Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Montgomery, AL
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2005
Strengths: Very Little or no bob. Supple suspension. Eager climber. Laterally stiff rear suspension. As light as my Trek 6000. Did I mention that it's light and it climbs well?
Weaknesses: Wide handlebar. Low bottom bracket. Lousy Ritchey seat post.
Bottom Line:
I frequently ride Swayback Bridge trail, the local singletrack. I coined it "The Trail from Hell" because it is technical and definitely NOT for meek novices. I love riding it on my hardtail Rockhopper, but I've been dreaming of a bike that would take the edge off the roots and rocks in style. The FSR suspension is proven and legendary, and the 2001 models come with bearings instead of bushings in the rear, which made my choice obvious. I swapped the factory Judy SL fork for my Duke SL. The Duke is a reliable 100 mm travel air fork which allows me to balance front and rear suspension and it raises the bottom bracket slightly. What I now have is a bike which carves technical singletrack with precision and agility, and provides me with an unbelievable ride. I have climbed rooty, steep inclines much easier than on my hardtail. This is one supple bike. I can ride faster, hurt less, remain fresher, and last longer - could it be dual-suspension Viagra? I don't get hammered in my butt if I misjudge an obstacle, that's for sure. First items on the list of improvements will be narrower handlebar and a good seat post. In the fall I plan on upgrading to disc brakes and tubeless tires. So, if you're reading this because you're wondering if it gets better than that trusty hardtail, it does! This bike is Ned Overend approved for cross-country consumption. Don't buy if you think this is a downhill weapon or you're considering doing drops off your Mom's garage. Overall, considering the slammin deal I got on the bike, I give five flaming jalapenos for value, and four flaming jalapenos for an overall rating - it's not perfect, but will be soon!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockhopper A1, Trek 6000.
Bike Setup: Stumpjumper FSR XC, red/black paint job, Duke SL 100mm air fork, 95 mm rear travel, XT rear and LX front derailleur, Panaraces FireXC Pro tires, Avid Single Digit brakes, Easton Monkeybar handlebar, and all other stock components.
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Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002
Strengths: Excellent value for money - I paid AU$2800 for a 2001 model, then another $500 on upgrades.
Weaknesses: Not impressed with the Judys so far, as they've been back to the shop twice making clanking noises, and they're currently with Mr RockShox due to some cracked internals. Low BB - my next purchase will be a bashguard to save my big-chain ring from any more abuse. Ritchey seatpost - don't leave the shop with this still attached to the bike !
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike - I enjoy cross-country riding both up and down hills, and this bike lets me go faster downhill and ride in more comfort than I could previously on my hardtail. Suspension movement on climbs is not a problem as long as you develop a smooth pedalling technique.
It is not a downhill/freeride bike as it only has 3 inches suspension front and back - but that's fine for what I do.
If I get an excuse, then I will ditch the RockShox and put a pair of Marzocchis up front. I don't mind a bit more weight in exchange for trouble free suspension. 5 chillis for value - if you can get this on special, then Just Do It. 4 overall - as there are several stock items that could be better.
Similar Products Used: Test rode a Trek Fuel 90, Giant NRS1 & Kona MokoMoko. The FSR won fairly easily - especially as it was reduced from AU$3800.
Bike Setup: Cut-down the handlebars and swapped several items at purchase: SRAM 9.0 GripShifters & deraillieur, softer seat, Thompson Elite seatpost. I also use the Magura HS33 hydraulic rim brakes from my previous bike. Otherwise stock.
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Submitted by
SledgeFoot
a Cross Country Rider
from W. LA
Weaknesses: - Judy SL fork is loud and squeaky (even when new) - BG Pro saddle can hurt on long climbs.
Bottom Line:
I walked into the shop to buy a hardtail Gary Fisher and left with this bike...
