Submitted by
joseph
a
from Micanopy, FL Date Reviewed: May 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
FOR SALE a 01 S-works frame!!!! sale for $300 send a email to surfsupmate1@yahoo.com for more info.
Bottom Line:
For Sale $300
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Juan F. Valencia
a Weekend Warrior
from Cabimas - Venezuela Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Palmarejo - Santa Rita
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3250.00
Purchased At:
Miami store Dealer friend
Strengths:
Es muy liviana y confiable, se siente muy bien subiendo, sus cambios son muy suaves y exactos. no he tenido que reemplazar nada.
Weaknesses:
La suspension Rock Shock sid sl , vino mal de fabrica, no gradua el revote, la silla hace mucho ruido que se transmite por todo el cuadro (frame) me hizo desarmarla toda y reensamblar y no era ningun otro componente,pero bajando en cuestas muy empinadas con muchas curvas y carretera de cemento , cuando frena, tiende a tirarme del sillin ( como caballo loco)
Similar Products Used:
Sworks m4 2000
Bike Setup:
Standar excepto pedales shimano 575
Bottom Line:
excelente y liviano
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from Boulder, CO USA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Wheat Ridge (frame only)
Strengths:
Light weight, 4-arm shock linkage that takes out most of the bounce
Weaknesses:
Shock bolt, front pivot point on rear triangle does not have enough loc-tite from factory
Similar Products Used:
2000 Specialized FSR Pro
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, Thomson post/stem, King Hubs/headset, Mars Super Fr Shock, Bontrager Valiant Rims
Bottom Line:
This bike is super light and Specialized seems to have fixed most of the problems that plagued the earlier FSRs (weak welds in rear triangle). Raced this bike all summer and average about 130 miles/week on the trails here in Colorado and have had no other problems.
I agree with everyone else - replace that shock bolt, it won't last too long.
Since I bought the frame and built it from there, I don't know about the Specialized cranks or other parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Fiske
a Cross Country Rider
from Shakopee, MN, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Moab Slickrock
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Eriks Bikes
Strengths:
Excellent suspension design with lots of adjustability options. Good handling. Good parts spec with a few exceptions below. Very light for fully active full suspension.
Weaknesses:
Titanium shock pivot bolt. Bushing play in SID fork is annoying. Headset and crankset spec is weak relative to the rest of the parts and frame quality. Aluminum-railed Specialized seat broke (warranty replaced, thanks Eriks). Python tires' traction qualities are rather suspect.
Similar Products Used:
Demo'ed the Trek Fuel and Fisher Sugar. Nice bikes, but they didn't fit as well and suspension is not as versatile. Parts spec is also not as good.
Bike Setup:
Stock with flite saddle (put the warranty replacement on my road bike - less chance of breakage) and Onza bar ends.
Bottom Line:
I see that I've listed quite a few weaknesses, but I must point out that overall, this is still a really great bike. The suspension works great and has lots of tuning options. Even so, there are some issues. I replaced the rear shock pivot bolt before it broke, but is was bent. The loose sensation that I noticed turned out to not be the headset but the fork bushings. This developed within six months of purchased. Eriks confirmed that as a common problem. I think Rock Shox needs to review some of their "factory tolerances" (look at their arrogant reply to Mountain Bike Mag's similar criticism). The cranks and headset function fine, but are out of place on a bike of this caliber. Having three water bottle mounts is a nice touch, one that I see has been dropped from the 2002 model (too much weight?).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RAD
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern CA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
El Corte de Madera
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light, beautiful frame design. The CrossMax tires are really amazing.
Weaknesses:
The few cheap components that people have complained about (cranks, etc.) haven't really been a problem for me yet. I'm not as dialed in as most riders, especially XC riders. I did have a problem with the Ti SUSPENSION BOLTS. REPLACE THESE IMMEDIATELY with steel bolts. I'm a very light rider, and not too aggressive- yet I still broke a couple of the Ti bolts. I took the wrench at my LBS quite a bit of time to remove one of the broken bolts. Replace them before they cause you $$$, aggravation and pain.
Similar Products Used:
I checked out the GT and Trek Fuel full-suspension designs.
