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Submitted by
Matt Weiss
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Holy Cross | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Single Speed EBB Steel. Not a flaw in the design. Snake chainstays, high BB position, blah blah etc... | | Weaknesses: | none... top tube is braced, rear triangle is perfect and EBB is sized correctly. 27.2 seatpost makes it easy. rear could maybe use a derailleur hanger in case you want gears but that's not why I bought it. | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | front Talus RLC, XT Cranks, Mavic 317 wheels, whipperman chain, etc.. | | Bottom Line: | great bike. build one up for under $2000. the frame is key. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Amundson
a Weekend Warrior
from Flagstaff, Arizona
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicken Point, Sedona | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | custom | | Strengths: | outstanding affordability for custom bike | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | XT | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'9" and about 275 lbs. If you go to Spicercycles.com and click over to "large frames" you'll see both of my custom Spicer bikes. They are both 67 cm frames with 67cm top tubes. They are oversize aluminum tubing and the mountain bike is a 29er (although it's hard to tell cause the bike is a monster!). Gene built the road bike for me 2 years ago for about $2300 complete and the mountain bike last year for about $2400 complete. These were both custom fitted for me locally and then built by Gene 2/3 of the country away! They each took about 4 months from initial discussion to shipment. I've ripped through components on the road bike but the frame has held up to my size and is always a focal point of attention. The mountain bike is getting its first full season of use but all systems are go! All communications were done over the internet and by phone. Gene even added those extra supports on the mountain bike to better stabilitze the seat. Gene is a great guy to work with and his family (wife Jessica and kids Spoke and Sprocket) are simply quintessential nice people. If you need a custom size bike for a great price, and want to be assured that the guy building it 2000 miles away has YOUR best interest at heart, SPICER is the way to go! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a
from Middletown, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | www.spicercycles.com | | Strengths: | -Truly custom frame for off-the-shelf price
-Service
| | Weaknesses: | -No product weaknesses
-I only wish he could build these faster | | Similar Products Used: | You know of any steel, SS, 29ers you can test ride? There aren't any anywhere near Cincy. | | Bike Setup: | Custom steel SS 29'er (complete bike) from Spicer | | Bottom Line: | After a bit of research I knew I wanted a rigid, steel 29" SS with an eccentric bottom bracket. I found a couple of offerings that were close off the shelf, but no one had anything in stock. Each I felt that without being able to test ride and not being completely with the specs that I would have to pass on them.
I began looking at custom bike builders. I narrowed my selection down by MTBR reviews. I also wanted to do business with someone fairly local. After some initial conversations with Gene, I decided on Spicer.
Gene was great, he helped me spec out the bike and did all the assembly free of charge. I now have a custom bike for just about what I would have had into something off the shelf.
I couldn't be happier with my experience with Gene and Jessica at Spicer. I would definitely give them my business again knowing what I know now.
I will review the performance of the product in a few months after an initial learning curve. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Minh
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | Spicer Cycles | | Strengths: | excellent service | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to write a review of my experience with Gene at Spicer Cycles. I didn't buy one of his frames, but I did have him do some frame work for me (his web page has recently been updated with a page specifically for custom frame work/repair/etc.). I had been looking for someone to weld some disc brake tabs on an old Titanium frame that I had. I had searched for quite some time on the net to try and find someone that would be willing to do it, but most wouldn't even entertain the thought, or felt it wasn't worth it, etc. Someone on one of the local MTB boards pointed me to his web page and after a few e-mail exchanges, my old frame was on the UPS truck to Gene. A couple weeks later, I get a big box back. The frame is packaged very securely, disc brake tabs are beautifully welded, and alignment is perfect. Looks like it was always there. Saved me a bunch of money (didn't have to sell my favorite frame just to buy the same frame with disc tabs--- yeah yeah, I've succumbed to the disc brake craze).
Anyway, I just wanted to give some props to Gene at Spicer Cycles. They seem very busy, yet they treated me like I was their only customer. Thanks Gene (and Jessica too)!
