Submitted by
Andrew Weston
a Weekend Warrior
from United Kindom (South East) Date Reviewed: October 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Peak District
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Lesure Lakes
Strengths:
Speed, Handling, Reliability, ITS FUN! It will do everything from climbs to downhills, knarly trails to fast long decents.
Weaknesses:
Blue and Orange paintwork (Ford GTO colors apparently), Low bottom bracket clearence. Standard Tyres are hopeless in mud!. Need to get a toothbrush to clean some bits of the frame.
Similar Products Used:
2004 Epic (whats that brain all about?) Trailbuddys steeds (A moterly collection of far more exotic bikes, yes I am the poor one!)
Bike Setup:
Just added Hope C2's. Replaced worn parts (chainset with LX/SRAM mix).
Bottom Line:
Top flight ride! Handles like a Hard trail but with the sting taken out. Fast yet involving. Shock helps keep the rear end on the ground while the handleing takes care of the trail. Still not riden anything as sharp and as involveing. Love it to bits!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Trail 100 in town, Shultz Creek in Flag
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
FSR rear end, of course! Good weight for $. Good parts for $. Great fork & shock. Etc, etc, read the other reviews.
Weaknesses:
When I got it, front shifting was garbage. It almost never wanted to give me the small ring, even when the thing was in a bike stand with no real tension on the chain. Also, sometimes when shifting from big to middle ring, the chain would fall BETWEEN the rings. How's it do that?!?! All this got fixed (see below), but I still don't like the front der. mounted to the bottom bracket.
Similar Products Used:
Just hardtails (which I still ride as much as the FSR).
Bike Setup:
Mountainspeed link, XT cranks, Race Face XY seat post, RS Duke SL, Frog Pedals, rest stock.
Bottom Line:
Aside from the initial shifting issues on the front end, this bike has been fantastic. After replacing the crankset, I added a small spacer ring to the bottom bracket so the chainline would be moved a couple mm away from the frame. I haven't had any shifting problems since (it was really a headache for a while, though). Ride the stock suspension bushings until the back end gets sloppy, then upgrade to MRP's link. Really brings out the best in this bike. The fork and shock are great. With regular maintenance, they last and last. I only swapped the fork because I got a deal on the Duke. The SXR is on another bike, and still goin' strong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keane Karnan
a Cross Country Rider
from carbondale colorado USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
west government trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$730.00
Purchased At:
ebay.com
Strengths:
awesome one the up hills. very good peddle efficiency. great around corners.
Weaknesses:
little shaky on down hills. get the x link to fix that.
Similar Products Used:
Gt I drive, Giant NRS.
Bike Setup:
manitue black elite and fox rc. And new tires.
Bottom Line:
this bike is great I have reced it many times now and I have won second and third in all of my races. great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton CA. USA. Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any East Bay Park.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Nimble handling, reliable, was only 26 lbs. off show-room floor, had the best version of the Strongarm II cranks (hard anodized), SXR fork is reliable and on bike #2 and Hubs weren't light but lasted several thousand miles. Also; the whole drive train, except front derailer and chain is on bike #2. First bike I ever loved and miss.
Weaknesses:
Richy seat post is a bear to keep tight, plastic bushings need to be lubed with a non synthetic grease twice a year. Specialized only mentions in one small part of owners manuel, that you can't use synthetic grease or oil on suspension bushings. The latter comment is important to long bushing life. Bottom bracket wasn't threaded all the way from factory. This led to the death of my beloved bike, however Specialized replaced the frame with a 2003 FSR, so I can't complain.
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX-970 full suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Easton Carbon Riser Bar, seat and Shimano PD-545 pedals.
Bottom Line:
This was a great bike. I had it for just over three years and about 4000 miles. It climbed great once I figured out how to set it up and was fast on the road to the trail head. One of my favorite passtimes was to pass roadies on the shoulder, going to and from the trail I ride most (they hated that!) I added the FLOAT R/C to it, but never needed to use the lockout. The bushings need to be greased about twice a year, but it isn't hard to do, and don't use a synthetic grease, it can swell or disolve the plastic composite in the bushings. The bike was an XL 20" and served me well, until the bottom bracket shell failed at about 4000 miles. Specialized replaced the frame with a 2003 FSR xc, so it was a blessing in disguise. I weigh 200 lb.s and never had a problem with the bike except for the above mentioned problem which was a machineing error at the factory. If you are strapped for cash, but can find a good deal on one of these, go for it! If you have the money go for the newer ones, they are a tad bit better and have sealed bearings in the pivots. Either way you can't go wrong for a excellent cross country bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miles Spruell
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterford, MI Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Laurel in Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Pedalling efficiency, awesome comonent spec for the price. Manitou SX-R is an excellent fork. Avid V brakes rule. Best shifting FS bike I've ever tried.
Weaknesses:
Its not plush. 25" wide handlebar is odd (can always shorten it). FSR XC's run small: top tube is short and bottom bracket is low, both of which could be a strength I guess...
Similar Products Used:
Spent 5 years on a Santa Cruz Heckler, Ventana Pantera, Litespeed Ocoee + various other hardtails
Bike Setup:
Absolutely stock, except for the addition of Time pedals.
Bottom Line:
Its not nearly as plush as my Heckler, but then I guess its not meant to be. Its also not as good at technical climbs, but the pedalling efficiency is awesome. I seem to get more for my effort on this bike, including hardtails.
It has very quick handling, like ESP ("How the H*ll did I miss that rock???") Its a simple equation: Short top tube+Short stem+short wheelbase+low bottom bracket=quick handling. Its not for fire roads, for sure, its more of a singletrack dude. I also have to give a shout out to the Manitou fork...it really is awesome at this price point. After riding several air forks lately, it is SOOO nice to come back to a coil spring with real damping. Lets face it: all the advancements in forks the last 5 years is toward making an air spring work as well as a coil. If your not a weight weenie its a waste of time.
A couple more things about the bike: its the best shifting bike I've ever ridden, including hardtails, and the brakes are phenomenal (Avid V brakes). I never thought a FS bike could shift so well. My Heckler ghost shifted all the time...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Watertown Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Foxboro, B-land,Viet, lexington, etc...all good
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Wheelworks, Belmont
Strengths:
I have the 2002 Stumpjumper FSRxc Disc Excellent performance, great climber
Weaknesses:
The rear linkage durability and bike shop service
This bike was manufactured incorrectly, 2 weeks after buying it, the bike began to creak and pop. Also the rear suspension shock bushing began to get play. After a little more than a month, the rear bearings (yes almost all of them) failed. Since then this bike, has been a thorn in my side. Rear shock wear, noise, and repeat bearing failure.
The bike has been in the shop for over 2 months for repairs, this time around. Yes, it was there before too.
Apparently the frame is defective, and misaligned...very bad.
Wheelworks in Belmont is no longer a recommended shop, feel free to e-mail me for a detailed list of short-comings.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrown LXT (old faithful, riding it now b/c the FSR is still in the shop....)
Bike Setup:
Stock but I upgraded tires to Conti Vertical Pro-tection, much tougher.
Bottom Line:
I always wanted an FSR because of the great climbing and lightweight design, however, I cannot wait to get rid of this bike.
I ride 3 to 4 days a week, and have never hated a bike so much. It is sad because the performance is top notch...when it works.
Avoid this bike like the plague...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mikechid
a Weekend Warrior
from bay area, california Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Jones & poop shoot
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
took a little getting used to, but i can rip on it now. it rides great and i dig it.
Weaknesses:
found the steering too aggressive-- wasn't used to it being so 'twitchy'. also felt too hunched over. When i changed to a riser handle bar, it made a HUGE difference and feels more laid back now.
The only other problem is my frame makes crazy creaking sounds and it has play in it. it's been this way since i got it (new) and i'm not sure what's up. maybe it was put together wrong. i'm thinking of getting it rebuilt.
Bike Setup:
changed the handle bar to a riser bar which makes it more down-hill friendly.
Bottom Line:
love the bike except for the issue i've got with play in the rear suspension. need to get that figured out soon...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
keane karnan
a Cross Country Rider
from carbondale colorado USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
west government trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$730.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
This bike is a very strong bike it will stick on the trail no matter how hard you push it.
Weaknesses:
(It realy is that it is not realy a road bike)I cant think of anything bad right now.
Similar Products Used:
GT I-drive, specialized enduro
Bike Setup:
just the stock parts just got some better tiers.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this bike rocks what ever trail you put it on. get one if you can, you will love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Koslowski
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
saddle, rear suspension 'sticks' after awhile, pedals difficult at first, tires.
Similar Products Used:
Sugar 3, Diamondback hybrid.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except saddle (replaced w/Selle Italia).
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up to my first review posted 11/06/00. The bike has held up really well for a year and half of riding. Most of the components still work really well and I haven't had to make any major repairs. Even the crank arm so many have complained about is doing just fine (though I'm light and don't generate much torque). I replaced the saddle a few months ago the new Selle Italia is more comfortable. I'm still not crazy about the peddles, but have gotten used to them so it's no longer difficult to get in and out. The avid breaks are OK, but the pads do wear out fast.
I'm writing this as a 150-pd rider, so the wear on my bike is less than for some riders. Some reviewers complained that the Manitou front shock is too soft, but for me it might actually be a little too firm. The component I'm most unhappy with are the tires. The tread is OK (moderately aggressive), but they aren't very durable (3 flats).
Before getting this bike, you should know that the suspension isn't plush. Though it does smooth things out somewhat, this suspension is primarily intended to maintain greater control and balance on rougher terrain. The design virtually eliminates peddle induced 'bob', and improves climbing efficiency. The only other problem I'm having after over a year of use is 'stiction' in the rear suspension (and to a lesser extent, the front fork). The rear bushings are starting to stick and consequently the suspension doesn't react to bumbs as quickly as it once did. After I clean and re-lube them, they'll probably be alright. I'm considering upgrading the rear linkage to a Mountainspeed X-rated link (for more travel and less 'stiction'), and disc brakes.
