Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Mesa, Ca Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sullivan, Santa Monica
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Value, low-weight, suspension
Weaknesses:
Tires, crank, pedals, seat, tacky striping/logos
Bike Setup:
stock except for tires
Bottom Line:
Bought bike new early 2001, amazing value. Did not really start riding demanding trails with it until recenlty. Replaced tires with IRC MythosXC, the stock Mt. Baldys are awful, especially rear. Front fork lock-out ceased working but it doesn't really bother me uphill. Will probably replace crank and pedals soon with Shimano. Am not complaining cause I paid considerably less than most. Have not experienced any creaking or problems yet in rear suspension. Seat is stiff but I have adjusted to it. Have found that the seat positioning forward / aft is very critical on this bike, am still experimenting. Otherwise a great bike and it should last me several years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JH635csi
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumming, Ga Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
New on the Internet
Strengths:
Light weight, climbs like a hardtail, awesome fork and most components
Weaknesses:
hard as a rock saddle, no name crank
Similar Products Used:
lots or Proflex bikes
Bike Setup:
Mountainspeed rear link, but otherwise stock
Bottom Line:
This is the best full suspension bike I have owned since mt first Proflex 550 back in 1990. It climbes like crazy, is so lightweight, and is just awesome. Easy to tune shocks, nice XTR components, but what is up with the hard ass saddle and no name crank on a bike that is this expensive? However, these are easily replaced and are such a small problem with an otherwise awesome bike. It is lighter than some of my friends hardtails with the same components. If you can afford one, buy it. I got mine brand new for $1800. Not cheap, but alot cheaper than a $3500 new M5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jezcat
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampstead, MD Date Reviewed: July 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sam's Grave
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Mtbr Classified
Strengths:
Climbs like a billy goat. Very light, and nimble.
Weaknesses:
The stock saddle has to go!!!
Similar Products Used:
ProFlex 856
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Atom Race; MRP X-rated link, and bearing kit; King Headset; Rolf Dolomite wheelset. Otherwise stock.
Bottom Line:
This is the best duel suspension bike on the market....IMHO. Climbs great, and descends even better. Geat cross-country design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Nitti
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA USA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
El Morro, Aliso Woods, San Juan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
E-bay
Strengths:
This frame is light and well built. I got the black anodized model, and it's sharp looking.
Weaknesses:
I know about the frame breaks and the weak rear suspension points and the bushing problems.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper M4 hardtail, many before that
Bike Setup:
XTR/XT, Mavic Wheels, Duke Race, Koobi AU seat.
Bottom Line:
Having researched and read about the problems with this particular bike (frame flex and breakage), I still love it. I ordered the BETD linkage and bearing kit, so that will help with the lateral rear flex which is the major factor in this frames breakage problem. I can climb like a goat and descend like a missile. It is the fastest bike that I've have ever ridden. I love this bike, and I would recommend it. I think your best option is to buy the frame only and build it from there; you will be very pleased. I'm giving it 5 chills for value since I got a great deal on E-bay; if you paid full price it's worth 3.5 chills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eman
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura County Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Chumash to Hummingbird
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
Versatility....up and down hill. Up technical stuff.
Weaknesses:
Short top tube...but I really like it now I am used to it. Slightly low bottom bracket height.
Similar Products Used:
Considered Tracer, Switchblade, Superlight, and others
Bike Setup:
Black Ano frame, Marzocchi X-Fly 100mm fork, RaceFace LP Cranks, XTR drivetrain, Thomson post/stem, Spinergy Xyclone wheelset, Easton Monkeylite bar, WTB Laser V Stealth seat, Shimano 545 pedals, Avid Arch Rival Brakes, MRP Bearing kit, Panaracer Fire XC pro tires
Bottom Line:
I really like the bike. I am a relative beginner to the sport and this bike has made it very enjoyable. i ride about 4-5 times per week and this bike set up makes it an awesome climber and it is very good down hill too....which will likely be different than a stock 2000 s-works set up which has less travel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wahine
a Weekend Warrior
from hawaii Date Reviewed: February 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
mtbr classified
Strengths:
proven frame design, lightweight, nice climber, feels great in twisty trails, shorter top tube fits me fine, good looker
Weaknesses:
lotsa junk parts for high-price tag bike (i.e. pedals, seat, tires, crank, bars) and steep geometry
Similar Products Used:
hardtails and Giant ac2
Bike Setup:
BETD link, MRP dropouts, sid100, monkey lite riser, terry saddle, wtb tires
Bottom Line:
Finally gave full suspension a try, and love it. (yes my bf was right after all!) I picked up a used s-works FSR for my first dual suspension and I'm hooked. I'm just your average biker chick and this bike has improved my skills and confidence. Ladies, give full suspension a try. You'll make climbs that you never made before and you'll be a blazin' betty downhill. I'm 5'6" and ride a medium on the 2000 frame and the fit is just right. (remember though, the 01 & 02 has a longer tt) The BETD link with 100,110,130mm travel is a must upgrade and makes the DH funner and raises the bb a bit too. The adjustability is part of the fun. The rear suspension seems to bobs a little going uphill, but I run my rear shock super-soft. I rarely use the rear lockout and could honestly do w/o it just fine. The only thing that I think could be improved on it is the steep HT angle of the bike, but that's subjective. The geometry is still comfortable for most all of my type of riding, but on super steep descents, I will say the Giant AC is just plain better. For me, the s-works fsr was a good choice for the money and a lightweight, all purpose xc bike that fits my needs just fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
weight, reliability, efficency, overall design
Weaknesses:
big brand name???
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC NRS 1, Fisher Sugar...
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is this bike still has one of the best overall combinations of light weight (remember, it's an XC FS bike), efficent power transfer, and reliability. Zero verticle flex, and no po-go. Have had no problems with it what soever (have all shimano drive components, and a mars though), and am the type that preforms very little maintanence. I have ridden others (even some 02 models)that still don't top this rig. If you can, get your hands on the black ano model (lighter than the powder coat red - paint - and looks awesome).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Doctor's Gulch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
WRC
Strengths:
quickness, weight
Weaknesses:
saddle, handlebars, tires
Bike Setup:
mostly stock, sella gel italia
Bottom Line:
Have had this bike for a year, ridden it hard and have had no major problems with it. Original saddle almost killed me,the bars needed to be trimmed back, and the stock tires were scary. Minor changes to these made quite a bit of difference. Climbs great, kind of twitchy on tight descents, but overall a great ride. No regrets about this one at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Greenbelt, Syoset, Rocky Point
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
www.lootusa.com
Strengths:
Light, black anodized frame, great climbing bike, great looking bike
Weaknesses:
Needs a better fork, Manitou Carbon CL not the greatest fork. S-works crank not the greatest. Comes with MT. Baldy tires - no traction whatsoever, for this price it comes with xt front derailuer, xt cassette - should be mostly xtr.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse, Jamis Aurora, Specialized M2 Comp, Rocky Mountain Slayer
Overall, this is a great bike. If anybody is looking to buy this bike, I wouldn't pay more then $2000 for it new. It climbs very well compared to my rocky mountain slayer (which is more freeride bike actually). MT. Baldy tires are only good for hardpack trails and they are actually considered dangerous in some cases. Swap them right away if you ride different types of terrain. The seat is hard. I haven't had any problems with the crank or crank bolts ...knock on wood. This is a quick handling bike and yes the top tube is short. I ride a medium frame and I'm 5"10 and 175lbs but to be honest, after a while you adjust to the bike so that's not even an issue anymore. Climbs well and descends well. I give it 4 chilis because for the price it should have xtr crank, front derailer, etc, etc. But great overall bike. I'm satisfied.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Racer
from WV Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Specialized...... I think that about covers it. But in this case, it is a bad thing, because this is the last time I would buy one of their rigs.
Weaknesses:
Where do I start, the fork locked out once, the chainring bolts backed out, the tires, the seat, the pedals, and who was the top tube made for? It feels like I am sitting on the handlebar. It was a bad mistake to buy this bike. I thought I was getting this great deal, because the LBS said it was $1000 less than retail. Looking back, this sled aint worth $1000. My money would have been better spent on upgrading my old sled.
