This is a free ride frame, period. We applied the lessons learned on the DH race circuit to this frame so you can go for the biggest wheelie-drops and G-outs that your body can take. With 27 speed capability and optimized pivot locations, after bombing to the bottom of the mountain you can actually ride back up. The RFX enjoys 6 inches of wheel travel controlled by a Fox Vanilla RC reservoir shock with compression and rebound damping. For proper balance and geometry, a fork with 150mm of wheel travel should be used, a rocker is available for 5" of travel to match the 5" travel forks on the market. If you are a free rider seeking the finest in design and construction, nothing comes close to the ride or quality of the RFX.
Submitted by
jim x
a Racer
from san jose Ca Date Reviewed: October 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
perfect welds full length seat post cable routing gussets where needed zerk fittings
Bike Setup:
02RFX 03SUPER T HAYES F8 R6 CK20MM FRONT CK ISOREAR RACEFACE CRANKS BB THOMPSON POST SHAMANO FRT AND REAR MECH SHRAM ATTACTS SHIFTERS MAXXIS 2.5FRT 2.35REAR MINION 11-34CASS HUTCH DH INNER TUBES 321RIMS 13GUAGE SPOKES..ABOUT39-40LBS
Bottom Line:
AS A DESENDER ITS TOP NOTCH, IT SMOTHES OUT THE RUFFES OF TRAILS, HANDLES TECH RIDING WITH THE BEST OF THEM AND AS FOR DROPS IT TAKE THEM IN STRIDE AS A CLIMBER, ITS A 40POUND BIKE, BEING A 40 POUND BIKE I GUESS IT CLIMB GREAT I STILL DO ALL MY EPIC RIDES THAT I HAVE ALWAYS DONE 35+MILES IT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Blue Montain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1550.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
Well made frame. I didn't believe it at first, but it climbs really well and decends even better. I can never stop smiling.
Crossmax XL disc, 2003 XTR crank, front der., and rear der., Chris King headset, Avid mechanical brakes, 2002 XTR levers and pods, Thompson seat post, Easton Mag stem, Easton Monkeylite DH bars, Manitou Firefly, Night Train San Marco saddle, Intense Edge 2.35 tires.
Bottom Line:
Okay this is the deal. I had my share of great bikes in the past and wanted to try out a Turner - 5 spot. I came across a good deal on this frame with a Romic shock and I went with it - RFX
I never regreted it and I'm so happy with the entire package that I get excited every time I go on a ride. I have it built up to weigh about 28 lbs - since a lot of my riding buddies have cross country bikes. All the reviews that I read are true about being able to climb well. I never had a problem yet and I've come across some big climbs. I'm an aggressive and strong rider but I can tell when a bike makes it easy for me and this does.
On the decents, the bike just want's to take off and never look back. It handles extremly well and hug's all kinds of turns- the Intense did the same thing but doesn't compare to the Turner. Don't get me wrong, the Intense is a great bike too, but the Turner has a little more handling flow ( I just made that up). Overall, you won't be disappointed with this frame - if you can get one, or any Turner frame. I AM A TURNER RIDER FOR LIFE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MadD
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Houghton Pit
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Strengths:
Burly, strong, quality of travel, i will NEVER ride a canti beam bike again.
Weaknesses:
no bearings?? see below
Similar Products Used:
LTS (HAHAHHAHAHAHA)
Bike Setup:
Turner RFX 6", Jnr T 6", E4, Bulbs, 521s, full XTR
Bottom Line:
Ok all you there moaning about no bearing kit. Turner dont make one, no? No they dont, but i have one on CAD right now, and am just finalising the designs. 2 different options at the mo, 4 15mm wide needle bearings per pivot for the DHs and hard nuts, and 2 for people who want to save some weight. Hardned stainless steel or tool steel (looking into it) shafts, and o-ring seals everywhere. Sound interested? i prob wont be able to make any for anyone else for at least a year, and expect to pay at least £120 for a FULL (thats all pivots, including horst links) pivot kit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tiga
a Racer
from North Vancouver, B.C Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Looks very beefy. Not Banshee Scream beefy, but solid. Beautiful construction. Straight seat tube. It has a "Turner" sticker on it.
Weaknesses:
I can appreciate a rig like this, but anybody that can see beyond the name will tell you that there are a few weaknesses. What bothered me the most is that the guys I was riding with when I tested this bike all we're on bikes that cost less completely built up than the price of the RFX frame alone. Bushing's at this price range is an insult. Also, while the ride was excellent, I have ridden several other bikes which rode better in my opinion, for less money.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain RM-7 & 9, Kona Stinky Dee-lux & 9, Kona Stab & Primo, Ellsworth Joker, Brodie 8 Ball, Norco VPS, Santa Cruz Bullit, Cannondale Gemini, Giant DH & AC-1, Specialied Big Hit comp & DH, Intense Uzzi DH, Orange 222.