Overall, I've been very happy this bike. There have been some nice improvements in full suspension designs since 2000 (especailly Giant's NRS), but this one still holds up fairly well compared to newer bikes. There hasn't been enough design improvement to tempt me to trade this in for new one (yet).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big John
a Weekend Warrior
from Blue Bell, PA, USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
Keswick Cycles
Strengths:
Great bike For the money
Weaknesses:
Cranks, Seat Post, Suspension bushings, Saddle
Similar Products Used:
Treck Fuel, Cannondale Jekyl
Bike Setup:
LX Cranks, Easton Riser Monkey Bars, Mountainspeed Suspension Upgrade Kit, Thompson Elite seat Post & Flite Gel Saddle,
Bottom Line:
This Bike Rocks! You'll have to upgrade some things (just like all the other reviews say) and you should Spring for the Mountainspeed Upgrade Kit, But when you get all the details taken care of, you'll have an awsome bike and still pay less than $2000.00. The bike will do anything you want it to do, (I don't do 5ft dropoffs like some of these guys claim to do) and make it seem easy. Climbing, rocky technical stuff, cross-country, it will handle it and make it seem easy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Mansfield, MA, USA Date Reviewed: December 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gilbert Hills, Foxboro MA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
International Bicycle
Strengths:
Smooth suspension, brakes, shifters work quite well.
Weaknesses:
None noticed yet, new bike.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized S-Works M4, GT I-Drive 3.0
Bike Setup:
Stock, LX/XT, Manitou SX-R fork.
Bottom Line:
Initial review - just got the bike and only rode once. Really smooth ride. Climbs very well, fast and nimble on downhills. This is my first FS bike. Didn't really need any riding time to adjust from the hard tail. The suspension may not have the most travel of bikes available today, but I ride some fairly rocky terrain and the bike was great. Would definitely recommend picking one up if the price is right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Dell
a Weekend Warrior
from Ladera Ranch, CA USA Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
trails around Mission Viejo, CA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Judy SL shocks reviewed better than manitou on XC comp for heavier rider (i'm 195lbs)...climbs like a mtn. goat...good in sand and very rocky trials...No problems
Weaknesses:
Tires, swapped them out for wider tires with more aggressive tread and made huge difference in traction and control.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized hardtail
Bike Setup:
Stock except for tires
Bottom Line:
Bike is a great deal for the price. looked at a lot of reviews here and based my decision on good compoenents for the price, shocks seemed best for my size. I didn't have any problems with flexing, but make sure you actually dial in your suspension. I'm used to the seat everyone seems to complain about. My rides are usually cross-country with some loose fire-road dirt, sand, stream crossings, big hills and lots of big trail rocks that you have to go over. I'm 6' and not a light rider. The bike just works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A.C.
a Weekend Warrior
from Philly Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Guys Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great frame & suspension. This bike climbs like a scared squirl, i out climb friends who have Titanium marin, & a superlight, decents are equally as great, would never go back to a hard tail.. no reason to. Components are good also
Weaknesses:
Stock pedals, way to long handle bar, tires
Similar Products Used:
Gt hard tail [ not similar ] but that was my last bike
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock, except the cranks, which are lx hollow tech, pedals are shimano clipless, titec stem, coda riser bar....oh i forgot the best part, the mountain speed full bearing kit, so my bike has full sealed bearings all around, witch gives it another half inch of travel to 3.5 & raises the bottom bracket height also. A must have kit
Bottom Line:
This is a great all around xc bike it does everything very well. And it just goes to prove just cause a bike costs alot more does not mean it is actually better design & better bike. This bike will make you a better rider, it did for me. Hey this is a very proven design, just take a look at all the other companys that use it to start: Ventana, intense, titus,& a few more i cant remember
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Cinti, Oh. Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$959.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great frame geometry, good value
Weaknesses:
hard seat
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar, Klein Mantra
Bike Setup:
Stock. About to get new seat and Truvativ cranks
Bottom Line:
A great bike. This is my first full suspension bike. I tested several others and liked the FSR XC the best. I bought it to do some technical single track riding and to race xc. So far so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Burke
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio 43220 Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tar Hollow
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15000.00
Purchased At:
BikeSource
Strengths:
Frame, Great Climbing full susp. Bike, light weight,
Weaknesses:
Rear Hub, pedals,
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale SV Raven
Bottom Line:
This bike is a rocket in tight single track! One of the best handling bikes I've ridden. Better climber than the Cannondales, GT's, Treks, and lighter weight than the Giants that I've Ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Samuel Hicks
a Weekend Warrior
from ME Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Long Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Price
Weaknesses:
Parts, Wheels, Saddle hight
Similar Products Used:
Tracer, Super V, Zaskar LE,
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is if you are over 6 feet dont buy this bike. Bike raddles all over after my first ride. OEM parts not worth this price. Wheel set too weak if your a big person. I have to have the seat post up too high for the bike to fit right. The stock post is too short to my height, and I bent it on the first ride.
Good price, bad bike at my height.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter North
a Weekend Warrior
from LaLa Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Da Farm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Erik's
Strengths:
Price, build, ride, climbing.
Weaknesses:
Crappy OEM stuff (peds, cranks, bars, grips, seat, seatpost, wheelset, etc.). SX-R is marginal for folks >180 lbs. Took care of all that by swapping out existing parts and selling on eBay and MTBR. Paid for themselves.
Similar Products Used:
My ol' (late 80s?) Schwinn High Sierra (go elliptical chainrings!), Schwinn Homegrown, Jamis Dragon.
Bike Setup:
'00 SJ FSR XC, polished '00 Z1CR w/ 5" x-heavy springs (ECC on the way), Titec risers, Race Face grips, Avid SD levers, XT v-brakers, Time ATACs, Rhyno/XT wheelset (red/black), Thompson Elite post, Titec Berzerker seat (red), etc.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Even at 230#, it handles like a dream despite abuse. This remains the suspension design that everyone copies.Waiting to install my new Avid disc brakes, Float R, and Mountainspeed bearing kit when my new FSR rear end arrives with disc brakes tabs.Note that the '01 Rockhopper FSR uses the same linkage as the '00 SJ FSR but it is beefier and has tabs. Can be purchased for around $100 from Spec through LBS. Much better than the sketchy frame adapters available for $50-80.E-mail with questions about this upgrade. I will post follow up when completed in the next week or so.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Armando
a Weekend Warrior
from Thousand Oaks Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chesbero, Los Robles
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Europa Van Nuys lifetime service
Strengths:
Hill climber, overall value, light, looks nice and company stands behind product.
Weaknesses:
Pedals, cranks, handle bars, retaining ring for cranks and bearings stripped after 18 months, tires ,rough shifting after break in(broken teeth on front chain ring)
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose
Bike Setup:
New handle bars with 2" rise, New tires, shimano pedals
Bottom Line:
Pedals broke after 8 months. Center of gravity felt off, especially down hill (feels perfect with 2" rise handle bars). Tires excellent on hard surface but poor on sandy or loose dirt (replaced).Cranks sound like they are going to break with hard torque (planning on replacing). Shifts rough after break in period (hope new crank and new front chain ring will remedy).
After 18 months the retaining ring that holds the crank bearings in place came loose/broke and caused the frame threads to strip. Specialized sent me a top of the line upgraded frame (M4-S Works) and to top it off threw in a $275 fox rear shock with a lock out. I love the new frame/ shock and recommend the rear lock out to everyone. Bottom line, Specialized stood behind the product and made me a customer for life.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, California Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt and rocks.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Supergo (Oceanside, California)
Strengths:
-Light weight -Great price -Very fast -Minimal (if any) bob when climbing -Plush travel in front (Manitou SXR) and rear (Fox Float) -And the most important of all...the bike is EXTREMELY FUN -So far very reliable
Weaknesses:
Mainly trivial stuff. -Pedals are hard to clip in and out of -Why didn't Specialized include a riser bar? -Occasional difficulty while trying to shift (chainring?) -Saddle may be fine for someone who races, but for a recreational rider it is way too hard -Grips are just plain bad
Similar Products Used:
(All were tested at several different bikeshops) 2001 Trek Fuel 80 (great except for weight 30lbs,) 2001 Gary Fisher Sugar 3 (too stiff for me,) 2001 GT Idrive 4.0 (also too heavy,) 2001 Jamis Dakar Sport (would have bought if I hadn't found the Specialized)
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Sun Ringle ZuZu Pedals and Pazazz riser bar
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike and I have to say that I am very impressed with the design and the way it rides. Being new to FS I had no idea that I could find a bike at such a low price with such low weight and such plush suspension. I also enjoy the way that the bike is able to be manuevered and the bike's ability to climb hills like a hardtail. Overall, I give this bike 5 flaming chilis in both categories for the fun that it has brought me at such a low price point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Clodfelter
a Racer
from Indianapolis Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hickory Ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Matthews Bikes
Strengths:
Quick handling, light weight, works perfectly for me
Weaknesses:
Broken lower swingarm at large pivot at bottom bracket. Manitou fork getting stickage even after rebuild.
Bike Setup:
Mountainspeed bearing and link kit (highly recommended), Body Geometry saddle, BG grips.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my previous review of 8/9/00. The bike has performed flawlessly through the first 1000 miles. Bushings wore out, replaced with Mountainspeed bearings. Manitou fork is getting sticktion even after rebuild and oil change. REAR SWINGARM BROKE - I understand from my bikeshop that this is a fairly common problem. Really sucks if it is. Specialized is replacing under warranty. Won my first race out last weekend in the DINO series here in Indianapolis, so the raceability of this bike is first rate. Currently waiting for a new swingarm from Specialized. I am knocking my rating down because the bike shouldn't break unless you are doing stupid stuff which I am not.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Davinder Hunjan
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Around places
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
It's well made, great reliable suspension system, looks good, accellerates fast, comfortable, versatile.
