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Submitted by
NoSanBa
a Cross Country Rider
from Chandler, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hawes | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | South Mountain Cycles | | Strengths: | Efficient, plush, relatively light. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | SC Superlight | | Bike Setup: | 2002 LocoMoto (new front triangle design, black medium), RS Duke SL 100mm, mostly XT components, XTR brakes, SRAM shifters, MonkeyLite bar, Mavic/XT wheelset, 959 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a "first impression" review, I've only ridded the bike twice on Desert Classic - so I'll update after I'm able to ride on a more rigorous trail.
I was a bit nervous about buying a single pivot frame, but the LM has put me at ease. VERY efficient climber, especially in the 4" travel mode. Fox Float L shock is very plush.
The frame itself is a piece of art. The anodized finish is beautiful.
For my first ride I had a '99 Manitou SX-R 80mm fork installed, it rode OK. After I installed the Duke SL 100, the bike felt much more balanced.
More feedback after I get more rides in.
Oh, thanks to Bob at SMC for the great build. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Salami
a Weekend Warrior
from South Florida
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Markam Park(FL),Westwoods(CT) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | 123.Bikes | | Strengths: | Beautiful looking bike. Top notch craftsmanship. Lightweight and strong. | | Weaknesses: | The frame recall. The finish is so nice looking it hurts when it gets scratched. | | Similar Products Used: | 01 Schwinn Rocket 88,02 Titus Switchblade | | Bike Setup: | 01 Loco-Moto(M),XT cranks,shifters,XTR M953 GS,Thompson stem and post,Easton CT2 riser bars,King headset,Hope Mini's and Sport hubs,Mavic 317's,02 R.S. Psylo SL Disc,IRC Mythos XC | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this bike never having seen a Titus in person. The reviews here were great about the bike and the people at Titus were extremely helpful. I spoke to Alan at Titus before I purchased the bike. I asked him a bunch of questions and he asked me a lot himself. After asking about riding style,height,etc. he told me exactly what to buy. Size frame,stem,style of fork(even how many spacers under the stem),etc. I ordered my bike and had it 10 days later. I almost passed out as I pulled it out of the box! A work of art. I took this bike to PA,CT, and FL. This bike rode and performed exactly like Alan said it would. I continued to ride the frame even after the recall. I didn't back off at all and it never failed me once. Finally in June 02 a new frame which I used as an oppurtunity to purchase a SB. Bottom line: this is a great frame. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a First Rate single pivot frame from a Top-Notch company. Lots of versitility in bike setup. Feel free to contact if you would like more info. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Mann
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | none since December | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | online - frame only | | Strengths: | At this point NONE! BEWARE! You may be VERY frustrated by this company and this frame. | | Weaknesses: | I sent the frame back for recall in December . . . It's May 18th and they still have not returned the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | K2s, Jamis, and others | | Bike Setup: | Right now it's in a box at the Titus factory where it has been for nearly 6 months! | | Bottom Line: | This has to be the WORST customer service I have ever seen. I purchased this bike to replace two lesser bikes. The company recalled the frame and that's the last I've ever seen of my bike. I've got a $1200 frame that is worthless to me at this point. Titus says - don't worry it's on the way. 6 months later and it's still on the way! They did send me a T-shirt so I guess I should relax ... of course it was the wrong size so what can you say about that.
A bike that you cannot ride is worthless. This customer service is deplorable and I caution anyone who wants to buy a Titus. HUGE Dissapointment. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkshire's in Ma
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Mean Wheels, Lenox | | Strengths: | Light weight and strong
Plenty of standover
Geometry perfect for singletrack
| | Weaknesses: | No place for water bottle or battery back for night light. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned Pro-Flex 756, tried lots of 2002 FS's | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox Duke SL, Shimano XT & Sram 9.0 drive train, Easton CT2 seatpost & Flat bar, Spinergy Xyclones, and IRC MythosXC's | | Bottom Line: |
2002 Loco-Moto
I loved my old Pro-Flex 756, but this new Titus does everything and more. Handling is right on for tight singletrack, even with a 100mm fork. With 4" of travel up front and rear it goes down and over or up and over almost everything. There's no noticeable bobbing while seated and even when standing it does not seem to rob you of power, and you can lock out the Fox Shock on smooth climbs. I'm 5'8" and was told to go with a small frame. Trail tested a medium and it fit perfect with a 110 stem. Go see Dave at Mean Wheels in Lenox. It's a great little shop with lots of bikes, knowledge, and good tales.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Cutler
a Cross Country Rider
from Hingham, MA USA
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wompy, Nam, Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | SpeedGoat Bicycles | | Strengths: | Customer service, versatility, performance, light weight, looks, uniqueness. | | Weaknesses: | None, now. | | Similar Products Used: | Truth, Intense, Superlight, Bullit | | Bike Setup: | 2x9 SRAM drivetrain, RF stem, Thomson SP, Tru-Vativ cranks, Avid mechanicals, Marz. Z3 Air fork, Fox Float shock. | | Bottom Line: | Have raced and ridden the Loco for nearly a year and wanted to add a glowing commentary on the service and attention that I received from Titus and SpeedGoat Bicycles.
In the recent review from Nori, you read about a top and downtube issue on the early 2001 Locos. I got worried.
Nori and I ride the same trails, do some of the same races and have a similar riding style. His bike was 2 months older than mine but was the exact same model, size and color.
Since I was worried about the same issues befalling my Loco, I called SpeedGoat and Titus and they both jumped to help me. I'll soon be the recipient of a new-design Loco at minimal cost and at a great relief to me.
