Submitted by
tim nicolo
a Cross Country Rider
from elmira
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2004
Strengths: none, its junk
Weaknesses: the forks, they bottom out easily and not enough travil. the brakes, i hit a mudd puddel and i had to buy new brakes cause they died
Bottom Line:
this bike is junk, from day 1 i have had problems with this bike. i would not recomend this bike. save the money for the trek 4500, other than going to get groceries, put it down.
for the budget minded good bike to get into. Im close to outgroing this bike i do some "light" DH. Good intermediate MTB. Saving money to buy a Specialized BigHit DH. OOOHHRAAHHH GET SOME
Weaknesses: Crappy componets, horrible fork, bad tires, brakes need constant tuning.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great bike to introduce yourself to basic singletracks, however is not recommended for anything greater in difficulty. Upgradibility is limited because to bring this bike up to spec would require about $300.00 plus installation. However for most who do not need disk brakes, take a look at a similarly priced Kona, Fisher or Giant. Let Trek build road bikes and Fisher (sister company) build MTBs
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Justin, Texas
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003
Strengths: pretty cheap, durable, great as an introduction bike
Weaknesses: pedals suck, wish it had 8 or 9 speed components
Bottom Line:
great bike for introduction to sport and a great bike for beating up. it has served well on all the single track ive ridden and ive even raced on it. great price for what you get and ive seen them going for cheaper now.
Similar Products Used: Magna (POS Target brand bike)
Bike Setup: stock with Kore stem and bars, hutchison python gold tires, selle san marco seat, egg beaters
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ray Wilkerson
a Weekend Warrior
from Halethorpe Md
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002
Strengths: Light weight and cheap, just right for the weekend warrior.
Weaknesses: Had to replace peddles. after a 2 1/2 hour trail the shifter needs adjusting.
Bottom Line:
Since I don't do 4ft Plus jumps and only do the trail at potapsaco state park. the bike suits me perfect. I guess I put about 20 miles a week on the bike. In the 10 mounth I've owned it nothing has broke or bent (except a peddle on a rock). For the money you can't beat it.
Strengths: Seemingly Highly Specced. Good Alloy frame, bontrager stem, wiggly bars, front suspension, disc brakes front and rear. And looks good.
Weaknesses: Closer inspection reveals what you'd expect at this price -weak alloy wheels. And lower specced componentry.
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a small bike for the other half. And found this bike in 13" (33cms) frame size. A bike this small weighs absolutely zip!!! Has some nice componentry touches to it - I won't be expecting too much from the wheels and forks.
Strengths: very light bike. good brakes. accurate shifting.
Weaknesses: did not come with a very good fork. wish it had 8 or 9 in the back but still is a good setup.
Bottom Line:
a very good bike to start on or even to up grade too. i like it alot and as i improved and wanted more out of it simply bought more race ready parts. if you have an opportunity to get one get it you will not regret it.
Submitted by
Andrew Trimbach
a Cross Country Rider
from West Milton, Ohio
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001
Strengths: $430 for a Fork, Discs, and a good Aluminum frame. Great MTB that I can also ride around town with the wife and kid. Confidence inspiring handling and brakes when you toss it onto the singletrack.
Weaknesses: Wish the Front disc had a bit more power. Kenda Connection tires not great on hardpack (though relatively decent in the mud) Would like 8 or 9 gears in the back.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Not a full-out race bike, but a competent singletrack blazer that you can take around town with the family. Good componets, DISC BRAKES, quick and light. As your time and skills progress, you can always add racier componets.