I like this bike. The FSR rear end is good performer. I feel no bobbing on climbs. It handles hits of a sizes very well. The stock components have all performed well so far and I have no complaints. Brakes are good and effective. My only complaint is the Judy SL fork. It's rather squeaky, even when it as new. The shop said the sound would go away with more riding, but I ride at least 3-4 days a week for 12 miles each ride and still the fork squeaks. The fork and saddle will be the only components that I see that this bike will need in the near future.
The Fox Float R rear suspension is prone to dirt and mud because it's in direct line with the rear wheel. I stuck on a Lizard Skin cover and all is clean now.
The stock handlebars are wide, they are called the WideBoy. I was going to replace it with something more narrow, but I liked the stability of the wide bars on fast long descends. After installing the bar ends, everthing moved inward by an inch on both sides and I guess it all worked out.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock. Replaced the Time ATACs with Shimano 324s. Stuck on some cheap $10 bar ends and that's it mostly. I will change the saddle as soon I find a good replacement. The BG Pro saddle is comfy overall until long climbs.
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Submitted by
rohypnol
a Cross Country Rider
from carpas
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002
Strengths: still strong after 2 years. I ride often and pretty hard. I am happy to say that there are no major flaws in the overall performance of the bike.
Weaknesses: You have to replace some of the stock parts- see below
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. It has better than I would have imagined. There are drawbacks.
Your going to need to replace some of the stock parts. The petals are a liability. I can't believe that Specialized puts these on their rigs. They come from the dealer working so-so at best and then progress to dangerous after a bit of mud or several long rides. Ditch them and save yourself later problems.
One other thing. If you purchase the bike at Supergo, be sure that it has been properly assembled. The mechs at supergo santa monica claim to have given the bike a careful assembly (after arriving partially assembled from the factory). 1 month after purchasing the rear derialleur would not stay in the set gear. Turns out, the rear cassette was never tightened or set properly, causing damage and eventual replacement of the part.
Oh well. if you purchase from Supergo, you may want to have a tech from another shop look your bike over following the break-in period
Otherwise, the bike is great, handles like a charm. I have had several more expensive rides, but even with the problems am happy to say this was a great choice. I have to give the overall rating a 4, because there was alot of parts that had to be changed, but if you spend a couple of bucks will perform like a bike that costs twice as much.
Submitted by
Daniel Acker
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002
Strengths: Light, quick, fast, handles nicely. Climbs well
Weaknesses: LOW BOTTOM BRACKET. I'm gonna need new pedals soon or break my foot in the process
Bottom Line:
Am I crazy? I dug my pedals at least 8 times in one 10 mile ride the first time I rode this bike. I have never consistently dug my pedals. I dug them far more today in one ride than in all rides ever combined. It got unnerving after a while, and caused me to look more under the wheel and not so much out in front of me. If your toe is down, you could break your foot. I couldnt tell much of a difference over logs, because I use the big ring as a pick axe anyway. This problem was happening when I pedaled through roots or rocks, and once even going through a corner with the outside foot down. Once it happened on a slightly off camber section, and peddaling through I dug it on the inside. I became a little nervous to mash through tough sections, and especially charging up short inclines with roots.
Bike Setup: XTR/XT with time atac and Mars Elite (the white one, not the cheap-o yellow 2000 model.)
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
frost
a Cross Country Rider
from staten island N.Y.
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2002
Strengths: fun to ride, excellent for climbing and decents,and some drop off's.active suspension is very comfy.aggresive feel but still very stable.lightweight.sturdy.
Weaknesses: some parts are not up to spec.stock tires wont last long. seat is made of concrete.wide handlebars, which I actually like now. Not superlight like my hardtail.