Bike Setup:
All stock... so far...
Bottom Line:
A truly great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Cline
a Racer
from Redwood City, CA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Alpine and Grizz
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1925.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Light, Fast, Quick Handling...Climbs like a mountain goat and decends like it's on rails.
Weaknesses:
Same story: stock bar too long and the cranks flex when you put the power down.
Similar Products Used:
93' Specialized S-Works Hardtail...First full suspension XC bike.
Bike Setup:
Chris King, CT2 Easton Carbon Bar 580mm, 11-34 cassette, Hutchinson Python 2.0 UST, Shimano 959 pedals, Selle SLR...currently weights 24.381 lbs, will add upgrades (stem, post, Raceface cranks and BB and lighter tires) to achieve sub 23lbs.
Bottom Line:
This is a great XC bike! Fast & Quick. If you're serious about racing the guys on the weekends and/or being competitive in races....this is a must have machine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Mansfield, MA Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
The stock cranks suck! The stock bar is too wide. The stock stem is so-so. The rest is great.
Similar Products Used:
This is the first FS bike I've owned. I've ridened the Gary Fisher Sugar 2, and an older Proflex FS bike. No comparison. The S-Works FSR XC is far superior.
I also own a Specilized S-Works hardtail. Both are comparably equiped, but the FSR is only 1 pound heavier. My FSR is 24lbs with pedals and bottle cage.
Bike Setup:
Stock with the following exceptions: XTR cranks, Thomson stem, IRD (EA70) bar, Hutchinson Scorpion UST tires, Stan's liquid latex.
Bottom Line:
The FSR XC is a very light, great handling FS bike. The suspension works very well. When you lock out the suspension the bike climbs like a hardtail. It soaks up bumps on rough down hills very well. I raced the bike for the first time two weeks ago at the Sea Otter Classic. I was extremely pleased with how the bike performed ascending and decending. I'd recommend this bike to any serious rider/racer who is looking for a great FS bike.
4 Chili overall rating because of the subpar stock cranks and stem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ANGEL
a Weekend Warrior
from SAN JOSE, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
GRANT RANCH "ALLTRAILS"
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
FAST BICYCLE - "JEFF" - SAN JOSE
Strengths:
JEFF, AT FAST BICYCLES, GAVE ME AN AWESOME DEAL ON THE 2001 S-WORKS FSR FRAME W/FOX RC LOCKOUT SHOCK FOR UNDER $900.00 inc tax.
Weaknesses:
ONLY THE TITANIUM SHOCK BOLT'S THAT I REPLACED AFTER READING THE OTHER REVIEW'S ON THIS WEBSITE.
Similar Products Used:
RIDDEN MANY HARTAIL'S AND SEVERAL FULL SUSPENSION RIG'S
Bike Setup:
MAVIC W SPECIALIZED HUBS, TRUVATIV STYLO TEAM ISIS W/RACEFACE BB, IRC MYTHOS XC TIRES, AZONIC HAMMER Omm STEM, CLUB ROOST HARDCORE BARS W/BRACE, THOMPSON SEATPOST, XT V BRAKES AND SHIFTER LEVERS, PLATFORM PEDALS, SPECIALIZED "BACK COUNTRY SUPER PLUSH" BODY GEOMETRY COMFORT PLUS SADDLE, WTB HEADSET, ROCK SHOX 01 JUDY SL 100mm, AND"WHO CARES ABOUT THE WEIGHT WHEN YOU NEVER GET STRANDED OR HAVE TO FIX FLATS" PRE-FILLED SLIME PRESTA VALVE TUBES.
