Broken rear frame at the chainstay.I only weigh 140 pounds. Fortunately, I was doing a bunny-hop, and not a wheelie- drop.Oh yeah, the front Smartshock died on a rainy day ride. It was all fixed under warranty.Hoo Yah!
Bike Setup:
All XT.
Bottom Line:
I ride hard, and have fun. This bike has taken me on many nice rides. I now have a 2001 Team Razorback with disk brakes,King headset, and a lock-out rear air shock. Ride on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Dalls, TX, USA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cedar Hill State Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Wheels In Motion
Strengths:
Great geometry - especially for climbing and sprinting, simple design provides low maintenace and great stiffness, lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Frame breaks every race season! 1st break on upper swingarm, 2nd break on chainstay. I'm waiting for the seatpost to go next!
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Raven
Bike Setup:
XT drivetrain except XTR rear derailleur, Easton seatpost and riser bars, Noleen spring fork, Sun 0 light rims.
Bottom Line:
My "way big" Razorback is very light. That may explain why the FRAME ALWAYS BREAKS! It's a real bummer to train for months only to have the one part you can't replace break at the beginning of the season. I want to like this bike because it rides great, but it's hard when K2 has it more than I do. I would not recommend buying this bike if you are a big guy. I'm 6'2", 200 lbs. I ride normal cross-country, not agressive. I've heard of many others who've had this problem. It's a serious flaw from K2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from CT Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
My woods
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
Everything.
Weaknesses:
Nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Hardtail version.
Bike Setup:
Stock, which was nice as hell. All XT except for front derailleur. Manitou X-Vert
Bottom Line:
Nice as hell, solid, good for anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kak
a Cross Country Rider
from escondido, ca, usa Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the one that i always crash on
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
bike shop in idaho
Strengths:
bullet proof frame and components,noleen mega air never makes a mistake, smooth riding, makes u feel incincible
Weaknesses:
my bel air seat made a loud squeak and took about 2 weeks of riding to break the rails is, the mac strut in the rear needs more ajustibility, paint chips down to white powder coat easy, i dont think thats a bad thing
Similar Products Used:
schwinn mesa 98, lol i know it is a sad bike
Bike Setup:
avid 3.0, deore xt though all, noleen mega air fork, noleen coil in rear.
Bottom Line:
if u can find it for less than a grand in good condition but it. low maintence, dependable. go get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pat
a Cross Country Rider
from sparwood,b.c, canada Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
pete's trail(hooters)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
peddle head
Strengths:
-lightweight full suspension -awesome hillcimber -precise steering -unique suspension
Weaknesses:
-tad expensive -frame broke -cannot upgrade travel for rear pull-shock? -noisy seatpost/clamp -cables wear through paint and frame -color scheme -low bottom bracket
The k2 razorback rs intentions of being a lightweight full suspension race ready bike is very true. It rips up the singletrack like a rabied hog, and climbs like a d10 dozer. Since my type of riding has changed to more freeriding/crosscountry, i've changed the geometry to a more upright position with stem, and bar. climbing is alittle trickier, but downhills are more stable. the weld broke near the rear chainstay. It was not caused by big air, but faulty welding. K2 did respond quite quickly with a new chainstay thanks to peddlehead bike shop. The bottom bracket seams to be alittle low when carving around corners, and the seatpost drives me nuts with that anoying squeek. The cables also rub on the frame, actually making indentations were they come in contact. Enough of the negatives.....overall this bike handled exactly what it was intended to do, rip up the singletrack with lightening speed, it is not intended for big air or ex. downhills, so what you see is what you get, so i still will give it 5 chilis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Nasaau
a Cross Country Rider
from La Habra CA. Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fullerton Loop, Chino Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
ordered from K2
Strengths:
This is one nice bike!! It's very light for a FS bike (24 lbs). Very little rear sag while peddaling. Excellent climber with or without the rear lockout on. I love the fact that the thumb activated rear lockout is located right on the handlebars. The Nolleen Mega Air fork is terrific, extremly plush and light. I'm glad K2 is the only manufacturer to carry Nolleen, it gives their bikes some uniqueness. The Mac-Strut type shock is not going to win any downhill races, but it eliminates most small to mid size bumps. This bikes a blast on single tracks. Recomended for trail riders and XC racers who like the response of a hard tail, but want the benefits of a full suspension bike.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness I could think of is that the fork had a slight air leak, but the problem was fixed after a little bit of adjusting. I would recomend putting wider tires on if you don't expect racing every weekend.
The bottom line is, this bike is a work of art. Climbing, desending, it does it all. Five flamin' chiles for the guys at K2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reyk
a Cross Country Rider
from Bochum / Germany Date Reviewed: December 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
light bike
Weaknesses:
The support in germany is no so good. Technikal the bike is ok.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR XC
Bike Setup:
LX/ESP 9.0 - Judy SL - avid breaks and levers - Titec steam bar and seatpost
Bottom Line:
This is a bike whitch is good to drive and it is very light. No problems with the weight= 11,5 Kg. But not for downhill > only soft downhill trials. Keep the rear suspension hard and the bike will fallow your power in your legs. You can drive very fast and it rocks. This is a tipical light full suspension. For people who like to drive XC or long Marathons.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Stockdale
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lone Mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
This bike is very handsome. I have the original paint on mine, red and white. I don't really care for the later model red, white, & blue paint job. The bike is a very predictable, viceless handler, good climber, and offers excellent accleration. I really enjoy the excellent standover and simple rear suspension design.
