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Submitted by
yzrider927
a Downhiller
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | money | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Pink Bike | | Strengths: | huge travel> does drops at high speed, strong frame doesnt brake easily easy to maintain | | Weaknesses: | really heavy not the best for riding aroung town fing jumps and drops. | | Similar Products Used: | foes, kona, rocky mountain | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Dorado Fork, Hayes brakes in great working order, = required fieldIntense mag 30 rear wheel, Mavric DB21 front wheel, Protaper bars with MRD clamp, king headset, Maxxis and michelin tubeless tires | | Bottom Line: | great bike love it fits my budget. if you have money get somethin different. if your hurtin for money great bike to have | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wooyek
a Downhiller
from Poland
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | - High pivot suspension design - frame soaks up sharp-edged objects at every speed, maintains momentum very well;
- No pedal kickback - chain growth is close to none;
- Constant wheelbase - it's predictable and you can push the suspension for extra stability;
- Very stable and forgiving at higher speed and while jumping;
- Low centre of gravity - rails corners;
- Fairly low standover height - inspiring confidence, especially for smaller riders;
- Simplicity and predictable feel of single pivot bike;
- Sturdy, built to last for ages;
- Suitable for racing as well as freeriding;
- Well, it's a classic! | | Weaknesses: | - Sluggish handling when speed drops (it slightly gets better when the shock is mounted in steeper, "FR" position but then high speed handling is compromised);
- Rather on the heavy side;
- Some design issues (shock reservoir hitting the linkage, chain device decreasing tyre clearance - see "Technical data");
- Prone to brake-jack (as any single pivot; fixed by floating caliper set);
- Rear end is rather flexy;
- Poor pedalling efficiency- this bike goes only when pointed down the hill;
- Restricted access to rear shock adjustments - unscrewing upper mount is often needed. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC, Norco Shore and some short rides on real DH rigs. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi 888RC, Manitou Swinger 6-Way, Saint, Profile Racing etc. | | Bottom Line: | It's out-of-the-crowd design really turns out to provide outstanding performance on the trail/track. The only REAL downside is slow handling at low speed, but since speeded up, this thing rails the corners and gives extra stability on straights and in the air.
Design of this bike is so unique, that despite being out of production for 3 years, it still hasn't real competition on the market. Only Appalache Real, it's successor, could beat it (and actually does).
If you want any information and data about the BB7, visit unofficial website: www.balfa.wooyek.pl | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from San Ramon, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Mail order and built | | Strengths: | No lateral flex, perfect geometry for 30-plus mph, monster-trucks over anything in it's path, low center of gravity, drifts nicely around corners thanks to the rear-wheel travel path, pedaling eficiency, I have not had ANY of the maintenance woes of the other reviewers once properly set up. | | Weaknesses: | I have had the chain mysteriously skip off on a few occasions during some of the rough runs at Northstar, and the weight makes Downieville more work than it should be. The frames can still be found out of the UK, but it'll cost you a crapload for just a frame... | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain, Yeti, Kona. | | Bike Setup: | Shiver DC, D321 rims, 'Hussy cranks, Primo hardware, Shimano brakes, Tioga Factory DH tires, uncut Diabolus bars. | | Bottom Line: | The pedaling efficiency allows for all-around riding if you have the legs and lungs to push the weight (just shy of 48 pounds), but the geometry hides the excellent handling capabilities until you break 25mph. This is the first "point-and-shoot" bike that I've ridden which owns the technical capabilies to rule Northstar Resort, even with a long frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric loranger
a Downhiller
from quebec
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | 22 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | a gye in montreal | | Strengths: | 9 inches of rear travel looks great...great for bombing strait down a trail | | Weaknesses: | the wheelbase ni too wide unless there is a wall ride it is easy to slip out. the head tube angle is too steep for freeride. | | Similar Products Used: | none(just had a bighit 01 | | Bike Setup: | balfa bb7 2003 888 vf2 2007 5th element 2004 ethirteen chain guide ect. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is really ment for dounhillers. you can still do jump but it is a really good bike for me. i wanted 9in of travel for a cheap price and i got it. dont get me rong ...i love this bike it rides beatifully but it is bnot a bike to do competitions on. get a norco team dh..if you are rich lol. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Nulty
a Downhiller
from Newburyport Ma
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Used of a great fello named Alex | | Strengths: | The Whole bike is pretty solid, especily the rear end. it also helps to overhual all the pivots with greese & Lock-Tite every season or so.
