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Mountain Cycle
San Andreas
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Submitted by
Mark Riley
a Weekend Warrior
from Newtown, NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Manly Dam | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bike | | Strengths: | Timeless design that still holds up very well in all round riding. | | Weaknesses: | High bottom bracket makes cornering feel sketchy. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots of hardtails. Used a Schwinn Rocket for 6 months. | | Bike Setup: | Z1 Freeride SL's, Fox Vanilla R, Sram - XT mix. | | Bottom Line: | I broke it !
I owned it 1 year and was using it in a 24hr race. I made a bad landing doing a creek crossing which the front wheel cleared but the back wheel caught below the lip. With my weight on the saddle, it pulled the VPS block right off the frame.I only weigh 72kg.
I trust this is a one off.
The biggest problem was getting the new frame from Mountain Cycle. My first email to the sales team replied back to say that the original staff have left the company due to the new management's direction (Kinesis). I then made contact with somebody who never returned my emails requesting shipping costs before I submitted credit card details. I phoned him from Australia and we agreed but then again my emails were not answered. After a terse email, I got a reply and the new frame was shipped to Australia in only 2-3 days. A very quick transaction after I had spent 8 weeks chasing it.
Customer service was appalling but I still love the look and ride of my San Andreas that does EVERYTHING !
My rating is for the bike not the company's crap service. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Adrenaline | | Strengths: | Well-balanced geomertry, simplicity in suspension, quality, strength, durability | | Weaknesses: | Perhaps cable routing | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Kona Dawg, Marin taras suspension | | Bike Setup: | Progressive 5th Element, Marzocchi Mx pro, XT, ritchey wheelsets, clipless, Hays hydraulic (30ish pounds) | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to rekindle my stoke for biking (that I lost following many injuries and board sports diversions) and remember looking at this bike was I was pedaling around on my first rockhopper 15 years ago. My wife and I both have this stablemate, and I am enthralled by the frameset. I was worried that the bike would be a clydesdale, but it's as nimble and flickable as a gazelle. Climbs well for a 32 pound six-incher, but rides like it's on rails through the singletrack descents. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff angell
a Weekend Warrior
from des moines ,iowa
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | greenwood park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | has been everything I've always heard about. Most think of it as a downhiller but mine is set up for xcountry. I've ridden my friends bikes and they are mushy feeling and don't turn as well! | | Weaknesses: | my bike might be alittle heavier than most of the hard tales I see around! But I'm feeling better after the ride I'm sure!! | | Similar Products Used: | AMP B3,AMP B4 | | Bike Setup: | Judy XL,Hayes Hydros brakes,thompson,raceface,XT | | Bottom Line: | I'm very impressed with the bike. I would like a newer bike but there aren't any dealers around that carry the bikes I would buy here and I wouldn't want to be dissapointed with a mail order bike that wasn't as good as the one I have already. BOTTOM LINE: A good bike for a more aggressive trail rider that doesn't want to have to fix they're bike often! HARD TO BREAK! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | frame at Cambriabike.com | | Strengths: | It's pretty light for 5" travel, no-bob rear suspension, trusty construction for my 215 lbs, single pivot means easy maintenance, they've been doing this thing for 10+ years, I like the full cable housing type cable routing. | | Weaknesses: | The frame amplifies trail noise so it's a little noisy in the quiet woods, but not too bad. It's a little tall too, it sits high but I've gotten used to it. | | Similar Products Used: | I've tried it all, I mean everything. | | Bike Setup: | X-vert super, Thomson post, Avid mechanical discs, and the rest is XT. It's build as a trail bike so it sits about 29lbs right now. I think I could get I to 27lbs with some sensable parts and about $1k. A weight weenie could get it to 26 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I think this has to be the most under-utilized under-rated (even though the ratings here are very good) frame out there. There is no bobbing on flats, it climbs like a goat, and it takes the descents like a downhill bike. The maintenance is zero on the pivots. I can't believe I don't see these things all over the place. If you can, try one and you'll see. I hope these guys at Kinesis keep making this thing and suggest they try beef up their marketing efforts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff angell
a Weekend Warrior
from des moines ,iowa
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | science center | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | e-bay | | Strengths: | I am not a serious rider but I weigh over 200lbs and this bike is very strong and seems to carve well in the single track that I normally ride.There is no creaking from the frame at all and this bike is going on 4 years old!!! | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness I've seen is in other components,Not the frame!(stems,posts) | | Similar Products Used: | mountain cycle-shockwave,Amp B5,Trek 9000 | | Bike Setup: | Judy xl front fork,raceface dh cranks,shimano xt,thompson,hayes brakes,sun rims,stock rear shock by mountain cycle | | Bottom Line: | I'm leaving this review because I think it would be helpful for larger riders to know that there is a strong light weight bike here that is not just for downhill. Most people think of this bike as just a downhiller. It is as light as any I've had and honestly has been a great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Combs
a Downhiller
from Festus,MO.
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Frame is awsome,piviot bearings are used instead of plastic bushings,makes for a very sturdy frame.adjustable ride highth | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none of my other bikes even come close to this one. | | Bike Setup: | bombshell wheels,motorapter 2.4 tires, xtr derailers,raceface crank,manitou elite forks,hayes 8 inch hydrolic brakes,kore stem and rise handlebars ,xt shifters | | Bottom Line: | Awsome frame,bike looks like its going fast just sitting still,wife is afraid to walk around it,bike climbs very well,rides very plush,take bumps and dips smooth,sets up a lot higher than any other bike ive had.very quick and stable down hills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Worrab
a Downhiller
from Bothell, Wa, US
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Cycle | | Strengths: | This frame is strong, I've never had anything go wrong with it. No maintenance required. It is also easy to up-grade or change configurations for X-C or Down hill | | Weaknesses: | Noisy. you hear all the creaks and pops as you ride and the accessibility of the front derailleur is imposable (better with the new frame) Other than that there are no weaknesses. | | Bike Setup: | Jr. T, Fox Vanilla RC, Mavic 519 rims, Hayes disks and all the other higher end parts. | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding a San Andreas XC for about three years, but when it was stolen I looked around for a replacement bike. It did not take me long to start looking for another San Andreas. They kick ass... I decided to go with the DHS set up this time. It ended up being about 36lbs, but it hauls down hills and takes the drops and jumps like they are not there.
I have ridden a Cannondale Gemini, Jekyil, Norco Drop and some Ellsworth and it rides in the all around arena better than them all.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambriabike.com | | Strengths: | Mountain Cycle San Andreas XC Air 2003
-Good climber, stable at speed, yet turns well. Like the adjustable frame geometry. Very stiff frame, light front end - great for wheelies. Handles great on tight trails and through technical sections. Very race worthy, great acceleration. | | Weaknesses: | Fox RL rear Air shock constantly leaked down (100PSI per week!) until I purged all of the air out of it and bottomed it out (seals were not seated properly from factory) . After doing this, the shock stopped leaking air. I understand that a lot of RL's have the same problem.