Weaknesses:
Rock hard Specialized Evolution Saddle and tyres not brilliant for mud.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh Exodus
Bike Setup:
Spec BG Comfort Saddle, Cateye Cyclecomputer
Bottom Line:
This has got to be the best suspension design in the world. It's comfortable whatever the conditions and efficiently, neatly designed. This bike is brilliant. Buy one NOW!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
X-Country Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Gainesville Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Santos in Ocala
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
Suspension design, climbs like a rocket, frame strength, rims, reliability, forks
Weaknesses:
plastic bearings for rear suspension, specialized cranks and pedals
Bike Setup:
Easton carbon riser bar Titec fatty stem Panaracer Mach (F); Panaracer Fire XC pro (R) Easton Aluminum seatpost Selle Italia Titanium Gel Flight Shimano Hollowtech LX cranks Time ATAC pedals Sachs 99 chain XT Cog set Shimano Splined bottom bracket
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike if you love cross country riding. You could buy the FSR XC COMP but if your like me...I prefer the black frame. The chain should be the first to go...it is a piece of SH.. well all shimano chains are anyway. I broke the chain about 3 times in two months. I switched to a Sachs 99 and have been riding this chain hard for about 6-7 months and have never even had a slip. I suggest getting the aftermarket bearing kit for the rear suspension linkage. I don't understand why Specialized ever put plastic bushing for suspension. Hint: Until you can buy these bearings use a small amount of regular 10W40 motor oil on each pivot point. This is especially important after you wash you bike. Yes it will cake up dirt but it make a huge difference when your pounding the trails. I love this bike it is fast on singletrack and climbs anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ingemar Larsson
a Weekend Warrior
from Stockholm, Sweden Date Reviewed: April 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hellas(see review on trails))
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Bikestore Stockholm
Strengths:
smooth ride, increadible to climb with, nice to still be in control while landing after a jump(comp. with my old hardtail)
Weaknesses:
the backwheel, it came off. And my friend who bought a fsr comp, his back wheel came of twice. Went to a dealer who said that a washer om the back hub was turned inwards to the hub instead of outwards against the qr and back triangle. You better check out if everything is ok with your hub´s. it´s not very pleasant when the whole backwheel comes loose. the factory must have made a lot of mistakes. I also had to rebuild the whole backwheel. the spokes where all F***ed up after three rides. I also agree with the saddle and tires: it sucks
Similar Products Used:
rockhopper hardtails
Bike Setup:
new bar easton ea70 flat. selle talia flite kevlar, schwalbes skinny jimmy, a new front wheel with hope susp and mavic 517
Bottom Line:
very nice to ride. i got very cheap but i´m still angry with all the factory mistakes. It´s very different to ride a fs comp with a ht. I love it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt Recknagle
a Cross Country Rider
from Richland,WA. USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
North Fork Walla Walla
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Markee's Cycling Center
Strengths:
Great Handling, Control, Climbing
Weaknesses:
Chainrings
Bike Setup:
Stock. Added Specialized Team Control and Master tires. RaceFace chainring (middle)
Bottom Line:
Sweet sweet bike. Goes like hell. Rides exactly like my old Stumpy hardtail - just a bunch smoother. I can now sit down and power through the choppy trails.
Recommend this bike to any XC rider from beginner to racer - especially to die-hard hard-tailers. This bike will outclimb your hardtail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kell
a Weekend Warrior
from Metropolis, IL Date Reviewed: April 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Canal Loop, LBL Kentucky
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Carbondale Cycle
Strengths:
Strong design, active suspension, good handling
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket is too low, heavy components like the rear cassette, bottom bracket, wheelset. Water bottle placements are kind of awkward but most full suspensions are.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh hardtail with mag21 fork, DBR titanium hardtail with SID SL fork
Bike Setup:
I had the dealer change the stock judy for a SID SL he had on the wall, also had him change out the pedals for shimano 858, and I put my answer handlebar on also with controltech stem. My bike came with a good specialized BG saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is a review of the 2001 model (I couldn't find a column for it). I have gotta say I love this bike. It is so different from riding a hardtail, it actually makes me want to ride again. It just soaks up roots, ruts and bumps and allows me to stay seated (where you should be on a FS because standing up makes it bob). The suspension is very active and even helps on bumpy climbs. My advice to anyone still worried about the added weight is to take a long ride on one. I held out for a long time because I didn't want to give up my 22lb hardtail for a big heavy sponge-0-matic but I WAS A FOOL! My bike weighs about 26.25lbs with the way I have it setup but I will be putting lighter wheels, bottom bracket and rear cassette on in the future. I paid alot for this bike but it was early in the season and not much price reduction. Without me having the dealer switch the fork and pedals out I could have got it for $1650. I know thats more than most people paid for last years model but I think they had a price increase and they made some improvements. Improvements over last years are: (my brother has a 2000 FSR Pro) All sealed bearings, stronger rear suspension stuff, longer top tube. I can honestly say that I am probably faster on this heavy suspension bike than I was on my hardtail. I like technical singletrack and downhills and this bike is perfect for it. The rear shock is easy to adjust and you can control your rebound dampening. I think, for the money they could have spec'd a better component selection. The wheels are kind of heavy but they are sturdy. The bottom bracket is higher than last years bike but they should have made it higher. When you are cornering, the suspension sags and before you know it your pedal hits and over the handlebars go you. If you are looking to get into full suspension I highly recommend this bike. Also, it took a little time to get used to the oddly made Body Geometry saddle that came on the bike, but I'm glad I gave it a chance (My wife is going to want another child in the future). The cranks seem extremely stiff to me so I don't know if they changed them or if I am light enough they don't flex. I wonder if some of the people complaining about the flex are actually feeling the rear triangle flex cause it's not as stiff as a hardtail. I love my SID SL fork and would highly recommend changing out the Judy if your dealer will. Overall this is a great bike but for value, I think they could have done a little better with lighter components. I feel lucky the dealer was willing to trade out the pedals and fork for only $150 more because it would have cost me alot to upgrade them myself. My rating is 3 flamin chillis for value because of the high price and 5 flamin chillis for overall because this bike rules!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
william
a Cross Country Rider
from southampton, mass Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all fast single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
family cycle
Strengths:
handling, responsiveness, climbing,comfort of FS, fairly light weight
Weaknesses:
seat,pedals I personally feel the front forks are alittle too soft for big hits.
Similar Products Used:
hardtails
Bike Setup:
tossed the stock seat and replaced it with a Specialized mikinow wedge. repaced the pedals with Time ATAC carbon. Cut 1" off each side of handlebars.
Bottom Line:
Change the seat. Toss stock pedals, they are very difficult to get in and out of, especially hard to un clip when on a slow climb and you hit a wet tree root and go down quick, my first ride out I spent more time on the ground then on the bike. Since I upgraded to Time ATAC carbon pedals, have not had a problem un clipping . The bike climbs great, no noticable bobbing, ( I'm 180 lbs), you can hop over logs and obstacles with ease, corners great. Forks are too soft for big jumps,though this is not a downhiller, it does an excellent job for what it is , a XC. I have had lots of back problems, hardtails were killing me and I actually stopped mtn biking for about a 8 year period. With the FSR XC , blazing trails is sheer bliss again thanks to the body saving ride of the great rear air shock. I would highly recommend this bike for the most bang for the buck, and for those who are concerned about beating their body up, check out a full suspension bike, I sure you will be impressed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt Hiner
a Downhiller
from Santa Rosa,Ca. Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all of annadel state park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
santa rosa cyclery
Strengths:
As a relatively new rider,I must say,dollar for dollar,this has been a wonderful bike all around! Its comfortable on all the different trails I ride,it handles very well wether your climbing,on a flat road,or flying downhill. This is a bike designed to handle a variety of terrain very comfortably...and that it does! I love the full suspension!
Weaknesses:
The front derailluer is very sensitive & can have difficulty if not set just right...make sure you don't mess with it (like I did) unless you know exactly what your doing! The bottom bracket assembly did come a little loose a couple of times...so keep an eye on it-you might want to buy a hex wrench($5)in case you need to tighten it up. The fox shock has worked great,but do maintain the pressure,if it losses pressure,it starts to feel like your riding on a spring!
Similar Products Used:
I started off with a hybrid street/off road schwinn...so I didn't have alot to compare too... but I have been on some other bikes... and dollar for dollar...none have seemed to be as good a value!
Bike Setup:
standard fsr xc model... I just added a 2" riser bar
Bottom Line:
If your a beginner or intermediate rider that rides on a variety of trails...all I can say is this: this bike will handle all you throw at it! I've been riding it 3 to 5 times a week for the past year...and its held up fine. All I've done to it (aside from oiling it) is replace the tires & back brake pads...other than that,its been a very low maintenance bike!
In time,as I get more advanced and figure out which direction that I want to go with a bike (climbing vs downhill) I know that I'll want to upgrade to something more specific...I also know it'll probably cost me alot more money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stumpy
a Weekend Warrior
from the north side of town Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Local singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$657.00
Purchased At:
Local shop
Strengths:
Decent mix of parts along with a strong suspension design. Price Price Price
Weaknesses:
Like everyone else, that damn concrete seat. The frames seat tube, on my bike also is a pain. It seams that the weld came through just slightly making it extremely difficult to get the post in or out. Had to use a grinder and thin down the post. Finally, a flexy frame and no M2XX!!