Bottom Line:
Unfotunately many of the people that buy this bike will only buy it to look "cool" or to try and lend credibility to their bogus "10 foot to flat" stories. If you drive up the paved road to the trail head in a shiny late model SUV that you're Dad bought you with a big "Turner" sticker on the window, and a cocky and absolutely delusional idea about your skill level, then please do not buy this bike. I cannot tell how irritating this scenerio is when there are so many totally humble rippers out there who could really use a bike like this, but are on old jalopies. To everyone else: I would say ride the RFX side by side with other bikes out there. If it feels better than a Bullit, Gemini, Joker, etc. without looking at the stickers or the price tag, then buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clem Hobbs
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Duke's
Strengths:
Quality of workmanship, climbing efficiency for a "free-ride" bike is great. Versatitily as either a heavy duty XC bike or an aggressive FR bike depending on your setup. Uninterrupted seat tube design. Ride quality
Weaknesses:
Cost, but you get what you pay for. Maybe the bushings, time will tell.
Similar Products Used:
GT Backwoods, Trek Y-5
Bike Setup:
5" rockers, Z1 FR, XT Hydro, Raceface seatpost, cranks & rings, Easton Monkey light & Cully pedals, Mavic 519 with IRC Kujo DH & El Gato, all XT
Bottom Line:
I've had the RFX for 5 months or so now and love it. The suspension is very active and makes for a smooth ride. I have had one incident whereby the main pivot started creaking quite loudly under pedal loads, it turned out to be some dirt that had infiltrated the pivot probably due to either my over cleaning of the beauty or the extremely muddy rides I was subjecting it to at the time, and I was greasing it regularily.
This bike has given me soooo much more confidence on stunts/drops it's incredible. It's amazing to be on a bike that feels as if it's made for this stuff. The more gnarly the trail the more the bike feels at home, it's just up to me to be ballsy enough to try it. I've gone from XC riding last year to doing 4 foot drops on it and can't wait to go higher knowing the bike can take it. The uninterrupted seat tube is definitely the way to go, I'm regularily lowering the seat to do certain stunt sections and then raising it for trail riding. My setup is very xc oriented, but the fact that you can increase travel and add a big fork leaves lots of room to grow.
This bike does many things very well, you won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Orem, UT, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
WrenchScience.com
Strengths:
- Quality build (paint, fit and finish, etc.) - Bombs through anything! - Super plush, but pedals like a dream! - Loves to climb - Stiff rear end - Smooth, smooth, smooth!
Weaknesses:
- Price - Non-continuous "continuous" seat tube. I could only insert the post about 8 inches before it hits welds or something inside of the tube. David Turner assured me this was simply an oversight on their part as these things are typically filed out before shipping. Where's that darn round file when I need it? - You're up pretty high with the tall BB and seat height when climbing - Fairly heavy
Similar Products Used:
- Santa Cruz Bullit - Intense Uzzi SLX - Ellsworth Id - Rocky Mountain Slayer
Bike Setup:
6" Rocker Plates, 2002 7" Super T Pro, RaceFace North Shore DH cranks, Sun Rhyno Lite XL rims, XTR rear, XT front, XT shifters, Hayes 8" Hydros, SRAM 9.0 cassette & chain, Easton MG60DH stem, Blackspire DH headset, Maxxis Mobster 2.7 and Gozzi Jr. tires.
Bottom Line:
I have continued to be amazed at how well this bike handles everything I've thrown at it. Drops? You don't feel them. Rocks and roots? You just fly over or plow through them. What about climbing? I kept up with my buddy on a Giant NRS!
The best thing about this bike is the pedaling efficiency which helps on climbing and descending. There is NO bob at all... even when standing! Actually, when I stand to power through short, steep climbs, the rear wheel actually digs in better and I get more traction! I have NEVER had a full suspension bike that pedaled better while standing. WOW!
With 7" up front and 6" in the rear, I can't believe how well this bike climbs and handles anything I can throw at it. It remains very maneuverable and I feel I can throw it around just fine.
The bottom line... I have NEVER had so much fun on a bike as I do now. Turner is the bomb! If you're looking at getting one, go to WrenchScience.com. Those guys will dial you in!
