The Five Spot has been the undisputed champ of the Turner bike line since 2002. It's their best seller by a long shot, and in large part has defined Turner’s existence in recent years. The Five Spot is a 5 inch travel bike designed to handle virtually any situation.
Submitted by
RiceKilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Boca Raton Date Reviewed: June 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere it is rough
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Stiff, nimble handling, climbs like a beast, light for amount of travel, the oooooh factor, inspires confidence, the swiss army of bikes take it anywhere without worries.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes the amount of compliments makes feel very weary about theft. No weaknesses honestly thus far! Besides just a tad more maintenance coming from a hardtail, but on a Turner it is very minimal thanks to the bushings.
Similar Products Used:
Trek fuel Ex 8, Spesh Stumpjumper, Giant Trance
Bike Setup:
2006 TNT Turner 5 Spot
Chris King headset hubs, mavic xc 717
2007 Fox Float 140mm, 2009 RP23, thomson seat post, WTB saddle, avid juicy 7's, Truvativ crankset
Bottom Line:
Well after 6 months I have not looked back. It has made me such a better rider. Inspires confidence anywhere I go. Compared to other FS's I have ridden, the suspension movement feels smoothest, soft without being overly soft. Riding it the first day without tweaking, I was clearing uphills that I couldn't previously do.
The only thing limiting it on the climbs is myself. If you're complaining about climbs on a 5 spot, you are a lost soul, sorry. Descents are no problem, even when really chunky and steep.
Handling is damn nimble. If you're coming from a hardtail and are afraid you'll lose all nimbleness, do not fear when going on a 5 spot, especially for a 5 inch travel bike. It handles amazingly.
I feel one with this bike, and the seating position is amazing, even out of the box. Although I could use a longer stem, but right now it's still amazing.
I can honestly say, I will be sticking with Turner. Can't wait to try the DW versions. Other bikes felt like they skip around too much and don't utilize the rear damping/suspension to the fullest.
It's a FS bike without the drawbacks of a Full susser. It's been a perfect symbiotic experience thus far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ndeluca72
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Ynez Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Camuesa Connector
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Cycles
Strengths:
Strong, stiff frame. Excellent adaptability for xc and light downhill conditions. Really quick, tight & sinewy handling feel. Climbs strong, and descends comfortably. This bike feels like and old friend.
Weaknesses:
The only problem I have encountered is, with my set-up (sram x9), I've seen occasional chain suck. I've been told that it's less of a problem with xtr. (But I would never go back to shimano; the sram is as sweet as it gets.)
Similar Products Used:
2004 Giant AC-1 (rode it for 5 years). Tested an Ellsworth Epiphany and a Specialized Enduro.
Bike Setup:
SRAM x9. Fox RLC 140mm QR15. RP23. Mavic CrossMax. Avid Elixirs. 2.1 Kenda small block 8 in back; Nevegal 2.3 in front.
Bottom Line:
This bike was purchased fully built from Competitive Cyclist. I can't say enough for their customer service and strongly recommend checking them out when shopping for a new bike. I set the bike up for burly xc and trail bike conditions in Santa Barbara County. Our trails are very pedaly and require a demoralizing amount of climbing. But when you point your bike downhill, a decent amount of travel is very welcome. The 5.Spot is the ultimate SB County bike. It begs for long days in the saddle, some sweet & twisty singletrack, a couple of PB&Js for lunch, and a long descent back home. I can't believe how much this bike makes me want to ride. I used to be exhausted after a 3 or 4 hour ride, and now I feel like 4 hours is a mellow spin. If you are a fan of all day epics, or charging a quick after work loop, this is the perfect bike. I really can't say enough positive things, and I am so stoked I did not buy a different bike. (My value rating below is based on a very aggressive discount that Turner is running on their 2008 frames.) I'd give this beauty 6 flamers if I could. Really, you should get this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AZDesertRat
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
National, South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Kore Industries
Strengths:
Where do I start? Nimble, awesome geometry, stiff (did I mention it is stiff?), great balance between good climbing and good descending. I really can't say enough good things. It seems to do everything well.