Bottom Line:
I HAVE RIDDEN MANY HIGH END FULL SUSPENSION BIKES ON THE TRAILS OF CALIFORNIA, AND THIS IS SAME QUALITY RIDE AS PROVIDE. I WAS GOING TO BUY AN ELLSWORTH TRUTH ,BECAUSE I REALLY LIKE THE STRUCTURAL QUALITY AND RIDE, BUT JEFF AT FAST BICYCLE MADE ME A DEAL I COULDN'T REFUSE. AFTER MY ALL NIGHT,ASSEMBLE MY NEW BIKE PARTY AND A COUPLE OF TEST AND TWEAK SESSION'S, I WENT ON A 30 MILE BACK COUNTRY ADVENTURE. I RIDE HARD AND SMOOTH. I WEIGH 210 LBS. I PUT THIS MACHINE TO THE TEST! I JUMP ANYTHING I SEE! I DO STREET RIDING AND DROPS NO MORE THAN 6FEET AS WELL AS MANY, MANY MILES OF TRAIL RIDING AND AS MUCH DESCENDING AS POSSIBLE. I LOVE THIS FRAME!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE FOR ANY USE OTHER THAN EXXXTREME DOWNHILLING. I'M NOT A NIT-PICKER, I JUST RIDE HARD. I'M ALWAY'S WORRIED ABOUT STRENTH AND QUALITY, BUT I'M NOT WORRIED A BIT RIDING THIS FRAME UNDER ALMOST ANY CIRCUMSTANCE'S. JUST REPLACE THE SHOCK BOLT'S WITH STEEL ONES;"I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE ANY PROBLEMS MYSELF WITH THE TI BOLTS". PEACE AND GOOD RIDING
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Cross Country Rider
from Cullowhee,NC U.S. Date Reviewed: January 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Moses Creek to Snaggy Bald
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excellent ride. Light weight. Smooth suspension. Great climber and decent descender, as long as your not an idiot downhiller who doesnt understand the difference between a cross country race dually and a karpiel armadumbass.
Weaknesses:
Mud clearance is lacking.
Similar Products Used:
Raven, Jekyll.
Bike Setup:
Full xtr, chris king, sid sl, fox rc, crossmax tubeless, thomson seatpost and stem, atac carbon pedals.
Bottom Line:
Great riding bike. Excellent cross country cruiser. One of the lightest bikes available with "normal" component mix. If you have a brain and occassionally ride uphill, this is the bike for you. Especially if your interested in winning some actual pedaling contests, instead of who can jump off of their local school bus farther. This is a pure racing bike for cross country.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
401-created butte
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
weight and suspension design
Weaknesses:
Ti bolt mounting the rear shock
Similar Products Used:
trek Fuel, Intense Tracer and Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup:
XTR, with thompson post, 517 rims, King hubs and headset, Easton Ct2 bar
Bottom Line:
Single point of failure and I mean it. This bike failed on me on the second ride. No free riding. No drops. I am a 160 lb rider and I sheared the ti bolt that mounts the rear shock on the second ride and was forced to walk it out. Quite something for a $3,000 bike!! When the bolt sheared, it bent the swingarm.
Whatta piece of crap! The folks at Specailized are aware of this and stil have not recalled the product! This is gross negligence! 4 chilis on valuel but one chili on overall rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dougo
a Weekend Warrior
from las vegas, nv, usa Date Reviewed: October 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bike Rack - Omaha
Strengths:
Decends well, comfy ride, the frame has clearly been reinforced in those early problem areas. . .looks like it will hold up.
Weaknesses:
Same stuff you hear from others - cranks, rear shock bolt, etc. (Thank God for this web site. I took my rear shock bolt out to replace it after reading all the reports of it breaking and found mine was bent! Just in time, I'm headed to the hardware store today!)
Similar Products Used:
1999 s-works fsr (I think it was '99, regardless it was the first model year), and lots of hard tails.
Bike Setup:
Truvativ cranks with splined bb, manitou-super fork (replacement for previously defective manitou fork on '99 s-works fsr).
Bottom Line:
This is actually a replacement frame for my '99 s-works fsr. The original broke a couple of times (not uncommon), the last break was on the top tube near the seat. Specialized no longer had my frame in stock so they replaced it with the newest one including rear linkage and shock. This frame has different geometry and rear linkage resulting in more rear travel.
I actually liked the original frame geometry and shock travel better for all around xc racing and riding. It seemed to climb better, with or without the rear shock engaged, and it maintained a higher bottom bracket over bumpy terrain which allowed me to keep pedaling without catching a pedal. I have to be a little more careful now = slower.
