Weaknesses: The non-replacable derailleur hanger is a little sketchy for serious north-shore riding...
Bottom Line:
The 2Step is an incredibly versatile and adaptable mountain bike. The ultimate jack-of-all-trades, it is usefull for all sorts of riding, XC, DJ, SL, 4X, DH, FR, you name it. The stock 2Step is a bit under-spec'd, mounting a Psylo SL up front. A Marzocchi Z-1 or Manitou Sherman would be a good investment. So the bottom line of the bottom line is, if you want to get an all-round, good, full-suspension mountain bike, forget the Specialized Enduro and the Kona Stinkee, and throw a leg over a Balfa 2Step.
Strengths: the swing arm is in cromoly (dont know the word in english)so it you bend it you can bend it back. This bike is by far the PHLUSHEST thing out there and it looks way cooler then any bike.
Weaknesses: Wayyy too heavy, you cant go uphill, if youve never seen this bike it has 2 chains, so theres a Sh!t load of moving parts, theres always something going wrong. arghhhh!!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
If you want the plushest ride ever, buy this bike and then pay a mechanic full time. Well for 1998 the bike was pretty good but now mountain bike has moved on.
Similar Products Used: Giant AXT-ONE, Kona Stab Primo
Bike Setup: Hope Enduros, two DoubleWide 24 inch, Nokian Gazz, Profile Cranks, Azonic pedals, Funn Serial Killa stem and handlebars, Fsa headset, Shiver and so on
Weaknesses: chain rubs on chainstay in granny gear
Bottom Line:
This bike is the greatest thing since sliced bread, it is a freeride machine, can handle any drop or stunt you throw at it. this thing blazes down DH trails faster than I ever thought possable Fox Vanilla RC gives it the softest 6 inches of travel out there. if you want the perfect freeride/DH bike buy a 2Step
Similar Products Used: yeti DH6, Kona Stinky D. Jamis dakar pro
Bike Setup: Balfa 2Step, XT discs, X-vert super, XT/XTR drivetrain w/ icon DH cranks and blackspire ring, thompson SP and tioga seat.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Kim Huard
a Racer
from Laval, Québec, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2000
Strengths: Plushest bike I've ever tried The compression rate is so different than any other bike on the market, you don't need to destroy the wheels to get the complete travel. Works really quickly in technical stuff and short turns. Remain stable even on high speed courses. The wheel base increases on fast large curves and that help for traction.
Weaknesses: It's a little bit heavy, but for a 110 pounds women, every douwnhill bike is heavy. The excess material will only help the bike to last longer
Bottom Line:
This frame requiers a little bit more maintnance than some other DH bikes but, the ride you get on a Balfa New rich is awesome. The bike helped me a lot to improve my ride, espacially at high speed. This is a forgiving bike that helps rider to get better. Every body who wants to improve himself, have fun on every kind of courses will love the Nouveau Riche. They will never been slowed by the bike.