Similar Products Used:
Fuel 90, Sugar 2 & 3 along with stumpjumper hardtail. Each were more expensive.
Bike Setup:
Bone stock
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that you can not beat this kind of deal. The hardtail version of this bike was almost a hundred bucks more. Only wish it could have been the trek with the great deal. Have not got to ride it hard yet due to the weather but look forward. All ready notice a lot of flex coming from the frame in the botom bracket area. Nothing you can really due to fix it though. Bike shifts as good as you adjust it to, so there should never be any problem that unless i wear it out. Same should go for everybike given a review, that is it will only work as good as the peerson who put it together adjusted things! Buy the bike if your looking for a good product that works well and has a strong background. Also get it if you like to rip it up. Will reveiw on performance at a later time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Specialized Sucks
a Weekend Warrior
from Where I go when I'm pissed!!! Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any this piece of crap can ride on!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Sports LTD
Strengths:
Nice looking bike with a smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
My damn chainstay broke on my 4th ride!!! I didn't even hit that hard. My LBS guy says they see this all the time with Specialized, whey the he** didn't they tell me that before I bought the damn thing!!? It's covered, I don't have to pay, but has anyone else had this problem???
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky deluxe, trek ?, GT ?
Bike Setup:
off the rack...
Bottom Line:
This sucks! I love my bike so far, but why did it break already? I thought it would be tough as nails, but my LBS guy says these bikes have a flaw in the chainstay where it meets the frame. Snapped mine like a chicken wing on a simple landing, and I only weight 173. This sucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Westford, Ma Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Belmont Wheelworks
Strengths:
Extreamly light and agile bike. I love the fox float, minimal bob. Smooth Manitou sxr (very adjustable). Nice rear XT derailer with quick shifting. No bar ends of raiserbars!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S. That's a very good thing, don't want to get stuck in a tree, do ya?
Weaknesses:
There are a few minor flaws that come with this bike. The pedals are not the best, (they come out sometimes, and they don't adjust right)the fork's a bit stiff for me, because I only weigh 125. I have so far noticed nothing wrong with the crand, but I do feel numbness in my ass after a long ride because of the seat.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2 (Oh yeah)
Bike Setup:
Stock so far, but it wouldn't hurt to up the pedals to time carbon (ohhhhhhhh shiney) (word up Tim)
Bottom Line:
Great bike fot the buck! This thing can race with the best, all it really needs is a good rider. Some components are shakey, but I am definately happy with my purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Belgium Date Reviewed: March 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Robeet Bike Style
Strengths:
The bike is light and fast. Price is low. Key components are well chosen (Manitou SX R, Fox Float, Shimano XT rear derailleur, Shimano LX shifters). Specialized components are not so good (see below). Brakes do well their job. Frame is well made. Rear shifting is quick and sweet.
Weaknesses:
All components along the line from pedals to saddle: saddle is very hard, seatpost is heavy, suspension link with bushings is flexy (replace it with a BETD one ;-), crankset is flexy, chainrings do not shift as well as Shimano ones, pedals are dangerous, rear shock is exposed to mud. Black color is nice but makes dirt very visible.
Similar Products Used:
My old Giant ATX 970 model year 1996.
Bike Setup:
Stock Specialized StumpJumper FSR-XC, model year 2000, XL size, with BETD link and dropout bearings (www.betd.co.uk, see my review of this excellent product)
Bottom Line:
By comparison with my old Giant ATX 970 (with CrMo frame!), the FSR-XC is lighter, more agile and comfortable. The FSR-XC is fast and climbs quite well, although I feel some bobbing that did not exist on the Giant. Actually, bobbing appears on the Specialized when you're hammering; if you decompose your pedaling movement, bobbing is lower. The Manitou SX R fork is very good and completely tunable. Its only weakness is poor reaction on high frequency bumps. I also have to replace the coil spring with a softer one because I am too light (140lbs or 63kg ;-). I do not have this problem with the rear shock (air spring). About suspension, don't forget to buy the BETD link and dropout bearings to increase travel and plushness. The bike is now totally different and definitely better. You can easily overcome the weaknesses of some Specialized components: I bought a saddle cover to make seat more comfortable (4$ ;-) and I made a little mudguard to protect the Fox Float (1$ ;-). More expensive upgrades will be pedals or crankset.
All in all, this bike is very good. If you are not a racer but a serious mountainbiker, this bike is for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hunter
a Cross Country Rider
from Baton Rouge Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hooper
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1599.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Shop-LSU
Strengths:
Light, fast, strong frame, quality components, excellent service, climbs like a mountain goat.
Weaknesses:
Pedals, seatpost, cranks, rear tire, bar, seat.
Similar Products Used:
GT, Klein, Homegrown, Sugar, Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Full XT(cranks, derailers, brakeset, BB, cassette, shifter pods), Ritchey Riser bar, ATAC pedals, WildGripper XL rear tire, Boa stem, Body-Geometry saddle and ergo-grips.
Bottom Line:
Scrap the pedals (ATAC is the only way to go), cranks, bar, seat, seatpost(Thompson Elite on the way), and, unless you only ride hardpack and pavement(shame on you), 86 the rear tire. I've seen several reviews that say to scrap both tires if you ride in softpack and mud, but personally, I love the front tire for all conditions. I'm 6'5" and ride fairly upright with a high center of gravity and have no problem carving tight corners with these fronts in all conditions(if you want mud, come to South Louisiana!).
As I stated 6 months ago, I stripped the cranks out on the third ride. I'm tired of having to stop riding to adjust my seat after a hard hit, so the Ritchey seatpost has got to go. Just sit on the seat and you won't need any other reason to get rid of it. The upgrades I made cost the bike a chile in the value dept.
Now that my whining is done, let me just say that this is the best $2400.00 (price after upgrades) that I could have spent. This bike takes anything you can throw at it and smiles ear to ear. The frame is indestructable, the Fox float is smooth as silk, and the fork(well, let's just say I'll be purchasing a Sid next) is adequate.
This bike is a pleasure to ride.....hard!!!
P.S. Did I mention that it climbs like a goat?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Van Nuys CA Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kentor
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Europa
Strengths:
great suspension,Light weight,Excellent climbing,comfortable cockpit,stable and precise steering.The best value around hands down!
Weaknesses:
seat!,tires,pedals, all just personal preference issues...everything on the bike is capable out of the box. Can't whine about every minor shortcoming on a $1200 bike
Similar Products Used:
98' fsr..2000 fsr enduro..and test rode virtually every bike within my $2000 price range
Bike Setup:
2000 fsr xc,hayes disc,lx splined cranks,xt splined BB,mavic X223 disc wheels,stiffer spring set and elastomers in fork,primo pedals,azonic pdw riser bars,fire xc pro tires.mrp x-rated link and dropout bearings kit on order.
Bottom Line:
I had $2k to spend on a bike and i still picked the FSR XC because of all the great reviews and my previous experience with speacialized..I chose the xc over the enduro because of the lighter weight and stiffer suspension,it might not be quite as smooth as the enduro for dh but launches much easier off jumps and is much easier to throw around.I have yet to have anything fail on the bike and i do ride it VERY hard!it is all about preventive maintenance.I just bought an enduro comp and still prefer my XC when i am climbing or hitting really technical sections or a good set of bmx jumps.All in all if you cant ride this bike well don't try to by a more expensive bike thinking it will make you ride better...just practice,practice,practice and ride with people who are better than you..This bike is perfectly capable for most!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$925.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light weight, good 3" of travel (front and rear), haven't noticed any bob at all, lots of fun, fast, handles well
Weaknesses:
The shimano chain broke the first time i rode it for more than 5 miles. The seat sucks, i took it off already, i thought that everybody who gave reviews on this bike and complained about the seat were a bunch of pansies, but they aren't, the seat is terrible. It also shifts a little sloppier than i expected at times. Sometimes it shifts smooth and great, and in certain gears it doesn't shift that well.
Similar Products Used:
never used a bike with suspension, just tested a few others, my last bike was a piece of sh** Trek 800
Bike Setup:
For now, i took of the clipless pedals and put on some bear claws until i get some biking shoes, and I threw on my
Bottom Line:
If you can get the same kind of deal that I did, it is an awesome deal. It has decent components and a great frame/suspension set up. It is a whole lot of fun to ride and it can climb and descend well. I am happy with the bike so far and would reccommend it to anyone who is looking for a great dual suspension bike to have fun with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Romano
a Racer
from Peekskill, NY Date Reviewed: February 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
North County Trailway in Westchester County
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
E/T Cycle Center
Strengths:
Overall it is a great bike, especially for $1200. Brakes work wonderful compared to my old piece of crap. Light frame. XT rear derailleur is great. The full suspension on this bike is very nice.
Weaknesses:
Lets see... The seat that comes with it (specialized evolution) is a pain in the ass, literally. crankset isnt the greatest and looks horrible.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
changes: i switch the seat to a specialized body geometry seat (any one of them will do), put on xt hubs, and i'm gonna change the crankset to xt cranks.
Bottom Line:
Great full suspension bike for a great price, what more could you ask for?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justin
a Cross Country Rider
from ontario,canada Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Strengths:
this bike climbs like a hardtail and descends very smoothly. The 2 suspensions work well together (manitou sx-r and fox float). Very good value, so worth the upgrades.
Weaknesses:
The pedals must be changed right away there really dangerous. Another good upgrade would be the brakes. Sugestion: front brakes: avid mechanical disk brakes back brakes: avid arch rival supreme The tires are good but get gloged up with mud when put too the test. The cranks work well but are just plain ugly.
