Submitted by
Allan Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Geraldton, W.A., Australia
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2005
Strengths: Good running gear and shifters
Weaknesses: Weak chainstay and wheels
Bottom Line:
Great bike and overall a great ride on the river trails and offroad down the bush somewhere. I like the bike for its geometry and the position you sit over the cranks when you ride the bike. ITS GREAT:)
Similar Products Used: Specialized epic pro, Specialized enduro pro
Bike Setup: Deep v mtb rims, mtb soft grips, rock shox psylo forks, rock shox rear air shock, haro soft racer seat.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003
Strengths: Great all around bike. Dependable, easy maintenance. Climbs like a goat.
Weaknesses: None really, just upgrade as parts wear out. 3 rear hangers and 1 derailure to date.
Bottom Line:
This is an update from a few years ago. No problems at all. Rear shock still holds air for weeks. Set up as a trail bike now. Small jumps around 2-3ft are not even felt, hardly. Rims stay true, cranks stay tight, still a joy to ride. Wife STILL jealous. Basic maintenance is all that is needed.
Bike Setup: 2" riser bars. Salsa grips. 2.1 Panaracer Fire Pro XC. Rock Shox Duke XC 100mm. Mountain Speed Spring X link 90mm. Cane Creek headset. XO saddle. XT 12-34 cassett.
Strengths: Light for a full suspension bike XT rear derailleur
Weaknesses: Puke Green color Saddle Wellgo pedals
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because it was on sale for 1/3 the retail price due to the bike department at a department store closing. I didn't want to spend a ton of money on upgrades, and I am very pleased with the drivetrain. However, the WPD pedals that this bike came with were only semi-compatible with the SPD cleats I had on my shoes. They were the first to go. Next to go was the saddle, but I have a rather particular butt, so it's not Specialized's fault. I usually ride singletrack with lots of roots and little drops. This bike soaks up the trail without jarring my bones. It's a pretty efficient climber as well. I can outclimb most of my friends, half of whom ride hardtails.
I have taken this bike to do some DH riding, and it took the punishment without too much of a whimper.
The Fox rear shock began to leak air after I had owned the bike for about 7 months. I sent it back to Fox and they fixed it and had it back in my reedy little hands within two weeks. It's been another 7 months since then... we'll see if their fix holds up.
Overall, I would say that this is a great bike for the money I paid for it. However, must get the frame re-painted, it assaults my sense of aesthetics every time I see it.
Similar Products Used: My first FS bike. Have owned 1995 Trek 800 (full rigid cro-mo) and 1997 Klein Pulse Comp (hardtail)
Bike Setup: Stock, except for Risse Racing Link, Selle Italia Flite TransAm saddle, Shimano M515 pedals
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Submitted by
Tim N.
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Strengths: Light and fast
Weaknesses: Shock and Swingarm
Bottom Line:
I've ridden this bike for 3 years and have loved it. The shock did leak air badly shortly after I got it (new), call Fox and they will send you free rebuild kits, download the video on how to install it and you won't have any more trouble. The swingarm cracked near the BB pivot and several LBS said that is VERY common with this model. I waited to write this review until Specialized replaced it. It took 3 weeks and 2 LBS to get a new one, so choose your LBS carefully -thanks Mike from Adverture Cycles near Gainesville, GA. The new swingarm is beefier w/o adding noticeable weight (by my scale). If you own one of these or plan to buy one, you need to invest in the mountain speed X-Rated linkage kit and dropout bearings. It adds laterial stability and friction-free movement of the rear end. It makes a huge difference that is immediately noticable and worth the extra 100 gr (mostly in the dropout bearing). This is a light (25.4 lbs as is and falling) bike that corners great and climbs better then most. Now that I know Specialized will replace the swingarm, I can only say good things about this bike and give it the highest ratings.
Bike Setup: CT2 handlebars, K2 TI pedals, Mountain Speed linkage kit and dropout bearing, thompson post, flite TI gel saddle, lighter tires/tubes, full Sram 9.0SL, XT cass, LX crankset (next to go), XT BB, (stock frame, fork, shock and wheels)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
trev
a Weekend Warrior
from Fukuoka, Japan
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002
Strengths: Superb rear suspension. Climbs beautifully, hooks up well in corners, descends well too. Was nice and light when I bought it, great in technical sections, solid components
Weaknesses: a bit nervous at speed. Very little seat adjustment possible. Rear shock does tend to spike. Rear suspension may not be durable enough for what I do, frame/rear suspension is a bit flexy.
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic cross country or trailbike. very light, suspension is superb. I use it as a trailbike, and it's not really designed to take serious abuse, but no problems so far. I made a telescopic seatpost (but you can buy them from Norco)as the amount of seat adjustment was hopeless. I have my seat very high for climbing, but all the trails I ride have rough downhill sections which I can't ride without lowering my seat a lot. On rough trails with a mix of climbing, descending, and technical sections, I don't think there'd be anything that could beat this at the price. I'd definitely buy another, with disc brakes though. I think the later models have longer top tubes, which should improve high speed stability.
