Submitted by
WhistlerMike
a Downhiller
from Whistler, BC Date Reviewed: August 19, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Strengths:
Most solidly built frame I've ridden, very laterally stiff. Inspires confidence, tracks through any line over any terrain, soaks up massive bumps yet still provides good feedback. Great in the corners. All the good things people say are true, I could go on about this bike for ages its wicked! I live in Whistler and ride in the park about five times a week, and this is the only bike I've ever ridden that has made it through an entire season of abuse without anything on the frame ever causing me any trouble, everything's still original (except for the shock which blew, nothing against Cove there) and running like new! The linkage is always tight, I've actually gotten out of the habit of checking over it cause it's always good! With previous bikes on average I've had to rebuild the rear linkage 2 or 3 times per season, the Whistler bike park is known for beating the crap out of your bike. I noticed someone on here said it's a hard bike to jump, would have to disagree, it feels light in the air, whips easily. Lots of fun!!
Weaknesses:
Nothing...the Maxle comes loose and I always keep an eye on that but Maxles just do that regardless of the frame
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Judge, Specialized Demo, Sunday, V10
Bike Setup:
World cups, DHX 5.0, X.O shifting, e.13 LG-1, Ringle hubs to 721, Highroller, Chromag bars, Avid Codes
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike that I highly recommend. Super solid frame that performs great, extremely durable and fun to ride. Everyone at Cove has been extremely helpful. Recommend especially to anyone racing downhill or riding bike parks on a regular basis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frobiker
a Racer
from Keene, NH, USA Date Reviewed: November 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
'07 & '08 Whiteface 5K races
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA (frame on
Strengths:
Everything (seriously)
-super solid build
-terrific geometry
-excellent handling
-jack of all trades
Weaknesses:
inspires confidence (along the lines of a superhero)
is that a bad thing though?
hhmm,,,i'm going to say "none".
Similar Products Used:
Never ridden anything like it frankly.
But I have spent time on:
Giant DH Comp (1st DH bike ever)
Sinister R9 (2 seasons, same frame)
Iron Horse Sunday (1 month, 2 races)
Bike Setup:
I am 5'10" and around 165lbs. I have the Medium in black. I raced this bike for the '08 season (~20 races) in the Jr.X 18&Under category (my last season for this group). Couldn't have picked a better bike to do the job. For a more "in depth review", check out Decline Magazine's review, as it was/is in my opinion, spot on. John P.'s review a couple down, is also very good.
My Race Rig looked like this:
Fox 40 RC2 w/ Risse TC, VIVID w/ stock spring (450 i think), Avid Codes (203mm f/r), Highrollers, 440 hubs on 721 rims and a 2350 wheelset, 170mm OTC cranks, 5050XX pedals, 710mm Holzfeller bars/ e13 ALI stem, full Sram, Sunline Thick grips, e13 LG1. (pretend the Roco is a VIVID)
[IMG]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/steezy_02/IMG_0598.jpg[/IMG]
Bottom Line:
This bike does it all: plows, jumps, corners, manuals, drifts, ninja lines...everything. It looks like a freight train and rides like one. Super stable at speed and hold line on the off camber stuff very well. But at the same time this bike is very agile; Picks up over anything, translating into speed gaps for race lines and it pedals super well (esp. sprints). Instantly awesome, I was immediately comfortable when I got on it. I'm going to stop myself b/c I can go on for days about how amazing the Shocker is.