Weaknesses:
I would love to give something critical here, but I just don't have anything. Stickers, perhaps? I don't even know if that's a weakness because by using stickers instead of something permanent, the owner has the option to remove them, which gives a little different look.
What can I say that hasn't been said? I was a little skeptical coming from a 6.7" travel bike, and wondered how much I would be giving up on the descents, but expecting it to be much better on the climbs. As I expected, climbing was far superior. What I didn't expect was that, at least in my opinion, it's a better descender as well.* The bike feels so nimble, so tight, so stiff. It corners "like it's on rails", as they say. It's just a pleasure to ride.
* In all fairness to the Giant Reign X that I am comparing the 5 Spot to, I probably didn't put that bike through all that it could handle. If I were hitting big gaps and drops, I may not be favoring the 5 Spot so heavily. But, for the type of riding that I am doing 99% of the time, the 5 Spot just out performs my last bike in every category.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from San Clemente, CA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
San Juan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very solid feel. Climbing prowess is amazing. Stable and very comfortable.
DHX Air 5.0, Fox Talas RLC, Juicy 7's, Sram-X9, XT Hubs with Mavic 819 rims
Bottom Line:
This bike performs wonderfully. I am really pleased with it. I don't know why some reviewers here are so down on the new design. I have never ridden the old Horst LInk design, but I can't imagine that it's any better than this! I have a Specialized Stumpy with a Horst Link design and I definitely get pedal feedback with it. The Turner is as firm as can be, no bob whatsoever.
THis bike climbs extremely well. All of your power goes into the rear wheel and the front end sticks to the trail. It also has almost an inch more clearance than my Stumpy so it is a pleasure going up rocky trails.
All in all, I am very happy with the bike. I have a Fox 32 fork on the front so I would like to put something on with a 20mm thru axle and see if that makes for an even stiffer front end!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
monkeyboy070
a Weekend Warrior
from SD Date Reviewed: April 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good weight and strength, stiff, frame came with great welds, paint was perfect, the RP23 was an excellent shock selection for this bike. The TNT design is what surprised me the most. I was a huge horst link advocate for a long time but definitely has me rethinking that.
Weaknesses:
Most I can say is the weight, while it is good, it isn't great and for the price I would expect a bit lighter, but in the end I bought it for turner rep for being hard to break, so the weight sacrifice is fine.
Similar Products Used:
Original spot, turner burner, various horst link specialized. A trek fuel that I used and abused for about 4 years.
On the trail this thing just makes me grin. It took me some time to setup the suspension the way I wanted, but I can pretty much just cruise the local trails with no problems. The response from the frame is amazing. The be honest, there isn't a whole lot I can put in here that hasn't already been said about the frame. I just don't understand what these guys are going on about the faux bar isn't as good. Felt exactly the same time me on a side by side comparison. Way stiffer then the specialized too. And the comments about the bushings? welds? Severe lack of understanding of such things is all I see. Anyway, great product that I have to make only minor complaints about is perfect in this world, so perfect score it gets
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
borila
a Weekend Warrior
from Montero Date Reviewed: January 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Good handling
Weaknesses:
Poor speed and weak uphill
Similar Products Used:
Kona, Specialized, Trek, Santa Cruz.
Bike Setup:
Fox, Avid, and XT.
Bottom Line:
This bike handles well but it is slow uphill and hard to climb with. It could be because I am used to less travel bikes. Downhill works. The frame seems heavy for its travel and intended use. Compared to Specialized and my Santa Cruz the frame looks bulky and somewhat unrefined.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NC
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: December 26, 2007
Pike, CK hubs, 819 rims, 2.35 tires, blah..blah..blah
Bottom Line:
This latest incarnation of the Turner Spot is what made me buy it- all the changes made it a fantastic bike. The old one was a great bike but this one is stiffer and more nimble- and even pedals better.
It is a very laterally stiff frame that tracks extremely well on off-camber corners. Too many frames are just too flexy. They feel like you're wearing loose shoes while traversing the side of a hill. Not the Spot- it's stiff and nimble and the only thing I had to get used to was the slightly long wheelbase. It lends stability at speed but took 2-3 months to get used to. I love it now.