The new frame is certainly more plush but I haven't noticed any real improvement in descending characteristics. And while I used to be able to leave the rear shock engaged even on steep climbs I now absolutely have to lock it out on anything other than a moderate hill in order to keep the front wheel on the ground. I plan on trying the shorter travel option in the rear and hope it will result in ride characteristics more like the '99, we'll see.
Overall, I would give the '99 4 chilis, minus the 1 chili for the cranks and frame breaking. I have never ridden a bike that handled so well or that I liked as much.
The '01 I will give 3&1/2 chilis, minus the 1&1/2 for the cranks, the rear shock bolt and less of a race platform for what amounts to a plush free-ride feel without the requisite travel or strength to be a free-ride bike.
That said it still kicks ass on any hard tail xc racer and maybe on most of the other full suspension xc racers, I don't know, I haven't ridden them all. What I do know is that for me the original was a better xc platform. I think Specialized tried to do too much in improving on the orginal design and should have just strengthened the frame where appropriate and replaced the cranks, that would have been perfect. Oh well, hindsight, you know?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from Campbell, CA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This review is for the 2002 FSR S-works M5. Specialized has completely re-designed the frame. The gussets have been replaced by new tubing that looks very cool.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
99 Stumpjumped Pro
Bike Setup:
Z1 x fly, full xtr, Chris King etc.
Bottom Line:
This Bike rocks. All new sealed bearings. Removable 75 or 90mm rear suspension links. Great powder coat finish. Climbs like a monkey and descends like it's on rails. I am climbing in higher gears and flying down the hills. Extra large frame weighs Just under 6 pounds. If you buy the frame have a quality bike shop (trailhead in Los Gatos) face the Bottom bracket. The powdercoat gets in the threads making it difficult to start your BB cup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neal Schubel
a Racer
from saginaw,MI Date Reviewed: September 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Strengths:
Extremly light,longer top tube puts you in perfect riding postion(I'm 5'11"), no energy loss even when standing
Weaknesses:
Must be upgraded from stock. Cranks, headset, stem, xt shifters. Plan on spending $400.00+ to upgrade unless you can work out a deal with your shop. Titanium shock bolt broke during race(based on other reviews this was expected)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jeckyll for 8 months, great trail bike, but too heavy and too much pedal bob for racing.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for SRAM half-pipe shifters,XTR rear cassette,Thompson stem, Race Face cranks, Chris King headset
Bottom Line:
Great race bike,I am 5 minutes faster on the FSR than my jeckyll. Not for bombing on the trails. Typical large company in-house parts need to be removed. I would highly recommend it. Long range plan is to swap parts to Ellsworth Truth frame. Just know going in that upgrades are needed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Newnan Date Reviewed: September 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Kunnucans
Strengths:
Excellent cross country ride. This bike climbs, descends and turns like no other bike that I have ever ridden.
Weaknesses:
Specialized quality control sucks. I had to return the first frame because it was welded wrong. The rear tire did not sit straight in the drop outs and the seat tube was crooked. When I called them and explained what was wrong with the frame they said "oh yeah, we have had several bike returned for this, just have your LBS send it to us and we will replace it". The new frame seams to be put together correctly. I am a light rider, I weigh 138 lbs, I never expected to break a rear shock bolt like sooo many other people have reported doing, that is until yesterday. Do yourself a favor, replace this bolt ASAP or it will leave you stranded. (This is a metric bolt, and can be purchased at Lowes, Home depot, and some hardware stores. Bring the old bolt and link with you so you can match it up to insure that you get the correct size)
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y 33, Super V, Sugar, Fuel.
Bike Setup:
XTR, Race Face, King, Crossmax, Side SL, Kenda Klimax. Bike weighs 24 lbs even.
Bottom Line:
Possibly the best all around performing cross country bike available. I give the bikes performance a rating of 5, but the quality a 3.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh Bender
a Downhiller
from colorado Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
just flyin around
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
my home planet
Strengths:
It got me across the street.
Weaknesses:
Can't take 40 foot drops
Similar Products Used:
Karpiel Armageddon
Bike Setup:
Stock exept for the parts that fell off. I.E rims crank fork and so on.