Love the staff at both SpeedGoat and Titus - they truly understand the customer/retailer relationship.
If you want a great CC racing machine, get a Titus Loco Moto or the RacerX. Both come in at 24lbs or less and let you hammer the crap out of them without fear.
If you need the BEST PLACE to purchase your Titus, go to SpeedGoat. Free shipping and real humans who know and ride bikes.
Peace out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nori
a Weekend Warrior
from Medford, MA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam, MA.....Mr Toads, Tahoe, too | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | MeanWheels Lenox, MA and Paramount Somerville MA | | Strengths: | Plush ride, light, relatively stiff, sweet looking ride | | Weaknesses: | It broke | | Similar Products Used: | First FS owned. Tried Aeon Isis, Intense Tracer | | Bike Setup: | Fox RC (lockout is key), X-Fly 100, Avid Mech, SRAM on Rhyno Lites, XT/GripShift, King headset, Thompson seatpost | | Bottom Line: | First of all, let me say that I love the bike. Its perfect for the bony, rooty, rocky New England terrain. I bought the bike so I could try a 24h solo w/o crushing my back. And the bike was awesome for it. The FS was confidence inspiring as I started to try more drops and jumps...nothing huge.
And then the downtube broke followed immediately by the top tube. I was riding some singletrack in Saratoga (thanks Joe, Jason and Mike for showing me around) and I tumbled. This was just after cleaning a steep rock. Luckily, I didn't try it again or I would've cased hard.
This is most likely a defect w/ the '01 downtubes. Some of the '01's and all of the '02's have a gusseted downtube (as will mine when it comes back from Titus). I'm 165-170lbs...not really a finesse rider but no 6ft drops either. Hopefully the gussets will do the trick.
The customer service has been great so far and I always believe in supporting the smaller but higher quality innovators/framebuilders. But my trust has been a bit shaken and it will take some rides before I totally fall in love again w/ my sweet ride.
3-chili's until I ride the new frame for awhile. Stay tuned.
TAKE HOME LESSON:
I heard some faint creaking a few rides back but attributed it to some loose bolts - stem, bar, fork, something...but never checked it out. It was probably a crack in the frame. ALWAYS CHECK!!!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
manuel
a Cross Country Rider
from dallas
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | 123bikes | | Strengths: | great bike i really like it but!!!!
| | Weaknesses: |
my frame after 27 rides craked where the top tubes joing.It has been almost a month without my bike. because mailing the craked frame from one(123bikes) place to another(titus)and then to me can take up to 13 days and the worst part is that when you finally have your frame again the quality paint is terrible(they were some spots without paint)and you realize that your options are or live with it or sent it back to them.My decision was if i pay 3000 for a bike i should have perfect at list for a litte while so i sent it back to titus (3days) titus changed the part the same day and shipped next day (+3day)to me. after all this ###~~~`
I'm going to have my frame in 3 days ready to ride.
firts to 123bikes when
that the paint finish was not 100%top quality like the top dollars that i paid for my bike
| | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive | | Bike Setup: | XTR brakes,9.0sl sram shifters and rear derailleurs,XT front,thomson seatpost and stem,2001 psylo Sl,chris king hubs with mavics 517,fox r rear suspension, chris king head set,C2 carbon strait bar,race face bottom bracket, race face the next LP crankset,SDG grand prix seat,time carbon pedals, panarecer xc pro tires etc... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
poser
a
from California
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | simple single pivot, no "bob" out of the saddle, good price, adjustable travel, nice geometry/ dimensions. | | Weaknesses: | as mentioned already the rear tire clearance is somewhat of a problem. 2.25 geax won't fit but 2.35 ritchey's do!?
lack of useable h20 mounts (one located under downtube) | | Similar Products Used: | heckler (demo), cromo/ti hardtails | | Bike Setup: | medium, z-1 mcr, vannila RC, lx/xt/xtr, king, rhyno lites......... | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the most balanced bikes I have ever ridden/owned. It climbs better than my old ti hardtail, descends like no other, inspires confidence in technical, go-big scenarios.
Weight - 29 lbs Two lbs. more than previous hartail - I don't notice the extra weight- not racing anymore so why worry?
Fun factor is greatly increased. Head high drops are easy. Long distance rides are easier due to less fatigue.
The main pivot is huge and the massive amount of metal around the pivot point looks real strong. The strength of this area concerned me after witnessing several santacruz bikes break where the swingarm clamps onto the pivot. Anyhow.... As previously noted by other reviewers.....This bike kicks b.u.t.t.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from The Woodlands, TX , USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockyhill, Warda | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Hammerhead Bikes | | Strengths: | Handling is very precise but certainly not nervous. Climbs extremely well, especially when the terrain is anything other than smooth. Descend's equally as well. (Suspension works so well in these situations) Lateral stifness is a non issue. Very beefy design! Attention to detail is impressive.
Adjustibility | | Weaknesses: | Anodized finish seems to scratch fairly easy. This is my first experience with an anodized finish so I'm not sure if this is inherent of anodized finishes or not. Oh well, I can live with it because the ano fish is so pretty to look at!
