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Rocky Mountain
2001 Instinct
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Submitted by
Kevin Kelley
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch, Lyons CO | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Foothills Ski and Bike | | Strengths: | Climbing, general XC, reliability. Perfect XC race machine. You don't get a 6" travel downhill bike, but you'll kick butt on the climbs. Everyone always seems to want to borrow this bike. | | Weaknesses: | You need to have some disposable income. Not as plush as a DH or freeride bike, but it also doesn't weigh 28 lbs or more. I still keep up with long travel bikes on the decents...it's just that the light bike gets bounced a little more. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Generally Stock...Easton CTC carbon bar, Selle Italia cutout saddle, SPD 959 pedal, new XT hydraulic brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I posted a review last year when I bought the bike, but I decided to add a one-year review to update the file.
It's real important to change the fork oil in the Marzocci Z-2 Atom fork. Fork performance increased by about 50% when I replaced the oil. Maxxis hard drive tires suck...changed to WTB Velocoraptor F&R w/ great success. The previous review talked about chain suck and ghost shifting. I have neither problem, so I don't think it's the frame design...more likely a cabling problem (cable housings too short where they pass over linkages) for the ghost shifting (perhaps even a cable cleanliness/lubrication issue), and almost certainly a worn small chainring for the chain suck. When you do a custom mix/match setup these things sometimes happen....RM stock XT/XTR component package has been flawless for me. Any more, Cassettes, chains and small ring need to be replaced as a set if you want to guarantee a smooth transition to the new parts. You can sometimes get away without changing the ring, but not always. Overall performance and satisfaction have been good. I had to change the Magura brakes to Shimano XT four piston hydraulics and I've never been happier (after getting over being pissed that the Maguras sucked so bad). Cutting Edge Sports in Boulder carries an aftermarket brake pad that works better than the stock Shimano ones that squeel (Fibrex?). | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Bailey, Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Konosha Pass - West | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bought frame at velo swap | | Strengths: | This bike can climb like a goat and shoot the downhills like a rocket! And everything that most all folks mentioned in other reviews (except that "poser/weekend rider" that should have bought a free ride in the first place. | | Weaknesses: | Not the lightest. Some chain suck and ghost shift if shock/rear der aren't set up right (see below). | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, GT | | Bike Setup: | XT/R, Velomax Climax Wheels, RS Duke Race: Custom Build | | Bottom Line: | Most people have noted what I have already experienced, but I will add this about chain suck and ghost shifting: You don't necessarily have to adjust the shock (Fox Float RC) tighter to get rid of chain suck. If you tend to ride w/ less pressure, try tightening the derailer cable more:
This method works best if you have a stand and know how to set up derailer indexing well. Start with a "perfectly tight enough" indexing adjustment - and make sure that your H/L screws are set up to be in exact allignment with A/Z cogs (w/ chain off only). Next set up the shock to your to your desired pressure (the guys at a local RM shop in Boulder told me that 7mm sag when sitting on the bike is about right - I ride it and it's perfect for me). Then start tightening the cable (using the adjusting barrel only!) until there is a rubbing/grinding on the C cog when chain is in the B cog (you would never do this on hardtail). The more you tighten for more rubbing on next cog inward, the crisper the shift to your upper (Y/Z cogs) when climbing hard. For me, the problem was eliminated completely (with a small amount of trial and error). The result of tightening the derailer wire is that there won't be any slack in the wire as the chainstay pivots "shorten the frame" while the shock absorbs bumbs and rocks - which can cause an artificial (ghost) down shift. The shortening of the wire will not cause any problems when you take it off of the stand and sit on the bike, which is when the sag is introduced - especially while climbing under load. I'm 5'9 170, so I am sure that other heavier riders have also experienced the ghost shift problem as well - this method might work well for you as well, I hope it helps.
