Submitted by
dinohuntr
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2007
Strengths: I wrote the first review for this bike, so I figure I'd do a long-term review. This bike, properly upgraded is awesome! No major problems!
Weaknesses: Needs a few upgrades.
Bottom Line:
I rode the Milcreek Pipeline trail this week. The bike climbs perfectly. It descends well, but it's a little too quick in the steering. I have the MRP rear link which slackens the head angle a degree, but a 4-inch fork would relax the front end even more. I still have the creak from the bottom bracket area. Time to wrap the bottom bracket threads with teflon tape again. That usually fixes it.
The rear shock is still working fine. No problems with the frame. I do have to mention that for the past 3 years I've been doing mainly road rides, so the bike hasn't been used excessively.
Bike Setup: Duke Race forks, MRP rear link, Easton bar, CaneCreek headset, Salsa Liplock binder, Time pedals, Mythos XC tires, a few more minor upgrades.
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Submitted by
McPhilly RideorGlide
a Weekend Warrior
from Nassau County, Long Island, USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2005
Strengths: Value, Frame, Reliability, Durability, low-maintenance, and more value. FSR Geometry.
Weaknesses: No complaints, but you may want to swap out the OEM toe clip pedals real soon. Some (rightly) regard the body geometry saddle as a torture device. I guess I got used to it now that my arse is hard, but would recommend an upgrade there. Wish the colors were more stealth, but not something I think about when underway.
Bottom Line:
Lots of bang for the buck. Good choice for the value-oriented rider on a tight schedule. X-Country and light-duty freeride.
As a 215 lb clydesdale, I have ridden this for 3 years, and it's held up well over rooty, technical twisty singletrack and plenty of kerbs and shallow stairs. I don't get air, just bunny hops, so can't talk about that.
Had my share of clipped-in crashes and, I've appreciated the way this thing just rides over logs, roots and tree limbs with no complaints, even the ones you bang your chainring on.
Have never had to true the trims -- I guess I got lucky, or the whole shebang was well put together from the start. If it's heavy I didn't notice or care. I'm not a racer, and can use the workout.
I must have gotten lucky with the front fork too, I'm not sure which one it is, but after three years of my heavy weight pounding it just keeps on gittin 'er done.
I don't have hardly any spare time to fiddle or tinker with my bike, so I really appreciate that this bike has been very reliable and very low maintenance and has just gotten the job done. It rolls real slick and fast -- very little friction in the system, efficient from a momentum point of view. Solid value.
I bought it at my LBS, they upgraded the handlebars and cut them to order. Had it tuned up a few times when the rear der went out of synch a couple of times. That's it. I figure on riding this for a good long while, upgrading as needed.
FSR geometry and independent suspension -- which you'll take for granted -- is famed for its ability to deliver smooth traction over a range of riding conditions is a major part of the package, but not something you'll ever think about while you're out having fun on the trail. And this ride has, and continues to be, a lot of fun.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Vegas (dirt not Mtb)
Bike Setup: Stock except for handlebars & pedals (Mallet-C's) and a more grippy Specialized tire on the back.
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Submitted by
Colin
a Weekend Warrior
from Palo Alto, California
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2002
Strengths: The looks! The frame and well...thats it.
Weaknesses: Handlebars, rims, tires, front fork, and the rear linkage.
Bottom Line:
I just started to get into freeriding with the drops and all that crazy stuff. This bike is great for the light freeriding. I think i may need something else that can stand the torture I put my bike through. I love it as a trail bike. The only thing i hate about it and so does everyone else is the front fork! Overall it is a good bike.
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Flagstaff, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2002
Strengths: Solid frame, decent cost, great service from the dealer. I've been a repeat Specialized buyer for the last 20 yrs.
Weaknesses: Front front should be ditched ASAP. The rear triangle is a little flexy, and the components are what they are: no XT's here. Plus, the downtube is a little short, makes for a more upright ride. Some like it, others don't (I personally still haven't decided). Sure makes those wheelies a little easier though. Paint is a little wimpy too, a lot of nicks on my frame.
Bottom Line:
It's a good introductory bike, well worth the money you'll spend. However, it's too heavy for serious XC. Also, the short downtube reduces its hill climbing ability a little bit. If you're serious about mtn riding, you'll quickly outgrow. Personally, I'm coveting the Enduro Pro or Liquid 30 these days. I installed a FOX RLC rear shock with remote lockout on my handlebars, and it seems to help hill climbing. If you get serious about riding, you'll want to upgrade components, especially that piece of c--p they call a front fork. 65mm travel, no rebound, minimal preload. It's essentially a poor man's Judy TT. Get a Black, Duke, or Float up front, you'll be happier.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Sugar, Specialized Stumpjumper, Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup: RockShox Duke SL 100mm, Geax Sturdy 2.25" tires, M515 pedals, Fox RLC rear shock with remote lockout, gel saddle.
