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.
Submitted by
JH635csi
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumming, Ga
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002
Strengths: Light weight, climbs like a hardtail, awesome fork and most components
Weaknesses: hard as a rock saddle, no name crank
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.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Atom Race; MRP X-rated link, and bearing kit; King Headset; Rolf Dolomite wheelset. Otherwise stock.
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Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Nitti
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002
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.
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.
Similar Products Used: Stumpjumper M4 hardtail, many before that
Bike Setup: XTR/XT, Mavic Wheels, Duke Race, Koobi AU seat.
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Submitted by
Eman
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura County
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002
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.
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.
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
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.
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).
Similar Products Used: Giant XTC NRS 1, Fisher Sugar...
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Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Strengths: quickness, weight
Weaknesses: saddle, handlebars, tires
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.
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
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.
Bottom Line:
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.
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.
Bottom Line:
Dont buy this bike, and thats the bottom line, cause Stone Cold Said SO!!!!!!!!
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"
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Philip
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Strengths: Looks, reliability, and just a great bike
Weaknesses: see below
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.
Similar Products Used: 1988 Hardrock, to 1996 Rockhopper, to 2000 S-Works. $$ $$$ $$$$$$
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Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston Ma.
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001
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.
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.
Strengths: Light weight, suspension actually works with you - not against you, no slop/no bob, looks awesome..
Weaknesses: ?
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
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...
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Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, ME
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001
Strengths: Suspension design, weight, looks, durabillity, etc., etc., etc.
Weaknesses: ?
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...
Hi folks. I am in search of replacement rear bushings for my 2000 model year Specialized S-WORKS FSR XC. My bike has an upgraded rear link kit (Mountain-Speed). I don't think this Read More »
This began with a query to find replacement bushings for my rear triangle.
See thread:
[url]http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=213872[/url]
Now my best friend has told me that Read More »
I'm trying to compare my current frame with one I am considering buying (2003 Titus Racer-X aluminum) The suspension type (Horst link) and some of the geometry numbers are similar, Read More »
I purchased this 2003 Titus Racer-X frame from a private seller:
[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...5362&rd=1&rd=1[/url]
When I went to my local bike shop and discus Read More »