BTW - this bike is truly a good XC machine. It may not be the lightest, but I will be dammed if my climbing (and obviuosly the down) are more technically proficient and faster than my Spec stumpy hardtail. If you are in the market and got the cash go for a Rocky and you won't be dissapointed. FYI- Rocky just came out with Element (and Instinct?) models with frames made out of Easton Scandium tubing. I thought the Ultra Light tubes were great, but this scandium is amazing. They mix a small amount of scandium w/ 7005 alum, and it acts as a grain refiner - The result is a much stronger alloy (ie less metal required to achieve needed strength thus lighter) and is much more complient than standard 7005. The welds that can be achieved with this smooth grain alloy are amazing. Rocky's use of the metal indicates its committment to making quality bikes that look great and perform even better. Happy riding.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Capt Karlow
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Gatos, Bakersfield, Ca
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Toad's, Mesa Marin Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2550.00 | | Purchased At: | Trailhead Cyclery | | Strengths: | This bike is awesome, not what some jaded rider said about being a weekend warrior as opposed to a hammerhead. This bike is well rounded and an all around great bike. Haven't broken anything on it yet, and I ride in the Clydesdale class. I am not easy on my gear, so it was time to get rid of the Cannondales and Specialized bikes, and go for a more handbuilt style package. This bike was completely torn down and rebuilt before being sold, as this is the way Trail Head Cylery in San Jose handles all their bikes. This bike shop is the best in service and sales, in that order. For the price, this is the best package I have seen that doesn't come mailorder, or with two year old components. Buy this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Took awhile to break in the front disk. No failures, just alot of squeaking that took a bit of steel wool to get worked out of it. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Specialized, Santa Cruz | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the tires I wore out. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a huge fan of Rocky Mountain now. This is a very forgiving bike and I would recommend it to anyone from intermediate to advanced who's looking for an excellent XC bike or downhill without any big hits or drops. I can't say enough about what getting a quality setup will do for ongoing maintenance on a bike. Trailhead is simply the best I've ever seen or run across. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pawk
a
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Foothill ski and bike | | Strengths: | Frame and part selection is great for the most part. The attention to detail is forthcoming upon the initial glance and under close examination, there are two sets of initials on the bike. The frame was signed by some dude named KC and the wheels were built buy some cat name chip. Quality is not a concern with this frame. I am actually happy with the brakes unlike most, they work great. SOOOO glad they decided on a bomber. Great lookin paint. | | Weaknesses: | Maxxis tires just plain suck.
I would like a lock-out on the fork. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth, Gary Fischer Sugar, Dean Jester, Aeon Isis, Other RM's, | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the tires. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! Cross-Country has never been more fun. The downhills are without a doubt a blast and the uphills are definitly worth the little extra work. Notice I said Cross-country not Freeride, this bike is not a #@$@#$ freeride. :)
Point and shot delivery.
I have no doubts or regrets.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Alta, Utah
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Riders Bikes, BC | | Strengths: | This bike is one great ride! The thing rides plush like a Lazy boy in a 4.0 earthquake. You know there's some shaking going on but you just sit back and enjoy it. I used to hold back a bit on the downhills but not with this sweet ride. this thing rocks! A couple of reviews made reference to it being a little heavier than some others out there. Why don't you just take a piss before your ride? I figure the equivelent weight loss should be worth around $300-$400. This bike climbs well. Believe me on this 'cause everything in Alta is either severely steep up or incredibly steep downhill. I've beat on this bike and it has held up well. I'm not talking big drops or anything but just rallying. The brakes have needed a little maintenance but no biggie. The brakes definately caught me off guard a couple of times since they're so sensitive. Only one front wheel stand but no endo's.