Bottom Line:
this bike is nothing but fun on the trails. its in between a xc and a freeride bike. if you can get a deal on one of these, buy it! hands down! no hesitation! this is the best all around bike i've had. only complaint is for climbing up steep technical terrain the bars are too wide makeing the front end float and hard to keep a line. but at the same time the wide bars give you extra stability when your flying down the other side of that same climb. so its give and take. instead of cutting my bars, I just installed barends which shifted everything inward about an inch on each side. On decends i can just let the bike rip and feel very confident barely haveing to even steer. On jumps and drop off's the bike feels good, though it definately has its limits.but i didn't get the bike for stunt rideing anyway.This bike is also excellent on corners just lean into them.as far as the front shock goes, it comes setup too soft stock for me (165lbs). So when i go into a turn aggressively it sinks in putting too much weight on my front tire. But either than that, the judy sl handles the widest range of bumps with ease.In conclusion this bike is the bomb! it gets better and better the more i ride it, and since its full suspension i dont feel as beat at the end of a long hard ride.GET ONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
Bike Setup: stock,2.1 mythos xc, xt crank,titec barends.
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Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2002
Strengths: Pedals very well Light for the available travel(almost 4" each way) Decent spec throughout (even a nice headset!) Very versatile, does anything Brilliant value (got it on end of season run-out)
Weaknesses: Low bottom bracket Doesn't come with shock pump, even though it's essential (all air sprung bikes should include a pump!) Hydrolic guides on top tube not that great when compared to a high-tech zip-tie (no point in having guides that only pseudo guide) Cop out with the deore cassette, although it does work perfectly Bar is WIIIDDDEEEE. Really wide. Cut some off if you ride trails where splitting trees is common
Bottom Line:
I have changed alot of the spec on the bike, but the character of the bike is still very similar to off the shelf. Went discs because i could, who wouldn't want ridiculous all weather stopping power. The Fox fork has the same available travel as the Judy, so not really much diff, just stiffer and wider range rebound adjustment. I do mostly trail riding for fun, but have also started to regularly race sport level races on the bike. I trail ride in the 85mm setting and race in the 70mm. The bike does pedal better in the shorter travel configuration. Changing the travel is dead easy. I leave the fork at 4" travel, it's very plush, and feels quite balanced with the rear in either setting. Took about an inch off each side of the bar, and it feels good. It's still quite wide, but who doesn't like a little fun? Swapped the Specialized cranks in the shop because of the bad things i have heard, although i'm sure alot of people use them to great satisfaction. The rest of the drivetrain works perfectly, no ghost shifting or chain droppping. (Tip: dont let the chain get caught between the e-type front derailuer and the bottom bracket shell, it's very hard to remove). i haven't experienced any problems so far with the seat post, or it's QR as alot of people have, infact the QR has not slipped at all. I do find the bottom bracket a little low. I hit my pedals quite frequently, especially on steep and rocky climbs. This is irritating as it throws off your balance. All up the bike weighs about 28lbs, which isn't light, but thats the way i spec'd it. It's super comfy to ride, and descends beautifully (give some credit to the Forx). Once set properly, the bike climbs very well too. When i have been racing i've forgotten i've got 3"+ of travel behind me, you honestly barely feel it. Having set up my own dually the way i want, for my weight and height too, i can say that i no longer see the point in hard-tails except for smooth race courses, the bike pedals that well. Overall this bike has exceeded my expectations by far, it's an XC magic carpet. If you can get one cheap, hod-rod it like i did, or leave as is and enjoy! Short of free-ride an elite level racing, this bike will do anything you want it to effortlessly, singletrack, fireroad, up, down, across, around, .....etc.! I'm 6'0' and the L is spot on. 5 for value (cost me $1800us, about $3600 aud) rrp was $3700 4 overall (i haven't ridden a Tracer yet, so i'm not qualified to give 5's)
Favorite Trail: Oxford Falls/Red Hill, Stromlo, Royal National Park
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At: The Freedom Machine
Similar Products Used: Comming from faithfull Ironhorse hardtail. Tried NRS 1 and Ellsworth Joker. Very different bikes, but made me realise i wanted an active suspension. Until then i was ready to buy an NRS 1.
