Submitted by
Tomba
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay area
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2005
Strengths: Handles like a dream. I'm often smiling riding this bike and feel guilty. I always feel like I'm cheating when riding with friends. Build quality is first rate. Moving to the F80RLT made a huge difference. Was Judy 98 SL. Nice coil feel, but the Fox feels so much stiffer. As well, you can feel the V brakes work so much better!
Bottom Line:
I ride most terrain. Bike went to Moab with me. Handled it well, but obviously wrong tool for job. Bike handles Flume, Mt. Tam, Demo just fine. No issues so far other than the rr shock is making some noises. Time for its first rebuild i think. I really can't imagine this getting any better. I'm sure a PP shock would help eliminate the slight bob, but what is there today is not an issue at all.
Similar Products Used: Titus Locomoto, KHS team hardtail, Weyless XP, Giant VT2,
Bike Setup: F80RLT, 03xt crank, hugi/517, DA rr, DA 12-25, Avid mag brakes/lev, SLR Ti.
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Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003
Strengths: Stiff, efficient, light, fast
Weaknesses: I could use another inch or two of standover...but I have short legs
Bottom Line:
This is probably the best XC bike on the planet. I have it set up as more of a trail bike, and it's still under 26 lbs and faster than anything else I've ridden. I go about 195lbs with all my equipment on and as far as I can tell, the front and rear triangles DO NOT FLEX. The geometry fits me perfectly (aside from wanting about 1/2" more standover, but I'm used to having to stand on my toes) and with the 4" fork up front, the handling is still quick, but stable.
As for value...I got my frame for about $1200 in March '02 ('01 model) and a new frame runs about $1500. Compare this to any other USA handbuilt 4 bar out there (Ellsworth, Turner, etc.), they all sell for right at $2k. You do the math. The only other manufacturer out there to offer the same kind of value is Rocky Mountain.
To make a long story short, I love this bike and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a fast racer or trail bike.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Atom 100, Thomson stem/post, Protaper bar, King headset, relaced King/Bonti Racelites, Avid Mag V-brakes, Terry Ti Fly saddle, Stan's Tubeless, whole lotta XTR...adds up to about 25.5 lbs.
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Submitted by
dan white
a Cross Country Rider
from wheat ridge CO
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002
Strengths: Um, for some reason my other review was deleted. So I am going to post another. And perhaps another, even, if you like.
Bottom Line:
Lightweight simple design. Climbs very well and absolutely falls down the mountain. Decent in technical situations. I seem to have no problems getting all 3.5" of my suspension, which is nice. The paint on mine is kinda cheesy, but that is the only weak point. Maybe I should stop crashing on jagged rocks. That might help.
In my opinion, this bike is the business. Cheap at any price.
Favorite Trail: 401, dakotah ridge, anything steep and burly
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
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Submitted by
Jonathan Grayson
from Apache Junction,AZ
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002
Weaknesses: None really
Bottom Line:
A great bike and fits me like a glove.I will never own another mountain bike but this.It feels Like I died and went to bike heaven when I ride this machine.Now if I could only learn how to ride it it would really be great.Buy this bike if you get the chance.Titus is in Tempe not far from me and I first demoed it at the factory.They were really nice and I like the idea that if anything goes wrong I can take it to them in town and have it repaired.
Purchased At: $800.00 for frame, I got it second hand but as new
Bike Setup: XTR brakes,levers,shifters,Bontrager crank,Terry saddle,Raceface handlebars,C.King headset
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Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, WA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Strengths: Weight-complete bike is 24.5 lbs. Suspension quality-there are numerous bikes out there that claim to the best ride but this one actually delivers. Strength-no flex.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
This is an absolutely amazing bike. The most comfortable and confidence inspiring bike I have owned. The suspension soaks up the bumps without bob. The annodized frame takes a beating and still looks great. Customer service at Titus is top notch. Anyone looking at the Trek Fuels, GF sugars, Santa Cruz superlights, should take a look at this frame. You won't be dissapointed.
The fork is a bit flexy, but that is typical of RS.
Similar Products Used: Jamis Dakar Pro, Trek STP, Hardtails, etc.
Bike Setup: xt/xtr group, hope minis, rock shox sid, rolf wheels, easton riser, thompson
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Submitted by
Christopher Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Olathe, KS, USA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002
Strengths: I don't think I can add much to the other reviews...it's tracks true, just the right amount of travel, stiff as a preacher in a strip club, durable, built like a brick s*house, minimalist suspension design, geometry is killer, fast fast fast, flickable...