All in all I'd reccommend this bike to anyone who takes riding serious enough to want a sweet ride that'll perform well in a variety of situations. It might have some drawbacks if you're a totally dialed in gearhead but for a strong rider who can overlook little irritations like a your friends pointing out that your "X component" isn't the coolest thing available it's one of the best choices out there. Some people have complained about the tires a bit. Maybe they just need to push a little harder on those peddals. I haven't had any problems, and the riding in Alta is about as steep and loose as it gets. Come on out and check it out. It'll put things in perspective for you. If you want a solid bike for a strong rider who's not afraid to beat on the bike a bit this might be the one for you. Girls dig guys riding this bike. And vise versa | | Weaknesses: | The brakes have needed some adjustments more frequently than I had expected. I might complain more but I used to ride moto-cross a bit and the maintenance was an accepted thing so it doesn't strike me as a big issue. I had some chain-suck problems but not much anymore. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Ultra Light (awesome ride $$$$$), Gt something or other weighed in around 200 lbs, Specialized FSR (made me feel a little scrunched up). | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I can't believe how much I like this bike. It rides so well it's taken my enjoyment of biking to the next level. If you don't mind doing some maintenance work on the brakes It could be a great ride for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Huub
a Weekend Warrior
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Moosehead | | Strengths: | very good balanced suspension, nice looks, very good handling. | | Weaknesses: | it's a little expensive | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC (tested only) | | Bike Setup: | Obsys SCO, Raceface Parts, Chrisking, Magura Louise, ESP 9.0sl, Ritchey OCR Disc wheels with DT Onyx hubs, Fizik Nisene | | Bottom Line: | Very easy to ride bike, its my first full suspension.
All the things i worried about such as sag and powerloss are completely gone after a few rides on this bike.
It goes like a rocket, even uphill. It makes technical climbs much easier. I hardly use the lockout switch on the Float RC shock. It's fast, easy handling machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Indian Ledges - Trumbull, CT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Don's Bike Shop - Fairfield, CT | | Strengths: | Beautiful bike, nice components, not a Klein, Specialized, Cannondale or Trek! Great product support and various benefits of going with a smaller, more quality conscious company. | | Weaknesses: | Noticed a slight tendency for rear derallieur to shift on its' own while climbing.(*see below*) Found stock tires to be less than satisfying....Clara's need lots of attention initially.... | | Similar Products Used: | None - 1st full suspension although tested/demo'd several "competitors" (Santa Cruz, Ibis, VooDoo, Ellsworth) Old bike was a Cannondale F700 (7yrs old+?) | | Bike Setup: | Stock '01 Instinct 'cept for tires (Panaracer XC Pro - bluewalls look sweet with silver/blue paint) and grips (ODI locking system).... | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is I've loved this bike since the first time I sat/rode on it. After looking at other "dualies" my initial thoughts were that this was one of the few models that actually resembled a bike, and not some creation far flung from outer space. (except for Santa Cruz, which I found somewhat similar in design/appearance). Took some spins on some of the other FS models and found the Instinct to have NO bob that was discernible...while the others I rode seemed to continually remind you that you were on a FS rig.
The one thing I found somewhat bothersome (till I figured out & rectified it) was a tendency of the rear derailleur to shift on its' own on technical uphill sections. I'm a big guy (6'1" - 195lbs) and was riding the Fox on a somewhat squishy setting (was going 150PSI or so) and started noticing that on places where I was really pushing on the pedals on uphill sections AND taking hits on the rear it'd just start shifitng. After adjusting the Fox to be a little stiffer and speaking with RM figured out (I think) that when I was taking the hits while climbing the compression of the shock and subsequent shortening of the frame was making the rear der. think it had gotten a "shift". Started adjusting it to be stiffer in small increments and finally eliminated the problem at about 160PSI. This may also have been due to the bike needing a break-in period as this was within the first month or two of riding...but time will tell.
Regarding the component grouping I've had no problems with anything except the tires (as they're just awful - world of difference noticed with the Panaracer switch). Saw a lot of reviews blasting the Maggie Clara's....which had me poised to hate them as well. I will say that during the first one to two months of riding they required almost CONSTANT maintenance (thank God for a patient, kind, local shop) but seem to be needing attention less and less to the point where I just count on them to work. From what I understand once they're properly re-bled the problems should almost cease and I can verify this...at least so far. Was ready to burn them after the first month as my bike was in the shop getting adjusted after every 10-15 trail miles but they seem to have mellowed out on the work required. Hope they continue to improve as I was nearing the end of my rope with them. I will say though that I broke a lever right off after a nasty endo going downhill...and was surprised to find the clamp made out of ?plastic?
