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Cove Productions Ltd.
Stiffee
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Submitted by
james arnold
a Weekend Warrior
from S.D. CA.
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | so far, Lake Morena | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson or supergo ???? | | Strengths: | Its pretty strong. | | Weaknesses: | nothing serious, paint chips. | | Similar Products Used: | Arrow DS-1 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi exr, lx,xt components, avids, 26" rino lite w/2.3 kujos' up front and 24" double wide w/2.75 arrow prime bites on the back. Easton 2" monkey lite riser bar on azonic world force stem. | | Bottom Line: | the stiffee fr is an awesome frame, maybe a little too damn expensive, but well worth it if you want quality. set it up however you want. well worth the money. take it anywhere, it can hang on the dh courses, dirt jumping spots, on single track, where ever. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Peden
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh Scotland
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | black run at Glentress | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | insurance replacement | | Strengths: | Geometry
Strength
| | Weaknesses: | Crappy paintwork and stickers
Will not take some (tioga dh)2.3 tires | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Java, Fireball, raleghi rsp 150,saracen steel hardtail, kinesis maxlight xc | | Bike Setup: | Marzocci MX pros with ETA, 36 spoke mavic F519 on xt hubs, deore/xt shifiting, race face/tompson/easton finishing kit, Contenental 2.3 verticals | | Bottom Line: | I've broken all the above frames by a combination of having car doors opened on me, falling over and denting frames on rocks and cracking head tubes by riding street on cross country frames. So with some insurance replacement cash I’ve gone for something tougher. Now the Norco fireball was ~1.6kg as a bare frame the cove comes in at ~2.5kg (these are 21" frames) and all that extra metal has proved its worth as my riding has advanced with the extra piece of mind provided by this frame.
With a 100mm fork I had a few climbing wheelies, but that’s might have more to do with the stubby stem I’ve fitted.
The claimed tire clearance is 2.5. Now I fitted Tioga 2.3 DH front and rear, bit heavy but all good. That is until I found a little cut in the chain stay from the tires. Not good, so be warned
Even with these minor niggles, this is still the best, most confidence inspiring frame I’ve had the pleasure of riding.
Get one if you value: Value, strenght, pimpy looks, cut and paste responses
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gunther
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson | | Strengths: | Stiff, strong, well ballanced, better dampening over bumps than other alluminum frames i've tried | | Weaknesses: | Paint, bolts for water bottle cage too far up to fit a large water bottle in. | | Bike Setup: | '03 Stiffee FR 15", marz z1 fr sl, 8" hayes mag, raceface cranks, sun singletrack rims | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for a play bike then look no further cause this bike was made for fun. The balance of this bike is allmost perfect. You can be screaming round a corner and if a wheel starts to slide you can just shift your weight a tiny bit forward or backwards to get balanced again. I would recomend this frame to anyone looking for a 'do it all' hardtail bike. Its best on jumps, drops, downhill and technical bits but lacks a little on general trail riding and climbs over XC frames. Oh yeah, it also looks sweet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Burnside
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Shoreline | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyondbikes.com | | Strengths: | It's amazing that the frame is so light, nible and quick that you wouldn't expect it to burly and strong too! You'll get looks everywhere you go because this frame is a thing of beauty. The welds are marvelous and the overall quality ranks with the best-of-the-best. | | Weaknesses: | The only thing I would change is a clear coat ontop of the decals, etc. to protect them from the elements. | | Similar Products Used: | You name it. Klein, GT, Kona, Specialized, Intense | | Bike Setup: | '03 Stiffee FR, Fox Float TALAS RL, Hadley Hubs, Rino-lite XL, Moto Raptor tires, Race Face Prodigy DH w/ signature FR BB, Thompson stem/seat post, Race Face bars w/ ODI Rogue grips and XTR shifters/derailurs | | Bottom Line: | If you ride hard and want a bike that can handle the abuse and at the same time make you feel like you are in control, buy this bike.
If you're a weight wee-nee you shouldn't be reading this article, but for everyone else looking for the ULTIMATE hardtail experience, Cove is IT!
I'm not one to give a perfect score because there is always room for improvement, but Cove comes damn close... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ned's Atomic Dustbin | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bikes | | Strengths: | Very, very strong.
Very stiff.
Suprising light for such a strong bike.
Penultimate all-around hardtail.
| | Weaknesses: | 2001 had a poor chainline.
Very stiff. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin, Kona, Norco, and RM hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Marz DJ1. Race Face BB, cranks, chainrings, bashguard, headset, and handlebars. Shimano XT rear, LX front, Deore shifters. Hayes HFX-9 brakes (8" front, 6" rear). Axiom flats. Hayes Com24 2.5" front, High Roller 2.5" rear. Mavic D321 wheels on XT hubs. | | Bottom Line: | I first owned a 2001 Stiffee. Loved everything about it except that the chainline was a little off, causing dropped chains and chainsuck.