Bottom Line:
Every thing fell apart after a minor 25 foot drop. Hey if you have one of these finding parts should be easy, just look around the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Falmouth, MA USA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent cross country bike. This thing is smooth, fast and has a good amount of room to stetch out and ride. The XTR and XT parts are excellent. The Mavic rims and hutchinson tires are fantastic. I had my doubts about the tires.....but they hook up. This thing tracks the tight singletrack downhill sections like its on rails.
Weaknesses:
I had to chop about six inches off the bars right off. I also had to cut about the same off of the seat post. The hutchinson tires are a 2.0 and a little thin, I weight about 200 and really need a bit more float over the sand and rocks here on the Cape. So far the cranks and other stuff I have read other people complain about are working just fine. I do agree full XTR & XT would have been prefered.
Similar Products Used:
GT 1.0 I-drive
Bike Setup:
I have ridden two Trek 6000 (broke both) I have a GT Avalanch frame that I built up with all XT, mavic, Sram and cooks stuff. I've pretty much stuck with specialized tires for years and used a Mag21 for ever, the lockout was always great.
Bottom Line:
This thing is pretty smokin. Its light, fast and handles the switchbacks very well. The suspension keeps both wheels locked in and I make a lot more climbs that way. You can also lay the thing down real low on fast turns and keep a tight line without the suspension packing up. It soaks up enough of the bumps to let me stay in the saddle a lot more.
Quite frankly I was getting sick of the crazy amount of roots and rocks where I live, now I dont even notice them.This thing is a lot of fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert
a Racer
from north hollywood , ca Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Strengths:
great handling, light weight,smooth.
Weaknesses:
water bottle mounts, rock shox fork, shimano chain, lx bottom bracket.
Similar Products Used:
mostly hardtales, couple of fs bikes.
Bike Setup:
completely stock except for chain(sachs), front tire(continental).
Bottom Line:
I 've read all these reviews and wonder about the riders. I have been racing for over 10 years, and know how to ride. I train on the bike no problems except for some nine speed chain suck, and a flimsy rock shox fork. They always seem to have a flexy fork. I weigh 165 and find all the shock settings pretty right on. If you are breaking things, don't blame the bike, blame the rider. This bike is an XC bike, not a freerider or downhiller. You can't go bashing into the rocks, any thing will break. The bike rides well and yes things will wear out. Replace them when they wear out. Enjoy the ride. It is worth every cent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JP
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Lauderdale, FL Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Frame & Suspension are magnificent; Mavic Crossmax UST's are awesome; basically, there are no in-between's on this bike. That which is good is truly exceptional; that which is bad is pathetic. Thankfully the pathetic stuff is replaceable.
Weaknesses:
Bar is long and heavy; bottom bracket is a little low (although it makes for great stability when you're not clearing obstacles); cranks are a little flexy; chainrings are from hell.
Similar Products Used:
Old Stumpjumper steel hardtail, newer Stumpjumper M2 hardtail
Bike Setup:
stock except for CT2 bar, xt cranks and rings, and Ti skewers and seatpost bolt
Bottom Line:
Let me start by saying that I'm not one of those chronics who complains about everything. I generally like most MTB stuff. And as a whole, this bike is an amazing ride. The frame is light, stiff, and the suspension set-up is surprisingly balanced right out of the box - and a thing of beauty once dialed-in. The Corossmax's are awesome - believe the hype. That in this bike that is good is even better than I expected from Specialized's top-of-the-line mountain bike. However, the fact that this is Specialized's most expensive mountain bike makes it all the more difficult to understand why Specialized would spec their flagship with just enough garbage parts to make the bike unpleasant as-is.
Some parts are cheap but acceptable, like the bargain headset. It's not a real name brand, but it works. Other parts you need to swap out, but you can ride them in the meantime, like the mile-long handlebars. Even the cranks that everyone complains about are rideable, and don't really flex as much as I expected (and I'm 200 lbs). At least you could enjoy riding your bike while your real cranks and bar are in the mail. That is you could have, had Specialized not cursed this bike with those horrible round things with teeth that don't deserve to be called chainrings.