Five FLAAAMING (Homer Simpson voice) chilis! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miguel Guajardo
a Racer
from Richardson, Tx. USA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All of Them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$339.00 | | Purchased At: | SpicerCycles.com | | Strengths: | High quality. LIGHT! (3lbs 14oz.) The geometry climbs GREAT! Solid and takes normal abuse well. Did I mention it's light and climbs well? Gene & Jessica's great customer service! | | Weaknesses: | ?!?!? I'll let you know if I every find one! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820, Univega Alpina 700 | | Bike Setup: | Everything off my Univega Alpina on the new Spicer frame. | | Bottom Line: | Where to begin?! I first came across Spicer frames while researching Chameleon frames several months ago. After reading the great reviews here and liking the price, I finally contacted Gene towards the end of July (03). A couple weeks later and many emails later about the frame and sizing, Gene set aside a frame for me even though I told him I would not be able to purchase until September.
August was spent trying to pick the right color that I wanted and other questions to help figure what components from my old frame would tranfer over. (all of them!) I was greatly pleased with Gene's patience and quick responses. This man must get no sleep!
Come September I give Gene my CC and he makes every effort to get my frame painted and shipped to me the weekend before a 24 hour race I was going to. Frame comes in on Thursday; by Friday night the frame is built with no problems at all! The following Friday it is taking abuse at a 24 Hour race.
This frame rocks!I was climbing steep inclines with no problem and hauling down bucking hills while keeping up with FS rides. When the rain and mud came, this frame shined! The geometry allowed me to climb most of the slick muddy hills with ease where some people just couldn't do it!
This frame plain rocks. It is well made, solid and beautiful. It is a uniquely built frame that stands apart from the other frames I have owned or riden. Plus I now have the 1st Spicer MTB frame in the DFW area :) Did I mention it is light and climbs well? Gene's support is excellent and sets a standard in this industry that all other vendors whould hope to achieve. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Parrott
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah National Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | spicercycles.com | | Strengths: | Light, stiff.... Glorious service and support. Gene is the man! This guy puts the customer service of the rest of the industry to shame. His attention to detail and personal investment in his product shines through in the overall quality of this lovely little frame... | | Weaknesses: | n/a | | Similar Products Used: | I've never ridden a frame that compares to this one in terms of price, stiffness, or service.... | | Bike Setup: | Violet powder-coated Spicer Aluminum frame, Magura hydraulic rim brakes, raceface cranks, all-american wheelset, light-as-$hit saddle, and xt derailleurs... | | Bottom Line: | I deliberated over my frame purchase for several weeks, talking to people on the phone (it's a wonder that Gene put up with me for that long) and via e-mail... Finally, after considering tons of other options, most of which were more expensive and mass-produced, I finally just decided that Gene was the guy I wanted to give my money to... He is the most friendly and efficient businessman I have yet dealt with... His customer service is second to none, and the attention that he gives to every detail of his business is unprecedented. I cannot speak highly enough of Gene or of his products... He is the man and his frames are phenomenal! End of story. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Burke, VA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | great falls/difficult run | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | spicercycles.com | | Strengths: | Strong, relatively light, affordable, nice to look at, and builds up nicely - everything fits....Gene Spicer has great customer service too. Also - having something your friends have never heard of and are still jealous of! | | Weaknesses: | no place to install a stereo system?? I mean, none. | | Similar Products Used: | Not a damn thing else for 3 years - why bother! | | Bike Setup: | Mostly XT/XTR drivetrain, Sun 0 Degree XCs or Rhino Lites depending on terrain, Crowbar, Manitou SXR (tweaked).etc etc | | Bottom Line: | This is my THREE year update. Built the bike in early 2000, last reviewd in 2000, this bike has outlasted one car so far...Anyways, looks like the price has gone up since I bought it from spicercycles, I suppose the word is getting out. you know, all