Also a bit of funky drivetrain backlash when peddling through rolling whoops (chain will pull back on crank as frame geometry changes through suspension stroke) but nothing major. | | Similar Products Used: | '97 Specialized AI Ground control (Rear shock was a nightmare - went trough 3 - finally had to get a machine shop to rebuild with automotive seals and make new brass bushings - still works today! ); '2000 Oryx ATX 250 FS | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Bomber Z1 Freeride fork, 2002 XTR drivetrain with XT shifters, Grimeca System 8 brakes with Bontrager Race Disk wheels and hubs, Selle Italia Flight Gel Ti saddle, Ritchey Logic Pro2 clipless, Syncros bars+seatpost, Raceface SyStem (put a 1/2" steerer tube spacer on top of stem and under headset cap to stop the notorius Raceface stem flex), Ritchey ZED 2.1 Kevlar tires, Chris King Headset. I weigh about 195 lbs and have the rear air shock set at 275 PSI, with 3 clicks out from max damping for agressive cross country. NOTE: Old Rockshox Quadra 5 fork boots are a perfect fit for the Fox RL rear shock and will protect it from mud and grime. | | Bottom Line: | I waited 2 months for this frame, but it was worth it. Aside from the rear shock leaking air at first (Yikes!), I haven't had any problems so far. With the rear air shock, there is just enough room to fit a long screwdriver throught the swingarm shock mount to adjust the front derailleur (unlike the DH model). The ride on the XC San Andreas model is like no other supension bike I have ever tried - it is supple without feeling mushy. The lock-out on the RL is also a definite bonus - it makes the bike feel like a hardtail on flat ground and up steep hills. Looks cool, too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Watson
a
from Houston, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Grapevine Lake, TX | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Progressionbikeshop.com | | Strengths: | This frames is the stiffest and most agile frame I have ever ridden. It climbs like a mountain goat and I love the adjustable cockpit and shock mount. The weight is distributed very well throughout the frame so not one area is heavier to lift. Replaceable subframe and swingarm if necessary. My last POS GT Team model could not handle the abuse and broke at the seat post clamp weld. If this one breaks you just get a new part to replace instead of having to shop for a whole new frame again. Chicks dig it. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to get one in your hands because so many people want one. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Team Race model - Sucked | | Bike Setup: | Mountain Cycle Frame - San Andreas DHS
Chris King ISO Hubs w/ X317 Disc Rims
Hayes Disc
Shimano XTR w/ Flight Deck - Highly Recommended
Thomson Seatpost and Stem
Bontrager Riser Bar w/crossbar
Oakley Grips
WTB Weirwolf 2.5 front - Best tire ever
WTB MotoRapter 2.4 rear
Race Face Next LP Carbon cranks ISIS
TruVativ Gigapipe 73mm/118mm bottom bracket
Cane Creek S2 Headset
Manitou XVert Air Suspension Fork
Fox Vanilla Coil w/ Piggyback Rear Suspension
Specialized Seat
Thornproof Tubes
Kore Skewers | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this frame rocks. I spent 4 months shopping for a new frame and had to wait on this one for two. I bought it from Progressionbikeshop.com straight from Jim, the owner. He helped me so much when a lot of other places did not seem to have the time. I highly recommend getting the Mountain Cycle frames through him. He gave me an excellent price and assured me that I would have the very first 2003 San Andreas and he came through big time. Mountain Cycle just started selling through bike shops this year instead of dealing direct. They offer a lifetime warranty and have been very responsive to technical questions. I highly recommend getting this frame if you don't already have one. This bike is especially plush for bigger riders - 200+ lbs. I give their operation 5 big chile blunts for a job well done. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Thousand Oaks CA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | recycler | | Strengths: | excellent ride | | Weaknesses: | bottome bracket flex, weak swing arm | | Bottom Line: | I was thrilled when I first got this bike it handled and jumped among the best out there I had good faith in the bike, from what the other reviews say it has a strong frame and if it does ever break Mountain Cycle will back you up.
This was good till my swing arm broke, just above the main pivot, on the right side. After removing it and inspecting it I found four cracks on top of the break! 2 where the shock is attached, one huge one going across the weld below that, and another one on the opposite side of the central box. Now maybe the break was just from normal fatigue but the other cracks especially the ones going through the welds shouldn’t be there, something differently went wrong when it was built or designed or whatever. And I am not overweight nor do I go very big maybe 10 ft jumps at most.
So of course after hearing so many stories about their great customer service I am still not sweating it, until I gave them a call and found out “They don’t warranty second hand customers” and a new swing arm is going to be 500 dollars. That pist me off it shouldn’t matter if I bought the bike used or not, they made it, if its **** up they should take responsibility. On top of that there trying to pull in a profit off there weak swing arms considering a new San Andreas frame goes for a little under a $1000 form Cambria bike. Think of this the swing arm probably is the most complex piece to make on the bike but I doubt the cost of metal and labor involved equals as much as the cost of the metal and labor of the sub frame, seat tower, and shock.
So after this I am not happy with the company. A company that cant support second hand customers “people who are still out there riding their bike, showing off their name getting them out there”, That says they don’t have a 100% faith in there product. So my stickers are coming off and if anyone asks it’s a department store bike. It gets 2 chiles for a great ride but a structurally weak a** frame they dare to call a free ride bike.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david knox
a Weekend Warrior
from united kingdom
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | epping forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | tom skene cycles | | Strengths: | massivly strong fast stable looks the dogs bollox | | Weaknesses: | in two years none | | Similar Products Used: | 3gts . kona cannondale marin | | Bike Setup: | white bros . hayes 8in roters all xtr raceface fox vanilla rc azonic razerrock sun mammoth contis hopehubs wtb x-lite | | Bottom Line: | having tried six of the rest........no comparism its the best bike ive owned when it(if it ever)wears out i'll buy another one! if you are serious about freeriding this is one of the most awesome bits of kit you can buy (it even looks totally outrageous as well) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wharncliff | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Nice ride, wicked looks, cult following. | | Bike Setup: | Adjustable R/C Piggy back shock, XT Mechs, Maguras, Stratos MX6, STX-RC Hubs on Mavic 517s, etc. | | Bottom Line: | As you can see from all these other reviews the San Andreas is a top bike, and it has quite a following, its almost a cult bike...
I love my San Andreas but I have decided to sell it to help decorate my Kitchen. If you would like to buy a Black and Silver San Andreas, with Stratos MX6 forks, XT and Maguras, Adjustable R/C Piggy back shock, etc then contact me Via E mail. Price: £700 ono. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Streblow
a Downhiller
from Napa, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mc. Curdy | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | cambria bike | | Strengths: | Strong, relitively light for a semi-dh bike | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Manitou X-vert, LX shifter & derailers, LX levers and brakes, Race Face North Shore XS crank, Easton Mokey Bar, Intense DH 2.40, Profile stiffy stem | | Bottom Line: | I just bought the bike about 3 months ago and nothing has gone wrong yet. Mine has 4.5" of travel and it will take on any rock, root or drop you take it off of. I raced the sea otter downhill on it and it was great. I also take in on a ton of courses on Mt. Tam and it works great. It can be set up really well to be a complete DH bike. It is also great for riding up hill too. Its really good for jumping too, i have taken it too a lot of jumping places and it works well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto, CA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rock Creek Canyon - Mammoth | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Cycle | | Strengths: | This Bike is Bomb proof. It eats up everything on the trail with ease. | | Weaknesses: | It's a little heavy but that's what you get with a bike that can convert to a downhiller. | | Bike Setup: | San Andreas Frame, XT Package, Manitou X-Vert Front. | | Bottom Line: | The money is worth it for these quality frames. You won't have to worry about parts breaking or adjustments. It's a great bike for those just looking to go out and have fun. It climbs great, and downhills like no other. I've raced the bike too (even though it's a bit heavy) and had no problems with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trond Olsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vettakollen | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr.com | | Strengths: | Simple, rigid, nimble, light, aggressive, picks line well. It's a classic bike! | | Weaknesses: | Simple, broke in two..., monoswingarm locks up under braking. | | Similar Products Used: | VRX300, VRX500, Uzzi SL, Super8, Stab | | Bike Setup: | 4.5" Andreas, 2001 Jr.T, Magura Discs, XT, ODI, RaceFace SyStem, Cane Creek, Truvativ, Tioga 2.3, Hugi - 321/DeeMax front | | Bottom Line: | I really love this bike, but I grew a bit suspicious after breaking the rear swingarm last fall. Bought a new one and saw that they had updated the swingarm with a welded on plate where mine broke. It has hold up fine since. It is plush as hell and climbs/decends really well. Suspension locks up under braking though...which is not that good.