Bike Setup: Almost custom i guess. LX Cranks/Botom bracket, SDG Grand Prix saddle, Ritchey Pro stem (shorter than the stock stem), Mavic 223F/317R on Deore Disc, Fox Float R fork, Magura Julies, Panaracer TrailBlasters (2.1), Lizard Skin on the shock (essential)
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Submitted by
adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from australia
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Strengths: light weight, adjustable travel, stable but quick steering
Weaknesses: some weak parts, not as good value as the Giant NRS which I almost bought
Bottom Line:
Was looking for a bike that I could use for trail riding and racing. The Manomano was an excellent trail bike but too heavy for racing. Almost bought a Giant NRS until I rode one back to back with the Specialized. The steering on the Giant felt very slow, I am more used to fast steering bikes after two Kona's. Also considered a Fuel (too race specific) and a Jekyll (didn't want to be limited to one fork/shock). Got a great deal on the bike from Hampton bikes. Have swapped out many parts but now have the bike set up as I want it. The bike is light (25.5 lbs with traction pro's, 24 lbs set up for racing with twister supersonics) and accelerates and climbs much better than the Mano. The suspension works so well that most of the time you are unaware of it. The bike steers very well through tight singletrack yet is stable on fast descents. The extra standover height compared to the Kona enables me to attempt sections that I would have bauked at before. Set up for racing in the 75 mm travel setting and with conti supersonics this baby is a rocket, accelerates quicker than my TCR road bike. The only problems with the bike so far relate to the rear shock. After 4-5 months the lower spacers on the shock have enough play that they rattle when the bike is picked up and there is a hissing noise like air in the damping oil until the shock has gone through a few cycles. After the fox float on the Kona lost damping after 8 months I am a bit weary already of fox shocks, this hasn't improved their reputation in my mind. Would quite like a lock out shock for the long road climb up to my local trail. I would strongly recommend this bike to anyone who wants one bike to ride trails and race on.
Weaknesses: crankset(specialized), handlebar width(easily fixed), judy sl is kinda noisy(is this just me with this problem?)
Bottom Line:
while some of the specialized stock may not be your preference, the frame and other components are all extremely good. specialized's engineering has always been top-notch, and this bike is no different. i ride 80-100 miles a week and the bike has been an excellent performer in everything i've thrown at it, including 45 degree rides in the rain. for your information, i am 5'9" 125lb and have no problems with the suspension being to hard. this bike is fast and nimble, assuming the rider is too. if you can still get this bike (november 2001) for a big discount, i'd reccommend it highly. with the money saved from a 2002 model, you can always upgrade/swap out the components you don't like or want.
Bike Setup: stock except 1" off each side of handlebar and wrapped chainstays. awaiting xmas upgrade to xtr crankset and BB. maybe xtr rear deraileur too.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Cake
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2001
Strengths: Just about everything! Smooth, supple suspension with a nice component package. The tires are light and fast even though they wear quickly. Build quality seems top notch. Killer brakes! 26.5 lbs for 1500 smackers?! Too cool...
Weaknesses: As mentioned by others, the seat binder clamp is made of Play-Do... it bent into the 77th S on the bike while trying to get the seatpost from slipping (a few turns on the nut with a Vise Grip stopped the slippage). The bars are a bit wide for my taste but that's fixed easily enough, and the saddle is as plush as concrete (getting used to it though- sort of). The fork is undersprung for me (6'2", 200 lbs) but trading for firmer springs should remedy the problem. And, though light, the tires cause me to think a bit too much about choosing a line while cornering- trivial, but I had to mention it.
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike, and I'm EXTREMELY happy with it! Thoroughly confidence inspiring. I'm climbing better than with my rigid bike and actually look forward to riding trails that used to scare the hell out of me. It's nice descending gnarly trails without fear of shattering teeth or having arm tissue shake free of my body. I can't say enough about this thing- a bike that let's me ride to MY potential instead of the other way around.
Similar Products Used: Honestly, none aside from test rides on pavement.
Bike Setup: Showroom stock for now.
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Submitted by
Davis
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001
Strengths: 2002 Stumpjumper FSR XC. This is my first FS bike and it is lighter than my hardtail. At 26+ lbs I was surprized how light it was and feels stable.