Similar Products Used: A lot of hardtails, tried a few suspension bikes of my friends', but mostly freeride or downhill bikes. Nothing comes close to this climbing, and as an all rounder, the only thing close has been a Specialized Big Hit. This is better uphill, the Big Hit leaves me for dead down hill. My Fisher hardtail equals this on smooth cross country, but any rough course and the FSR cleans it up.
Bike Setup: This was built up by a Japanese guy as a XC racer. He raced it three times and got something more expensive. He put on some very lightweight Taichi forks, and swapped some other bits around. I rebuilt it again as a trailbike, and used the XC bits on my Fisher hardtail. It's currently running XT brakes and derailliers (9sp), LX shifters, stock rear shock, Manitou X-Vert dual crown fork (100 mm), IRC Backcountry 2.25 front tyre and Specialized Evil Twin 2.20 rear tyre, telescopic seatpost. Weinmann Zacs wheels
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
M-Dawg
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego,CA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Strengths: Price, Proven FS design, Good all around performer
This bike was perfect for a starter...cheap, and could be upgraded. The frame design is great. I have slowly replaced EVERY part on this bike and it is now built up perfectly for me. My recommended upgrades are: saddle, fork, and a MRP suspension link. It makes the rear end WAY more stable and plush! It's definitely not a DH or Freeride rig, but it is a great all around performer, or awesome race bike depending on how you build it up. It's a perfect bike for a wide variety of terrain found in San Diego County. If you can find a good deal, buy one and build it up!!
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Carbondale, Colorado
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001
Strengths: Climbs extremely well. Tracks pretty good. Very lightweight for a full-suspension.
Weaknesses: Stock components need to be replaced. Swing-arm broke.
Bottom Line:
Jeepers, I guess I should keep the bike since I have replaced so many parts. It is difficult to review the bike since the components have been so disappointing. The bike is fun to ride, as long as I check it out thoroughly after every ride, and adjust as necessary. It climbs exceptionally well, handles downhills pretty well, and tracks tight single-track pretty good (but not as good as a hardtail). But many of the components needed replacement, especially Specialized brand. And that Manitou SX-E fork--Answer and Specialized should be ashamed for sticking people with that thing. I saw that Supergo and other places had them on an exceptional sale (and see other reviewers took advantage of these sales). If you can still pick one of these up for that $800 or so, it may be a good deal to upgrade as necessary. Only problem with the frame is the swingarm broke under normal use. I give it a low value rating because of the necessary upgrades. A little better overall since it rides well when working properly (but that broke swing-arm keeps the rating down).
Similar Products Used: Only test rode Cannondale, Klein, Diamondback.
Bike Setup: Stock, EXCEPT with 98 XT crank, Ritchey pedals, WTB saddle, Marzocchi Z.4 Flylight, Salsa stem, RaceFace seatpost (so not very stock).
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Paul Kumagai
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Hills, Ca
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Strengths: Price, Price, Weight, and Frame in that order. (Cheap enough to allow upgrades. I suspect this bike came with weak parts because they expected you to upgrade anyhow.)
Weaknesses: Bottom bracket, front and rear shocks, cranks, pedels, wheels, chain stays (cracked once already, but Supergo fixed it for free!)
Bottom Line:
Update review! The bike started out real nice but after a year most of the parts had been replaced. The only thing that keeps me from replacing the rear shock is money. I'd rather save for a whole new bike than put any more money into this one. The bike is still real good but I realized that for more aggressive decents the frame is too short in the top tube. It makes the bike hard to turn in the downhill switchbacks and a little skittish in the fast narrow downhill singletrak cliffhanger stuff. This, of course, means it climbs better and handles technical flat stuff exceptionally well! The rear susp can be pumped up to over 250# for uphills and lowered to under 150# for downhills and you get real good results. A lockout would be much better and less hassle. Since the front was so weak I suspect switching to a 4" anything would be a vast improvement. The wide tires help with the fast down stuff but add a lot of weight to the bike. Ultimately, this is a great bike to buy cheap and upgrade unless you do mostly down.
Bike Setup: Riser bars, Race Face cranks, XT hubs and Mavic 517 rims, Bomber Z1 front, Panaracer FireDHPRO 2.3 tires, Risse link rear with the STOCK shock, XT BB.