Weaknesses:
The suspension front and rear can be noisy. The paint chips too easily. I didn't have any of the BB problems others have noted because I immediately upgraded the drivetrain, crank, and BB to XTR. No problems there in over 2500 miles. I am worried about the frame problems some are having, but so far have had no problems there. Better go check the bike.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V, Pro Flex 856, Cannondale Lefty
Bike Setup:
XTR drivetrain, cranks, and BB, XT brakes, 757 pedals, sun/ringle wheels/hubs, otherwise as factory
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It's not as cush as many other full suspension bikes but has just the right amount for me. I am 6'3" and 195, so no lightweight, but have seen no problems with frame durability. This is something that I am sensitive to since I have had 3 other maker bike frames break under me. This bike will help you be the first one to the top of the tough climbs and will keep you with the leaders on fast technical descents. However, if you ride really gnarly technical single track it's probably not the best choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garrett
a Racer
from PA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
cool paint job, lite, not real popular
Weaknesses:
front heavy- doesn't track well weak frame feels like you always have a flat
Bottom Line:
today i just broke the frame after 1year and 3months of riding, i've ridin this bike fairly hard and i've had problems with it since i first bought it. what ever you do do not put disk brakes on one of these, they can't take the stress. mine broke right next to the disk brake mount.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Napa, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
White Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Madness
Strengths:
Design. The Turner design works very well. K2 was smart to license this design rather than try to reinvent the wheel. The Noleen link fork looks strange but performs extrememly well for technical riding. It tracks straighter than any fork on the market, bar none.
Weaknesses:
Product spec. The World Class BB had to go. The new Race Face BB w/ chromoly axle got rid of the creaks and groans. Not real happy with the Easton seatpost either, and Interloc Designs repalced it.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pinnacle, a stiff, quick handling aluminum hard tail.
Bike Setup:
New Race Face BB, scrapped the World Class Ti BB. WTB Veliciraptor tires front and rear. Speedplay Frog pedals. Zip-tied a piece of old inner tube to right chain stay to protect it from tons o' chain slap. Changed seatpost too.
Bottom Line:
I really like the way this bike handles. I rode a stiff aluminum hard tail for years and this bike is just a cushier version of the same. I like climbing and technical riding, this bike and fork serves me very well. It is not a plush freeride or DH bike in any sense of the words. But for someone looking for a great technical bike that climbs and handles very well, this one is worth the dough. I just completed riding the entire White Rim trail in Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Pretty rough terrain and the bike performed flawlessly. I was riding with several other folks on hardtails who were offering me money by day 3 to ride my bike..... once they caught up with me that is...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Racer
from waukesha wi Date Reviewed: September 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
greenbush
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
climbs like a mother doesnt kick my ass handles good
Weaknesses:
weak swing arm seat post at max and still not enough paint looks like hell after a year
Similar Products Used:
k2 5000 g.f. joshua
Bike Setup:
race face cranks and bb easton carbon fiber post and bars sun rpm wheels xt ringle stem and headset crosslink fork
Bottom Line:
I just cracked the swing arm between main pivot and chainstay on the weld but its covered under warranty cant really complain to much the bike has 5000 miles in a year of me beating the balls out of the poor thing so if you want to go fast over almost anything while staying seated get this bike and get fitted for the right size by the way im selling this bike soon for a bigger size give me $2000 and its yours
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Munch
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, California Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bolinas Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks Great (I admit it...that mattered], excellent price at Bikesale.com (or other outlet), great XC design, solid spec, fully active suspension
Weaknesses:
"Smart" fork design flaw/broken at 4 miles, 1/4" rear triangle lateral slop at 22 miles.
Similar Products Used:
My first FS bike
Bike Setup:
Stock for now... planning on an XT cassette & BB (shave 100 grams each), new crankset of some sort, maybe Avid Mag brakes & levers... not many other places to shave...
Bottom Line:
Great ride tonight. I'm IN the FS camp.
Just replaced my '93 M2 Stump. I was planning to buy a new bike in '96, but due to wear & crashes the only thing stock on my bike were the frame & seatpost. But after my EFC legs suddenly snapped off last weekend, I figured it was time...
I got my RSX from Bikesale.com for $1185, I feel a great deal. They set it up & packed it well, and after work one evening I put it together and was just able to get in a 4 mile ride before dark. To my surprise, that ride killed the "Smart" fork (see review there). There's also a lot of lateral slop in the rear suspension. I hope to dial that in & loc-tite the pivot bolts to solve that.
The bike is great. Its not a Superlight, but it is "Burlylight." Frame tubes are big & stiff, as is the fork, Titec Big Al stem & most everything else. The only spec'd cheese was the Sella Trimatica saddle, which will be donated to Goodwill. I didn't enjoy my first ride. My 1st impression of FS was "heavy & slow." The Fire XC tires didn't help either. They make climbing feel like running on sand. But once I summited & turned the bike around, everything fell into place. The tires grabbed like politicians at lobbyist money. The short, tall stem that I wasn't used to felt quick & nimble descending. The suspension balance was great, and I feel the extra weight of the coil springs (over air) is a fair trade off for better feel throughout the travel range (uh, "plushness"). Once I got the suspension set up to my liking, I could jump better than I could my hardtail. Spring into the air, and it almost doesn't matter where you land...cushy. I found myself flying down familiar descents at speeds I couldn't approach on my hardtail.
Hopefully K2 will provide quick & true relief from their faulty fork design, and hopefully the rear suspension, once tightened up, will stay that way. If that happens I think I will love this bike. I'm going to slap on a pair of Mythos tires, shed some weight from the bike.