Weaknesses: Brake Pads....very cheap and grate as they gring away the rim. As mentioned on 2001 models, I have hit the pedals on rocks in technical sections/climbs. Tires are for racing only.
Bottom Line:
Still getting bike set up. Had a hard time deciding on L vs XL frame. I went with the XL. It is more stable going down but not as agile as my HT. I'm 6'1", 210 and have the bike set up closer to free ride than racing. So far the downhill is great and the climbing is light and as good as my HT. The Duke is very adjustible and smooth. For me that was the initial interest in the FSR over Sugar 3+. However, the rear suspension design seems better for me than the 'virtual pivot' of the Fisher which I hear rides more like a hardtail.
Similar Products Used: Fisher Sugar 2002 3+...liked the adustable Black but the springs were way too light for me. I could bottom them out just pushing down in the store. The Duke and the weight were the deciding factors. I had ridden early SIDS and was turned off air shocks but this is much stiffer and smoother. Schwinn Rocket 88...light but complicated and flexy
Bike Setup: Riser Bars, Riser stem, WTB Raptors, Frogs, new brake pads, 34 tooth cassette.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from New Mexico
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001
Bottom Line:
This is an update for an earlier review. The bike is better than ever after a few modifications. First, the stem was flipped over and for me this gives a more aggressive riding position. One inch was cut from each end of the handlebars, I tried to get used to the excessive width but couldn`t. The tires were changed to team master/team control pro, much better traction especially while climbing and under braking. Cornering could be better and my search for the perfect tire wiil continue. Initially I hated the saddle and had swapped it out for a heavily padded one off of an old bike of mine, this seat had never given me problems before but now I was riding every day and further than usual and it just caught up with me. I stuck the body geometry saddle back on and I actually like it now, it took a few weeks to adjust to the feel, very firm, but I am happy with it now. The seatpost was exchanged for a thompson elite after a rough landing which resulted in the nose of the saddle pointing skyward, I had the bolt on that ritchey piece of crap so tight it was almost stripped and it still couldn`t hold tight. All in all I am very happy with this bike, a few parts had to be switched but that`s to be expected. Excellent cross country ride.
Submitted by
Vortex
a Cross Country Rider
from Augusta, GA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001
Strengths: Frame, rear suspension handling
Weaknesses: some cheap-o components (eg seat post, bar, cranks)
Bottom Line:
maybe i'm biased...i have been riding my trusty 5 y.o. univega 703 aluminum with NO SUSPENSION...and now i'm on an fsr xc??!!?!
well thanks to some birthday money and a friendly bike shop...i got a great new rig. this thing is some like butter on the descents and small bumps...and the amazing thing is that i climb better on this bike than on my old "hard-everything" bike. @26.5 lbs...it weighs the same as my old bike!!!
i love this thing. first time i rode it, i felt a difference. i am 6'0" 175 lbs...i got the large frame. highly recommended.
the magazines say that $1500-1800...this a screaming deal. get it for under $1500...like i did...and i give it 5 chilis.
Bike Setup: stock...for now...until i upgrade all the weak specialized components to carbon or Ti...need $$$ first...
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Bottom Line:
Further to my earlier review, I neglected to mention that the stock handlebar is overly long, which may be causing the excessive pressure on my hands. I am told that most people take 1" off each side (I'm going to wait - I can always shorten but never lengthen it).
Despite the radial lacing, my front rim has yet to go out of true (time will tell with more back country riding).
Today I changed my saddle and the difference was incredibly and instantly comforting. The Body Geometry saddle has been prematurely retired and put in permanent storage.
With respect to pedal bob, it is in fact noticeable, even while seated. However, it is not particularly annoying and again, tweaking my shocks or changing the rear shock to the 75 mm setting may lessen the effect.
I reread the magazine review I mentioned in my earlier review and noticed that the word "Specialized" or the proprietary "S" was found 76 times on the bike, and not 176 times as I previously said.