Strengths: lightwieght/climbs good-descends great/fully active
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
The bike simply works well in all conditions, it even steers from the center of the chassis for excellent performance in technical sections. It's light wieght carries it up hills and the active suspension soaks up everything while descending. If you want one, I unfornunatly have to sell mine. It is at a low price for the value because I have to sell it. Here's the site in mtbr's marketplace that it's on.http://classifieds.consumerreview.com/serv/mtbreview/buyer/ProductP.jsp?product=51061585
Once I got all the kinks worked out of it, I love this bike. Not all the complaints I have apply to everyone, but I ride very hard and I also am a lean 215 lbs. My weight was the reason for replacing some of the parts. After blowing the rear shock, and destroying the rear suspention bushings in Utah last year, I finally got the bike setup just perfect. It is very light in the corners and fast in the straight aways. It also is very stable on fast decends. Overall, I am very happy with this bike.
Bike Setup: Added syncros stem, bontrager handlebar, xt crank, continental tires, in process of finding new pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Harp
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, GA. USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Strengths: Great balance, relatively light, reliable
Weaknesses: Stock shocks (front and rear) both suck. I bottomed out the front shock consistently (175lbs). I upgraded to stiffer springs, but had the same problem. I replaced the front shock after 8 months with a Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb. I just replaced the rear shock with a Stratos Helix Pro. The stock Air vanilla is prone to leaking like crazy.
Bottom Line:
It's a great bike, just wish they had shipped higher quality shock components.
Bike Setup: 99 SJ FSR XC, Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb front shock, Stratos Helix Pro rear shock, Specialized Team Master SL Pro rear tire, Specialized Team Control SL front tire.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dr.Tom
a Downhiller
from Calgary,Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Strengths: Wow, what a great stump,root,rock absorber! single track downhills, it rules.
Weaknesses: Until i read all these reviews, i did not appreciate any weaknesses. So... the steering feels "light". the front shock has bottomed out a lot.(i weigh 197lbs) No problem with seat. The tires are great in this terrain. no flats YET! one must maintain the bike regularly? i'm stupid than because i don't know how to maintain and i don't notice any problems mentioned YET. i will take a bike mechanic course. Does anyone know of a good mechanic in Calgary?
Bottom Line:
i'm freaked out at all the weakness reports. i am doing Prarieview and Jewel Pass and i am getting paranoid! Just kiddin. " Born to Ride, Forced to Work"
Submitted by
Stephen Schlautmann
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001
Strengths: This bike rocks!!! I have been using it for nearly a year now, no breakdowns, minor adjustments only. I have not experienced any issues that people complain about like the Fox Vanilla losing it's air (I only have to fill it like once a month maybe) and the frame hasn't cracked. I was concerned about the frame crack reports, but I haven't seen that issue around here. This bike has a smooth ride, excellent control, and good front travel for ruts. And when you can find it for under $1000 like I did, it is a complete STEAL! Full suspension and light at the same time.
Weaknesses: The only weak issues that I can see (and these are MINOR things) with this bike is that the gears need adjustment fairly regularly for shifting to remain smooth, but I think that is probably somewhat normal. The frame does not support rear disc brakes without using an adapter. This bike is built for the tall, if you are of average height (5' 9" or lower) you will need to hack off a large part of the seat post, or it will hit the Fox Vanilla. There is not a lot of travel on the clipless pedals - better to replace them with Time pedals or something like that. Water bottle carriage is fairly inaccessable, it is a pain to get in and out.
Bottom Line:
The ride rocks the whole house - upstairs, downstairs, attic, outhouse, and barn. If you are looking for a ride, and you can find it for less than $1000... buy with confidence. If you are a heavier rider, you may want to steer clear of this one due to some frame issues - I am 160lbs. Also, if you are a racer, and you only have $1000, then this is a good choice, but my advise is to buy the FSR XC Comp from the new year.
Bike Setup: Bike is a stock set up. Went with toe clips instead of clipless pedals - not a quality issue, more of a comfort issue (I have bad knees). Looking to buy disc compatible tubeless rims as the next upgrade, not because I have to - because they are there and they are cool. Had to add bar ends.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Rod Hillis
a Cross Country Rider
from New Orleans, LA
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001
Strengths: handles well, nimble. light for FS. durable.
Weaknesses: the only problem i had was with the specialized bottom bracket creaking after a wet ride, but i've replaced it.
Bottom Line:
highly recommended bike. if i were to buy again i'd probably make the same purchase. has taken all the abuse without a wimper. i've made alot of upgrades and i don't see myself getting rid of this bike for a few more years.
I have a 99' Stumpy FSR XC with a Stratos XC Pro air shock, which has been rebuilt once and needs another re-build ($80 bucks). I was considering upgrading to either a manitou Swi Read More »
Hello,
I have a 1999 Stumpjumper FSR XC Pro that I would like to upgrade some parts due to wear and tear. I have purchased the MRP (Mountain Speed) X-Rated linkage from my LBS. Read More »
I found this on craigslist....I don't know much about mountain biking so any help would be great...He says it has been on the trail once and is all XT components:
[url]http://lo Read More »