that supply-demand stuff. Anyhow, I would pay $299 for it any day - in fact I might buy Gene's trials frame in the near future and build up a streeter. Anyhow, I'm happy to say there's nothing to report. No problems whatsoever with this frame in three years of hard riding (can't say the same for some of the components, unfortunately. Haven't had to deal with customer service from Spicer for the frame, but have emailed them a couple times with questions and always got a fast and helpful response. Oh yes, the frame. Well, it's balanced perfectly, and is stiff where you need it and has just enough flext to keep it comfortable. As far as strength, it's bulletproof...even survived a fall from the car roof rack when a rack skewer broke..as well as heavy abuse on the trails and alot of stairs at the local college campus. If looks are your concern - still shines up nicely and all the decals are still on the bike. Bottom line is that the frame is well worth the low $$ it costs...hell i'd pay twice as much. It's great for a first-time build, recreational rider, or occasional racer. Get one. Do it now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from All over, USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Beggers can't be choosers | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | spicercycles.com | | Strengths: | Fantastic Finish work
Gene's OUTSTANDING support
Bang for the Buck | | Weaknesses: | None noted thus far | | Similar Products Used: | GF Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | Race Face + Cats n' Dogs | | Bottom Line: | This is my first MTB build. The frame came ready to build and I got excellent tech. support from Gene when needed.
The ride has been incredible. Very comfortable and maneuverable on long technical climbs and descents. The geometery is fantastic. I have not experienced any of the drivetrain problems noted by others and I am riding a pretty basic set-up (ie: nothing fancy or terribly expensive).
I would recommend this frame to anyone (who will listen)looking to build an economical XC bike for weekend war and/or entry level raceing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noel Zamot
a Racer
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | my secret stash | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | Directly from Gene | | Strengths: | Durability, I'm finding out | | Weaknesses: | None. Scratch my previous negative comments! | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to Avid mechanical disks and Stan's NoTubes system. | | Bottom Line: | This is a one-year update to my previous review. Scratch the tire clearance thing - I went to tubeless 2.1 XC tires in the back and muck is just not a factor. Changed the chainring to an ISIS Truvativ Stylo Team - improved Q factor (wider is better for XC IMHO) and chain suck is greatly reduced--the "between the rings and the right chainstay" variety. NEVER had the chain sucked between the tire and chainstay. The fork angle forced me to run a lower pressure on my Mars - guess what? With the advertised preload of 10-15% total travel the bike rolls over EVERYTHING. My bottom line - the Spicer has taken me to 3rd place overall in my age group in Mtn States Cup - I love it when I zoom past guys on bikes literally 5 times the price. What else can you ask for???? BUY ONE NOW.
PS: At the risk of being sued - I even "modded" my sled by fabricating and installing a rear disc brake mount. Gene put some beefy dropouts on the frame, which gave me good real estate to drill/tap the mounting holes. 4 races and two epics with absolutely no ill effects. Now my Spicer can decelerate as quick as it accelerates - mo' bettah for racing, brah!
Gene CONTINUES to be The Man - my next road bike (yes, I admit it, I dabble on the road) will be a Spicer. 'Nuff said!!!
Five "mojones candentes"!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Boyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Deerfield Beach , FL.
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Quietwaters | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | http://www.spicercycles.com/ | | Strengths: | Cool Looks, Strong, Price - SERVICE! | | Weaknesses: | Nadda, None, Zip,.. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Sun Rhyno Lites,Koobi saddle, RaceFace cranks, Sram 9sl woody w/ esp shifters, Duke Race forks. | | Bottom Line: | You can't get a better hardtail for the price! It looks so sweet. I t climbs like a wildcat and flies on the flats. The frame is stiff, but still has some flex. I weight 210lbs and this frame can take it. The RS duke race really work/look nice on this frame too.
Gene is the best. He will work with you all the way. You definitely get personalized service. He is also building single speed frames, you have to e-mail him for the specs.