Upgraded to the 2003 - a great improvement all around (which was quite a feat). RAD tubing is stiffer and stronger. Chainline is perfect (absolutely zero chainsuck or chain drop). Climbs like a goat. Angles are great for steep descents. Rails tight trails. Takes hits and drops with ease. By far the best bike frame I've ever owned. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis AKA Jerry Bickle AKA Meyers
a
from Halifax, N.S.
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Brandon Hills, MB | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove | | Strengths: | Strong, stiff, low top tube, room for a big tire, not too harsh, handles well. | | Weaknesses: | Thought the paint looked good until my Loco Moto came back from warranty replacement with a black annodized finish. Annodizing looks better. | | Similar Products Used: | 89 Team Stumpjumper, 97 Kona Explosif | | Bike Setup: | 02 Xfly 100 w/ springs, King HS, RF stem, Specialized riser bar, Thompson post, Berzerker saddle, RF cranks, Time peddles, XT ders, XT thumb shifters, Avid Ti levers, Avid discs, 2 wheelsets, Hope Bulb/317, and Velocity front/XT rear/ Rhino lites. | | Bottom Line: | I moved from MB to NS this summer and brought this bike along for the trip. I rode lots of trails, everything from tight twisty single track to DH at Killington, VT, to the rock/root fest here in NS. I even commute on it. This is not just a free ride bike but a great all round mountain bike. If you need a strong hard tail then consider the Stiffee. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Lucerne, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Arnisee | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | geometry!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Paint quality, weak dropouts. Inexistent customer service from Cove | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Chameleon, K2 ZED, Mongoose Pro SX | | Bike Setup: | Stiffee FR frame 17", Fox Vanilla RLC125, XT, Hope Mini Hydros, Mavic F519, Race Face, Titec, Continental Vertical Pro, Azonic | | Bottom Line: | This is the epitome of a playbike! Instead of just riding you play with the trails, with obstacles and with everything else. Trail bombing, dirt jumping, trials riding, wheeling, you name it! I even did a Transalp tour with this bike. No problem! So if you could just have one bike, it has to be this one. I am almost completely satisfied with this bike.... with one exception: the paint quality. The paint suddenly starts flaking off the frame. I never had such problems with a bike. In addition to that, I never did grinding or such thing. I just happened when I cleaned the frame with warm water.
So I tried to contact Cove several times. Since I do not live in North America it was impossible to call the toll-free phonenumber. No reply by mail! First, I wanted to order the frame directly via Cove, but the e-shop did not work, nor did I get an answer to my various e-mails. Wake up guys! A product not only consists of the core product (frame) but also of various other components (reliablity, service, availability)....
I am very very glad that I've ordered this frame at Jenson USA. Great great company with very fast and friendly customer services. Highly recommendable!!!! They now try to find a solution for me.
Bottom line: frame 5 points, Jenson 5 points, Cove 0 points! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Washington
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | No place on mtbr to rate the Cove "Hummer" so I will do it here. | | Similar Products Used: | Zaskar, Ruckus, Spec SWorks, Cove "HandJob"(also a great bike), Bianchi Grizzly, + inumerable soft tails etc,etc over 20 years. | | Bike Setup: | z1 freeride with eta, and disc brakes, xtr are the only meaningful components. | | Bottom Line: | This may very well be the best titanium bicycle ever made -- it is certainly the best hardtail ever built -- stiff yet resilient, a real trail rooster! Not too lite not too heavy and tuff as hell. Sandvik constructs works of art. It is at least a 5! If you want a quality product and a quality ride and are ready to meet a permanent addition to your stable - get ye one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin J
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Sell everything you got....and get one. This bike is a work of art, bomb proof, very upright=very comfortable, goes through anything, up anything, down anything, across anything, over, under ....you name it! | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Can't think of any....this bike is in a class all its own. | | Bike Setup: | Two wheels, a seat, handle bars....everything you need to hit the trail! | | Bottom Line: | Honestly...if your willing to pay a few bucks for a quality bike...don't hesitate. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Sutcliffe
a Cross Country Rider
from Kendal, Cumbria
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kentmere Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelbase, Staveley | | Strengths: | Going fast downhill and taking corners. A nimble frame that responds really well, lets you really throw it around. comfortable on drop offs and in the air when the need arises. Very, very well built. | | Weaknesses: | Main weakness I've found is that the front end is very light on the climbs making technical, steep trails a bit of a nightmare. Also (as you'd expect) it is very stiff and unforgiving and after three hours in the saddle your arse really feels it. | | Bike Setup: | Stiffee FR(Rad tubing). Bomber z3 100 air. Hope hubs. Mavic 519 rims. LX crankset, shifters & front mech. XT rear mech. XT disc front and rear. Shimano SPD pedals. Flite titanium saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This bike delivers what the hype leads you to expect. Great feeling bike, makes you feel in control in situations where you are probably not. It feels like a bit of a burly beast and I wouldn't recommend it to for a smaller, passive rider, this beast needs to be ridden hard and put away wet.
