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Submitted by
Cornelius
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from Mrazek | | Strengths: | Stout. This bike will NOT break or fatigue. Example -- I drove into the garage with it on top of the roof rack. The roof rack was actually pulled of my car, but nothing happened to the bike - I'm still riding the dang thing 2 years later. The frame is super stiff with absolutely zero flex at the bottom bracket. It climbs like a goat. Once the front wheel is over the rear wheel follows without any coaxing. The best part about this frame is that there is not chain slap on rocky downhills and as a bonus chain suck is impossible. Oh yeah, it looks good too. | | Weaknesses: | I found it difficult to go downhill, especially the steep stuff. Could be that I got the medium size frame and I had to use a longer stem than what I thought would be optimum. I'm 5'11" and on their website they recommend the medium size frame for my height. I think the cockpit is a bit tight. Also the paint started to buble around the headtube and at 4.5 lbs. it is slightly heavier than what you can find on the market at this price now a days, but since I weight almost 180 lbs. myself an extra pound on the frame doesn't make much difference. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F600, GT titanium, Peugeot, Gary Fisher Tasajara, Diamond Back V-link, Nishiki. | | Bike Setup: | Mix of XTR and XT with a Manitou SX shock and Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | If you break bike frames. If you like going uphill. If you want to get rid of that annoying chainslap and chain suck. If you don't mind carrying 1 extra pound on the frame. If you like a unique bike. This frame is for you. Remember, the cockpit is a bit short, so if you're an inch or two from getting the next size bike, just get the next size bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Shirey
a Racer
from York, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Michuax | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Very quick bike. Not sure how to explain it but it handles single track with ease. Climbs like a mountain goat. It just feels FAST. | | Weaknesses: | Hmmmm..... my heal of my shoe does rub the chainstay bar but I never notice it until I wash the bike and see the rub marks. They do rub out. Decals do peal and damage easy. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LS FS, Performance hardtail | | Bike Setup: | XTR brakes/Shifters, derailluers, Mavic Cross Max Ceramic Wheels and hubs, Scott Thermoplastic cow bars, FSA stem, ti bottom bracket and carbon crank, Chris king headset, SID Team forks, carbon seatpost, Crankbrothers Candy Ti pedals and Jagwire Kevlar housing. | | Bottom Line: | Very close to a sub 22 lb. bike. Sent the frame back to Mzarek this Spring to get repainted, new decals and fix a broken cable guide. Very easy to deal with and the frame came back in absolute perfect condition. It's now a one of a kind with the paint color I got. Not sure if it's good or bad but all the ladies do like the bike. Only thing I wanted done was clearcoat but they weren't quite ready for that so maybe this Winter it will go back and be redone. Overall a very fast bike that won't disappoint. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stev
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey, Ca
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Direct | | Strengths: | Weight, compliance, climbing | | Weaknesses: | I had trouble with the headtube angle, but that changed with a longer fork | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale hardtail, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Too many goodies to list. | | Bottom Line: | I really enjoyed this bike. I originally had it setup with a Judy SL, but the fork was too short and made the ride a little unstable. I changed it to a Manitou SX Ti, and it was right on.
The Mrazek guys are awesome too. Jeff and Boh are great people, and I wish I would have kept in touch with them. Get one of their bikes and you will be very happy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TIM STEVENS
a Cross Country Rider
from PENSACOLA, FL , U.S.
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | OAK MOUNTAIN | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | STIFF, AGILE, MANUVERABLE ON SINGLE TRACK, GREAT HILL CLIMBER, BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT. A ONE OF A KIND, CHICS DIG IT, SMOOTH AND FAST. | | Weaknesses: | ABSOLUTLY NOTHING!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | LITESPEED, DEAN, KESTRAL, ALL THE TOP OF THE LINE FRAMESETS. | | Bike Setup: | XT, SRAM 9.0, MAVIC | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE TRIED THEM ALL AND HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE EVER ROAD ANY FRAME AS FAST AND AGILE AS THE BOH FX. I PURCHASED THE COMPLETE BIKE USED FOR ONLY $500.00 AND IT BLOWS AWAY ALL OTHER HARDTAILS WHICH WOUKD HAVE COST ME THOUSANDS MORE. HERES SOME ADVICE SELL YOUR HARDTAIL AND BUY A MRAZEK. WWW.MRAZEK.COM. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Bend, Oregon
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any that lead away from work! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Used from MTBR classifieds | | Strengths: | Silver FX. Gorgeous! Light, accelerates, climbs, very flickable in the tight stuff, very compliant frame. Gorgeous! | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Bike Setup: | XTR drivetrain, Daves Dream wheelset, Race Face BB, carbon crank, seatpost, stem, Chris King hs, hubs, Avid Arch Rival brakes and Speed Dial levers and shifters. Marzocchi Z2 Atom Race. | | Bottom Line: | Did I mention this bike is gorgeous? I have had it less than a week but am totally impressed. This is one sweet riding bike. Very compliant. Mine is an 18 inch frame and I am 5'11" at 170 lbs. The bike is pure joy to toss around in the tight stuff, climbs like a cat. This is the one have for the technical trails. The silver paint sparkles in the sunlight and the bike comes alive. Everyone remarks on how sexy it looks. Everything else looks dull in comparison. Goes like it looks too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
weather expert
a Weekend Warrior
from iowa
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my earlier review.
i know this sounds stupid, so laugh if you want: after some miles, THE REAR END ACTUALLY SEEMS MORE COMPLIANT THAN WHEN IT WAS NEW, COMFORT FACTOR IS SURPASSING MY STEEL RIDE.
will the alu tubes be weakened? i ride strictly XC, no stupid jumping stuff. and i'm fairly light. i checked every square millimeter and didn't find anything. and just by looking at those fat straight gauge tubes i know there's no way to convince myself that this thing is going to break. all the amazing features of this frame still remain.
this is magical. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | If I told, it wouldn't be for long. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | direct | | Strengths: | Fast Handling, Durable, Stiff, Looks Great.
