Submitted by
GregE
a Weekend Warrior
from Lafayette, Colorado
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2011
Strengths: This bike is very responsive and light (just over 22lbs. on the bathroom scale) - climbs like a billy goat and has descended everything I've had the guts to try. Although I am not a fearless descender, so this could my own tentativeness.
Weaknesses: I'm finding that a shallower rake could help me descend more easily, but I am enjoying great climbing, so perhaps I have to accept that.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Can't find anything lighter off the shelf for less than $6,000, so I am hard pressed to want more. I always enjoy climbing and ascending technical terrain even more than good flow, so this bike has suited me perfectly.
If you find one of these for sale, jump on it. New tires, refurbished shocks and you've got a climbing machine.
Similar Products Used: None. My previous MTB was a 1989 Stumpjumer, rigid frame - top of the line at the time.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Kenda Nevegal on the front and Specialized 'Captain' Ground Control on back, Ergon grips. Still using the original Time pedals - they get gummed up in heavy dust situations, but clean easily and are easy to unclip when well oiled. The Fox Float R was 'pushed' at Push Industries a few months after I bought it. Rear shock - 165-175 lbs.
Strengths: Extremely tough and can take a beating like a stepchild. Fox Triad rear shock is simple and effective, especially with the 3 way adjustments. Wheels are bombproof. Really stable downhill and can take hard hits. Flies predictably through the air, rear triangle shows no signs of play or slop after a hard year of abuse, avid mechanical brakes are awesome.
Weaknesses: Weighs over 30 pounds, the rear brake cable needs isolation mounts so not to damage the frame, the rear hub / free-hub makes too much noise and needs way too much servicing, the front recon rock shocks aren't really smooth traveling, massive suspension suck when pedaling, cranks flex a little too much because of the bolt on design, and did I mention it was heavy as hell!
Bottom Line:
I am a cat 2 racer and I use this thing to go on 5 hour base rides. It does the job for hours of comfort in the saddle. I feel it's way too heavy to race because I tried it and got my butt kicked, but for doing slow winter ride training for base miles.... this is your bike!
Similar Products Used: Older hardtails; first time on a FS however.
Bike Setup: Shimano LX / XT rapidire.
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Submitted by
em cee gravel rash
a Cross Country Rider
from australia adelaide
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2003
Strengths: damn light, climbs like a climbing thing, light, comfy all day hack, light, nice on the road too, light, good all rounder
Weaknesses: damn those whimpy tyres! and that weak as wee wee rear hub, that sounds like a coffee grinder, ive replaced the freewheel body and still crunchy crunchy, i can see why they specced LX for the model after. ive had no hassles with the seatpost yet..but ive seen those mock ritchies give up on other steeds.
Bottom Line:
a nice light cross country steed for a reasonable price that should please the hardtail set. i know the price is kept down by speccing mock specialzied and ritchie bits but they let the thing down. the rear hub especially coz you need $$ and time to replace that stuff.
Bike Setup: stock besides shimano pedals and xtr vees
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Submitted by
Fabio Siess
a Cross Country Rider
from Tortona - Italy
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2003
Strengths: Very robust and reliable. Not too heavy (25 lbs). Very comfortable. Very smooth driving, it makes save you energy even on uphill. It's simply wonderful on flat, hard, spoiled ground.
Weaknesses: Not really a weakness: I guess it's the same for all full suspended: you have to try hard before setting up your best bike configuration. I mean there are so many things you have to take care of: calibrating front and back suspensions, setting accordingly handelbars and seat positions, etc.
Bottom Line:
The best choice if you don't want to spend too much. Probably also good for a used purchase, due to its reliability. At beginning its Vbrakes were fantastic. Now I'm considering an upgrade to disc brakes instead of buying new rims and new pads. I will also try to upgrade some components in order to contain weight. Sorry for my poor english. Bye!
Submitted by
Dan Stuart
a Cross Country Rider
from Westland (Detroit Area)
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002
Strengths: 1. Full Suspension! Full Suspension! Full Suspension! 2. Virtually all components are top of the line. 3. Super fast rolling. 4. Doesn't beat you up like hardtails do 5. Weighs approx. 1lb less than my '97 Stumpjumper Comp Hardtail
Weaknesses: 1. Ritchey seatpost-seat moves unless super tight 2. S-Works tires are a joke unless you want to buy a new set each ride. I rode a rocky, kick a*# trail in VA, but after this ride, I noticed knobbies were shredded. Specialized replaced with Pro models claiming the S-Works model were designed for one race only! I have to admit that the tires hooked up great for the six offroad miles on them, but durability is an issue. 3. Both my fork and shock started squeaking soon after purchasing the bike. I lived with it until right before 1 year warranty. Both sent back to each respective supplier and fixed. No problems yet, but only ridden a few times since (in dry conditions). 4. Tires a little sketchy in sand. I think this is due to being 1.95".
Bottom Line:
If you want a great bike (probably used by now), then buy the FSR Pro. I really enjoy having the plush ride of this active full suspension. You can ride this bike all day long and won't feel as soar nor tired as on a hardtail and at a weight less than that of a great hardtail with some age.
