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Turner 2001 XCE Full Suspension Bike

5/5 (12 Reviews)

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Product Description

This is the all terrain fun bike for the toughest rides in the world. The world renowned Burner is the ideal trail bike the heavier and\or aggressive cross country rider. The plush 4 inches of wheel travel is for the rider who demands the ultimate in comfort and control. Our proven 4 bar linkage system ensures reliability and maximum rigidity. The XCE comes equipped with a FOX Coil Over Vanilla RC with compression and rebound controls. The pivot locations are perfect for your type of riding, it will not partially lock out when you are sweating over that rock pile, and it doesn't bob noticeably when hammering the smoother sections. If you challenge yourself with the toughest climbs and descend rocky trails and screaming fire roads, The XCE will keep you smiling hour after hour. The XCE is designed around a single crown fork with 100mm of travel to maintain proper geometry. 4.0" travel, 70 head, 73.5 seat 15,16.5, 18, 19.5, 21


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Reviews 1 - 12 (12 Reviews Total)

User Reviews

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Vaughn Brown a Cross Country Rider from Capistrano Beach

Date Reviewed: November 17, 2002

Strengths:    Everything about this bike is good. It climbs well desends well.

Weaknesses:    None

Bottom Line:   
I have had a number of high end bikes and this is by far and away the best.before my XCE I had a Uzzi SL,what a joke compaired to the Turner, The turner climbs ,desends,everything.In there ad's they say this is the ultimate funbike and boy were they right.Excelent company to deal with,have talked to David Turner many times on the phone.(Yes he still answers the phone.) Can not say enough good things about this bike.

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Favorite Trail:   San Juan Trail or Santa ana River Trail

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $2000.00

Purchased At:   Turner Bikes

Similar Products Used:   Mountain Cycle CXS, GT LTS, Intense Uzzi SL

Bike Setup:   Rockshock Psylo SL fork,XTR cranks,v-brakes,controls,Thompson seatpost and stem,Shimano Wheels,SDG seat
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Rick a Cross Country Rider from Phoenixville, PA

Date Reviewed: June 21, 2002

Strengths:    Solid and durable frameset, perfect balance in the suspension design, simple good looks, "conventional" tube design = easy to transport, go-anywhere ride qualities, great responsiveness from guys at Turner.

Weaknesses:    Minor issues only... Ny-lock nut on rear linkage came loose, grease port for main bushing not very accessible.

Bottom Line:   
Stable, predictable, controllable ride. Corners much better than my Uzzi SL did (lower BB?). Hooks up better when climbing, just as forgiving on the DH's and in rock gardens (though if you try to coast a rock garden you get beat up - pedal through it on this bike!). Good things don't come cheap, but this is a frame you'll own for a long time.

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Favorite Trail:   French Creek

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Purchased At:   Bean's Bikes

Similar Products Used:   Intense Uzzi (owned), Titus Switchblade (demo'd).

Bike Setup:   2001 XCE, Cane Creek AD12 rear shock, XT drivetrain, Easton seatpost/carbon risers, Mavic Crossmax UST tubeless, Hutch Pythons, Mavic Black Elite 100/120 fork.
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Steven Blondeau from Albuquerque

Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002

Strengths:    Handling, Design, Grease Zerks, customer service.

Weaknesses:    ?

Bottom Line:   
First ride out I was really racking my brain in full on critical mode as to why this bike cost 2x what everybody else is riding. Towards the end of the ride it hit me...Neutrality.
This bike does just what you ask, nothing more, nothing less. Every other bike I have ever ridden required me at some point to make some hairball, do or die adjustment at critical moments in order to keep from being trail carnage. With the XCE there is none of that in your throat, will I make it, Oh s#$%!, how did I get here,rider input required.
My decision to purchase the X CE over the ID or the Tracer came down to the grease zerks and the guys at Turner. They talked to me , answered questions and understood the concerns of a longtime rider interested in reality versus flash and hype.
I have dubbed my bike La Courtesan because it does what you want with no lip, but you have to PAY! This baby is skilled and gives much pleasure. The Fox coil over works great and the Hayes stop with out inducing hand cramps. There is no detectable bob while climbing and no nasty rear end kick back on descents.
Over the years I have grown accustomed to the twitchy Specialized geometry and it took a few minutes to learn that this bike has no twitch. It carves smoothly and the more you simply flow and believe in the capabilities of the bike, the more the smile on your face grows.
After riding mass produced product for over fifteen years I have reached Nirvana. In all honesty I think only someone who has been riding for a while and watched the industry chase it's tail in pursuit novelty could appreciate this bike. You need some experience and wisdom to know this bike.
If you are ready to taste the nectar of true love start saving and get ready for ecstacy. Turner builds a straight ahead, no frills, QUALITY product.