If you like fast, tight sigletrack with lot's of climbing and DH, you can't go wrong. | | Weaknesses: | Are you kidding? | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Giant, KHS, GT, the usual suspects... | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR, Raceface, Thomsen, Hayse Hydraulics, Time, Easton Carbon, Rhyno's/Hayes hubs, Tioga Factory DH | | Bottom Line: | I can jump it, drop it, carve it, climb it, rock it, smooth hardpack rippin, steep DH, technical - everything kicks ass with this bike. I've been on it for two years and now I'm waiting for my FS Mrazek. Every other bike i've ridden does not compare. I know several others who have bought a Mrazek and they will all swear by it. Drool. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
weather expert
a Weekend Warrior
from iowa
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | old marketplace | | Strengths: | laterally stiff, compliant for alu frame, full cable housing, good looks. | | Weaknesses: | 1. paint chips easily
2. my size is a small, and the limit screws on FD is hidden below the elevated chainstay, making adjustments a pain
3. still not as compliant as my steel ride
4. sometimes my shoe will rub against the elevated chainstay.
5. needs LONG seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | ox2 steel | | Bike Setup: | completely japanese-stuff-free. z2, fsa headset, sram derailleurs, cassette, shifter, avid brake system, performance topo/222/221 wheelset, titec, salsa bits. terry ti-race, raceface cranks, nashbar pedals, lock-on grips, coda barends. lite s/twister tires. mostly black. | | Bottom Line: | One fast ride. the bike came down to about 24.7 pounds. no it ain't very light. but i want it to be durable (within the limit of a college kid's pocket). so far i haven't put a lot of miles on the bike due to weather problems, but just enough to tell some difference.
the first thing i noticed was some extra vibrations from the rear. there's a particular frequency that the tubes like to transmit. now other than my legs and my eyes, my butt also can tell whether the RD is shifting.
second thing, this frame is freackin' stiff laterally. hammering has never been so much fun (i've been a spinner). power transfer is very efficient.
third thing, it's compliant for an alu hardtail, but still not comparable to my old x-caliber. i had to hammer a bit more because of this.
4th, full cable housing is a blast. fully protected from elements.
5th, turns pretty quickly, just a little bit twitchy at very high speed (i.e. on the road). no big deal for me.
6th, make sure you have tapes on the chainstay and seatstay and anywhere you may touch the paint regularly. my black frame chips pretty easily.
7th, rear derailleur hanger is sturdy.
finally, it took me a while to dial the geometry (still in the process). it takes a long seatpost, and my 350mm post barely made the desired saddle height at its min insertion mark. make sure you get the right size post.
and yeah, i would really appreciate a headtube badge.
overall, it's been a very good ride. stiff and nimble just as i wanted. i'll post a follow-up when i have enough miles on this baby. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from Mrazek | | Strengths: | See Below | | Weaknesses: | See Below | | Similar Products Used: | See Below | | Bike Setup: | Lots o'good stuff... | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up post to my last one that appears below. I finally have the bike put together and have a few rides in on it now. Came in at 25 pounds, which will go down once I've put on Eggbeaters and a lighter Koobi saddle. First of all, it's a hoot seeing all the looks you get when you're riding an elevated chainstay bike with a name like Mrazek. Secondly, this bike is so much about fun! I blew all my friends off on my first ride and just kept going when they all headed back to Lucky 13 for beer. The balance, suppleness, responsiveness, of the frame are great. It's super-quick and responsive, laterally as stiff as a D9 Cat, and climbs like crazy; I was cleaning steeps like nobody's business. The bike almost 'knows' what I want to do next and requires little rider input to execute line changes etc. What a ride!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | direct from Mrazek | | Strengths: | Customer Service, craftmanship, handling, unique appearance, finish, the ride... | | Weaknesses: | None, IMHO. | | Similar Products Used: | The only elevated chainstay straight-gauge aluminum Czech hard-tail on the market that I'm aware of... | | Bike Setup: | It's a frame right now, when finished a sweet blend of King, Thomson, Marzocchi, Avid, SRAM, Koobi, etc. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is you cannot own a more unique hardtail that feels so dadgum 'right' and looks so good, period! I was fortunate enough to twice demo a buddy's Boh FX and that was all it took for me to decide to use this frame as the base for my dream hardtail (which will see some racing service, but mostly epic XC rides). I demo'd some sweet bikes: Kestrel, Fuel 90, Sugar 1, RM Element Race, STP. All had at least one feature that called attention to itself while riding. However, when I rode the Mrazek it became 'transparent' beneath me, it was just there when I needed it, but never got in my way. It's an excellent single-tracker, very nimble and responsive, almost intuitive, yet stable at speed, despite what some of the rags' reviews have said about its fire road surefootedness. It climbs like a banshee, thanks to the elevated chainstays and super-stiff frame; the downtube and top-tube employ some trick ovalization to firm up an already-tight frame. The slack seat-tube angle creates a comfy cockpit for riders with longer torsos. Being 6'1", 160lbs I was concerned that an aluminum hardtail would be too rough a ride for me, but my fears were unfounded for the bike is smoother over the stutter-bumps than my old chromoly hard tail is. There's definately compliance at work with the elevated chainstays. Some might say that its heavy at 4.3lbs, I was somewhat concerned of that as well. I have estimated that I'll be able to build the bike between 23-25lbs without spending tons of cash to do so, weight will not be an issue.
Last of all, Jeff Burnard at Mrazek is an absolute pleasure to buy a bike from! Between numerous e-mails and an hour-long phone call he patiently answered all of my questions, some silly, and laid to rest all of my pre-buy concerns, all while he was in the middle of preparing to move to Japan! (Don't worry, he's still with the company and can be contacted via e-mail). He personally saw to it that my frame made it to me before the Christmas rush, and has not forgotten me just because he made the sale. He genuinely wants me to stay in touch to let him know how the ride turns out; he's a great guy and I hope I get the pleasure of riding with him some day. It's a good feeling to know that the bike company you bought your frame from knows you by name and will take care of you regardless.