I'll give the bike 5 for overall rating and 4 for value rating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick K
a Weekend Warrior
from Chino, CA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Proven design has remained unchanged for over 10 years. Reasonably light. | | Weaknesses: | Monocoque design does transmit some sound. Somewhat pricey, but well worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing really compares; I have tried Cannondale; ProFlex, KHS and Intense. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Frame w/ all 2001 Components; White Bros FR-3 Dual Crown Forks; Chris King Headset; Answer ProTaper 2" Riser Bars; Thompson Elite Stem (90mm x 5*); Mavic F519 Rims w/Chris King Disc Hubs; XTR fr & Rr Derailleurs; XTR Crankset; XTR BB; XTR Chain; XT Disc Brakes; Shimano SPD 858 Pedals; Thompson Elite Seat Post; Selle Italia Flite Ti Gel Seat; Maxxis 2.35 Tires. | | Bottom Line: | I would highly recommend this incredible bike. Mountain Cycle has been an industry leader with this unchanged classic frame that others have attempted to duplicate. It takes all of the pounding you can give it, is strong, and can be relatively light if set up to be. Ride that Mountain Cycle hard! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Soquel National Demo Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Online from Mt Cycle | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | Pro Flex 857 | | Bike Setup: | Z1 Drop Off ,Chris King,Pro Stop Brakes,XTR, etc | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the best mountain bikes out there. I reviewed this bike about a year ago and I am still amazed of what I am capable of doing on this machine. The Pro Stop brakes are unbelievable... A little bit of a pain to set up but, they work phenominal once their dialed in. If you do not have one of these bikes go get one. My last bike was a 2nd generation full suspension Pro flex... Fun bike but, there is no comparison... I think the frame was made in Taiwan...But, then who knows, or who cares..
This company makes it's products in good old California, and the people are a pleasure to work with... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david blake
a Weekend Warrior
from united kingdom
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Buckton Castle/DoveStone reservoir | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | second hand off good mate | | Strengths: | kick ass ( as you americans would say ) good looks. well strong,smooth ride,very rare beast on these shores. | | Weaknesses: | bad dealer back up and a bit heavy at 27 lbs all in. | | Similar Products Used: | my brothers pro-flex 823. | | Bike Setup: | I have had to change the pro-stop disc brakes for shimano v brakes because i cant get pro stop spares in this country. This has meant that i have also had to change the front forks for rock shocks because the original suspenders 111 do not have mounts for v brakes. But i am happy with the result and it has ended up a bit lighter. | | Bottom Line: | I am very pleased with my demon machine, it is absolutely fantastic at what it was designed for, blasting downhill as fast as your nerve allows you, I am always first over the edge and first to the bottom of any decent before any of my my mates, they can only locate me by my whoops and wails as i disapear into the distance. Recently 6 of us deciced to cycle coast to coast, Whitehaven to Sunderland in 3 days , and this is where a couple of faults in the bike showed up: 1 there is no way of fitting panniers or a cycle rack on this bike which meant having to carry gear on my back in a rucksack.
2 there are plenty of bikes around weighing in at a good deal less than the san andreas and this counts for a lot on a longish ride.
Apart from those littlt gripes I realy enjoy the san andreas and with it being American it is realy quite unusal over here and i have not had any breakages or problems with this very well made and good quality bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 12 acre | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | £1200 | | Strengths: | Ease of adjustability, weight. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | Foes Zig Zag suspension, | | Bike Setup: | Stratos 6" travel triple clamps, components from Control Tech and XTR | | Bottom Line: | The Mountain Cycle San Andreas is to mountain biking what SE Racing's P.K. Ripper was us BMX. A timeless classic, nothing comes close.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick B
a Cross Country Rider
from Metuchen, NJ
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anytime, anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Solid feel. The suspension works when it's supposed to, and it inspires confidence. Very easy to maintain and it holds up well. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur set-up is a pain. People stare it a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | I won't waste your time with the long list. | | Bike Setup: | X-Vert, XT/XTR, Middleburn cranks(!), Mavic, Syncros, Titec... all the good stuff down to the titanium bolts. | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding for 13 years. I was a hardtail holdout until I rode a San Andreas. I thought the trade-off for suspension was not worth it until I rode this bike. Everything else breaks, wears out, or just doesn't work. I love this thing. It makes me want to ride more and harder than ever!It handles huge drops, finds traction around bumpy corners, floats uphill, and bombs downhills. If you're considering buying one, stop and just go buy. I do all kinds of trails from cross country to freeride. It never fails to come through. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Graves
a Cross Country Rider
from Germantown, Tennessee USA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rainbow trail-Salida | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Solid, Good handling and plush | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Catamount-great bike just different | | Bike Setup: | Z1, Fox Vanilla RX, xt components. | | Bottom Line: | This bike exudes quality. I have never ridden a bike that felt so together and strong. I do want to post again after some major trail miles, but the first impression so far is INCREDIBLE. The bike just screams "ride me". The Z1 fork matches very well with this frame and creates a good handling yet plush ride. I believe this bike could be used for just about anything, but I am setting mine up for twisty singletrack. Looking forward to some great rides with my new bike. This bike is in another league in itself. I remember reading somewhere before that "if I couldn't ride a Mountain Cycle I wouldn't ride" Well, I kinda see what they mean. I will post again in the future.
Happy trails Todd | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kent
a
from Olalla Washington
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the muddier, the better | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | A unique looking frame, not to common. The abiliaty to adjust head angle, top tube length, and travel. The use of full cable routing under the frame, and it's simplicity. A burly frame. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing glarring, the rear dropouts are a bit flexy. Under a strong pedal load they twist a little only noticable with discs. At slow speeds there is a noticable pedal feedback in the granny-ring, but how often do you use the small-ring. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing that is like this, my previous bike was a M2 Stump Jumper HT. Tried an FSR. | | Bike Setup: | Jr. T, XT drivetrain, Hubs, and Discs. Mavic 317 rims, Race Face headset, Kore stem and seatpost, and Crowbar. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, I have pretty much given my Stumpy to my sister. As I have it set up it is not light, and there is some movement durring pedaling, so it does not go up as well as the old bike. The down is significantly more enjoyable. I find myself looking for drops on the way to and from class, the tallest I have done is five feet and on the San Andreas with 4.5 it was like dropping on pillows. (as long as the bike stays under you, concrete hurts!). I am going to up the travel to the 6.5 and see how that works.