Finally, and probably obviously, for anyone who wishes to commute during winter months in colder climates (ie. snow), most full suspension bikes are a terrible choice. While for the cash challenged folk (of which I am one) you can get away with having one bike for both city and mountains during the other 3 seasons, I am told that winter (at least in Calgary), will destroy full suspension bikes, primarily as a result of a buildup of salt and other junk in the pivot points. It is likely better to buy a cheap hardtail for winter, if able. Of course, for those with limitless budgets, buy the Specialized for 3 season mountain use, a nice road bike for 3 season commuting and a moderately priced hardtail for commuting in the winter months.
I have tried to make this review as helpful as possible and hope that it was of some benefit to you. Happy riding and try to keep the rubber side down.
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Strengths: Weight to price ratio is good. Very well spec'ed for the price. Time pedals are superior to previous Ritcheys and Shimanos. Avid brakes are excellent as usual. Although I have not tried switching from the 90 mm setting, the choice between a 90 mm and 75 mm travel for the rear shock is a nice touch. Very nice attention to detail on the frame. Great setup for fast or tight, technical singletrack. As a further bonus, the entire bike, front to back, looks hotter than anything out there (in my humble opinion).
Weaknesses: Seat is very uncomfortable (I'm giving it 1 more week before I switch to my old WTB saddle). Ritchey seat post "creaks" under stress and may become an issue down the road. Bike geometry is a little more compact than I'm used to (the top tube seems very short and I have more pressure on my palms than I'm used to). Despite their benefits, I still hate presta valves. Very suspect lightweight tires and tubes (I keep them at 70 psi to avoid snakebites). Front end chatters a little on fast, rough downhills (I am still playing with the rebound damping - I probably still don't have the front shock at its optimum settings). Can't lock out the rear shock (which is really not a big deal - my friends with the Fox Float RC, as opposed to the R, never lock theirs). Specialized componentry may be suspect based on others' reviews (apart from a flat,I have not had a problem with anything yet and have not experienced the same problems others have with the crank - I'm 190 lbs. and have not noticed any flex at all). I have, however, noticed that care must be exercised going through scree fields and other very rough terrain or else the bike will occasionally bottom out at the pedals or big ring (again, this might be more attributable to my improper setting of the shocks). It does seem, however, that the bottom bracket on my buddies' Rocky Mountains has slightly greater clearance.
Bottom Line:
For me, this is an exceptional bike. I am now riding to work most weekdays (15 miles each way) and despite the fact that most of it is on paved pathways, the bike is still a hoot to ride. I look forward to my rides each day, in part due to my bike.
On weekends, I hit the mountains at least once. I much prefer technical singletrack riding over extended uphill cardio burns (sometimes a necessary evil) and for this type of riding, the bike is awesome. Without a doubt, I was able to instantly (ie. my first ride) clean sections I was never able to previously with my hardtails (in fairness, this may have been possible to some degree with any FS bike).
As an aside, contrary to all the critiques of the Lizard Skin front shock protectors, mine work great. I can only imagine that people are not installing them properly (never shorten them by cutting them - leave the excess at the top of the fork).
I got this bike for $1,800 Canadian. Although somewhat subjective and while many will no doubt disagree, nothing I looked at even remotely came close to this bike in terms of value.
On a superficial level, as pointed out in a recent magazine review, the reviewers counted the word "Specialized" or the proprietary "S" something like 176 times on various parts of the bike. From a purely styling perspective, some may love this while others may cringe at it.
In summary,I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Konas. But for now, it's Specialized - a purchase that I have not yet regretted.
Similar Products Used: Have previously owned 2 Kona hardtails. My buddies all love their Rocky Mountains, but I can't justify paying what I view to be a premium which the dealers are able to extract from Rocky junkies.
Bike Setup: Stock setup, with Lizard Skins on my chainstay, rear shock and front shock. I'm very close to switching the Specialized Body Geometry seat to my old WTB saddle.