I'll post another review on K2's warranty process. For now, 5 Value flamers for potentially a great bike at a great price, 3 Overall until K2 steps up to bat. Congrats & applause to their component spec'r.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steen
a Cross Country Rider
from Kalispell, MT Date Reviewed: July 28, 2000
Z2AtomBomb, XTR rear der & casette, XT BB & front der, LX cranks & hubs, Avid arch brakes, Sunrims w Panaracer Fire, Bontrager/Kore/Terrys cockpit, K2 mag pedals
Bottom Line:
I bought the frame and equipped it myself so consider this a review of the frame.
My frame is a way big size but I haven't had any of the problems mentioned below. Maybe my long bontrager post sticks down deep enough to offer enough support. Most trails here in northwest Montana are rough and rooty so the bike gets banged up pretty good on every ride. So far no cracks anywhere in the frame.
The used macpherson strut system is much simpler and cleaner than most rear suspension systems which makes for a durable low maintenance bike.
The razorback gets top ratings from me. It climbs like on rails and does a real good job anywhere else considering the limited travel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rich pierce
a Racer
from St. Louis, MO, USA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chubb, Berryman, Greensfelder
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I built it from a frameset with the Ti coil-over rear shock. So it's not stock. I have a manitou SX-Ti front shock on it, and an XT/LX/Avid mix of components.
Handling is excellent. For me, it's instinctive. I've never had a bike that corners this well or is this stable. The lower BB height probably contributes to this.
The bike climbs well. The rear tire hooks up better than my hardtail. I sense no bobbing, even tho I know it bobs a bit.
The travel is enough to keep me seated more and to float me over sections that would have me standing with my hardtail w/suspension seatpost.
For a full-suspension bike, it is reasonable in weight.
For a "designer" frame (Turner Stinger license) this is cheap. I paid $450 for a frame and rear shock raced one season, so it was a bargain for me.
Weaknesses:
The paint chips easily.
The low BB height that helps stability, also causes me to strike my pedals on rocks more often.
The bike is heavier than my Ti hardtail- but what isn't?
I had to use a really long seatpost for the fit to be right, using a Large frameset. I'm 5'11 and didn't think I needed "Way Big". But I need a 400 mm seatpost.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first full suspension bike. Been a hardtail man, but now I'm converted. This bike is all-around faster for me on trails with climbing and rocks or twisties, even tho it weighs 3 pounds more as set up than my hardtail.
Bike Setup:
manitou SX-Ti front shock Power Tools stem and bar (BEEFY!) American Classic Wheelset w/Velocity Aeroheat rims Avid Arch Rival 50 brakes, SRAM 9.0 levers. LX shifter pods, cranks and front derailleur Un 72 BB XTR rear derailleur.
Bottom Line:
This bike has taken my racing to a higher level. I am MUCH more comfortable and confident on downhill runs, in rock gardens, hardpacked corners, loose corners at speed, off-camber stuff, etc. I am less beat up after races. I will keep this bike forever unless it breaks. Will need a new paint job, tho. How about midnight blue?
I don't know if it gets better than this for my style of riding and the trails I ride (midwestern rocky trails, with a combination of hardpack, twisty, ledgy, and loose stuff, as well as woodsy, loamy, "veggie tunnels", with stiff but not long climbs and descents.
I can't give 5 chilis because I haven't seen how durable it is yet. That's the only remaining question. if it lasts, 5 chilis, and I'll toss in the tortillas.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Houston, TX, USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
white tanks, Arizona
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
see earlier review by me
Weaknesses:
bad frame design (for Way Big sizes), warranty replacement a problem
Similar Products Used:
no other Full suspension
Bike Setup:
See other review by me.
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my review of march 6 2000. Have still not received a replacement frame. Which broke due to a bad design. Dealer says that the K2 rep says no frames will be available until June. Race season will be over by then. Called K2 they say they aren't aware of a problem with the frame. I have personally seen 4 different Way Bigs with a cracked frame.
Don't buy the Way big if you want a bike that won't break. And don't expect quick action for frame replacement when it does break.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Matheson
a Racer
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: April 18, 2000
This bike is the S***! Ever since I saw the Turner Stinger design a few years ago, I've been aching to own one, but the cost was just too high. K2 has made the best designed cross country F/S frame available to the masses! This bike ROCKS! Zero frame flex, Zero bobbing-no matter which gear you're in. For serious XC racing, this is it! The RS frame is made of Easton UltraLite tubing, so theres a good base with which to make the bike even lighter by upgrading some components. If you're lookin' for the best value, performance & ride this side of the galaxy, this is the steed you need!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a
from vashon Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
fun, simple, responsove, needle bearings, easy to tune
Weaknesses:
frame is a touch heavier than would be optimal, but that adds durability
Similar Products Used:
none, just hardtails
Bike Setup:
full xtr
Bottom Line:
I spent an hour and a half on this rig and it is much faster than a hardtail. I made it up some really steep loose sections and I had traction to spare. the same sections are nearly impossible on a hardtail. It was rreally responsive over the bumps too. this thing sprints almost as fast as a hardtail, but it's faster everywhere else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Houston, TX, USA Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
White Tanks, Arizona
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light Weight, Very quick responsive steering that is still stable on down hills, climbs OK, superb suspension action / response. Love the brakes, better than 98 XT's
Weaknesses:
The frame on the WAY BIG and to a lesser extent the Large has a design flaw and will break. I am 6' 5" and weigh 200 pounds. I have just over 1000 miles on the frame. When I saw my bike dealer last week he asked if my bike had started creaking. I said Yes, about two weeks ago. He said the frame is about to break where the top tube is welded to the seat tube. Evidently the bushing used to reduce the seat tube diameter (for the seat post) isn't tall enough and the edge of it lines up with the top tube / seat tube junction. Torque from the seat post against this bushing breaks the bushings welds so it starts working in the frame (the creaking) this working will buckle the seat tube and break at the top tube junction.