The Spot climbs very well and technical climbs are taken confidently and descents are solid. The bike tracks well even in the most technical descents. I've been in some that had me wishing for a RFX or Terremoto or Yeti Seven but for 95% of my riding, the Spot is perfect. I can use a lighter/nimble bike but I don't to gain a minute on the climb only to start praying on the gnarly descents. This is one of the most versatile bikes out there.
This bike has been on a lot of two-hour rides and many 5-7 hour rides. It stays stable even at the last hour whereas a steeper-angled bike would have me gritting my teeth and forcing me to stay so focused that I stopped enjoying the ride itself.
Nice job with this latest Spot- it is a pleasure to ride this bike. No squeaks, no creaks, no paint chips, no nothing- just riding.
I can't say enough about the company. Dave Turner and his crew are amazing, especially in this day and age. You can actually talk to them if you have to. Not a single company takes care of its customers like they do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wms
a Cross Country Rider
from colorado Date Reviewed: December 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
peaks trail or any other alpine singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1895.00
Strengths:
Perfectly balanced with geometry that is right on for aggressive cross country /all mountain riding. Climbs anything without losing traction. Super plush and active suspension. Beautiful craftsmanship. This bike has allowed me to dramatically expand the terrain I can ride and has made me a substantially better rider by increasing my confidence level. Turner customer service is second to none.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
Best handling bike I've ever ridden. Super tough and very easy to maintain. Bushing pivots provide smooth suspension and last forever. Confidence inspiring in every way. This is my one-bike and I can ride it in marathon XC races or occationally at lift serviced downhill. If you test ride one you will want one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: November 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Quality construction, beautiful welds, durable frame. Stiff ride with no detectable flex. Well balanced frame. Direct power transfer when cranking yields fast acceleration. It climbs as well as it descends.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Prophet, Ellsworth Moment.
Bike Setup:
06' TNT 5 Spot. DHXa, Pike, SRAM XO
Bottom Line:
This bike has changed the way I mountain bike, it has opened up a new appreciation and passion for aggressive trail riding. Nothing but a big a$$ grin on my face when bombing down rocky trails and tackling climbs. The 5 Spot is a point and shoot deal, just turn the handlebars and crank it!! The harder I push this bike the more it delivers. I am amazed at how stable this frame feels underneath me whether blasting through rock gardens or gracefully negotiating through and over big boulders. On other bikes I feel like I have to constantly focus on maintaining balance and concentration on keeping control of the bike, but on the 5 Spot It feels as though the bike is an extension of my body - hop on it and you become tuned into the ride. This bike has helped me become faster, more daring and confident out on the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Leary
a Weekend Warrior
from United Kingdom Date Reviewed: October 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Marin Trail, North Wales
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
Roundel MTB
Strengths:
Stable at speed, no detectable frame or stay flex on tough terrain, turns well on switchbacks, relaxed posture, plenty of mud clearance, encourages you to go quicker / higher as it'll bail you out when you push your luck, nose of bike doesn't lift too easily on steep climbs
Weaknesses:
Maybe not as light as some frames you might come across, there is a bit of pedal bob (but who cares), can strike pedal on ground when pedalling thru fast dips, paint can take a hammering from cables and hoses unless protected
Similar Products Used:
Marin Rock Springs, Turner 5 Spot HL. Also have a Trek 4500.
Bike Setup:
Um, I'm 195lbs, tyre pressure 30 - 35lbs (Fire XC Pro's at the mo, Tioga DH 2.3's on gnarly trails), SRAM X.0/9 gear, Magura Laurin 130mm (luvvly), Hope hubs blah blah blah.
Bottom Line:
This is a nice bike. I have no idea if bikes like the SC Nomad or Specialized Enduro put it in the shade or are themselves shaded, or whether other bikes like Kona are comparable. All I can say is that this is light years ahead of my Marin and it's moved my biking onto another level. I'm no Steve Peat but I reckon I'm 30% quicker on this bike, mainly due to the confidence inspriring setup. All I need to sort are tyres that can handle greasy rock - my achilles heel in the winter on trails like Marin and Llandgela. The suspension setup and the way the bike digs in when I need it to is superb. And it's beautifully engineered. I love this machine. Please let it last forever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from North Yorkshire Date Reviewed: May 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Guisborough Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
www.westbrookcycles.co.uk
Strengths:
Rides well, good colours and paint finish, doesn't bob, bushings are silky smooth.