Buy this frame if you want a fun (that's what it's all about anyhow right), unique, durable, competent hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Cates
a Weekend Warrior
from Baytown, Tx
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Memorial park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | E-bay | | Strengths: | Great shape. Endless "jealous" factor. Stiff and climbs great. | | Weaknesses: | 28.6mm seat post, but who cares. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn (Home Grown, Moab and Mesa), several other aluminium hard tails. | | Bike Setup: | SX-R, Thompson seat post and stem, 517's (citron) and the rest is XT 739. | | Bottom Line: | Haven't had the bike together long enough for a fair assessment but I'm riding between rain storms. Not any complaints yet. The frame is a '95 Unity HT and it is identical to the brand new ones except for the seat tube size on the inside, it's 28.6. I'll post an update when I get a few hundred miles on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Owens
a Weekend Warrior
from Portage Ind. USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Outback Imagnation Glen Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Dexter's Bikes | | Strengths: | stout frame-long top tube Cool looking tubing | | Weaknesses: | No disc Brake tabs on rear | | Similar Products Used: | Ysl 300 Gaint 980 all for sale email me? | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager Stem/seat post Race face cranksand handel bar Spin Wheels gold rims blue/purple frame Looks BAD???? | | Bottom Line: | The best present my wife bought for me (yet).Rides Great I love the way it Climbs only limited by the size of the leg power?But i want Disc brakes next??? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Merrill
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pollocks Bench | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | direct | | Strengths: | weight, style, engineering | | Weaknesses: | color??? | | Bike Setup: | BOH frameset, Easton carbon bar & seatpost, shimano 9spd xt componants, marzocchi bomber, canecreek wheels & headset, fizik seat, easton stem. | | Bottom Line: | In a word, this frame is sculpted. Maybe I'm crazy but I think this is the sexiest frame available, bar none! Am hoping to get a second frame and have a custom paintjob done to it. Its light, climbs like a goat, handles technical sections like...like.. well like Hans Rey. After I bought it had two friends (one is the prez of Primal Wear) wanting to buy one also. Its a great frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Here! at the marketplace | | Strengths: | Looks, finish. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. | | Bike Setup: | Sid xc, Titec carbon post. | | Bottom Line: | Well, if you pushed on the saddle as hard as you could you wouldn't be able to budge this frame a bit. I find it hard to believe that it has an inch or inch and a half of vertical compliance. Also, those extra long chainstays are welded to the seattube, so it isn't apparent why they have to originate at the downtube. They certainly can't flex from the downtube, so why make them so long? Finally, the chainstays are taller than they are wide, which would make them more prone to flexing horizontally than vertically-exactly the opposite of the Ibis Silkti's chainstays. Having said that, it did ride smoother than a typical aluminum hardtail-I was able to stay seated a bit longer on climbs, and I could also rest a bit on the saddle on long descents. I suspect that this has as much to do with a long carbon seatpost at a very slack angle as the frame itself. If you don't mind a 4 1/2 pound straight gauge aluminum hardtail then this frame's for you. It will ride a bit better than other aluminum frames, but not as well as scandium or ti. Just don't try to build it under 22 pounds. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | under my tires | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike and hike | | Strengths: | Climbs like a monkey!!! Looks super cool... Strong frame... only one who has it in my neighbourhood...yippee | | Weaknesses: | NOthing | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose, giant, Kona, | | Bike Setup: | 2 wheels, one handlebar, one fork, 2 pedals, 1 frame, 1 "I love my bike" bell. blah blah blah | | Bottom Line: | Super good get it and understand what i mean by that... look they havn't changed their design in 10 years, so it must be good or else they would have died in this competitive market..
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Delray Beach, FL
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta River SRA | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Mrazek.com | | Strengths: | Bought an FX a bit over a year ago as a back up bike to a GT LTS 3000 and immediately made the GT the back up. The FX is light, stiff,FAST and different!The front end is so light you can pop it up and over just about anything. Liked it so much we got one for my brother and then 6 months ago purchased an FS which is just as great as the FX. It's great to have the only ones in the area too, everyone wants to talk about 'em. | | Weaknesses: | Never did find that inch of travel on the hardtail which can make the rooty/rocky trails in South FL a bit rough. Rear disk mounts are not drilled on the FS and a bear to do yourself. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS 3000,Mongoose Hilltopper SX (if you're the one who stole it I cut the fork too short for the stem - so watch out on the bumps) | | Bike Setup: | FX - Mrazek v-brakes, Marzocchi Z3, and the parts I had around the house.