As some of the earlier reviewers had stated this bike just inspires confidence. Rarely do I jump on and find myself NOT tempted to try something more difficult or new to me...so damned comfortable on it there's very little I feel I can't try. Have had a few buddies ride around on it and can say I've helped create 2 new RM riders just from their limited experience on mine...always a good sign.
Would like to end this on a very positive note and say hardly a ride goes by where I don't get a compliment on my RM. Rocky seems to have a loyal following wherever you ride and after my experiences with the Instinct I can happily add my name to the list of satisfied customers....a great product from a rock solid company. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Frame worthy of upgrades, very light as well. Great for racing and crusing on the trail. | | Weaknesses: | Stock wheels, tires, and brakes suck and should be changed when purchased. | | Similar Products Used: | Specailized SJ Pro, Giant XTC, | | Bike Setup: | Next LP,XT rings,XTR brakes,XT Levers,XTR hubs and 517 rims, TIME carbons, Race Face SYStem, Race Face Air Alloy flat bar, SID SL, Ritchey Speed Max tires. | | Bottom Line: | Great Canadian Bike.
Everyone should have a Rocky Mountain.
Sandy Hill rules skelhurn. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin K
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Strengths: | Lightweight full suspension cross country racing bike. Climbs wonderfully. 9 Speed drivetrain is great and I can do 90% of my riding in the middle ring. Rear suspension is awesome w/ the Fox Float RC lockout shock. The lockout is a must and allows you to set it up to be more supple, plus the lockout is convenient to use on the fly unlike some other designs (Cannondale,GT,etc.) where the lockout is hard to reach while riding. Carrying the bike for portage sections is ok even with the shock in the way. Shimano 536 pedals are great and even though I have 747s on another bike, I am finding the larger platform to be an advantage. Weight is the same according to Excel sports catalog. Disk brakes have the V brake beat hands down for stopping, but see product weaknesses below. | | Weaknesses: | The Magura Clara brake has been a world of problems from day one. It is rumored that Magura will have the problems worked out by late this year, but my pair had issues with the pads retracting. Part of the problem is that it is very sensitive to air in the system and 2 people should probably bleed the brakes. It's a two piston design with bigger pads than the Louise. Stopping power is awesome and if the pads would retract, everything would be great. After complaining to Magura, they sent me the Louise brake and that brake had its own problems. A single piston design, it flexes the disk over onto a fixed pad to function. All the Magura disks were warped to one degree or another and the tolerances are so tight that you get brake rub and squeeling. Eventually I (took it in the shorts) and sprung for a set of Shimano XT hydraulic disks ($278) and this solved the problem. The Shimano disk is similar in design to the Grimeca and is sold as a duplicate, but the design is what Shimano purchased and their machining is much cleaner to the eye. The braided hoses are very abrasive and you have to use chainstay protectors everywhere if you want your paint and frame to remain presentable. Gimeca's braided lines are plastic covered and probably a selling feature. Expect Shimano to convert to the other hose design by next year if they're smart. Marzocci Atom Z2 has been a little more difficult to set up than other Marzocci forks I have owned. The 80mm travel is a little less than what I had on my GT and the bike is so light that it gets bounced a little no matter what you do (believe me, light is good and climbing is finally fun). | | Similar Products Used: | GT I Drive XCR 2000 | | Bike Setup: | I'm 6'1/195lbs and ride mostly dry rough Colorado singletrack. Replaced medium Marzocci springs with firm ones. This helped balance the rebound dampening. Preload is about 10 turns and rebound is unknow-experimented. Rear shock has approx 155-160lbs of air. The shop guys think that's too light but I only bottom every once in a while and I like the suppleness of the bike at that pressure. Many shop guys run the shock at 185-200lbs and never use the lockout, but your technical climbing and balance suffer without the shock locked. Remember that the lockout is not a 100% lockout and at shock pressures below about 150lbs it starts to bleed past the lockout. I feel that this would be more noticable in a design like the GT I-Drive Race or Cannondale Jeckell where the shock attaches lower and has more mechanical pressures applied to it. I swapped the riser bar for an Easton carbon fiber and climbing bars (personal preference). | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks and is worth every penny if you can afford it. Make no mistake...it's a cross country racing bike-not a freeride bike. The GT I-Drive race is probably more plush (although I haven't ridden that bike). The lightweight feel of the bike makes it a little tougher on your elbows and wrists if you're really hauling downhill, but you'll leave everyone in the dust on the climbs and that's what counts. The bike has several months of hard riding and the frame is still very stiff (none of the linkages have shown any wear). Like a lot of full susension bikes the bottom bracket is a little higher so that you don't bottom chainrings on obstacles and this leads to a little loss of tracking at low speed (especially climbing), but its a bike that's designed to be nimble and for better riders who have balance. It's extremely stable yet quick handling going downhill. Overall, a very good design that hits most of the balance points designwise. You can climb almost anything including technically difficult crux type moves over rocks and roots with ease. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a