Weaknesses:
Pricy, but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Giant VT
Bike Setup:
DHX5 air shock, RS Revelations, XT drivetrain, Juicy 7's, thomson and easton finishing kit.
Bottom Line:
This bike does what it says on the tin. Its stiff, and capable of far more than I am. I have never ridden the four bar one, but the TNT still does everything better than any other suspension bike I have ridden. I've ridden four bar bikes, and they don't climb any better than this one, and don't seem to descend better. The paint job is excellent, unlike many other boutique frames the finish is deserving of the price tag. This bike isn't for speed freaks, just those who like to head off into the hills and enjoy whats out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JT
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: March 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Strengths:
Great handling, well balanced, great on the climbs and descents, amazing quality, and fantastic customer service
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Titus Motolite, Ellsworth epi, Heckler
Bike Setup:
Sram, shimano,Race Face, Mavic, Fox, Kenda
Bottom Line:
Fantastic all mountain bike. A few years ago I owned a HL 5 Spot. I have not noticed any difference with the TNT suspension. This is truly a a great all mountain bike. A fun, confidence inspiring bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt O
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: January 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jumping Pound, Kananaskis
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Couloir, Canmore
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur, Intenses, Yeti 575
Bike Setup:
SRAM X9, Thompson, Mavic, Fox Talas and hopes
Bottom Line:
First of all, what would a guy from Liverpool know about mountain bikes. The review he submitted shows he has no idea AT ALL. The change to the rear end changes the end of the travel cycle a little, and in fact the feel is more gradual and sophisticated. Generally, as most people and reviews point out, the change is an improvement. I guess in Liverpool you must have had a nasty ride of a pavement or something. Poor lad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC Date Reviewed: December 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Strengths:
Absolutely Everything. Descends like nobody's business. Feels solid and tight, no flex whatsoever. This bike loves technical trails. Rails turns. Bushings. balanced.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro, stumpjumper, Jamis xlt, gt,
Bike Setup:
100% shimano free and loving it. Fox Talas, Kenda Nevegal 2.3, juicy 7's, thomson, mavic crossmax, race face.
Bottom Line:
I've ridden specialized fsr bikes for the last ten or so years and been fairly happy. I was very skeptical of riding a non-horst bike. This bike has improved my riding immensely. It is sooo much stiffer than fsr bikes. I have pushed this bike quite a bit and have not noticed brake jack or any other unwanted characteristics. It's just a really fun bike to ride. Just buy it, you'll love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blue Shorts
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: November 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Just about everything. It's an excellent bike. The geometry is perfect for a 5" travel bike. The bushings are wonderful. They last forever and are as smooth as butter. Did I mention that they're also low maintenance?
Weaknesses:
None that I could find
Similar Products Used:
I've ridden a Horst link 5 Spot for 3 1/2 years. I've tested most of the major brands out there.
Bike Setup:
5 Spot with TNT... Marzocchi Z1FR, Romic coil and RP3, Gravity Dropper, Various tires...XT setup
Bottom Line:
I was one of the people lucky enough to test the prototype TNT models. Interestingly enough, I was extremely skeptical about TNT....especially considering all the hype put into the horst lnk by Turner, Specialized and Ellsworth. I figured that Turner was forced into the change and that maybe TNT was passable, but not nearly as good as the Horst link. I was wrong.
The TNT pedaled every bit as well as the Horst Link version. I could not tell the difference between the Horst link and the TNT version. THe TNT may have been a bit stifer, laterally (which is a good thing), but I wasn't sure.
Sinnce I ridden the HL version of the 5 Spot for years, I would have noticed if there was a problem with TNT. THere wasn't. The TNT Turner is every bit as good as the HL... maybe a tiny bit better.
These people that posted here and downgraded the TNT version because of the hype that surrounded the Horst Link don't know what they are talking about. They only demoed the bike... at best and are blowing smoke out their arse.