FS - built by Mrazek - XT/LX/WTB/Koski with Fox RC, SID 100, and upgrading to Avid Discs | | Bottom Line: | You can't go wrong with a Mrazek - even with the price increase they are well worth it. Jeff is great to work with. They can put a very reasonable parts group together for you too. 5 Jamaican Insanity Peppers for both my toys. Now if Dad Mrazek will just finish tinkering with the road frames..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mammoth Area, CA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | www.mrazek.com | | Strengths: | Super quick, looks great, unbelievable climbing | | Weaknesses: | little heavy, thats about it | | Similar Products Used: | Don't think there's anything else out there like it | | Bike Setup: | XT allround, kore, mavic wheels, the Mrazek setup from the factory | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this is a great bike. I couldn't be any happier with it than I am. It rides fast, climbs geat and gets so much attention, even when it sits on the top of my car. I love it and will be sure to be back to Mrazek next time I buy a bike. Jeff at Mrazek is great and will set you up with whatever you want, just check them out at their website....www.mrazek.com or get in touch with me via e-mail if you're looking for any feedback....leeroyfuller@yahoo.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Foster
a Cross Country Rider
from Ellensbug
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The one under my tires | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Via Mrazek Web Site | | Strengths: | Beauty, durability, and good customer service, fuctional geometry for all around trail riding and racing | | Weaknesses: | I had a hard time getting the bottom bracket in because the threads were machined under specs. The routing post running down to my rear derailer keeps falling out, plastic for routing? My black frame scratches easy. Because of the frame dimensions the seat post needs significant height leaving it prone to bending. Expensive
| | Similar Products Used: | Other Al hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Wheels, Fork, W/good brakes! Oh I forgot, Good Rubbers too. | | Bottom Line: | The Bottom line is I am pleased with the durability of this product. I am a larger rider and when I first purchased this product some people at the shops warned of possible frame failure because of the unique welding and machining. I have put this frame through the ringer and it is strait and true and ready for the next trail or obstical course I want to ride. I have a beatiful functional machine that I don't intend on ever leaving. The only time this frame will be away from me is when it is getting repainted. The company has increase the prices so getting a Mrazek will set you back but if your in the market for a nice frame most companies will get you in the $800-1200 range. Buy one if your looking for a long term relationship because the Boh FX will leave you satisfied! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane
a Racer
from Bend, Oregon
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mrazek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Fast, and it can CLIMB CLIMB CLIMB. So very unique, and fun to ride. Everyone at all of the races recognizes me on my red Mrazek. It may have one inch of travel at the rear because of chainstay flex, which may make it a worthy trail bike. Works great on the decents, even though it is a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | frame weight is 4 pounds, but it is well worth it! They may have lied about chainstay flex, but I don't care! It is still a SWEET BIKE! | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing Compares | | Bike Setup: | Boh FX, Sid race, Full XT, Ibis Stem, Soon to have Spinergy Wheelset | | Bottom Line: | BUY BUY BUY. You can get a sweet deal through Hutch's in bend. $599! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Senior Citezen Single Track | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Climb, Climb, Climb! | | Weaknesses: | Color: if you get gold. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing like it | | Bike Setup: | Boh FX, Sid XC (not recomended), Race face stem, head set and BB, Thompson post, easton monkey lite bar and XT everywere else. [21 lbs] | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, i love this bike. Mrazek is by far the best ride i've ever been on. Climbs like Ron Kauke on El Cap Nose Direct. the bike does have quite a small cockpit for a large. so in order to compensate you have to expose alot of seatpost. however i'm 6'3' 200.
unfortunately i have had some problems with this frame. when i first started with this bike i put an ahead set on it. then i upgraded to the Race Face that is currently on the bike. creak, creak, creak. usually on climbs... can you see the pattern. i also had a problem with a brake boss weld, which left the v-brake impossible to align. every other weld was maticulus which means it must have been done at five-o-one on a sunny friday afternoon. so in order to right this wrong Jeff with Mrazek warrentied my frame and gave me the option to upgrade to the fully suspended version, for just a little more than the fx frame costs a year and a half later. and of corse i took the option.
i have yet to ride my new frame but once i do i'll be sure to let you all know how it rides.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt, singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Work of art. Stiff, corners tight, ascends fast, climbs like a goat!! | | Weaknesses: | It is coveted by many!! | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | RF XY Post, stem, bb, hs, rings; cook brothers cranks; precision billet fd, v-brakes; grip shift; marzocchi bomber | | Bottom Line: | When I got the frame, I was not sure if I should hang it on the wall or ride it!!! The Monet of mountain bikes. Yet, it doesn't stop there. It rides as good as it looks. The elevated chain stay rocks!! MMM..wonder why the big boys haven't caught on yet? Simply irresistable, begs to be ridden!! Corners great on single track, stable on fireroad descents. Long top tube and geometry makes this an awesome climber. Dare to be different, buy a frame that your neighbor doesn't have!! Customer service is top notch, Jeff is a great guy and goes out of his way to set you up!! Hats off to Mrazek, you guys build one hell of a frame!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham Sherman
a Racer
from BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | flying circus and everyhting else on the shore. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | sexiest bike out there! so much thought went into this frame. the pivoting f.derailler hanger, the full cable housing routing to both deraillers and brakes, trick removable dropouts, elevated, shortened says! man you just can't ask for a better hard tail! | | Weaknesses: | the only weakness I can see with this baby is that the theft factor goes way up with an eye catcher like this. | | Similar Products Used: | previos frames include rocky hammer race, specialized stump jumper, brodie soveriegn, | | Bike Setup: | mrazek carbon crank, chris king hubs, xtr drivetrain and v-brakes, amp F-4 BLT fork, easton monkey-lite carbon bar and ct-2 carbon post, x-517 rims, revolution spokes, race face ti bb, team sl headset, sram plasma shifters. | | Bottom Line: | Not only is this the SEXIEST bike I've ever seen, it's the best climbing bike I've ever riden, thanks to the super short stays which DON'T flex! the boys at Mrazek have definately thought of everything with this baby! plus there's no company that can compare with the customer service! the boys at Mrazek are there to hook ya up! and as far as warranty, my bro cracked the bb shell freeriden' on his BOH FX, he called 'em up, and BAM! new frame at his doorstep! the only question they asked him was what color do you want your new frame to be! If your lookin for a super trick, original bike, that'll out climb, out perform, and catch more eyes than internet porn, check this baby out! the reviews in BIKE and Mountain Bike Action say it all! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a Downhiller
from Bozeman MT USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | mystic lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Full suspension, very strong, great control down hilling in the snow, costumer service, nice cool ride. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox super deluxe shock s**k don't buy get the other options | | Similar Products Used: | K2 5000 didn't make the second ride. Mrazek Fx reviewed below | | Bike Setup: | Manitou X-vert kooka cranks XT/paul/XTR, spins, magura Hs22, Avid roller, Ti Qr | | Bottom Line: | Great full suspension 6" travel can't wait till it is nice so the mud and snow stop me from going fast. Talk to jeff at mrazek he can set you up. 4 star value for the Rock sucks. 5 stars overall with my nolleen nr 4 off of my sh***y k2. Good down hill/cross country with the lock out.