If you want to see my bike, cut and paste this: http://www.turnerbikes.com/bom/062002/2125JasonMitchell.htm
The best rig on the planet! Only 4 chilis for the overall value since it is a spendy frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon G
a Cross Country Rider
from Allentown Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Jim Thorpe: rim trail, American Standard
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
Halter's Cycles, NJ
Strengths:
RFX frame is bombproof Solid welds and great paintjob Super smooth and supple in technical terrain Continous Seat tube allows for great range of seat height Customer service is very responsive
Weaknesses:
Price Had to wait 12 weeks to get my frame Heavy on long climbs
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR 1500, Santa Cruz Bullit, Giant ATX
Bike Setup:
6" rocker, Fox Vanilla RLC 125, Hayes 6" brakes,Mavic 219 rims, Chris King, Thompson, XT hubs and drivetrain, shorty deluxe, MRP minime with 32 ring, WTB 2.4 Mutanoraptor treads
Bottom Line:
This bike rides like butter through the gnarliest terrain and drops. Just point the bike down hill and let it do the work for you. The RFX can handle anything I throw at it. I haven't ventured off anything over 5 feet yet, but I would not hesitate to do it with this frame. The RFX has a smooth solid feel that gives me confidence to try things that I would never consider on my GT XCR. Although this bike is heavy for XC riding, it can climb most any technical terrain you throw at it. The only thing holding me back now are my skills and my cajones. The linkage design on this frame is much more active than that on the Bullit. For example I was following my friend last week on a technical downhill. After giving him a 20 yard lead, I let my brakes go and within seconds I was on his ass. He turned around to look for me and was surprised to see me right there with a big grin on my face. I didn't even hear you coming was his comment. The RFX also exels at grinding through super rocky sections while keeping the tires on the ground. This bike was well worth the wait and the cost as well. Every time I ride the RFX, I enjoy it even more. Hats off to Turner for their service and quality product. I saw lots of positive reviews on MTBR. Now I know why. Thanks to Jay and Alex at Halter's Cycles in NJ for putting up with all my phone calls. They did a great job. This is the ideal bike for anyone looking for a bombproof freeride/trail bike. It is not for just XC riding on fast nontechnical singletrack. The RFX eats rocks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Sullivan
a
from Santa Monica, California Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002
Pros: . The RFX beat every other frame I found in the market (Kona, Ellsworth, Bullet, SLX, Gemini, Yeti, Fly, Rocky Mountain, Iron Horse, Big Hit, etc.) based on my specific “requirements”. Put simply, the RFX was, and is, the best bike available. If the RFX were to utilize needle bearings instead of bushings, it would have met 100% of the following requirements. 1. Burly – must have great rep for not breaking 2. Three rings in front 3. Uninterrupted seat tube – without a bend - for maximum seat post variability 4. “Normal” head/seat tube angles & BB for climbing and quick response/tracking 5. At least 6” suspension in the rear to balance with a Shiver 7.5” 6. 4-bar Horst Link suspension - for increased smoothness, minimal bobbing, and reduce break-induced lock out 7. Maintenance free (i.e. bearings) 8. Price is not a factor 9. Quality/caring customer service - incase something breaks 10. Company is strong (will survive a “down market”) and committed to the sport . The bike climbs like I can’t believe. It’s just “right” with regards to suspension (hence, the name of company, Turner Suspension Bicycles Inc.) and seat tube angle design. That’s the secret of this frame, the RFX will allow you to climb technical trails with full seat extension (34” top of seat to center of crank for me) and then drop the seat 10” down to the frame for ultra-vertical/technical drops. My buddies with SLXs (also 4-bar Host link) have only about 3.5” of seat tube variability. I have, and use on the fly, 10”. . With the 190mm Shiver (company stipulates only up to 150mm) the resultant head tube & seat tube angles, & BB, are 64.4, 72.66, and 14.75 respectively (the BB is 13 sprung). As stated above, these do not inhibit the bikes ability to climb TECHNICAL assents – at all. With regards to climbing DISTANCES – then you’ll of course be dealing with a 35-39 pound bike. No mercy there. . This bike gets along with high-speed rock gardens and 4’-5’ drops-to-flat like dykes & dogs. The tracking and stiffness are impeccable. Get yourself a pair of Intense Mag30 rims and you’ll never go back to flimsy equipment again.
Weaknesses:
Cons: (this is tough love of the 01 frame – in hopes of “continuous improvement”) . The bushings have to be constantly greased or they get really squeaky (like a loose crank) in only about four weeks at, maybe, three rides a week. Furthermore, one of the five grease fittings are placed such that you have to remove one of the shock bolts and pull back the rear shock to get access. I’m sure there is a valid technical reason why the fitting was placed there, but it isn’t the most elegant process to grease your bushings – EVERY MONTH. That alone has to be a full 90% of the market “con” feedback on this frame – bushings. Please Mr. Turner, design next years RFX with needle bearings (like the DH) and be done with it. The company philosophy is stated as “Compromise is not an option” – so lets do that. . I did break one of the two bolts that connect the rear shock (and the second bolt bent). My bad – I guess. I’m 250 and thought that various big drops would be OK without adjusting the compression dampening/preload. I should also probably up my 650 pound spring to a 700 now that I’m able to do this amazing stuff with this bike. God BLESS I do love this bike. . I did break the main pivot bolt that connects the rear triangle to the main triangle. I actually broke the thing trying to unscrew it to take it apart and clean the bushings - which wasn’t required but I like to take things apart and see how they work and to try and make sure it is clean and, ironically, last. I’m now told that you must replace the suspension bolts every time they are loosened – which you should never need to do unless you’re replacing your bushings maybe ~4 years into owning the bike. I did get the hex bolts replaced with Torques bolts, which are supposedly less prone to stripping – but that shouldn’t matter because I’m also told that you need very specific torque tightening (i.e. don’t over tighten). . The cables are brought down over the top tube. Since you can actually climb with the RFX the forward mounts are in the wrong place. They jut out from the sides of the top tube. I have hit my knees on those mother-scratchers many times. I understand that there isn’t enough room for the wires to go under and through the shock plate zone in the rear, but the forward cable connectors should be designed out of knees-way even if you have to go around the top tube to do it (bottom to top on the way back to the seatpost).