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Favorite Trail:   The one I am riding

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $5000.00

Purchased At:   Fat Tire Cycles

Similar Products Used:   FSRXC

Bike Setup:   Hayes, XTR, Mavic Tubeless, Thompson stem and seat post, Monkeylite bars, Flite Ti seat
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by MARK HOWARD a Weekend Warrior from MONTEBELLO, CA, USA

Date Reviewed: February 18, 2002

Strengths:    THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP REVIEW.

Weaknesses:    NONE

Bottom Line:   
AFTER 7 MONTHS OF RIDING 5-6 TIMES A WEEK IN A VARIETY OF TERRAIN, IT JUST GETS BETTER... THIS IS THE FINEST BIKE MADE. WHAT I REALLY WANT TO MENTION IS THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT TURNER SUSPENSION BIKES. I DECIDED TO PURCHASE A FOX RACING FORX RLC 100. I WAS GOING TO BE IN THE AREA SO I ASKED IF I COULD STOP BY AND HAVE MY NEW FORK INSTALLED. WITHOUT HESITATION, THEY SAID TO COME ON IN. I LEFT THE BIKE WITH THEM AND RETURNED A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER. IT WAS DONE AND THEY DID A GREAT JOB OF INSTALLING THE FORK AND ROUTING THE CABLES. THEY WOULDN'T ACCEPT ANY MONEY FOR THE JOB. WHERE ELSE CAN YOU FIND THIS GREAT OF CUSTOMER SERVICE?

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Favorite Trail:   TURNBULL CANYON

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $1995.00

Purchased At:   TURNER SUSPENSION BIKES

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Thom O'Neill a Cross Country Rider from Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002

Strengths:    Read Below

Weaknesses:    The 4 Week Wait!, But Well Worth It!

Bottom Line:   
Following 2.5 months of riding almost every type of mountain bike terrain existing in Arizona, I can confidently state that this is the last full-suspension bike I will ever own or the last bike company I will ever deal with. In fact, I am trying to figure out how I can purchase a reserve frame without my wife ever knowing. The Turner XCE is unequivocally, the most balanced, neutral, forgiving, and fun bike I have ever had the pleasure of riding. The frameset instantly instills confidence in the rider, and there is virtually no adjustment period needed by the rider. Once you get the seat and stem dialed in, the bike disappears below you and the rider is permitted to exclusively focus on the single track, drop-off, chosen line, etc… Simply stated there is nothing quirky or distracting about this frameset.

THE FRAME/RIDE: The front and rear triangles are equally stiff and confidence inspiring and the geometry is perfectly dialed. I was particularly concerned that the 70-degree head tube would result in a slow and floppy handling bike. This concern was immediately extinguished during my first ride; the bike handles effortlessly and confidently when piloting tight and hairy single track as well as technical rocky ascents and descents. The bottom bracket is truly like a solid chunk of steel, with no discernable flex. I have ridden Turner copies or “the competition”, with similarly designed bottom brackets and they look solid and cool, but they just don’t deliver the solid feel of the Turner. Lastly, this bike is ultra solid and quiet, as I mentioned previously “the competition” and “walking beam” copies with lots of sealed bearings just don’t deliver the advanced rock-solid, and quiet ride of the Turner.

