Submitted by
Andrew Weston
a Weekend Warrior
from United Kindom (South East)
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2004
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.
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!
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).
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Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004
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.
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.
Bike Setup: manitue black elite and fox rc. And new tires.
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Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton CA. USA.
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003
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.
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.
Similar Products Used: Giant ATX-970 full suspension bike.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Easton Carbon Riser Bar, seat and Shimano PD-545 pedals.
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Submitted by
Miles Spruell
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterford, MI
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002
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...
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...
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.
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Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Watertown
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
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.
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.
Favorite Trail: Foxboro, B-land,Viet, lexington, etc...all good
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At: Wheelworks, Belmont
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.
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Submitted by
mikechid
a Weekend Warrior
from bay area, california
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002
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.
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...
Weaknesses: saddle, rear suspension 'sticks' after awhile, pedals difficult at first, tires.
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).
Similar Products Used: Sugar 3, Diamondback hybrid.
Bike Setup: Stock, except saddle (replaced w/Selle Italia).
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Submitted by
Big John
a Weekend Warrior
from Blue Bell, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2002
Strengths: Great bike For the money
Weaknesses: Cranks, Seat Post, Suspension bushings, 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.
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,
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Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Mansfield, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2001
Strengths: Smooth suspension, brakes, shifters work quite well.
Weaknesses: None noticed yet, new bike.
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.
Similar Products Used: Specialized S-Works M4, GT I-Drive 3.0
Bike Setup: Stock, LX/XT, Manitou SX-R fork.
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Submitted by
Greg Dell
a Weekend Warrior
from Ladera Ranch, CA USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
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.
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.
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
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
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
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Submitted by
Eric Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Cinti, Oh.
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001
Strengths: Great frame geometry, good value
Weaknesses: hard seat
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.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Sugar, Klein Mantra
Bike Setup: Stock. About to get new seat and Truvativ cranks
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Submitted by
Ken Burke
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio 43220
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Strengths: Frame, Great Climbing full susp. Bike, light weight,
Weaknesses: Rear Hub, pedals,
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.
I have found both of these bikes for sale.... both in the XL size and was curious at to which bike everyone thought I should go with. Here are the specs of each bike.
2000 Spec Read More »
xtr components, manitou front shock, fox rear, good shape. Ive never owned a Specialized...the price its being offered at seems like a good deal for a backup ride...
forgive my Read More »
I just bought a med 2000 stumpjumper fsr xc on the net and I should have it here by next weekend. However, when I asked the fella selling it what the top tube lengh is, he shudder Read More »
Need some help here. I've owned this bike since new, but am just getting back into riding after a few years off. I know there are aftermarket links available to improve the rear Read More »