from princeton
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | End-O | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Sid's bike shop | | Strengths: | this a follow up review, good frame design, great components, race face rules! marzocchi is great once you tune it right, and the geometry is dialed. great for just riding the trails. | | Weaknesses: | the headset sucks, for $2700, i rocky should've spec'ed king, but they had to save money somewhere. also, brakes really aren't worth it. have your dealer swap them for hope or hayes. | | Similar Products Used: | kona king kikapu, GT i-drive, cannondale Jekyll, giant NRS XTC 1 | | Bike Setup: | stock but with time pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a great trail bike. the guy below who complains of breaking frames should've bought an RM7 or RM6 judging by his component upgrades, purple hayes, flat pedals, etc, it's clear he does a lot of heavy freeriding, which this bike isn't for. this is a bike to be ridden and enjoyed by the casual enthusiast who does aggressive XC riding. for that purpose, the bike is great. i do wish the suspension was a bit more supple, RM could've accomplished this by moving the pivot on theseat stay to the chainstay, making it a horst link. whatever, who am i to critique RM's technical experts, this bike is dope | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max Hemocrit
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Switchback | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Simons Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great balance. This bike feels like it knows what to do.
Nice component selection.
Simple effective rear suspension design - it works and it doesn't weigh a ton unlike others.
Looks really sharp outside coffee shop after a hard dirty ride.
I like the rear suspension lock-out for getting to the trail head on the road.
| | Weaknesses: | A little bit of chain suck with the Race Face components. But this appears to be getting better.
Brakes take a little use to work in. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco hardtail, Buddy's Element Race. Friends DeKerf hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Standard as it came except for grips. Substituted originals for clamp on stlye.
Replaced seat post clamp with quick release. | | Bottom Line: | I think this bike is way ahead of me on the trails. It will give me lots of scope to improve.
Great relative value for money. It's not cheap but what is in this class of bike.
I don't feel like I have to upgrade anything at this time which is the way it should be when you plunk down $2000 US for a bike.
So far I am really happy with it.
Who should buy this. Anybody looking to move up the quality slope and wants to know that when they fall/crash it was not the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
seth wiener
a Cross Country Rider
from CA, Los Gatos, Santa Clara
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mailboxes | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | TRAILHEAD | | Strengths: | The Marzocchi Fork and Race face components! It gives ya good rack appeal. | | Weaknesses: | Almost everything! BUYER BEWARE!!!! I have broken two rear swingarms since purchasing the bike and blwon the weak ass fox vanilla float rc two times. My SHOP has been great in dealing with Rocky Mountain however when Rocky built this frame they screwed up roally!! The position of the rear disc puts way to much force on the bottom bar, hence breakage after a few hard rides. In additon to the frame the Magura Clara's flat out suck!!! I swaped the magura's for a set a Purple Haye's 6" and finnaly have superior braking power, great modulation and NO SQUEAKING. After ridign this bike for over a year, I will stick to a more reputable brand, such as Specialized or Intense | | Similar Products Used: | Specialied stumpjumper comp, Specialized bighit pro, Santa Cruz Hekler etc | | Bike Setup: | 2.4 WTB's, Purple Hayes, Shimano platform pedals, remainder is stock!!!! | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a soild bullet proof rig this is not it!!! I recomend either a Specialized M4, or an Intense Uzzi SL. Rocky Mountian needs to get their act together and start building QUALITY NOT CRAP!!! Those of you that have purchased an Instinct, its only a matter of time before it breaks. However, if you are a total poser/weekend warrior then this bike might suit your purpose. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Montpelier, VT
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Strengths: | Balance - the bike just simply feels terrific when taking small jumps. XTR Rear - SO smooth. | | Weaknesses: | Still a little too heavy. Oh and the tires...Horrific, heinous, detestable, just AWEFULL! | | Similar Products Used: | I test road a couple other baikes, Klein Adept, Trek Fuel 90. Prior to this bike I owned a Cannondale Super V 900 | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock witht he excetion of changing the tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first Rocky. My previous three bikes were Cannondale's, the last being the Super-V 900 I mention above. I am truely delighted to have finally gotten off those things, man, they may be light, (except the Super-V which was quite heavy) but DAMN they make a lot of noise!! That and the fact that the cockpit was just too short for me. I must say though that I DO miss the ability to lock out the front shock, perhaps that will be an upgrade in the future for this bike.