If your looking for a great bike/frame and a great deal, you just can't get it from a nicer guy - Gene Spicer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from Belmont, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the one nobody knows about | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | EBay | | Strengths: | Light. Solid construction. finish. Great support.PRICE!!! | | Weaknesses: | zero | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Specialized, Manitou, Nukeproof, Canondale, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Sram 9.0sl drivetrain, Tru Vativ Stylo Team cranks, XTR wheelset & brakes. Manitou SXR. Rockshox seatpost. Hutchinson Mosquito 1.8 tires. 23lbs! | | Bottom Line: | I bought the frame and fork on ebay. I'm too embarrased to disclose what I paid for it. Before I placed a bid I checked out the reviews. I'm happy that nobody else did! After building it up to use as an extra bike it didn't take long to realize that this bike was my main ride!! It climbs like a goat and it carves the trail like it's on rails. Did I mention how beautiful it looks? Bottom line is this...the Spicer is so good that I'm selling my main hardtail, a MANITOU!!!, on ebay. Besides this review I'm also writing the bike mags to do a review on the Spicer. So buy one now because once the word is out you'll have to pay what these frames are really worth. Gene deserves it. Way to go.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bdogsmith
a Weekend Warrior
from South Bend, IN
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | spicercyces.com | | Strengths: | Beautiful looking finish and welds. Great wieght and value for cost. | | Weaknesses: | nope | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi CroMoly, Jamis Aluminum, Giant Steel | | Bike Setup: | Sram Shorty Rocket w/ XTR, Avid brakes, Race Face BB w/ TruVativ cranks, Chris King headset, Manitou SXR shocks, Thompson seatpost, stem, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I can't believe there is a better Aluminum hardtail frame available. I know FS are all the rage, but good hardtail kicks butt anytime. I bought the frame and assembled the bike on my own - no problems. Everything as was Gene said it would be.
Spicer frames are a great value. It allowed me to spend a little extra on my components, and a lot more on my wheels.
I waited to write this review until I had ridden some of the rocks and roots of Western North Carolina. I hardly felt the rattle and vibrations I had become accustomed too. Bottom line: this frame handles everything I can throw at it.
Here's a couple of pictures: http://www.designpackaging.com/bike.htm | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Edwards, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | spicercycles.com | | Strengths: | i actually bought a titanium frame from Gene. I just wanted to get on here and say that if you buy from him you WILL NOT be sorry. He is a good man to deal with. | | Weaknesses: | none. I got exactly what I was looking for and the bike is great!! | | Similar Products Used: | none in the titanium variety | | Bike Setup: | XT with TIME pedals(awesome pedals) and some bontranger stuff. | | Bottom Line: | If you don't mind buying from a smaller type business Gene is the man to go to. He will give you a fair deal and ensure that you get what you are looking for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Woodridge, IL USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | www.spicercycles.com | | Strengths: | light, stiff, inexpensive, cool company & owner, pretty lookin | | Weaknesses: | frame doesn't accept any large than about a 2.2 tire. that sucks if you're using it for trials. | | Similar Products Used: | gt hardtail, gt i-drive, pro-flex | | Bike Setup: | trialsish, maguras, mostly lx, gt rigid fork blah blah blah | | Bottom Line: | cool frame and good price. my gt hardtail was out of commission for awhile so i used my spicer for xc. it handled better and was more rigid and responsive. once i get more into trials and buy a new frame i'll probably make it my main xc bike. but it's not bad for trials. since it's pretty rigid it has a nice trials feel to it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Gluck
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lone Wolf | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | www.spicercycles.com -Gene "the man" | | Strengths: | light, stiff, and responsive | | Weaknesses: | --NONE -- | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale m1200 alu. frame | | Bike Setup: | shimano XT - thompson stem - RockShox Psylo XC | | Bottom Line: | Great frame, you cant beat the price, and quality is TOP-NOTCH. I just got the ride pieced together, and had no problems almost everything transfer over from my old cannondale- yea suprised me too. Anyway if your in the market for a new frame and are on a budget, call Gene at spicercycles.com. You wont be disapointed !!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel Vyduna
a Cross Country Rider
from Johnsburg
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle Moraine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | spicer direct | | Strengths: | Read My Review Lower On The Page | | Weaknesses: | Read My Review Lower On The Page | | Similar Products Used: | Lots of stuff | | Bike Setup: | Read My Review Lower On The Page | | Bottom Line: | Well it's been a full year now on my spicer frame and still not a single complaint. The bike is still flawless and well worth the money. I don't regret buying it in the least.