Similar Products Used: '97 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Hardtail - only gets used in muddy conditions now because I love my fullie!
Bike Setup: Rock Shox SID XC - 75lb each leg Fox Float RC - 200lb 90mm travel rear setup Tires - 40psi front & rear
Rider Setup 6'3" 200lb + H2O + tools
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Submitted by
Ryan Bradley
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002
Strengths: Light as my old hardtail, climbs liked a scared monkey, smooth handling.
Weaknesses: I stripped the flywheel and ground through axle on rear hub, why are the hubs LX on this bike?
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike. It feels as light as my hardtail and now that I have ridden it enough and am getting used to the full suspension I can really bomb downhills. Haven't ridden my favorite trail yet on it, but that will come this month. Only thing that pissed me off was the flywheel stripping and grinding through my axle on a 25 mile ride. But the bike held through back to the trailhead. Love it, climbs especially well.
Similar Products Used: '99 Stumpjump comp Hardtail
Bike Setup: Easton CT2 bars, and post. XT Crank, panaracer Fire XC pro when muddy, bontraeger revolt when dry! Put a longer stem on it.
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Submitted by
Steven
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001
Strengths: climbs and transfers power great, lock out rear shock, SID XC, XTR/XT drivetrain, tires work great on hardpack (though not so great on soft or mud), bike weight - 24.6 pounds!
Weaknesses: Cranks are slow on shifting. Swapped Time pedals for Wellgo's Ti MG18 difficult to use with SPD cleats. Seat post slip easily. What's with the WIDE truck handlebars? Cut the bar length to 580mm. AVID levers had a lot of slop in the pivot joint but worked well. Steering geometry a little slow (though I did swap out the short 115 stem to 135mm)
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks for $1300. The sid XC and Float RC work great. The suspension is super smooth. I was utterly surprised how well this bike climbs! I love my hardtails but I think this experience is going to change my thinking. The bike hooks up on climbs.
I'm 5' 8" @ 160lbs just in case you want to baseline my shock setup; SID 70psi both legs, 190-200psi FOX Float. I've had the bike less than a month with only a couple of rides in. I might have to change the rear shock setting a little higher. I haven't had any problems bending the bars but I did cut them shorter.
There are a few suspect components on the bike but overall the bike works great. Truly a great cross country ride. Could use a little more aggressive steering geometry of course the upside is the bike is very stable. The bike works well enough that my hardtails are going to be benched for a little while.
Similar Products Used: Die hard hardtail junkie, well until I bought the stump pro. Currently ride; 98 s-works - built full XTR, manitou SX-ti 93 s-works - deore DX/LX, manitou 1 (old school!)
Bike Setup: Stock except, cut handlebars to 580mm, cut 2 inches off post, swapped time pedals for Wellgo mg18 ti (to match other bikes with SPD), 70psi both legs of SID, 190-200psi in Float RC, swapped 115mm x 10 stem to a Tahoma Sonne 135mm x 6 deg
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Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Yorktown Heights
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001
Strengths: I like the components of this bike; XTR rear derailleur, XT front derailleur, avid V-brakes
Weaknesses: Handle bars bend after riding for the first time; tires
Bottom Line:
I got this new frame because my old frame, the 99 Specialized FSR XC Comp broke on me. The bottom bracker and the frame stripped. So specialized gave me this frame. I like the improved set-up regarding the rear shock. Besides that, it is no different than my old Comp bike
Bike Setup: Stock + new continental tires, new handle bars
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001
Strengths: light, quick, and agile. The rear shock is like butter. I don't know what the complaint regarding the s-works tires is all about, mine feels like it's on rails. For the money, this is an incredible bike.
Weaknesses: Had to cut two inches off the bars to fit through the trees. Seat post slips occasionally.
Bottom Line:
Riding this bike is a spiritual experience for me. It handles like an F1 racer, is light and quick. The front SID and rear Floar RC just feel like they are supposed to go together. I will re-post if things start to break, but thus far I couldn't ask for anything more.
Similar Products Used: My last bike was a custom aluminum hardtail, XT/XTR with a Bomber Z2 fork. It was stolen by some b*stard.
Bike Setup: All stock, baby. I've had no problems so far, and only change things out when they break. We'll see if that happens.
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Submitted by
"smitty" simon
a Cross Country Rider
from layton
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2001
Strengths: Solid Components all the way around!
Weaknesses: Tires absolutely suck! Can't Specialized hook you up with some descent tires? Especially for the price!
Bottom Line:
I just barely purchased this bike from Supergo. What a great store huh(my plug for Supergo)! I love the light weight of the bike and the rear lock out of the shock. Can't go wrong with paying $1500 for a FSR PRO. Will tell more after a few rides.
Bike Setup: Basically stock(except for the awfull tires-you must change them upon purchase.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Strengths: Great frame, rear shock very nice...smooth, featherweight, as advertised...great on the climbs, rides beautifully...Avid brakes work well, as expected.
Weaknesses: A lot of the stock items are subpar. The tires wore out quickly, crankset has a cheap feel to it and the seatpost--whoah, Ritchey does make a crap seatpost. Front forks a bit flexy.