| | Weaknesses: | I would have to say the main pivot. the bearings are sturdy but you have to be carefulthe threads can strip fairly easly. so just use some lock-tite and your all set. also i had some problems with the top shock mounting bolt. The previous owner had got a very solid and custom bolt for it that made it 10 times stronger. the sad thing is that now they are out of buissnes, you can still get some parts from jamie over seas at www.balfa.uk.co | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stab and Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | 02 BB7, 03 Ti Dorado, Saint cranks, 05 Deemaxes, DHX Air 5.0, XTR drive train. Carbon goodies, Hayes HFX's... And Lovein' It! | | Bottom Line: | This is my Second review of this bike and it is still a great Freeride machine to a Race Demon. I would say if you have te chance to snag one of theese go for it, you will not be disapointed. When my BB7 leaves i can truly say i will Cry. feel free to Email or Im me with any qeustions
konarider_1@hotmail.com AIM= konarider98 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david anderson
a Downhiller
from new westminister
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | to many to list | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | atomik | | Strengths: | the ride high suspension design is killer, make it so easy to pedal. it is so well thought out the way it runs all the lines. i am alos crazy for the billet aluminum head tube and the exrat beefy. the suspension desing is also perfect for ever type of ride, it take high speed hits and big drops. the duel shock position make if good for fr/dh. the new chromoly rear end is off the hook, just making it stronger. with the 5th element and titanium spring it is a killer combination. i am also amazed at all the little weld balfa did to just make this a killer ride, also how the placed everything make it a saultless frame. it is by far the best frame out there for a downhill/freerider. | | Weaknesses: | the main pivot bolt comes loose easy, the area around the shock is wide and sometime u hit ur knees on it so wear shine pads, the chain is really close to the stays so it eats them up fast, but all of that is easy stuff to fix! | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 norco team dh, hot chilli dh 6, my balfa minuteman! i own two sick rides! | | Bike Setup: | everything o4, manitou dorado, chris king hubs and headt set, sram x.0 derailer, axion stem pedals, raceface cranks and bb, funn bars, mavic rims 321 and 729 , michellin treads, tompson seatpost | | Bottom Line: | this is one sick ride, if u love to ride get a balfa! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kas saidi
a Downhiller
from WOODSIDE, CA, US
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | N* | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | my local bike ship | | Strengths: | This bike has performed flawlessly, i cannot say one bad thing about it. I have owned a bb7 for about 6 months now and i love it and i have never encountered a problem. I set it up with the 2004 fox vanilla RC shock(pro-pedal) and highly recommend it. | | Weaknesses: | NONE! | | Bike Setup: | 2004 bb7. Dorado. D321 rims. Hayes HFX 9. Mich. Tires | | Bottom Line: | Great bike to buy if you are in the market for a DH race bike. Very strong with the chro mo rear end. NEVER had a problem. one of the best DH bikes out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Ihnat
a Downhiller
from SYDNEY
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | DIRT | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Balfa PTY LTD | | Strengths: | This Frame is stunning in the way it rides & looks.
I'm using a 5th element & set up purely for DH race specs..
My team have been using the Balfa for round 6 months & have found it to be unreal! Chromo rear end = stiffness rigidity..
Solid downtube = pin point accuracy for turning & railing berms! | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, Paint scratches very easy...
| | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz V10 2004, TURNER DHR & GIANT DH TEAM 04... | | Bike Setup: | World Cups 04, 5th Element, MRP, XTR, Hayes DH Discs, 521 DH rims, Sram etc | | Bottom Line: | BUY THIS BIKE!
THEY ARE UNREAL for any DH track, & really easy to get used to.
They jump great, rail like a train on tracks..GET IT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael kaw
a Downhiller
from australia, sydney
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | blue mountains | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | second hand | | Strengths: | the frame and all the components | | Weaknesses: | nothing exept you just have to check the bolt because they come lose often | | Similar Products Used: | intense m1, foese dhs mono, demo 9, santa cruz v10 | | Bike Setup: | balfa bb7 frame, 02 cherry re boxxers, xt brakes, 321 rims, maxxis high rollers tires, azoniccc shorty stem, titec bars, hope hubs and headset, shimano tiagra deralia | | Bottom Line: | this is the sickest bike i have every riden, it is very good at cornering and very fast on the downhill track, stacks of travel means smooth and bigdrops, it is super stong and will handle anything you throw at it then laugh in your face, it is also very light well compared to a normal downhill bike so it can also do jumps, i recomend this bike to any one doing downhill od just going big | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave rasmuson
a Weekend Warrior
from slc,ut,usa
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Thieves forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | from a sales rep. | | Strengths: | strong, very stiff, plush travel, awesome jumping bike and very good at dropping ledges. | | Weaknesses: | The hardware was a little cheaper than i expected them to be. You have to be careful not to strip the bolt on the pivot. I suggest puting lock tight on the bolt because it has a tendancy to come loose. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense M1, Foes dhs mono | | Bike Setup: | fith element, XTR, boxxer team, mavic 321, dt swiss hubs | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome. I strongly suggest this bike if you are planning to dh race or even to just goof around on the weekends. It is great for urban riding when you can't get up to the hills. The bike is strongly suited to northshore style riding. I love riding this bike even around the city looking for stairs and drops. Very fun and really plush. I love the high chain pully system, my chain hasn't even attempted to come off or skip nobs on the chainring. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | at your mom's house | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | 450 frame only | | Strengths: | Solid, whether it's in corners, off drops, over baby heads. No maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | nadda | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | standard heavy DH parts | | Bottom Line: | Okay, here's the rub. i bought this frame 'cause it was dirt cheap and I wasn't sure if I was going to like a full suspension - tried some a while ago and hated them (devoted hardtail fanatic). Let me tell you brothers and sisters, I have been converted to The Ways of Balfa.... I HAVE BEEN HEALED, PRAISE THE LORD!.......... Sorry. Anyway, it's a 2000 frame, it was in great shape when I got it despite being used previously by a Balf team rider. I mean, this thing is bulletproof. The frame is light by current standards at under 10 LBS. I am telling you, this thing is as stiff laterally as my hardtail but with lottsa travel. Easy to manouver, great standover, great BB clearance, feels good in the air. Pedals almost as well as my hardtail.