Similar Products Used:
sugar 3
Bike Setup:
saving up for the upgrades but for now all the same stock that the bike came with.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike sfor the price and i would recomend it to anyone who is looking for a full suspension bike that is ready to race out of the box but that could use the upgrades. THIS BIKE IS A WINNER!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimbo
a Cross Country Rider
from Winona, MN Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all of 'em
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1550.00
Purchased At:
www.advcycle.com
Strengths:
From hardtale to FSR XC is an easy transition! This bike has the comfort of a full sus, AND climbs like a hardtale...even better!
Weaknesses:
Where's the rise handelbar? Stock front suspension is a joke. (sorry, I'm not a manitou fan) Immediately, I put on a SID XC. --which dropped the weight of the bike significantly. I would have liked a different crankset and bottom bracket, but the Strongarms and LX BB kept the price down. Something about the chain rubbing on your large ring when you're in the small cog... There's no adjustment for that...minus a few "spacers." And, Mavic 221 rims? nope. And, specialized hubs? nope. And, the specialized saddle? OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! I put on my favorite 9-year-old Vetta TT Tri-shock Saddle!
Similar Products Used:
None! I'm a hardtale rider...now converted to XC full suspension!
Bike Setup:
Stock except: LX hubs w/ mavic 517 wheelset (DT certified wheelbuilder!) -- for EXTRA stiffness and durability, Rock Shox SID XC front sus -- for a light, plush ride and Fox Float R/C rear shock -- for adjustibility. (you don't need a lockout on this bike! - bought more than I needed!) XTR front der., because nothing shifts better! Total weight is less than 25 pounds!
Bottom Line:
For ANYONE who's converting to full suspension, or just wants to try it, this is not too big a risk at all... But, it converted me completely to XC full suspension! Perfect for race AND recreation!
I will say that this bike CLIMBS like a monster! Mash hard up short loose, rocky climbs. You'll stay connected! Stay in the saddle (once you buy your Vetta Tri-Shock or Flite saddle) for everything minus a few rough DH sections. Dare I say SINGLE TRACK MASTERY! With a LX/XT group, it's Light-weight and reliable. You CAN NOT buy a better bike for the money. Without a doubt. RATING: 10 Flamin' Chilis!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Read
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hooper rd
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle shop
Strengths:
The shifters and derailers kick ass, so do the brakes.
Weaknesses:
The manitou forks could be better, like rock shox. Also the pedals suck those need to be replaced before you ride.
Similar Products Used:
GT i-drive
Bike Setup:
out the box
Bottom Line:
This is a really good bike for the money. It is sure alot better that a piece of sh!t cannondale or trek. The bike seems to drive itself on paved streets but who buys a stumpjumper and keeps it on the road. I also thought that it was going to be a little lighter but I can't complain at 26 lbs...especially when the comperable GT weights 33.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lloyd Calvert
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampton NB CANADA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
whipples trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
present from brother,
Strengths:
Race worthy out of the box Quick in corners hill climbing is outragous, downhill decents it like a free lesson from john tomac,suspension setup is a joke to do
Weaknesses:
specialized pedals,the brake shoes are to hard a compound certian conditions they work VERY bad
Similar Products Used:
trek Y carbon fiber
Bike Setup:
You have to cut the seat post,adjust the suspension
Bottom Line:
A damn good full rig XC bike,not a big drop bike or down hill,Just enough plush to keep you planted on earth on trail down hills,the rear shock keeps you hammering up hill with exceptional traction.it is also lighter than MOST full suspenion rigs. The hard part is to keep your head out of the clouds. NOW GO RIDING
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Biff salott
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashland,WI U.S.A. Date Reviewed: February 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all over
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
New Moon Ski and bike shop
Strengths:
very good bike for the price range.overall I love the bike so far for the riding I do.I'm moving up from a hardtail Diamond Back.there is no going back to hard tails for me!! it really is a nice bike.
Weaknesses:
the seat and post,I don't like how you are limited to height of the seat unless you cut the post like I did to Mine,the seat itself is very uncomfortable.the front shock is a bit soft as well and oh yes like everyone else says the pedals suck.After I make my few modifications to the bike it should be even better.
Similar Products Used:
Klein,Gary Fisher Sugar 3 and 4,and Trek Fuel 80.
Bike Setup:
Stock for the time being.
Bottom Line:
over all a very sweet Bike,I think it was a good deal for the price I paid for it ($1000.00)first thing I am going to do is change the pedals,Seat and post And probably switch to either XT or XTR crank set. I tried both the Gary Fisher Sugar 3 and 4 and thought that the FSR XC was the best value and it felt comfortable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Murray
a Racer
from Auckland New Zealand Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Woodhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
My small size is like a rocket uphill as good as my old Avanti hardtail.
Weaknesses:
I have found the bushes come loose very frequently
Similar Products Used:
Diamond Back XR6.Gt I-Drive
Bike Setup:
Easton CT2 carbon bars.Raceface grips(awesome). XTR shift lever combo. XTR V brakes. Rock Shox Sid SL(2000). Flite Ti saddle. XTR cranks BB Front and Rear derailleurs. 535 pedals. Panaracer fire xc 2.1. Shimano MTB wheelset. Fox Float RC rear shock.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike to upgrade well worth the money saved over the xc comp. cost the same after the upgrades as a comp would off the showroom floor and has much higher spec and is lighter. only upgrade left is a thompson post and then an M4 s works frame but I think that can wait a little while until I have some spare cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alfred Saulo
a Weekend Warrior
from Canyon Country, CA. Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
cheseboro canyon trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Components are okay, rear fox shock rocks
Weaknesses:
seat, tires and pedals
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback XR1
Bike Setup:
Stock except for 1 in. riser bars, Panaracer XC Pros tires, Time ATAC pedals and Specialized BG comp saddle
Bottom Line:
This is my first FS rig and it rocks compared to my old GT hardtail.... I can't believe how big a difference an FS rig can do for both climbing and of course, Downhilling... took it out to our local trail and even after a long hiatus from Mtn. biking, I felt pretty comfortable on this biike... this bike inspires confidence either grinding up a hill or bombing down a singletrack.... had to replace the tires right off the bat with panaracers xc pros.. stock tires was not grippy enough.. replaced handlebar with 1 in riser bars and that seems to get me to a more comfortable position... tried out the specialized clipless pedals and had a problem with the left one not releasing as easy as the right.... replaced that with time atacs.... jury is still out on the manitou sx-r fork... seems to be okay... just need to dial it in some more after a few more trail rides... adjusted the fox rear shock and now seems to be more responsive to bigger hits as opposed to smaller ones....overall, I'm very happy with the bike... it handles all the roughs and bumps of the trails with ease and allows me to stay in the saddle when I'm cranking it up the hills.... THIS BIKE ROCKS!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kiaran Ritchie
a Weekend Warrior
from Rocky Mountain House, AB Date Reviewed: December 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Baseline Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Extreme Sports
Strengths:
Great value! The fox float air shock is synchronized very well with the Manitou fork. They compliment each other on the climbs and suck up the bumps on those hairy descents. Great V-brakes.
Weaknesses:
Minor problems: no quick-release seat-post clamp (add 2 bucks to the price), tires are a little more slick on the gravel then my old bike. Major Problems: not enough travel. I don't know, I'm not really a XC rider at heart but I guess it depends on your style of riding. Personally, I found the suspension too stiff and short feeling. (nearly killed myself on a little 2 foot drop. sprained neck for two weeks)
Similar Products Used:
2000 Full Suspension Specialized Rockhopper FSR
Bike Setup:
Factory except for toe-clip pedals and a different seat post clamp.
Bottom Line:
This bike is for people who want to go out, ride around a semi-challenging trail, go down some descents and still be able pedal around town. Excellent feel and handling with a choice set of components. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank X
a Cross Country Rider
from LR AFB Date Reviewed: December 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any And All Of Them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This is one of those return reviews. See below.
Bottom Line:
Well simply put my Special ed rocks!!!!!! I did my up grades, Time pedals-LX hollow tech's-XT BB-CT2 bar-Panaracer Tires(by the way these tires kick @$$). Now I've been readin' that people say things break. That's life. Also rember that this is an XC racer styled bike not a freeride drop over the edge of hell bike. Take things beyond what the are meant for and bad things happen. By the way I've dropped off a four drop and not a thing happened to my bike. No brakes no bends no crumples. 170 lbs and it was fast as I could go. I've had more fun on this bike than on almost anything else I've ridden(those of the other gender not incl). Seriously if you want a good single track friend this is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonathan
a Weekend Warrior
from st helens england Date Reviewed: December 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Price, components, weight, ride
Weaknesses:
the seatpost, front mech, ? loose wheel spokes
Similar Products Used:
first full sus
Bike Setup:
stock, apart from synchros post, wtb cartridge pads
Bottom Line:
My first full sus, and it rides like a hardtail, which I like. Very tight and nimble, little bob when run with a stiff shock (160 lbs) maybe I need to run it softer for more travel. Ritchey post is terrible, single bolt posts need major tool hooliganism to stay tight,hence the synchros. Fitted shimano pedals in the shop, didn't want to try anything else. Needs some bar ends, and eventually goretexcables. Rear wheel out of true after first ride, maybe spoke tension too loose, maybe just the effects of taking some full sus type of lines at speed. Also it comes fitted with one of those horrible BB mounted f mechs, that flex when you change under tension, it really needs a proper mech fitting. I looked at 2001 marins, and 2000 cannondales, but for the price vs spec, the 2000 Spesh FSR beats the others handsdown. Rides superbly on the all terrain xc riding that I do, suits anyone wanting speed and comfort for all day rides. 5x5 for this bike, once the little niggles are sorted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Koslowski
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: November 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$970.00
Purchased At:
e-bay
Strengths:
Outstanding frame, light and virtually indestructable. Fox Float rear shock, works well with Manitou front shock, and enables an adjustable, versatile suspension. Shimano shifters/drivetrain work flawlessly. Some have argued that the handlebars are too wide, but I like this because it enables better control (besides, you can cut them down if you want). Most other components perform well (except those listed below).