He currently has the frame and is sending it off for replacement. This has happened to 3 Way Bigs and 1 large that he has sold. As far as he knows, K2 has done nothing to change this design.
The other weakness is the low bottom bracket height. Have to be real careful to clock my pedals over rocky or rooty ground.
Similar Products Used:
No other Full Suspension, Just hard tails.
Bike Setup:
Replaced the Grip Shift with XTR RR and Rapid Fire, WTB SST98 Saddle, Frog Pedals
Bottom Line:
I am sending in the review so that people looking for a Way Big should be-ware. Make sure your dealer is a helpful guy because if you are near my size or bigger you will be replacing your frame.
I will still give this bike a 5 for value. Since it was on closeout I only paid 1500.
Because of the design flaw and the fact that the WAY BIG's geometry isn't for people with long legs, I give it a 3 for overall. I will lower it to a 2 if K2 is a hassle on the warranty replacement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Kraig
a Cross Country Rider
from Pojoaque, NM Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
quemazon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
light (
Weaknesses:
higher bottom bracket would help on technical sections, more and easier damping adjustability on rear shock - those knurled knobs don't cut it and only adjust rebound damping, paint chips easily.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V 1000 which had much more pedal-induced action and is limited to only Cannondale forks, which can be unreliable
Bike Setup:
bought as frame only, added Manitou SX Ti/TPC, mostly XT, some XTR components. Final weigt with fairly light wheels
Bottom Line:
Favorite bike ever, wonderful on technical climbs and everything else; wish bottom bracket were more higher (at least 13", it's more like 12"). Bobbing during climbng doesn't really bother me and I don't think it robs energy. Have not experienced problems like creaking that other people describe, I suppose because I built mine with XTR BB, Syncros seatpost. Very low maintenance, no problems, makes me want to ride al the time, but I have to work unfortunately. Also was an excellent value at $860 for the frameset/
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
arash mohtashamain
a Cross-Country Rider
from milwaukee Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
kettle murane
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
incredible handling good compormise between full suspension and hardtail. incredible paint job.
Weaknesses:
avid 1.9 breaks aren't the greatest, would recommend shimmano XTR with rapid fire shifting and XTR rear derailure.
Similar Products Used:
specialized, schwinn= sucks, traek- 8500LT next bike I plan to get.
Bottom Line:
incredible handling, fast, and smooth. Not the best thinkg coming down a really steep hill, I think the front forks can be a little bit more plush, actually the whole bike can be a little bit more plush, but with all that still the best cross-country bike I have owned or tried thus far.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John D
a Weekend Warrior
from Hopewell Jctn, NY Date Reviewed: December 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ninham Area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Semi-lightweight frame, Great design, Nice geometry.
Weaknesses:
Paint job durability, Lack of compression damping adjustment on rear shock.
Noleen carbon front w/nr2, xt mega 9 group, titec cockpit with 1 hellbent riser, approx 27.5 lbs
Bottom Line:
This design is a good compromise between a hardtail and a freeride full suspension. I have a k2 5000 also, and the razorback is not as plush, but responds better to pedal input. The suspension works enough to eliminate the sore lower back I encounter on my hardtail, yet I have to use more caution on some sections that I can blast through on my 4.5 rear travel bike. A little more rear wheel travel and an on the fly compression adjustment would make this the perfect trail bike, the y2k model might have this covered.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Annon
a Racer
from Spokane Washington Date Reviewed: December 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Inexpensive
Weaknesses:
Jumped off rear cogs in small ring. Bobbed in middle ring when climbing. Not plush not matter how it was setup. Not sharp in the singletrack. Heavier then it was supposed to be 6.3 lbs with ti spring.
Bike Setup:
Nollen rear and Elite front. With race wheels and tires the bike was 25.2 lbs
Bottom Line:
My bike had a number of issues that turned me off to this frame. The bike did help me become better on the downside of the hills, but I was disapointed with the bobbing in the middle ring on climbs and the chain moving off the rear cogs in the small ring when the suspention activated. I also found that the bike was not really sharp in the singletrack. After a full season of racing and riding the frame I have sold it. I guess that is the bottom line.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Agoura, Ca Date Reviewed: December 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Dunn Road
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very tight, light no squeeks, low maintance, fantastic handling
Weaknesses:
Cost.I paid $2300.00 plus tax. I wish I would have seen that Large bike in todays ad
Similar Products Used:
Specialized fsr, Klein Mantra, Jamis Diablo, Cannondale Raven
Bike Setup:
Carbon Crosslink on the front, Coil rear with a Ti spring
Bottom Line:
I can't believe the guy that reviewed his bike with a squeeky BB. He simply did not recieve a bike that was set up properly. I weigh 235 and have been riding a world class Ti BB for the past year and it works fine under my big butt. This bike is a leased design from Turner( Turner Stinger ) and it handles like it is on rails. The paint is not an issue when I scratch it I touch it up and it looks fine. I've been riding for years and a well maintained bike is a happy bike and it always gets me home. My bike is light and I have no complaints. Buy one if you can find one and try not to pay full pop. P.S. take that loosers review in and maybe you can get the discount he is looking for cause he obviously dosen't own on and his winning will get him nothing. P.S.S. I witnessed K2's consumer relations and a friend of mine crashed his k2 5000 into a mountain and bent the top and down tubes. K2 Bike replaced his frame with no questions asked. Today we are still out riding our K2's together. Maybe that other guy with the RS should clean his bike by not taking it into the tub with him. A SIMPLE $ 1.99 rubber ducky will solve all of his problems.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Worth, Texas Date Reviewed: November 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tyler State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, trick stock components. Titanium spring makes the ride. The linkage fork is the best part of hte bike.