The poster, Davide, owns a HL version and while he denegrates the TNT and talks up the HL version.... He also badmouthss the HL version and has for years.... but he rides it anyway. I'd take his opinion with a garin of salt.
The bottom line is that the Turner TNT 5 Spot is a superb bike that is backed by the best customer service in the business, bar none.
I would not hesitate buying the TNT version. In fact, I was disappointed that I had to return the TNT prototype.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randomtask
a
from Liverpool Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
I just thought I'd chime in and enlighten everyone to what has happened to Turners. The Horst link is a patented suspension design owned by Specialized bicycles. It works really well, and that is why companies like Turner, Intense and Ellsworth paid for the privilege of adopting that design. Turner has either decided to stop paying for the design, or Specialized no longer allows them to use it, or something else. Whatever the reason, Turners are now nothing more than glorified Kona's with the rear pivot above the dropout and brake mount, on the seatstay. The magic of the horst link has something to do with the fact that the pivot is below the dropout, on the chainstay. What Turner has done is made a whole line of bicycles that are just imitations of their old line. They'll never work as well. As a matter of fact, they don't need all the linkage at all, they are really just single pivot bikes made to look like horst's. They're trying to say that it's new, improved technology, but it isn't. The new bikes will work OK, but never as good as the old Horst bikes. If you have a classic, hold on to it. Hopefully Turner will redesign their whole line. Until then, don't believe the hype.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: September 9, 2006
Fox 130, DHX-air, discs, ZTR wheels with Hadley hubs
Bottom Line:
I have been mountain biking for 15 years and have progressed through the weekend warrior stage to completely obsessed with riding, doing about 5,000 to 8,000 vertical a week year round. Ride locally and all over Colorado, Utah, New Mexico in a wide range of conditions, but usually technical and moderately steep. Liked my Blur a lot but needed better BB clearance and a little extra travel to get through rougher sections. This review compares 5 Spot to the Blur. I have not been on the Flux which is probaly a more fair comparison but I suspect the review would come out about the same.
Suspension - The Blur is much more active than the 5 Spot, it is a matter of personal preference but I find the 5 Spot is much stiffer, little bob and no brake jacking like the Blur. Feel much less beat up riding the same trail with 5 Spot than Blur - in other words, use a lot less energy with the 5 Spot than Blur, more efficient design. It took awhile to dial in the rear and front shock to get the right ride and think maybe a different front fork would work better. So far the bushings are alot better than the bearings for maintenance. The Blur was a pain, always making noise and needing a 3 hour session to remove the bearings and clean up the pivots. The bushings are a lot stiffer and a breeze to lube.
Climbing - 5 Spot wins hands down. I am able to get over ledges and rocks, loose gravel in higher gears with less effort. Rear wheel traction is better on 5 Spot but front wheel seems to come off ground more often. Find I don't have to shift forward as much or often as Blur to climb. With Blur, if I lost momentum and hit obstacle in front and rear at same time, the suspension would compress and stall out where 5 Spot rolls through. Took a while to get used to longer wheel base and steering with 5 inch fork on switchbacks. At first I thought it was less responsive and agile than the Blur, but it just required a change in riding style.
Descents - There is no comparison between the Blur and 5 Spot on descents. The 5 Spot is completely stable over anything coming down and rails turns. On the Blur there were some sections I would have to decide on a line and maybe even walk it- with the 5 Spot I just ride over it and look for rocks to jump off. It's funny but the Blur was actually more exciting to ride because I could push it to the edge of stability on steep, rocky descents which pumped the adrenaline. On the 5 Spot, I never get that feeling because it is so stable, even though I know I am going faster. A simple test I use- take a hard corner on pavement at high speed. With the Blur, it would shimmy and I couldn't lean into the turn at full speed. With the 5 Spot, I can lean into it at 45 degrees or more and it is rock solid. There might be someone out there that can push this bike to the limit but it won't be me. I have found that where you position your rear end on descents makes a big difference in how the front end handles. The sweet spot is just slightly behind the seat, where the Blur I woud have to get way back.
One other quirky thing I have noticed - I regularly kick up rocks when I descend. On the Blur, I would get it in the shin about 10% of the time, which is no fun at all. I can't believe Dave Turner considered this in the design, but the 5 Spot frame has taken the kicked up rocks every time.