I have to go and make love to my bike now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Dufault
a Downhiller
from Barrie Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | waterfall | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Sweet race bike with tons of travel(2002 bb7), The pully system works like a charm and got to love to adjustable head tube angle and bottom brake hight. | | Weaknesses: | Occationally the main pivot bolts can come loose, Make sure you check them atleast once a week. Bit noisy also, You can fill it up with foam if it bugs you that much. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing in the same field | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Balfa bb7, dorado, xt..... | | Bottom Line: | This is a totally sweet race bike. She cruizes on the downhill coarse and corners really well. If you are going to get one, be sure to spring for the floating disk brake attachment because it makes a huge difference! But dont go for the 5th element because its kinda hard to adjust because its tucked away and it make bunny hopping a bit harder. Buy the thing, you will be glad you did, FYI: bby stands for the pivot is 7 inches above the bottom braket. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Daris
a Downhiller
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Everything | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great big hit absorbtion
Simple and very low maintenance
Very solid bike | | Weaknesses: | A little on the heavy side , but that's the price you have to pay to get a bike that strong. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Dhi Race
Pipeline | | Bottom Line: | This is a good racing bike. I changed the main pivot bearings only once. The linking plates between the shock rockers and the swingarm are so stiff that there is no side load on the shock. After two years of abuse I never had to re-sleeve my shock. Awesome bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Beaconsfield, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | A Line | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Balfa Team Rider | | Strengths: | Everything! Great travel! Very little Pedal drag! Components are all top of the line. Great for racing! Balfa builds there bikes strong and light. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing big, but with one ride to the hill, i have had 2 pinch flats. My fault! | | Similar Products Used: | Intense M1, Norco Team DH. | | Bike Setup: | All parts are 2002. Boxxer, XTR derailleur and Cranks. MRP. Mavic D521. Hayes Hydraulic 8 Inch front/rear. Thompson post. EA50 Bar. FSA Pig Headset. Primo Flat pedals. Micheline 2.8 Front Tire. Maxxis 2.7 Rear Tire. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is well worth the money! After taking it downhill once, you will never want to get another frame but a Balfa again. The frames themselves feel confident under any condition you put them in. A true downhillers dream bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cam
a Downhiller
from North Shore Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything north shore or whistler | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | I just thought I'd try to clear something up. The "7" in BB7 means the pivot is 7 inches above the Bottom Bracket, not 7 inches of travel. 2002 and 2003 model years have 9 inches, I'm not sure about other years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from Halifax
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | BC ANYTHING | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$9999999.00 | | Purchased At: | Dealer / Rep | | Strengths: | Design, welds, handling, pedaling... You name it, this bike is into it. I've even tortured myself through a mild XC ish trail with it and made it alive.
It helped me a LOT in my racing this summer. I raced with an injured back and still did relatively well. | | Weaknesses: | Not everyone can have one :P | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz S8 & Bullit, Intense M1, Rocky Mtn. RM9/7, Norco VPS, Azonic, Cove proto, Kona Staab, Da Bomb Mindbomb, Giant DH etc... | | Bike Setup: | 02 Boxxer, Kooka cranks, RF BB, diabolus stem and air alloy bar, DWides (soon 321), 243 racing saddle ... blah blah | | Bottom Line: | This bike is simply amazing. I've used it on Shore style trails, racing, Urban and even some XC style stuff. Awesome. The bike handles so predictably and smooths out the trail for you. Confidence inspiring and ultimately responsive. Hoping to do the new Fox valving upgrade this spring. ooh yeah.
150 thumbs up if I had em. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alain
a
from montreal
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Strengths: | all the strenghts you whant. the travel is so plush and smooth. great over small stuff and incredible on big stuff.I tried the bike on the street when I bought it but men never thought it would perform that well on DH runs. Impossible to break. The best aftermarket service. | | Weaknesses: | ok so here is a list of weaknesses.
....
....
no but yhe only problems I had were with the BB, MRP and crak. but fixed buy balfa men. | | Similar Products Used: | all other DH rigs but none is similar to the BB7 | | Bike Setup: | Monster T, Hayes, MRP, Race face, FSA, Michelin, 321's | | Bottom Line: | the best bike on the market. Great for jumping and droping. Always seems to land in butter. responsive on small stuff and incredible on big stuff. The best canadian bike on themarket and even ebtter than many other dh rig. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Leech
a Downhiller
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | North shore/ trials | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Balfa factory | | Strengths: | nothing at all, this bike blows | | Weaknesses: | everything, i wouldnt trust it off a curb | | Similar Products Used: | nothing, oh wait my friends two year old daughters tricycle | | Bike Setup: | there is no setup, or wait do you mean the order the bike falls apart in? | | Bottom Line: | basically i am sick and tired of talkin sh*t about balfa so im am begging you save yourself 10 grand and go with a Norco, thats the way to go . | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gwall
a Downhiller
from Coquitlam B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | CBC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | John Henry Bikes | | Strengths: | This Bike is bomb proof, plenty of stand over room, lots of mud clearance, You can run 3" tires even with a slightly tweaked rim. | | Weaknesses: | HaHa. This bike doesnt have any weakness, although in the lower shock mount position, the swingarm slightly contacts the reservoir on the shock(FOX Vanilla RC). But this is not a problem at all, The upper shock mount works beautifully. | | Similar Products Used: | (These are close but not even close) V-10 and B1 | | Bike Setup: | Bike is running Shivers up front, laced to 36 hole Double wides on Shimano XT and Hope hubs, XTR cranks with FUNN pedals, Hayes 8" Front and Back, with a dual slalom MRP. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a lot of fun, I bought this bike back in March and the only problem that I have had is with the components. This bike has handled everything that I have thrown at it, and came back for more, If yopu want a high end canadian bike that isnt just another Norco, buy this bike!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ianbike
a Downhiller
from evil land Ca
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | if i told ya then too many peeps would ride em and they'd suck | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000000.00 | | Purchased At: | parts from danville bike, frame from Colorado | | Strengths: | - Super efficient
-canadian thought of and canadian made
-soft on the little stuff and can handle big hits no problem
- Pedals pretty decent
-heavy
-looks like a million bucks
- no super noticeable pedal bob affecting suspension
-makes me feel confident
-balfa customer service is absoluteley top notch. I love those guys. | | Weaknesses: | -Pulley came loose after a few rides and it wasn't set up right, but fixed now.