THE COMPANY: There are very few bike companies that offer articulate people to talk with, where you can ask tough, candid questions and get logical and reasoned answers. The team at Turner understand how superior their product is and they are enthusiastically prepared to convince their prospective clients that they have a product that will fit your needs. Too many times all of us have spoken with someone at the bigger and smaller companies and all too often you get someone with no people or phone skills that cannot intelligently articulate the technical features and benefits of the bike, or you get the arrogant tech that spews completely illogical and canned marketing “B.S.” that 90% of the public consumes. Unfortunately when you question “the competition’s” logic\design or their “too good to be true” warranty, they are quickly hustling you off the phone and looking to sell to the next sheep.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you weigh more than 175 lbs and like to ride terrain that is technically more challenging than your run of the mill NORBA X-Country course, the Turner XCE is your answer. This bike and the company will deliver a return on your investment like no other in the industry… BAR NONE!

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Little Bear, Flagstaff, Arizona

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $1950.00

Purchased At:   Rage Cycles

Similar Products Used:   Ellsworth Truth 01'(owned), Specialized FSR XC Pro (Owned), Specialized Stumpjumper (Owned), Bontrager Hardtail (Own), Manitou FS (Owned) Kona Kilauea (Owned)(Fisher Sugar, Titus Racer X\Switchblade,Trek Fuel,Yeti ASR,Demos)

Bike Setup:   2002 18" Turner XCE, Fox Float RLC Fork, Thomson Seatpost\Stem, King Hubs, Valiant Hoops, XTR\XT Derailleurs, XT Shifters,Cranks,BB,Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tires
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Steve Aquaholic a Weekend Warrior from San Diego

Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001

Strengths:    Strong, Beefy, Tubeset. Trick welds, Perfect trailbike geometry, Very stiff laterally. Nice powdercoating, Cable guides are well thought out. Attention to detail

Weaknesses:    Wiping drool off of my frame.
Detracts from riding time answering questions about the bike.


Bottom Line:   
Previously, I had an '01 Ellsworth Truth that I thought was the ultimate XC/Trailbike. In the 9 months that I owned that bike it broke 3 times, (swingarm, rocker, and then frame). I ride mainly XC and aggresive/fast trails. I bought the Ellsworth because of it's climbing prowess and suspension. the XCE has very similar geometry and that's what I was first drawn to. But in comparing the two bikes the XCE feels considerably more solid and stable when the descents turn ugly. Much less nervousness and tail wagging than with the Truth. It has a slightly more relaxed head tube angle and coupled with the stiffer rear end I just feel, well, safer and more confident. Climbing-wise the Truth may possibly have a slight advantage only because of the lighter weight, although it's hard to compare exactly as my Truth was setup as pure XC with V brakes, and air suspension front and rear. If I setup the XCE with those same components it would be very, very close. With Discs and Coil suspension my 21" XCE weighs 28 3/4lbs. (my Truth was 26lbs). It may take me a slight bit longer to get to the top of the mountain, but so what? I'm not racing. It climbs everything the Ellsworth did. And besides, the piece of mind that I have on the descents is more important to me anyways. After talking with people that own Turners I began to see that not only was this a solid bike from an experienced framebulider, but more importantly the people at Turner Bikes go out of their way to ensure that you are happy. What good are frames with "lifetime......err, Limited Lifetime warranties if they are constantly breaking? It's amazing the after sales support that I still receive. It's a very rare thing. All in all......REAL IMPRESSIVE!

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Favorite Trail:   Noble Canyon/San Diego

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Purchased At:   TurnerBikes

Similar Products Used:   '01 Ellsworth Truth

Bike Setup:   Fox Forx Vanilla RLC100, Fox Vanilla RC Shock, Thomson post/stem, Easton Monkeylite bars, Sram gripshift, XTR F/R der.,XTR Cranks/BB, Hope Mini's, Mavic X317/Panaracer,Time Pedals.
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Tom a Cross Country Rider from Orange County CA

Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001

Strengths:    Proven design, grease ports at all pivots, lateral rigidity, Made in the USA, excellent cutomer service and tech support.

Weaknesses:    None so far!

Bottom Line:   
Buy one if you want the best bike out there. This bike does it all. The Guys over at Turner are great which makes it alot less painful parting with the cash. Excellent ride and great customer service, go figure.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   The ones I can ride my bike to.

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Purchased At:   Local Shop

Similar Products Used:   Intense Tracer, Gary Fisher Sugar 1, Specialized Enduro Pro, GT I-Drive 1.0, Cannondale Jekyll Team and Santa Cruz Super Light.