Finally, I'd like to put in a good word for Mike Richards and Rbikes.com. I've tried many LBS and internet orders and the service from Mike Richards is the best by far. They took care of every issue I had during the ordering process and some warranty issues afterwards with prompt helpful service. Also, the best built wheel set I have ever owned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matty Edwards
a Cross Country Rider
from Brighton Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
?
Weaknesses:
Hard to believe this frame sells for close to 1500 pounds. Bad construction (who does the welding in the US?) old design and bushings!?
Similar Products Used:
Orange - Intense
Bike Setup:
A fork and disks, cheers!
Bottom Line:
Why is this thing built at all? Too many pints of cheap beer? Come on, the empire is in decline but the US can still pull out some great bikes. This one is a hyper-expensive wannabe.
The short story? Call and old horse TNT does not make a purebred. An old donkey rides exactly as you would think: trot along honestly but don't ask too much or you'd be sorry.
Time to go back to the drawing board with this one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
simon
a Weekend Warrior
from australus land down under Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
techy windy down
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
dh direct in auz
Strengths:
all what a mountain bike should be
Weaknesses:
non so far
Bike Setup:
2007 fox vanilla (sweeeter stiffer), sram XO, hugi 340's, and some FSA,
Bottom Line:
just been riding a TURNER XCE for past 5 or 6 years and loved every minute of it. the new 5 spot is the evolution of moutain biking in one bike from an existing great bike the XCE - longer the travel weight saving in frame design thus similar to old XCE weight wise. fox 5.0 rear plush as. first ride hit nice decent that did on the XCE, hit nice line smooth yet fast, first ride and thought that was clean and fast like we knew each other and cruze past someone unloading demo 9 had to have chuckle inside (there are no chairlifts for 100's km) as for my review 5 years back regards fantastic handling and angles and feel, all those charactistics are here in the spot, TNT v HT i cant notice anything, this ride so sweet and so much room for adjustment. buy a spot with a coil rear and when your budget lets you purchase a second shock RP23 and second rims and this bike becomes a more climber for those days or weeks.
the evolution of carbon mmmm i got road bike and that gives me the creeps at speed just that 1200grams between me and the road cheers to another 5 years dave again love your work and ps nice paint job ;)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kraig...
a Weekend Warrior
from Cottage Grove, OR Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006
This is a "Spack" or 5-Pack meaning it's got an RFX front triangle mated to a 5 spot TNT rear triangle. It gives me the sturdiness needed for my size (245lbs & 6'3") while allowing me to reduce the leverage ratio with the shorter rockers which allows me to run the dhx air shock with reliability.
It's been super sturdy so far. I've done a few medium and small drops (lots <5' and a few =6') and the only issue was from one time casing a jump/drop (my bad) which resulted in a minor bend in a rear brake tab. That was easily fixed and Turner responded quickly with words of advice and guidance.
My first ride I wasn't so sold on the Spack and climbing cuz it felt "sluggish" on sprint type climbs, but since then I think I've either gotten "used" to it or finally been able to get the dhx air shock set-up how it needs to be for me. I can not complain about this bike's climbing ability for those hammering/sprinting type climbs now. My impression is that I had to spend some time figuring out the shock and that isn't a reflection on the quality of the frame.
The bike handles superbly when the trail turns twisty and gets better the steeper and more difficult it gets... My skill will run out before the bike's ability to take what comes. I've got it at 32 pounds which isn't bad for an all-day rider with 5+ inches of travel and able to take the pounding of my heft and lack of skill all day.
It's a good bike, sturdy, technical, the TNT rear works great and frankly I can't say I can tell much of a difference from the HL.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from ca Date Reviewed: May 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any and all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Turner build, ascending and descending, This bike is a well made and thought out machine.
Weaknesses:
None at all
Similar Products Used:
Hl 5-spots and many more
Bike Setup:
2006 ano Blue 5-spot Tnt with Thomson stem and post, Fox RLC talas forks, XTr drivetrain and brakes.