Rear tire clearance...... 2.1's fit fine but 2.3's are a little tight. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz SL, Cannondale Jekyll 2000, Specialized Enduro Pro, Aeon Isis | | Bike Setup: | Avid Mechanical's, X-Fly 100, Chris King headset, Monkey lite low rise, XTR cranks and der's, Thompson seat post,Serfas dual density pro seat | | Bottom Line: | This bike definatley lives up to it's reputation. After 3 months of exhaustive research and test riding, I finally decided on the Loco. I was initially skeptical because of the issue with suspension bob. I quickly learned that this was nothing but a set up issue and the complaints were from people that didn't have the shock set up correctly. It took me a few rides to find the correct setting's for my weight and riding conditions but once dialed in, this bike is awesome. With all the available adjustability,I think it's about as close as you can come to an all purpose X/C design. Set the travel at 4 in. and go race or set the travel at 4.75 and go bomb a really rough trail.
Without sounding too redundant, this bike certainly lives up to all the hype and it's just so dam# much fun to ride.
I highly reccomend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced, well built full suspension bike.
Also, I bought my bike from Charles Coker. Great guy to work with! Really knows Titus' and won't sell you something you don't need. In addition, he has great prices.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA(soon California)
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Dirty Harry's | | Strengths: | Loco-Moto is a great "big boy" bike. Before I bought it, I worried about rear suspension flex(I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs), but have noticed only minimal feedback. I knew it would descend well, but it climbs rooty/rocky stuff better than my old hardtail. It tracks well on tight singletrack, and is very forgiving on rough stuff. It inspires confidence and so far it has held up well(STRONG!) I took it off of a 3' drop onto pavement and it ate it up on the shortest travel setting(4"). Amazing for someone my size. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F900, Trek 930, Specialized Rock Hopper(back in the day). | | Bike Setup: | Large Frame, Hayes Hydraulics(wow!), Fox Float RC, Rock Shox Psylo, Chris King Headset. | | Bottom Line: | I asked the guys at Dirty Harry's(Pittsburgh) for great Full suspension bike for a big boy, and they delivered. This bike is a confidence builder. I've only had the chance to ride it on local Pittsburgh trails, but the difference is very noticeable. I take lines I would have never attacked before, go over obstacles with ease, and make technical climbs that used to test me(on my hardtail). Yes, the price is steep. My hope is this bike will last me for 8-10 years. I'm headed to California soon, and can't wait to see what I can do on the left coast trails. Bottom Line: Great big boy bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lito
a
from sta monica ca
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere dirty | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi xfly 80mm, hayes hydro, king discotechs, full xtr
thomson post/stem selle italia ti | | Bottom Line: | this is just a follow up from my previous review
my bike just turned 1000 miles
i have had 2 gnarly crashes but never had anything serious on my bike(strange it always happens, but everythings on me)
the frame still tracks excellent, never felt any flex on the rear triangle and with the different shock positions you can set it up with your kind of riding, i have never enjoyed climbing as much, its so fun to ride and going downhill is even more fun
i've bent my rear hanger due to a freak accident and called titus up, they sent me the hanger and got it 3 days later!!
service is excellent, enough said
when youre in a market for a frame(trail riding) i would definitely recommend the locomoto, its just a do everything frame, cant go wrong, of course its a TITUS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a Cross Country Rider
from huntsville,al
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | pine torch loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | huntsville bicycle (256) 534-5921 | | Strengths: | single pivot fully active, adjustablity, weight, finish | | Weaknesses: | bottle placement, difficult cable routing | | Similar Products Used: | ellsworth truth, gt lts1000 | | Bike Setup: | psylo sl, syncros bar stem post, xt drivetrain, avid ti single digit brakes, wtb rims, tires, | | Bottom Line: | love this bike, replaces lts1000 that i thought hung the moon, this thing rails, tracks where pointed, climbs well, descend like nothing else. relativly light 27# built to last and be dependable not built with the slightest thought at being light. frame size seem odd called titus made a perfect recommendation. i ride things now that i was very cautious over before. love it by far the best frame for the money. the best combination of travel weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tred
a Cross Country Rider
from Malden, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | hammerheadbikes | | Strengths: | A do all workhorse. -Fantastic frame. -The welds are beefy. -The ride is great, there's a tremendous range of 'feels' to this bike depending on where you set the shock. You can have a plush ride or firm it up if you're looking for more speed. This bike rocks. | | Weaknesses: | None that I know of. There are things this bike isn't designed for, but you have trade-offs with any all around trail bikes. ...It's not a XC racer (but close), it's not a megatravel DHer (but it can be very plush). | | Similar Products Used: | GT iDrives | | Bike Setup: | Stratos XC Pro shock, '01 Marz XFly100, XTR drivetrain, King headset, Syncros lo-rise bar w/ Odi Lock ons, WTB Stealth-V seat, Thomson post & stem, Hayes disc brakes, King disc hubs laced to Velocity VXCs, Avid Flak Jackets, and some Lizard Skins. | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for something that does a little of everything and want an all day ride -this is it. I find this bike climbs well, and decends really well. It's active without any noticeable bob and has a range of feels depending on how its set.
