Time went into the testing of this design and it shows. If there are more lively bikes in this category I'd be surprised. It's incredibly laterally stiff, no hint of flex ever. Very compliant and it corners with the best of them. Another huge upside is the simplicity, a novice bike tech can have the rear linkage out, cleaned, lubricated and reassembled in less than 20 minutes and feeling like new. How many modern serious downhill/freeride bikes can claim that? To top it all off it pedals decently when at it's intended speed and has to be one of the best looking bikes of all time. I am a light rider and even for me every input gives back, it's just so fun. I ride Whistler numerous times annually and I can't imagine a better bike for it. To top it all off I had the chance to ride with the companies founders on my local trails and they are stellar dudes and total rippers. This bike is a kickass option for those who want to rip serious terrain but still want something responsive. I love my 250

Linkage driven single pivot still has some negaitive single pivot traits....ie mild brake stiffening(though greatly reduced over high single pivots) and pedal bob when standing up and grinding it. As well my 2011 250 came stock with Elixir CR's and they have had issues. Beefed up trail bike brakes still struggle to cope with DH demands. The 2012's came with Codes, a much better fit. The rebound on the DXH4 is all but untouchable unless you have skinny fingers(like me) and you have to wrap the seat and chain stays in rubber unless you want an aluminum bear bell deterrent on the trails. At 39.1 lbs it's not the lightest, but with some careful changes 35lbs is not a stretch.

What an amazing bike. Can be ridden at 95% that of a full on downhill rig but maintains a smaller bikes active and playful nature. Speaking with other TR owners(whose skill eclipses mine) reassures my belief that there are few, if any, that jump and pop better and the slightly shorter stays and steeper geometry are a dream in the tight technical stuff. The Fox 180 is one of the best forks ever made and the bikes stiffness is beyond anything I have experienced. I saw one other 250 at Whistler in 2011, this year they were everywhere. That speaks volumes in itself.

Similar Products Used:

Intense 951, Turner DHR, Devinci Wilsons and Hecktiks, Santa Cruz Bullit, etc.

Confidence inspiring! I bought this bike because I wasn't a dedicated downhiller. I wanted a bike I could swap a shorter travel fork in case I wanted a different ride. This bike didn't not disappoint. It makes you commit to lines and conquer your fears. I ran down ruts and roots with no hesitation at all and if I make a mistake I know it would be my fault and not the bike's. Made bigger drops and jumps with no qualms at all.
If you get the chance to purchase one. Go get one! Do not hesitate. It is one sweet ride.

I found installing the chips to adjust travel was a bit difficult. The linkage being hidden from view is a bit tedious to clean but I see time cleaning it as time getting better acquainted with its beautiful curves.

For the freerider and downhiller in everyone of us. Get one!