Bike Setup:
Dust collector. I am riding a 2001 Giant NRS XTC 1. How does the song go.... "Aint nobody dope as me, Im just so fresh and clean"
Bottom Line:
Dont buy this bike, and thats the bottom line, cause Stone Cold Said SO!!!!!!!!
Why cant you give zero chilis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dunno
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
MTBR
Strengths:
Looks, reliability, and just a great bike
Weaknesses:
see below
Similar Products Used:
1988 Hardrock, to 1996 Rockhopper, to 2000 S-Works. $$ $$$ $$$$$$
Bottom Line:
If you are going to purchase this bike, then you already know from all the reviews that it is awesome. Here is the scoop that you really need to know when making a decision.
You need to set aside a few hundy in order to get this bike to perform, and in some cases, even make it ridable. here is the list.
Peadals: Suck & Dangerous, costs you an extra $100
Seat: Will make you sterile in 3 rides. Hurts like hell, costs you extra $50 (I was forced to use it for the first time this morning, and its 4:30 and my nuts still ache, no kidding)
Rear Link: Even the guys at specialized recomment a mountain speed link upgrade. I found that the bike slips easily on loose uphills. I really need to exagerate a weight shift to keep me grounded. Costs you $150
Tires: Scary. The bike comes with Mt. Baldy rear, that in anything less than perfect conditions will cost you in handiling. I have also found the Specialized tires in general to chew in up a couple of rides. Costs you extra $60.
With these upgrades, you will have a great ride. The bad news is that it costs you an extra $360 to get there. These items are only the NECESSITIES, everyone will put their own tastes on, but I wouldnt even take out the bike until this was done. Just take that into account before you buy. Good Luck.
Bike loses 1 flame for the cheap seat and pedals. I challange any specialized reps to ride that seat for a year, then try to have children.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston Ma. Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything tough
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
L.B.S.
Strengths:
weight and frame design.This bike is stable and really climbs.The harder you mash the more traction the rear wheel gets.This bike handles turns very well also.
Weaknesses:
The typical problems I have read about on this review page.The hugi freewheel failed about a month after I got the bike.The chainring bolts back out and I bent the middle ring.The bolts where checked a few times after reading about this happening to other people.I guess I need to check them every ride.The rear bushings creak like crazy unless I lube them almost every ride.
Similar Products Used:
GT idrive xcr 2000 stumpjumper m2 hardtail
Bike Setup:
Time pedals,race face system stem,race face low riser bar,michelin comp s tires,517 wheels with hugi hubs,strong arm cranks.
Bottom Line:
The dealer is great taking care of the little problems I had.I plan to get the rear bearing kit and probably new cranks.I can ride much better on this bike and feel like I have more contol.It's a great bike once you work through the weak points.The hugi hub had a updated spring installed on the freewheel,it now works great and is very quiet.This bike is worth getting if you don't pay full price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Lightweight, good components, even the Specialized stuff. The bike climbs pretty good.
Weaknesses:
I have ridden this bike for only about six months. I had to take the bike in for a weird noise in the rear hub. They said I had no grease in the rear hub. And, a loose bottom bracket and loose headset. The LBS mechanic said I needed to take better care of my bike and that I should do tune ups more often. I told him it had just been in there for its 30 day checkup a few months ago. The biggest weakness I see, is the fork. I really don't like it. It is either too mushy or too stiff. Also I feel that I sit up a little too high (even with the seat down) on steep technical downhills.
Bike Setup:
Have mountain speed link, TIME ATAC and Mythos tires.
Bottom Line:
Not a bad ride, but I wouldn't buy another one. It is lightweight, and if you are a cross country racer, it would be a great bike. However, for all around tough riding, get a different bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Racer
from Account Temps Date Reviewed: April 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light weight, suspension actually works with you - not against you, no slop/no bob, looks awesome..
Weaknesses:
?
Similar Products Used:
Sugar 2, Klein Mantra, Ellesworth Truth
Bike Setup:
XTR, Hugi, XTR, Avid, XTR, Kore, XTR, Manitou Mars 1, etc. 25.75 lbs complete...
Bottom Line:
Have beaten this bike for just shy of a year now, and it has yet to even need a lube job on the rear triangle?!?! Super efficent, not to mushy (no Bobing). Rides like a hardtail (tracks straight, sprints, etc.) yet much more comfy...still one of the best designs out there...get one if you can
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, ME Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Suspension design, weight, looks, durabillity, etc., etc., etc.
Weaknesses:
?
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Schwin Factory Homegrown Sweetspot..
Bike Setup:
Stock except for - XT cranks, Sella seat, fire XC tires, Kore Elite stem
Bottom Line:
By far one of the best designs available. Works like they say it does (ie suspension works when you need it - sitting pedaling, crashing down on a landing, etc., but doesn't when you don't need it - jamming on the pedals, etc.). Very efficent and quite reliable. One year of hard riding by a 195#er and have only lubed the bearing and bushings, still tracks straight, no wobble, no creaks, etc. Amazing since I scaled it at 5.5 lbs. in an XL frame before I built it. Get your hands on one if you can...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Gilkey
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho, USA Date Reviewed: February 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bob's Train
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Georges
Strengths:
Extremely quick and agile for a full suspension bike. Simply the best bike I have ever ridden, bar none! I've already sold by Gary Fisher Sugar 1 to some stiff. This bike kicks some serious booty!!!
Weaknesses:
Too much advertising on this bike. Specialized should be paying me to ride the bike for as much advertising as they have placed on it.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar 1, Trek Y3
Bike Setup:
Stock from the shop: XTR/XT components, Mars CL shock, Mavic 517 wheelset, etc. etc.
Bottom Line:
If you want a bike that will kick serious butt over any other full suspension bike, the S-Works FSR/XC is for you. I ride some pretty intense terrain here in Idaho and I have had any problems whatsoever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robb
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah Date Reviewed: February 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
mine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Strengths:
Well its light and its full suspension. and it looks nice plus its an "M4" ohhhh...ahhhhh
Weaknesses:
I actually traded my gary fisher sugar 1 for the M4 with my friend for a month. He really wanted to try the sugar and i wanted to try the M4.
I was dissapointed
The only thing bill had changed on the bike was the seat and the tires, everything else was stock. The specialized pedals really sucked. sure they are light weight but they don't work. The read creaked constantly and the poop wheels were louder than a chainsaw! I am not kidding. Specialized should drop the in house stuff and go to shimano. I think this is actually hurting their buisness and reputaiton.
The mars CL was OK. It was stiff and seemed to have some striction. I didn't try the lockout because my friend said it didn't work.
The suspension was not as good of a ride as i expected, it seemed a little to mushy and didn't feel like my sugar.
Sorry specialized, drop the poopy in house components and work on the design for a few more years, untill then you won't get any of my buisness.
Bike Setup:
stock 'cept for a Flite saddle, and new tires (fire XC)
Bottom Line:
This bike is OK, for its quality, it should be about 1500$ less. The in house specialized parts really arent that great. The wheels are noisy and the Mars CL doesn't work all that well. The suspension needs some work, its a little too mushy for my taste. There are some creaks and noisies commin from the rear.
This bike is not worth its reputatuion or the 4000$ they charge for it. If your looking at XC full suspension, look elsewhere.
I'm not impressed
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Lauderdale Florida Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Oleta river state park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
boca schwinn
Strengths:
Very light, very fast, proven FSR rear end, lock out on Fox shock, quality of paint finish
Weaknesses:
Bushing in rear end require a little more maintenance than bearings
Marzocchi Atom 80(absolutely flawless), Race Face Stem and bar, XT/mavic 517 wheelset, King Head set, XT hollowtech crankset and rear derallier, LX shifters, IRC Mythos Tires, Specialized body geometry saddle
Bottom Line:
I acquired the frame through a warranty issue with my Enduro comp, they had no more Enduros at that time so my options were to wait 5 months for a new enduro or get a SWorks frame for free(hmmm that was a tough one). The Enduro was nothing but problems which made doubt the Specialized product. When I got the frame I built it up from scratch except for the transmission from the enduro(ran out of dough). It is absolutely perfect! I went from 4 inches of travel all around down to under 3 inches, for florida thats all you need. The bike makes climbing seem like cake, and its just as good on the descents, it tracks well and is comfortable for 3 inches of travel. I have not had any problems with it thus far. The bike has only needed an overhaul of the rear end to clean and lube the pivots(not a big deal). I'm probably going purchase a bearing kit to make it a little smoother. I couldnt afford the bike complete, but purchasing the frame alone is a good deal for what you get. Definitely ideal for hardcore racers but the semi serious rider can enjoy what the S-Works has to offer, if you dont mind paying for the quality. If you plan to ride anything more than cross-country you may want to consider more travel. I give it 5 chilis for the frame value and 4 for the complete package value. Specialized parts cant compare to Shimano's offerings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg
a Cross Country Rider
from memphis, tn., usa Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
stanky creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
The Peddler
Strengths:
light weight, quick handling, suspension.