Weaknesses:
Very poor factory/dealer set-up. Chain slap is eating chainstay. Paint is falling off. Too many squeaks.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra Specialized FSRXC
Bike Setup:
Size large
Bottom Line:
After six months and almost a thousand miles, I feel pretty comfortable checking in to downgrade my original review. Gee, I hope that doesn't affect their stock price. No doubt about it, the Razorback RS rides great. It lives up to its light, short travel billing. The problems lie in the way this thing sounds when you ride. The first couple of months I had it, people said, Wow, what kind of bike is that? Now, they say, Wow, what's wrong with your bike? It's an embarrassment to pedal this thing up a hill. It sounds like several other owners share the problem of the squeaky BB. Mine's squeaked from day one. It says quiet with WEEKLY tightening and greasing. My dealer doesn't have a clue how to fix it. I've talked to two or three people that have replaced the stock Ti BB with a reliable CroMo one. That a huge compromise to be forced into when you paid $2200 for trick components. The first time I complained, my dealer said, Many high-end aluminum frames creak like this. Wow, that's a mark of quality I didn't have with my beater Raleigh M800. The bike's seat tube also creaks like made. I thought it was the Easton post. But after I got a replacement, the frame still cries every time my butt rocks on the saddle. Yeah, I tried gobs of lube and anti-sieze, but the pitch and frequency don't change. My earlier review describes some of the other more basic problems I've had. Now I've got to downgrade my bike to 2.5 stars. I'm pulling one star for embarrassment, one star for frequent trips to the dealer, and one more for the paint jumping off the frame. I've got to give the .5 back because the bike really does *feel* good to ride. It just sounds horrible. If you feel like careful maintenance every weekend, this might the bike for you. If you want reliability, enquire elsewhere. K2 may want to be a big brand, but they've got some more investment in quality control between them and stardom.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Yates
a Cross-Country Rider
from Goose Creek, SC Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tsali, NC
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Full Suspension bike with a hardtail feel. Great all around ride. The component selection of ESP 9.0SL Grip Shift, AVID Brakes, and Easton Ultralite tubing, bar, and post.
Weaknesses:
Factory Seat became unglued. World Class Ti BB Creaked.
NR2 is firm and tracks. Judy SID, XC and XL. Manitou. Bomber.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great ride and set up for racing out of the box. Competed in the Tsali Triathelon Challenge two weeks after purchase and first time in clipless pedals. Performed to meet the demands and requirements of the trail. Shortly after the Challenge, the seat glue began to come undone. Store replaced seat with my choice no questions asked. Heard that the factory was getting feedback and change the seat for the new models due to problems. Also the BB started to creak. Shop tightened the BB and has been fine since. Blame store setup for most of the problems that occurred. Love the bike and recommend to everyone that is interested. A few friends have tried it and are saving to buy. Five stars awarded for bike; four stars awarded for store due to setup issues and corrections made.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jarand Soersdal
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kristiansand, Norway Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Voiebyen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The way the suspension works.
Weaknesses:
Claimed weight is not correct.
Similar Products Used:
Raven, Trek, GT i-drive
Bike Setup:
Judy sl with 85 mm Englund. Bontrager Race lite wheelset. Race face, XTR, Easton Ct2.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the ultimate cross country weapon. The suspension works when it should work. The frame is stiff when it needs to be, wich means that you can stand an get as good acceleration as you can with a hardtail. I had a Klein Adroit hardtail before, wich is a very good bike. Compared to this my K2 makes me faster on almost every track. What bugs me is that K2`s claimed weight on the frame is 5 lbs. The actual weight is 6 lbs..... But the weight on the bike is getting close to 24,5 lbs so I shouldn`t be complaining.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Sampson
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, Tx Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Perk Canyon, Rui. NM
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
precise, very stable rear end, beautiful paint job
I bought the bike from the K2 rep in LA. It was one of his demos, so he said. The bike arrived pretty beat to hell and lots of sea air deposits. I was not happy but after stripping it down, cleaning, painting and sealing, it is probably the best looking ride on the road. Changed out the stock Avid brakes and levers to XTR and also traded off the SRAM for XTR. Just not a grip shifter guy. The XTR brakes are a little mushy for me but overall this is one excellent ride. The rear end stays absolutely in place on rough steep washout descents. The NR2 is not as plush and deep throated as the Judy XC but it is very accurate. I've been riding a hardtail with a Moxey Pro post and this was like getting into a Cadillac. The Sun wheels are great. This bike is fast on the level. I've never done 30MPH on level dirt roads before. This bike runs that speed pretty easy. It is probably a little overpriced at $2,300-$2,900(RSL) but I put mine together a little used for $1,700 and it is worth every dime.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chaska, MN Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
The Farm
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great single track handling. Good climbing and braking. Linkage fork handles precisely
Weaknesses:
I have had some problems with bike. First of all the ti bb creaked like mad so I replaced it with a bomb proof Syncros cromo bb. The Easton seat post was nice and light but flexed alot under my 190lbs. Then one day during a most excellent ride in central Minnesota, the swing arm failed right through the weld between the yoke and chain stay. Good thing I wasn't screaming down a hill when it broke. The dealer replaced the swing arm in three days. They scavenged the part off a bike they had. They told me that K2's customer service . Shipments aren't on time and are often inaccurate. Just when you think it couldn't get worse, it did. I kept getting a creaking sound from the seat post. So after messing the Easton post for hours with no success. So I replaced the post with a Race Face. Problem was the creak didn't go away. So I tried grease. I tried removing all the grease. Nothing worked. Then I looked inside the seat tube on the frame and saw the dirty little bastard. There was a small crack in the tube originating from a drain hole. To get by until after I did the Chequamongon 40 in Hayward WI, I pumped a wad of oil to quiet the creak. Now that the race in over, I'm ready to bring the bike back to the shop.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized XC Comp Rocky Mountain Element Race Trek Y33
Bike Setup:
Stock RS set up except for: Syncros bb and Race Face XY seat post.