Similar Products Used:
Other: . The spec calls for a fork with no more than 150mm of front fork, whereas, I’m using a Shiver w/190mm. I’ve found this to be a non-issue, at least for the 21” frame. Once you get used to the bike, you’ll ride it more like a motorcycle (on the tank) and when you flick it into a corner, it’s more like a ski/snowboard - you have to commit the front “edge” into the turn for the most effective response – thus balancing the bike. . The rear will accept a 2.7 tire but balloons, and then rubs, under load so I’m using a Kujo 2.35. Personally, I think the Maxxis Mobster is great for straight drops, however the Kujo 2.65 complements the lateral maneuverability of the bike better and is much more predictable (think SBK with a knee out – think the San Juan trail or Red Box). . Thank God the frame accepts a Hayes 8” disk in the rear. Barely. Like by 2mm. I can occasionally hear some knife sharpening going on back there with side loads. . The rear “triangle” (actually a 4-bar) looks wimpy in comparison to the main “triangle”. Specifically, the amount of material around the main pivot looks like it would be the first thing to fail. I’ve gone super-big on this bike and I will attest to its “bomber” durability with a 250 pound rider. No joke. It’s the poo – so take a whiff. . At this point the weakest link in my “system” is my chain bouncing off the front rings, no matter what gear I’m in, so I’m using a Bullet chain tensioner that works PERFECT but the company has gone under so good luck finding one. The shifting is a bit slower with it but the chain stays on the rings.
Bike Setup:
21” RFX with all XTR, Hayes 8”, Thompson…, Azonic, a 02 Shiver, Chris King ISO/Intense Mag30, 2.65/2.35 Kujo, Salsa, The, SPD-M646, Bullet tensioner, ODI… is a tad under 40 pounds.
Bottom Line:
Based on my riding style, and definition of “freeride” the RFX is, without exception, the best bike made. Were it to have needle bearings instead of bushings it would be even better.
Trivia . By the way, RFX stands for Ride Free eXtreme. Cannondale was trying to copy write the term “Freeride” at the time of creation of the RFX. . My 2001 RFX is the third production year of the RFX frame. The only change that has been made over those years is that in 2001 the seat tube support was added in response to the one RFX front triangle breakage (by a guy named Jay from Penn - only known breakage). Jay also broke two rear triangles (only two known to have broken – at the time. I’m sure more have gone down). Apparently Jay weighs 350 pounds. Making me at 6’5” 250 - a little-guy. . The Turner logo (with UCI colors) is an obscure reference to the fact that Turner bikes, per the UCI rules, do in fact have a world champion rider. I forgot the girls name but she did it on a cross-country bike. . Dave Turner used to work with Horst Lietner at AMP and I hear that, as a test rider (one of three) with Team Mongoose, Dave was the first person to ride a Horst Link bike. Anyway, Dave has a letter from Mr. Lietner that gives him the right to use that link design. Never the less, Dave does not enforce this right and licenses the technology from the current patent holders, Specialized – as does Intense. . The idea behind the shock location was low center of gravity and to allow for smaller bikes to be designed for women/friends without changing the entire bike design. . Sapa Anodizing Inc. makes all the RFX frames for Turner Suspension Inc. They are based in Portland Oregon. Allied Something-or-other in Corona CA also makes frames/etc. for Turner. . If you have any corrections or additional RFX trivia – please email me at hotsully@hotmail.com. Glad to be of service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BOB AUSTIN
a Weekend Warrior
from COMOX, VANCOUVER ISLAND Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Two Sheiks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
direct from Turner
Strengths:
I reviewed this bike last July after three months of use and was greatly impressed. Now, eight months and seven hours a week of riding later and a full British Columbia West Coast winter of wet roots, frozen rocks and steep decents later, I am blown away. It is so well balanced, so stiff and predictable that it raises one's level of confidence for the tough riding we do here. Everything I tackle, I do so with much more certainty. Steep descents that a year ago I would ride cautiously, I can now do in the wet and at night. I highly recommend this frame...it just grows on you.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Turner XCE, Kona Stinky, Bullet,various Rocky Mountain F/S bikes.
Bike Setup:
Chris King, Mavic rims, Mr. Dirt stem, Marzocchi Z1 5 inch. Hope discs.
Bottom Line:
For a long-term frame that you can keep for years, that gives you a great ride...it's the best.