Weaknesses:
Too many decals. Lockout on MARS fork doesn't work.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y, Trek STP
Bike Setup:
stock except for saddle (body geometry pro ti), stem (KORE Elite), Pedals(Speedplay, frog ti)
Bottom Line:
Handles cross country riding extremely well. Priced close to other high end bikes. Cockpit is a little cramped. Some questionable component selection. My dealer swapped the non stock parts mentioned on the front end at no additional cost. Also cut my hanbdlbars and seatpost to my liking before i left the shop. (apparently also checked and tightened bolts as necessary.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
atomkinder
a Cross Country Rider
from La Crescenta, CA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Brown w/ single track back to JPL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
--Dollar:Value Ratio - more than $1,500 off original price. --Light in weight thanks to the magical M4 frame material --True and tried four point suspension design
Weaknesses:
--Not all components are XTR (I would expect it if I was paying full price) --Crappy plastic bushing used on drop outs and either end of damper link; too much stiction in suspension travel --Standard S-Works tires are too “terrain specific”; they are meant for hard pack conditions. --Noisy freewheel hub
Similar Products Used:
2000 FSR Enduro Pro 2000 Intense Uzzi SL
Bike Setup:
Easton Monkey-Lite (carbon fiber) riser bar MRP X-Rated FSR XC Link/bearing kit MRP Drop Out bearing kit Bontrager ST2 Revolt tires
Bottom Line:
--Excellent product for the sale price.
I spent quite a bit of time reviewing my options before really deciding on the M4. Basically, I could not have walked out of Supergo with a comparable bike for the same price, or less for that matter. I really had my heart set on an Uzzi SL but logic got the better of me when I compared prices: A complete FSR XC M4 for $1,899 or an Uzzi SL starting with only the frame for $1,850
--Specialized really nailed down a great suspension system.
This 4-point rear suspension is so much more responsive and predictable when compared to my ’98 Klein Mantra Race URT design.
--I highly recommend the MRP (Mountainspeed) X-Rated FSR CX Link/bearing kit and also the MRP rear drop-out bearing kit. I rode my M4 with the stock rear suspension setup for one weekend and wasn’t too impressed with the stiction. After installing the MRP kits the difference was noticeable immediately. The travel does increase (you will need to add more air to the FOX damper to compensate for the new geometry) and the suspension action is very fluid. Now I am really enjoying my M4!
Interesting part is that Specialized swapped out the bushings for sealed bearings on Enduro and FSR XC models for 2001 (except the S-Works). Two different damper links which allow the rear travel to be adjusted are also standard with each FSR XC bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron Finley
a Cross Country Rider
from LA Date Reviewed: January 5, 2001
When I bought it, I loved it as a climber, but didn't much like the feel of the Mars front shock. I was told I had "sticksion" (sp?), a new word to add to my twenty years of bicycling arcanery, and it would go away after when it "broke in". They were half right. I broke the right leg off it But the time they think came back from the Manitou people, I had already installed a SID SL. This puppy was very fussy to set up and blew seals (twice). And neither of these air forks had the suppleness of my old clunky elastomer Rock Shock. So I put both these air shocks up on EBay and looked for something else.
Until three weeks ago, I thought I had found true luv with the Z-2 atom 80 which I rode for six months. Plush city. The negatives were: only 70mm of travel, weight (4.1 lbs), and the lack of a lock-out. Enter the RS Psylo SL. I bought ( a great intro price at Supergo) and put it on. It gives me all the travel I need, an honest 100 mm and the lock-out at the identical weight of the Zoke. The only issue was raking my bike back with the additional travel, which (I guess), because of the crown design of the Psylo, is somewhat less than the 20mm the Zoke. I solved this by using the Mountainspeed rear link which (in addition to putting sealed needle bearings in place of the plastic bushings) increases the rear travel of the Specialized frame by 3/4" and restores the frame to it' s original geometry with a 1/2" in BB height. I guess what I've done is create a really cool (and expensive) Specialized Enduro that weighs only 24+ pounds. The resulting rig is an insanely fun machine. A note on spring rates: I weigh 180, the upper end for the stock spring, and have had to pre-load the shock a bunch (a process I don't like) to get the sag right. The Rock Shock next tougher spring is for guys that weigh a lot, way more than me. The after-market spring maker, Mountain Speed, says they are about to come out with a Psylo spring kit for guys my size, with in the month..
All my screwing around and wasting cash did have one positive effect: my business partner walked into Supergo, bought a close-out M-4 for $1899, the Psylo and ordered the MSR rear link and was in business for about $2300 net.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jaime Jimenez
a Cross Country Rider
from Daly City Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Downieville
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
None, as long as you don't spend good money on questionable Specialized components.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, FSR Pro, Ellsworth
Bike Setup:
Raceface, Sram 9.0 SL, Lots of other good stuff.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike as a frame-only purchase, which came with a nice seatpost. I purchased all the other parts mail order and had it built up with only quality components. I did not buy overly-light parts that would not stand up to the abuse I usually put my bikes through. If you follow this approach, you will be rewarded with the best handling bike out there. The design virtually eliminates all pedal-induced input, while staying just soft enough to cancel out medium and medium/large sized bumps. If your suspension is dialed in right, you'll never suffer another sore back again. This bike was designed to carve single-track and perform moderately-well on severe downhills. If you have the skills already, this bike will make you even better. I have had the bike since January and have never had one problem, even with all the miles and abuse it has seen. Definately demo an FSR if you can. You'll be quite impressed. There is still no better FS design out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Udkoff
a Weekend Warrior
from Westlake Village CA, United States Date Reviewed: December 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
every trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
wheel world
Strengths:
EVERYTHING!
Weaknesses:
Mount Baldy tire back skids alot but that just takes getting used to and the clip-in pedals are a pain for me when i have to clip out but thats just because ive never had them before im getting used to them and they do work great so aside from those small little things i have to get used to, this is the ultamite mountain biking machine!!!
Similar Products Used:
gts, konas,mongooses, and similar fsr's
Bike Setup:
didnt change anything accept the seat from a specialized kevlar seat to a body geometry pro ti seat
Bottom Line:
EVEN THUGH THIS BIKE COSTS A PRETTY PENNY IT TOTALLY ROCKS! IF YOU WANT A BIKE THAT HAS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS THIS IS THE BIKE FOR YOU IT DOES PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING. YOU CANT DO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS. I WOULD REALLY SUGGEST THIS TO ANYONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A BIKE THAT IS FAST, WELL BUILT, STRONG AND JUST PLAIN AWSOME!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Supergo Oceanside (Guy)
Strengths:
Lightweight, Most XT/XTR for the dollar.
Weaknesses:
Pedals, Tires, Seat
Similar Products Used:
Sugar 1, Intense Tracer, iDrive Team
Bike Setup:
Mountain Speed x-rated link kit, TIME ATAC pedals, Mythos Tires, 12-34 Rear Cassette
Bottom Line:
I shopped around for several weeks before deciding on this purchase, and read all the reviews for bikes. Since there is not one bike on this site with out some sort of problem I decided to go for the best bike for the money. When it came down to two bikes, it was either this or the Intense Tracer. The S Works stock bike was $1900 and the Intense frame only was $1650. By the time I had built the Intense to my specs I would have been around $3500-$3700. For $2200 out the door the S Works was the hands down winner. I can almost buy another S Works with the difference.