P.S.
If you're in the market for a new fork, Go for the marzocchi z2 atom 80 year 2000 model. They are on close out right now. It's the best fork ever made. Bike magazine named it best overall fork. And it's got the highest review for forks on mtbr.com. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountaintop
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | From Gene | | Strengths: | Excellent balance, not to pingy and to soft | | Weaknesses: | Some of my welds could have been cleaned up a little better, but I got mine before the price increase. | | Similar Products Used: | C'dale Killer V900 | | Bike Setup: | WB SC70xc, Bont. race wheels, and whatever else I liked. | | Bottom Line: | I really feel comfortable on this bike. My killer V just didn't have good balance and was it very stiff. The Spicer's tubes just take a little of the edge off when rocketing over rock gardens. The no paint frame looks very sweet. The welds look strong, but like I mentioned they could have been cleaned up a little. I hope that's what comes with the $120 price increase.
Would I buy this frame again? You're damn right. Even with the price increase.
Almost forgot. Check out my spicer at:
http://reiffpage.homestead.com/bike.html
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a
from Bonney Lake, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Victor Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Spicercycles.com | | Strengths: | The 6061-T6 frame is one of the cleanest looking frames I have seen to date. The welds are very uniform, and the ovalized bottom tube and other tubing are built for stout. | | Weaknesses: | None, use it for what it was intended for (XC racing and general singletrack riding) and you will not be disappointed. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa Frames | | Bike Setup: | Current config includes Thomson seatposts, Shimano Hubs, WTB Velicaraptor tires, Rhino Lite Wheels, Truvativ Cranks, FSA headset and Raceface bottom brackets, Marzocchi Z3.5 fork. | | Bottom Line: | You won't find a stronger frame if you need to ride hard and heavy on rocks, roots and other northwest abusing trails. I have ridden it hard for a year and found no objections with the design. Any lesser frame would have fragged out months ago. The weight and balance of the frameset are extraordinary.. Hint: When you buy one of these frames set it up for XC work. The long front forks and other downhill parts being hyped by everybody nowadays will take away from the pleasure of a great riding bike.. I started out at 105mm travel on my Marzocchi and didn't really appreciate the ride of this frame until I dropped it back to 80mm. The current price from SpicerCycles.com is around $300.00 US. I don't think you'll find a better frame for the price anywhere. I spent about six months looking before I found this one. If Gene ever starts to make his own full suspension I will probably be real interested in picking up one for my next build. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noel
a Racer
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ute Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from Gene | | Strengths: | Welds, weight, customer service, price!!! | | Weaknesses: | So minor as to be insignificant when you consider the price, but here goes: tire clearance with some fatter rear tires, tight rear triangle puts chain really close to muddy tires, slack head angle takes some getting used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek & Specialized AL hardtails | | Bike Setup: | MARS C, XT 8 speed (yeah BABEE), ATACs, early 1990s matrix rims laced to ancient LX hubs that make me the enemy of all wheelset vendors, Thudbuster, Hell Bent XCs | | Bottom Line: | Caviar taste on fish stick budget? Look no further. Gene Spicer puts out a fine frame that has taken both Rocky Mountain babyheads and Western Virginia varicose roots with aplomb. This thing climbs like a cat on velcro, courtesy of the tight rear end. The relaxed head angle put me off at first - a longer travel forks makes slow speed handling a little ponderous. But point this frame down steep dropoffs and you will be rewarded with controllable full compression of your shock and no broken collarbones. Ol' Gene is smarter than me after all.