Who should buy it....The free-ride enthusiast, or the serious Cross County rider who looks for the toughest terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from Kapaa HI Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Kokee Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Leucadia Cyclery
Strengths:
Pedals like a much lighter bike, handles drops and steeps so well you start to think it can survive anything, excellent craftsmanship and customer service
Weaknesses:
none at all and if anyone says different they just don't know how to appreciate a rig like this
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Joker, Kona Stinky series
Bike Setup:
2002 Super T, Hayes hydros w/ Razor Roc Racing lever upgrade and 8 inch rotors front and rear, Chris King steel downhill headset (thanks Guy at Turner for the hookup), Hadley hubs laced to a Ryno Lite up front and a Big Mammoth in the rear, Tioga Factory DH 2.3 tires, Race Face North Shore cranks, BB and riser bars, ODI lock on grips, XT drive-train, Thompson seatpost and stem, SDG Bel-air saddle
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks,plain and simple. It makes drop under 6 feet seem like childs play and anything over 6 feet seem possible. The toughest part is finding components tough enough to be hung on this frame. BTW, stay away from Stratos forks, they definitely can't hang. This bike also climbs amazingly well and I routinely beat people on XC/FS rigs up hills. Turner is also the best company as far as standing behind their products. When I ovalized my headtube after my Stratos S7 blew up on a 10 foot drop Turner came through with a deal on the Chris King steel DH headset to take care of the problem and make sure it doesn't happen again. Perfect customer service backing up the perfect freeride frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave franciosy
a Downhiller
from norfolk england (flat as you can get) Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
aston hill (dh3)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3191.00
Purchased At:
riverside england
Strengths:
THE FRAME IS VERY STRONG AND AS IT DOSE NOT BOB UNDER PEDALING YOU ARE ABLE TO GET BACK TO THE TOP .6" TRAVEL PLATES ARE GOOD MATCH FOR THE U.K
Weaknesses:
NONE A PART FROM THE STICKERS KEEP COMING OFF (HOW SAD)
THIS IS THE BEST DOWNHILL BIKE BY FAR I WILL NEVER SELL IT (MAY BE THE FORKS)IT IS JUST RIGHT FOR THE UK RACEING AND I AM ABLE TO USE IT WHEN I AM NOT DOWN HILLING LIKE JUMPING AND DOING DROPOFFS .AND EVEN RIDING TO WORK .IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUY A DOWNHILL BIKE FOR THE UK LOOK VERY HARD AT A TURNER YOU WILL NOT GO FAR WRONG
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from LA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Same as before.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
I've had the bike for a few months now and I took her up to Snow Summit again. Basically I am amazed at the rigidity of the rear end. The chain stays are not at all that beefy, but there is bascially no flex in the frame. The front end is stiff stiff stiff! The Foes F-1 is just an awesome DH fork. I think everyone into Dhing should give it consideration when it comes time to choose a fork. XT discs howl like a basset hound, but they work great and were maintenance free. My rear rynolite wheel was slightly out of true after the 7 runs I did, but they have not been adjusted since I got them. The IRC Kujo rear tire and the intense 2.35 are great tires. All in all, the RFX is an awesome frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from LA,CA Date Reviewed: September 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Build quality: topnotch welds/construction. greaseport feature. Stiffness: despite rather thin-looking chainstays. Gussets in all the right places. Suspension: It levels almost everything. Although with "only" six inches of rear travel, I took this bike up to Snow Summmit and ran it on the downhill courses. Suspension feel was great. As a four-bar linkage design, the bike climbs quite well; lots of traction available.
Weaknesses:
The headtube/downtube would not clear my Foes F1 fork's lower crown, but this is more of a problem with the fork crown design, not the frame. The frame weight makes it a heavy for those that want to use it as a XC-style bike.
This is the most versatile bike I have ever ridden. As a heavier rider, I wanted a bike with a strong frame and more travel. At first, I was concerned about the rear triangle appearing kind of thin, but my trip to Big Bear confirmes that the frame can stand up to a lot of abuse. My XC set up weighs in at 30 lbs., which may make it a heavy by trailbike standards, but the suspension action more than make up for the weight shortcoming. Two other notes: 1) The Foes F-1 fork is awesome. Extremely stiff and the action sucks up everything. The Paint and finish of the RFX is superb. My frame came in candy red and is applied beautifully.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Eckersley
a
from Merseyside, UK Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Nannerch - RIP
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Riverside
Strengths:
Can you say Q U A L I T Y. Superb design and build with great details like grease ports and gussets in the right places. For me a major consideration was the fact that I can adjust my seatpost hight without fear of fouling the shock.
Weaknesses:
My forks, brakes, gears, legs. No Hydraulic cable guides. I had to file out the cable guides to fit my rear brake hose
Similar Products Used:
Intense Uzzi DH for 2 years. I thought I would be taking a step down in suspension performance for the benefits mentioned above but I couldn't be more wrong
In the four months I've had this bike I've done a 42 mile, 7 hour xc ride over mountainous terrain, ridden my favourite downhill track at nannerch, jumped it at my local trails (18 foot doubles) and dropped over 10 ft to flat. This bike does it all and still leaves me wondering if I'll ever reach a standard this bike deserves. Bottom line :- Unmatched Versatility and quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from SF, CA Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
tenderfoot
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Kalo
Strengths:
Plush Stiff Immaculate workmanship
Weaknesses:
Huh?? Maybe a bit heavy but this is a freeride frame after all
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth, Dirtworks Termite, Titus Switchblade, Spec FSR, Klein Adept, Klein Mantra
If you want a bombproof freeride that can climb as well as descend, this is the ticket. I am now descending 20% faster with no fear because of the pluch, efficient travel on the RFX. The Turner has a ride quality unlike anything else I have ridden: totally smooth, predictable, and stable. Sure it's expensive, but the quality really shows.