-wish i had a 38t chainring, 44 is a bit much
- Other than that this thing makes me rock out with my cock out. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Pipeline, hardtails, a few other dh bikes | | Bike Setup: | 01 long road cone orange frame, 02 pulley. Sun Singlewides, Onyx Hubs, Purple Hayes 8 inch discs, Xt shifter&rear derailleur, Maxxis 2.7's, Monster T, Race Face isis bb, prodigy dh crank, mrp world cup, 44t chainring, easton dh pedals, thomson stem, seatpost, Easton bar, random seat, race face cromo dh headset. | | Bottom Line: | This bike comes in at about 47 pounds and every pound is full of fun. This is the sweetest bike I've ridden and owned. A little tricky getting the shock setup and the pulley setup but the extra time pays off big time. Super plush over big or little. Handles like its on rails, feels stable in the air. On top of that The Balfa reps are just about the nicest people on earth to do business with. So casual and friendly. They even e-mailed me telling me how to fix certain things for better performance. I'll have years of fun with this toy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garrett
a
from New Hope, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | - plush
- handles like its on rails
- no flex
- it has one hugeass headtube, that thing has to be around 1/4" thick
- pedals really well for a bike with 9" of travel, hell it pedals well just in general
- great customer service
| | Weaknesses: | haha...you're joking right? seriously the only thing I can think of is it is kind of a small bike, but I don't really consider that a weakness. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing comes close to this that i've riden. My previous bike was a brooklyn tmx, and this bike is by far better for everything. | | Bike Setup: | '02 monster t (will soon have a '03 boxxer team to swap for racing), dual 24" trailpimps, arrow primebite 2.75" soft, titec bezerkr (sp?) dh seat, avalanche rear shock with remote compression adjuster, bmw stem, azonic double wall bars, odi rogue drips, titec seatpost, haro bmx pedals, atomic front hub, hadley rear hub, xt shortcage rear der., mrp guide w/ evil bashguard, and profile cranks | | Bottom Line: | In my opinion this is the best dh bike out there. If you want a bike that performs like no other, and is backed by a really cool company get a bb7. What other company comes up to you at a race to talk to you about how you like the bike? When I was at plattekill earlier this year one of the guys from balfa came up to me and talked to me for a bit about how I like the bike and everything. Also this bike goes for a fairly decent price compared to some of the other bikes floating around right now. Bottom line is this bike kicks ass and I don't think I'd trade it for anything else out there. dual flamin' chilis for this one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Molson David
a Racer
from T.O
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | it was TE | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zone | | Strengths: | world class DH bike, and bombproof freeride bike.
huge headtube, you will not ovalize this ever.
chromoly rear swingarm, high pivot, 9" travel and still pedals very well, seems to soak up everything thrown at it. | | Weaknesses: | havn't found one | | Similar Products Used: | tried a bunch | | Bike Setup: | boxxer, profile cranks, mrp, trailpimp wheels, xtr, hayes 2.35 tires, tioga bar & stem | | Bottom Line: | Havn't spent alot of time on this, but from what I have, it rides very well. Nice to know this frame is handcrafted in Canada by people who ride, rather than being stamped out of China by some 14 year old sweat shop employee.
Quebec gets a World Cup event, that should tell you the DH experience they have, who better to design and build a world class DH bike than guys that ride the same mountains all the time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
reggie
a Downhiller
from noth carolina
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all of dem | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | from balfa | | Strengths: | this is simply the best dh bike made . and the guys at balfa are cool as hell. i have worked in the bike industry for 4 years and have never spoke to a nicer bunch of people than the people at balfa! | | Weaknesses: | there isnt on. it just rocks | | Similar Products Used: | this is my second bb7 i had a 2001, now i have a 2002. i have rode giants dh bike, turner dh,spooky,santa crap(cruz) and anyother you can think of. this is the best | | Bike Setup: | monster t, hope disc, mavic 321's,race face cranks and headset,pro taper bars azonic hammer stem,thompson seat post, maxxis tires, | | Bottom Line: | this bike is well price well built, and it comes in black, the travel is great. it steers great, i think it un breakable. and the company in named after two brothes who played blue grass what more could you want. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Urban Flow
a Downhiller
from Salt Lake UT USA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Concrete DHs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | 9inches of travel, adjustable geometry, cromoly rear, burly bike, super rigid, point and shoot, can now fit any rear shock, the list goes on and on. | | Weaknesses: | Bikes run smaller than most brands sizes so make sure you know the what measurements you want or demo the bike before buying. | | Similar Products Used: | Super8, Bullit, FSR DH, ridden about everything. | | Bike Setup: | Monster T, world cup, Mavic D321, xtr cranks shifter der and BB. | | Bottom Line: | I have not had this bike very long but it is by far the best bike I have ever owned or ridden (for DH freeride) and it makes me smile knowing I am going to fall in love with this bike more and more with every ride. Point and shoot this bike, feels nimble despite wieght, pedals awesome. Handles the hits really well and with the high pivot seems to just roll over the big stuff. I will post again after more time on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Parksville
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Joyride | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Island Cycle | | Strengths: | Plush, pedals awesome, loves to fly and floats over anything in your way | | Weaknesses: | ummm not a damn thing | | Similar Products Used: | VPS 1, Big Hit DH, Marin Team DH, Marin B17 | | Bike Setup: | '02 Boxxer, MRP, 26" wheels, Hayes | | Bottom Line: | This bike owns all. End of story | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan
a Racer
from montreal,Quebec,canada
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | BROMONT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | la port au bicyclet | | Strengths: | very srong amasing in the tecnical sections and cheap for what u get. | | Weaknesses: | its a bit heavy and thebike should come with a floating disc adapter other than that it is a SWEET ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Super 8,vps1 | | Bike Setup: | full xtr,02 boxxer,521's, hayes dh duall 8,race face stem and head set,hadly front hub, xt rear,545 pedals,thompson post. | | Bottom Line: | this thing is fast on the decent but not to bad on the street.