I picked it up Friday night and road Saturday and Sunday. I have about 30 miles on the bike. With the Mountain Speed link the ride can be described in one word, "Sweet." No more rear wheel spinning on loose climbs, the wheel is glued to the ground! It is still to early to see if any of the problems reported here show up, but so far, I am impressed. A 24-25 lbs. bike with mostly XT/XTR for 2K, what a deal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ron finley
a
from LA,CA Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
sulphur springs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1999.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Great geometry, lightness, looks, handling
Weaknesses:
A lot of crappy components (see below)
Similar Products Used:
Fisher sugar, Ibis, Cannondale jeckyll
Bike Setup:
See below
Bottom Line:
This bike was really marked down and I like the design, so I went into this knowing I would immediately change the entire drive train (Cranks, chain, cassette) to XTR, the bars and stem (easton) and pedals (Frogs), the tires (to panaracer). What I didn't count on was how mickey mouse the Manatou Mars CL fork would be (see all the horrible reviews on this site; they are all true). Good news, I put a Marzocchi Atom 80 on it (oil/coil rules!) and now have the best bike I've ever ridden. for about $3gs. And it's still around 24 pounds!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mel S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Guam, USA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Pedaler - El Sob, CA
Strengths:
Fast and light, excellent suspension, climbs and descends great.
Weaknesses:
Rear brake cable hits calf occasionally, Mt. Baldy Team rear tire not so good on loose terrain, chainring bolts back out by themselves (I lost three of them on the trail and therefor broke my middle chainring and front derailleur), chainrings are very, very weak (change them immediately!). Too many (untested?) house-brand parts.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou FS
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Answer Hyperlite bar, Syncros stem, 9.0SL shifters, 9.0 rear and XTR front derailleur, and now will definitely change crankset!b
Bottom Line:
This is my follow-up review from 10/14/00. I was very surprised when my chainring broke, I couldn't beleive it! I've read about a chainring bolt backing out by itself and the chairings bending in these reviews, but blowing up like mine did was unbeleivable! I wasn't doing anything any normal MTB'r would do (just pedaling, and then a "snap"!). It even broke my front derailleur! It apparently seemed that three of my chainring bolts came off unknowingly that caused this mishap. Specialized should have checked this out at their factory before shipping it out to the dealers and so should the bike shop (it could've been real nasty for someone else!). For the high-dollar amount I paid for this bike I would expect high-quality! FSR owners, beware of this!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mel S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Guam, USA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good suspension, climbs and descends great, light and fast, uniform "Team Red" color, killer looks and styling.
Weaknesses:
Annoying, periodic ankle slap from rear brake cable, stock rear tire doesn't "bite" enough in loose dirt, pedals aren't that great, reliability of house-brand components in question, too many Specialized decals on frame (How many times can you say Specialized?).
Similar Products Used:
Manitou FS bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for Answer Hyperlite bar, SRAM 9.0SL shifters and derailleur, XTR front derailleur. Changed rear tire to Dirt Master Team.
Bottom Line:
This bike is definitely a blast to ride and has the looks to boot! It handles better than any bike I've ridden so far, and it doesn't seem to take much effort either. The suspension works well together with the Fox Float RC shock and the Manitou Mars CL fork. However, for the MSRP price of this top-of-the-line bike ($3,500), there should have been more higher-end components throughout and less house-brand ones. After putting the parts I want on it and dialing it all in, this bike will be killer! Time will tell though, how long this bike rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
heidi
a Cross Country Rider
from san luis obispo,CA Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
camesa connector
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
climbs like a dream! great handling on the decent. very light for a full suspension, super comfy ride....and I like the red color!
Weaknesses:
rear hub body failed in less than two months of riding. pedals swapped out immediately due to extreme lack of performance. seat is potential torture device and needs to be replaced! would have definitely expected xtr cranks, hubs, and more good stuff on three thousand dollar bike. stock tires a bit "sketch" for any loose terrain. a definite "squeak" in the pivots.
Similar Products Used:
ridden hard tails for years, I have finally broke down and decided to try out the full suspension comfort phenomenon
Bike Setup:
stock, except for pedals, seat, handle bars and tires
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love riding this bike. I was concerned about the "bob" potential for climbing, but as yet have not had any negative experience with that. I definitely feel like "tractor-girl" while climbing and my downhill has improved tremendously due to the handling and suspension. Have yet to contact specialize about the hub, but I expect that it should be covered under warranty (although after reading these reviews, I am a bit concerned). I will keep an eye out on the reviews for others that have had this similar problem.
I chose a low value rating only because I felt as though there should have been fewer "house" components on the top of the line bike and more high end components (like they do on their road bikes).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from Ponca City, OK Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
After riding a friends Mootainair I knew I had to make the jump to full suspension. It was much easier to ride fast on rough, rocky, technical trails than my old hardtail. Being a Cannondale fan, my first choice was a Jekyl or Raven until demoing them a few hours on the same rocky, wet, root infested trails in Delaware back-to-back with an FSR. For me, the FSR was the hands-down winner. The FSR maintained traction on slimey, rooted climbs better than I could've ever imagined. It also climbed without noticeable bobbing and the suspension never "kicked back".
Now that I own an FSR one and have gotten more familiar with it, I'm in love. This thing flies over rough, rocky trails. The suspension just absorbs the hits and keeps the bike controlled without any negative feedback. The only disadvantage is I've yet to determine how much air to run in the tires. I keep getting pinch flats from slamming into rocks because of the much higher speeds the excellent suspension allows. The additional control and traction provided by the full suspension allowed me to immediately drop my lap times on the local (rough, rocky) race course by almost 20%.
If you ride rough, technical trails, like speed, control, lightweight and can afford it, demo one of these.
I never thought I'd give 5 "flamin chilis" for value on a bike that retails for over $3K. But, the price is in line with other other upper end bikes... and for me, it delivers superior performance. Look for big end of model year discounts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Hamilton
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Osos, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim / Moab UT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
mtbr.com classified
Strengths:
All around excellent package. Light weight components, super strong frame and awesome suspension. Anti-bob feature is great on climbs.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
hardtail convert, GT Zaskar
Bike Setup:
Manitou Mars CL, XTR rear, XT front, XTR levers and brakes, LP barends. Came with S-Works Team Mt. Baldy tires,which sucked. I quickly put on Team Master Team Edition Mountains, which made a huge difference in traction with minimal weight.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike used and got an outstanding deal. I could have seen myself paying full pop after owning it though. I was also looking at a GT XCR-1000, but it weighed too much and was pretty pricey. I have always been a GT follower, but now GT's follow me. The S-works FSR XC is simply the best cross country bike I have ever ridden. And, again, I am coming from a hardtail (GT Zaskar). I have seen a few on sale, so go out and buy one. I am 5'10" and bought the large frame, with fits like a glove.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Schultz
a Cross Country Rider
from Brentwood, California Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1999.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Extremely lite for a full suspension
Weaknesses:
handle bars, tires, pedals, TOO MANY STICKERS, how many times can you put the name of a company on a bike?
Bike Setup:
Monkey Bars, shimano 747's, front and rear WTB Velociraptors, I will be changing the cranks to XTR in the near future.
Bottom Line:
Considering its the end of the model season, the price I paid for this lite weight full suspension bike really sold me on it. It handles great, and I'll be able to keep the frame for a good amount of time.
This is my first full suspension ride, and I am definitley pleased so far. I will update after about a good month of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Vaughn
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, WA, USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ape Canyon Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
mtbreview.com classifieds
Strengths:
Favorite is the Fox RC rear shock lockout. I raced the XTerra on this M4 and the lock out came in very hand for on-the-fly changing. For a full suspension, this must be one of the lightest on the market. My bike is at 23lbs w/o disk brakes. If XC racing is your game, then this bike would be your best vessel to attack on. I don't know how many times I have fallen off of this bike but I haven't had to replace a stinkin' part yet.
Weaknesses:
The rear V-brake cable is stressed everytime the suspension is compressed which makes for an eventual fracture replacement. The cable rubs up against the back of your left calf as well on every full pedal cycle. I found this quite annoying at first but have grown numb to its feel. The seatpost will not lower enough to scream down steep hills without fear of an over-the-bar experience. All three of these defects could be overcome with a little ingenuity on the rider's part.
Similar Products Used:
none - this bike is my first full suspension and I actually got it right the first time. WOOHOO!
Bike Setup:
Mavic 217 Ceramics, Chris King headset, XTR everything, KORE neck, Thompson bar.