Granted I've only had this bike for a month, but I've used it a lot. I wanted to hold off on the review, but it's been so fun I had to share. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Calgary Cycle | | Weaknesses: | Cracked frame! | | Bottom Line: | Here's a follow-up to my earlier review. Last week I cracked the frame where the top tube joins the head tube - all that was holding htings together was the top strengthening plate on the top tube. This happened during normal x-coountry riding and light free-riding (no big drops pr air). I love the frame, it's now on it's way back to AZ for a warranty replacement but I will be stuck on my old h/tail for the biggest race of the season coming up next weekend. Titus say this is the first frame failure they have ever seen, i must admit I'm a little worried about it happening again seen as it wasn't used THAT hard. I'm gonna have to drop to 3 flaming welds because of catastrophic failure. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Lewiston, ID USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Waha Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2370.00 | | Purchased At: | Conway Bikes | | Strengths: | You can build this bike heavy or light and still get a great ride.It was everything Titus said it was and more. | | Weaknesses: | Water bottle location.Fox air shock noise | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Avid Disc, XT draivetrain,King headset,Answer bars and headset,Rolf Dolomite Wheels,Time pedals, Maz3w/80-100(air),Avid Brakelever,small frame. | | Bottom Line: | When I first looked into purchasing this bike I thought it would be just another FS bike. My climbing skills have improved so much that I now have to wait for my friends instead of them waiting for me. This bike climbs like a Hells Canyon Goat and descends like a Semi on a hill without bikes. I have raced this bike 5 times and improve my times from last year. There is no bob in the rear, unless you stand up, then there is little but not felt. I was alittle worried when I purchased this from Steve Morgan (Conway Bikes,AK), because I was unable to test ride. The bike was everything Steve said and more. I stand 5'10" and I was between sizes so I went with a small frame. This was the right decision as it tracks very well and I am not crowded in the saddle. If you are looking for a bike like this E-Mail or call Steve at Conway Bikes. If you are looking for a FS bike,but your weight or bike weight is a concern do worry, I weighted 240 ILS when I purchased this bike.Thinking more look back on the 2000 reviews. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lito
a
from ca
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | 123bikes | | Strengths: | best bang for the buck
excellent ride, lateral stiffness, excellent on tight tracks
cool looks | | Weaknesses: | bottle cage location | | Similar Products Used: | specialized, cheeta cycles | | Bike Setup: | full xtr, hayes discs, xfly, king wheelset on ds1 | | Bottom Line: | always wanted to have a full xcountry setup, saved enough money and kaboom built me a dream bike
i could not believe how light my bike was, never had so much fun climbing and when it came to go down all i do is point and shoot, gives me the confidence, bike really feels so tight, a little bob(name a full suspension bike that doesnt!) lots of standover too
bottom line is you cant go wrong with the locomoto | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damon Monticello
a
from Bridgewater, NJ, Somerset
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | tight, dense-woods singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | pedalshop.com | | Strengths: | Awesome lateral stiffness, coming from an aluminum hardtail, I lost no handling precision.
Comfortable and efficient geometry.
WEIGHT! A 4.75" travel frame at 5 pounds
Efficiency of rear travel | | Weaknesses: | Stickers kind of tacky
the positioning of the water bottle cage makes it almost totally useless - be prepared to buy a camelbak. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis aluminum hardtail, cannondale v series bike, fuel, i-drive | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi x-fly 100, avid mech. discs, raceface air alloy lowriser, xt drivetrain w/ xtr rear der., ea-70 seatpost, flite saddle, wtb laserdisc rims with grimeca disc hubs. | | Bottom Line: | The rear travel eats up bumps , and is very active without sucking up power. I really do climb better, not just for more traction, but because I can now sit on sections that had been too rough on my hardtail, and save my energy. I absolutely love everything about this bike, from the way it carves corners, to its precision in tight technical sections. I no longer have to hesitate on anything - just point and go for it. I built my bike to be tough and versatile, and the Titus frame is perfect for it.
The only qualms I have are with the stickers, which are easy to damage, and the water bottle cage position. It places the water bottle right in the path of rocks, logs, not to mention mud. I also had a problem with my water bottle getting kicked out of the cage on larger drops.
Aside from that, the bike has performed flawlessly and hassle-free.
This bike is so versatile, I could recommend it for anyone except the extremely hardcore racer, and freeriders who go for big air all the time.
By the way, the marzocchi is perfect for this bike, and is the best fork I have ever ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Raydon
a Cross Country Rider
from Vail, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hockett Gulch - Eagle | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheel Cyclery | | Strengths: | One of the best values for lightweight, quality, fsxc rig. Variety of travel settings to suit riding style. Smooth ride, strong climber, very responsive. | | Weaknesses: | Very soft derailleur hanger, (maybe not a weakness). | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler, Giant NRS, various hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | SID 80, SRAM 9.0, XT, Sun 0 degree, FRM stem and hubs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has made me a better and more enthusiastic rider. Rode a hardtail for years and could not imagine ever going back. I do local cross country racing, and lots of very long climbs and descents here, (just did the Vail Ultra 100), and I do not notice the slight bob. Set at the 4.5" travel mode, I do notice that my descents are 30% faster and more controlled and 100% more fun. My climbing has improved too, with the superior traction provided by my Loco. Finally, the added comfort and quickness of the bike keep me riding longer and more frequently - a great investment! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtncranker
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Titus, LBS, and NBS | | Strengths: | Superb ride, light weight, great ride, stiff, excellent ride, reasonable price, easy mantenance, durable, and a fantastic ride! Did I mention the ride? | | Weaknesses: | Like many full suspension designs, a bit tricky to get on a rear-bumper bike rack. Minor bobbing on climbs. Limited color choice (okay, I'm getting picky!) | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlite, FSR. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi X-Fly 100 mm, Float R, SRAM9.0/9.0SL, XT cranks, Avid SD brakes & levers, Hugi hubs with Mavic 517 rims, Thomson stem and seatpost, Terry Fly saddle. 4" travel in front, set for 4.5" in back. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the ultimate single-pivot trail bike. I've built it more towards an XC-ish orientation (rather than freeride), and it comes in at under 25 lbs. The handling is automatic: it goes where I think. It climbs the mean and nasty like a paved sidewalk; just sit and spin and the rear wheel hooks up and stays that way over anything! It's descending ability has me taking lines I would have refused on my hardtail. On singletrack, the Loco is a dream! Over, under, around and through - it handles it all with precision and aplomb! Sweet! On fireroad, it climbs well given a smooth pedal stroke, and descends like its on rails!