Climbing is nothing like an XC bike, but ain't bad. I can't think of a better all-around playbike than the RFX. Does everythig really, really well. If you're freeriding, definitely go with a big tire. The Panaracer DHs are fantastic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MadD
a Weekend Warrior
from Dunstable England Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Houghton Pit
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Strengths:
STRONG CLIMBS STIFF CLIMBS WORKS did i mention it climbs?
Weaknesses:
seals
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS
Bike Setup:
6" rear plates (no extra cost), Jnr T's, Enduro 4's, XT, Precision Billet... dream... my dream... messy.
Bottom Line:
REMEMBER: I am in ENGLAND, that means english weather. This bike has GREAT sealing, but the much will still get in. Use Manitou Prep M grease in the ports to get best results (thats Daves words not mine, and he should know, he designed it). A strip every 3 months is all is required compared to my LTS which needed it every ride. In england, mud will ALWAYS get in no matter what seals u use, so in UK the only way for no servicing is cartridge bearings, but they cannot take the force bushes can and are less stiff. 37lb bike that flies up hills, and blimey... down... well... its like talking to god. Worth EVERY penny and maybe even a few more. p.s. DAVE or anyone at TURNER BIKES, if u are reading this, YOUR E-MAIL IS UP THE SPOUT! Everything gets returned as offensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grande
a
from T-Flats Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Roller Coaster R.I.P.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
Yard sale
Strengths:
Fat tubing, plush travel, no frame flex, customer service, climbing (yea I said climbing!) and hearing the guy riding a 'Cracknfail' say, "I never heard of it."
Weaknesses:
Huh? Ahhh...what's that? Well I do have to carry a stick to beat off all the chicks chasing after me.
Similar Products Used:
Intense,Chuck,KHS,Ellsworth,Specialized,GT
Bike Setup:
16.5" frame 5" travel, Mr.T QR20, Hope Pro series,Hope Bulb hubs, XTR cranks/R.R./E-type, XT shifters, Sun Rhyno Lite XL, Easton, Chris King, Azonic, Thompson, Titec
Bottom Line:
This bike puts the impin' in pimpin'. It does everything like no other can. Big hits, drops and super sketchy technical downhill stuff is easy like your little sister. It works the corners like yo' mama and the climbing efficiency is similar to my hardtail, it hooks up! This setup weighs about 35lb. but it rides like a much lighter bike.If you want an all around bike that excels at everything, this is the one. Don't even bother looking elsewhere. It will be the last bike you ever buy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matrix
a Cross Country Rider
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Nice machining....nice shock"FOX"
Weaknesses:
?
Similar Products Used:
Marin=B-17...&...Team DH....Giant atx-1 DH
Bike Setup:
5" Z.1 qr20 .....321rims
Bottom Line:
I tried this bike out for a total of 10 minutes...From my experience this is the Best feeling bike next to Giant atx-1 DH.....The Turner is real nice & looks like it will never break!...It was so plush & Smoooth ! It feels Much better than a B-17 or Wildcat trail by far! ----Total freeride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiffness and plush suspension
Weaknesses:
Not twitchy enough for tight turns.
Bike Setup:
6" rocker + Super T w/ XT drive trains
Bottom Line:
After couple of rides, I think I'm more comfortable climbing on this then my older XCE. The 6" travel rear end soakes everything on the way up and down. I didn't feel the 35 lbs at all.(as long as you spin at 90+ rpm, just like Lance!) Like someone else's review, the bike does not like to turn too much. It's like a pair GS skis. It will carve turns but changing lines will take some work. The high BB clearance is great for clearing obstacles, but for riders looking a feeling of a DH ride, this is a little different. I would change to 5" travel and use it as a heavy duty trail bike for rough rides. I'm still amazed by how well it climbs and the performance of the suspension.
Sure it is expensive...but no other bike rides like a Turner. (heck, the Ellsworth cost even more)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BOB AUSTIN
a Cross Country Rider
from VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Two sheiks and a dog.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
DIRECT FROM TURNER
Strengths:
Beautiful Frame. Dark metallic Green with silver lettering. 5 inches of travel. Superb detailing. Rock Solid frame. Great, all-round geometry, no flex at all.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Turner XCE for a few years and have ridden, RM Pipeline, RM Slayer, Santa Cruz Bullit, Kona Stinky.
Bike Setup:
Built it up light. 31 lbs. Chris King rear hub/headset, Hope disc brakes,Mavic 317 disc rims, Easton Scandium bar, Raceface XY post, lighweight Rocco 2.4 DH tires, Truvativ Style team cranks, Marzocchi Z1 MCR 5 inch travel.