Not a light bike either. My build is detailed above and it weighs in pretty hefty. I have to say it would go against the character of the bike to build it up superlight too. It needs the burly componentry to fill it out nicely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcel
a Downhiller
from North Shore
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pangor | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bikes | | Strengths: | Super strong. Great geometry. Easton RAD tubing. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Brodie Evolution | | Bike Setup: | 02 Z1 Dropoff, XT, Race Face cranks, BB, headset, bar, stem, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Unreal bike that will not brake. Handles everything well. Buy it. It's one of the best hardtails out there. If there were any issues with the older Stiffie's without the side gussets cracking, this will certainly no longer be a problem with the Easton tubes. The price is also super cheap for what you get. Nice work Cove. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Derdock, Jr.
a Weekend Warrior
from Annapolis, MD , United States
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All around Frostburg | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Deep Cove Bikes | | Strengths: | Nice welds and gussetts, very nice dropouts, replaceable der. hanger.
This bike loves to go very fast. I was hoping for more of a play-bike, but this is a great Freeride/XC bike. It's very strong and handles well. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket is a bit high. It makes clearing rocks easy, but doesn't let you rail turns or make short slow switchbacks. Would be nice if stickers could be clear coated. | | Similar Products Used: | Not really any. I've ridden many full blown XC bikes, but this is the most bombproof bike I've ridden. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla 125RLC, King Headset, Thomson stem/post, Easton Bars, LX cranks/v-brakes/shifters/rear der., XTR front Der., XT cassette, Rhyno Lite XL's on XT Disc hubs, Tioga 2.3 DH's, ODI Lock ons, WTB Saddle | | Bottom Line: | If you want to get into drops and stunts but want to be able to ride your bike up and down hills, this is a good choice. It's basically a beefy XC bike. I like mine, but who wants to give me their LeToy, Evil, or Balfa??? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew 'Goose' Gosline
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pink Starfish | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Price
Strength
Climbing (yay hardtails:)
Designed at North Shore for North Shore freeriding
Stability | | Weaknesses: | Weight
Flimsy decals | | Similar Products Used: | Brodie Evolution, Brute, Thumper
Rocky RM6, Reaper
Kona Chute, Roast | | Bike Setup: | 5" Z1 Freeride QR20, RF NS isis crank+bb, RF stem, RF seatpost, RF headset, RF bars, 8" hayes, XT rear, LX front, LX shifters, rhyno lite rims, Maxxis 2.5" tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is very solid. I've ridden the shore (easier trails) and whistler on numerous occasions as well as many urban outings at UBC and downtown Vancouver; this bike has been flawless! (only flaw is my riding:)
I'm a mechanical engineer, and I closely inspected the frame before Cove put the bike together for me. The welds are superb, attention to detail is commendable, and design is excellent.
If you're looking for a tough freeride hardtail or a hardcore cross country bike, this is a good option. If you're looking to get right into 3 foot plus drops or downhill racing, maybe consider a dually.
Nice work Cove Bikes | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary White
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Old Springs Trail, Marin, Ca | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Surgery, London, UK | | Strengths: | Unbreakable, fantastically rigid and confidence-inspiring. Spot-on head angles work well with a 130 mm fork. Aggressive geometry and 'Kona-like' top tube give great handling. | | Weaknesses: | Absolutely none that I can think of. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz | | Bike Setup: | Cove Stiffee FR (17" frame, 2001 model), XTR/XT cassette, shifers and mechs, Race Face North Shore cranks with 44/32/22 rings, Hope C2 brakes, Mavic F519 rims and Hope Bulb hubs (front thru-axle), Panaracer 2.1 trailblaster, Easton EA50 stem, bar and seatpost, Koobi SI saddle | | Bottom Line: | I am not really into freeriding - this is my heavy duty cross-country bike. The frame can handle anything that you chuck at it (- its ability outweighs that of the rider - well this one at least) and hence inspires great confidence. 130 mm travel forks do make the bike sit up quite high, so consider using a short stem. Would work very well with 100mm too. Considering the 130mm travel that I have, steering is surprisingly good - highly recommended.My bike build still comes in at less than 26lbs, which I can handle as I use it as 'throw it at anything' hardtail, not really an enduro bike. You can lighten the spec to make a really top-rate XC bike or beef it up for freeride. The Marzocchi Z1 freeride forks are an excellent match. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FR4LIFE
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | JensonsUSA | | Strengths: | Unsurpassed Strength! I have the 2002 stiffee w/ rad tubing and it's simply badass! Canadians know how to build bikes that can survive some serious hammerings! Freakin' NUKE PROOF! | | Weaknesses: | Stickers Suck, if your one who gives a damn! You can't ever contact them because there out riding! | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Chameleon, awesome trials bike! | | Bike Setup: | 02' Stiffee, king steelset, King Iso disc hubs, Fox vanilla 125RLC, Hope 4 pots, Raceface northshore cranks(isis) and DH BB, MRP mini-me, Shimano 646's, XTR shifters, casette and rear der., Panaracer fireDH pro's, SDG Big boy saddle on a hurricane 100 seatpost, easton monkeykite hi-rise, wipperman chain | | Bottom Line: | I'm very impressed with the workmanship that Deep Cove puts into there bikes. Every where I ride the bike turns heads, everyone wants to know where I got it. If you own a cove, you know what i'm saying. I had a King steelset installed which I believe is a must for any serious jumpers or dropoff bubbas!
