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Submitted by
John Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Logan, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | From friend | | Strengths: | Fun, no nonsense trail bike. Lots of attention from curious onlookers even people who haven't pedaled a bicycle in years. Very comfortable, stable and a fun climber. | | Weaknesses: | Must have a very laterally stiff suspension fork in order to control frame flex. | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed, K2 Animal, Reflex, Trek, Klein | | Bike Setup: | XT with a old Girvin Vector Fork | | Bottom Line: | An awesome classic. Not the greatest racing bike and not suggested for the hardcore downhiller, but if your an average trail rider who does't want the comlexity of full suspension nor the harshness of a hard tail, your in for wonderful surprise. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Gatos, Ca.
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Steven's Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | MTB review classifieds, where else! | | Strengths: | No squishy full suspension feeling when out of saddle climbing. Smooths the harshness of trail. Great looking bike. A+ quality and customer service. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy. Can only get bike factory direct. | | Similar Products Used: | ? | | Bike Setup: | All XTR drivetrain. Control Tech stem, bar ends, handle bar, seat post. Cooks Bros. 'E' cranks. Rolf wheel set. Flight seat. Went from AMP to Slingshot rigid fork. | | Bottom Line: | I posted a review when I first bought the bike a year ago so this is a follow up. If you have any doubts about this bike...don't. Since my first one (a 98/99 black) I have purched a red 95 Slingshot and am in the process of buying a third yellow 95 slingshot. You can never have too many slingshots! Great product, you get a lot of attention from other people on the trail. Very few people have one let alone ever seen one. This bike is so unique and works better than any corporate giant Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, GT, bla bla bla. Just so you know, the black Slingshot is my race bike, the red is a retro XT thumbshifter bike and the yellow will be artwork to be placed on my wall.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richy V.
a
from Anch. Alaska
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeman.... frame from Michigan | | Strengths: | This bike flies and is quick up hill. | | Weaknesses: | rearend whips around corners when on pavement. but it only whips once into the turn then stops and is right on track... I guess you could say there is a bit of lateral flex right at the piece of scotch ply on the top tube. weight.. its kinda heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | ???? | | Bike Setup: | well the frame was bought around 1992 and I poured a ton of money into the parts.... all the top end stuff at that time..... so the bike is still choice. a suspention fork in front. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is still awsome... I have to say that it isnt a folding frame. I dont know about those.... The bike grabs nicely on the up hills in or out of the saddle and screams down hill... the midsuspention works like you wouldnt believe... I swaped bikes recently with a guy who was riding a canondale full susp. and he loved it.. felt just like his fullsusp. but quicker handling on the single track. But now its time for me to move on... Im buying a Santa Cruz superlite this week and going to build it myself. I hope to be riding it in a month or so... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Freeman
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mammoth Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | I was skeptical about (1) the "Slingshot" claim and (2) the general use of a folding bicycle. However, after I bought one for my wife and another for me and we rode them on trials we know well I was sold. I am convinced that you do get some advantage from the "slingshot" effect, especially on an uphill climb. As for the fact that it folds, no problem, it tracks well, is solid and great on the downhill. | | Weaknesses: | None that I have yet discovered. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | All XT components | | Bottom Line: | The complete bike is rather expensive, however it is a good choice, especially if you intend to travel as the case will be accepted on airlines as just another suitcase. We intend to do some touring of Europe with it this summer. Customer service was good and the bike arrived in good shape with only minor adjustments needed. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Davis Brockenshire
a Racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hermosa Creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Confortable | | Weaknesses: | Heavy and slow | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, DEAN, Paramount, Cannondale, GT, TREK | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Manitou, AMP, Syncros, Race Face | | Bottom Line: | I broke 3 of these. One per year but each was replaced with excellent customer service. I was averaging mid pack results in Expert on a national level. I went to DEAN and moved into the top 10 overnight. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose/Los Gatos, USA
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | No jaring features like rigid bikes and no squishy features like soft tails. The perfect inbetween.
| | Weaknesses: | Frame weighs more than the average hard tail. Fear of cable or 3M board breaking | | Similar Products Used: | My last bike was an 89 stumpjumper. Now I ride a 98 slingshot. | | Bike Setup: | 98/99 slingshot, rolf dolimites, amp w/ carbon legs, all xtr.
| | Bottom Line: | Take a wild guess. This is a great bike. Using the Rolf wheel set, and the light (for suspention forks) Amp fork, it offsets the relative heavyness of the frame. It's a nimble bike and not the trendy Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, GT that EVERYBODY has. It does take some getting used to but that's not uncommon with a new bike. I don't recommend this bike to 200lb. riders although I've read reviews where heavy guys have had no probs. I have to thank MTBR because I purchased the frame from this web site.