Bottom Line:
Our typical ride is an hour+ of tough uphi1l and two hours of aggressive singletrack downhill...very steep, slippery descents, tons of big logs etc. I wanted to create a Freeride bike light enough to be great on Uphill & Cross Country, yet superb downhill. On climbs, particularly over rocks and steep uphill rooty ascents, it is incredible as the rear supension just digs in and never gives up. It climbs better than any bike I have ever ridden. Downhill and X- Country, it inspires confidence. The geometry is perfect and the frame is stiff. It soaks up everything. Amazing. Probably one of the best bikes you can buy and the Turners are great to deal with. Not inexpensive but worth every cent. With the RFX,Turner has gone where the others are headed...Stiff, strong, durable and not too heavy long-travel, Freeride bikes that can do everything really well...Up, down and Cross Country
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara, CA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1950.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Beautiful workmanship, great customer service, a well developed design, burly construction
Weaknesses:
Weaknesses?!? I didn't even have the famous "Turner Wait" for this one.
Similar Products Used:
Turner Stinger, AMP B3
Bike Setup:
Yellow RFX w/5" travel(Med), Z1CR fork w/5" travel, King HS, Thomson stem, Answer ProTaper bars, Deore XT discs, XTR 8sp shifters, Syncros (made in Canada) post, RaceFace LP cranks, RaceFace BB, XTR BB mount front derailleur, XTR rear derailleur, Mavic 317 disc rims, XT hubs
Bottom Line:
After hitting the limits of my Stinger XC bike on some of the nastier local trails, I felt the need to get something that can take more abuse. I've owned a Turner Stinger for 2 years, and was familiar with David Turner's attention to detail and vast knowledge of full suspension design, so I decided to get his version of the freeride bike.
I've only had the bike together for a couple of weeks, but so far I can say that it has the feeling of a well-refined design. The 5 inches of travel in the rear feels like a linear progression. It does not stiffen up as you go further into the travel. Steering is a little pokey compared to the XC bike, but that's to be expected. This is a bike that is designed for going through obstacles that lesser machines would have to go around. This also means that it keeps going in the direction that you want until you really want to change direction. Lateral stiffness is excellent. The high-quality bushings that Turner uses will work better over the long haul than most of the bikes out there with bearings. The grease fittings at every pivot point helps to insure the bushings will last. There is little to no suspension action from pedaling forces when seated. When standing, the fork pogos a lot more than the rear does. This bike will climb (I have a 24 speed XTR drivetrain), but I'm not sure I would call it fun. My bike weighs over 30 lbs. (I haven't put it on a scale yet), and I can only compare it to my 23lb. Stinger and my road bike. This means that my wussy legs just aren't used to moving that kind of heft uphill. However, the active suspension makes rocky singletrack climbs almost fun. I can now stay seated and pedal over and through things that the Stinger would have to be finessed around.
All this being said, I would recommend this bike for people who really like to scare themselves on the descents, have enough fortitude to climb the hills under their own power, and a willingness to pay for the highest quality equipment out there. There are a lot of bikes that are similar to this, but how many are you going to be able to ride hard for years? If you like getting up the hills in a hurry, this isn't the bike for you, try a Stinger or an O2. If economics force compromises, you may want to look elsewhere. Finally, I bought my first Turner because my wife got an Afterburner and David Turner's attention to the customer convinced me that I should have the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gareth Moffatt
a Downhiller
from Portsmouth Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Queen Elizabeth Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Cycle Centre, Congleton
Strengths:
Reliabilty,ability to soak up anything,low maintenance. Oh, and it's luverly looks!
Weaknesses:
Had to wait 4 months to get my hands on it. But worth it!
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bike Setup:
manitou millenium forks, chris king headset, hope bulb's on azonic V rims, hope enduro 4 pots, full xtr, middleburn RS7 chainset, raceface XYO seatpost, monkey lite bars, shorty stem.
Bottom Line:
Beautifully built machine that is a joy to ride. Can take everything that you throw at it with ease, and gives you loads of confidence in what it can do. Has to to be the ultimate freeride bike, and was worth the wait and the money!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandpoint, Idaho, US Date Reviewed: September 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
120
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
manufacturer direct
Strengths:
Beautiful bike with nice paint and a wonderful design. The bike fits together so well, all the CNC pieces give the bike a very solid look and feel without the weight penalty.
Weaknesses:
Wait....and wait....and wait. I had a four and a half month wait on my frame. The lack of literature for setup and maintence is also a little lacking.
Similar Products Used:
All Hardtails
Bike Setup:
18" RFX with 6" travel, a Marzocchi Z1 130mm, Chris King headset, Monkey lite bar, Hope Pro hydro discs, XTR pods-derailleurs-cassette, Raceface cranks-BB, Chris king Discotech hubs laced to Mavic 321 rims, Speedplay pedals a thompson seatpost and WTB saddle.