Cove Rocks! Get one for yourself! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitefish, MT
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This is an update. Super stong, light, high quality | | Weaknesses: | Price (retail is a little steep) | | Similar Products Used: | None comparable | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1, Protaper, XT hubs, Single wide rims, Raceface ISIS cranks, Avid Disks, Azonic Love seat | | Bottom Line: | If you want a bike that can handle what you can dish out this is for you. It can be ridden long distances and it is fairly light so you can throw it around easily. I have not heard good things about the ones w/o side gussets so make sure you have them or now they come with Easton RAD tubes which is cool. I can ride it 7 miles to town and when I get to town head straight for the dirt track. Very versitile. Excellent bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from winnipeg,manitoba
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Super beefy, fit's me like a glove, had a 4 inch z.5 on it, then I put a z.1 mcr, what a difference, beefy dropouts | | Weaknesses: | little bit off chain suck, but nothing to worry about. | | Similar Products Used: | 125cc, kona stuff, but none compare | | Bike Setup: | Painted black with purple pearl, stickers in the clear coat, hayes hydros, truvativ,funn,thomson,full xt, gazzalodi jr, alex dx32, intese lock ons(the only way to go), z.1 mcr 5 inch, | | Bottom Line: | If you want a beefy bike buy a stifee, and even more important it's CANADIAN, and the price is right if you buy it used or from the shop, your still riding the best hardtail ever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Downhiller
from Whitefish, MT
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | my back yard | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | It is a very strong frame. I have the one with the plate gussets on the side and am told it is the only way to go. | | Weaknesses: | None that aren't cosmetic | | Similar Products Used: | None comparible | | Bike Setup: | XT, Avid disk brakes, Singlewide rims on XT Disk hubs, gold Protaper, Manitou X-Vert, Azonic Love Seat, Ritchie cranks(Soon to be changed) (VERY soon!) | | Bottom Line: | It is an awsome bike. It is the best I have had. I am only 16 and built it the best I could without mom and dad paying for it. The frame is super strong. If you jump, ride Northshore or just kick around downtown this is definately the bike for you. If you are concerned about weight talk around before buying it. It isn't really heavy but too heavy for some. Not an XC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yocal
a
from North shore
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere my bike will fit | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$378.00 | | Purchased At: | crapy cove bikes | | Strengths: | good geometry
| | Weaknesses: | no room for a 2.5" tyre, scratches easily, no service from cove, oh ya, if you don't buy the plated gusset stiffee it will crack.