www.Mrazek.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dexter
a Weekend Warrior
from Valparaiso,IN
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Imagination glenn | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
tough,tough and again I say tough.. | | Weaknesses: |
I am not fast enough to be worthy of such a sweet machine!! | | Similar Products Used: |
GT,giant,Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: |
cc rig is rs judy xc with spinergy spox and plasma der setup and moc v brakes.. DH is a rst delta hl velocity cliffhangers with white ind hubs ..caramba dbl barrels with a world class ti bb | | Bottom Line: | fast light..for a full sus.and the thing goes DH great in dh trim but if you set it up for cross country it excells on climbs and just rides like a dream.. if you can only buy one bike get the fs if you can buy 2 get an fs and an fx, the mrazeks are just the best machine i have had the pleasure of riding.. Oh and the customer service is the best I have seen in the industry..Thanks jeff for all your help | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rusty
a Cross-Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Beautiful, fast, great climber, comfortable and smooth | | Weaknesses: |
tough to fit water bottle in cage, not a big deal at all | | Similar Products Used: |
Nothing is similar to this bike, but used to ride Specialized S-Works | | Bike Setup: |
Manatou SX TPC fork, XTR everything, Caramba Cranks, Speedplay pedals | | Bottom Line: | Unbelievable bike!!! Corners and jumps like a BMX bike. Its a great climber, front end gets over anything. Really smooth on decents, especially on fast downhills. The elevated chainstays are gret to have, limiting clang of chain slap. Okay, so it doesn't get an inch of flex out of the rear, but the relaxed seat tube angle results in seatpost flex (so get a thompson, something long and strong) which makes the ride softer. It is probably the smoothest looking bike I have ever seen.....its a work of art! The boys at Mrazek are great to work with, they will help you in every way possible, and usually hook you up with some great deals. More than worth the money!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montana Bozeman
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Everything, for a nice smooth ride. Looks!!! | | Weaknesses: |
Paint scratches easily | | Similar Products Used: |
Pacific aluminium HT
Proflex attack = same amount of travel
Proflex K2 5000 | | Bike Setup: |
Mrazek Bo FX HT XT/XTR Manitou palmer Fx Ti fork. Lots of titanium (handlebar, cranks, seatpost) Magura HS33 | | Bottom Line: | Best hard tail. Smooth strong and styling. Never had any problems and good dealings with mrazek bought 2 bikes for friends since. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KIMO
a Cross-Country Rider
from ANAEIM
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
EXOTIC LOOKS, PSEUDO REAR SUSPENSION, GREAT CLIMBER. | | Weaknesses: |
WEIGHT- 4.4lbs FOR 16 FRAME, TOTAL WEIGHT OF BIKE IS 26.4lbs. THE JEALOUS LOOKS YOU GET, AS ONE GUY SAID NICE SCOOTER. | | Similar Products Used: |
WEIGHTHMMMMM, I DON'T THINK THERE ARE THAT MANY ELEVATED CHAINSTAY FRAMES. IT SURE AIN'T NO DIAMOND FRAME......... | | Bike Setup: |
RACE FACE LOW RISE H/BAR, XY SEATPOST, SYSTEM STEM, NUKEPROOF (NOT IN MARKET YET) WARHEAD WHEELSET, '99 ZOKES Z2 BAM FORKS, XT, COW HIDE SDG TI SADDLE, CONTROL TECH STUMPY B-ENDS, TEFLON BRAKE & SHIFT CABLES. | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE RIDES GREAT!!!!!!! IT'S QUITE STIFF FOR CLIMBING, ACTUALLY I CAN GO ON A TALLER GEAR. THERE IS REAR SUSPENSION, BUT DON'T KNOW IF IT'S COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE FRAME OR SEATPOST OR TI SADDLE OR A COMBO OF ALL THREE. NOT AS HARSH AS MY GT AVALANCHE, IT DOES TAKE TO SMALL/MED HITS NICELY. THE SMALL (16) FRAME FITS LIKE A MEDIUM IN OTHER BRAND OF FRAMES. I INSTALLED A RF XY SEATPOST TO PUT MORE WEIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE BIKE, THIS I THINK REALLY HELPS WHEN ASCENDING. IT FEELS LIGHTER WHEN RIDING THAN THE 26.4lbs MONSTER THAT IT IS. TALK TO JEFF AT MRAZEK, HE HELPED ME SET UP THE BIKE PERFECTLY FOR ME. IT REALLY IS AN EYE CATCHER. MRAZEK, MY HAT OFF TO YOU FOR MAKING SUCH A UNIQUE, FUN TO RIDE FRAME! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KIMO
a Cross-Country Rider
from ANAHEIM, CA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
ANY SO CAL TRAILS | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS MORE OF A FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE MRAZEK BHO FX FRAME. FIRST OF ALL, I'D LIKE TO THANK JEFF BURNARD AT MRAZEK. I'VE TALKED & EMAILED HIM FOR THE PAST 2 WKS REGARDING THE MRAZEK FRAME & HE'S BEEN MOST HELPFUL & PATIENT. HE EVEN HELD A FRAME FOR ME WHILE I WAS WAITING TO SELL MY GT FRAME. HE ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS & ASSURED ME ON THE RIGHT FRAME. NOT BEING ABLE TO RIDE OR PHYSICALLY SEE THE FRAME OR BIKE, IT IS HARD TO JUDGE HOW IT WILL BE. BUT I REALLY WANTED A FRAME THAT IS NOT YOUR EVERY DAY DIAMOND FRAME & THE MRAZEK FITS THE BILL. NOW ON TO THE FRAME.....WELL, IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I GOT ONE OF THE TEST COLORS, IT'S A TRANSLUCENT MOCHA (WEIRD NAME), BUT IT REALLY LOOKS GREAT. I NOTICE THAT THE SEAT STAY PAINT ISN'T ALL MATCHED W/ THE REST OF THE FRAME, BUT THEN AGAIN, IT'S A TEST COLOR. THE LINES OF THE FRAME IS FLOWING, I'M REALLY WANTING ANOTHER ONE SO I CAN HANG IT ON TOP OF MY FIREPLACE!!! THE WEIGHT IS UNDER 5lbs FOR THE 16 MODEL. I DID NOTICE A COUPLE PITS ON THE WELDS BUT I
DON'T THINK IT'LL HARM ANYTHING. I'VE GONE W/ JEFF'S SUGGESTION FOR A LAYBACK SEATPOST TO CENTER MY WEIGHT UNDER THE REAR WHEEL AREA, I PICKED UP A RACE FACE XY POST (1 OFFSET) FOR THIS. I'LL BUILD IT UP W/ PARTS FROM MY GT, ALL SHIMANO XT 8 SPD, WHICH I FEEL THAT IS BETTER THAN THE 9 SPD STUFF. I'M VERY CURIOUS WHETHER MY 190lbs WILL BE ABLE TO FEEL THE CLAIMED REAR SUSPENSION. IF NOT, I'LL JUST HAVE TO GET A ROCK SHOX SUSP POST. I SURE THINK THAT THIS WILL BE A SWEET EYE CATCHER, CAN'T WAIT TO BUILD IT UP & RIDE IT. THEN I'LL REVIEW ON THE RIDE & PERFORMANCE. IF YOU'RE IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW FRAME & WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOUR FRIENDS ARE RIDING, CHECK OUT THE MRAZEK. TO JEFF, AGAIN MY FRIEND, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR TIME IN HELPING ME. GOOD RIDING TO ALL IN 2000!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Walters
a Downhiller
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
I'm not telling. | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Beautiful frame
Great paint
Strong as hell
Comfortable
Quick going up or down | | Weaknesses: |
Bent seat tube doesn't allow seatpost to go all the way down for trials.