overall this beast is a sweet bike and it is CANADIEN. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
baja
a Downhiller
from ca
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | I had the chance to demo one recently. Had never seen one before. Strange chainrig to say the less. Highest pivot I ever seen. Still it looks nice (black one).
The ride is plush. I mean way more plush than my Intense m1. You cant think of it unless you tried one, it ride like soft pillow over the roughest. Its also a good drop bike. | | Weaknesses: | I found it a little unstable at long high speed curves. Maybe it was the tires (michelin) or the rebound not working properly. Anyway its not a big deal, I`m just trying to find one weakness! | | Similar Products Used: | m1, turner, s8, name it! | | Bike Setup: | came with a box! mich tires, mavic 321, normal dh stuff | | Bottom Line: | I`m going to get one as I quit racing next year. I dont know about balfa support, but I heard its good. I also heard about a prob with the 2001! Anyone know please email. For me it will be the 2002 in black if possible. I love the ride, it beats many top class dh frames on many aspect and mostly at the technical parts of the course. I think it would also be a good hard freeride bike because it pedals well. Mine had a 34T, a size I not used to but so powerfull stroke! This one just made it to the top of my list. Email me for advice on buying one if you mind! Soory fir the value score of 4 but I never give the perfect score on dh stuff because its to exp... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie
a Racer
from N. Van, BC
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | CBC to Neds dust bin to eliminator | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | JH/friend/sponsor | | Strengths: | NAME IT!!! This bike owns everything!!!! Super plush! Easy to pedal downhill. ITS CANADIAN SO YOU KNOW IT CAN TAKE WHAT YOU THROW AT IT! | | Weaknesses: | To adjust the rear shock requires some tinkerin' no big deal though. | | Similar Products Used: | Brodie 8-ball, Intense M1, Norco Team DH, GT DHi | | Bike Setup: | White Bros DH3, Kooka Stem, cranks, Race Face bb, headset, bar, Hayes 8" Front and rear, MRP chainguide XT derailer and shifter, Mavic 321's on razorrock hubs with Maxxis mobsters. | | Bottom Line: | This bike does EVERYTHING! You can rip north shore trails or win DH events on it! This bike can handle everything!
The rear suspention requires a little tinkerin' but thats OK I like tinkerin' to set it up just right.
STOP READING AND GO BUY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Downhiller
from B.C.
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Allll | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Everything....!!!
Super strong frame!
Heavy but ounce you get going it feels like a mid sized bike
Very surprisingly easy to peddle I think because of the pulley. | | Weaknesses: | Its alot like my girlfriend....HIGH MAINTANENCE!!!
Not that I care I like tinkerin. | | Similar Products Used: | Super 8,Intence M1,NR,Stab Primo. | | Bike Setup: | Shiver,Hayes 8"F/B,Mavic 321s,Raceface Cranks. | | Bottom Line: | The BB7 rocks!!! I dont know what else to say but if you like all kinds of riding(DH,Urban,Steep Decents,Jumps)this is deffenetly the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob ...........
a Weekend Warrior
from Burnaby
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything goin down | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | A bikeshop in N.V. | | Strengths: | Fat ass proof front end.Feels like never ending travel at 7.6.
Low center of grav.Good for steep rocks.
Awesome in turns and burms.Awesome for drops.
Pulley makes it very easy to excellerate FAST!!