Bottom Line:
Despite the problems I really like this bike. It was the best handling fullie I've tried. As long as my shop, Bennett's Cycle, keeps helping me out I'll be happy. I give a 4 chili rating because of the problems.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike the bike guy...
a Cross-Country Rider
from Leesburg Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anything XC
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great design... blows Turner outta the water on price.
Weaknesses:
just a tad heavy in the rear. Where's that air shock K2?!?!?!
Similar Products Used:
Turner Stinger
Bike Setup:
Mixed bag of XT, LX XMO front fork
Bottom Line:
1st, what a sweet paint job... Although visually you can see a little POGO going on, you don't fell it when you're climbing. It climbs very very for a FS. For XC riding, you can't go wrong with this frame. If you can, do it the right way, buy just the frame and build it up on your own.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Martin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fort Worth, Texas Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tyler State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Ti springs is sooo plush Fork is sooo precise Components are pretty trick
Weaknesses:
Poor dealer/factory setup
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra Specialized FSR-XC Diamondback X-whatever
Bike Setup:
Stock plus ti rear spring, red Yeti grips, and Shimano DX pedals
Bottom Line:
It took three months of owning this bike to make me feel good about it. Now that I'm through some basic setup and adjustment issues, I'm hooked. My Razorback RS came from the bike shop with a bunch of niggling quality issues. The cranks creaked constantly, the rear end was loose, the rear derailleur ghost-shifted like mad. After four visits, the shop finally replaced the Ti BB, tightened up the rear triangle, and lengthened the derailleur cable to straighten out the basic problems. I also swapped out my seat since it came unglued. The most disturbing prob came from the factory. The rear wheel was built with almost vertical dish on the drive side. That put the tire too close to the chain and made for a steep driveline. The guys at Wheels in Motion didn't figure that out until the fourth visit. All that stuff's fixed now and I'm happy. The bike screams on North Texas singletrack. The front linkage fork is the best thing about this bike. Sure it's only 3, but it feels solid as a long-travel triple-crown fork. You'll never forget the rear is short-travel, but the 3 you get is pretty plush. The Ti-spring upgrade saves a half-pound gives you a better ride over the stock steel one. That Ti spring just bounces better than anything I've tried before. My size L bike comes in at 26.5 pounds with my one-pound DX636 pedals and regular-thickness tubes. This could be a 24-pound bike if I had no care for reliability. I paid $2100 for a regular RS (not superlight). That's not bad considering this is a pretty trick bike. You get full Easton tubes, plus Easton seat post and bar. The bike came stock with my fav GripShift ESP9.0SL shifters. I gotta pull a star because of the initial quality experience. A bike that costs $2000+ should come set up perfectly. I'm sure K2's working on the basic quality issues as we speak.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bullwinkle
a Cross-Country Rider
from Reno, NV. Date Reviewed: September 5, 1999
Overall an awesome bike. . The Turner suspension is the best in the bussiness, stiff laterly but still as plush as 3 inches can be. This bike loves tight rocky technical singletrack. The faster you go the better it works. Climbing is slower than on my 24lb hardtail but not by much. Wouldn't take much to make this bike into a lightweight scream machine. Only complaint is the much ballyhooed Smart Fork. A 4+ pound fork with less than 3 of travel? Give me a break. Smart technology seems more gimmick than anything. Never have been able to tell any difference with the fork on or off. Rumor has it K2 is going to have a new air fork and shock for the Razorback line out soon. Should cut 1.5-2lbs off the bike, Can't wait! I'd give it 5 flamers but gotta take one away for the heavyweight front end.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg B.
a Racer
from Germantown, MD Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Frederick Watershed
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
All around great bike. Climbs like a hard tail when seated, rides like a FS when standing. Plus it is real light. Perfect XC racer on technical trails.
Weaknesses:
Some hits on the rear really grab the bike hard and try to pull the bike out from under you. Never cause any major problem though, just is a starting feeling when it happen. This kind of hit is very rare, only had it happen 3 times in the last 300+ miles.
Full XTR drivetrain, brakes, shifters. King hub on Sun Sub VI's, Thompson 410 seat post, Selle Italia seat, Ibis Ti handle bar, Stubs bar end, and '99 Pro Carbon Fork(NR2).
Bottom Line:
This is a great riding bike. It is intended for the racer and not the weekend warrior looking for a free ride bike. The rear end it very stiff when seated. Standing up results in a more plush ride for downhill bombing. This result in a very fast and aggressive ride that beats me up more than my 757 did, but then again I am getting to the finish line a lot faster. It is the best of both worlds, right between a free ride FS and a hard tail.The K2 customer service is outstanding. I got this frame as a warrantee trade up after my 757 cracked (3 years of hard riding). I had to pay a fee to upgrade both the frame and my old folk but it was nothing compared the retail cost of the new setup. Calling K2 directly always results in great customer service. Bottom line is this is a outstanding bike and you should get it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Johnson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oviedo Date Reviewed: August 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bellview/Santos
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Best XC Full Suspension bike out there.