I'll give it a 5 when after I put more miles on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | I'm better at going down singletrack than climbing up...but my Slingshot makes them both alot of fun! I rode a friend's bike with a Judy fork and hated it, but got a Softride stem for mine last year and it's just enough to smooth everything out in the front. I've had alot of curious riders approach me in the parking lot as I'm folding it in half to tuck in my trunk, too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a cross-country rider
from Norway
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I spoke to the relatively new president of Slingshot last night. His belief in grass roots and his willingness to solve my past bicycles problems has changed my stance on Slinghsot. The new management is consumer focused and stands very stongly behind their bicycle. I am believer, once again, in Slingshot and that which makes us all love this bike so much.Slingshot is back! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a
from Norway
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
There are three of us whom own 1996 Slingshot mtb. and all have had problems since direct delivery from Slingshot. All three bikes came wheels whose spokes were not tightend (6 wheels total), the brakes came unadjusted and partially unassembled on the one of the bikes, and one bike was deliveered with a broken headset.Most recently, one of the bikes was returned because the frame broke and it has now taken over 8 weeks for the bike to be shipped back and we are still waiting. Slingshot said they spent $35 on shipping and we should not complain.The bike rides wonderful but the Customer Service we have all recieved in the past two years is awful. They doubted all our claims.I have spent allot of money in fixing what should have been perfect. The company should take the same appraoch with itself... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had 4 of these bikes, they ride really very well, if you do not account for the fact that I have had 4 because they all broke, I have finally given up with them and ride another brand, but if I knew they wouldn't break, I'd still be riding one today. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Yack
a cross-country rider
from ny
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have had a Slingshot mtb for 2 years now. I run a Mach 5 up front. It climbs extremely well. I competed in last years 24 hours of Canaan and Allamuchy with the bike. The subtle suspension really helped in those races because you log so many miles. It's easier to get out of bed at 3:00 A.M. to turn a night lap when your not beaten up by a rigid hard tail. I liked the ride of this bike so much that I also bought one of there road bikes which I'm even happier with. It climbs and sprints very effectively. It's got Sling Power see there web site at (slingshotbikes.com) I have had very good luck with there customer service. I broke the cable on the mtb which was used. Slingshot said they had improved the mechanism which holds the cable to the frame. It was a $10.00 part. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Janecek
a cross-country rider
from Milwaukee, WI
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Slingshot from this very site, in the Marketplace section. I got a great deal on it although I feel that I cheated the guy with the way that it performs for me. The fiberglass board provides just enough give while my Softride stem does the rest. Climing is average and the frame is a tad heavy but the comfort and singletrack performance more than makes up for it. It is nimble and predictable yet forgiving and a singletrack rocket. I have only had the frame built up for a few weeks and am a bit concerned about the durability of the cable. So far, so good. The welds are pristine. If you think you need a suspension fork, hold off for a while and try it without. You'll thank me. If anything, get a $200 Softride stem that you can take on and off easily. Good frame, good company, great service, great ride. 4 chilis... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cliff Hansen
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a '96 Slingshot bike and it lasted me no more than two months. It seemed to work fairly well for most of this time, but one day I was riding and the cable just snapped. It was under such high tension that when it broke it whipped my inner thigh, sending me to the hospital with a 10 inch gash and a bruised ego. I spent $2500 on this bike and Slingshot claimed that they could not replace the frame because I bought it through mail-order and not directly from them. Slingshot should not be manufacturing such a dangerous product (very poorly engineered). | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a weekend warrior
a
from michigan
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my slingshot for about four years. I love to ride this bike. I run a judy fork up front . The front suspension really balances out my ride. The frame absorbs the small stuff, and the fork takes care of the big hits.I feel that Slingshot needs to get its act together. their market stratigy is nfg. They need to market their frame as cross country specific. They need to lighten it up(Ti or carbon fiber), and they need to advertise.This frame can climb well, sticks to corners(back and front wheels track independly),and can bunny hop great(the best).This is a superior cross country frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Staples
a weekend warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've never had a problem with my frame, unlike a lot of reviews on this page. My Slingshot dates from '90 and I've logged some hard miles on it. Using this bike has been my way to avoid the decision between a hardtail and a fully suspended bike. I never felt I could justify the extra weight of a full suspension. I've been really happy, but may try something new soon to see what everyone else is doing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Gierlach
a cross-country rider
from Konigstein, Germany
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Speed Merchants built up a '96 Slingshot for me last year. It is my
second one. My first one was a '91 with pro xc etc.