This bike has done alot to improve my confidence and make up for any lack of skill. If your looking for something simple, unique, and strong, and you are not overly worried about weight look at this bike. Plan on buying armor with the bike, you will want to do those insane things that you see in the Mags about B.C.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Starbuck
a Cross Country Rider
from folsom, CA (originally SLO)
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | south yuba/table mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Mountain cycle | | Strengths: | Frame construction, simple pivot, adustability, pimpablility, get in belly ability. Super strong | | Weaknesses: | none at all | | Similar Products Used: | mountain cycle csx (full xtr 24lbs dream) mountain cycle moho sts (xt, light and fun) | | Bike Setup: | 99 San Andreas, real hubs, mavic 317's, 2000 hayes flip flops 6" disks, control tech newton, post, sdg, shimano xtr cranks, race face hs, titec bars, marzocchi qr20 5" fork, panaracer fire pros, it rules | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules, clean simple cal poly engineering stands out in all of the mountain cycle products. It climbs like a billy goat and blasts through the crap with ease. This frame has been around for 10 years, I like to think of it like luggage (you will never get rid of it). Buy it, love it, ride it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Suppe
a Racer
from Amherst, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Toby | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Irvine Bike Source | | Strengths: | What did they say in the review "...body of a jet fighter, soul of a junkyard dog." Juxtipose; body of a junkyard dog, soul of a jet fighter!!! | | Weaknesses: | None, except you have to constantly grease the pivot. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 5900, Cannondale Super V3000, Proflex 956, ScWinn Homegrown Carbon (sweetspot FS), Klein Mantra. Ti & Carbon Hrdtails. | | Bike Setup: | Initially Marzocci Flylight 100, XT grouppo, XT hubs/Mavic 517's. Then Hanebrink Z6, Hayes/Mavic. | | Bottom Line: | Nobody has contributed more to the shape of full suspension freeride then Mountain Cycle. Their tried and true designs are as stable now as they were many years ago. They were the first to use aluminum box construction, and were selling freeride frames before people knew what freeriding was. I'll always respect and own a Mountain Cycle. Either a San Andreas DHS or a Shockwave. The San Andreas is absolutely the most durable FS frame on the market, today since it's inception. Thank God for San Luis Obisbo Dormant Domes and Pismo's cliff side. Inspires passion, Ive been. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
christian
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | the bike is rugged and well built, the design is simple but effective, upgradeability is amazing, lighter than it looks, beefy construction and monocoque still distinctive and bad-ass after a decade. | | Weaknesses: | pricey, but worth it. could be lighter, but still not bad. wish the maon pivot had grease ports, but that's nitpicking. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz tazmon and heckler, canondale super vee and raven. | | Bike Setup: | small red frame, risse astro-5, xtr, bontrager lrace whlset, syncros seatpost, dean stem and bar, panaracer fire xc, manitou xvert-r, velo ti kevlar seat, kooka crank | | Bottom Line: | meant to put a review in a long time ago. wanted one since '91 but couldn't afford it. finally bought one in '97. have swapped parts over the years for performance sake, but one thing remains, the frame still performs great. it's surpising just how upgradeable it has been over the years, and how tough it has been. I have crashed hard on it a few times and no problem. the bike is a closet downhill machine. if you set it up right, you can have a blast on the trails, but point it downhill and it rips, very stable and plush. I think it has been an excellent investment. I gotta say I still enjoy riding it after all these years. The design is simple and hasn't changed in ten years, but hey, it works well, and still does. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael
a Cross Country Rider
from philadelphia
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | very proven design.HASn't and most likely won't go out of style, great ride even for cross-country use | | Weaknesses: | none---except finding a seat post in 31.6 | | Similar Products Used: | intense tracer
cannondale jeckal
marin | | Bike Setup: | judy race chris king head set
raceface cranks xt derailers
thomson seat post avid 2.5 brakes
panaracer fire xc tires mavic517-xt hubs
koobi seat profile stem easton riser bars
stratos helix pro rear shock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike!!!The ride, the looks, everything. My bike before this was a cannondale super v which I thought had a great ride, but I had no idea what I was missing until I rode this bike. If your looking for a bike too last and not the bike of the moment this bike is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bike Babe
a Racer
from Washington State
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bluff Trail at Ft. Ebey | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Handles the tough stuff effortlessly.
Provides a great sense of security.
Instant conversation piece.
| | Weaknesses: | Had some problems with the bike design and the Shimano derailleur that it was built with. At the advice of a Mt. Cycle dealer, switched over to a Sram derailleur (but kept the other Shimano comps.) and it works much better.
Moved to a new town and it took awhile before I could find a bike shop that could figure out how to work on the San Andreas. | | Similar Products Used: | K-2, Diamond Back, Pro Flex | | Bottom Line: | A female rider who competes in cross-country races with a San Andreas - rare but true. This bike not only performs for Clysdales but for the average chick as well. I smoke going downhill, stay ahead on the technical, keep in pace on the flats and get passed going up hill. All in all, I haven't lost a single cross-country race on my San Andreas so I'm not about to turn it in for a hard tail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The True Clydesdale
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This thing is a beast. I'm 6'6" 230 lbs. IVe broken just about eveypart on a bike you can imagine, including frames. This bike keeps taking it no problem. Steep dropoffs. No problem. I actually dropped it off a five foot loading dock onto cement while street riding and it was like falling on feathers. Flattened the rims though. | | Weaknesses: | When I first got the frame I had some problems with the poorly cut threads on the bottom bracket. Once they were machined out the frame was fine. | | Similar Products Used: | I've ridden hard tails and soft tails, nothing comes close. | | Bike Setup: | Judy DHO, Kore Stritcly D bars, Kore platform pedals, Race Face cranks nad head set, Control Tech direct connect stem, sram shifters, and yes Spins. | | Bottom Line: | Sure it isn't cheap, but the true measure of a bike is the price to performance ratio. You can't beat the performance of this bike for twice the price.
Who should buy: hardcore MTBer's who aren't afraid of grabbing some air and some stiff looks from the other riders.
Who shouldn't buy: cross coutry racers or anyone who thinks they need to keep the tires on the gound to win the race. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Marroquin
a Cross Country Rider
from Cottonwood,CA.USA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | chimney | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | I have submmited a review 2 months ago,This is a follow up on how i feel now.well......the bike is even BETTER!!!!.This frame is sooooo sweeeet!!!!it has held up perfectly to some major downhill abuse.You know how some bikes just lose there apeal to you after a while,Not this one.(THE MAIN REASON WHY I'M SAYING ALL OF THIS IS FOR THOSE WHO ARE WANTING TO BYE A MT.CYCLE).This bike in my opinion, is the best bike on two wheels.Go ahead,invest in a MT.CYCLE,You won't be sorry.(And again i don't work for Robert Risinger).I love my bike and will never sell.....
And one more thing,There service is the best in the bicycle industry today,by far the best of any I have done business with.(and when you call ask for George Duboise,He will take very good care of you.
| | Weaknesses: | I would have to say,the trails i have been on lately. | | Bottom Line: | SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hans
a Cross Country Rider
from Altadena,Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | San Merrill/EP | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | A very reliable frameset which works flawlessly. This bike is schizophrenic! | | Weaknesses: | High BB. | | Similar Products Used: | I've test ridden several Full Suspension bikes, Yeti Straight 8, Intense DH, Foes LT1, GT LTS | | Bike Setup: | XTR derailluers, King DiscoTech hubs, Mavic 317 rims, ProStop Full Hydraulic Brakes, Azonic Stem, PROTaper bars, Speedplay pedals, Marzocchi Bomber Z1 BAM, Race Face, Epic R&D parts | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for 8 years, and it has stood the test of time. It has been very reliable and has been easily upgradeable to stay current. I have been able to upgrade the shock with different versions, from an elastomer shock, Risse Astro 5 and Terminator, and now a Fox RC coilover. Depending on the shock selected, travel can vary from 4 to 6 inches. The bike is an excellent ride, and people still stop me on the trail to check it out. This bike works the best it ever has. Great value for the Dollar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trond Olsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | backwoods in the oslo area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Little horisontal flex
It doesn't bob under power when seated!!!