| | Similar Products Used: | now riding a Balfa Minute Man | | Bike Setup: | north shore standerd, hayes, 5" z1 cr, race face, XTR | | Bottom Line: | buy the plated gusset stiffee or be ready to hike out | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
How
a Downhiller
from Kalispell
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Boogy Man | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Massive Strength
Inherent Damping Properties
Very Stable
Great Looks | | Weaknesses: | Expensive
Crappy Decals (Who cares)
Small Tire Clearance (2.4") | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stuff, Rocky Mountain Slayer, Kona Stinky... | | Bike Setup: | Z1 CR 4", Profile Cranks, Atomlab Stem and Pedals, Mammoth rims, WTB Hubs (crap), SRAM 9.0, Hayes, all the good stuff. | | Bottom Line: | Who ever said beauty had to be delicate? Wonderful, handbuilt quality with great welds. Designed to withstand a trip to hell and back. Mine features the sideplate gussets, and a 4" fork. I've been very hard on it, breaking a ton of parts around the frame, but it refuses to crack or snap. I don't do anything to huge (8', and 6' to flat) but it seems to hold up pretty damn well to the less-smooth landings. I love the geometry as well. But get a 5" travel fork, it's what the bike deserves. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a
from PA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything steep and techical | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1180.00 | | Purchased At: | complete | | Strengths: | strong as hell
tracks really well, positive feel, well balanced, clearance for big tires, upright position (make sure that is what you are looking for) | | Weaknesses: | i really cant't find anything to complain about | | Similar Products Used: | brodie holeshot, cannondale f1000, rockymountain... | | Bike Setup: | truvative hussfelt isis DH bb and cranks, xt dueraileurs, plasma shifters, hayes f and b. raceface seat post and headeset/stem, risers. hases huigi hubs, rhyno lite rims, intense 2.4 tires. | | Bottom Line: | i would not buy this bike if you are looking into a serious xc race bike. this bike is beefier and therefore heavier than what you are looking for. that said, this is the best bike i have ever ridden. the bike will handle insane terrain, and i will take off drops that i have never done on a hardtail. a z1 qr20 (5 inch) will complement the bike perfectly. the balance is great, and you don't have to hesitate on bigger drops (over 5 feet). the frame will not let you down. i dropped out over a flight of steps and landed a little sideways. it folded my rim in half and was a terrible hit. the frame held just perfect. i broke a cannondale rear triangle doing the same thing. i also broke a holeshot at the head tube jumping. so far the cove has the best feel for me. boosts confidence. i will ride more on that than some of my frinds will do with 8 inches int the rear. don't believe me, i will send you pictures of crazy stuff done on this frame.
peace
go buy a cove
strap on a set
and enjoy life
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
North Shore Posse
a Downhiller
from Vancouver,BC
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 4 Lost Souls | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike Shop--home of the Stiffy and the G-Spot! | | Strengths: | Ohh man..you just might get a "stiffy" from riding this thing,eh!Sweet craftmanship(100% Canadian-made baby!),burly gussets,just the sweetest slalom/urban/trials HT ever.I love this bike. | | Weaknesses: | The stickers aren't great,but that's just cosmetic anyway. | | Similar Products Used: | No HT I have ridden comes close to this.I also own a 1999 Norco VPS-2(for sale)and a Balfa BB7(REALLY SWEET YAH!) | | Bike Setup: | Trials.Green 15" frame,Kona Project 2 rigid fork,SDG Comp saddle,XT Rapid right-hand shifter,XT rear der.,Magura hydro-rim brakes,26" Snowcat trials rims,Panaracer Pyro 2.3 tires,LX hubs,Raceface Turbine crank,single 35t Raceface ring,Mrp World Cup guide,generic forged 90mm stem and seatpost,Azonic 2" riser bar,Primo Super Tenderizer platforms | | Bottom Line: | Makes an awesome trials bike,very tossable but well-balanced too--with a few simple part swaps,you can convert it to a DS or jump machine.The 6013 aluminum frame is strong and really confidence-inspiring--definitely the hot hardtail for 'Shore use.Only one I know of has broke--my friend's,after a 11-foot pavement drop TO FLAT.If you EVER manage to snap any Cove,it's usually from doing something completely dumbass,or a manufacturing defect.
Talk to my friends--all of them swear by Coves.A lot of them ride Stiffies,and a few ride G-SPOTS,which are also really good.They cost less than most of the competition(Specialized,Norco,Kona etc.)and are simply BETTER bikes,yah.They are real hard to find outside of the Vancouver area though.The best place to look obviously is the Cove Bike Shop,where they build and sell these Canadian masterpieces.At $600 CAN,they aren't badly priced.If you ride urban,trials,or slalom,say to hell with gram-counting,and want something different this is your bike!5 sh$ts all 'round,eh. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kalee
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Moody B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fat B*st*rd | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Really strong and light. Its a sweet freeride bike and it has nice geometry | | Weaknesses: | The stickers peel and scratch off easily. Thats all | | Bike Setup: | Race face, deore, and XT parts | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike!!! Eats up anything. Great for any kind of riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl Buckley