Bike Setup:   Duke SL 100mm travel, XT Disc brakes, Mavic Cross Max UST Tubless Disc wheelset, King Headset, Monkey Lite carbon bar, Thomson post and stem, Crank Bro's Egg beater pedals and 9.0 Sl shifters and derailleurs.
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by MARK HOWARD a Weekend Warrior from MONTEBELLO, CA U.S.A.

Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001

Strengths:    THE XCE DOES EVERYTHING SO WELL. I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW EFFORTLESSLY IT CLIMBS AND ACCELERATES. I WEIGH 210 AND CAN'T BOTTOM THIS BIKE OUT. THE 4" TRAVEL FRONT AND REAR FEELS LIKE 6". PERFECT GEOMETRY AND SUSPENSION IS VERY APPARENT. THE CRAFTMANSHIP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS UNSURPASSED. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS OUTSTANDING. I ORDERED MY XCE AND IT WAS DELIVERED 10 DAYS LATER.

Weaknesses:    EXPENSIVE BUT WELL WORTH IT.

Bottom Line:   
BUY A TURNER XCE AND YOU WILL RIDE MORE AND GO MUCH FASTER. IT DOES EVERYTHING SO WELL. YOU WILL BE ASTONISHED AT HOW IT ACCELERATES AND CLIMBS. I DIDN'T INTEND ON RACING XC WITH MY XCE, BUT I'M CONVINCED THAT THIS BIKE CAN OUT PERFORM MY HARDTAIL. IF YOU XC, SINGLE TRACK OR MOUNTAIN BIKE THE XCE WILL BE YOUR BEST CHOICE. RIDE ONE...AND SEE!

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   TURNBULL

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $4600.00

Purchased At:   TURNER BIKES

Similar Products Used:   SANTA CRUZ SUPERLIGHT, SANTA CRUZ BULLET, INTENSE UZZI SL

Bike Setup:   MANITOU BLACK 100/120, HAYES DISC BRAKES, THOMPSON SEAT POST AND STEM, MONKEY LITE SCANDIUM BARS, XTR SHIFTERS/DER, MAVIC 317 RIMS,CHRIS KING HUBS/HEADSET & RACEFACE ISIS LP CRANKS
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Gravity a Cross Country Rider from Fresno,Ca.

Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001

Strengths:    Bombproof frame, no flex, bushings with grease ports, excellent climber and awesome on the downhill, four-bar linkage. DEPENDABLE!

Weaknesses:    Boogers stick to paint job... try polished frame.

Bottom Line:   
I normally would not spend the time to evaluate a product, no less recommend one to someone I did not know, but I think this bike is sooooooo awesome I wanted others who are taking the time to research their next bike purchase the opportunity read this consumers opinion on the Turner XCE.

Read other reviews for the machine work… I am not a machinist. One thing I do know is gravity and the toll it can take on frames. I weigh in at 260 lbs. and love the technical rock-strewn trails of the Sierra. I have broken seven frames in as many years… the last one an Ellsworth Truth on only my 5th ride (completely severed the seat tube).

I write this review for my fat-boy brethren who may be considering a high-end full suspension bike. Make sure you take a close look at the XCE, for it is a bombproof bike for your big butts. Afraid of bushings? Don't be, as they last longer than bearings and are easily serviceable via grease ports located at each pivot. The four-bar linkage is the most efficient full suspension system out there and Turner has perfected it. I studied all the reviews before I purchased the XCE and I knew I was getting a "built-to-last" bike, but what caught me by surprise was how plush this bike rides… blew the Truth out of the granite. The XCE climbs and descends like no other, and unlike others it is built to last. If you are a weight-weenie buy the XCE and take a dump before your next ride. EMAIL me if you have any lingering questions about this incredible machine, or would like an updated evaluation.