Words like "bad", "inferior", and "crap" don't begin to describe these things. Egregious((i-gre'-jes)-adj.- outstandingly bad) still doesn't go far enough. These words don't capture the element of intent that these rings possess. These things wait until you need them most, like a steep climb or a technical section of trail, then BAM - they pop themselves into a new ring of their choosing. The word is EVIL. These rings are the non-shiftingest pieces of trash ever thoughtlessly slapped on a bike.
Now, the difference in wholesale prices between the department store bar, cranks and rings, and the price they would have had to pay for a real bar and a set of XT's is probably less than 50 bucks. So for $3050 they'd have a perfect bike. Instead, we need to pay thousands for a bike, several hundred more to fix the broken new bike, and get stuck with ugly paperweights with a big S on them.
In the end, I'd still recommend the bike. After all, if you can afford the thousands to buy it, you can probably also afford the extra $150 you need to spend to make it rideable. Just know that going in: you cannot enjoy this bike out of the box.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond,VA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
Light weight, great handling, perfect suspension
Weaknesses:
bars, headset, cranks are so-so
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS, '99 FSRxc Pro, Super-V
Bike Setup:
Stock but with XTR cranks, CT2 carbon bar
Bottom Line:
All around great bike. Much better then the "older" ('98-'00) FSRxc. The suspension works so well, you don't even notice it. You can just fly on this thing without becoming caught up in what the rear end is or is not doing. Glad they made the top tobe longer as well. SID SL works very well and the CrossMax wheels are super strong. I would swap out the cranks, bar and head set before you leave the shop. Other then that, the bike is about perfect
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Glen Ridge, New Jersey Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Round Valley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bennetts Bicycles
Strengths:
Very light weight and responsive
Weaknesses:
Stock headset is a piece of crap. Save yourself the aggravation and change it immediately. The chainrings are flimsy and bend easily.
Similar Products Used:
Coming from a Merlin hardtail, I never rode an FS rig before.
Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of a new Chris King headset, thinking about some new cranks/chainrings...
Bottom Line:
I just finished the 24 Hours of Adrenaline yesterday and the bike performed flawlessly. The combination of light weight and quick responsiveness is a huge plus. I used to ride a Ti hardtail and I was worried this bike would let me down but thats not the case. The CrossMax wheels are awesome and the lower tire pressure gives you great traction especially in wet, muddy conditions. The lock out feature on both the front and rear shocks is great and easy to reach for long climbs. I was disappointed with the selection of some components, particularly the headset which was a cheap no name brand. I think the headset lasted me two rides before it completely fell apart. On a bike in this price range I expected to see a slightly better parts selection. Overall, if you are lookin for a responsive FS ride without the weight gain I can highly recommend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Chapel Hill, NC Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
New Light
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Center of Durham
Strengths:
weight, looks, geometry
Weaknesses:
titanium shock link bolt, some lateral flex in rear triangle
Similar Products Used:
'00 Stumpjumper Pro hardtail
Bike Setup:
'00 SID XC, Mavic 517, Avid Mag, Easton Monkeylite, King headset, RaceFace Next LP's w/ RF rings + BB, XT/XTR drivetrain, Time ATAC carbon, Thomson post
Bottom Line:
This bike is fast.....really, really fast! I decided to buy the frameset after my Stumpjumper hardtail was damaged in shipping after a trip back from Moab. Since my kidneys were still bruised after 4 days of spine-shattering riding out west, I was determined to use the insurance money I got from my other frame to build up an FS rig. My original plan was to swap most of the parts from my Stumpy onto the new S-works frame, but then I got to playing around on Ebay and customized it for a pretty good chunk of change.
I will wholeheartedly agree with other reviewers who have noted that Specialized cranks absoulutely suck! I had a huge chain-suck scar on my Stumpjumper frame from day 1, due to the flexy cranks and crappy Specialized rings. Since I put RaceFace cranks and rings on this new frame, front shifting has been a dream.