Bottom Line:
It's everything I ever wanted in a woman but got in a bike instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan simons
a Racer
from springfield missouri Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
new ones
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
a&b cycle
Strengths:
Good suspension performance, black one looks cool, super light
Weaknesses:
flexy rear end, I have to lube the pivots (it only takes about 15 minutes though)
Similar Products Used:
super v's rocket 88's hardtails
Bike Setup:
full custom, I bought the frame through the specialized grass roots racing program, then put my parts on. -sid sl -xtr cranks -esp9.0 controlls -crossmax tubeless wheels
Bottom Line:
love this bike so much it hurts. Mike Madison is our specialized rep. and every time he comes to visit he asks how the bike is doing. I have no shifting trouble. the brakes work great. The tubeless wheels are worth every penny. The sid balances well with the rear suspension and it is lighter than the mars. I did take some of the decals off though, just don't tell Mike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gyan Penrose-Kafka
a Downhiller
from Leucadia (San Diego), CA Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mission Trials
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2299.00
Purchased At:
BikeUSA
Bottom Line:
There have been several comments, even in my own review, about the rear brake cable hitting the left leg. After riding yesterday it dawned on me that that brake cable is actually well placed. Because of the positioning of the cable, I am encouraged to keep my leg from wobbling on those gnarly uphill climbs. And, of course, every time I feel the brake cable against my leg, I move it into an appropriate position. The end result is that I'm cycling better, and equally important, the lock-out lever on the Fox Float-RC doesn't get caught on my pants or leg. Since the lock-out lever is positioned to the left (when in lock-out) by ensuring that I keep my leg away, I don't have to worry about hitting the lever with my leg and then melting into the hill as I'm trying to climb it.
So, it might not be that bad of a design after all.
As for the specialized chainrings -- GET RID OF THEM!!! I've now bent the middle chainring (how I'm not exactly certain.) And I've only had the bike for 10 days!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gyan Penrose-Kafka
a Downhiller
from Encinitas (San Diego), CA USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mission Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lock-out on Fox FloatRC makes for good climbing or X-Country riding. Light weight. Great geometry. Stable, even at high downhill speeds. Great turning. Anti-Bob Mars CL really seems to help on the uphills (although I have yet to really experiment with it.)
Weaknesses:
On my second ride one of the chainring bolts popped out and the rest were loose. While that may ultimately be the fault of the bike shop for not ensuring everything was tightened down, it really pissed me off. Someone else's review here said that the same thing happened, so it's probably something to watch out for. Regardless, I bent the chainrings on my second ride with the bike which didn't make me (or the bike shop) terribly happy.
As to why they used all those Specialized S-Works parts I'm not exactly certain. I got a great deal ($2299), so I don't have the same right to complain about not having an XTR (or at least XT) crankset and wheelset instead of the Specialized stuff. The Specialized freewheel is NOISY. After my first ride when people that I was approaching turned around with a startled look, I decided to replace the wheelset with my XTR/517 wheelset, and since then people have stopped looking at me like I was scaring away all the wild animals. I'm somewhat ambivilant about the cranks. I would prefer to have XTR cranks. If I had paid full price, I'd have demanded a swap-out at not charge.
Why they put an XT cassette on rather than an XTR, I'm not exactly certain. But, I don't have to worry about that any more :)
The tires that came with the bike may have been great tires, but they didn't seem particularly suited to the soft sandy soil of So.Cal. Actually, the rear tire looked much more like a hybred (street/trail) than a bombing downhiller. I demanded that they shop swap them out for a set of Panaracer Fire, and even saved a few dollars over the "Team Specialized" stuff.
The rear brake cable sticks out into the area where my left leg is located.
The Specialized Team TI Clipless pedals seemed to work OK, but I much prefer the Time ATAC pedals.
While I'm sure that many women may buy this bike, the overall majority of people I ever encounter on the trail are men. And particularly on a bike of this calibre, one would think that Specialized would have put on a seat that takes male anatomy into account (after all, Specialized makes the "Men's Body Gemometry Comp" seat.)
Also, the quality of the seat post and even with the stock seat, is an attractive easy grab for anyone who might see the bike (and being BRIGHT RED, it's difficult to miss the bike.) Of course, this is a problem with any bike. However, there is no place to connect a "seat leash" (one of those thin cables that at a minimum would require a seat thief to have a pair of bolt cutters.)
The quick-release for the seatpost needs to be cranked very tight to keep the seat from rotating or slipping down, which then makes it very difficult to quickly open the clamp to either lower the seat for a hill or remove the seat so that it wont get stolen.
At the price paid, one would think that the bike would at least come with a way to adjust the rear shock without having to pay an extra $30+ for a shock pump.
The "Team Red" is, as I mentioned BRIGHT RED. I've had people cross a parking lot to come look at my bike. To be honest, that doesn't make me very happy--Rather, it makes me a bit self-conscious about the ostentatious display of wealth. It also makes me wonder how I can better secure the bike to my car and when I parke it in my garage! (All of a sudden, the Yakima fork locks don't seem as secure as they once did and my Kryptonite Evolution 2000 U-Lock looks a bit thin.) And with all the Specialized stickers on the bike, they should be paying me to ride the damn thing--I feel like I'm on a rolling billboard. I wish I could remove all the decals, but on the "Team Red" the decals are covered with clearcoat. So, maybe I'll have to get the frame sandblasted and repainted.
Similar Products Used:
None. This is my first FS bike.
Bike Setup:
Mars CL; Fox FloatRC; XT Front Derailleur; XTR Rear Derailleur; XT Shifters; XTR Hubs; XTR 11-32 9spd Cassette; Time ATAC MTB clipless pedals; XTR V-Brakes and levers; Panaracer FireXC tires; Thomson Elite Alloy seat post; Specialized "Mens Body Geometry Comp" seat; S-Works Strongarm II Crankset.
Bottom Line:
One hell of a bike! After swapping out all the parts that should never have been there in the first place on a $3500 MSRP bike (even though I only paid $2298, they still shouldn't have been there), the bike is a keeper. I'll be upgrading this one for years to come.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Lin
a Cross Country Rider
from Indpls, IN Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the dirt type
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Reference below review. This is a follow up. Specialized was very prompt in overnighting a replacement stay.
Weaknesses:
Chain Stay.
Similar Products Used:
Many varied full suspension bikes
Bike Setup:
Zoke Z1 X-fly, XTR crank
Bottom Line:
Check your stay before every ride especially if you race or plan a long one. This could ruin your plans. Look for hairline cracks above the holed out area by the main pivot bushing and then by the welds. If any defect is noted contact the Specialized warranty dept. They shipped a replacement stay to my LBS immediately! Therefore Specialized gets 5 chilis for product support and bike performance (when there are no problems).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Lin
a Cross Country Rider
from Indpls, IN Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
dirt ones
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Although I have reviewed my M4 last year, I would like to take this opportunity to advise ALL FSR owners to CHECK their CHAINSTAY on a regular basis.
Weaknesses:
Many reviews for 99' FSR's have indicated a problem with the weld on the chainstay or cracking on top of the holed out portion of the stay nearest to the main bushing.
Similar Products Used:
I have had my ENTIRE frame replaced already once by Specialized.
Bike Setup:
Although the bike performs well under most circumstances,
Bottom Line:
it is evident that the 2000 chainstays with the reinforced welds will FAIL. The failure has occurred directly above the holed out portion (it cracks) of the stay near the main bushing.
The 2000 chainstay hole is smaller than the 1999 version. Evidentally, the engineers at Specialized felt that a smaller hole is stronger. . . .WRONG!
Initial indications of failure (this has happened twice to me already) is sqeaking or noise emanating from the rear of the bike. This can be confused with, and sounds very similar to, noise from ones seat post/stay area. Last year we thought that the bushings needed oil because we could not figure out the actual sqeaking cause until the stay SNAPPED at the weld while riding!
My chain stay SNAPPED while hammering resulting in quite a surprising experience!! If your FSR makes any rear end noise, check the stay all around the hole area and then the welds. Clean the area well to make sure that there are no cracks.
Secondly check the welds. This is an area that has failed for many 99' FSR owners. The newer 2000 stays are reinforced at the weld, the older stays are not. My welds are OK on the 2000.
It is evident that the stays need re-engineering. I don't know how much weight is saved by putting a hole on the stay where all the upward force is exerted. I see that the stay angles downward from the main bushing where the hole is. Obviously, there is alot of force exerted here from taking hits. I don't think that there is much weight savings here by removing metal there.