Cheap looking plastic cable stops.
(but full cable routing is good) | | Bike Setup: |
BOH-FX hardtail
Set up for free-riding dual slalom and LOTS of trials.
-Marzocchi Z1 BAM fork
-XT/XTR
-RaceFace | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I race downhill on a big fat Norco VPS-1 and I use this bike for trail riding and trials. I've done many 8 foot drops on it and it keeps coming back for more. The paint is very durable and the welds are FAT. It's definitely not full suspension, but it's much more comfortable than any other hardtail. Friends who ride with me go through frames like nacho chips, but the Mrazek takes it all. I'm one of the only people who own one in Ontario, so it would be kind of hard to steal it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a Racer
from Bend, Or., Durango, Co.
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Waltzing Matilda, Sailing Hawk Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
it can take a lot of abuse. the look captivates all. it is a soft alu frame. the geometry works for me. | | Weaknesses: |
i still can't bench my weight | | Similar Products Used: |
nishiki alien
khs comp
living x
i have never ridden a bike that feels simular. | | Bike Setup: |
judy sl, all xtr, race face and profile fill in the rest | | Bottom Line: | I love my MRAZEK. It lets me do all. I use this bike for everthing. Cross country racing, downhill, dual slalom, road racing and commuting. It has become a piece of me, for I will never part! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Bend, Oregon
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Climbs very good! Accelerates very good!
Taking it downhill is way more fun than any other bike I've ever ridden!
And it looks verrrry good! | | Weaknesses: |
It's pretty heavy. The good thing is that I can only slightly feel it on those really technical climbs. | | Similar Products Used: |
Nothing like this! Just a few other hardtails. | | Bike Setup: |
Boh FX, SX-Ti, XT/XTR, Crosslands with Michelin's, and a Thompson post | | Bottom Line: | The best bike I have ever owned-by far! It's so much fun to ride. I'm so impressed with this frame, that I'm going to buy some other Mrazek/Morati products. First on the list: Moc V brakes! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Creswick
a Cross-Country Rider
from Corvallis OR
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Top Secret, Phils, McKenzie River | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
This frame climbs great and decends excellent. It tracks well on the fast wide open stuff and is nimble in the tight stuff. | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
I have owned serverl Kleins, Rascal, Pinicle, Mountain Klein | | Bike Setup: |
I'm running a Manitou TI fork | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding my Mrazek since the first year they went into production and I still am very inpressed. It now has a few dings and scrapes and looks very used, however when the time comes I will get another Mrazek. If you are looking for and excellent Hardtail this is the only choice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ernie Hetrick
a Cross-Country Rider
from Anchorage, Alaska
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Resurrection Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Beautiful Head Turnin' Machine | | Weaknesses: |
She ain't got no stinkin' weaknesses! | | Similar Products Used: |
99 KHS Team Soft Tail, 95 GT Tequesta, 92 GT Talera, 98 Cannondale F900 | | Bike Setup: |
1999 Small Frame, Spin Wheels, Marzochi Z2 Alloy, XT Everything | | Bottom Line: | Wow. Enough said.Okay, I'll say more. I built this bike for my wife, who is half an inch shorter and about 15 lbs lighter than me. So, it fits me very well, and whenever she turns head head, I just have to jump on it.It turns heads whether its on the trail or on the bike rack. The difference is that when its on the trail, it feels awesome! This is a light, smooth bike. It really doesn't feel like aluminum at all. Not like the teeth chattering Cannondales anyway.The inch of travel claimed by Mrazek exists -- but it's between the seat and the back tire, due to the tall, laid back seat post angle. If you own one and can bear to let a friend ride it, follow along behind and of to the side; it's easy to see. Basically a built-in seat post shock. I'm thinking of adding a Moots Ti-Lay back seat post to really sweeten the deal.Alright, as to the Spin wheels, yes they are for show, but when you put 'em on this bike, it gets fun before you even pedal! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Mathieson
a Cross-Country Rider
from B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Kaninaskis Country, Alberta (ie Moose packer trail) | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
excellant in the twisty fast stuff
very good climber
no chain slap
nice paint
really easy to look at
everyone will know it is your bike | | Weaknesses: |
-Bend in seat tube did not allow for putting seat all the way down for trial riding.
-slightly heavier than your average Al frame
-top water bottle mount not big enough to accomidate lenght of large water
bottle
-Will probably get stolen faster than your average bike. | | Similar Products Used: |
Nothing similar, but I have rode the following:
94' Kona Explosive
96' Team Marin
97' Kona Hot
98' Norco nitro | | Bike Setup: |
98' SID, Full XT 8-speed drive train, Syncros stem and post, Time pedals, Race Face rings, White Industry cranks, LX hubs, Velocity Aero rims.....yadda,yadda,yadda | | Bottom Line: | An Excellent ride that can pass for a piece of art.