The good: Cheap, strong, bombproof, you CANNOT beat the value. Excellent uphill manners, and a fantastic fire road screamer.
The (sort of) bad: With some fatter tires, the s-bend chainstays give you minimal mud clearance; the tight rear triangle puts a jumping chain darn close to a muddy spinning rear tire; I still needed a rear brake stiffener even with the (exquisitely) bent seat stays; head tube angle + long travel + wide bars = extra balance required on uphill switchbacks.
The ugly: Not applicable! This is just a KILLER frame!!!
By the way, if you're over 30, do yourself a favor and get a suspension seatpost after you get off the phone with Gene - the bike IS stiff. You may never quit smiling after that. GET THIS FRAME NOW!
Five smoking dog logs! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chet Ekwall
a Weekend Warrior
from Vista, Ca
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Isreal | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | SpicerCycles.com | | Strengths: | Everything. Read the other reviews. Welds, quality, stiffness. | | Weaknesses: | None to be found. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Specialized, K2 | | Bike Setup: | Full Shimano XT/XTR with Girvin/Noleen Suspension. | | Bottom Line: | Like all the other reviews, I don't know why you would spend top dollars for a name when you get the quality and looks with this frame. If you are on a budget or have the money to spend, this is the bike for you. I spent years stuck on GT high-end models ($700-900 frames) and this gives me everything I want in a good stiff bike. Rides great and tight and for those of you who are into the weight thing...light! My bike weighs in at a small 23 lbs. I would suggest this bike to all riders. Mr. Spicer was a great help and had the knowledge to back it up. I hope to see it on tour soon. Thanks!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Cavanaugh
a Cross Country Rider
from Dalton, GA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | spicercycles.com | | Strengths: | strong welds and gussets. lightweight. glides like an elite level bike. S-bend seatstays provides good braking | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Judy XC's. Mavic 517 SUP. Controltech/WTB cockpit.LX/XT components. Ritchley Logic pedals | | Bottom Line: | A geat value on a frame that rides beautifully. If you want a bike made for singletrack, this is it. I spent days searching for a good deal on an alumminum frame, and this the best deal on a brand new frame. Other frames at the same level wre around 600. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel Vyduna
a Cross Country Rider
from Johnsburg, Illinois
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle Moraine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | Spicer Direct | | Strengths: | Price, Light Weight, Stong, Beatiful, Good Clean Welds, Reinforced Head Tubes, and everthing else. | | Weaknesses: | This box shouldn't even be here for this product. | | Similar Products Used: | Everything | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.2 atom 80 fork, 9 spd, xtr front and rear derailer, race face crank, arch rival 50 brakes, custom wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Forget Trek, GT, Schwinn, Gary Fisher, and everyone else. This frame is an excelent and will never let you down. The price is amazing for the product you get. Today if I had a choice between this frame and any other top of the line frame from any manufacturer, I'd go with the Spicer frame. These are hand built one by one with pride. The welds are neat and flawless. If this isn't enough, then maybe the price will be enough to convice you. When you pay for another brand, you pay for the sticker on the down tube. On this bike you pay for quality, workmanship, and pride. For more information, I would advise contacting the owner of the company, Gene Spicer. He is a wealth of information and is extremely educated on the product he puts out, as well as everything else about bikes. Go to www.spicercycles.com Email me if you want further reassurance on this product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Great Falls/Reston | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Strengths: | -Light
-Responsive
-Looks
-Cost
-Excellent welds | | Weaknesses: | none to speak of.... | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp, Dean Private, several DBRs, Gary Fisher HooKooEKoo (or however it goes...) | | Bike Setup: | XT drivetrain, Manitou SX-R Ti fork, SunRims Rhyno lites, Bontrager Crowbar Comp, Ringle hubs, and mostly mid/high end stuff otherwise. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this. I got tired of riding the CrMo DB that I've been thrashing for several years, and checked out several rides, mostly costing over $1000.