This bike is #1 in my book and I recommend it to all racers looking for that extra edge of reliability and confidence, as well as (and most importantly) performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Thornhill
a Downhiller
from Exeter Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tavistock
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$6500.00
Purchased At:
cycvibes (exeter, De
Strengths:
I am 6ft and ride a medium frame that is relativly short and tucked up compared to other dh bikes that i have either sat on or ridden in a medium.. This makies for a very lively ride with tremendus responce and feel that is truely responsive.. If you want a lazy ride through fast rough terrain then buy a santa cruzv10, but if you like a bike that will progress you and keep you informed of everything you hit then nothing compares to this frame set. I have been the butt of a lot of jokes from my mate who has a v10 focusing on the fact that this rare bike is no match for his v10 set up until I let him rip down a local trail on the shocker. At the bottom of the hill he couldn't find fault and admitted (reluctantly) that This bike accelerates like no other he had ridden and was absolutely amazing to ride. I took his scv10 down behind him and will admit it ironed out the rough stuff like I couldn't believe but when it came to feedback and manoeuvrability in the technical sections I felt it had nothing on the shocker! To put it blunt. If you are after a true race ready frame that will deliver results then buy the shocker. It is understated but amazingly built.. You might not have all the guys on the trails drooling over it but for sure you will let actions speak louder than words on the trails..
Weaknesses:
Absolutly nothing.. tough as old boots.. hand built to perfection..
Similar Products Used:
scv10, big hit (fully stacked)
Bike Setup:
race face diablous finnishing kit, 888 rc2x forks, dt swiss 440 hubs and 660 rims, hope moto v2, etc...
Bottom Line:
A must have for the underground ripper..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jordan howe
a Racer
from bellingham washington U.S.A. Date Reviewed: April 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
scorpion
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
some guy
Strengths:
this is all around the best DH bike ever built! it bangs through corners like a field mouse on speed!! i love this bike and nothing else compares.
Weaknesses:
they are a little hard to find but if you ever come across one and you can afford it.buy it.its worth every penny i paid!
Similar Products Used:
nothing compares!
Bike Setup:
shocker frame.fox dhx 5.0.2007 boxxer team.shimano saint..everything.and maviz 729 rims laced to saint hubs
Bottom Line:
the best bike in the world!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Cardiff, South Wales, UK Date Reviewed: April 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Plenny
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3100.00
Purchased At:
Sunset Cycles
Strengths:
Plushest ride you could ever imagine. Feels like you can hit anything at any speed on it, just eats up terrain. Build Quality is outstanding. Orange Paint is Awesome. Very Neutral and gives bags of confidence if your pretty new to DH like me. Got virtually mobbed by other riders wanting to look at it when I first took it out.
Weaknesses:
Not the easiest bike to get into the air. It's nice to have a Maxle I guess, but needs keeping an eye on as it can come loose, given it's not really a bike you'd maintain on the trail can't see the point of it. Not exactly a srinking violet. People will notice it, and will expect you to be "of a level" LOL. Costs fourtunes. S Seat needs carefull placement to avoid buzzing the back wheel. But these are just very minor things.
Similar Products Used:
Norco A-line.
Bike Setup:
'08 888 RC3 WC. Avid Code, 729's on Pro II's. Raceface finishing kit. X9 shortcage and shifter.
Bottom Line:
Stunning. I'm loving it. Can't wait to take it to the Alps in a few months.
Wish Cove had some more presence in the UK. There were NO built bikes in any shop I could find to sit no, never mind have a test ride £1900 is a hell of a leap of faith on a bike you don't even know will be comfortable for you. But trust me on this, it's worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miguel
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
its all good
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Cove Bikes
Strengths:
Solid build. Great looks.
Weaknesses:
Maxle comes loose, that's about it. May be expensive but this is a quality product.
Bike Setup:
888rc2x, Diabolus, Sram.
Bottom Line:
Fun ride, nice feel, nice flow, stable, leaves you wanting more. Though DH specific, it is quite versatile and will definitely take you to the next level. On the Shore, look for the steeps. At the park, let off the brakes it rails like no other - of course the trade off here is a low BB, which can make things a little tricky on tech terrain, but nothing you don't get used to. All in all awesome bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zark
a Downhiller
from Santa Barbara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cold Springs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Bobs
Strengths:
Solid feel, low maintenance, lively ride, great pedaling. Very neutral braking. The bike just loves steep terrain, it just rolls over anything that can't be jumped.