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Submitted by
Zach
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing,MI
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2002
Strengths: Awesome Frame. Stands up to whatever you can do to it. Climbs and descends extremely well (thanks to FSR frame layout). Is extremely balanced.
Weaknesses: It is a little heavy. The rims are not made to stand up to serious riding (need to be trued often). The fork could've used a little more travel.
Bottom Line:
It kicks butt. I have done a couple of 5 foot drops and it took it awesome.It does need a couple of upgrades, but overall it is an awesome buy. 4 chilis for value (couldv'e used stronger rims)and 4 overall for the ame reason.
Strengths: yeah this is an update on my other ones... well the frame.... cranks....and drive train.. apart form the fact that my LX rear folded in half one day about 12km from home...that wasn't a good day
Weaknesses: Rims! there pretty good but you have to true them after every ride... not the best! brakes, there not really great but for some one who doesn't really use them i guess it doesn't matter
Bottom Line:
great frame... to tell the truth thats about it.. oh and the drive train is really good...but i mean.. it's men to be a XC bike.. for a start it's way to heavy to be a XC bike... right now i have spent about $3000 Aus dollars to set it up for Free Ride and Dual Slalom i paid $2000 Aus for it, so if you'v got money to spend it's a good buy but in other cases not really... spend an extra $200(aus) and you can get a Giant NRS 2 with the same drive train and almost everything else but with Aivd Cable Disc.... so you choose
Bike Setup: 2002 Pyslo SL's, Azonic Bars and Stem, Dice E.F.D. Rims, Dice Hubs, IRC KUJO tires, Hydro Discs, LX Shifters, XT rear, LX front, Race Face Good 'N' Evil grips And Race Face bash ring
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Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany, CA, usa
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2002
Strengths: its my first soft tail so i dont have anything to compair it to except my freinds m-1 intense. i took it to the 2002 sea otter and i got into xc racing. its a fun bike and it looks cool to. does well on up hill as well as DH. the frame is the bomb! my freind wants to buy a frame that is the same and upgrade it and thats a complament b/c he is obcenely(?spelling?) rich
Weaknesses: the fork is crappy, i want to upgrade it but my mom won't let me spend any more of MY money! the front derailer is a litle touchy but once you've gotten used to it it all works alright, the paint chips a little easily but that takes away weaight (lol)
Bottom Line:
i bought the bike from a local bike shop at the begining of 02 so i would get it cheeper, the bike shop is a little bit more expensive but the service is excelent. i took this bike to the 2002 sea otter and had it up to 34.5 on gravel. at that point i got a little scared b/c i felt that i han no real connection to the ground. i had some good times on that bike in tilden going down single tracks and doing some small jumps. i have noticed the bike has a kinda unstable front end in the air but that is probubly just me
Bike Setup: got new deore clipless pedals... why do they call then clipless if they have clips? and am going to buy some azonic riser bars, a new seat and a lighter seat poast. hutcheson pythons premium. upgradeing fork ASAP
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Submitted by
Jimmy
a Cross Country Rider
from Flower Mound, TX
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002
Strengths: Frame...Like someone posted below, it is basically a 2000 Stumpjumper Frame...
Weaknesses: All the stock components
Bottom Line:
This bike was 29.75 lbs according to Specialized in it's stock form...Which, it was probably at least 30+ lbs or more...It now weights in at 26 lbs...Much lighter...
The bike is a do all type of XC bike...The stock components are not the best but the frame is worth the investment to upgrade later as components die...I've very happy with mine and the bike handles, corners, and climbs great...If you want to buy a bike that you want to upgrade later, this bike is a fantastic choice...
Similar Products Used: Owned (3) different hardtails...This is my first dual suspension...
Bike Setup: Not stock...Stripped it down to the frame and did a complete rebuilt of it...It now has 4" front and 4" rear travel... Fork: Marzocchi MXC w/ECC lockout-100mm Rear Linkage kit: Risse Racing 4" linkage kit with bearings Rear shock: Fox Float - stock - will be Risse Astro 5 when the Float dies... Headset: Cane Creek C-2 Handlebars: Easton Monkey Lites Grips: Oury Shifters: XT Brake Levers: Avid Speed Dial 7's Stem: Thompson Elite Seatpost: Thompson Elite Saddle: WTB Laser V Crank & BB: XT Hollotech with XT splinned(e-type) Cassette: XT Rear Der: XT Front Der: LX Wheelset: S-works(517 w/Hugi hubs) Tires: Panaracer FireXC Pro's
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Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Hanscom AFB, MA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002
Strengths: Good value, light frame
Weaknesses: haven't found one yet
Bottom Line:
I decided to stop wasting money on crappy bikes sold at the BX. I waited for Spring '02 so I can find deals on good MTB's. Found a great deal at Cycle Loft. I was able to "test drive" this bike at a track near the store. This is my first full suspension bike. Thus, I can't really evaluate how good (or bad) the fork is. What I can say is this is great improvement from the Huffy's I have owned. I definitely recommend this bike for people starting in "serious" mountain biking. This bike can handle trails and also city curbs with ease. On a side note, if you are in the Boston area, I highly suggest buying your bike at Cycle Loft. They have friendly sales associates who will go out of their way to help you. For example, Eric assisted me for more than an hour. That's from the moment he let me test drive the bike to helping me put the bike into my car.