The rigid tange fork that it came with was a wet noodle, truely scary on
downhills. I replaced it with an alu. Kinesis fork and it is great. I
have never broken a frame (150 lbs.) and I would never buid one up with
a suspension fork. The bike handles fine and climbs well. It is quite
a bit stiffer than my judy equipped steel bike, but is supposed to be. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a cross-country rider
from Edmonton, Alberta
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I am presently riding a 1993 Slingshot and it is my second one, I previously had a 1991 which I cracked, apparently from defective tubing from true temper. My present frame was made in michigan and I have had no problems in 4 1/2 years of abuse (I am 6'3, 190 lbs). I gather the newer ones are made in California, maybe the new manufacturer is the cause of everyones frame probs. Anyhow, if I was reviewing this 3 years ago I would probably give the frame 4 stars, but now the frame design is dated, I still love the ride (it requires a little getting used to after the winter season) and it is fun to ride but I have to say it isn't a frame I would consider buying now. My 20 frame is a pig, about 6 lbs, and for that kind of weight I would prefer real full suspension. My overall rating gets an extra star for nostalgia, as this winter I shall hopefully be retiring it to my basement wall. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Loder
a cross-country rider
from N. Royalton, OH
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm about 220lb and ride very aggressive thru some tough single track. I've ridden
down in WV and very pleased with the bike. The first frame they sent me was somewhat
flawed, but the second nearly perfect. The front half is silver and the back of
the frame is black. Most parts follow color scheme, making this bike very unique and a rather high cool factor.
The one area this bike shines is downhill single track. Your skill and courage are your limits.
The only area I'm dissappointed is hill climbing, especially technical single track. A big thud.
Is it the front shock? I don't know, but what are you going to do. My next investment will
be a shock seatpost. The G Force sounds and may try.I hope this company does'nt go under and simply fade away. Someone like GT should
buy them and make Thermoplastic Slingshot. Would'nt that be awsome! Simply put, my Slingshot gives me a lot of confidence where I need it most...hyperspeed.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Wright
a cross-country rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '96 Slingshot Which I just finished building (custom build). It is actually my second Slingshot frame, I had to send the first back. When I received the first one I was not happy, it was DEFFECTIVE! It had a miss alligned rear triangle, bad paint and the head tube wasn't filed square.
Slingshot was helpful and sent me a replacement right away and the second frame was much much better.
Although I don't have much time on it yet, I find it doesn't climb as well as my Kona Kula custom. It feels a little heavy even though it has pretty light parts. Where this bike really shines is at speed on singletrack.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cryoman
a weekend warrior
from Albquerque, Pusan (S. Korea), Arlington, MA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
My 91 Slingshot was a blast and the funnest bike I had ever owned. In 1992 Greendale Bicycle Co. re-designed the Slingshot with a smaller rear triangle - what a dog. My ride times were slower on every type of terrain and the bicycle weighed many extra ounces over the 91 model. Lewis (Louis) Kline? of Slingshot still owes me $25.00 for a waterbottle tree that Slingshot or their sub-vendor was never able to produce. Got to have that tree if you want to mount a waterbottle on your Slingshot!!!. Wrote a couple of times, called a couple of times for my stinking tree or $25.00 but Slingshot just can't seem to support their customers. For crying out loud....!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Hunt
a cross-country rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have logged about 5,000 miles on my Slingshot Mt-4 and am happy
to report that the design is as effective as it is cool looking. The
suspension effect from the mid-frame fiberglass board is subtle but it
definitely smooths out high-speed rough stuff. I might, however, contest
the company's claim that the design aids climbing. I've had several
mtb's and they have all climbed well, but not great--the Slingshot is no
exception (even with its longish wheelbase). Bottom Line: more compliant
than all steel or aluminum, heavier than Al or Ti, great bunny-hopper,
smoother in high-speed roughs, and acceptable (but not great) climbing.
| | Overall Rating: |
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