Weaknesses:
Its heavy, 12.5lb frame. Its pricey, and even more so with the current U.S.-CA exchange rate. The paint on my silver one is thin and easily marred, all the other shockers I've seen have had better paint than mine though.
Similar Products Used:
Intense M1, Giant DH Team, Santa Cruz V10, Specialized Big Hit DH, Demo 8, Demo 9, Sunday
Bike Setup:
05 888 RC, Saint cranks, Hadley Hubs
Bottom Line:
This bike is great. It feels great in a wide range of terrain. I've ridden it all over Cali and up in Whistler. It has been a rock solid, fun as hell performer. This is a bike that likes to jump off anything in the trail. You can plow the rough or finesse through the rocks, it bottoms smoothly too. I've had a full year on it and I'm keeping it for next season....and the one after that!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ellis Freedman Freedman
a Downhiller
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: November 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
D1 - Whistler
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
RIDE - THIS
Strengths:
Very very solid feel. I know by now its cliche, but this bike slays dh courses and rails corners. The wheel base is long making me feel secure when almost vertical. The looks are savage. Before purchasing i didn't expect the attention i got while at freeride/downhill areas, people thought is was ridiculously good looking at proportional. The bike is great to control in the air, whips come effortlessly. Much better to handle then my previous demo 9. Hah, this bike pones that bike now that i think of it in every aspect. It is simply fantastic.
Weaknesses:
Non so far... the Cove company is a little lazy in getting this to the shop. They say they shipped it three different times and were bull sh*ting the entire time. It finally arrived two months over due. I don't know what their deal is.
Similar Products Used:
Turner DHR, Demo 9, Giant Glory, Yeti 303
Bike Setup:
White Cove frame, 823 hadley, boxxer world cup, juicy 7, 5.0 titanium coil, Thompson elite, full x9 carbon short cage...
Bottom Line:
I always thought Cove needed an update in their bike lineup and when this beauty came out i knew it was game over. The bike is savage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Downhiller
from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chute'n Range
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Mud, Sweat, and Gears
Strengths:
Geo's SPOT on, I've yet to actually break it, seemingley bottomless travel, RAILS corners, If you want it to do something, it does it and comes back begging for more... It's suggested as a DH bike, but she won't back down from a huck or two, thats for sure. Pedals VERY well, definetly better than the VP-Free I rode, and not to mention its gotta be one of the best looking DH bikes out there. And the name. That's pretty sweet too.
Weaknesses:
Weight, but its still respectable. And I seem to go though alot of seats. You need to take the spring off the shock, and cycle the bike through its travel to make sure you don't end up buzzing the seat once you start using travel, but that's it.
Similar Products Used:
VP-Free, Norco Team DH
Bike Setup:
White Bros DH 2.0 Forks, Hope Moto Brakes, 729 wheelset, Saint cranks, Diablous Headset, Atlas bars, and Mobster Rubber.
Bottom Line:
KILLER bike. The orange color is one of the best looking orange's ever, as there are flakes of gold in the paint. It will RAIL any berm, suck up any bump, stutter bump, or huck, absolutely NO Brake jack, and hand made in canada. How can you go wrong? I'll be riding this bike untill there's nothing left of it, and then probably buy another one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: March 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Crans-Montana
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
cove bikes
Strengths:
Hasn't broken yet. Nice supple, progressive suspension. Laterally faily stiff despite all the links, nice paint, reasonable angles.
Weaknesses:
Maxle, whats wrong with a bolt? Its just not a very exciting ride, it works well but it just feels abit dead.
Similar Products Used:
Turner DHR, Tomac 204, VP-free etc etc
Bike Setup:
Boxxers, saint stuff, usual dhr gear.