Weaknesses: It doesn't make you lose weight, can't wash your car, it won't call in sick for you, and it doesn't brighten your teeth two shades whiter.
Bottom Line:
Buy this bike you damn fool. There is no reason you could possibly need another one of those mass-produced XC/Trail bike. If you need a free ride bike, then yeah, you need another bike. Maybe a Loco-Moto or another 4 bar copy or whatever. A Rx is not a freeride bike. Not like you'll miss freeriding when you got one of these sexy b*tches between your legs! Titus provides incredible customer support!!! You actually get to speak with a human being moments after dialing their number. Try getting that with Trek, Cannondale, or Pacific. The frame is the most critical part, and everything else is merely an accessory. It doesn't matter if you have to put Altus components on it as long as you get the frame! $1350 or whatever they want isn't terrible considering what you are getting. This is a frame that you can ride for 10 years. This is the kind of frame that you never want to replace. I've been through a lot of bikes, and this is the most incredible ride yet. Please, please, please, at the very least test ride this bike. It might be pricey, but it is the best dollar you could possibly spend.
Similar Products Used: Oh dear. Owned: '00 Mantra Race, '01 GT I Drive 2.0. Test rode: FSRs, Fuels, Jekyll (turd), Scalpel (bigger turd), Ravens, Brianna Banks.
Bike Setup: Duke Race, Fox Float R, Thomson post and stem, CK headset, Easton carbon flat bar, Avid Ultimate Levers, XT Shifters, BB, and cranks, XTR derailleurs and cassette, Avid Mag brakes, Race Lite wheels, Selle Italia Ti Gel saddle, ATACs, Salsa grips
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Submitted by
Jack
a Racer
from Evergreen, CO
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001
Strengths: Super stiff laterally. Great for racing, stiff supension design. Stiff and responsive witht that cush and suspension needed.
Weaknesses: it is a little heavy, but has to be to be so stiff. Ramps up very quickly, virtually impossible to use all 3.5" of travel. not really worth mentioning
Bottom Line:
Best all around full-suspension bike for the rider looking for a great suspension bike that won't slow you down. x-country machine.
Bike Setup: XTR, 9.0sl, Crossmax UST, Easton Carbon, Flite
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Submitted by
Michael Kirk
a Racer
from Kennett Square, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2001
Strengths: Rides like a hardtail with the added benefitr of suspension
Weaknesses: still looking.......
Bottom Line:
Ditto everyone elses review as mentioned below...her is my story: HT rider/racer for 12+ years with no intention to ever ride a FS, but due to medical problems with my back I thought time to give a FS a try. Did some pretty extensive research about the frame I wanted and narowed it down to pretty much the Racer X, SC Superlight and the El Fuego. Tried the Superlight & really didnt like the ride. The construction of the X and great reviews about Titus so I ordered the X. (Highly recomend Hammerheadbike.com, good pricing and excellent customer service and bike knowledge). First few rides I I felt like I was cheating against HT riders. This bike is better in ever condition over a HT except "maybe" on paved road sprints. No bobbing, rides like a HT, and really smooths out the bumps. Excellent, top notch racing bike. I have as of now almost a rear of riding, 2000 miles and 11 races in on this bike. Funny thing is if I ever won the lottery and could buy the bike of my dreams, I would be stuck as I already owne one! If the frame is in your price range, get it & you'll never regret it. If it is just above your price range, you should really consider getting the extra cash and buy up!
Similar Products Used: Hardtail rider for over 12 years, 1st full suspension bike
Bike Setup: The works.....Frame has the Ti hardware kit,RS Duke Race, King HS, Easton CT2 carbon bar, Formula B4 disc brakes, Titec Ti stem, Thompson post, Italia Ti gel saddle, FSA Carbon cranks, Tima ATAC Ti pedals, Action-Tec Ti BB, Shimano XT components, American classic disc hubs wheelsmith 14/15 spokes alloy nipples Velocity VCX rims.
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Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Vail
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001
Strengths: This thing climbs like a goat,and runs like a really fast goat that's running!