Anyway, as I mention above the Rocky is just so nicely balanced. The front and rear shock work together, not against one another to damp the bike. It is a much nicer riding experience to be riding a bike that feel as one cohesive unit, instead of one that feels like a front and rear bound together against their will. I must mention here the front shock. This is my first experience with a conventional fork, so I am certainly not an expert on them, but one thing that I particularly like better on the Marzocchi over the Head Shock is that there seems to be Very Little stiction. The front shock seems very responsive, and SOOO SMOOOOOTH!
I should also mention the brakes here a bit. I am somewhat of a brake snob. I demand the absolute best, and I am very easily annoyed by sub-par performance. At first I was not at all happy with the Clara's. My previous bike had Maggy Julie's which allow for adjustment of the pads to your personal preferance, which is both a good and bad thing. Good, you can set them where you want. Bad, it seemed I was fiddling with them about every ride, but WOW did they slow the bike down! Anyway, the Clara's were not really my favorit part of the bike when I picked it up. They were very soft, made a ton of noise, and did not seem to stop the bike very well. I am VERY happy to report that now after about 100 miles of cross-country riding they are MUCH better! Very little noise, GREAT stopping power, and most important, fantastic modulation. A truely terrific product.
As a whole the bike is a really well put together piece of equipment. The Race Face stuff is super nice, and the Shimano are performing as you would expect, which is to say, without a flaw. I particularly like the XTR rear, it is my first piece of XTR equipment, and I am really impressed with how much smoother it shifts over my previous XT's. I will also point out that I had previously only used grip-shift for my shifting, thinking it was quicker. Well, I must say I am a convert, I much prefer the lever shifters. Much easier, no problems wiht accidently shifting because my hand slipped on the grip, another really nice product.
As you can probably tell I am pretty happy with my new ride. It may not be the lightest thing out there, but it sure is fun to ride!! Much more so than all my previous bikes. Nice job Rocky!!
Michael | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Godman
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2468.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportable Cycle (Ottawa) | | Strengths: | Geometry is perfect for my style of riding (aggressive X-country). Suspension is very well balanced. Front shock is excellent. Confidence inspiring over technical terrain. V. little bobbing. Active suspension. Makes me a better rider. Finish rides feeling exhilirated rather than beat up. | | Weaknesses: | Front bobs a bit when climbing (compared with my old Brodie Catalyst hardtail). Brakes have been both good and annoying - braking performance is awesome, however for the first few months there was intermittent sqealing and rubbing. The brakes are approx 3 months old now and seemed to have broken in as the sqealing has subsided. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested the Fuel 100, Klein Adept, Fisher Sugar 1, and Specialized FSR. Narrowed it to the Instinct and the Fuel 100. The Instinct felt the best and most solid by a long margin. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except upgraded to all XTR, Ti BB, and race face headset. | | Bottom Line: | A very sweet, solid and balanced X country ride. I love this bike. I've been a staunch hard tailer to this point but this bike has converted me. In fact, I was kind losing my love for mtn biking after almost 15 years. But now, I ride more aggressively and do love technical terrain more than ever before. The brakes have been a bit annoying, but thats all, just annoying. Overall this bike is am amazing investment in fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Stop Culpeper VA | | Strengths: | Excellent components (except brakes)
Paint job alone is worth the price | | Weaknesses: | Clara discs that came on the bike were way too noisy. Dealer was able to swap them with Magura for a set of Julies, which have been much better, though still took some tinkering to set up properly.
