Strengths: No Failures!! Exellent quality components. Apparently properly engineered since I've had it for 12 years now & only replaced the tires & brake pads. I ride 3 to 4days a week on nothing but trails,,,canyons & mountains.
Weaknesses: No real location to bolt on accesories ie; h2o bottles, air pump, etc.
Bottom Line:
I've had several competitors versions of this bike that are "newer & better" technology and have always come back to this bike. It has terrific balance & handling for my physique ( 5-4 150lbs). Proper gear combinations for uphill & great balance for downhill.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale, Diamondback XSL, Specialized Rock Hopper, Myata.
Bike Setup: Purchased assembled but have maintained myself for 12 years.
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Submitted by
q-tipnoob
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs US
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2010
Strengths: IT has a great full suspension, Rock shox, It has a really strong rear arm, frame is nearly indestructable, the bike farely light, shimano exponents, Not many problems with this bike. IT is affordable and easily upgradable, mine has old school scott handlebars on mine, and the bike is an amazing trail bike!!
Weaknesses: It has a 5 hole sproket, not a great climbing bike ( however it has adjustable suspenesion which neutralizes some of the problem, but is not as fast as a hard tail. front rim is not very high quality, I had to replace mine soon after I bought it. Water bottle position is a pain with a large water bottle.
Bottom Line:
This bike is worth the money all out by far with out a doubt, mine is yellow with red components and I love it too death. The bike if taken care of will last a very long time. It is a great entry level trail bike and handles down hill very well.Not a heavy bike, but also not the lightest. I ride mine everywhere I go, and it does great with almost everything I attempt. the front tire will probably have to be replaced before any hard core riding. I like the adjustable suspension rock shocks. year 2000 if You find this bike for a good price buy it you will not be sorry you did!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought it in 1999 and have been riding it on a regular basis. I love this bike. I had not made major upgrades until earlier this year and that does speak volumes for the original parts. They did stand the test of time with little maintenance. However, they are original parts. Why purchase a new bike when now they are thousands of dollars when you have this unique kick ass frame. Bottom line is, you will spend less money and be much happier by upgrading this frame with better parts than you will by buying a brand new bike that has what the manufacturer puts on the store bikes.
Favorite Trail: Accotink Park & Loch Raven Reservoir
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Similar Products Used: Have ridden a number of hard tails and FS Bikes over the years, owned or borrowed. This has allowed me to make a pretty good analysis.
Bike Setup: Azonic saddle. Recently upgraded the entire suspension system to Rock Shox (Front = Tora 318. Rear = Monarch 4.2) and have loved it, what a major difference. Mavic rims were custom built by Prowheelbuilder.com. Also, will be adding DISC brakes by way of Bike Therapy (2btherapy.com) as the frame itself does not have the ability to attach DISC brakes.
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Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from MA and RI
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2005
Strengths: Very Strong and reliable, cheap, I bought it as a used frame and built it up.
Weaknesses: You must swivel the front derailleur out of the wat to tighten the pivot joint. Nondisc compatible.
Bottom Line:
A very sturdy reliable trailbike which can handle alot of abuse. Not for the new bike fanatic, but if you need a bike to really use, this is it.
Similar Products Used: Proflex 5000, Iron horse Stout, Haro, Diamondback,etc.
Bike Setup: Judy 100mm travel fork, LX components, Brake arches over the vbrakes.
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Submitted by
Snead
a Cross Country Rider
from Central, Oregon
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2005
Strengths: Bulletproof - mostly. Comfy ride, inspires (too much) confidence - Bought used knowing it would need love - LBS replaced front fork with a similar vintage rebuilt Manitou dual crown for under $100 - so at $400 I have a solid XT equipped FS Bike. It can handle more than my Clydesdale bod and old-man skills can throw at it.
Weaknesses: Both issues were rider induced - 4 foot drop with bad landing on pavement (front wheel) I blew the fork wide open. Sideswiped a rock and ripped the rear derailleur off - LBS fixed with a new dropout and cogs and back in action. Maybe when I have lots of money I can justify a fancy new bike (and I would like one someday) but for now this has been a good ride.
Bottom Line:
There are finer rides out there, but for a 220 pound amateur, this is a good start and worth the $400 I have in it.