Loco vs. Superlite: I decided on the Loco over the Superlite because of the Loco's increased plushness - I may lose a bit of energy on a fireroad climb (I can see a bit of bobbing if I look at the shock but I can't feel it, and relative to my riding friends, I'm no slower), but the increased traction of its {barely semi-)active full suspension design (instead of the SL's pseudo-hardtail approach) beats the SL hollow on loose rocky, rooty climbs. The Loco is plusher on descents and handles braking bumps better. The SL has its place (it is clearly better at off-the-saddle climbing), but the Loco beats it hollow as an allround trail bike. Plus, the Loco gives up nothing to the SL in the weight department, or in cost.
The Titus crew is the best. I can not say enough good stuff about them: suffice it to say that I have not met a nicer, more helpful bunch of people anywhere!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Cutler
a Cross Country Rider
from Hingham, MA USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wompatuck/Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Have now had the bike 6 months and still the ride, frame, weight, geometry, component spec, price, looks, adjustable travel and more are all OUTSTANDING! | | Weaknesses: | NONE, now that I have a roof-mounted rack. Hanging on a rack that needs a straight top tube is difficult. Bottle cage mount is on the downtube - not a great spot. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth, Santa Cruz Superlight, Kona Kikapu, Rocky Mountain Instinct, Specialized FSR XC, and more. | | Bike Setup: | 2x9 custom, SRAM 9.0 drivetrain, Marzocchi Z.3 Flylight, Stylo cranks, Fox Float R shock, Thomson seatpost, Race Face Stem, Bontrager riser, Time ATAC pedals, Panaracer XC tires, Avid mechanical discs. | | Bottom Line: | 25lbs WITH the discs, less money than a TRUTH or Intense, great durability. It rides great, has four rear shock settings, is strong enough for hucking, but is great for X-country.
Have been in four XC races (including 24-hours of Snowshoe) and it flies! Placed 2nd in my FIRST RACE EVER!
Picked this over all the bikes because for price, travel, no-bob and weight, it wins.
The only one that came close was the Truth and it's about a grand MORE expensive.
**Buy this bike IF you want a XC bike with up to 4.75 inches of travel at a hair over 25lbs!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harry
a Cross Country Rider
from Brookline, MA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Strengths: | Simple and strong
Awesome customer support
| | Weaknesses: | Bio-pacing | | Bike Setup: | Small black anodized frame (Vanilla coil shock), XTR 8speed shifters, XT 9speed deraillers, King headset, Race-Face stem, Easton Carbon bar, Thompson post, Specialized seat, Avid mech brakes, WTB Speed disc wheelset, Mars Elite | | Bottom Line: | I have only had this bike < 1 month so I only have a prelim but here goes:
PARTS IS PARTS:
OK, this is a on-line special (parts from everywhere). Wheels were cheap from Jenson ($150) but Hutchinson tires were butt heavy so I am using 2.1 Mythos XC folding tires.
Vanilla shock (stock) is heavy b/c spring. I am upgrading direct from Titus to a Float R for $100 (trade-in) and save third of a pound to bring to closer to 5lbs supposedly.
I have three bikes with a 8speed cog and shifter/ 9speed derailler mix- no problems with shifting. King is best.
Race-face is stiff. Avid brakes are install EASILY (easier than V-brakes), adjust easily, and stop very well (use Flak Jackets- amazing cables) but seem to be a little grabby up front (? slightly warped rotor??).
THE FIT:
Top tube length appears to be geared to cross country set. The small (with a 135mm stem) is almost identical to a KHS soft-tail and a little longer than a 16" Airborne Lucky Strike.
I'm short (5'7") but like to be stretched out. With a 80mm Mars Elite, I have to run a 135mm, -10degree stem to maintain a cross-country racing stem height (bar a little under the seat height). Amazing crotch clearance.
THE FRAME and COMPANY:
The frame appears well made, not amazing, but appear pretty on par with a handmade in US frame for $1000. Stout tubes- sort of tougher than the typical cross-country frame but a little less hardy than the numerous free-ride bikes showing up. The frame is definitely geared to built as a "trail bike": read "too heavy and too much pedal feedback to be a FS race bike and too fragile to be a true "jump off the 10ft stunt free-rider". Built to last.
TITUS is a great company. I have had (un)fortunate circumstances when I have had to contact a few companies (GT, K2/Girvin, Specialized) with whom I was mucho frustrated. Only TITUS and Airborne made be feel like a valuable customer, and talked with me like a riding buddies. They were very helpful and just gosh-darn friendly!
THE RIDE:
OK, this part is limited but the ride with the coil shock is pretty plush. Handles big and small hits well. Steering with a 80mm Mars Elite is pretty quick, which I like.
First problem is biopacing. Biopaces in all-gears if you are less than perfectly smooth. Much more so than the I-drives. This is really the case when you pedal out of the saddle or at a higher cadences and aren't real smooth when you do so (we can't be all like Lance). The Float R and using lower travel settings (4" vs 4.75") may help with this. At lower cadences with higher torque being applied, the suspension seems to stiffen up a bit.