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
Was a hard core, hard tail rider. A friend talked me into trying out his Ellsworth while I was having some work done on my Homegrown. The rest is history. I used his bike for about two weeks and found that the advantages far out weighed the disadvantages. I test rode a Racer-X at a shop in Wheatridge, Co. I found that the rear end was so stiff laterally, and it climbed like a hardtail. I purched the bike and have been in heaven ever sense. The ride is so smooth on rough assents. I find myself looking down at the shock to see if it's working. I feel no pedal induced bobbing at all. Worth every penny! If you are a hardtailer looking for a performance FS bike, look no further. If you are a freerider, this is not the bike for you. I thought I'd never go to FS, but I was sold with this one. The Ellsworth Truth is also a great ride, but for those seeking as close to HT preformance with FS comfort, give the Racer-X a look too. Did I mention that I looks fast standing still?
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth Truth, Gt I-drive
Bike Setup: x-fly,XTR drivetrain, crossmax, explorer pros, thompson stem and post.
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Submitted by
Kevin Fallon
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001
Strengths: Build quality, nimble handling, and lightweight.
Weaknesses: Expensive (but well worth it).
Bottom Line:
I took my time finding just the right bike, and it was absolutely worth it. My friend Steve Stickel hooked me up with Charles Coker at Hammerhead. Charles treated me right, and I felt like I got a good deal on my fully-built Titus. It is simply a fabulous bike. I had some initial small problems (threads inside the rear free-hub broke), but Alan at Titus handled them like the pro he is and got me what I needed before the 24Hours of Moab last year. I haven't had to do ANY adjustments to the bike since (regular cleaning and lubing aside), it is that rock-solid! There is only the sound of the dampening from the rear shock when riding...no squeaking, no rattling...the bike is just pure riding pleasure. I've ridden my Racer-X now for more than a year, and it has been a joy to ride every time and in all conditions. I'm only an occasional racer, but a committed cross-country rider. The Racer-X climbs like a hardtail, bombs like a champ, and it is both solid and predictable in everything from mud to rock gardens to sand (and I've ridden them all). Bottom line? No chance of buyer's remorse here...the Racer-X is always a treat to ride.
Similar Products Used: GT LTS-2, Rocky Mountain Element Race, Santa Cruz SL, Specialized FSR.
Bike Setup: z2 fork, grimeca hydraulic discs, sun disco-tek wheels, xtr drivetrain, easton carbon post/bars, king headset.
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Submitted by
Charles Coker
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001
Strengths: light, fast, nimble, active rear end, telepathic handling customer service from Hammerheadbikes and Titus
Weaknesses: can't think of any
Bottom Line:
I just built up a 2001 Racerx, I have owned 5 now including 2 customs I have owned just about every other high end fs bike out there, all are great, but the X is just "right" for me and my technical tight singletrack I am 200lbs and the bike is very stiff laterally The suspension soaks up the hits and makes the rear tire stay glued to the ground, and it just disappears underneath you.... The bike climbs like a goat on crack and just slices singletrack like not other.. it's very precise handling and can hold a 4" wide line through the nastiest, rockiest, off camber trail.. What's really amazing is how well the bike also can bomb downhill, a bike this nimble in tight singletrack that also is shockingly stable at speed going downhill is a testimony to the brilliance of the bike
the staff at Titus are topnotch and go out of their way to take care of their customers, the best...
Similar Products Used: I have owned just about every highend fs bike out there....
Bike Setup: normal highedn stuff, xtr, king, etc.
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Submitted by
Dillon Dannhauser
a Cross Country Rider
from Johannesburg, South Africa
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001
Strengths: Superb build qaulity,climbs better than any other bike I,ve ever ridden,handles like a dream on tight singletrack
Weaknesses: None really !
Bottom Line:
After a lot of time spent researching many products I purchased the bike based on the reviews on the Net. Myself and two of my friends all purchased the same frameset with different set up combinations. One of my friends went with a more freeride set up, while the other went with more of a trail setup. The day my frame arrived I was overwhelmed by the build quality and the workmanship. I've never ridden a bike that just seems to sail over anything that you throw at it. It climbs like it's on rails and handles any single track like a dream. Both my friends are equally over the moon as I am. I would like to thank Alan at Titus cycles for his extreme professionalism and helpfulness during the purchase of my Titus RacerX
Similar Products Used: Fisher sugar,Trek Fuel,Santacruz SL
Bike Setup: XT-XTR ,SID SL, CROSSMAX TUBELESS,EASTON CT-2 CARBON BAR,TITUS STEM ,ALIEN CARBON SEATPOST,TITUS BAR ENDS,MAGURA HYDRAULIC VEE BRAKES.