I have ridden a lot of bikes in my time and the Mrazek is my favorite so far. I have always ridden higher-end cromo bikes because I find them to be comfortable to ride. Not surprisingly, I found the Mrazek to be laterally stiff and very good on tight fast technical trails. What was a surprise was the flex in the stays, it does have a bit of give back there but it isn't a full inch. Mind you I only weigh 150 lbs, heavier riders may find it has more flex, I don't know.
The first time i pulled a wheely on my new rig I landed flat on my ass. The front end comes up a little easier than your average bike. Regardless of this trait it is a very good climber, the front end pops up over things like a mountain goat when I want it to,and stays well under control when I get down and dig. They did good with the geometry.
So what did I find wrong with this bike? Well I had to file down the end of the derailler hanger(~5mm) to allow for better adjustment of the B-tension screw. A Large water bottle will not fit in the top mount, and a very low adjustment range of the seat post is not possible due to a funky bend in the seat tube. These are all small complaints, but they are all I have.
This is not an average bike, a good combination of above average handeling and unique appearince makes it my baby. I only hope it doesn't get too popular, I like the fact that I'm one of the few people riding one of these sweet things.
I want to give it four and a half hot peppers, but they will only let me give four. It's not worth five because I feel to be worth five it must be made of Scandium and hand welded by Elvis. So four and a half is as good as it's going to get. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Cross-Country Rider
from Corvallis, OR
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Phil's or McKenzie River | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
BEAUTIFUL design and paint, sweet ride, outstanding customer support, great ride, great ride, great ride... | | Weaknesses: |
It's different (this is only a weakness if you consider being different to be a negative...I surely don't) | | Similar Products Used: |
I've ridden other bikes but none would deserve classification as similar products. | | Bike Setup: |
'98 SID, Kore stem, Thompson seatpost | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line. This bike ROCKS. It's not your usual bike. It doesn't have normal frame design (it's actually nice to look at). It doesn't have the stock, mass-produced bike paint job (it's 100 times more beautiful). The customer service is not what you'd expect (it's far, far better). It doesn't ride like a typical aluminum frame (very, very stiff laterally, more forgiving vertically).First of all, I need to say that Jeff at Mrazek is a pleasure to buy a bike from. He went out of his way to help me make this bike work, and made sure I felt like a friend more than I felt like a customer. The customer base feels like a great big family (the company holds yearly rides) and it is obvious why this is so.The bike rides wonderfully. Sure, the full cable routing is strange. And the bike doesn't look like any other. I haven't had a problem with either of these things; a lifetime warranty makes me feel comfortable trying them. If you ever, ever get a chance--look at and try a Mrazek. 5 of the hottest, flaming-est chilis for this beautiful and fun work of art. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DaleRider1
a Cross-Country Rider
from Davenport, Iowa
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Scott County Park | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Beautiful paint, interesting design, builds fairly light, elevated stays,
customer service,
great feel and responsiveness,
a climber for sure | | Weaknesses: |
The paint thickness on seat tube caused derailleur fit problems. I question durability of riveted cable bosses and the single bolt rear attaching dropout hanger. Machining in the seat tube and head tube was not first rate. Welds are fat and unsanded but look o.k. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale F500
GT Zaskar LE
Teesdale
Merlin Fat Ti
Bontrager Privateer | | Bike Setup: |
BOH XC, black pearl coat. King ahead, SRAM 9.0SL, Race Face crank/rings. XT cassette, XTR hubs/Sun rims, Magura Quicksilvers. Bomber Fork | | Bottom Line: | Vey agile and quick machine that is vertically more complient than many alu h.t.s Laterally stiff in the BB (important for a Clyde). Angles are great for climbing and enough for confident fast decents. Love the elevated stays...no chain slap. The fat elevated stays can occassionaly clip your heel if you ride toe out/heel in. Sizing is decieving. I got the Large (supposed to be 20) and it looks much smaller. However in the build it worked out just fine. I felt as comfortable on this bike the first time out as I have on any previous bike after months of adjusting! For the money, an excellent steed with unique and eye catching design and strong performance. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Denis
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail, Mandai, Pulau Ubin | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Beautiful paint job!!Tough frame and great design (curves)!! | | Weaknesses: |
What weakness?! | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale SV900 | | Bike Setup: |
Mrazek BOH FS...Manitou X-Vert(Front) and Rock Shox Coupe Deluxe(Rear)...Mavic crosslink wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | Mrazek has got a great customer service and will get back to you via e-mail asap!(Even gives advice on set-up)!The whole bike feels so stable even when cornering! Go check out it web-page : www.mrazek.com! 5 chillis are not enough!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Waipahu, HI
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mililani | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Strong. Way strong. Beautifully crafted. Sweet welds. Impossible not to smile on it. | | Weaknesses: |
Top tube's a little long-ish... But I think my arms are just short. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale Killer V, Scott Endorphin | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou SX Ti | | Bottom Line: | This frame beats 'em all. Beautiful workmanship and a deep, deep paint job that hasn't chipped at all. The folks at Mrazek were great to talk to and really were focused on the customer (unlike some other wanks out there). When I hear those other frames calling me (like it doesn't happen to you - you know it does), I can tell them all I'm taken... These frames kick @ss... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bukit Timah, Rifle Range, Ulu Sambawang, Mandai, BB trail, Pulau Ubin | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Tough really though | | Weaknesses: |
BB height clearance | | Bike Setup: |
Marzocchi Monster T
Statos Helix Pro 6.5 rear shock | | Bottom Line: | I bought a Mrazek full suspension bike just about 2 months ago. I ask Mrazek to change the rear shock to the stratos helix pro 6.5 travel. With conjuntion, I use the Marzocchi Monster T in front and guess what. This bike really kicks ass. The BB height clearance is high thus making it difficult for me to get up my bike, but when I am on the bike, taking sharp corners at high speend ( 70 - 80 km/h ) , I can feel that the whole bike is so stable. Didn't flex so much, the positioning of the rear and front shock angle is just right, thus making the tires sticking down onto the rough terrains. The swing arm of the bike is have some extra mounting to change the rear shock angle. The bike is really tough. Going downhill at the speed of around 70km/h, a big stone flew up and hit my frame. Guess what?? No dents. The paint job is really exellent. So what you guys waiting for, get this beauty now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Albert Rondeau