Second problem is inherent (?) with most single pivot designs: semi-active travel. The suspension stiffens up a little with heavy braking or with hard pedaling in the large chain-ring.
The bottom like is that this is a relatively simple design that has some flaws but seems more reliable, pretty light given the amount of travel, and comes from a company that I hope gets lots and lots of new and repeat customers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Buller Pass | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Calgary Cycle | | Strengths: | Simple design, plush, very strong with no flex. Beautiful craftsmanship. | | Weaknesses: | One very picky weakness would be somewhat limited rear tire clearance (I run a 1.9" rear) | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight, Specialised FSR | | Bike Setup: | XT/Raceface components, Hayes hydraulic discs, 5" Psylo, Vanilla RC, Easton Monkeylites...... | | Bottom Line: | I am a big guy - 6'6" tall, 210 lbs and the XL is perfect. I ride fairly hard, some freeriding and XC. The bike descends like an absolute dream, rocks, roots and drops are all handled with total ease. Climbs better than I thought, especially in loose sketchy seated climbs, long travel fork and riser bar make ultra steep climbs more difficult due to lifting the front end. It's been very reliable so far after a lot of abuse. Clydesdale riders feel free to contact me regarding bike set-up. I would strongly recommend the LM as a great 'do it all' ride, and in hindsight would happily have paid more (don't tell Darryl and Derek at Calgary Cycle that though)! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slick Snake
a Racer
from Mont-Tremblant
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Whatever technical | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Titus | | Strengths: | Laterally super stiff.
Super plush rear (Float RC)
Agile around tight corners. | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Similar Products Used: | FSR enduro pro
Sugar2 | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR Gruppo
Hayes disc mechanical
Syncros headset
Hugi hubs laced on 317 cd
X-vert super | | Bottom Line: | Kick ass ride.You will aim at(anything)that a cross-country set-up can dig plus extra confidence in the rough.climbs really well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RalphL
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham, Razorback, Santos, Hardrock, UWF | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | frame only, direct form Titus via Alan | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, adjustable rear travel, finish and handling | | Weaknesses: | verrrry minor - stickers | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra, Giant XTC NRS1, Giant MCC-SE, Giant Cadex CFM2 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Atom Race 80mm, Fox Float RC, all XTR drivetrain/brakes, XTR/X517 wheelset w/Hutchison Pythons, Easton Monkeylite lowrise carbon bars and seatpost, Thompson Stem (110x5), Chris King headset | | Bottom Line: | Best bike I've ever ridden. Very durable, very low maintenance. The finish (anodized, shot peened Gold)is hose and go, nothing sticks to it. Adjustable rear travel (approx. 3.75 - 4.75") provides a lot of flexibility as far as setup. I've got mine set for XC/Trail riding at 4". Haven't even tried the longer setting yet, no need. Could be set up for XC race or Freeride with different fork/shcok combo. With the parts listed above on tne small size frame it tips the scale at 24 lbs. The small has a real nice wheelbase, exactly halfway between my Mantra and my Giant, which yields the best of both worlds in handling. Nice and tight for the 'tween the trees stuff, but smooth and predictable on straights. Climbs much better than I expected, also. Have to discipline yourself to keep your butt on the saddle, though, in order to maximize its uphill capabilities. Descents are a dream, it just sucks up all the drama and lets you steer and enjoy. The only thing I would (and probably will) change is to put disc's on. Didn't do so at build time because I thought the bike would end up heavier. Could have easily had disc's with the right wheelset and still kept the weight around 25. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
puppet
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga, NY
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | HammerHead Bikes | | Strengths: | Great standover, kick ass anodized finish, tough as nails, light, several suspension adjustments. | | Weaknesses: | None that I've noticed in the first six months - other than the dent in my wallet. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 5000, Specialized S-works, Bridgestone MB-5 | | Bike Setup: | Large black ano w/ Fox Air, SRAM 9.0, avid brakes, and Bontrager Valiants on XTR hubs. I'm using a 2001 SID 100 up front. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! It climbs and decends better than any bike I've ever owned. It took me some time to set up but now it's dialed in for me. I've actually settled into the 4" travel setting, which works great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chef
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Trumbull | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Direct from Titus (Alan) - frame/Fox Float R/some components - $1600 | | Strengths: | Simplicity - a single pivot is much easier to maintain than the multi-linkage 4-bar designs. Craftsmanship. Weight to strength ratio. | | Weaknesses: | You CANNOT run any aftermarket rim brake booster on the rear. I tried to put my Magura H33s on, and watched as the arch didnt' fit. I ran the brakes without the arch, and had the seatstays bow out. A friend finally made me a custom brake arch that fits in the tiny space available, and it works. Forget running any standard brake booster, or any brake that has an integral brake arch (Avid Archrivals) - go full disc, or stay cable rim. Pivot not in the best place for muddy riding - it's a mud trap. Easy to clean, though. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Element T.O., Ellsworth Joker | | Bike Setup: | Locomoto Small, Chris King headset, '00 Marzocchi Z1CR in 4" mode, '01 Magura Louise front/'00 Magura Louis rear, Stratos Helix Expert rear shock, Bontrager Crowbar Race, SRAM 9.0sl front disc hub, Chris King Disc-Go-Tech rear hub, F519 rims front and rear, RaceFace ISIS TurbineLP cranks, Blackspire RingGod, full SRAM ESP9.0sl drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for a bike to supplement my RM; the RM is great for XC, but I was worried about its long-term durability as far as Urban or freeriding. I managed to demo a Locomoto (set up in full XC mode, with air suspension) in AZ; I liked it so much I bought one a couple weeks later.