Weaknesses:
Pedals are mediocre at best, it is often difficult to engage mechanism. Seat is uncomfortble (they sacrificed comfort for less weight), but OK w/cycling pants. Tires are sort of sketchy. Brakes could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar 3
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
I researched several bikes before I made a decision. I was looking for a versatile xc bike. I wanted something that isn't sluggish on pavement, but also comfortable for off-road riding. After a couple weeks, I narrowed my choices to the FSR-xc and the Sugar 3. Fortunatley, I was able to find great deals on both bikes, so price wasn't an issue. I decided on the FSR because it is more versatile and comfortable. The 3.5" of travel offers a relatively comfortable ride (though not plush) on rough terrain, but can be set firmer for smoother pavement. When the suspension is set correctly, there is virtually no bob (it climbs almost as well as a hard-tail). The Sugar is faster, but less comfortable because it has 2.5" of travel. Also, the rear shock isn't externally adjustable, so readjusting the pressure is a pain. The Sugar is an excellent choice for racers, but for recreational riders like myself it isn't versatile enough. It may be a better choice for larger riders (I've heard that the FSR-xc bobs for heavier riders) because of the genesis geometry (frame design). For someone of my build (5'8", 155 pds), the genesis geometry didn't seem to make much difference.
Overall, the FSR-xc is an excellent value. It does have a few minor short comings, but those are easily rectified with upgrades. It compares favorably to bikes that cost almost twice as much. Note: The overall rating I'm giving this bike is compared to all xc bikes, regardless of price. There are better bikes overall, but the FSR-xc is one of the best (if not the best) value in the xc class.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Gilbert
a
from UK Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Brodick Castle, Aran
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Thomases
Strengths:
Light, Nice Ride, Price, Looks great
Weaknesses:
Stock bars are far too wide. SX-R Fork is rubbish compared to the PACe RC36 I have on my Orange hard-tail. Saddle is too narrow. Pedals are difficult to clip. No integral rear disc mount (They seem to have rectified that for 2001.
Similar Products Used:
First Full Suss
Bike Setup:
Stock apart from Titec118 bars and a WTB Ti saddle.
Bottom Line:
Seems like a great first full suss'er. I do find it rather short compared to my Orange but it make up for it by taking the bite out of the trail. I'm planning on changing the Horst link for a BETD item, and transfering the PACE forks from the Orange. Will probably replace Avid's with Shimano components at some stage.
In summary, great frame nice wheels, not convinced by the front forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Leicester Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Coed-Y-Brenin (not the MBR)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Leisure-Lakes, Daventry
Strengths:
Excellent cross-country full-susser. Light-weight. Brilliant traction and climbing.
Weaknesses:
The bit they take out of those cut-out saddles has been added to this one.
Similar Products Used:
Lots of hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Standard at the moment.
Bottom Line:
If you want a go anywhere cross-country machine that goes up as well as down,look no further. It will outclimb hardtails on loose, technical climb because the back wheel will stay on the ground no matter what. Because of the limited travel, it does not become a no-brainer downhill. You still have to pick your lines, only quicker than normally. Top value. Even better as an end of season sell-off reduced by £300 (25%)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Emmanuele Lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson, WY Date Reviewed: October 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
TK Lawless Park - SW Michigan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Hoback Sports
Strengths:
A lot faster than my steel hardtail! At the price I paid, I can afford to ride it hard a couple seasons, then get a new bike when the suspension designs get better, lighter, and cheaper!! Fully-active suspension feels nice while braking. Climbs rough singletrack very well.
Weaknesses:
Travel could be increased. No integrated rear disc brake mounts. Bobs on smooth fireroads and pavement. Wheel are pretty weak.
Similar Products Used:
Test rode a Cannondale Jeckyll, KHS steel softail, and a Gary Fisher Sugar, all with comparable components. The FSR seemed like a better buy, more of an all-arounder. My last bike was a steel hardtail, but the frame broke. Before that I had a 1992 Full Suspension Proflex
Bike Setup:
Terry Fly Saddle Shimano SPD 737 Pedals Sun Buzz Wheelset I think I'll cut 2 inches off the stock 26" handlebars
Bottom Line:
I like the design in that I can ride faster downhill, with pretty minimal bob on the uphill. Gary Fishers' Sugar and the KHS softail had less bob, but wasn't as plush on bumps. It was lighter than the Jeckyll in this price range. I would have like to test the Santa Cruz Heckler, but couldn't in my area. At the price I paid, I can afford to ride it hard a couple seasons, then get a new bike when the suspension designs get better, lighter, and cheaper. Kinda bummed I didn't get a FSR sooner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred Garth
a Weekend Warrior
from Peterson, UT, USA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ogden, UT "Bench"
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bingham Cyclery, Layton, UT
Strengths:
Components, Appearance, Price
Weaknesses:
None that I've found so far.
Similar Products Used:
Trek "Y", Specialized FSR Enduro Sport.
Bike Setup:
Hayes Discs, Manitou Fork, Fox Air Rear Shock, XTR 9 Speed Rear, all other LX.
Bottom Line:
I LOVE THIS BIKE! I've been into Mtn. Biking (mostly single track, semi-technical) for ten years, all hard-tail, and this bike kicks holy A$$! I have a '97 Mongoose, Carbon-Fiber hard-tail, and although it's been a terrific ride, I'll never touch it again! I time my rides, and my favorite trail in Ogden, UT always took between 54 and 60 minutes to complete on my Mongoose. The very first time I took the FSR out, I rode the trail in 49 minutes! Killer!! I cut the bars down to 24", added bar-ends, took my Bontrager "package-saver" seat off my Mongoose and put it on the FSR, and also swapped my old SPD's for the Specialized "SPD compatable" pedals it came with. I was fortunate to find a "test bike" that came with Hayes disc brakes, and I picked it up for less than $1,400. It's the best cheese I've ever spent on this sport. I recommend this bike to anyone looking for a sweet ride for all conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricko
a Weekend Warrior
from Hell Date Reviewed: September 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame, some componets,
Weaknesses:
Seat post, Break levers
Similar Products Used:
Too many women to name!
Bike Setup:
Stocked
Bottom Line:
This scott guy below me is a JERK and does not know what he is talking about. You can't tell much about a bike by sitting on it at the store which scott did and then saw the price which he could not afford if he saved up for 10yrs. This bike kicks ASS, I don't have to tell you this, I'll let the pros do the talking. Go to this site and see for yourself http://www.mtbiking.com/boy/801to1500.shtml This bike was voted the best bike for 2000 between the $800 - $1500 price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis P.
a
from Miami,FL Date Reviewed: September 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything with big drops,difficult single track and fast rolling type of terrain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Bike Tech
Strengths:
FSR 4 link suspension, very light and extremly fast, great looks and a price that is hard to beat for the performance you get.
Weaknesses:
The pedals just plain S*%K, tires dont climb too well on dry loose dirt, seat is very uncomfortable, brakes dont work in wet weather, but i'll tell you how to fix all these problems in a second.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jekyl, GT I-Drive, Gary Fisher Sugar, Giant XTC
Bike Setup:
Race Face Stem, Next LP cranks, LP carbon riser bars and seatpost, Selle Italia Flight Gel seat with Ti rails, Altek Billet brake levers, Billet Specialties rear brakes, Avid mechanical Disk up front on Mavic Crossmax Disc wheel, Panaracer Pro XC 2.1 tires, Time ATAC Carbon pedals, XTR rear deraileur, and last Salsa QR Ti skewers and seatpost QR.
Bottom Line:
I read all the magazine reviews as well as the reviews here on MTBR on all the bikes, but all this does'nt mean diddly until you actually ride the bikes. Let's face it the reason we ride dual suspension bikes is because we want our bodies to take less of a pounding when we ride, and in turn we ride faster due to the fact that dual suspension allows us to float over obsticles (if you know how to ride). The FSR 4 link suspension with the Horst link is still the standard by which all others are judged. If this is not the case then why would Intense, Giant, Specialized, etc. use it. This bike runs like a bat out of hell, it corners like its on rails, absorbs hits with ease and with the price being so low it allows for you to make the upgrades to have the set up of components you want. After all the upgrades i can honestly say that this bike is a dual suspension biker's dream machine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hunter Medlen
a Cross Country Rider
from Baton Rouge, LA, USA Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
XC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1699.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Shop
Strengths:
Weight, handling, climbing, Fox Float, rear derailer
Weaknesses:
CRANKS!!!, brakes, seat, pedals, Manitou forks come with light springs
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra, GF Sugar, GT I-drive
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to full XT drivetrain, Body Geometry seat, Ritchey bar, XT brakes, BOA stem, Oury grips
Bottom Line:
This is the last bike you will buy for a long time. Climbs almost as well as a hardtail. Tires stay planted, even over roots at the top of a climb. The fully-adjustable Fox rear shock is a dream (no need for a lockout if properly adjusted).
My bike came with a Ritchey seatpost(sorry to you guys who got the bad ones).
THE CRANKS SUCKED!!! I stripped them out on the third ride. I do, however weigh 243 lbs and can hammer out some serious torque.
After upgrading to full XT, I can't imagine buying another bike. I like the looks and compliments on the trail.
My biggest complaint is about the Manitou fork. As stated above, it comes stock with cushy springs and Manitou took their own sweet time(5 weeks to be exact) getting a heavy set to the shop. In the meantime, I endo'd at the bottom of a 30' drop and fractured my shoulder after the forks bottomed out and I missed a hard turn. Thanks Manitou. The guys at Specialized were, however, sympathetic and sent me a T-shirt, a water bottle, a messenger bag, and some other cool stuff to ease my recovery.