Bottom Line:
I respect every ones opinion but I beleive this bike is just as good as last years HL. This is just my opinion but I have owned 5-spots for the past 3 years and I owned an XCE before that. I also own a 2005 Flux, to me there is no difference all of Turners bikes ride well there build quality is second to none. This bike is home on all terrain going up or down singletrack or you name it this bike can do it all just as good as last years HL. Just buy one and you will see and feel the difference, check out the forums on Turner there is alot of discussions about this. Just buy one and ride and enjoy.
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Submitted by
davide
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: May 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stability at speed
Weaknesses:
Not a Horst, expensive
Similar Products Used:
5-spot Classic
Bike Setup:
Hayes/Marta/Vanilla RP3 ROMIC PR3/PUSH
Bottom Line:
Below is a summary of my observations on TNT 5-spot side by side with my 2003 Horst 5-spot which I will call "Classic" below. In both cases I was able to swap a standard RP3, my RP3 Pushed and a Romic. I won't comment on the Romic in detail because it is obsolete, although it is interesting to note how both bikes performance suffers when going from the wonderful RP3/PUSH to the Romic (the standard RP3 is about a tie with the Romic).
- Compliance: there is no difference between Horst and TNT. The compliance is completely determined by the shock setting. Only in its plushest setting (i.e. my PUSH/RP3 set on soft) compliance is ok. Otherwise the ride is unresponsive to small bumps at slow speed for both bikes. DISADVANTAGE (MEANING A BAD QUALITY OF THE FRAME): TIE
- Traction. The TNT performs similarly to the Horst when climbing not-technical sections (where by non-technical I define, roughly, a trail with less then 3" obstacles). However the Horst performs noticably better on more technical climbs. Put sizable obstacles on your path (anything where you have to lift the front wheel and hang on, 4-24") and my Horst with PUSH/RP3 finds traction wonderfully: it is the best feature of the my bike, I can go on obstacles that used to be impossible with ease. This is less so with the TNT, the deepest the rear goes in its travel (i.e. the highest the obstacle) the "skittish" the bike reacts. It just does not have the same "roll-over-anything" feel of the Classic. Note that here the best performance (for both bikes) is achieved with my RP3/PUSH in the soft (downhill) position. ADVANTAGE: CLASSIC.
- Pedal feedbak: There is no pedal feedback climbing on my Horst nor I can detect any with the TNT. ADVANTAGE: TIE
- Braking. The TNT performs similarly to the Horst on non-technical trails (defined as above) or rough terrain when you are just slowing down. Grab the brakes much more aggressively and the performance is again very similar on smooth ... on rough the advantage goes again to the classic: put sizable drops in you path, grab the brakes and the rear end does stiffen with the TNT as soon as you go deep into the travel. Mind you: this happen when you really push the situation, i.e. braking where you should not! but sometimes you have to ... ADVANTAGE (SMALL) CLASSIC
- Square Bumps: This is a clinch the harmor of the Classic and the TNT does not do any better. Square bumps are badly handled by all the Horsts I owned and tried and the faux-bar TNT is perhaphs a bit worse. DISADVANTAGE: TIE (SMALL ADVANTAGE CLASSIC).
- Handling: The bikes are basically identical when it comes to geometry and it comes as no surprise that the handling is not distinguishable between the two bikes. Most bikes on the market nowadays (for a given travel class, e.g. 5") have basically identical geometry (plus minus fractions of degrees that can easily be changed by setup) and work identically. ADVANTAGE: TIE.
- Linkage: Both bikes use bushings, which are ok. However I must say that on my 5-spot after one few months I could not feed grease any longer (probably the tiny feeding hole got clugged, or the grease inside dried or both. The rebuild, that I will need soon, is expensive at $75 + shipment (Turner insist not to sell the bushings only, which should cost dimes).
BOTTOM LINE? Turner should admit the mistake and go back to the Horst. It costs him less then $15/bike and the switch to the faux-bar (strangely named TNT as if it was a new innovative linkage) is just a step backward.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Enrique
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City, Mexico Date Reviewed: May 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
frame only
Strengths:
Very versatile, excels on very steep and technical terrain.