Ultra plush. | | Weaknesses: | People have complained about the pulley breaking but I opened it up and JB welded it and havent had a problem at all.Since I cant think of anything else to complain about (Because theres nothing) Ill leave it at that. | | Similar Products Used: | Super 8,Stab Primo,NR,Turner DH. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Shiver,Black Spire cranks and 38t.guide,Sun Doublewides 3in.F-2.6in.R,Hayes discs 8in.F-6in.R. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is one of the plushest rides Ive ever riden.It handles everything you throw at it and some.I most resently droped off a 10ft. rock and it felt like little more than a curb.I have felt 100 percent more confident on this bike than any other Ive riden.I highly recommend this bike to any one that loves the shore. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marvin mathison
a Downhiller
from toronto
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesolutions | | Strengths: | This is a review for balfas new freeriding bike The 2step, this bike rocks the rear end is stiff as hell, this bike climbs very good to for having six inches of travel. Geometry is sweet nice tight cock pit. Beuatiful looks suspension in the rear is very good thanks to the fox rc. This bike is very strong, beutiful ideal having a cromoly swing arm. bottom braket is very high and this bike accelerates like a hardtail. Doesn't take much to pedal, bike is good when you are in a tight section. Bike seams to be heavier than my other bikes but the weight is distrubutede so nice, no porobel getting this puppy in the air. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Rm6 and stinky deluxe | | Bike Setup: | Husseffeld cranks, Super t, xt drive train d321 rims with intense 2.7 rubber | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks i have hucked 9 foot drop offs to flat and this thing just laughs, stairs you name it this thing can take it, the travel in the rear is very stiff and seems endless. This bike had me pushing it so hard in the first week i got it. In fact i reinjured my wrist and broke my thumb in two places pushing this beast so hard. oh welli had fun doing it, you think you won't get hurt and it happens. Now all i can do is talk about what i want to do when my hand is better and ride on public streets and sidewalks like a poser. Caint wait to throw this thing around again, give you a better review after my hand is healed and working, byut i know this bike is ready willing and able to take the abuse i am going to give it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from lynn
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | bow ridge lynn woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | direct | | Strengths: | Built like a brick sh t house, over sized extra welds top shelf materials and contruction. Looks even Better than it rides, rides great. | | Weaknesses: | heavy frame and shock weigh 11 lbs + Stock spring 500 Lbs to soft I put 700 on works great. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stab Titus quasi, Aeon Joker, Bullit, Rm 9 ,Turner DH
| | Bike Setup: | Hanabrink G-7 , Tomac DH wheals , Race face Lp cranks, | | Bottom Line: | This bike is built fro super technicle North Shore type tarrain. It has a lot of stand over and a low center of gravity so it changes direction Quickly . The rear end is super stiff laturaly so it tracks like its on rails. This bike love to wheely drop and does not need much take off to do it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark McInnes
a Downhiller
from Gold River
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hammerfest DH | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Bomb-proof, Rails like a Mofo, Stiff, Adjustable, endless travel. | | Weaknesses: | Whats with the drive side triangular piece of the linkage hitting the frame? Fixes with spacers. | | Similar Products Used: | VPS-1, VPS-2, Super-8, 8-Ball, RM6, VPS-Team DH, Bullet | | Bike Setup: | Monster T's and stuff | | Bottom Line: | Just following up the review below. Its been 6-months and this bike still is the cats meow. Had a chance to really put it through the hoops; big freaking drops, and some wicked DH coarses. This bike still floats it all. One thing, my drive-side piece of the rear triangle rubs on my main-frame. Kind of lame but fixes with spacers, so whatever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan
a Racer
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Strengths: | This is a solid race bike....it's super stiff and holds lines great! The bike can rip the course apart if your willing..suspension works amazing and eats up the biggest bumps....feels very fast when riding..price (CDN dollars) | | Weaknesses: | setting it up can be a hassle( chainline) and spring rate feels very linear...a little more travel wouldn't hurt! | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn straight 8 | | Bike Setup: | 01 BoXXer, DH hayes, XT parts, MRP worldcup1, mavic wheels | | Bottom Line: | This bike is truly a race bike. It doesn't weight much (40 lbs.) and accelerates like a missile. you don't feel bobbing when pedaling and suspension works even when braking. stiffness is un parrallel and handling is like your in a ferrari. I love this bike and think it's worth every penny...one more thing it looks like a million and one bucks!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bo B.O
a Downhiller
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | work | | Strengths: | Great suspension design, weight, straighth ( sorta, will expalin , later ) | | Weaknesses: | THE STUPID PULL!!
the damn thing keep breaking!! i went throgh 3 of the 01 modle pully's, they were " defective" then they sent me an old pully from last year or somthing
tore it apart too
pile o' crap i calls it.
they should really fix this, and when they do i want 2-3 EXTRA pullys, just incase, this is not acceptable. good thing it was never at a race, u canot pedal without this pully, and it is a rare exclusive part, no way around it. | | Similar Products Used: | marin, super8, all kinds of bikes | | Bike Setup: | BB7 with stratos S7 and blackspire cranks w/ NS cranks, 24 inch double wides | | Bottom Line: | i love the way the bike rides, like no other, it perfoms amazing, suspensio feels way more then 7 inches. soaks bumps like nothin', corners on rails, flies like a bird,
but pullys break!!
im sick and tired of it, this has got to be fixed
i dunno if neone else has this problem, but i sure do and its pissin' me off.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Parker
a Downhiller
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Infected Rectum | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bits!!!!!! My man Chris...... | | Strengths: | Huge totally bombproof I have done stuff with this bike that has destroyed a Hanebrink LT8 and the frame??? Nothing!!! not even a scratch. Its super plush. Feels like 8 inches easy. | | Weaknesses: | Not. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stab Primo, norco VPS 1 | | Bike Setup: | Hanebrink LT8 (rip) now a 01 monster t with truvative dh cranks, sun doublewides 26/24" wheels with 3 inch Nokians. Mr dirt stem hayes brakes, Tioga seat nasty bar though..... | | Bottom Line: | BUY ONE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
North Shore Posse
a Downhiller
from B.C
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 4 Lost Souls | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Strengths: | Where do I start??This bike is PERFECT for the Shore!!The front end is really stiff and has lots of standover clearance for crazy-technical stuff(big logs,stumps,boulders,school buses).The rear end is SO PLUSH--is that REALLY 7 inches?Holy crap it feels like 8",so active and responsive.The rear swingarm has lots of mud + tire clearance--you can run 3" tires on this thing!The two idler sprockets kill bob,so this thing can actually be pedaled,not like those 14-in travel "North Shore" wannabe machines that handle like freakin' tanks and weigh like 50 lbs--DAMN YANKS don't know what a real 'Shore bike is!DAMN THEM ALL TO HELL!