The biggest improvement Specialized made on this bike over the '00 model was by significantly lengthening the top-tube, which serves to keep the rider's weight back and increase climbing efficiency. I ride an XL (at 6'2") and I feel incredibly comfortable on this bike whether bombing down a technical section or attacking a steep climb. The rear suspension still feels a bit squishy to me (likely the result of being a seasoned hardtail rider) but I love the lock-out feature on the Fox Float RC. It's pretty easy to reach from the cockpit and can be switched on and off on the fly.
The weight weenies at the Specialized engineering dept. obviously made one huge goof on this frame. I was out in the middle of nowhere enjoying a long, flowing section of smooth singletrack when I heard a loud pop that sounded like a gunshot. Before I knew it, my rear shock was down into my tire in a mangled mess and I had to walk out about 5 miles with my bike on my back. The titanium shock linkage bolt was NOT a good idea and my LBS replaced it with a steel one. Luckily, despite the way it looked, there was no damage to the bike or shock. However, if the same thing happened when I was flying down a rocky downhill section, I might have had a need for some dental work. Before buying this bike, demand that the shop switch out this bolt immediately! (see if you can get them to swap cranks too!)
Overall, I really like the bike so far (although I haven't ridden it long enough to get a true idea about durability, etc.) I'm planning to really give it a workout in 2 weeks at the 24 Hours of Snowshoe and I'll post back with long-term data after some more racing and riding in a few more months.
5 chilis for value ($1200 for the frameset with Thomson post, Fox Float RC is a screaming deal!)
4 chilis for overall, due to broken shock bolt and crappy cranks/rings on the stock bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a
from atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike is very solid. I am extremely pleased with the weight, suspension, and the components added by Specialized over last years' M4 FSR.
Weaknesses:
The cranks are miserable. If you weigh more than 150 pounds, you better upgrade. I opted for the XT Hollowtech, and the bike is riding so much better.
Bottom Line:
Very nice paint job. Great components. Pathetic cranks. I have been in two races since purchasing this bike, and the results have been great. I am going to give this bike a five rating, even though the cranks are flimsy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Crawford
a Racer
from Long Island, NY Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light and very fast
Weaknesses:
Titanium shock link bolts
Similar Products Used:
99 S-Works, Trek Y-5, Schwinn Moab
Bike Setup:
01 FSR S-Works frame, XT Hollowtech crankset, Sun 0 Degree lite/XT wheelset, 01 Manitou Mars Super fork, Avid Brakes, XTR shifters/derailleurs, Easton Carbon Fiber bar, Selle Italia Flite Ti saddle,Speedplay Frog pedals
Bottom Line:
I had a 99 S-Works and loved it even though the rear subframe kept breaking. After five breaks, Specialized did right by me and gave me a new 01 frame. I have been using the 90mm travel rear link and have not broken the subframe. Compared to the 99, the 01's steering is a little less twitchy. The overall ride seems a little more comfortable on my old bones; this is partially due to the new fork, which is a bit plusher than my old 99 Manitou SX Carbon.(Also a bit heavier) I have about 300 trail miles on the bike and now that I am used to it I can match my PR's from last year. There is only one weakness-replace the titanium shock pivot bolts BEFORE they break, or you are just asking to get stranded and hurt. Use steel and suck up the extra 9 grams. When these bolts shear, the shock, shock link, rear subframe, and rider can all be severely damaged in the resulting failure. Plus, the bike will no longer roll, so you have to carry it out of the woods. Good thing it's light, but after carrying it for a mile or so, you will be wishing it was 9 grams heavier! Apart from these titanium bolts, I believe there is no better full suspension XC racing bike you can get, even if you are willing to spend lots more money. The way I have mine set up, it comes in under 25 pounds and works day in and day out at very high levels of performance. I have ridden several other high end full suspension bikes and while they all feel a little different, I can't say that any of them feel better.Nothing climbs or handles better. I don't have the tubeless wheelset, and I don't want it, so if I was going to buy a new FSR, I would get the Stumpjumper, which costs a lot less but still is plenty light.One thing for certain-you can't go wrong with either of these bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Hurley
a Cross Country Rider
from Apex, NC USA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
New Light
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
All-Star Cary "Don's House"
Strengths:
Light weight, High quality welds,
Weaknesses:
paint doesnt hold up as well as my M2 did. titanium hardware may be a bit to weak.