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver,BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to choose! | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike shop | | Strengths: | Strong as hell, The Bike handles anything you throw at it. Solid feel free of slop. | | Weaknesses: | I guess since everyone else bi*ched about the stickers, I will too. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kula, Cannondale M1000 | | Bike Setup: | Z1-QR20's, XT/XTR, Hayes disks, Mavic rims, Race Face cranks. | | Bottom Line: | I've done alot of diffent types of riding over the past 17 years including BMX racing and ramp/bowl riding and lots of mountain biking and I have never before felt like the bike was in complete control, until I road the Cove Stiffee. This bike begs to be ridden on steep single track. However, less than 4-5" of fork travel just wouldn't do the frame justice get the Z1's or equivalent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | if i told you i'd have to kill you... | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This frame has huge gussets up front and is the smoothest bike i've ever riden! | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z-3 flylight air 80mm
LX all over the place
Ameoba riser bars
STX RC cranks
| | Bottom Line: | This is a sweet ride! i advise buying the frame straight from the cove cause even if you live far away it will be way cheaper then buying it from your local bike shop (well it was for me) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Louie
a
from North Shore,CANADA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | can't tell ya | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | COVE bike shop | | Strengths: | thickly gusseted , stff,light,strong,perfect geometry,i like the nice slope of the top tube particularly.the stiffe rides smooth decends like a beas.i love it .sweet freeride hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Bottom Line: | well i live on the north shore , where this bike frame was made. it handles the terrain we ride here.purchased at the COVE BIKE SHOP,the home of the stiffee.the stiffee rules.stiff,light,strong.now i'm gonna ride it.thanks for your time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Heywood
a Downhiller
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | It's a secret! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | On Your Bike, London, UK | | Strengths: | Canadian, strong, light, looks good, goes better... best hardtail frame in the world... | | Weaknesses: | Stiffee? What sort of a name is that?!? I ordered mine without that particular sticker! | | Similar Products Used: | Konas, GTs... lots of HT bikes in the last 5 years or so.. | | Bike Setup: | Pace triple clamp forks (120mm), XT/XTR, Race Face all over the place, Hope XC4 discs, D521s... built up to my own spec. | | Bottom Line: | There is no other hardtail frame in the world like this one. It's the tightest frame I've ever ridden and I wouldn't sell it for anything!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Williams Lake, BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Handles everything you throw at it, climbs well with a 100mm fork, and generally kicks ass.
| | Weaknesses: | Weak rear brake mount
Non existant service from Cove and Yess, the frame builder | | Similar Products Used: | FOR 20 | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Vert, Hayes, Race face, XT.... | | Bottom Line: | I bought my bike exactly one year ago after waiting 5 months for a 15.5 with a disc mount to become available. I built it knowing that this was going to be the ride of my dreams, and one that I would keep for years. Tha handling in the tight stuff is amazing, it'll climb like crazy when you need it, and it'll scream the downhills and blast the launches without even breaking a sweat. I was in lala land.....until last weekend. After a sunday ride I was waiting for the group when I decided to play around in the parking lot doing trials moves. I basically suck at them, so a few minutes of practice wouldn't hurt me....but it hurt the bike. I managed to tear the rear caliper right out of the frame mount while doing a bounce move. The next day I called Cove and got the "gee that's too bad, ya better get that fixed " line from the "little man". He suggested I call Yess. I did just that and spoke to Bill the owner...his suggestion was to buy a new frame or run vee brakes. Uh uh, not gonna do that. He felt that I might be able to get it fixed, but doubtful. When asked about warranty, I was laughed at! Class act. Guess who I'm not dealing with again.
So now I have a frame that I won't use, and have purchased a new FOR 20 to replace it. It's the new standard for hard core, and at least I know they'll give me warranty if anything goes wrong. I know cuz I have it in writing. If you want to get screwed get a Stiffee.....if you want to ride hard and know you be taken care of in a good way, get a FOR !!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from North Shore
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | cant tell yeah | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Sweet nice light and quick | | Similar Products Used: | Kona , Rocky mountian , Brodie | | Bike Setup: | Raceface and syncros and a little lx deore | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike a year ago and it was a good deal but i have riden the others listed and find Brodie and Kona offer a nicer component selection for the same money and offer a little nicer ride at the same dollar.
Dont get me wrong its a sweet bike ....
But make sure you really look around 1st
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harmless
a Downhiller
from North Shore, BC
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Chunga's Revenge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Sick angles, tracks well, great for climbing and descending.