fairly light
classic stable geometry
same design for 10 years | | Weaknesses: | Monocoque design transmits sound | | Similar Products Used: | Mantra
Uzzi SL
Level Betty | | Bike Setup: | Mostly XT components
Hayes Cable actuated rear brake
Hugi/317 Rear wheel - Hugi/Campa front
Bontrager Jones tires
RST Delta TL 3.5" front fork
Risse Genesis air shock | | Bottom Line: | It doesn't bob under pressure!!! It rules. I was amazed to see that the rear wheel seeks traction when pedaling. It feels nimble and light and it is a confidence booster when going downhill. I would recommend this bike to anyone. I ride with a Risse Genesis and it is really good, however I want a spring/oil shock for some serious trailriding this summer. Even with superlow pressure in the shock it would bob when pedaling in the saddle. It gives away some power when standing, but if you pedal smoothly you can hardly feel it. The fork feels good to. People keep knocking off RST and I can understand why on their lower products, but this one rules. OK, so it weighs 3.7lbs but it outperforms any RS at any given time. I would go as far as saying it is really plush.
But I am not here to talk about front shocks...the San Andreas corners really well, I take more chances now than I used to (is that a good thing??).
Don't get cable actuated brakes. Mine performs really well but it doesn't get the feel and modulation of a hydraulic brake. I am getting hydraulic as soon as I can afford it.
Bottom line, the san andreas has ruled for 10 years and it will rule for ten more. Five flaming peppers for this baby!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trond Olsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | backwoods in the oslo area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Little horisontal flex
It doesn't bob under power when seated!!!
fairly light
classic stable geometry
same design for 10 years | | Weaknesses: | Monocoque design transmits sound | | Similar Products Used: | Mantra
Uzzi SL
Level Betty | | Bike Setup: | Mostly XT components
Hayes Cable actuated rear brake
Hugi/317 Rear wheel - Hugi/Campa front
Bontrager Jones tires
RST Delta TL 3.5" front fork
Risse Genesis air shock | | Bottom Line: | It doesn't bob under pressure!!! It rules. I was amazed to see that the rear wheel seeks traction when pedaling. It feels nimble and light and it is a confidence booster when going downhill. I would recommend this bike to anyone. I ride with a Risse Genesis and it is really good, however I want a spring/oil shock for some serious trailriding this summer. Even with superlow pressure in the shock it would bob when pedaling in the saddle. It gives away some power when standing, but if you pedal smoothly you can hardly feel it. The fork feels good to. People keep knocking off RST and I can understand why on their lower products, but this one rules. OK, so it weighs 3.7lbs but it outperforms any RS at any given time. I would go as far as saying it is really plush.
But I am not here to talk about front shocks...the San Andreas corners really well, I take more chances now than I used to (is that a good thing??).
Don't get cable actuated brakes. Mine performs really well but it doesn't get the feel and modulation of a hydraulic brake. I am getting hydraulic as soon as I can afford it.
Bottom line, the san andreas has ruled for 10 years and it will rule for ten more. Five flaming peppers for this baby!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Choi
a Weekend Warrior
from Korea
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Perfect..... | | Weaknesses: | None..... | | Bike Setup: | San Andreas frame
RockShox BoXXer
Shifters: XTR
Brakes :Hayes Oil
Deraillers: XTR / XT
Hubs: Hayes, PhilWood
Rims : Mavic D321
spokes : DT-rev. 14-15
cranks: RaceFace Next LP
bar: LP dh
stem: Azonic shorty
Seat: SDG Comp bel
Seat post: Syncros
Head set : Chris king | | Bottom Line: | It's GREAT frame !!!!!
Riding & feeling..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Marroquin
a Cross Country Rider
from cottonwood,CA.usa
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | THE CHIMNEY | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | I would possitively have to say,the sweeeeet looks.This is by far the best looking and riding bike on the market.the design proved itself for the last 10 years.DUH. | | Weaknesses: | the grips....ha.ha.ha | | Similar Products Used: | There is nothing similer,what kind of question is that | | Bike Setup: | white brothers 90 fork,azonic riser bars,syncros stem,pro stop fully juiced disc brakes,MT.cycles sealed polished hubs,zipp 515 carbon rims,xt crankes,fr.and rear derailer.everything very nice. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line,this bike rides better than any other bike their is.I tryed almost every one.I looked around for a year before i made up my mind.The MT.cycles won hands down.I was blessed to find this bike.(and no i don't work for Robert Risinser).It's just that this bike is the best.It did cost almost $5,000 to build,but-would you trust your life with any thing less? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carlo russo
a Cross-Country Rider
from adelaide australia
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
mawson trail | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
killer looks..virtually maintenance free
no stupid multi pivots. bombproof | | Weaknesses: |
errrrrrrrr weight ...maybe | | Similar Products Used: |
gt lts....pro flex | | Bike Setup: |
manitous xtr risse terminator
pulstar hubs king ringle | | Bottom Line: | i want one...now!!!!! any one wanna cheap LTS??? comes with free tub of grease | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Hoofddorp,Netherlands
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Beach,dunes | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Stiff,Stiff,Stiff | | Weaknesses: |
Dealership in my Country | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Y-11 (weak),Scott Hardtail | | Bike Setup: |
Stratos Helix Pro, Marzocchi, Hayes, Chris King | | Bottom Line: | I had a Trek Y-11 with Rock Shox mag 21, this bikes flexes very much, just a force 5 side wind!! makes the bike torque. Not to mention a road covered with (small) rocks. I also have a Bob trailer but even thinking about connecting it up the rear axle gives me goosebumps. I have been saving up for a long time to buy the frameset. The dealer in my country tried to sell me a frameset (last they had) with a lot of burrs (big ones)on the machined areas, I think it was a demo bike (also not a Freeride but DHS). They were also not so interested in me wanting to purchase. So I send an e-mail to Mountain Cycle. I got a response fast and they helped me in locating a dealer in Germany. I eventualy purchased at http://www.mountainbikes.net (located in Dresden, Germany) and had very good service. The shipping was free and had the frame wihth Helix Pro and Hayes rear disk for LESS than the most basic SA in my country. It was delivered at my door for free. So people in Holland this is a very good place to purchase the goodies (no taxes or duty because of the EU rules). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big J
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
OPEN ONES | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Adjustable frame size and travel (4.5 to almost 6.5 in.).It takes a lickin'.Have only heard good things from other M-cycle riders.It's better than your bike. | | Weaknesses: |
I can't find any, only the weight if you are a puss. | | Similar Products Used: |
C-dale, Marin, Gary Fisher, DBR | | Bike Setup: |
Set up for Free-Ride w/ Marzocchi Jr. T triple, Answer, Race Face and XT mix. Hayes hydraulic discs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is swell. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
harald brunsting
a Weekend Warrior
from zwolle, holland
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
down the hill trails | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
thats just what the bike is, strength all over, for the riding you stear he goes, if you see a bumb on the trail, take it, then you stop go back and take it again, somtimes over and over again, just as well as downhills, you will WALK your way to the top whith your bike to go down again | | Weaknesses: |
weak??????????