Well now it's back up to Specialized to come through with the replacement stay. Last year it took too long! I hope that someone from Specialized reads these reviews. It is possible that someone could be seriously injured because of this engineering problem. Imagine flying downhill and suddenly your chainstay snaps!!
Other than this problem, I still love the M4 but can only give 4 chilis . . . .Hey Specialized have you seen the engineering on the Intense Tracer(my next bike)? You should have, they're paying Horst link royalties to you. Check out the Intense durable frame design!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Burckhard
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
have bike, will travel
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame design and build. This is a "keeper" that is worthy of upgrades for years to come.
Weaknesses:
Pedals that hold cleats vaguely. Limited seat adjustment. Less than tenacious tires. Pivot bushing durability, maintainability, and reliability is questionable.
Initial impressions: I'm impressed with the ride and handling. I had thought the handlebars too wide but the extra length offers another grip option right next to the stem and the extra leverage provides a greater sense of control in tight singletrack at the expense of thigh bang and the risk that the wider bars can get caught in trailside foliage and obstacles. Superlatives would include climbing agility and balanced suspension when set up properly.
About common gripes: The pedals do not instill confidence even after numerous adjustments. Premature release scares me. Even the cheap Topos on my tandem are more worthy. Any fault with the seat is its configuration not its comfort. I like more definition in the shape so that I can grip it with my thighs on steep descents. As far as the rear brake cable rub against the left calf goes, a squared away rider or mechanic can judiciously put a tighter radius on the stainless steel cable guide. Then restack the brake washers moving from them from the left to right arms. Problem solved.
I'm getting used to what I feel is a more cramped cockpit but I'm a long time roadie who is not comfortable with anything but a stretched out flat back. An upright position on a steep descent on the FSR xc is welcome, however, as it allows me to slide back over the rear wheel.
The ability to engage the anti-bob control on the Manitou Mars CL fork and flip the lock-out lever on the Fox RC shock is welcome on benign trails and paved roadways. Both controls can be done on the fly but not from the bar however.
I won't be replacing the Specialized Team tires with the same as they feel squirrely when setting up for a turn. Their straight-on tracking and traction on climbs and descents are decent.
I am disappointed that my seat height adjustability is limited to about one inch. I am used to dropping the seat about 4 or 5 inches on long descents to lower my center of gravity and make it easier to shift my weight to the rear. I'll have to adjust by letting it hang over the rear wheel. With this limited adjustability the seat post QR, as nice as it is, seems unnecessary and introduces the risk of the seat being stolen.
I'm considering ordering a set of bearings from Macbike to replace the bushings whose design is less than ideal in mucky conditions. Only with a complete disassembly can one properly service the stock bushings. I believe a bearing based pivot will obviate the constant vigilance required of the original bushing based pivot. Time will tell.
At this price point, $3500, I would expect nothing but top of the line components however I see an XT rather than XTR front derailleur. To be fair, the XT front shifts superbly but is not as durable or as light as the XTR. Also the high percentage of home grown (Specialized) components rather than full Shimano XTR group makes one wonder in the least and become downright suspicious at most. One has to wonder, do non-sponsored racers choose Specialized over XTR? Again, time will tell on these parts.
At this price, the bike is best suited for those who are serious about riding and knows how best to upgrade when the time comes. Stock parts work competently but racers might want to switch to race course proven components. Again, I have no doubt this frame will remain worthy of upgrades for years. I think many full suspension manufacturers will converge on the Big S's FSR design for its efficiency and effectiveness. The bike will actually improve with upgrades of future shocks of better, lighter and cheaper design. I can see me riding this bike years from now still smiling.
Note: Prospective buyers should be aware of Manitou's Safety Notice/Recall on its Mars series of forks. Consult your dealer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr.T
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Whiting Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff, nice ride and balance...fox shock is really plush once dailed in
Weaknesses:
Steep head tube angle
Similar Products Used:
FSR XC A1, Amp B4, Amp B5
Bike Setup:
Sid XC, XTR drive,
Bottom Line:
Great climber, better with the SID then the Man fork...sits the front end a bit higher and helps with the steep head tube angle. Overall, my favorite bike to ride, a nice mix between a HD and a FS...Would like to be less twitcy on the fast downhills....4 chilis for value, because it's expensive for a run of the mill bike. 5 chilis overall because it's fast, reliable, and fun to ride so far.....will post again in 1 year and tons of miles
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cesar Insignares
a Racer
from North Miami Beach, FL 33162 Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Oleta River Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Handling is excellent
Weaknesses:
Everything else but the frame has been replaced either because it broke or because it didn't perform.
Replaced for breakage: Rear shock blew seals, front shock cracked carbon brace, cranckset keep on coming loose, headset REALLY SUCKED, stem flexed a lot, rear hub skipped under torque, front hub flange cracked, rear chainstay cracked.
The bike rides like a dream........but i had to spend a lot of money to get it the way it should be, specialized should put better parts on a bike that expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
d lion
a Racer
from saint marys, pa Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
lightweight, lockout rear shock, active suspension all the time unless locked out
Weaknesses:
derailluer and chain slap, remedied with a lizard skin
Similar Products Used:
fsr comp, super v's, k2, dbr, gt i-drive
Bike Setup:
I bought frame and built with a mix of xt and xtr. Red XMO SL-O2, matches perfectly. S-work crankset, fsa headset, ritchey pedals, XT hubs and Mavic 517 rims
Bottom Line:
I have never ridden any fs bike I like as much as this one, and I've tried them all. My monday ride is with 25 other guys and most of them have fs bikes. They can't believe how light it is, and it isn't tricked out with all the lightest parts.
This bike just plain does everything well. I climb better, descend faster, and can get over more logs and rocks because the bb shell is higher than my old fsr. I don't think there is a better reliable full suspension frame out there, yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GUY wharton
a Cross Country Rider
from nottingham Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
REdbull
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light, handles well
Weaknesses:
Specialised in house components - all of them are bollox
Similar Products Used:
Mount Vision
Bike Setup:
Hope discs, Z1 Xfly lights, XT hollowtech chainset, Xlite bar
Bottom Line:
Any problems with the crap bushings and rear linkage looseness can be sorted out by contacting BETD on the net. I I contacted them and now I don,t need to replace bushings every 5 minutes. Also plusher.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Calabasis California Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
cheseboro-bell cyn singletrack/ sullivan cyn...etc
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Efficient, fluid design. Light weight. Comfortable riding position. Super responsive geometry (offset by wide bar)
Weaknesses:
The maintainence stinks! This bike is always broken. Mars CL leaked microlube constsntly and then had to be rebuilt at Answer. Rear connector link bushings are fried. Specialized is sending a new link. Chainring bolts backed out, etc. Zip-tie a rubber plug from a spd shoe-bottom right above the rear derailer to control the banging against the swingarm
Similar Products Used:
None. Only my reliable Race-light hardtail when this bike is in the shop.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR drivetrain. King headset. Titec carbon barends Mythos XC Carbon (rear) Continental Explorer Pro (front)
Bottom Line:
I LOVE this bike when it's working. Extraordinary and intuitive on downhill/ technical sections. Climbs wonderfully whether or not you engage the lockouts. Transistions are genius! Looks beautiful covered in dirt (after you remove the overdone sticker barrage..black frame only- there's clearcout over the decals on the red) I haven't recived my check from Specialized for being their R & D guinea-pig. This thing cost me roughly an arm and a leg and I expect it to work.(Insert laugh) If I wanted to go to bike mechanic school I'd have to give up my high paying dayjob which allows this bike and sell it. C'mon guys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
travis
a Cross Country Rider
from Nsl,Utah,usa Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
something with dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light,great climber,full suspensiton makes downhill way fun, great for my lowerback the fox shock is great, black anodized paint is way cool
Weaknesses:
manitou mars cl fork blew out after 5 rides, seat collar has never held seat height for a full ride, hugi rear hub blew out after 10 rides stock specialized seat don't like it
Bike Setup:
Grip Shift 9.0sl half pipe & 9.0 rear derailer,xtr crank set and cassette, xtr v-brakes, thompson seat post, mavic 517 with hugi hubs, 747 pedals
Bottom Line:
I really do like my Fsr it rides soooo nice it is definetly the best ride I have ever had, I would love to give this bike 5 Chilis but I can't with all the problems I have had with the parts that come on the Frame.( see problems above) It has been a huge hassle every week to take my bike back to the dealer and inform them something else has failed. The dealer has been great about the warranty but it is still a pain in the butt. You would think on the top of the line bike specialized would put on its top of the line seat, but they don't.(cheap)
The bike is a great climber and I love how the suspension tracks the trail in all conditions, it is super light and fun to ride. I am way glad I went with the 9.0 gripshift it shifts so crisp & way reliable. Xtr cranks and brakes are great preformers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlant, GA USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light. Climbs wonderfully! Great suspension action for a plush but "dialed-in" feeling ride.