a cross-country rider
from Lennoxville, PQ, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Part IThis review is based on the service which I have received from Jeff Burnard at Mrazek Cycles. I first heard of the company from their review in Mountain Bike Action, saw their flowing lines, full of curves. They got a good review, but I just wasn't in the market for a new hardtail. Finally, when my bike was stolen I had a decision to make...go for full suspension? Or stick with a hardtail? I decided to treat myself and go for both! I got a Cannondale Raven...but that's for another review...After that I decided to retire of my '89 Cannondale...but with what?I didn't want anything conventional like a Stumpjumper or something so when I got an email from Mrazek I guess that it was destiny! I started emailing them about their super cool Moc V brakes, and finally decided to get a frame from them. Jeff was very helpful and gave me an unbelievable deal on a 16 Cobalt Blue Frame. I can't begin to describe the frame here. The paint job is so impressive, it seems to change color depending on the angle of the light hitting it. Since I received the frame I have had a couple of questions and Jeff answers them within a day. Very quick service...not at all what I am used to from a bike company.I am very pleased to be the owner of one of a handful of Mrazek frames in Quebec. Hopefully I can convert some people next summer and help out Mrazek for all the help they have given me.As a business student I know that customer service can make or break a business, these days I only buy when I know that the product is outstanding and covered by the company as well. Unfortunately it will only be built up in time for our snowy canadian winter so I may have to bring it on holidays with me before I can give it a good test ride.....Part II to follow.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from Portland, OR.
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It is with great enthusiasm that I type this review on Mrazek!!!This is one hell of a frame set for cross country riding and the customer service from Mrazek is unparalleled.
I have been riding (and racing?) this frame for 1 1/2 seasons now and love it more everytime I get on it. It has a very unique ride to go along with its unique looks.
Until I purchased this bike, I was a strong proponent of steel for a hard tail frame. However, this frame is fairly comfy for large daimeter aluminum. Its torsional ridgidity is right up there with C'dale
but the design of this bike is a whole lot more compliant over the bumpy stuff (which is why I always liked steel).
Please contact me via e-mail if you would like to know more. This frame is truly a high end value worth buying. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kimberly Anderson
a
from Waterford California
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the frame about a week ago (for my boyfriend)and he loves it!!!!!! We also noticed that there was one, count that one bubble in the paint. Other then that, beutiful. I'm glad he could finally get such a great bike at an even better price. As soon as he gets it together I'll tell you if it rides as good as his (broken) carbon fiber Kestrel, then I can rerate it. Thanks again for the great bike.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Dobaj
a weekend warrior
from Beaverton, OR
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my 4th season on my Mrazek and I can't say enough good things about it. It climbs great, handles well, and is great at clearing obstacles with the elevated chain stay. I don't know how much compliance the frame has, but with the seat tube angle such as it is there is definitely some suspension effect there, without the drawbacks of an FS (pogo etc). I commute by bike and do a fair amount of recreational road riding and have just hung up my road bike (I got a second pair of wheels with slicks) because the Mrazek is so much more fun and comfortable to ride. I've ridden lots of bikes in my day and this one is by far my favorite. As a bonus, it's really a beautiful and unique ride. I just bought my wife one and she loves her's too. Check out the web site: www.mrazek.com. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from Ft. Worth, Tx.
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well I haven't bouth this frame JUST yet but I'm thinking about it, ONE I love the design, I'm bored of teh same old diamond design, I want a different frame for good money, I looked at teh Mongoose Newman but they haven't contacted me back so I came to Mrazek, I already like this frame from just reading about it, but I don't believe that one inch of rear travel stuff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
whit
a weekend warrior
from new england
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
bought my mrazek last year (custom built, polished frame)..sold my ellison full suspension..(much better craftsmanship)...love the ride..great climber, great sachs components...built large..so go small...excellent maneuvering...definately well worth the $$$$...can't complain about much...never seen another here in the east...spent a long time customizing my bike on the phone with boh (owner)and got everything i wanted without hassel...if you're looking for a sweet ride with a unique look..than this is the bike for you...so call 'em up!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Devin
a cross-country rider
from SLC, UT
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a very nice frame. You can tell that there is alot of time put into this frame. The curved tubes are nice. But anyone who think that this frame gets an inchof rear wheel travel is smokin'. I have riden this and the Scott carbon Pro Racing frame which also supposed to give an inch,too. Neither one does but the Scott definately comes closer. So drop the rear suspension gag, and you have a beautiful frame. Not super light , but does everything have to weigh 3.2 lbs? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Pruitt
a racer
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Mrazek started in 1990. The frames are handcrafted in the Czech Rep. by Bohumil Mrazek.
Huge oval tubes are curved from front to rear, no chainstays and a bent seat tube give this frame a
great one of a kind look to it. Go to the WheelWorks page to see a picture of it.(Trust me, it's a
real head turner) This european frameset is crafted out of 7020 Unity aircraft grade aluminum
tubes, custom ovalization for critical strength. It's backed with a lifetime warranty and a crash
replacement policy. This thing rides sweet too, a long center to front for downhilling, short
chainstays for climbing, and the best part....It's designed with flex built in for 1 inch of rear axle
compliance while being super stiff at the bottom bracket. A 68 degree seat tube lends an
additional effect. This is the ultimate fully suspended cross country rig, with none of the other
frames drawbacks like, loose links, weight, pogo and maintenance. A few nice details are
replaceable hanger and the cable housing runs the full length of the frame for low maintenance or
hydraulic brakes. It comes in almost any color and is only $500 for the frame! If your in the
market for a new XC racer you owe it to yourself to check this one out. If you want anymore
info, e-mail me. | | Overall Rating: |
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