Ok,off subject.This machine feels SOOO fast,so agile--this bike is 10 levels beyond even my awesome VPS-2,just so fast!This bike is a beautiful,functional 100% PURE CANADIAN work of art.Somewhere they will mount this baby in a museum,but don't let the beauty and trickness fool you--IT DESERVES TO BE RIDDEN DAMMIT! | | Weaknesses: | The Fox Vanilla RC shock is a real bi$ch to access for tuning and maintenance.I usually end up just taking apart the entire rear swingarm to get at the shock 'cause it's tucked away in there real tight.The idler drive screws with the chainline a bit--I get chain rub on taller gears.Considering how awesome the rest of the bike is I can live with these flaws any day! | | Similar Products Used: | Norco VPS-2,Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | Balfa BB7--Marzocchi Shiver fork,Gazzoloddi 2.6 f.and 2.3 r.,Sram 9.0 rear der.,Shorty twist shifter(just like a motorcycle,eh?),neon-yeller Mavic 321 rims,Hope Bigun f.hub,Hope Bulb r.hub,SDG Satellite seat,Azonic 2" riser,Tioga Block stem,Truvativ Hussefelt DH cranks,Mrp World Cup chainguide,Hayes hydro 8-in rotors,Sun-Ringle Zuzu flats--40.5 lbs of the sweetest bike you will ever see,yah! | | Bottom Line: | Take it from a real Canadian--you won't see a better 'Shore bike than this.It's not some stupid huge-travel bike that's too heavy and squishy for anything but DH.On the other hand it's got more travel than VPS's and Stinky's for those 13-foot drops.It's the ultimate in-between.
This bike can be whipped around like a trials bike in low-speed technical situations like those found in Woodlot Gold and The Circus because of the low standover and light front end.It weighs like 40+ lbs,but really feels like less,even uphill(I mount a really low 34t chainring on my bike for climbs).Most amazing is how FAST it is--on the first ride I found myself roosting through sections my VPS would trip up on.DH RACERS BEWARE!This bike will kick your fat arses all the way home!!
Yah it's expensive at $3500 CAN,but this beauty is worth every cent!It gets 1,000 burning sh$t piles from me!
NOW BEAT IT HOSER!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan Mitar
a Racer
from Ottawa, Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont World cup DH | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Em at Balfa!! | | Strengths: | It's built like no other, strength, looks, performance!!!
Like they say at Balfa Strength dictates weight not the other way around. and they're unsure they'llmake it even bigger! | | Weaknesses: | ??? I don't think you understand we are talking about a balfa!!! The words don't go together!!! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2001 BB7, 2001 Boxxer, 521's on hugi hubs, protaper bar, hayes brakes, xt parts, MRP chain guide! | | Bottom Line: | I just got the frame striaght from Balfa a couple days ago..from what I've seen it's going to be great...Thanx to everyone at Balfa!! I'll update later | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daryl MacLeod
a Downhiller
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | green ribbon / highlands | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | The boys at Balfa | | Strengths: | 7 inches of travel?? It feels like more. The suspension is PLUSH!! The way the suspension works is unique, and it is superior to most other designs. The bike corners like it's on rails, it accelartes extremely fast. It is super stable at speed, in the air, you name it. It also looks really, really good. It turns heads whether on the trail or in my truck. The most solid ride I've ever had. I almost feel like I am riding in 'Stealth mode' as the bike is so SILENT. | | Weaknesses: | I don't think there are any. From Freeriding to DH Racing, it exceeds expectations in all aspects of riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco VPS2, Rocky RM6, Kona Stab Dee-Lux | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Boxxer, Hope Discs(8" F/ 6" R). Sun Mammoth rims. Mavic 2.5 Highroller tires. RaceFace NorthShore splined cranks and BB. Synchros post, Titec handlebar | | Bottom Line: | Most DH bikes I have tried have had super sweet, smooth suspension when bombing fireroads, but as soon as you huck off something big they go right through their travel and bottom out harshly. On the other hand most freeride bikes I have tried handle the big stuff nicely, but they seem to have no 'small bump senstitivity'.
The BB7 had no trouble off the big stuff. And it turned the harshest, rockiest fireroad into a smooth feeling sidewalk.
