Submitted by
Matt Weiss
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005
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.
Bottom Line:
great bike. build one up for under $2000. the frame is key.
Bike Setup: front Talus RLC, XT Cranks, Mavic 317 wheels, whipperman chain, etc..
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Amundson
a Weekend Warrior
from Flagstaff, Arizona
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2005
Strengths: outstanding affordability for custom bike
Weaknesses: none
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!
Strengths: -Truly custom frame for off-the-shelf price -Service
Weaknesses: -No product weaknesses -I only wish he could build these faster
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.
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
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Minh
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003
Strengths: excellent service
Weaknesses: NONE
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)!
Submitted by
Miguel Guajardo
a Racer
from Richardson, Tx. USA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003
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!
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.
Similar Products Used: Trek 820, Univega Alpina 700
Bike Setup: Everything off my Univega Alpina on the new Spicer frame.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
David Parrott
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003
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
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.
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...
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Burke, VA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
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.
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from All over, USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003
Strengths: Fantastic Finish work Gene's OUTSTANDING support Bang for the Buck
Weaknesses: None noted thus far
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.
Submitted by
Noel Zamot
a Racer
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002
Strengths: Durability, I'm finding out
Weaknesses: None. Scratch my previous negative comments!
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!!!
Bike Setup: Upgraded to Avid mechanical disks and Stan's NoTubes system.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Boyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Deerfield Beach , FL.
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002
Strengths: Cool Looks, Strong, Price - SERVICE!
Weaknesses: Nadda, None, Zip,..
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.
Bike Setup: Sun Rhyno Lites,Koobi saddle, RaceFace cranks, Sram 9sl woody w/ esp shifters, Duke Race forks.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from Belmont, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002
Strengths: Light. Solid construction. finish. Great support.PRICE!!!
Weaknesses: zero
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.
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!
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
bdogsmith
a Weekend Warrior
from South Bend, IN
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002
Strengths: Beautiful looking finish and welds. Great wieght and value for cost.
Weaknesses: nope
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
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.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Edwards, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002
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!!
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.
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.
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.
Submitted by
Dan Gluck
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Strengths: light, stiff, and responsive
Weaknesses: --NONE --
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 !!!
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