Similar Products Used:
m2 pro, giant XTC,
Bike Setup:
Frame set only, 01 sid 100, race face lp, king headset, king wheel set with 317/f 517 cer/r. avid mechanical disk, easton monkey lite riser, 858 pedals, selia italia ti gel, kore lite 3 stem, ritchey hdk tires, xt/xtr gear train.
Bottom Line:
Great frame set only deal. 1100 bucks got me frame, thompson stem,and float rc shock. Titanium hardware in rear triangle looks great but lower ti shock bolt broke after only a few rides. had to get the shock link replaced as it got bent and replaced bolt with grade 8 steel bolt. i thought my weight might have been responsible for this (200lbs) but a friend of mine also had same problem after a few rides and he weighs less than 170lbs. Noticed that finish not as durable as my M2 was. Ride with sid 100 and 90mm link in back is still quite racy yet plusher than other race only xc bikes. no problems other than shock bolt. have to give 5 chilis for great value, but i had to subtract one for titanium bolt breakage....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane Hastings
a Cross Country Rider
from Healdsburg Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Spoke Folk Cyclery
Strengths:
It's rigid when you want it to be, and very plush when you want it to be. The Sid SL is awesome, the Fox Float RC doesn't have the same smoothness as the Sid, but it works. The bike weighs 24 lbs. I haven't raced it yet but I'm sure it will speed me up. I weigh 185 lbs and the Sid flex's a little but knowing to worry about it. It's definitly worth the weight. Defenity a great bike if you have the dough.
Weaknesses:
The design of the Pythons are a little to fast, race like. When I go around hard turns I wished it cornered a little better but there fast tires. Extremly low rolling resisdence.
Similar Products Used:
Nishiki Cascade
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Something faster then everyone else's!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Milford, MI Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Highland rec area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Strengths:
Everything! Parts mix is top notch. Sid SL fork rocks, as does the FoxRC w/ lockout. Weight. Freakin gorgeous, IMO.
Weaknesses:
Not much so far. A bit disappointed that the new Specialized tubless tires not yet available, but the Pythons are great.
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS Air, Fuel, SC Superlite, Jekyl
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the Pythons
Bottom Line:
This bike ROCKS! I got a great deal from a friend, so I was psyched right away. Going from a 4 yr old GT LTS-2 to this is night and day, so I won't try to compare. Specialized has put together a great mix of parts-improved over last year is a better fork (Sid SL vs the Mars) splined cranks-yes, XTR would have been better-probably the only spec negative I see. I've done about 200 miles of singletrack on in little over a month with absolutely no problems. The rig climbs like a goat on 'roids, with no bobbing at all that I notice. Down hill is a blast. After a bit of dialing in, the front and rear suspension is a great match-the bike is very smooth in fast single track and very responsive in tight twisty technical stuff. It just screams to be ridden hard. The crossmax are everything I had heard, and the Hutchinson Pythons are way strong-I have already hit a few major roots that would have anilated my old velociraptors. I am no bigtime racer, but have been routinely bettering my times, and have destroyed last years typical times. I weigh 180, and have not experienced the flex that Mike mentioned in the fork, but will be watching that. All in all, its an awesome ride-there are some great bikes in this price range, but if you are looking for a durable, do all type of racing bike and can handle the $$, buy it, you won't be disappointed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Campbell, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Strengths:
Updated frame design, and parts pick is well thought out. This bike is aimed at the cross conty racer - who can afford one very good bike for all conditions. Took a chance with the Mavic tubless rims - they turned out to be very good. But where is the tire selection.
Weaknesses:
Fork is to flexy for me, and problably anyone over 160 lbs. Bushing linkage design is crap, as is the need for two separate links for changing travel lenght.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz super light.
Bike Setup:
Stock except 2000 SID XC fork, and Thomson stem.
Bottom Line:
If you only goal is racing, this bike good for that. If you race sometimes, but ride hard often, get the FSR Pro, or Comp. Both these bikes have better frames and more solid components. They sell for hundreds less, but weigh a couple of pounds more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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