Bottom Line:
I've had no problems at all with this bike. It's lightweight and runs smoothly. Some places charge as much as $2300 for this Stumpy, which is justifiable because this bike is that good--even with the stock parts. If you do buy one, however, changing the tires and the seatpost are a must. Otherwise, the other components are fine. Have a nice day.
Similar Products Used: GT I-Drive, Huffy products from Target, Stumpjumper FSR XC
Bike Setup: Changed most of the components. Swapped the seatpost (first thing you should do on this bike) for a Thomson Elite. Got a Thompson stem as well (the best stems on the market). Other components: XT front and rear derailleur, XT bottom bracket, XT Hollowtech crankset, Avid Arch Rival brakes, XT shift/brake pods, Easton EA-70 handlebars, 517 Mavic ceramic rims w/ XT hubs, Rock Shox Psylo XC
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Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgecrest, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Strengths: Great handling, light weight and climbs well. This is a great do it all bike. XL was very comfortable for me (6'4" 220). Avid brakes work well. Lockout on the Fox shock is a nice extra. Ablity to tune both the Fox shock and SID fork with air is very nice. XTR/XT shifters are top notch.
Weaknesses: Tires are trash, ripped half the knobs of the back on the first 10 mile ride, put on a set of Panaracer Fire XC Pro's, great tires and look great on the bike as well! Took the cranks off before it went home, replaced with XT. Did not like the Look peddles, I will replace them with SPD's.
Bottom Line:
This bike was $1499 at Supergo, that's a thousand bucks off, I was looking at the FSR Comp but was able to buy the Pro and upgrade some parts for a great price. The bike has some things that need to be changed - cranks and tires. I didn't care for the Time peddles but you may...The rest of it works great. Solid performer and a great value. Get them while you can!
Bike Setup: Stock except for Panaracer tire's, XT crank set and SPD peddles.
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Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Strengths: Lightweight Repsonsive to power input Good handling Wide bars
Weaknesses: Limited seatpost adjustment (although more than previous FSRs). Seatpost clamp wasn't up to the job on my bike. SID XCs not the best part of the bike (a touch flexy)
Favorite Trail: Last part of Skidaw downhill, Lake District
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Purchased At: Mike Vaughan Cycles
Similar Products Used: Year 2000 FSR XC Pro 1998 FSR Enduro
Bike Setup: Standard but with Shimano XT chainset and 185mm/165mm Hope Mini Disc brakes.
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Submitted by
Mark Watson
a Cross Country Rider
from Basingstoke, UK
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Strengths: The bike is a fantastic lightweight cross country machine. Don't be put off by the sounds of competition. I use it as a trail bike and love it. Fantastic suspension that works real smooth - the Fox shock really complements the SID forks - I've never been so comfortable!
Weaknesses: I bent the Ritchey seatpost and replaced with a great Thompsons. I agree that the tyres are rubbish - no traction on the rear after a couple of hundred miles, plus the sidewall split and blew the inner tube!
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike - buy it! Can't say fairer than that. Just been riding in the US on Slickrock, Porcupine trail and around Fruita... this bike was the best. It copes well with climbing, descending, drop off's - anything I could through at it!!!
I did bust the Fox Float RC lockout on the trails, but the air shock was still working so it didn't spoil the ride. Fox fixed this when I got home in four days! (wow - what great service!!!). Without knowing it, I'd also damaged one of the suspension bolts by the bottom bracket - it snapped. Specialized and my local shop changed it the next day!!!
Don't let these breakages put you off - I was riding pretty hard and breaks are one of those things - I don't think the quality of the bike is at fault.
I would certainly recommend this bike to anyone who wants to get out and enjoy the trails - Have fun!
Bike Setup: Stock with Thompsons seatpost and stem (bought the stem cheap in the US!), Panaracer Fire XC Pro tyres (fantastic traction - I'll never use semi-slicks again), changed pedals to Shimano SPD's (I always ride with these) and added Shortie Bar-ends from X-Lite (British Firm)
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Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Fenton, MO
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Strengths: Rear Shock, XTR, Weight and Strength. Climbs like a dream!! Rear shock and the bike just seem to work together perfectly, an extremely plush ride. Can keep the power going on almost any light to moderate terrain. Still have to stand on the big hits though. Also the 517's stay true as a mothers love and are execptionally lightweight at the same time.
Weaknesses: Not a big fan of Rock Shox, but haven't had any problems yet with the SID and really getting used to the feel of it. But what the hell is with those Specialized tires. All of them just plain Suck. Blew out the side wall and lost almost every knobby on my bike tire in less than 60 miles! You would think they would clue in putting a little better tires on a fargin $2500 sticker price bike!!!!
Bottom Line:
Great, great setup! My friend has the Sugar 2 and I just don't see the quality and stability in it as with this bike. I'm not sure on the others, since the Fuel 100 were too tough to get your hands on, and Trek certainly didn't try to help. Just take our word that it rides good and order it! This bike rocks though and would highly, highly recommend it to anyone that needs a fast, light FS that can seriously take some abuse.