Favorite Trail: Anything that gets you moving fast
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At: Imperial Bike shop
Bike Setup: Dumped it, got ride of it
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Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Vienna,WV,USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003
Strengths: Tough, tough frame
Weaknesses: only 4 inches rear travel
Bottom Line:
This bike has stood the test of time. You could hit it with a truck and not hurt it. As you see, I have made a few upgrades since I bought it from Randall(my brother). And there are still a few in progress. I am going with LX hubs, and Sun Rhyno Lite rims, and soon will be adding Avid Arch rival brakes. With a stiff rear suspension setting, and my new 2002 bomber fork, 4 to 5 foot drops are no problem. I have taken it as much as six feet a time of too as well. If you get one of these frames.....keep it! My brother and then myself have beaten this thing senseless, and it just says, "That all you got?!" Great value for the price. This frame just won't die.
Submitted by
Mike G
a Cross Country Rider
from Taunton, Mass, USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2002
Strengths: Awesome looks, Strong frame, very good handling trail bike
Weaknesses: Heavy rims, lots of bob when hammering, cheap front fork (Manitou Spyder R)
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I bought it early 1999 and have been riding it at least twice a week. Was a little heavy when I first got it, but I upgraded(alot) It now weighs about 28.5#. I eliminated the Bob with the SID,when it is locked, it's almost a hardtail, and I weigh 275#. This summer I took it to Pedrosfest and did the Downhill run at Jiminey Peak. What A rush. Although this bike handled it well, it is not a downhill machine. I just put the Black Elite fork on this fall. I was thinking of getting a new bike, but with this setup I can't justify it. As long as the frame holds up I will be riding it. This bike is agreat choice for someone who doesn't mind upgrading as you go.
Bike Setup: dh-2 on the front, 24inch rear wheel hayes disks, sun rims, and 3.0 tioga tires.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Randall
a Weekend Warrior
from Parkersburg, WV, USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Strengths: Great value...quality full suspension ride for the price. Sharp looking bike! Super durable (i've beat on it pretty well).
Weaknesses: Could stand a few component upgrades, but when considering the price, there aren't many weaknesses.
Bottom Line:
Great bang for the buck! I have ridden this bike hard and it has taken the abuse with a smile. Could be a little lighter, but for the price, it is an outstanding package. If you are just getting into mountain biking, and price is a factor for you, this is a great place to start. A great bike at a great price.
Similar Products Used: Other Raleigh's, Schwinn Moab
Bike Setup: LX components, Manitou Spyder forks, Rock Shox Deluxe rear
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Submitted by
Jeff A
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2001
Strengths: Strong as an ox. Fork handles a lot of abuse without a lot of maintance required.
Weaknesses: Rear derailer doesn't always work to good. The Rock Shox rear shock eats up a lot of energy no matter how tight.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this bike rocks. I have abused it constantly for two years and have never had a major problems. This bike is very versatile and a good buy for a serious rider who has to worry about cost. Don't buy this bike if you want high end componentry bike and a high zoot fork.
Strengths: The m7000 is great for trail riding. The handle bars are nice, so you don't have to worry about buying a better pair. It comes with suspension that's good for most trails.
Weaknesses: The chain and derailer have constant problems. It is not the best for jumping, and the tires don't grip too good.
Bottom Line:
I would chose the m7000 if you don't plan on going hardcore with it. It tends to have problems shifting gears sometimes, but nothing that can't be fixed with simple tools. It's not a bad bike at all, but it could be better if you put money into getting better shocks and sprockets.
Strengths: Price value. I looked at a lot of much higher priced bikes w/lesser quality components for a lot more money.
Weaknesses: Brakes are a little cheap, but some heavier pads should do the trick. Clipless pedals are a needed upgrade for the serious rider.
Bottom Line:
Great first full suspension bike to get into, especially for the price. It has just about all the components I need except the pedals. Great for climbing in the Carolina clay and sucking up the bumps.
Similar Products Used: Tested Specialized Rockhopper FSR.
Bike Setup: Stock. Will add clipless pedals in the near future
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Submitted by
Jimmy
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh,NC,USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Strengths: Excellent package for the price for anyone who would like to upgrade to full suspension.My bike was purchased for $600 as a '99 closeout. I have had this bike for almost one month, and have pounded this bike to death on extremely rough terrain, and it handles everything you throw at it.This bike has very little bob or pogo action, even though I weigh 180 lbs.
Weaknesses: Weight approx. 31 lbs. for 20",which seems high,but is comparable to the VRX,GT, and some of the other higher priced bikes it was compared to.The Manitou Syder fork is great, but I'm sure I will eventually need to upgrade to stiffer rebuild when needed.
Bottom Line:
My situation demanded a low price with the most bike for the money. This bike is made to order for anyone in this category. Sure you can probably find better overall bikes, but you will pay over $1000 for anything equal in quality to this bike. I intend to ride the bike until it wears out and then upgrade in a few years anyway, just like most people. The trails I ride are full of weekend warriors riding $2000-3000 dollar bikes, they only see my back tire.