Weaknesses:
Rear brake cable routing (XTR) hits my left calf. No Other Problems...(To those guys complaining you can't lower the seat--CUT THE POST!!! Helllloooo!) Oh, yeah...one other problem--- everyone notices your bike! (I'm gonna take off all the decals and maybe paint it dull army green.)
Similar Products Used:
Trek 9000- the FIRST fully suspended machine produced.
Bike Setup:
All XTR. Crossmax. Easton CT2 bars. ATAC carbon-Ti pedals Chris King Ti headset and Ibis stem (yeah baby!) Continental Explorer Pros front and rear. Gortex cables. LP composite bar ends. WTB SST 98 seat MARS CL fork
Bottom Line:
Buy the frame/rear shock/seat post from Specialized. Then put the best/favorite components you can afford on it 'cause you're going to keep this bike forever! I used to hate hills...now I look forward to them. The bike handles very well and wants to go fast fast faster. The suspension is perfect...and the lockout feature on the rear Fox shock and my front Manitou MARS CL fork are great to use on long hill climbs or smooth fire roads for even more performance. About 23 lbs, great handling, great climbing...what more can I say? Oh, did I mention all this stuff costs a lot? Definitely a gilded lilly in this case.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew O'Neill
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, Ca. Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tresspassing Vandenburg A.F.B.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The frame can be sold separately and not too expensive($1200). Specialized' M4 metal matrix ceramic composite is a wonderful compliment to the Horst Link suspension. Climbs extremely well. Fox Float RC is easily maintainable and adjustable.
Weaknesses:
Specialized' TEAM RED color is a bit too loud( it'll either be stolen or get you shot at!). Too many "Specialized" decals. If you want to adjust the seatpost height get out the hacksaw!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper M2 metal matrix ceramic composite.
Bike Setup:
Custom gloss black paint, 2000 Rock Shox Judy Race, silver Shimano XT 4 arm cranks, Full XT drivetrain, Teflon cable, Specialized' low-rise bars, Avid single digits', Crossmax, IRC Mythos XC, Thompson post, Titec Berzerkr saddle, 747's.
Bottom Line:
I bought the frame and decided to do a little custom build of my own. I immediately called Morgan Hill and had it custom painted gloss black( the only gloss black 2000 FSR XC on the planet! I can't stand Manitou so I threw on a 2000 Judy Race at 100mm travel. The Judy Race stands a half an inch taller than the Manitou so it does change the geometry a little bit( it's okay, you get it back in sag). Believe it or not, running 4' in the front and 3' in the rear makes this thing a kind of "Faster Freeride" bike! It climbs amazingly well, and takes big hits with the plushness of a baby's butt. Did' take a while to figure out the rear shock pressure, though. If you pump it up to half your body weight(add five-ten pounds psi) and then turn up the rebound speed accordingly, you should come to a heaven-sent happy medium. This bike literally FLOATS when properly balanced. Lets face it, this thing hits well, climbs well, and is easily maintainable. Kudos! to Specialized!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, fast, nimble handling, suspension works GREAT!
Weaknesses:
The Specialized house-brand parts suck, but I didn't buy those this time around. Squeaky bushings can drive you nuts (replaced them with bearings).
Similar Products Used:
'99 Specialized FSR XC Comp
Bike Setup:
S-Works FSR XC Frame, Z2 X-Fly, Kore Elite bar & stem, King headset, XTR brakes, shifters & ders, RF cranks & rings, Time ATACs, King/517 wheels, Panaracer Fire XC's, MacBike bearing kit
Bottom Line:
I had a '99 FSR XC Comp, so I knew the Specialized cranks, rings, and pedals were crap. When my wife stole my Comp, she got me the S-Works frame and I built it up with real parts - the bike is amazing! It climbs like a goat and descends as fast as I'll let it. The suspension isn't super-plush, just right for keeping the wheels hooked up and saving you from taking a beating. You still feel connected to the trail and it handles great in tight singletrack!
Some people don't like the short cockpit, but for me the medium frame gives me enough room to move around on the bike and is really easy to handle on technical terrain (I'm 5'9", 145lbs). If you like a longer top tube, go up a size. Either way, it's a great lightweight, quick-handling bike for racing or technical cross country.
The one problem I've had was with the bushings squeaking after rides in the snow and mud - I had to lube them almost every ride this winter and spring. A bearing kit from www.macbike.ch took care of that, and also made the suspension MUCH smoother and the rear end stiffer laterally. The bearing upgrade is definitely worth it.
This bike easily rates 5 chili's for light weight, speed, and incredible handling, though I give it 4 for value because that's a lot of cash for a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Squamish, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, fast, and takes the bite out of the trail.
Weaknesses:
Can not drop the seat chain stay Head set Noisy freewheel
Similar Products Used:
1999 s-works FSR XC
Bike Setup:
Stock except for easton monkey lite riser bars
Bottom Line:
This is my second s-works FSR XC and they are a great bike. I use this bike for both racing and riding, once you have owned a Full suspension odds are you will never go back to a hardtail. The 2000 model features both front and back lock-outs which I use for extended hill climbs. The new s-works crank alright but it would be a much better set-up with the XTR crank. I am not a big fan of the headsets they use I have had problems with both my '99 and '00. I also cracked my chainstay on the '99. Other than the problems mentioned above the bike is great. It has yet to be determined if the MARS CL will be problem free, wait and see. The ideal buyer is a XC rider/racer who wants to rip it up on the trail and on the race course. Even though I've owned two of these bikes I can give it only a 3 for value as the FSR XC pro is way better value for the dollar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Racer
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
lightness perfect handling stiff frame
Weaknesses:
Paint job Saddle can't be lowered a lot Chain and rear Derailleur hit the Chainstay very often. Other bikes have that problem too, but this is the worst I've ever seen... Detail: Frame is not 2400g as mentioned in the catalogue, it's closer to 2700g (including rear shox)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale SuperV 1000 Giant Xtc
Bike Setup:
bought Frameset only (comes with rear shox and seatpost) all XTR Hugi240/DT Revolution spokes/X517 wheels 747 pedals SID XC Fork (99)
Bottom Line:
Good climber Since I adjusted the rear shox very soft, I use the lockout on uphills very often. Perfect bike for XC!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garth
a Cross Country Rider
from South Africa Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything, technical downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, superb quality on finish componentry, anodized black colour
Weaknesses:
I bought just the frame, and I must say for a bike of this price I expected better Q and A. There were no bearing in my dropout pivots! I am still waiting for Specialized to supply the missing dropout pivot bearings. In the interim, I had two bearings fashioned out of NYLATRON, and since I installed these I'm as happy as the veritable pig.
Similar Products Used:
Giant DS-1, GT LTS-3, Trek Y-22, Trek VRX 300
Bike Setup:
RST Mozo Pro fork, Rolf Dolomite Wheels and XTR rest
Bottom Line:
This is the most incredible bike I've ever ridden. I must say I find Specialized's sizing interesting. I've settled for a Medium. The bike is light and nimble and will climb vertical cliff faces if given the chance. I give it 5 flames for overall rating but I must say two for the QA in value
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Harvard, MA Date Reviewed: April 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, even compared to hardtails
Weaknesses:
Stock tires don't have much grip
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for Shimano 747 Clipless pedals, and dirt master/control tires; also changed seat post and stem for sizing purposes.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I use it for long, fast cross country rides, sometimes by myself, sometimes with 1 or two friends, and sometimes with groups. On my previous bike, a hardtail, I found that I was no longer keeping up. This was partly because I started to experience back pains.