Very light weight. | | Weaknesses: | Service from Cove bike shop is a little lacking. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Blizzard, Richie Equipe and a Kona Explosive. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocci QR20
Race Face
Hayes disks front and rear
Rhino Light rims | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the most kick ass hardtail i have ever ridden. When i put a long travel fork on it the front end raked out nicely for the decents, and it still climbs well. Definently designed for North Shore riding. Stickers peel off easy, made it easy to strip them off when i bought the bike, after all.....no one is paying me to advertise. I have put a couple dents in the frame, but my STIFFEE won't wilt! If your idea of a bike ride is a gravel road.....don't waste your money....this is a real riders bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Mathis
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Accotink Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | DURABILITY, GEOMETRY, and customer service from Deep Cove Bikes. | | Weaknesses: | Stickers do peel, but they look really cool!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Sedona, Cannodale M300, Delta V, and Super V 900, FSR, Haro Escape A4, and Uzzi SL. | | Bike Setup: | Z-1 Alloy, 120-mm RF Stem, Easton Monkey Bar, Mammomoth Rims, RF LP Turbines | | Bottom Line: | I am a dedicated Dual-Suspension Weanie and I weigh 225-lbs. This bike ROCKS!!! I never thought that I could fall in love with a hardtail; this bike is as tough as it is advertised. If you like technical riding, jumping, eating drop-offs, and ripping downhill this is the do everything bike. My other bike is an Uzzi SL and if I had to give up one of my bikes; I seriously do not know if I can walk away from my STIFFEE. This is the only Hardtail I do not fear jumping and throwing around. I ride the same lines with it as my Uzzi and it handles great. The short chainstay puts your weight closer to the rear and this aspect of the geometry virtually ensures a rear-wheel landing everytime. Also the rear can handle fat-arse tires. The manufacturers of this frame is YESS and they build buff bikes for BMX and DS like the Arrow. You can not be happy with this frame and free-ride weanie out there who is looking for the real "fun bike;" walke away from the big name bikes, because the STIFFEE is truly in a class of its own. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Wolfik
a Downhiller
from Brisbane,Australia
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Robsons near Cairns | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Waaaay strong, heaps of standover clearance, perfect geometry | | Weaknesses: | None!! Yeah the stickers peel but who caress, cove can give you some more if it is that big a deal | | Similar Products Used: | There are not many hardtails like this!! | | Bike Setup: | Judy 100 (would be even better with bomber z1's), raceface post and headset, syncros cranks and a bit of shimano here and there | | Bottom Line: | awsome ride. My downhill rig was out of action for a while last year so i set the stiffee up single ring and downhilled on it. That how versatile it is, awesome for any gnarly trails. Great price too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ronnie
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, Wa.
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any and All | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Stiff!! Can handle any line you throw at it. Climbs like a goat. No worry about it breaking. | | Weaknesses: | For the money the stickers could stay on better and the paint could be better(then again who cares). Front end does wonder somewhat on steep climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | GT and Mongose MTBs. | | Bike Setup: | Race Face seatpost, riser bar, head set, next lp cranks. Hayes disc. Z2 Bam fork. Frog pedals. THE front fender. ESP 9.0 | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike money can buy. The guys at the local shop talked into buying this over a Kona and I am so glad. It handles so well in tight single track and has saved my life many times. If you can only afford one bike this is the one to get. Buy the frame and transfer averything from you old one. Then just upgrade as you get the money. You will not be sorry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Island BC
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Monkey's Challenge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The workmanship on this bike is incredible! You have to see one to fully appreciate it. Super Beefy! It climbs great and it smokes the downhills. You can throw anything at this bike and it will chew it up and spit it out. Best money I've ever spent! | | Weaknesses: | Yeah right! Those griping about the graphics peeling may be too concerned with looks rather than ride! I don't think this frame has a weak point worth mentioning. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar
GT LTS 1000 DS | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1 (Of course!)
XT/XTR
Syncros seatpost
Azonic riser bar
545 pedals | | Bottom Line: | For those of you who may have heard something about this bike, believe the hype! It's an incredibly well made frame with an great all around ride. Some of my friends think I'm taking a step backwards from my full suspension, but I've recaptured the fun factor that I'd lost with my dual. You can't have much fun on a bike you're worried may explode at any second. This is a light-weight, yet super-tough, great-climbing, but awesome descending, value packed frame! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leaky
a