Weaknesses:
Selle saddle came unglued. World Class Ti bottom bracket had to be replaced.
Similar Products Used:
96 Proflex Beast Proflex 854
Bike Setup:
Standard RS setup w/ smart shock on the Crosslink Elite front fork.
Bottom Line:
I've always been a Proflex (now K2 fan). This bike is by far the best ride I've ever owned. It's pricey, but well worth it. Too bad I'm stuck here in Central Florida for 2 more years. This bikes performs best on tough technical terrain. The more you throw at it, the better. It was very sweet in the mountains in Western North Carolina where the climbs were long and steep and the descents were screamers. Even with the having to replace the saddle and bottom bracker due to manufacturer defects, this bike still deserves 5 peppers.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Atle Kleiven
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kristiansand Date Reviewed: July 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Jegersberg
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Climbs very well, decents very well, looks nice at a relatively cheap price..
Weaknesses:
dont accelarate as good as my old Kula on the road (but who wants to ride on the road????)
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y33, Cannodale SL,Cannondale F1000, Kona Explosif, Kona Kula
Bike Setup:
Razorback RS frame (2650 grams)with XTR/XT an RS SL 1998.
Bottom Line:
I rode it today again and it just gets better and better. It was wet and on one occasion during a long downhill I was sure I should fall, but..... the excellent Razorback- bike saved my life. So.. the bottom line is: it's a great bike in the woods, both uphill and downhill and on the rocky flats, it doesn't bob when you stand up and it's a fairly light bike if you use light parts. It's perfect for a CC- racer who wants a more gentle ride....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron Ross
a Cross-Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, Ca. Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Boggs Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very stiff up front.Spot on steering.Can climb like a Mtn.goat.
Weaknesses:
No way to keep the dust out of the 2 shocks (that I nave found)
Similar Products Used:
Only my Ho Koo E Koo
Bike Setup:
SCAM 9.0. Rolf DOL.
Bottom Line:
This is a damb nice bike. It has just enough spring to take off the trails edge, and on the down hills, the back end ant flying around under you.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Per Hasvold
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tromso, Norway Date Reviewed: May 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, stiff, full suspension with a good set of wheels. Climbs and handles very well.
Weaknesses:
Slight creaking from the World Class Ti bottom bracket.
Similar Products Used:
ProFlex 855 and 857. Trek Y frames and Cannondales.
Bike Setup:
Changes to std. RS setup: Flite seat, XT shifters and rear der. ATI slim grips.
Bottom Line:
A very good cross country racer! It climbs very well. In the saddle or out it has very little bobing. The bike can be steered very precise.For freeriding or highspeed downhill a little more rear suspension would be better, but this is a pure XC racer!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
I've had my Razorback for about a month now and I couldn't be happier. It does everything well, and it shreds singletrack. I really appreciate the rigidity and responsiveness of both the front and rear suspension. You can stand up, hammer and throw your weight around just like a hard tail, so its easy to make the transition to full suspension. This bike is better over slow, technical, rock and root invested sections of trail than any other full suspension bikes I've ridden - it doesn't try to buck you off with rebound and it's light enough to bunny- hop over obstacles or at least get re-positioned for a better line. The rigidity of the front end insures that you will go wherever you point it. On my old bike (Pro-Flex 856), the combination of the front end diving and the rear rebounding would make rocky dry creek beds a handful. Every bike has its trade off's, and this bike will turn off people looking for a plush, longtravel ride. It advertises 3 inches on both front and back-- maybe that's true, maybe not. But, if your looking for a light, race-worthy cross country bike that can climb and descend better than any hardtail in addition to tearing up singletrack like nobody's business, buy this bike. You won't regret it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Speed: You gain speed both uphill and downhill. Weight: 24lb. Size medium. Pretty light for a FS. Price: What else you can get? Spare money to upgrade.
Weaknesses:
Not as plush if you like plush ride.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR XC S-work
Bike Setup:
Stocked version. ESP 9.0 shift etc.. I would prefer Shimano shifting.
Bottom Line:
It is a bike oriented for XC and racing and it is fast and quick around single track, turns, downhill (although I would prefer a bit more rear travel) Well balanced weight distribution lead to very good control. If you are going to buy that $3000 FSR XC S-work, think twice. The control on this front shock is the best I have tried. Rigid and solid feel. A bike which will last long.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Chaska,MN Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR Comp Diamondback XR4
Bottom Line:
I've had the Razorback a couple of weeks now and I like it more and more. Tonight I hit my favorite trails. Twisty single track in the woods on tacky soil. This bike climb like a dream. Even standing to climb up short, steep inclines felt solid, not mushy. If you are a hardtail rider/racer consider moving on to full suspension, do your self a favor and check out this bike. My bike is a large and I weighed it on a digital scale. 26 lbs. on the nose. Not bad considering it uses coil springs. I liked the front and rear are coil sprung and oil dampened suspension for ride and reliability. The linkage fork looks strange at first but after riding it awhile I've come to appreciate the rigidity and feel. This bike loves singletrack. I was able to clear switchbacks and tight turns that use to give me trouble. Now all I have to do is get my ass in shape and hit the race course.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gabe parker
a Racer
from atlanta ga Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
olympic course conyers ga
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike handles great, the steering is spot on. It accelerates and climbs like a hardtail and decends even faster. mine weighs in right at 24lbs as it sits now, pretty light for a fully.