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Favorite Trail:   Glacier Lake/Grouse Ridge

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Purchased At:   Cyclopath (Fresno)

Similar Products Used:   Ellsworth Truth, Specalized FSR

Bike Setup:   front shock, rear shock, 2 tires, brakes....
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Paul from LaVerne, CA. USA

Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001

Strengths:    I've only owned my XCE for a week, but I wanted to give my first impression. WOW! It changes the way I ride, it makes every ride more enjoyable, and it makes me a better rider. This bike does everything well. I've never climed better and I'm significantly faster on the downhill side. The performance, quality craftsmanship, comfort and looks make this (in my opinion) the best all-around mountain bike made - PERIOD!

Weaknesses:    I'm not so sure about my Avid Mechanicals yet, but it's still early, so I'll check back in once they've been broken in and stop squeaking. Other that that no weaknesses found.

Bottom Line:   
If you can afford a Turner XCE - buy it! If you can't, then save your money and make your old ride last until you can. You will NOT be sorry. I think you could certainly find a bike that climbs better, and one that descends better, but you will be hard pressed to find a bike that does it All as well as this one does. "As good as a Turner...there's no such thing."

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Marshall Canyon

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Similar Products Used:   I've ridden a Specialized A-1 Comp for the past 6 years and tested the Sugar, Fuel, Santa Cruz, Intense Tracer and the Giant AC-1. All of them were very nice bikes, but I couldn't justify spending this kind of money for the second best bike.

Bike Setup:   Marzocchi X-Fly 100, Avid Mechanicals, Thompson seatpost and stem, TURNER SDG saddle, XT front and rear, WTB Speed disc Wheels with Panaracer tires, and the standard Fox vanilla coil over shock.
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Brian Hahl a Cross Country Rider from Easton, PA

Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001

Strengths:    The Turner XCE is nothing but strengths, too numerous to mention. Here's one: great under all conditions!
This bike has fufilled my every dream in a full suspension bike. It does everything well. Dave Turner has created the full suspension bike that all others have and must be compared too. My Tuner XCE has handeled everything from the 24 Hour of Canaan, Moab, Fruita, Downieville, and my backyard rides in Jim Thorpe. Three years of hard riding with no problems. My XCE is a custom frame that was designed by Dave and built for my 6'7" frame. I spent three weeks in contact with Dave and he designed me a version of his XCE that has me in full suspension heaven. His attention to detail is unmatched and he's a real cool guy to talk to too.
You should look into this frame if you are serious about your ride. This bike suits the big rider and like in my case, can be custom designed to meet your needs. It doesn't get any better than this.

Weaknesses:    NONE! This is the best bike on the planet! Do not stop at GO and go directly to your Turner dealer or give Dave a call direclty. You will not be disapointed.

Bottom Line:   
Just look around at all of the crazy bike designs that have come and gone. Now look at a Turner XCE, not much has change, and that says something for a great design.
The bottom line is this, I like my XCE so much, I just took delivery of my second frame.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Any Downieville trail

Duration Product Used:   More than 3 years

Purchased At:   Turner Supension Bicycles

Similar Products Used:   Ventana Marble Peak FS

Bike Setup:   Marzocci Z-1, XTR full group, Ryno Lite rims, WTB MotoRapter 2.4 tires, Thomson seatpost, WTB saddle
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Malcolm a Cross Country Rider from Canada

Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001

Strengths:    I've tried a bunch (including Yeti, Ellsworth, Specialized, Cannondale, Fisher etc) and the Turner XCE is the finest full suspension bike I've ever ridden. This bike does everything well - it climbs as well as it descends. The attention to detail is amazing.

Weaknesses:    None. They are not cheap but you definitely get what you pay for. They are also not super light but my 28lb XCE climbs at least as well as my 23 lb. hardtail.

Bottom Line:   
Sell your car and buy a Turner! Ride as many bikes as you can before you buy. That formula put me onto an XCE.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Porcupine Rim

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Purchased At:   Top of the World Cyclery

Similar Products Used:   Specialized, Cannondale, Titus, Ellsworth, Yeti, Santa Cruz, Fisher, Giant, etc.

Bike Setup:   Manitou XVert Super fork, Avid Mechanical disks with Ultimate levers, Chris King hubs and headset, Shimano drivetrain, Easton Monkeylite bars, Thomson stem and seatpost, WTB motoraptor 2.4 tires and WTB Laser V saddle.
Reviews 1 - 12 (12 Reviews Total)

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