Also, I found the documentation that came with the bike to be weak. For a bike in this price range there should be a manuel that tells you about all the components on the bike and how to adjust them, etc. Instead you get generic information from each component's manufacturer. For example, the book on the front fork covers all the products made by that maufacturer. The fork itself does not have a model number on it, so you have to go find out what model you have, then find the instructions for that model and try to understand them, which is not easy as they appear to have been translated from another language. As for the rear shock, once again a generic manuel that dosen't really tell you much of anything. Shimano's instructions on the drive train are printed so small you need a magnifying glass if you have to go try and find which screw adjusts what. When you buy a car you get, usually, a manuel about the car, not 10 separate manuels from each company that built a component for the car. Why not the same for bikes? | | Similar Products Used: | Bridgestone MB-2, Trek Fuel, GT-Idrive, Yeti, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Added a more comfortable seat, bar ends, Shimano pedals | | Bottom Line: | As you can see, I really don't have any complaints about the bike itself (after the brakes were switched). As others have mentioned, there is no noticable bob in the rear; you hardly use the lock-out on the rear shock. It seems very sure footed and it has enough adjustments so you can set it up however you want. Overall, you feel that you are in control on this bike. Anyone buying this bike will not be disappointed. Also, if you want a good looking bike that is well proportioned, dosen't have a rear suspension that looks like something from Junkyard Wars, and is not the same thing everyone else has, this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennington NJ
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | end-o @Mt. Snow | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Sid's Bikes in NYC | | Strengths: | great geometry, amazing parts spec, race face crancks, Marz Z2 fork, XTR and XT, Magura Discs, amazing value, great paint job, excellent suspension performance, balanced feel between front and rear suspensions, looks cool, and it's made in canada | | Weaknesses: | original pedals sucked in the mud, i replaced them with time ATACs which are amazing, an di would have preferred the mavic X317 rims to the stock X221 rims. | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale jekyll, GT i-drive, specialized FSR comp, kona king kikapu | | Bike Setup: | stock with time ATAC carbons | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike for the money. i can't really comment on durability, but i will anyway because RM was smart enough to spec the bike with bombproof stuff. a marzocchi Z2 fork, has been proven very reliable, along with the race face crancks and other raceface components. i'm only sceptical of the magura brakes which i'm still braking in, but i don't think they'll ever match hayes or shimano. in the handling deprtment, this bike is astounding. the top tube length is just right for me, today i realized that that enabled me to pull long wheelies consistantly, something unheard of with the long toptube of my klein. the bike is very balanced and the front and rear ride together, i like the wide bars too. overall, this bike is a bit heavy, but it wears its weight very well and is a great bike for aggressive XC riding. i was goin gto build up an intense with a custom kit to $2500 but i realized that at that price i could never afford race face or marzocchi. i don't know how RM does it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, WA USA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any Steep, Rooty, Rocky, Muddy Single Track Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Peninsula Cycle, White Rock B.C. | | Strengths: | - Geometry
- Point and Shoot Delivery (Tracks oh so straight)
- Solid Feeling (None of the "Bob" associated with other Full Suspension Bikes
- Component Grouping
- Hand Built in Canada (None of this Designed in USA, Made in Taiwan Crap)
- Awesome Bombproof Welds on Frame
- Sweet Paint Job
- Frame is the Perfect Compromise Between Weight and Strength
| | Weaknesses: | - Magura Brakes
- Rocky Grips (Rotate on Bars, Doesn't Fit Tight Against Bar Ends)
- No "Chain Slap" Protector on Frame
- No "Quick Release on Seat Post (Nice to quickly raise seat for acscents and drop seat for descents) | | Similar Products Used: | - Giants, Specialized, Kona | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Brakes, Pedals and Grips. Now have Shimano Hydraulic Disk Brakes, Time ATAC Carbon Pedals, ODI Yeti Grips, Quick Release on Seat Post | | Bottom Line: | Very Sweet Ride! Whether ascending or descending this bike always seems to reward its rider with flawless performance. It truly allows you to excel in all conditions and environments. If you end up in the trees or off a cliff it is definately your fault! Can't blame your tools here!