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything deemed "unridable" | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | UNBELIEVABLY strong construction and fun geometry. I've have a previous life destroying frames (spooky darkside x1, Kona Stinkee-Deelux x1) hucking myself of drops, onto ups, and generally showing my bikes tough love. The STIFFEE is unbreakable. In addition, the geometry supports brutal ups and twisty singletrack, but doesn't get panicky on fast descents. BELIEVE THE HYPE, one bike CAN do it all. Now I wish COVE would get into the $%^&ing wheel business. | | Weaknesses: | What?...er...eh...Too fun. I can't ever think of anything else but riding the thing. | | Similar Products Used: | Spooky Pitboss, Spooky darkside, Kona Stiffee Deelux | | Bike Setup: | Ringle stem/sp, Easton bars, Avid brakes, ESP rear der, whoneedsa front der, king headset/hubs, rhino lyte, 0xc, or mavic rims (Whatever is cheap and not broken this week) | | Bottom Line: | You can not get a better deal on a frame. THe exchange rate makes the bike totally affordable, and it is highly unlikely that a mere mortal could break one. I NEVER ride my FS bike anymore. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Please Select
from new york city
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | geomtry, very trials oriented
dreamlike handling
pretty light
basically, about everything
| | Weaknesses: | stickers look great but come of VERY easily
scratches easily
| | Similar Products Used: | TREK 990(excellent frame)
TREK 930
GT STS 1500ds | | Bike Setup: | Nothing special yet:
98 Judy xl
97 xt cranks, deraileur
magura hs-33
many,many.maaaaaany diferent rims
| | Bottom Line: | Basically, you cannot go wrong buying this bike. Yeah, true the stickers peel but so what. If this is a major concern for you, then this is not your kind of bike. This is for pure riders who know that when it comes down to it, all that matters is the ride. Handles like the bike itself made the trail, strong, strong, strong and oh so chi-chi. I struggled for a long time over this and the Chameleon and I know I made the right choice. I do trials, lots of "urban assault" type riding and trails. This bike excels in each one. It will make you a better rider by virtue of it's design. live in nyc so i ordered mine thru Cove directly. The shop owners are great guys, the price is excellent($460 u.s.)and very, very few have this bike so expect ALOT of questions about the bike. Basically, the best... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Shepherd
a Please Select
from Evergreen, CO
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Reddish Knob | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Very strong
Very well made
Cool Graphics
Price: I picked mine up for $490 with the US exchange rate | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn s[9five].2
Schwinn Moab 1 | | Bike Setup: | Raceface: stem, bar, headset, seatpost
Hayes Hydraulic Discs
Marzocchi Z1 Dropoff
XT
Rhyno Lite rims | | Bottom Line: | This frame rules. Not too heavy for a freeride and very stiff. I've cracked a Schwinn frame which was well made but I don't think this one will bust. It climbs well too for a downhill outfitted bike. The quality of this frame at its price also makes this a great bike. You could pay twice as much and get a Yeti but this is just as good. I'm a CNC machinist and I know quality metal work. Take it from me, this is the best quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Knowlan
a Cross-Country Rider
from North Vancouver
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Shitinmypantsma | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Frame build quality
Great-handling geometry
Strength
Lateral stiffness | | Weaknesses: |
Weight | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona Kula
Rocky Mountain Blizzard
Specialized M3 | | Bike Setup: |
Marzocci Z2 BAM
Raceface cranks, stem, bar
XT hubs, brakes, Front DR
XTR Rear DR
Mavic X517 rims
Titec Berzerkr saddle | | Bottom Line: | What a ride! I thought I wanted a lightweight MTB until I rode this. It is the nicest riding MTB I've ever ridden. Climbs great, very stable downhill, takes anything you can dish out. It feels bulletproof. Now, when I ride way out on a trail, I don't worry about the bike crapping out on me. I know it can stand up to whatever I put it through.This is one hell of a hardtail. Contact the guys at COVE if you are a clydesdale (like me) who wants a nimble bike that can really take it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jimmy
a Weekend Warrior
from calgary alta
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
cranston bridges | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
good gussets,geometry and lifetime warranty | | Weaknesses: |
none yet, except maybe scratches to easy but who cares about that | | Similar Products Used: |
none no reason to try any other | | Bike Setup: |
z2 bam,raceface stem bars headset cranks w/black spire rock ring,ryhno lites w/tioga 2.3dh,avid arch rival 50,all other components are xt! | | Bottom Line: | i seem to be climbing better,descending better and doing everything else better.it seems to be quite tough though time will tell.i bought it direct thru covebike shop and the staff there was awesome ask for chessie.freeride hardtail perfection a quote from bike magazine-its all true!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eli
a Downhiller
from Victoria, BC
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
poop shoot... | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
super strong, yet the rear feels like it gives a little, which is a good thing considering it's aluminum... | | Weaknesses: |
nothing yet!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
schwinn homegrown
spooky pitboss
cannondale f series
trek 8900 | | Bike Setup: |
bomber Z3LT, xt/lx/raceface/
black spire cranks and stem, sunn rhyno lites, schwalbe tires, roox bars/post...etc... | | Bottom Line: | I love this frame mainly because it can handle big drops and sketchy lines...it's the only hardtail I would buy...and it's worth the cash...built really well, wicked angles, fun ride...I am buying a DH frame as well, but this will always be used!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Van
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Executioner | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
STRONG.
LIGHT
ITS A STIFFEE! | | Weaknesses: |
Under rated | | Similar Products Used: |
None other. | | Bottom Line: | IT's the best Rigid frame ever ridden.
IT's a NorthShore Bike. NO messing with pansy welds, or Useless holds for panniers.
It;s a North Shore Bike. If you have never ridden the North Shore, then you DO NOT NEED this bike. Go home. | | Overall Rating: |
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