Weaknesses:
I havent found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
I have ridden many different bikes in my racing carrear.mostly hardtails.all the other full suspinsion bikes weighed too much for xc racing purposes.
Bike Setup:
k2 razorback rs frame, nolean eilte fork, xtr brakes levers and cassete,raceface cranks rings and bottombracket,thomson seatpost,sun/ringle rpm wheelset, sachs pc-91 chain, fire xc tires,.....
Bottom Line:
This is the first full suspension bike(excluding softails,YBB,ect..) that was truly designed to be raced competitivly in xc races.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Chaska, MN Date Reviewed: March 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
I just picked up my razorback yesterday and let me tell you this is one sweeeettttt bike. After just riding it over some small hills and ruts by the bike shop, I knew this was the fs bike I wanted. I was going to buy a Rocky Mountain Element Race, which I know is a great bike, but this K2 had me mezmorized this second I laid eyes on it. What really me in is that it's light, about 25 lbs., and is coil sprung and oil dampened front and rear. I've only had the bike two days and now I'm leaving for Florida with the family. Well you better believe I'll be laying in the sun dreaming about the single track to come. I'll post a review later after I've had some serious rip time. It will be interesting to see if I'm still as high on this bike as I am now. By the way, MBA did a review on the Razorback RSL and loved it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a racer
from Vermont Date Reviewed: November 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
Let me start by saying that this bike rips! I have been riding a shop demo for 3 days (7 hours worth of single tracking in Vermont). The bike is a mix of the standard Razorback and the Superlight. It weights an honest 24.5 lbs. with very little component trickery.First off I must say that I was prejudiced against this bike from the get go because of the linkage fork. To my surprise I really liked the way the fork worked. I was very stiff laterally, thus providing very good steering. The stiffness also made for very solid braking. The travel was nice and I did not feel that the fork was mushy or bobbed much (my usual fork is a stiffly configured SID).As far as the rear suspension goes it is like the Turner Stinger from whom it was licensed. I understand from a shop friend that K2 removed a lower pivot to stiffen the rear up. He said that as a result the ride was not as plush in certain kinds of hits. The rear was certainly stiff and although it only had 2.7 inches of travel it never appeared to bottom. The rear was active standing or sitting, though it seemed stiffer when I stood. I think this may have a function of the fact that my weight was more forward. With the pre-load properly set the bike did have some suspension movement when sitting and pedaling. This was only noticeable on pavement, I did not notice it in the woods. The suspension also had an added traction effect as I cleaned several sections that I had not made all summer (and I am less fit now).As far as woods manners goes the bike was perfect. It handled everything I threw at it very well. It climbed well without any felling of loss of energy to suspension movement. In the rolling stuff it was just fast. Downhill I regularly scared myself. Fortunately, the Avid 2.0’s hooked up to the very rigid fork and rear stays (they had a bar bolted in above the brake that stiffened the square tubes further, [I am not sure this will make it to production]) made for great slowing power.As far as my frame of reference goes for evaluating this bike I have ridden a number of fullys (99 Spec. XC, Ibis Bow-Ti, Pro-flexs, Treks, Fishers, Cannondales) and other then the very expensive Bow-Ti this bike is hands down my favorite.What can I say I think I may be another convert. As much as I love my present bike (Merlin mt.) I plan to apply to K2 to sponsor my racing addiction next year. I am sure that riding the Razorback will improve my results on courses in N.E.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a racer
from Vermont Date Reviewed: November 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
Let me start by saying that this bike rips! I have been riding a shop demo for 3 days (7 hours worth of single tracking in Vermont). The bike is a mix of the standard Razorback and the Superlight. It weights an honest 24.5 lbs. with very little component trickery.First off I must say that I was prejudiced against this bike from the get go because of the linkage fork. To my surprise I really liked the way the fork worked. I was very stiff laterally, thus providing very good steering. The stiffness also made for very solid braking. The travel was nice and I did not feel that the fork was mushy or bobbed much (my usual fork is a stiffly configured SID).As far as the rear suspension goes it is like the Turner Stinger from whom it was licensed. I understand from a shop friend that K2 removed a lower pivot to stiffen the rear up. He said that as a result the ride was not as plush in certain kinds of hits. The rear was certainly stiff and although it only had 2.7 inches of travel it never appeared to bottom. The rear was active standing or sitting, though it seemed stiffer when I stood. I think this may have a function of the fact that my weight was more forward. With the pre-load properly set the bike did have some suspension movement when sitting and pedaling. This was only noticeable on pavement, I did not notice it in the woods. The suspension also had an added traction effect as I cleaned several sections that I had not made all summer (and I am less fit now).As far as woods manners goes the bike was perfect. It handled everything I threw at it very well. It climbed well without any felling of loss of energy to suspension movement. In the rolling stuff it was just fast. Downhill I regularly scared myself. Fortunately, the Avid 2.0’s hooked up to the very rigid fork and rear stays (they had a bar bolted in above the brake that stiffened the square tubes further, [I am not sure this will make it to production]) made for great slowing power.As far as my frame of reference goes for evaluating this bike I have ridden a number of fullys (99 Spec. XC, Ibis Bow-Ti, Pro-flexs, Treks, Fishers, Cannondales) and other then the very expensive Bow-Ti this bike is hands down my favorite.What can I say I think I may be another convert. As much as I love my present bike (Merlin mt.) I plan to apply to K2 to sponsor my racing addiction next year. I am sure that riding the Razorback will improve my results on courses in N.E., and besides the bike is just a blast to ride! Thats why I am out there in the first place. Try one for youself if you are looking for a low weight/short travel XC fully.
Overall Rating:
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