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Submitted by
Kevin
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001
Strengths: weight, active suspension, handling characteristics
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike if you are looking to race XC. It is not as plush as my Loco, but climbs better. The suspension is definately on the firm side, but that is what I was looking for in a XC racer. It has helped me get two consecutive first place finishes (and an upgrade to expert next year) in my last two races. My bike weighs in at a little under 24 pounds complete. The bike is not cheap, but if you sit it next to a Sugar or FSR you can see the difference in build quality. Titus have awesome customer service, when I had a shifting problem they adjusted my bike for no charge. Thank you Allan and Chris!
Bike Setup: Manitou MARS Super, XTR, crossmax UST, Thomson and Easton Monkeylite Lo-rise
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Submitted by
Ercole DiBattista
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Strengths: Extremely stable in almost all conditions. Exceedingly controllable especially in tight switchbacks both up and down hill. Has the ability to provide an extra kick/boost of power or speed when called upon.
Weaknesses: As a result of the rear strut suspension, the rear derailer will tap the rear chainstay - simply applied rubber pad.
Bottom Line:
After weeks of testing numerous bikes, the decision came down to the Titus Racer X. The feel of the bike in terms of stability, control, acceleration, cornering, and front to rear balance was not matched by other bikes. Price was a tad bit more but overall frame quality was not surpassed by other brands. Adjustability of both front and rear shock provided more than ample refinement to meet the challenge of most of the front range trails. Obviously, not as much rear shock as the Loco Moto or FSR XC, but more than enough for my personal taste.
The Wheatridge team was very supportive and patient as I went through the testing process. The bike was built with care and precision and after dozens of rides not one nut, bolt, decal, or any other thing has failed or come undone.
The bike came in at 25.1 lbs. I am now exceeding my best performances of last year, steeper and longer climbs, tighter and more treacherous switchbacks. This bike has met all of my expectations.
Similar Products Used: Klein Adept Pro, Specialized FSR XC Pro, Trek Fuel 90, Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Gary Fisher Joshua, Santa Cruz Superlight, Titus Loco Moto
Bike Setup: Mavic 517s, All XT transmission with XTR rear, XT hubs, Thomson seat post, Koobi saddle, Hellbent flattracker bar, IRC Mythos tires, XT brakes, Bontrager stem, Fox Float RC, Rock Shox XC.
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Submitted by
Justin Sapp
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001
Strengths: Quick handling due to smart geometry (angles and wheelbase), efficiency of Mac strut/Horst Link, climbing prowess and overall quality
Weaknesses: Price (even though it is a bargain boutique) and 2 year warranty. Also, the shock makes a slight "swoosh" sound upon rebound.
Bottom Line:
Simply a fine handling machine. I crunched numbers for some time to find something that would handle like my Klein in the predominantly technical, tight terrain I find myself. Without laying eyes on an actual bike, I finally made the purchase (not, mind you, without much deliberation and consternation...). Firstly, I am a racer. I recently moved up to Expert and simply wanted something to faster than my top-notch Klein hardtail (or at least go just as fast for longer). I'm 6' (maybe a hair under with a 33 and 3/4" inseam. I consulted with Titus on several occassions and received a wealth of great advice from the crew on this site. Under the advice of Alan @ Titus I opted for a medium which has a 1/2" shorter top tube than my previous Large Klein. At first, I simply could not climb on the bike. The magic wasn't there. I thought it might have been a bit too small. Since logging many hours, a switch to a low riser bar (3/4"), I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase. It takes a little time to get accustomed to a full-suspension. Now, I can climb anything. The bike weighs 23.75 lbs (or a hair less) and is the best bike I've ever ridden. I'm not sure if it's Titus' preoccupation with wheelbase, the quick geometry (71.5 head angle) or the fact that a slightly smaller bike suits me better for east-coast terrain (but, I just returned from New Mexico and the bike felt just as perfect along 4 mile climbs and rough, blazing-fast descents). In regard to the company, Stephanie is sweeter than a Georgia peach and Alan is fully committed to providing honest advice and expert guidance. Did I mention that I'm the subject of an inordinate amount of gawking admiration from other riders on the trail? Well, after 3 months, I'm probably a little biased... -JustinTime