Similar Products Used: bikes sold at AAFES BX (military department store)
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
ernesto freyre
a Weekend Warrior
from miami, florida
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002
Strengths: Very strong frame, smooth ride, easy for light trials, with low and high performance. So far with my 5th mountian bike riding, I have not inflate my air.
Weaknesses: A little too heavy. The rear delrailers, automatically set off to lower gears by itself. I had to adjust the derailers to firm positions. Handle bars too heavy.
Bottom Line:
I would say it is good for starter. It is a strong bike, gives you a feel of the road as well off road. That bike is design for heavy duty, not like pros, however it can function like high and low speed trials. Perfect for down hills. I had no trouble with it.
Who should buy it, for inexperienced bikers, is most suitable for it. It is not an advance bike, and good price for those who are in low income. Also this bike you can always upgrade the parts.
great bike for ungrading to personalize your bike...and it's cheap really for a dualie...good bike for a beginer stock.. but then if you get more into the sport you can ungread it with out having to buy a new bike... so it's a great bike buy one!
Bike Setup: rock shox 2002 psylo SL's XT rr plat forms bar ends Wider tires shorter stem
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Submitted by
Kell
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern Illinois
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001
Strengths: Awesome upgradable frame! Great color scheme Comparably cheap price
Weaknesses: Everything attached to the frame! Seriously, they may do ok for someone just getting into mountainbiking but you should think about upgrading that pogo stick up front. Most everything else should be upgraded just to save weight.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike with the specific purpose of upgrading it. I switched out everything and put a bike together for my wife to ride with the spare parts. I bought this bike because of the frame and the fact that MRP and BETD make a link for the suspension. I ordered the BETD to get the travel up to 5 inches! and also increase the lateral stiffness of the rear end. This is the same exact frame as the 2000 Stumpjumper pro had because my brother has that one. I will end up spending less on this bike than if I had got a new FSR XC. I had a 2001 FSR that I didn't like because the bottom bracket was too low! The BETD link and 100mm fork will fix that on this bike! I recommend this bike to anyone who wants the real deal 4 bar FSR suspension design for half the price. THats another sore subject, I bought mine for 900 but I see where someone else paid 800 for thiers! This bike was incredibly heavy when I got it 30.5lbs but its not the frames fault, so if you are thinking about getting one its a good bike. I highly recommend the Aftermarket links on the market to increase travel. Both MRP and BETD make them.
Similar Products Used: 2001 Stumpjumper FSR XC (owned but sold) several hardtails (used to race Cross Country)
Bike Setup: Duke SL fork 100mm travel, Monkey rise bar thomson seatpost, LX hollowtech crank etc.
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Submitted by
Brian Steinbach
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2001
Strengths: Sweet looking bike. Lots of bang for the buck.
Weaknesses: Seems to want to bob. Front shock isn't stiff enough, but then again i do want a fork that uses its full travel, so it is a tough balancing act.
Bottom Line:
I have never had the pleasure and sheer happiness that i had when i was flying down a sigle track section that was 2 miles long. Damn closest thing to being on a roller coaster. The ride was awsome. Floating down a trail at super speed and hitting the panic button for the first couple washes and rocks were quickly overcome! This bike rides over rocks half it's size without a hiccup. My first FS if you couldn't tell, but for a fat azz like me at 250 lbs. I was quickly starting to fear I would never be able to cycle again (bought a road bike for exactly .5miles and sold it). This bike rocks and I am getting that lets go racing again and get out of my way you sloth feeling again. If your a fat azz like me and think your racing and cycling days are relegated to pictures and dusty trophies think again. This bike is the one nice player for the price. I gave it 4 flamming cow patties for value cuz I sure wish I had bought one used.. And 4 flammers for overall cuz i don't want to lose sleep thinking i was the one to make an informed buyer go get one :) Get out of the way my fat azz is blazzin through. Now I just have to figure out how to get up there.
Submitted by
Jay Saleh
a Cross Country Rider
from Hillsborough, NJ, 08844
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001
Strengths: The frame is a better design than any I've tried. Very comfortable and controlable. Decent stock parts. Rear suspension is very smooth.
Weaknesses: Fork is poor. Little functional travel and very stiff and heavy. Will replace soon. Wimpy tires and rims.
Bottom Line:
I highly recomend any specialized dual suspension just for the frame. The low end rockhopper fsr is great for upgrading to suite your specific likes and dislikes or for those looking to spend a little less money. Overall, other than the fork, this is by far the best bike for the money I have found.