you cadde be kiding | | Similar Products Used: |
demo'd the trek Y glide deluxe leave it (and the rest) at the shop | | Bike Setup: |
manitou Xvert r
after shock (will go for a stratos pro)
chris king aheadset
sram esp 5.0 (go for 9.0)
shimano v brakes (go for prostop)
acor stear, seattube, etc.. | | Bottom Line: | the bottem line??? that is that i will buy an other bike, a san andreas when this one is woarn out and that will take several years | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Korby Grist
a Cross-Country Rider
from Victoria Canada
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hot Cherry Bendover | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
THe looks is the first thing to draw me in and then it was the ride. It soakes up stairs and rocks like crazyness. | | Weaknesses: |
well I have broken every piece of the frame. But then again when you love to fly off of every jump you see no matter what size can you blame it. Having to stop so people can grill you about it. | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein,C'dale, Rocky Mountain, Trek Y | | Bike Setup: |
Its a mix bag of everything. I've stuck with the After Shock and its worked great. | | Bottom Line: | It is by far the best bike I have ever seen and/or riden. I fell in love in '91 when I saw its picture in a mag. and when I had a chance to buy one I couldn't refuse. After I finished putting all together it fit like a glove even though I had never riden it. I was in heaven. My buddie who had a Pro-Flex couldn't believe the differance between the two. Bottom line is IT ROCKS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Downhiller
from santa fe springs
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
snow summit | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
pretty smooth ride,quiet,decent travel,absorbs impact well.Fast enough to avoid annoying questions from wanabees | | Weaknesses: |
old frame design,need to upgrade rear spring to keep up with intense. | | Similar Products Used: |
cannondale,gt,daggerfoes-slammer and MONGOOSE(crap with paint on it) | | Bike Setup: |
stratos superstar dual crown,mrazek ti cranks, | | Bottom Line: | the overall rating of this bike would be a strong very good flex is min, and handling is great, all around a nice bike. Need to check more points on welds on this bike,this leads to many crack frames. To be fair to this company, iv'e never had a bike that didnt crack or break in one way or another,not all riders will put as much stress on a frame as i do.(6'1 195lbs) thier is a reason why this bike has stood in my house for over 3 years. (considering I may choose a new bike every year) This is a good step up in the right direction if your looking to upgrade. and if your good enough to break it(the right way) youll spend the money to FIX it!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Marsh
a Racer
from Easthampton MA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt. Killington VT. | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
I have to update you on this awesome machine....It still rules the socks off of me. I crashed at Killington VT. about four weeks ago (really bad) and it soaked up the shock and didn't even get hurt! I pound it and it begs for more. | | Weaknesses: |
I go to fast on it and get to over cofident and ride to extreme! People bother me asking about it. Duh...how much does it weigh? Well I weigh 240 lbs and it doesn't matter to me that it weighs 30 lbs. It is as strong as a Cat. dozzer! | | Similar Products Used: |
To many to list. Don't get a main-stream bike. Junk the Cannondales, they only look good in the ads in the mags. | | Bike Setup: |
All expensive stuff. Full juice disc's, XTR, Race Face, you know the stuff..... | | Bottom Line: | There is no bottom line on the San Andreas. I've put 1000+ miles on mine since Feb. 50/50 cross and downhill. It does it all! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Jefferson City, MO
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Thousand Hills Lake loop | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Everything about the bike is amazing...elastomer shocks that endure | | Weaknesses: |
decals came off after 5+ years of riding | | Similar Products Used: |
Nothing like it... | | Bike Setup: |
all original-including the (ouch) seat | | Bottom Line: | I bought the second year edition of the San Andreas from a friend for $300 (not a typo...he even included a pair of Nike Pooh-Bahs). This bike is even fun to wreck. WARNING-do not buy this bike if you do not like attention. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart Steger
a Downhiller
from West Hills CA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Horse trails | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Great all around bike.. Weight.. Strength..Handling.. Well built and great setup.. | | Weaknesses: |
there are none. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LOBO, Cannondale Super V 1000, And a few others | | Bike Setup: |
X-Vert R, ProStop FH, XTR cranks, King headset.. | | Bottom Line: | This is a killer bike.. The only thing I don't like is all the people stoping me to ask me what it is.. Other then that it is time for a new one.. I love this bike.. I love this Co.. If you every have to call Mountain Cycle to order parts they are quick to get them to you.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Monster Air Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Rutland, VT
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Killington Mt. | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Strong as an I-Beam! Rides like your couch! Handles like a show-dog, lead it and it follows. | | Weaknesses: |
None found. | | Similar Products Used: |
Foes, GT, all the others.... | | Bike Setup: |
Stratos, X-Vert R, Race-Face, XTR.... | | Bottom Line: | Rocks, rules, roars, while all the others bet beaten, battered, and busted! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Booth
a Cross-Country Rider
from Huntsville AL
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all monte sano mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
strength, nice travel, no flex, easy maintainence, standover height, looks the business, oh just about everything | | Weaknesses: |
the front mech has to be a high clamp version and it's a REAL pain in the ar&e to mount and set up sweetly.
You keep getting stopped by people wanting to check your bike out ;-) | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS, STS | | Bike Setup: |
xverts, xtr, king, hope, syncros etc | | Bottom Line: | mmmmm baby. ok lets see, the design is about a decade old and still rocks, it's a classic. It belongs to that select band - turner xce, moots ybb etc - of-perfect-in-their-own-way-bikes.
But all this reviewing lark is subjective anyway get out and test as many rides as possible then decide. For instance I'd been sucked into the you-need-a-low-pivot-and-lots-of-linkages-or-your-suspension-just-won't-work hype. This is in the main bollocks as I found out. The amount of the dreaded pedal feedback is so small as to be pitiful, in real world riding you don't even notice (unless you're paid to). If you're a dirt fiend and you don't like spending every Sunday dismantling and lubing think about it.The bottom line:- I like this bike lots. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Harrington
a Weekend Warrior
from Simi Valley, Ca
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
All of them | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Does everything well | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
C'dale super V(crap) | | Bike Setup: |
Polished frame
Hanebrink XC fork
statos Helix Pro shock Hayes disk brakes f&r | | Bottom Line: | All the good things you have read about the San Andreas are true. If I couldn't ride a Mtn. Cycle San Andreas I wouldn't ride a mountain bike!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Poncho
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Built tough. Lite! Rolls over the rough stuff with ease. Very plush! | | Weaknesses: |
None that I have found | | Similar Products Used: |
All. Like none. | | Bike Setup: |
Z-1bam, Stratos Helix Pro. | | Bottom Line: | I wouldn't trade it for the world. I beat this thing (and others) into submission daily....It laughs at everything! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
I bought this frame and built it with al XTR and Race Face products and I love the way it handles. I think it is very light and also strong. I love it. | | Weaknesses: |
None! | | Similar Products Used: |
Foes frame.
LiteSpeed | | Bike Setup: |
Z-1 Bam in front and Stratos helix pro in rear. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this frame and built it with al XTR and Race Face products and I love the way it handles. I think it is very light and also strong. I love it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Monchichi
a Downhiller
from Washington
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | shit f*cking frame, the rear shocks really suxxs and the rest is shit too, so don`t this frame and thank god | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Smith
a weekend warrior
from Napa Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've now put five days on this frame and it is the most awesome piece of cycling equipment I've ever ridden. I was apprehensive about the design of this bike, thinking it was outdated since it was developed in '91, but all that was put to rest on my first ride. It feels like there is a 22 lb. racer under me. My bike is certainly freeride oriented, but still only weighs 28 lbs. It climbs like nobody's business, Downhills like your on a motorcycle. Not to mention the looks. I must admit that 50% of my buying stimulus is derived by astetics. There is nothing that looks nearly as awesome as this. I could go on but...O.K., I will go on...