Bottom Line:
This bike can be built up pretty light, its got effective suspenion and so far appears to be fairly tough. But it just doesn't excite me I enjoyed riding my DHR much more but that kept snapping. The damn maxle comes loose periodically. Its cheapish and the guys at voe seem nice enough.
Bottom line is I dont plan on keeping this bike longer than a year, when I get rid of it it wont be replaced with a cove.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason G
a Downhiller
from NJ Date Reviewed: October 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Diablo Freeride Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
RIDE-THIS
Strengths:
Everything.... linkaging is great, so plush and perfect for rocks, and stiff and strong for jumps and drops, best bike i have ever ridden, so smooth, easy to control in the air. just an all around great bike
All around amazing bike for anyone. Id suggest it to anyone. Lives up to Coves standard of seemingly indestructible bikes!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Montgomery
a Downhiller
from Boise, ID, USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Legalize It - Nelson, BC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4300.00
Purchased At:
Ride-This
Strengths:
Suspension works perfectly. Geometry of bike is spot-on. Quality is excellent. Works wonderfully on wide variety of terrain from high-speed flowy downhill to super-tech, steep gnar, to stunts and skinnies
Weaknesses:
Not too much fun to pedal uphill......but it's a downhill bike for chrisakes!
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz VP-Free
Bike Setup:
Frame was $2100 from Ride-This. I am 5'9" and got a medium....perfect fit. '05 888RC, Atomlab Pimp/Hadley hub wheels, DHX5.0, X-9 rear derailer, E-13 SRS chainguide, Saint cranks, SRG I-beam FRD seat, Juicy 7 brakes
Bottom Line:
This is an absolutely fantastic bike. I have had this thing for a month now and took it to Nelson, BC for a week for it's first ride. I also have a Santa Cruz VP-Free that I have been riding for a year now and was a bit nervous about taking a brand new bike to Nelson for it's first ride. To make a long story short, I rode trails I've never been on, on a bike I'd never ridden, and felt more comfortable in the first 5 minutes of my ride on this thing than I have ever felt on any bike I have ever owned.....the thing is just perfect. Compared to the VP-Free, the Shocker is obviously more difficult to pedal uphill but it is more solid/stable going down anything and is a lot easier for me to move around in the air and on stunts. Biggest thing that amazed me is how well it handles terrain variety. Anyone who has ridden Nelson knows they have everything up there and the Shocker was just amazing on all of it. If you are looking for a solid DH bike, you will not be dissappointed with the Shocker. If you want something you can pedal up, wait a bit and Cove is coming out with a freeride version. As a side note, the people at Cove rock.....took me a while to get my frame but they were great and even made sure I got the latest iteration of the frame design....can't say enough good things about them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John P.
a Downhiller
from Freeport, Maine USA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Whistler - Joyride
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Deep Cove Bike Shop
Strengths:
Build quality is superior to any bike I've ridden in a long time. The attention to detail is amazing, and the welds are perfect. All pivots, bearings, and axles were put together beautifully, and the finish on the frame is top-notch.
The ride is fantastic, too. The BB is nice and low without being TOO low, allowing the bike to corner very well and maneuver through tight sections. Pedaling is much better than most DH bikes, and bump absorption is top notch.
Cove didn't skimp on anything with this bike, and it shows in the final product.
Weaknesses:
None really. It was expensive, but not any more than anything else of this caliber. I absolutely love this bike!
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Sunday World Cup, Tuner DHR, Karpiel, Santa Cruz V10, Kona Stab, etc.
Bike Setup:
888, Sram XO drivetrain, Saint Cranks, Hayes Mags, Easton bars, SDG Post/Seat, Mavic/Hugi Wheels, etc.
Bottom Line:
The best DH bike I've ever ridden, and I've been DHing for 8 years. Pedals great, corners great, and sucks up all the bumps. Cove's also a great company to deal with, and they put their hearts into everything they do. I wish I could rate this frame 10 chilis, but 5 will have to do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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