Weaknesses:
Not as agile on tight singletrack as other more XC oriented rigs (if that is your thing)
Similar Products Used:
Turner Flux
Bike Setup:
Mavic 819 with XT hubs, FSA cranks, X9 deraileurs-shifters, Magura Louise brakes, DXH-A, Rock Shock Revelation.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great!!
First off let me address the post below, I own a Horst Link bike and a TNT bike and have put them to the test on very similar situations. I can honestly find no difference between the two (no brake jack or pedal bob) and in my opinion you would have to be at the limit of the bike's ability to be able to discern something. I am very far from that point (I am 34 and have been riding 20 years). I feel more of a difference when I change tires.
On to handling: the Spot really makes descending more fun, it is very stable at speed and it handles steep and technical descents without any problems. You don't have to be careful in picking lines, just point and go.
Climbing also feels very good on the Spot, it really sticks to the ground and there is no bob to be accounted for, even with no platform in the shock.
I would really recommend the Spot (with or withouth TNT) to anyone who is less XC racing oriented and that likes to spend long days on the trails.
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Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from eugene,or Date Reviewed: May 3, 2006
fast and comfortable from day one. quiet and smooth. easy to manual and jump. very balanced! i need a larger pair of shorts to house the balls this bike has given me.
Weaknesses:
they have no local distribution so i had to order it online. it's soggier on the climbs than my palomino was and it seems to bog down but it makes the tire feel glued to the trail (great traction) spendy, but i spent it.
'06 large black 5 spot dhx air talas rlc thompson stem/post crosslands xt/lx drivetrain odi locks king headset flak jacks weirwolves many upgrades to come as $ comes along. mainly a lighter wheelset.
Bottom Line:
i haven't ridden a horst spot so i can't comment there(sorry). it does feel more efficient than my brothers fsrxc and my friends spec.enduro. the dhx air feels great so far, although my shock pump struggles to reach optimal pressure (250 main psi, 150 boost valve psi, 3 turns in on bottom out resistance for my 240lbs w/ gear). i havent been using any of the propedal features yet and it climbs great. propedal might make it even better. downhill is like floating on a cloud made of titties. i can ride much longer than my klein as this bike gives me less of a beating. it is a little dangerous because it feels so comfortable at lethal speeds. so far , i love it! it is more comfortable than any bike i've ever ridden. i'll write an update after a hard season of rides.
thanks much to this everone on this site for helping with all the decisions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: March 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
Solid Handling
Weaknesses:
Not a Horst
Similar Products Used:
Horst 5-spot (bought)
Bike Setup:
Minute, Rp3/Dhx-air, Hayes
Bottom Line:
I was lucky to try the classic Horst and the faux-bar (TNT). To make the review short: I bought the left over Horst (at a discount). It is just a better bike. Pick some stairs, go up: the horst floats over. Go down, brake, the faux-bar starts to skip. On smooth terrain they are similar but who buys a 5 inches bike to go on smooth trails? Big suggestion: look around and find a 2005 5-spot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Newport Beach, CA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Many
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Does everything very well. It goes up hill like a cross country bike, Goes down hill like a down hill bike. It is just better.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V
Bike Setup:
Mostly XT components, Fox Talus fork. Louise Brakes,WTB laserlight wheel set
Bottom Line:
I could not be happier with this purchase. It does everything noticeably better than my last bike. The rear suspension does not bounce when climbing, but gives a plush ride when going down hill. It handles great when rippin down a tight single track, and has no issues with the rocky drop offs. It was expensive but worth every penny of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Chasse
a
from Presque Isle, Me usa Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Nordic Heritage Center
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Enterprises
Strengths:
This bike is light, beautiful, strong and rocks. It is a work of art. I have five bikes and this is by far my farvorite.
XT entire bike with a bomber 130mm fork with thompson stuff and race face crank.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks and turns heads whenever I show up. I is great fun to ride and is very reliable. I have been able to fly over stuff that I had to slow down on some of the other bikes I have owned. It is by far one of my favorites. Anyone who can afford this bike and rides enough to justify it should have one. I ride 850 miles a year or more all single track and often with a group. When I am not group riding I ride a single speed to build my endurance. I am very glad I purchased this frame as I have often went for the better value. Once in you life you should go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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