All in all, I'd buy this bike again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DoctorJD
a Weekend Warrior
from Eatonton, Ga. Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
weight, handling, looks.
Weaknesses:
tossed the pedals and grips before the first ride. Seat is okay at best.
Similar Products Used:
98' Voo Doo Bantu
Bike Setup:
Speedplay Frogs, ODI Lock-on grips, Ti-tech flat bar (no bar ends) cat-eye enduro computer, otherwise stock.
Bottom Line:
I absolutely adore this bike. It does it all. Climbs like a champ, very comfortable decender, carves up tight singletrack like a hot knife through butter. I can stay in the saddle twice as long with this baby as apposed to my hardtail. Tossed the stock pedals in favor of my old Speedplays. I toyed around with the bar setup for a while before settling on a flat bar. I had 11/2" risers on it for the first few months but felt like I was riding a "chopper". I personally haven't had the crank problems that I read of in the previous posts. Tires work great in hardpack to intermediate terrain. I honestly can't complain too much about this bike with the exception of the nine-speed stuff. Not a fan of the nine-speed. Otherwise I would recommend this bike for anybody looking for an entry-level FS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis Jones
a Racer
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Intermediates and above
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
Bike N Hike, Beaverton OR
Strengths:
Lightweight, the Specialized Comps stick well, Overall feel of the bike is comfortable, it climbs killer, and its very agile. LX/XT, Avid SD 1.9 good set-up for the money.
Weaknesses:
9-speed very finicky, bushings, pedals are stiff, and the seat sucks.
Scrap the seat, practice with the pedals, either cut the bars or get new ones. Other than that the bike is good, It loves to rail down the hills and carve corners. Personally, its the best bike I've ever ridden. The Manitou's need to be watched also, they seem to be very tempermental. People who like to ride serious XC should check this bike out. Buy it, change a few things and *&%$#@ ride it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy .
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Date Reviewed: August 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
blackstone.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
pretty much everthing, it all seems to work well as it is. I love the Manitou SXR and the Fox Float and the LX/XT works very well .
Weaknesses:
none so far except for the big front chainring, it's junk, i broke a tooth one week after i had it and the pedals are a little bit hard to engage.....other then that i totally love this bike!!!!
Similar Products Used:
99 Specialized FSR Comp
Bike Setup:
stock except for a ZOOM carbon riser bar
Bottom Line:
this is my first full suspension and i must say it is heaven compared to my old hardtail i am loving every minute i'm spending on it it is a very good value dual and is a very plush bike. i would recommend it to anyone who wants a nice plush daul that you can still ride up hills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A Trail Nut
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
gnarly mangled ones
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1549.00
Purchased At:
Freewheeling Bikes
Strengths:
Lightweight, great looks, nimble, SX-R forks
Weaknesses:
heavy seat post, steel chain rings [middle and granny]
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz super light, cannondale, giant nrs ds1
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Crow bars, Panaracer Fire Pros 2.1, everything else is stock
Bottom Line:
I recommend this bike for anyone new to the sport or looking to upgrade from their hardtail or current FS. I have read other reviews regarding weaknesses in the cranks, but I have found the Strongarm II's to work quit well. I will admit that the pedals do have a steep learning curve, but I have gotten used to them over the last few months [no problems now]. This bike is light and climbs as well as most hardtails and is pretty quick [not much bobbing at all...almost zero]. If you are looking for a full suspension rig take a peek at this one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Waterloo Hydro Cut
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Strengths:
Light weight, fork, quick handling, brake levers
Weaknesses:
26" handle bar?! poorly designed pedals, doesn't come with a pump for the rear air shock, wheels went out of true after the first ride
I was looking for a highend hardtail in the CDN$1500 to replace my Trek 6000, which I gave to my brother. I tried the Trek 8000, Stumpjumper M2 then the Trek VRX300. I had no intention of getting a FS bike but I gave the VRX a try anyway. Whereas the 8000 and the M2 were both light and fast handling bike, the VRX was heavy (28lbs). The components were more like the ones on the 7000. I didn't like it. I came back to the store a week later to find out all the bikes' prices have been dropped by $100. I tried the FSR-XC and liked it, the components were on par with the M2, but it was $300 more than either the 8000 or the M2. Because it was the end of the model year, I got another $150 off on top of the $1700 sale price, for a total of $610 off the sticker price. I was an offer I simply couldn't refuse. So I painfully handed over my VISA card.
I immediately took it off-road and found the FSR to be quick-handling and forgiving because of the rear suspension. It is also lighter than my 6000.
I found the handle bar a few inches to wide that I had the shop cut it down. The pedals caused a few silly falls because they were rubbing against the sole of my Sidis. There was also no float whatsoever. I should've taken the $40 discount the store offered me!
At 150lbs, I haven't had any problems with the cranks yet. The chainrings seem to handle shifting just fine. We'll see. The wheels were wobbling a bit after the first ride, I simply trued them back. They are not perfect, but they aren't rubbing against the brakes either. The shock plush and stiff torsionally. It is also fully adjustable and light.
It's definitely 5 for value mostly due to the CDN$1550 I paid for and 5 its performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis, IN Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Knobstone, Story, IN
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame, Forks, weight, price
Weaknesses:
seatpost, front deraileur, tires
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR 1500 Diamond Back Gary Fisher Sugar 2
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Quick handling like my hardtail, can set up the rear suspension hard like I like it. Jumps great, hope it holds up for the long haul. Seatpost slips, tires suck. So far this bike kicks ass.
200 lbs and 6ft-2in. Ex. BMXer. Large frame. The bike came stock with a fork setup that Manitou says they don't provide. Orange spring with blue elastomer. $29 for the firm setup before the first ride and things were great.
Before you buy any suspension bike make sure you download the tuning manual for the forks and rear shock to make sure they are set up for your weight/riding style Before you leave the shop. These tuning manuals are invaluable to getting that perfect setup.
I like to jump alot and haven't bottomed yet, still making adjustments for that perfect compromise.
Not the cushest ride in the world but I was looking for a XC sprinter jumper and this is it.
Buy the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Caledon, Canada Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mansfield
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great frame, Fox shock, Manitou fork
Weaknesses:
Pedals, Chain rings, rear QR skewer, front derailleur
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup:
Stock plus upgrades to Fox Float R shock, XT rear cogs, Time ATAC pedals, WTB saddle
Bottom Line:
The bike handles like a dream in single track and bumpy descents. I find it climbs as well as my Rocky Mountain hard tail, with very little bobbing if you stay in the saddle. I've had problems with the rear QR skewer not holding the wheel properly and the front derailleur (Shimano LX) not shifting into the small chain ring under light load. I've also bent the middle chain ring (replaced it with a Race Face machined ring - no more problems). Specialized tech support helped to sort out my derailleur and skewer problems with no hassle. I bought this bike for $1699 Canadian due to a special purchase deal by the distributor and it is absolutely unbeatable at this price. I would recommend this bike to anybody interested in a full suspension cross country rig (I would also recommend upgrading some of the weaker components asap). Unlike some of the reviews I have read, I find the Specialized tires perform well in everything except sand and wet mud.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sngltrackmaniac
a Cross Country Rider
from gainesville,FL Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
powerlines
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
lightweight, 4-bar linkage, wicked looks
Weaknesses:
crankset, BB, pedals, seatpost
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike, it glides through single track like no other...climbs like a beast. I like the adjustibility of the rear shock (although it is a pain if you don't have your own pump for the shock...to many frequent trips to the bike shop). The Manitou fork is awesome..it does take getting a little accustomed to...it feels to plush a first...but it has held up great, both on the big hits and small ones...adjusting the Manitou is easy and the Microlube ports are a plus. Once you get the suspension tuned to your desires its performance becomes even better. The first few rides are a bit different every time until it is tuned. I definetly recommend this bike to anyone who loves cross-country singletrack. If you can afford it and like the red color I recommend getting the FSR XC comp instead. Personally I prefer the black. I plan to upgrade soon. Try to get rid of the cranks,pedals, BB, seatpost(crap) before it leaves the bike shop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate,New york, USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Super lightweight frame, also strong, Great fork and rear shock, 4 inches travel each. Perfect for cross country or free ride for riders beginner to expert
Weaknesses:
Hard to get used to at first because it's so light if your used to a heavy bike. Not for riders over 220 pounds
Similar Products Used:
FSR, GT XCR 4000, Four Banger
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-R fork, Fox Float in the rear, Frame made of M-2 Strongarm 2 crank set etc...
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike overall! Great components, super smooth ride, good price. IT'S AWESOME!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John McCormick
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: July 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Don
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
First and foremost: The frame is a gem, it will last years and years; handling is amazing on this bike, comparable to a stiff hardtail at times. Manitou SX-R is the best option for this price point, nice fork overall. Decent wheelset, Mavic/DT is always nice and the Specialized hubs seem sturdy enough. For myself, the price of the bike as well. I got it for $400 off the reg price. $1699 CAN.
Weaknesses:
The crank is a piece of s**t. No kidding. More on this later. Seat(butt numbing) and seatpost (made by Kalloy) are comparable to products found on bikes that cost half as much. Grips of course are garbage. No disc mount on rear stay. The Aheadset by Tange is pretty budget as well, considering it was locking up after a couple wet rides.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8500, GT Zaskar, was planning to but one of these bikes until I took the FSR XC for a test ride. I was convinced in my 1/2 hour test ride.