With this bike, I was back up with the top of the pack, where I like to be. My back pain went away entirely. I find that I ride technical terrain that I previously avoided, not just because of back pain, but because a hardtail was uncontrollable. (i.e. lots of baby head rocks.) I don't feel so trashed after a ride.
This bike is lighter than my previous bike, a "boutique" titanium hardtail. It is faster all around, both uphill and downhill. There is a mechanism to lock out the rear shock, but I've had no need for it; there has been no tendency to bob or pogo.
One thing I found strange was the sizing. Since I'm 5'8" and weigh about 160 lbs, I thought the medium would be correct for me. But, it seemed way too short. I bought the large, and I've been happy with it. I guess I like to be stretched out.
I noticed that other riders before me have commented about the wide handle bars... I like them too, because they let you breathe. I don't think they would seem as wide if you put bar ends on.
Also, I've noticed that on the 2000 models, some of the gussets are reinforced compared to the 1999 models. So the 2000's should be more rugged than the 1999's. I haven't had any problems with the bike, but I haven't had it for very long.
By the way, you'll need to buy a pump that will accomodate both shocks. I bought a Fox pump for the rear shock, but it would not work for the front shock, until I bought a $15 adaptor through my local bike shop. Without the adaptor, I could put air in the front shock, but it would all rush out when I took the pump off.
After this bike, I will never bother with a "boutique" bike again. The big guys know how to build a great bike, and they do it for much less.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena Date Reviewed: April 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
lightweight, quick, the shock locks help me keep up with my younger buddy on the uphills
Weaknesses:
both front & rear spoke reflectors busted 1st out (Sp. replaced them immediately wiht titanium brushed ones); pedals took some time to loosen up
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro Pro
Bike Setup:
stock, except I replaced the Mt. Baldy rear tire with a Specialized DirtMaster
Bottom Line:
expensive, but a great bike so far
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Whitehead
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anywhere away from office!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light & Fast, suspension goes about its work without being noticed.
Weaknesses:
Crap cranks and chain rings. Rear derailleur has a very close relationship with the chainstay / link (they meet at every bump)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V1000
Bike Setup:
Standard apart from XT Hollow Tech cranks, rings (lucky for me the distributor in NZ is also the Shimarno agent). Time peddles.
Bottom Line:
More a bike than I'm a serious rider. Very fast up down and on the flat.
Chain rings flexed that much they were replaced under warranty after only a quick fang around the car park and CL forks full of flex after Cannondale.
Cost as much as a second hand family car but haven't seen anything else that comes close in performance.
(hey it doesn't look bad in black ano either even if there is no coating over the tranfers)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Greenbriar, Patapsco
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very light. Handlebar is the widest I have used, and it turns like a dream. Feels very stable at speed.
Weaknesses:
Fragged the rear hub after 2 rides. Specialized decided not to use any thread lock on the chain ring bolts, and they decided to back themselves out during a ride. Bent the hell out of the chainrings (but they sucked anyway!) For this kind of money, you should get some threadlock and XTR crankset! Pedals, stickers, seat, all suck. Change them immediately.
Bike Setup:
Mainly stock. Ritchey Ti pedals, SDC racing saddle.
Bottom Line:
I would suggest that Specialized get away from the house brand crank set and pedals for sure. The other items are all tolerable if you make those changes. I love the overall feel of the bike, but I think Specialized could pay a little more attention to details. THis is my 4th S bike, and it may well be my last because they won't warranty any of the problems. Luckily my local bike shop has taken care of the problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Lining
a Racer
from Troy, MI USA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
I bought this bike as a frameset and build it up myself, I have it setup at just under 23 pds. I had a Y-22 a few years back, then to a hardtail, Trek 9900,now I'm back to the FS and loving it. Very first thing i noticed was that this bike handles great! I like the lock out feature, wish it was a bit easier to use on the fly.It climbs really smooth, friends riding behind me dont see any bobbing, I tend to keep the shock stiff! If your looking for a light,quick responding XC Full suspension bike, this is the bike for you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very light, very fast!
Weaknesses:
Although the pedals themselves are very light, they don't function properly - difficult to get in and out of. I replaced them with my Shimano 747s.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock - swaped pedals
Bottom Line:
Bottom line, this bike is awesome. It is very fast for a full suspension bike, even on the hills. This bike just wants to take off. I've been on a few rides with the bike and I couldn't be more pleased with its performance. Obviously, its ability to hold up after months of abuse is still open. I have heard that the pedals are suspect. I would agree. I adjusted them and still had problems. I ended up putting my old Shimano 747s on them. If you have the means, I would highly recommend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from LA Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light but the crank sucks
Weaknesses:
Crank and fork sucks.
Similar Products Used:
Ellis, SC
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
For a high price bike, I expect higher quality. Had to replace both the crank and fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Francois Tenenbaum
a Cross Country Rider
from Paris, France Date Reviewed: March 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
single trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, rides fast and very precise handling. no pogo. climb incredibly fast with a fantastic traction ! Very rigid. downhill is secure and the suspension works well wether you are seated or not.
Weaknesses:
E-type front derrailleur, would have prefered a normal one.
Just fantastic ! had a Y22 before There is a big change: The M4 fsrxc rides with a fast, precise and secure handling. You just feel that your bike respond so well that you feel the bike is a part of your body. The M4 is certainly one of the best xc bike I've ever tried : Good balance between downhill and climbing. Excellent suspension design: The fox float works very well and the sid is so smooth on small shock that you hardly believe it is an hydrolic fork ! In a word if you were a hardtail rider (like the good old stumpjumper) looking for an eficient bike (with some comfort in surplus), then you've got The Bike you were looking for !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curtis Bayer
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Arrowhead, CA Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Rim Nordic
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Light and responsive. Great suspension set up.
Weaknesses:
Sizing has me confused.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y-bikes, GT LTS-1
Bike Setup:
This is Pete's bike (First reviewer). Definitely not stock.
Bottom Line:
Pete and I switched bikes for a little ride. He rode my race ready hard tail and I (skeptically) rode his Specialized. Understand that Pete is a sport/expert level racer, whereas I hack lung butter in beginner class. First thing I noticed is that on uphill sections, this thing hooks up. The rear suspension design keeps the tire on the trail. No bouncing bike sofa is this bike. It forgives if you should hit some rocks or loose terrain and doesn't penalize for the occasional out of saddle effort. At the top, Pete was first, but I was right behind him and had not used nearly my normal effort getting there. On the downhills, it flat out flew. My thighs were not on fire like when I absorb shock on the hard tail. Picking lines becomes less an issue on this bike, allowing you to concentrate on speed. The only area it did not whup the hard tail on was the long hammer out of the saddle stuff. But wait! There's lock out on the rear shock! The bike also weighs the same as my hardtail. With no arguments left, except spending enough money to choke a horse, I'm sold on the FSR concept, although I'll probably get the FSR/XC Pro at a grand less.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ USA Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Estrella Mountain (Hedhog)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light; corners great; smooth ride; little pogo
Weaknesses:
replace pedals immediately (I don't know what Specialized is thinking with those!); seat is a little tought too; stickers suck.
Similar Products Used:
Tried out some freinds full suspensions
Bike Setup:
Stock S-works; replace pedals with 858 SPD's; Serfas dual density Ti rail (prostate saver) saddle
Bottom Line:
This is an incredible bike! Great for racing. Since I droped my hardtail and began riding this bike I have droped over 10 min during the races. I climb like a beast on this bike! However, I have lost some time on the downhills (maybe b/c of the weight?) This is a great bike for a racer or rec. rider. If your willing to spend this kind of money on a bike, buy it! It's the best investment I have ever made. However, if you are hesitant about the money issue (who can blame you?) look into the FSR pro. I have talked to a couple of people who are very happy with it and saved about a grand on the price - and if your not racing, who cares about the couple of extra pounds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pete
a Cross Country Rider
from crestline ca Date Reviewed: March 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
santa ana trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
durable, lightweight,fully active design,
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
my first dually
Bike Setup:
race face,king,hugi,xtr,sid.........
Bottom Line:
great fun to ride. smoothes out the rides. light,fast,good for racing too. hey jason, made up your mind yet? I think you would like the fsr. The merlin is being built, and i hope to have it done before big bear! See you then. Pete.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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