The Loco is a dual-slalom design, using a single-pivot swingarm suspension. It's very easy to maintain (one large, sealed bearing) and, thanks to the size of the pivot, very stable and flex-free. The frame is optomized for an 80mm fork. Every inch more of travel will slacken the headtube angle by about one degree. The bike is rated (from Chris, at Titus) for a dual-crown fork.
Riding:
Swingarm designs are, supposedly, inherently less capable climbers than 4-bars. I suggest instead that it's a matter of preference. My Loco climbs as well as my RM, as long as you stay in the saddle and spin. You do get some pacing (feels like the bike is folding in half) if you spin very hard in too easy a gear on the road, but in general (on the trail) I have yet to notice it. All FS bikes bob, but the feeling is barely noticable on the Loco.
On the trail, the bike corners like a dream (provided you use tires that actually work). It's not at all twitchy, yet incredibly responsive. My bike is set up heavy, at about 26-28lbs (you can build them light to under 24lbs). I don't notice it at all. It's very stable in the air, and extremely sure-footed on descents.
In closing, for the price, you can't go wrong with this bike. You can set it up light, or heavy, and it will do an admirable job either way.
T | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | ->Craftsmanship is top notch
->Paint job is pretty swanky
->Shock mounting positions actually make a noticeable difference
| | Weaknesses: | ->Stickers not paint
->flex prob? | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra, Schwinn Moab, VPS, RM Slayer | | Bike Setup: | Xvert, Fox Float R, XT/LX 8 sp mix, Titec Carbon seatpost, Azonic bars, Rhyno lite wheelset, Fire XC's.. | | Bottom Line: | Very nicly built bike. Rides and handles really well. I don't see how spending much more will get you that much better of a ride, but each to his own, this one rides really well, with no real bobbing.
A change in the shock's position makes quite a difference, 4.75" mode feels quite a bit softer than the 4.0" mode.
The only realy complain I have about this frame is some rear flex. Right not I'm attributing this to the machine built wheelset that hasn't be tensioned or touched yet, they feel a little soft and I think they are the culprit.
Sizing seems a little large, I'm 6'0" and am riding a Medium and it feels good to me.
While building there were no quirks or surprises to be found, everything went together simple and easy.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from San Rafael, ca
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | titus direct from alan (great service!) | | Strengths: | Very light, plush suspension, anodized color! | | Weaknesses: | watter bottle placement, huge stickers | | Similar Products Used: | trek vrx, rocky mountain thin air hardtail, trek stp(demo), specialized fsr xc(demo) | | Bike Setup: | 01 judy sl, fox vanilla coil shock, dual hope enduro discs, xtr/sram esp 9, xt cranks, american classic hubs/sun 0 degree rims(gold to match the frame!), thompson post | | Bottom Line: | This bike is killer. compared to a specialized fsr xc, it has almost twice the travel and weighs about the same. my bike with dual discs and 4 inches of coil travel f/r weighs 26.5 lbs! It also seems to be very durable as there are few moving pieces. Quality of build is also excellent, welds are even and parts fit on smoothly, don't forget the anodized finish! Doesn't bob climbing, downhill it's a dream and it absorbs landings and drop offs well. the only problem i've had is that the design forces the watterbottle to live under the downtube where it is hard to grab and gets sprayed with dirt. however, you can add a second mount behind the seatpost by mounting a zefal gizmo (availible from excel sports) and a catamount catcage (from supergo) which you can slide the bottle in sideways. this works really well, but i don't think it will work with size small frames. so, overall a sweet bike for a killer price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Potts
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, California
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Demonstration and El Corte Madera | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Kalo Mountain Cycles | | Strengths: | Fairly light frame for full suspension (5.25 LBS), single pivot simplicity and price, Titus reputation, lots of travel, very stiff laterally, not many seen on the trails | | Weaknesses: | Don't like stickers on frames in general, wish the frame had cable guides for hydro brake lines, Titus shipped a Fox R shock when I ordered a RC which are now back-ordered | | Similar Products Used: | Owned: Proflex and Bontrager Racelite
Tested: Aeon Isis, Rocky Mountain Instinct, Specialized FSR Pro, Tracer | | Bike Setup: | Xfly 100, Fox R, Hope discs, Hugi240 hubs with Velocity rims, SRAM 9.0, Stylo cranks, Thomson seatpost/stem, Panaracer XC Pro's | | Bottom Line: | Overall I am very happy with the bike. I basically chose this bike due to the price/performane mix it provides. Other designs (Tracer) are more sofisticated but cost much more with little performance increase. I have been missing full suspension ever since the old Proflex was ripped off out of my garage. The suspension is very plush and remains active during braking (something I was worried about with a single pivot design). Great value and resonable weight (med frame size - approx. 27Lbs). The new anodized colors look great (mine is blue). I had to change out the stem for a longer, lower rise (from 105mm 5deg to 120mm 0deg) to keep the front wheel down on steep climbs. Now it climbs almost as well as my hardtail with much more comfort. This bike along with the disc brakes is very confidence inspiring on steep desents. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Poor Farm | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | conway bicycle shop | | Strengths: | -The ride
-Solid construction and minimal weight
-Great looks
-Can be set up as lite xc or trail bike
-Standover height
-Great customer service
-single pivot (low maintainance) | | Weaknesses: | -Water may end up in bottom bracket shell