- White Bros. DC118 up front. Holy Crap. I went from a z1 to this. I like z1's but for this bike go with a DC118. The turning radius is not even a question. Tight S/T is no probemo.
- Stratos Helix Pro- 600 lb. spring was too stiff with proper air so I went to a 500 pounder. Plushhhhhhhhh. Lock out is cool even though I don't need it. I'm a solid climber. At least for the first ten feet, then I'm a solid walker.
- Chris King Disco Tech wheels with Hayes brakes...ooolala!
- Kore Stem
- Thompson Post
- Kooka Cranks
- Time Attack Pedels
- SRAM 9.0sl shifting - kiss my butt shimano I have one Shimano part. XT front deraileur
- Easton MonkeyBarsWow, I'm not proud of my bike or anything. This is truly the do everything well mountaing bike. Thanks Mountain Cycle and Neil for hooking my up. Five chillies to the nth degree. Five Chillies Squared. Five chillies compounded annually. Five chillies. Period. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Marsh
a weekend warrior
from Easthampton, MA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Check out my site at: http://hometown.aol.com/kenmarsh01/page/index.htm
It is in the construction stage and will get alot better. Love my Mt. Cycle so much, and I had to learn how to create a web page, so I started with my second love....biking (first is my wife). Love the bastard thing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Koch
a downhiller
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought my San Andreas in August 98. I love the way it handles and glides down the course. I only raced it a few times before the season was over but it was a great improvement over my Cannondale hardtail. I have wanted this bike for atleast four years and when I finally got it, it was everything I hoped it to be. It improved my downhill performance greatly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J.J.
a downhiller
from Vancouver Canada
Date Reviewed: December 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my SanAndreas for 4 years now. It kicks ass.
I first bought it as a frame set, with all, I repeat all
of the frame custom polished. For the extra couple hundred
bucks it was worth it. This is a nice feature because when
you scratch the frame you don't really notice it and can
just re-polish it!! -very cool. Also when in buying this
as a frame set, invest in better front and rear suspension!
I first used manitou X-Vert-R forks and now changed to
Marzocchi Jr.T (98-BAM) forks. These forks boosted the bikes
preformance to the next level. Remember that when upgrading
your own SanAndreas. Also the rear shock. At the moment
I am using a Stratos Helix Pro rear shock. It's progressive
spring and air dampening make the San Andreas extremely
active, and very smooth. The San Andreas is an awesome bike , I don't have to
tell you that, just read the other reviews; but if you're
going to build an awesome bike, buy the San Andreas as
a frame and then customise to your needs this is my set up,San Andreas frame
Marzocchi Jr.T BAM forks ( with 5 weight oil) not 7.5
Stratos Helix pro rear shock
Shifters: XTR
Levers: XTR
Brakes :XTR/Magura
Deraillers: XTR Rapid Rise rear/ M-950 (XTR) front
Hubs: machine tech:T-30
Rims : Mavic 217 sup ceramic
spokes : DT-rev. 13/14
cranks: kooka bonnie
bar: Azonic double wall 2 rise
stem: Azonic shorty
Seat: Titec berzerker DH-KTi
Seat post: Ringle Moby deuce
Head set : Chris kingComponents are very important , buy the best that you can
afford! Definitly go XTR M-951 shifters and deraillers,
buttery smooth, and no mis shifts after the cables have
stretched!!.All of this adds to one awesome bike, The San Andreas,
a very cool bike . It costs quite a bit, especially for
me who is 16; but you will love it! trust me!Do you know AMP's saying: Innovation not Imitation
well believe it!!!! See ya later. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Birdman Anderson
a weekend warrior
from San Jose, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my San Andreas since 1993, with several different component configurations. While my buddies kept investing in new frame sets and suspension technologies, I just kept upgrading my components as they wore out. This bike is the best investment I ever made and it has payed for itself several times over the years.
This bike just kicks ass. That simple. It does everything. The top pivot allows you to out sprint anybody and it can climb a wall. It loves to be ridden hard and fast in dicey single track.It slices through singletrack like a Ginsu knife. It begs for you to push the envelope on downhill fireroads. I must have the record at Downeyville and Squaw Valley. Slow, techinical sections are just as inviting. I love to go on epic adventure rides in the High Sierra's and Henry Coe Park that last half a day. My San Andreas is light enough (25.8 pounds)as not to fatigue me on these epics adventures.
I know of Robert Risinger from my motocross days back in the 70's when I was a teenager, sponsored by Suzuki (AMA, District 37).The motocross heritage shines through on this design. Like the Corvette and Mustang, a good design will last the ages.
My current configuration:
Fork: White Brothers SC90
Shock: Fox Vannila R with 675lb Mountain Speed spring
Wheels: Rear: Mavic 217 with 14 gauge titanium spokes
Front: Mavic 217 with 14/15 double butted
Hubs: Machine Tech
Brakes: XT V-Brakes
Crank: Kooka
Bottom Bracket: World Class titanium
Derailers:XT
Shifters: XT
Brake Levers: Avid
SeatPost: Control Tech
Stem: Control Tech -5 degree
Seat: SDG titanium
Bars: Syncros flats
Bar Ends: Control TechLike I said, I have had my trusty steed for six years and it still kiks ass over anything on the trail! If I ever get a new bike, it would have to be a new San Andreas. Maybe in six more years!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenneth Marsh
a weekend warrior
from Easthampton, MA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the San Andreas with All.....and I stress All, Race Face components except: X-vert R triple/double clamp front shock, XTR rear derailer, XT fornt derailer, Strotos Helix Pro (air/coil), Mavix D521, Pro-Stop full hydro. disc brakes, and the whole $3,500.00 was well spent. I decided to give my Cannondale F/S to my buddy (better than throwing it away). I won't buy another Wossie bike again! I'll see everyone at Killington and Mt. Snow in the spring. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Marsh
a weekend warrior
from Easthampton, MA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Living in New England we have the best of all riding conditions. I like to say that my San Andreas is the multi-function machine. With the new adjustable head tube angle I can blast down Killington with the max. travel and then the next day setup for 4 of plush cross country riding in the local wilderness. Weighing in at 255+ lbs (on a good day) has crippled many other bikes, but the San Andreas has proven to be rock solid since I bought it two months ago. If someone was to purchase one I'ld say get it with the Stratos Helix Pro. I've been able to dial the air press. in to hold my weight and make riding adjustments with the spring adjustment. As far as the front shock, the Xvert triple-double has been just as adjustable. Although the bike is slightly heavier than my old Cannonball, the extra weight in my case doesn't matter. I can't wait until Killington gets warm to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kolbjorn Mikkelsen
a weekend warrior
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I saw a picture of the prototype San Andreas in Mountain Bike Action back in dec.'91, and said to myself; that has to be the coolest looking bike I have ever seen!! So when I got hold of a 8,0 R-Series a few year ago, I was in 7th heaven. This bike is VERY rear in Norway, (my bike was one out of two framsets). In the past year I have been uppgrading it with Pro-Stop FH disc brakes and a long-travel Bullet Zyzzyx fork, and man; this has to be freeride heaven. When you ride it it feels compact,no sideways flex and it corners like it's on rails, even at high speed. And after you think you have done your best downhill ride, it laughfs in your face and says is this the best you can do? This bike brings out the best/worst in its rider. Sadly it was stolen this summer, but i have allready orderd a new one. There is no other bike for me... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kurt hurtz
a cross-country rider
from sacramento,ca usa
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
best bike ive ever seen, no need to look at anything else. have put tons of miles,keeps on going. running z-1 so i can ride tight switchbacks without the decreased turning radius of double crowns.raced cross country race at ventana series locally,4th place after 3 races on 16 race series, beginner old-guy category.watched hardtail guys get rattled.long all day rides favorite.my last bike ill need.those ventana-banana people sure are snooty.don't be stupid, buy a truly special bike that will last you years. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
King Patuk
a downhiller
from Manilla
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Oh Yah! Patuk still think this San Andreas one Bad MoFo. No can ride for awhile though; King Patuk have King size crash.Patuk was going like big nut and fly off cliff. Found out this bike not fly good. Anyway, land back in Subic Bay. Got dam stinky place. Anyway, Patuk first almost drown then catch cold. Cold get more worse, Patuk go hospital.In hospital, doctors want take a look at inside Patuk's head; think something may be missing or come loose. Not sure. Anyway, doctors must think Patuk need adjustment because they say Patuk have some loose screws. And jacket they make me stay in not comfortable, Patuk can't move arms. King Patuk get better and back now and ready to rule the DH world. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
L.T.
a weekend warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA.