Bottom Line:
Built this bike weighs around 31 lbs but it is a great bike that can still put the power to the ground while you are seated. Standing you will get massive amounts of bob and little forward progress. All in all I am very pleased with this bike and the service that Turner has given me. The company maybe a little slow at delivering bikes but are always right on with there E-mails and phone calls. If you are looking for a good bike with a lot of suspension and a good climbing demeanor look no further. This bike will eat up any rocks, roots, and ledges that you put in front of it and still climb back to the top to do it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Owen
a Racer
from St. George, UT, USA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The ones near St. George
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Incredible ride, both up and downhill. Turners are bar-none the best suspension mountain bikes on the planet. The RFX is sturdy with straight gauge tubing and massive gussets. Easy suspension maintenance via grease ports. The cachet of having a machine built by an absolute bike wizard.
Weaknesses:
There is quite a wait between ordering a Turner and receiving it (wizardry takes time). Only the most bike-savvy people realize what a Turner is (this is actually probably a strength, but I'm getting tired of explaining to people that I haven't taken a step down from my Cannondale)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super-V (2 models for a total of 3 years). Schwinn sweet-spot design. Although dissimilar, various hardtails and a Litespeed Tsali.
Bike Setup:
RFX 5 inch travel, Marzocchi Z1 BAM fork, Chris King headset and Disc-go-tech hubs, Sun DS1-XC hubs, Hope Pro disc brakes, Thompson post, LP Composites XC riser bar, Kore Elite stem, XTR Drivetrain with E-plate front derailleur, IRC Backcountry tires.
Bottom Line:
I knew this bike would be a great downhiller. Its uphill ride floored me. My 19.5 inch bike built as above weighs 30.5 pounds and I never planned on doing any cross country racing on it. I did two time trials up a 1 mile steep, loose dirt grade wearing a heart rate monitor. My time on my 26.5 pound Cannondale Super-V was 10 minutes 33 seconds with an average heart rate of 153 bpm. On my Turner, my time was 9 minutes 43 seconds with an average of 148 bpm. Going faster uphill felt even easier than the numbers. My downhill times on the same course were 2 minutes even at what felt like the edge of control on the Cannondale and a comfortable 1 minutes 34 seconds on the Turner (I ran out of gears or I could have gone faster). Riding the bikes side by side revealed minimal bobbing on the longer travel Turner versus the once-loved Cannondale that suddenly seemed horribly inadequate by comparison. I chose to ride the Turner the last 3 of my 4 laps (2 night, 1 day) at the 24 hours of Moab and my 4th lap on the Turner was almost as fast as my first on the all out race set-up Litespeed Tsali that weighs under 24 pounds! On the Turner, all you had to do was point your tire where you wanted to go and spin your sorry, tired legs. There was no energy wasted trying to ride a particular line, any and all felt smooth as buttah! The suspension is incredibly active whether you're coasting, under power, or braking, and there's minimal bobbing. It's a step above anything else I've ever ridden. If you want to do a lot of x-country riding without racing, an XCE would probably be your best choice. It still has 4 inches of travel but the frame weighs about a pound less. The RFX is tough enough to handle extreme freeriding, but still goes uphill incredibly well. I'm waiting now for a Turner O2 (ordered it 6 weeks ago, natch) that I'm going to set up for racing rougher cross country courses, I'm planning on racing the Tsali on smoother ones. I'm interested in seeing how the various bikes compare in direct comparison. The Cannonndale, by the way, is history. It served me well, but I've seen a better way and it's spelled TURNER.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete Richards
a Weekend Warrior
from Anchorage, Alaska Date Reviewed: July 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Earth
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
If you had to pick a frame to ride on the moon you would need this one.
Weaknesses:
The way you feel after you have finished applying all your components.It's tomat soup,macaroni&cheese, grilled cheese for a long time, but hey you got a turner!
Similar Products Used:
Turner xc with all the stuff. Specialized FSR with all the same stuff. Pro-Flex=Dung,Sorry. Misc others
Bike Setup:
Comes with FOX vanilla remote. Marzocchi Z1 Drop-off, Hayes Disc Brakes 6 rotors, ProTaper bars, Azonic Stem, WTB Laser beams black 23mm, Chris King Disco-Tech hubs, & Head set, Syncros Skewers, Race Face cranks & Seat Post, XTR shift pods & Derailleurs, WTB Seat, XTR TI Cassette & BB, OH And A Bear-Bell because in alaska bears will eat you & your bike. almost forgot Yeti Grips. And Thanks goes out to RICK SHAW for everything & FRANK PAINTER for everything after.
Bottom Line:
If you got the coin, then go & get it Boy!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fly
a Weekend Warrior
from CHN Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very strong frame. Beautiful workmanship. Plush. Pivots smooth like bearings. Very maneuvarable, carves like a dream in tight DH track.
Hope disc brake, Marzocchi JrT, XTR components, Mavic 521 rim with IRC Kujo tires.
Bottom Line:
I've been waiting for more than 2 months to get this frame and really worth it. This has been the best fs bike I ever owned. One word to describe it: FUN!!
Overall Rating:
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