Just point and shoot and it will take you there! The bike tracks so straight it is unbelievable. Pick your line then just power through it without hesitation. It feels so solid in the turns, in the bumps, in the air, yet its full suspension takes all the hurt out of the ride!
I started out riding all ascents with the rear shock locked out. Then one day I forgot to lock it out and I could not believe the performance. I felt "No Bob" and it actually assisted me in climbing through real technical areas.
This bike is truley the best compromise between Cross County and Free Ride disciplines. I ride at Galbraith Mountian three times a week, www.galbraithmt.com, and climbing up to the good trails is just part of the deal. This is when I appreciate its overall light weight. Then occasionally, last least once a ride, I push my limits a bit to far and wipe out but good! The solid constrution has never lets me down. Besides the expected scratches in the paint, the frame is as good as new!
Rocky's R&D Department definately fell short by selecting Magura Clara Brakes for this model. This bike and all its other components are first class. I broke my "Brake Lever" on my first wipe out, Cheap construction! The brakes fade like crazy! The brake pressure is so inconsistent! Most of the time you have to pump the lever in order to get good braking power! I swaped out for Shimano Hydraulics and am totally happy!
I ride in muddy coniditions 3/4 of the year and appreciate the mud shredding abilities of the TIME Atac. I also like the ease of geeting into them over the supplied Shimano pedals.
I purchased the Blue Color combo over the black! I am glad I did as the black looks good on the showroom floor but shows every scratch once in the feild!
Do yourself a favour and ride this bike before you buy any full or front suspension bike. If you have any concerns about the "Bob" associated with full suspension bikes you won't have any after riding this jewel! It is worth every penny!
I give it 5 flaming turds for value and even though I had major brake issues I have to give the bike a 5 for an overall rating due to its unparralled performance and durability! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Baty
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | still searching... | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Fat Tire Farm | | Strengths: | Most balanced ride between front and rear suspension of all the bikes I tested. Great selection components for the money. It looks great and looks more like a bike than a motorcycle. | | Weaknesses: | It's hard to criticize the one you love, but the disc brakes have been a little troublesome (see below) and the seat is not as comfortable as I would like. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested it primarily against Intense Tracer, Trek Fuel, Santa Curz Superlight. Also tested Trek STP400, Schwinn 88, GT with i-Drive, and anything else that seemed close to what I was considering. | | Bike Setup: | Factory set-up so far. WTB saddle on the way and considering new disc brakes if the Magura Clara's don't show some improvement. | | Bottom Line: | I was surprised that I liked this bike so much. It wasn't even on my shopping list, but the expert staff (Tim in my case) at Fat Tire Farm suggested that I give it a try. The balanced ride won me over instantly. Perhaps it is the geometry and the suspension design. Either way, I really felt like I was in control and could cruise on this bike. When you stand up to pedal hard, both front and rear shocks seem to respond together, compared to other bikes. And yes, each shock was setup for my weight before I took it on the test ride.
The component selection presents a near-perfect compromise from my desire to get the best of everything, but not wanting to spend too much. It shifts reliably. The pedals work well for me now that I have broken them and myself in. The brakes work well, but they have not been without some trouble. They have gone from being a little noisy, to fine, to really noisy, and the front brake lever has faded a couple of times. Hopefully the guys at Fat Tire Farm will fix it. I have my doubts based on what I read from the other reviews in here on the Magura Clara.
I love this bike. It's balanced. It's got a nice set of components. It looks cool and not everybody has one. I would buy it again if I had to make the choice again. If I wanted to spend more bucks, I would get its lighter more tricked out brother the Element Team SC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 2660.00