It silently sucks up whatever you decide to ride it over or off of.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark McInnes
a Downhiller
from Gold River/Nanaimo BC
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any DH | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | P L U S H !, it just eats up the trail. Stiff. Corners well. Adjustable BB, wheel base, headtube angle. | | Weaknesses: | THERE IS NO WEAKNESS | | Similar Products Used: | VPS-1, Super 8 | | Bike Setup: | full on DH set w/ Monster Ts. 550 spring. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. I used to ride a VPS-1 and compared to that, this bike gives me so much more confidence at hyper speed. It takes to the air easily and remains stable through it all. Great bike for any level rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anne Walton
a Racer
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | sponsored | | Strengths: | unique design, great tracking, you don't even have to worry about your tail-end because it's so stiff and provides a smoothe ride, low maintenance required, can handle any type of race course really well, easy to pedal with little bobbing,attracts alot of attention wherever you go! | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stratos superstar 8, stratos Helix shock, Hayes, Kooka cranks | | Bottom Line: | A bike you don't have to handle gingerly, it's reliable and very durable and requires very little maintenance. It's VERY FAST when you just let it go and let it do its thing!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kim Huard
a Racer
from Laval, Québec, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont world cup 1999 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | Sponsored | | Strengths: | Good looking
Short bike and easy to pedal
affordable | | Weaknesses: | still looking... | | Similar Products Used: | No bike is similar to the BB7 because it works in a different way | | Bike Setup: | Manitou X-vert carbon, Dee Max wheels, Nokian tires, Hayes brakes, XTR, Bontrager, Tomac parts | | Bottom Line: | The Balfa BB7 is a really good bike for tricky corners
It's easy to pedal and to lean from side to side.
With this bike, you can positively feel the trail.
You can ajust the bike in 3 different positions that will affect the response of the shock while pedaling.
This is a good bike for every body, it's light, really stiff laterally and the rear suspension works really well.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominick Menard
a Racer
from Laval
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Ste Anne DH World Cup | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Good looking
Easy to pedal
Stiff main frame
Torsional rigidity
| | Weaknesses: | Weaknesses ? | | Similar Products Used: | Nouveau Riche, | | Bike Setup: | Mr. Dirt fork, Hayes disks, Dee Max wheels, | | Bottom Line: | I tried the BB7 2000 during a week end race and I had one of my best race of the year... chance ? I don't think so ;) this bike is fast, very fast ! it responds very quickly and it's a very easy bike to pedal
Actually this is the fastest accelerating bike I have tried so far... I have ride a Santa Cruz super 8, Marin DH team 99, Balfa Nouveau Riche 99 and 2000, Balfa Bobonum 97 and 98.
This bike is for everybody, week end warrior, beginner, pro, racer, name it ! Further more, it's affordable
The head tube is adjustable and like the Nouveau Riche the rear suspension system creates a parallel rear wheel trajector with the front one, making the bike supple and smooth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drop
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Stiff main frame, Torsional rigidity, Oversized Headtube, integrated chain guide, high pivot location, nice welds and well damn, it looks so FINE! | | Weaknesses: | Cant say ive found any other than maybe the travel, unless you're sum sweaty,overweight, dainese wearing gimp, then 7 inches is by far plenty for a 180 pound guy like me | | Similar Products Used: | Devinci Big Bang, Foes Dhs Tube, Marin team DH | | Bike Setup: | Foes F1 forks, Sun double wide rims, dt swiss hugi rear hub, Hayes brakes with 8 inch rotors around,race face crank, Xtr rear derailleur, Intense tires, FSA h/s , Black Spire chain ring, shimano dx pedals and the giro atlas saddle | | Bottom Line: | the bb7 is the little brother of its counterpart the Nouveau Riche and the R&D is handed down to it giving you the ultimate ride but at a nice price. Just one look at the NR and you know what Balfa is all about; high end framsets with the background and profound knowledge of a Company with a nice product testing location, QUEBEC!!! it all comes down to wether or not you can handle the extra weight. Extra weight can be benificial too inertia, traction and as well as handling. yes yes some of you out there razz bikes that are too heavy but why are you in this sport? and for god sakes pedal the bike you pu$$y !! Anyways it carves deep ruts and holds its line very well, the parallel rear whell trajectory (in plane to the front) creates a very supple ride and well balanced feel over the bumps. The swingarm which is cromo is a nice feature as dh wheels are averaging 8 pounds and a lil flex in the rear is nice to have providing the rider with an understanding of how the bike reacts to certain conditions. I cant find a better looking or performing bike for the price (altho high , definitely worth every cent) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenneth
a Racer
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Stiff, nimble and responsive. | | Weaknesses: | Lack of Travel, when you drop a house. | | Similar Products Used: | None, except Nico's latest DH Machine. | | Bike Setup: | Monster T, Raceface, XTR, Araya 24" and Nokian 3" | | Bottom Line: | The design is simple and very clever, the additional small sprocket allows high pivot point above the chain ring which allows the rear wheel to travel parellel with the front suspension and providing a very linear suspension all the way.
The quality of the bike: welding, fit/finish, joints/pivots and paint job are all top notch.
Setting up the bike requires a bit of tinkering, especially the chain line. The BB length is critical for the pivot sprocket to work properly. MRP chain guide is a must, anything else is just waste of time. Once you have the chain sorted out, you are in for some serious DH business.
This bike is the stiffest and the fastest accelerating bike in comparision to a couple of DH bikes I have owned before, including S.C. Super 8 and Rotec Pro DH. Stiff means precise handling, confidence inspiring at speed, particularly if you are running big tyres. Fast accelerating comes from the semi-neutral position of the small sprocket at the high pivot point.
The whole package is pretty much unbeatable, the bike is light, stiff and fast accelerating. I would want to have 1" or 2" of additional travel for high jumps; an adjustable compression damping for different courses; and the main beam (top tube) to be rounded-off a little so that I won't cut my knee.
The guys at BALFA are very nice and helpful, just like all CANADIANS, EH?
Conclusion, this BIKE rules, a world-class DH comtender.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dictator Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, CANADA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | something in whistler | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks for DH. There are so many up in Whistler during races and they all rip. It's a beautiful bike! Although it could use a bit of a cut on the price (in my opinion, 2500 CAN is too much for a frame!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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