Bike Setup:
Stock setup. Since I read the review of this rig here before buying it, changed the following before I left the shop: changed pedals to Shimano SPD 515's; upgraded tires to Specialized Team Tires (K); and the Avid 10 brakeset to LX V's with the parallel-push mechanism. I think these upgrades were worth the extra dough. Took out Stock Shimano pads for Red Kool-Stop V Brake pads. Yeti Speed Grips.
Bottom Line:
The crank: one of the bolts on the granny ring kept slipping out, this was due to the crank threads being stripped!! Even before I used the bike that much!! So I took it too the shop hoping they could give me a new crank(this is under warranty thank god); they were busy and I didn't want to leave my bike there. Staff at shop advised it was okay to ride with 3 bolts. Wrong. Another one stripped out, lost on the trail and I bent the chainring. Pain in the ass. Shame on Specialized for putting something of such shoddy construction on a otherwise excellent bike. If you are planning on buying this bike (you should; you won't be disappointed) swap out the crank for an LX or XT before you leave the shop. With a couple easy (and not-too-expensive) upgrades, this is a easily raceable bike; so far I am impressed with this miracle of modern bicycle technology. It has saved my butt many a time on the trail and when I use it as an urban assualt vehicle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Fisher
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico Date Reviewed: June 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Yo mama's
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
FS, great climber
Weaknesses:
The Crankarms break!!! Look down at your crankarm where it welds onto the frame, and count the days until it breaks! I have 3 buddies with this bike, 2 of them have broken their bikes at the exact same place after a few months of hard riding.
Similar Products Used:
tons of em.
Bike Setup:
blah blah.
Bottom Line:
Specialized is a quality company, but don't get this bike!***warning it breaks at the chainstay weld!!!!***
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clifford Bowers
a Racer
from Gainesville Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
razorback florida
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Lightweight full suspension.
Weaknesses:
poor craftsmanship, serious biopacing and bobbing, especially on climbs.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra Pro
Bike Setup:
Stock demo bike
Bottom Line:
Bike climbs o.k. but need to get used to biopacing and bobbing effects. Need to adjust riding technique to counteract possibility of being catapulted. Suspension oscillates several times after hitting bumps.
I prefer the suspension setup on Klein Mantra Pro. That bike soaks up the big hits without so much spring action.
Overall craftsmanship of frame and suspension linkages seems a little cheap. I have my doubts how the bike would hold up after heavy use and time.
Overall, a somewhat disappointing ride. Cross this one of your list.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Hansen
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Beach CA USA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
choyo&rocket
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Attractive looks, price, bang for the buck. Great weight for FS bike and Specialized reliability.
Weaknesses:
Seatpost height adjustment limited. Pedals hard to hook up.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
All stock components. Nice choices by Specialized though!
Bottom Line:
I've been riding Specialized for ten years now and for no reason, I was looking at all sorts of bikes. But when I asked the sales people, whether they sold Specialized or not, they all told me that it's still one of the best ways to go. It is my first full supspension and it's a blast. The price, the weight, the handling uphill and down, are all what I've come to suspect from this company. I find myself pushing myself harder and faster everyday with new confidence and this bike answers with everything it's got. I also seem to be falling off a lot too! Sometimes I think the bike knows when to turn before I do! Anywho, to keep this short, I'm no component freak, but I do know that this bike's pretty well set up. So, and I'd like to quote Ferris Bueller, "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up...driving it is so choice."
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Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from LittleRock AFB Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything with a challenge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast, Smooth, Holds a tight line on the corners, comfortable ride on the rough stuff
Weaknesses:
The pedals......The pedals.....did I mention the pedals. Will be going to TIME's SOON. Could use better Cranks too. I wouldn't truly say the tires are a Weakness they roll fast and hold tight in their environment but don't hit too much mud.
Similar Products Used:
First Dulie, tried a few others but was sold on the FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock at present but will be going to LX Crank set/XT BB/Easton CT-2 bar/ TIME ATAC
Bottom Line:
I've ridden several hardtails for three years and decided to go Dual this year. I picked up the 2000 FSR xc after looking into several others(Giant xtc...Schwinn Rocket...Cannondale Raven) and though these others are fantastic bikes I feel I made the right choice. The FOX shock has shown no sign of problems though I do get the slight wheeze noise during cycling. No leaks or bursts even after some heavy drops and flights. Manitou SX-r is great. I would have liked to see all Shimano drive train but oh well. I love this bike and would recommend it to anyone. Decends like a beast and ascends like a rocket. Only four flames for Value change the pedals,crankset and bb for a 5
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Submitted by
Phil Tregaskis
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
lorne-angahook national park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great all round XC mount - inspires confidence!
Weaknesses:
* Tyres are junk * cranks are very average * no sus pump! * Spec'd pedals (yuk!) * Gear set-up is very sensitive and takes a bit of adjustment to get it just right
Similar Products Used:
last year's model - 2000 has minor improvements over it
Bike Setup:
* 20mm risers and shortie bar ends * rear shock bootie - a must * shimano SPD's
Bottom Line:
My first dualie and I'm not disappointed! At age 42, I'm still after the rush but also want a back and kidneys that still work. After riding my regular riding buddies' '99 model and looking around at similarly set-up mounts, I really couldn't go past this beast for value and riding pleasure. Still playing around with sus set-ups both front and rear and can't wait until I chew the tyres and hence justify their replacement - they suck. Agree with all comments relating to crank flex and pedal clearance but still love the overall offering.
I hadn't been riding seriously for a few years and upgraded from an old original Fisher Pro-Caliber (still "the bike" in lots of ways) to a Giant 870 about mid last year. Wouldn't even contemplate moving back from a dualie now as the purchase has given me a new lease of riding life. Can't say the "trouble and strife" is all too happy about me wanting to continously disappear for another spin though but, heh, life's too short ain't it?!
I find the bike responsive and able to handle just about anything. It's particularly strong through twisty, corrugated single track and is really easy to put into the air over medium sized obstacles - just watch that pedal clearance though! I'm also mildly surprised at how little the bike "pogos" or zaps effort under load - suspension set-up is critical though and and at 6' and 83kgs I'm running the rear Float at aroound the 170psi mark.
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Submitted by
Lambfree
a Cross Country Rider
from Montgomery,AL Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Swayback
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Strong,Durable components,Very fast,Great handling,Overall great value
Weaknesses:
220 gram handlebar/Bent after hard fall Comp tires need alot more knobbies
This bike has been a cross country dream for my 6'4 200lbs frame. The FOX Float shock has performed without a flaw and has been a caddilac on long 20+mph downhills while always hooking up when needed for steep uphills. I swear I never thought a rock fest downhill could be so sweet of a ride. Although the rebound of the shock has thrown me off the beatin path two or three times but we'll just chalk it up to driver error.The Manitou Sxr has to be the best shock I've ridden .It has performed in every situation with surprising results. For the frame you get for the price it's worth every penny. A few minor upgrades and you'll have a light weight performer ready for anything XC.Five Thangs All Around
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Submitted by
Nuno Peixinho
a Cross Country Rider
from Anadia, Portugal Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000
a) This bike is fast everywhere doing everything due to its light weight, and very active suspension that is also very good at isolating pedalling forces from suspension movement. b)Specialized improved some of the components (bottom- bracket, crankset) that now deliver solid performance. c)The brakes are amazing, specially since they are the cheapest that Avid makes. The ManitouSXR is also very good, namely in adjustability and stiffness. d)Specialized is very weight concerned (just check the hubs), so I don´t understand why they use these pedals. The rear tyre simply sucks at delivering traction. e)One should really try this bike before buying it since the sizing is really on the short side. f)Although the bike is very light (lighter than a Xtc or an equivalent Sugar) it still has room for not very expensive weight improvements( it has LX cassette and bottom bracket; 220gr handlebar and heavy Ritchey seatpost). g)If you are a racer consider the Xtc, namely buying the frame and building it to be light. The FSRXC still bobs a litlle when you stand and sprint. g)If you are not a racer consider you should strongly consider this bike: It delivers satisfaction. It trully PUTS A SMILE IN YOUR FACE.
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Submitted by
Andy Ege
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Subrok, Sedona, AZ
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Overall, for the bucks, one helluva bang Fox rear shock very reliable
Weaknesses:
soft front fork; it's adjustable, however, so that helps LX/XT component group
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500 (not all that 'similar' tho...)
Bike Setup:
pretty much stock so far; ungraded toXTR rear deraileur and XT shifter pods so far comes with Manitou SX-R front fork, Fox FLOAT R rear shock, hordes of Specialized parts
Bottom Line:
I upgraded to a full suspension after trying to keep up with 'em time trialing up in Sedona, AZ. When they're set up properly, they just seem to *float* down the trail, and after I got my FSR dialed in, it was no exception. The good: light-weight race worthy frame with decent components at a reasonable price. I'm 6'3", 205 pounds, I love to bomb downhill, and this bike--and yes, even the Fox rear shock--has handled it all with class. I've experimented with how much air to keep in the shock--b/c that's the only adjustment you can make with this model--and have been pleasantly surprised to find that it not only takes a beating, but it keeps you hooked with the trail. Mine hasn't leaked during or in-between rides, tho I've read that others have had that problem. Maybe Fox got it right with the 2000 line. The bad: all those Specialized parts. The cranks come to mind right off the bat. They do flex when you're hammering, and those pedals--not to bad now, but I'm glad I have access to Novocaine and steri-strips, cause they had a *steep* learning curve. The front fork is also a little soft, but if you ramp the pre-load up, while it'll still be soft for the first 50% or so of travel, it then stiffens up to keep you from bottoming out and getting killed on drop-offs. The ugly: You're getting a world class frame, no doubt, but with a mediocre LX/XT component group. But: you can always upgrade components as they break or wear, while you're stuck with the frame. I got this bike with just that in mind, and haven't been disappointed. The >sublime
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