Then I got a tip from a buddy to check out the deal on the Spicer frames. I got the frame for $199 and built a bike around it for a bit over $500 (plus some parts from my DB)with better components than any of those mentioned above. My neighbor, who is a welder (and rider), was impressed at the strong, flawless welds and the design of the frame in general. I weighed it at 3.2 lbs, though I've heard around 3.7 from others.
As soon as I put it together, with the girlfriend very happy I was finally done with it and ready to spend time with her, I headed off instead for 15 miles of singletrack on a muddy and rainy Sunday afternoon.
To make a long story short, everything worked perfectly. The frame was very responsive, attracted looks from passing females (polished aluminum with red Spicer logo - very FS looking) and was infinitely lighter than my DB. Anyhow, this is the least expensive frame of this caliber out there. If you are big into names (GT,Spec., whatever), you're a poser. This frame is better in every respect and costs 30% as much. That's the bottom line. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Cassiani
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso Lake Milton Ontario | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, stiff and responsive when riding, great performance for a great price!! | | Weaknesses: | None yet! | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Palisades trail w/aluminum frame | | Bike Setup: | Manitou sx-e forks,xtr frant/rear der., xtr b.b., lx hubs w/mavic rims, lx shifters, xt v-brakes w/avid 2.0 levers, kore bars w/radical stem, xt crankset | | Bottom Line: | Probably the best frame out there for the money. It has a good feel when riding and the geometry is perfect. I have a 17" and I would recommend this frame to anyone who wants great performance that matches higher priced frames for a low cost!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Racer
from Bettendorf, IA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Price, performance | | Weaknesses: | could have stiffer BB area | | Similar Products Used: | c-dale, univega, bianchi | | Bike Setup: | 17 Y2k with s-bend seat stays and reinforced steering tube, bomber superfly, all XT, Mavic cross links. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best kept secret in frames. It doesn't have fancy graphics or cool paint, but I don't care. How does it ride? It is light, stiff and responsive with perfect geometry(for me). My bike is 22 lbs all together and $1000 less and comperable LBS "kit" bikes. Trek & C-dale make the best AL bikes, but are they really that much better? No, you pay $200 for the trek and c-dale name alone, that just bought you, your new Spicer! Gene Spicer makes a great frame and stands by his work. Save your money for that sweet fork and light wheel set, they will make more of a difference in your ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toes
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge, LA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere but here | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This is a really well built frame. Very nice welds, the alignment is dead-on, etc. Light weight, my 17" is 3.7lbs. Very stiff, great climbing frame. Quick steering, holds a line well on downhills. GREAT PRICE!!! I got mine for $169. | | Weaknesses: | None, at least I've not run in to any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Mt Tam, Klein Pulse, Fisher SuperCaliber (the old steel one) | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SX-R fork, SRAM 7.0 shift/deraill., Bontrager Mustang wheelset, LX front deraill/crank, XT bb, Kore post, stem, bar, Bontrager saddle | | Bottom Line: | I was sick of paying for expensive frames. So when I came across Spicer frames, I couldn't pass up the price. This is a really great frame for an excellent price. I am very impressed with the workmanship and quality. I've been riding mountain bikes for ten years so I've been through a few and have seen a lot of bikes. If you're looking for a new or replacement frame, and not hung up on boutique frames/names, give these frames a try. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zak
a Weekend Warrior
from Chan,MN USA
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hundtermark | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Just got it, but the welds are clean (former welder, I look at that stuff) well gusseted, good tolerances, everything fit correctly. After putting 35 miles on it this weekend (mostly single track) I like it even better than the old DB | | Weaknesses: | Too soon | | Similar Products Used: | Own a $200 Diamond Back, rode FS Cannondale, FS K2, hardtail Cannondale, sorry don't know the models. | | Bike Setup: | LX Mega 9 components, Mavic rims, Manitou Spyder fork | | Bottom Line: | For about $650 I have a bike that I like better than my buddies Cannondale or the K2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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