When it did come, the front hub was set up for a regular quick release, not for the 15QR Fox fork. Also, the rear brake mount for the Magura disc was missing. Titus did promptly send out the new hub parts and brake mount.
The next problem was with the FSA cranks. The chain would not stay on the middle front chainring when in the big back cog. The chainring teeth appeared to be machined wrong and the teeth were much fatter than teeth on other chainrings. When my dealer, Chris Huber at Huber Cycles called Titus, they told him to call FSA. After a go around with FSA, they finally agreed to send a new chainring. Also I found that the blue "bling-bling" chainring bolts were cheap and sloppy. I lost one after putting on a different chairing until the new FSA chainring comes. I had to put in my own chainring bolts.
The next problem I have is that the hose on the Magura Marta front brake leaks fluid at the crimped on the aluminum hose end. Titus also told Chris Huber to contact Magura to fix the problem. I feel Titus is just passing on the problem, rather then taking care of it; still waiting for chainring bolts and brake hose.
I now have about 14 rides on the bike. The rear rim was dished a little to the left of center in the swingarm. When I torqued up steep up hills, I could make the rear-end flex to where the tire hit the swingarm. I re-dished the rim and it no longer hits the swingarm, but I know that the new Light Rail suspension design is flexy, not built like my wife's old trusty Racer X.
Even though the bike has some good points, I don't think I would buy another Titus again. Too many problems with Titus support and a whimpy rear end.