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Coming from a hardtail, when I first started riding the San Andreas it was like riding a couch on rails. This is the ultimate freeride bike. It handles everything you throw at it, and begs to be rode faster and faster. I have mine set up XTR, (note: the front derailleur has to be XT, the frame is incompatible with XTR) , Marzocchi Z-1's and Spin wheels (see review). This set up might not be al that weight conscious but it sure does tackle the terrain. The Frame Set is definetly deserving of five chili's! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Reiter
a weekend warrior
from Chadds Ford PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my San Andreas since 1993, and own several newer full suspension frames (including a Moho CXS) but the San Andreas is by far my favorite. It carves like no other bike I've ever been on. If you ski or snowboard and you know what it's like to dig in and cut that beautiful deceasing radius turn --you'll love this bike. It works best with the Risse Terminator shock and lots of speed. The faster you go the better the bike gets. It is rock solid stable and it's lateral ridgidiy makes two wheel drifts effortless and predictable. It takes a serious beating too. Down side? It's not light no matter what you do. I bought a CXS to build up a lighter cross country bike, but I prefer the San Andreas and it's weight when fun is the number one priority. For downhill racing it's just plain awesome. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a weekend warrior
from Calabasas california
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Superb frameset, clearly better than I am. The Stratos shock takes some tweaking to setup correctly but once done is excellent. The frame is SOLID! no creaking or rattling, and little to no bobbing on the hills.I setup with a Z1 on the front and xt/xtr throughout. Only complaint is the rattling I get from my xt v-brake. At 27 lbs it won't win over any weight wennies but will definitely blow away anything remotely related to Freeride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a weekend warrior
from Beaverton OR
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my San Andreas for a couple weeks so far and this thing is by far the BEST bike Ive ridden, although I did love my LTS-1 it doesnt come too close to my San Andreas. I got mine with a Fox air shock which sucks and Im upgrading it to a coil over now. The bike handles extremly well in all terrain, I thought it would bob up and down but it has yet to do so. Although the price is pretty high the bike is well worth the money, it might be the last frame I'll ever ride..this bike rules...Dan | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J.J. Carlson
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver Canada
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All I can say is that I am 15 years old and so far My San Andreas is the most expensive piece of equipment that I have ever owned. Every time I ride it I feel like I am on fire. I have only had it for a few months but I can say
that it is probably the most stable and rigid full suspension bike that I
have ever owned. It is great on the acents and a downhill machine on the
decents. It is laterally very stiff and can take a beating. I think that
this bike kind of put me in the poor-house, but it WAS money well spent.
I love this bike and I wouldn't live with anything else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jhune Reyes
a racer
from Guam, USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've only had this bike for a less than a week and raced it. I took second place
in my short course (8 miles) category and promised myself to be a lot stronger
next time (I only had 2 practice run).
I've only trained on it twice since after the race and THIS BIKE CAN CLIMB!!!
The chain torque works like they say in the magazine review. Bumps? What Bumps?
Oh! That bump.(Ha Ha Ha didn't felt it much). I'm trying to adapt to a full-suspension
racing riding techniques and so far I'm getting faster. This bike makes me wanna
go faster. The mentality of letting the bike do its work applies here. I've also noticed
a new riding technique I'm developing. Does my frequent flyer cards apply? Yes,
this bike can handle high air and lands soft (JUDY XL with red springs). It urges me
to fly at every protruding object. I'm still getting used to the more upright geometry
and hopefully maximize the complete capability of THE BIKE. I noticed a different
muscle group working since I've been training with it. I have no complain with the
construction of this frame but have a suggestion. WOULD YOU AUTHORIZE
THE USE OF AD-10 CANE CREEK SHOCKS. Using this shock will void the
warranty according to your representative.
I will continue my test and will post another review.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian ceritelli
a weekend warrior
from Eugene,Oregon
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was in the hall of fame framesets and noticed no san andreas. this review will put us on the map!This bike is sooooo bad, i love this thing! i've had mine for almost 4 years! this thing had been thrashed bad and does not even show any wear, not even the pivots! i'm on my third fork now , but who knows, it may get another before it dies. i just started racing last year and had the old stickers on mine,so i e-mailed mountain cycle. the owner of MC e-mailed me the next day and sent me new sticks for free! the bike is a rocket, it climbs great, flies downhill and looks killer doing it. best money i've ever spent on bike stuff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keaka Kaahui
a racer
from Oahu, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this bike very fast very light. I started to ride faster and more comfortable at faster speeds. I mean this bike RIPS way better than any unified rear triangle or four pivot linkage I've tried. Also very cool looking. And I think its a great idea to have one size of bike and just make it bigger by using subframes and stems. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted Kanemitsu
a weekend warrior
from Kaunakakai, Hi. USA. 96748
Date Reviewed: February 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
At first I bought the 8.0 cause I thought it looked kinda neat. After setting it up with XT stuff from my other bike, I took it out for a test run. The first thing I noticed was that I wanted to go faster. I did, got hurt, and tried again. I called Mountain Cycly for some tech. info. And they got me up and running in no time. They suggested a long travel tripple clamp fork with no less than 4 inches of travel, and a chain tentioner (the only one I could find that would work because of the over sized swing arm was the Bullet Bros., and you have to get the drop out fit kit). Because of the monocoque design, The bike does transmit drive train sounds, you can actually hear the chain ring teeth as they inter act with the chain. I called MC to see if there was anything I can do about it, but I guess they're still working on it. They said I'd get used to it. And you know what? They were right. The only real complaint I have is that they never sent me the free gift they promised if I sent in the registration promptly. By the way. If you ever see the book Mountain Biking the Hawaiian Islands. That's me and my bike BC (before crash) on pg. 110. I love the bike though, I wouldn't trade it for any other, not just yet that is. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Gonzalez
a weekend warrior
from El Paso,TX
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The San Andreas is one Bad Ass bike!!! It has extreme stability over any obstacles encountered. The Hi-Tech construction of the bike promotes confidence to the rider. While assembling my bike, I had technical questions that needed answers regarding the bike's setup. I E-Mailed my inquires to Mountain Cycle and promtly received friendly solutions from them! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Munshi
a weekend warrior
from Valencia,CA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is probably the best frameset I've ever bought and had the opportunity to ride. The bike climbs extremely well...no biopacing, and it sails down hill. My one and only complaint is the noise. Because its constructed of thinwall aluminum it amplifies noise, but you'll get that with any monocoque frame. It's also one of the trickest looking bikes that you'll ever see. I can't ride it anywhere without getting compliments. | | Overall Rating: |
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