| | Similar Products Used: | Heckler, VRX (Trek) | | Bike Setup: | Fox coil over, Marzocci z1MCR (2000), Raceface turbine ISIS, Thompson stem and post,King headset,Ryno lite, XTR, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I am very happy I went with the Loco. I built this bike for strength and durability. I am a Clydesdale in the truest. The Loco with coil over (heavy spring) has been awesome for me. My current set up runs about 28lbs but I could purchace 1 season stuff like a SID and some lite wheels and get it to 24lbs or so easy. Bottom line - I built this bike as a trail bike. Riding it is great. I fatigue much later on this bike. I laugh out loud when I am riding much more these days as well. Handling is great and it took me no time to flow with the bike. I ride mostly rooty singletrack with moderate hills. Thus far - the Titus Loco has been the best all around bike. It climbs well, especially if you are a spinner. I notice that I am able to carry a bit more speed in the flats and along with my 110mm Z1 - it eats up almost any hit. Lean back and pull up. Down hills are sweet! I am very satisfied. I listed the water in the bb issue after changing my cranks and bb set up. There was a small bit of water in the shell. I admit that I am a hose freak when cleaning the bike. I plan on pulling my bb a bit more often or at least hanging the bike upside down after a wet ride or a hosing down. Minimal issue. I smile when I walk by my Loco on work days. Steve M at Conway Bikes has been awesome to work with in putting this bike together. I got a great deal and actually feel like I have a friend in AK. Ride often and if you can - go with the Loco! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jules
a Weekend Warrior
from Akl, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rotorua | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat (frame only) | | Strengths: | Light, strong, well thought out suspension design | | Weaknesses: | boohoo.... the stickers buckled from bungy cord on bike rack.... it doesn't get much worse than that! | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua Y (wot a pig), Dagger (FS). couple of crappy hardtails.... | | Bike Setup: | All XT comp, Rock Shox Psylo XC, Fox Float R Rear, Hayes hydraulic disk brakes, Mavic x223's, Ritchey . parts, Shimano downhill 636 pedals. Approx. weight 28pounds | | Bottom Line: | I used to think that I didn't like green eggs and ham, particularly the price, but I was wrong!!!
Wot a great bike!!! This is my second posting (1st posting under the 2000 model, in March). Nothing but praise for the excellent workmanship that has gone into the making of this frame. The suspension is supple without acting like a pogo stick and there is enough travel to tackle most situations. The one pivot means piss-all maintenance required. If you have v-brakes don't run tyres bigger than 2.3 as the rear stay brace will collect mud easily. But frankly just get disk brakes, dump the brace and stop that 'careering downhill outta control bike just in time to avert face planting a large tree' scenario!!!
If you know what I mean... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Puzman
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ain't tellin' | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Hammerhead bikes | | Strengths: | ight weight
stiff
plenty of standover
geometry absolutely dialed for singletrack
plush, adjustable suspension
single monster pivot should be very low maintenance
anodized finish looks bada$$ | | Weaknesses: | cheesy decals
limited mud and tire clearance in the rear | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra, Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Z3 100 Air, XT/SRAM9.0SL drivetrain, avid v's, xtr/valiant wheelset, king, thompson, monkeylights | | Bottom Line: | Update to earlier review (under 2000 loco; mine's a 2001):
The Loco blows away my previous bike (Klein Mantra). Handling is very quick, even with a 100mm fork, and is soooo sweet on tight New England singletrack. Yet it still manages to feel stable at speed or down steep dropoffs. Suspension action is transparent (compared to the Mantra)- saddle height and wheelbase don't change and there is no brake-jack. There's no noticeable bobbing while seated, and seated climbing is amazing- great rear wheel traction. Climbs as well or better than any bike I've been on. When you stand and sprint, bobbing is more noticeable. The rear end is very stiff, and the bike just carves through fast sweepers. Weight is 26 lbs. I'm 5'9" with a 31" inseam, and I'm riding the Medium with a 100mm stem. Fits great.
The Loco is just a great all-around xc rig. If you want a bike with plenty of travel that is still light, low maintenance, and quick handling, the Loco is a great choice. Give Charles Coker at Hammerhead bikes a call- he's a great guy to work with and will give you a great deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Cutler
a Cross Country Rider
from Hingham, MA USA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wompatuck | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Ride, frame, weight, geometry, component spec, price, looks, SPEEDGOAT service and attention, adjustable travel and more! | | Weaknesses: | Top tube design is difficult to hang on hitch-mount bike carrier. Otherwise NONE! | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth, Santa Cruz Superlight, Kona Kikapu, Rocky Mountain Instinct, Specialized FSR XC, and more | | Bike Setup: | 2x9 custom, SRAM 9.0 drivetrain, Marzocchi Z.3 Flylight, Stylo cranks, Fox Float R shock, Thomson seatpost, Race Face Stem, Bontrager riser, Time ATAC pedals, Panaracer XC tires, Avid mechanical discs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike weighs in at 25lbs WITH the discs. I spec'd it out with Beth and Chris from Speedgoat and came up with a gorgeous bike. It rides great, has four rear shock settings, is strong enough for hucking, but is great for X-country. Will be doing the 24-hours of Snowshoe on it in a few weeks. Will try to write back then with an update.
Chose this over all the bikes because for price, travel, no-bob and weight, it wins. The only one that came close was the Truth and it's about a grand MORE expensive.
**Buy this bike IF you want a XC bike with up to 4.75 inches of travel, but don't want to lug around 30lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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