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Submitted by
kphmeikle@optonline.net
a Cross Country Rider
from martinsville ,n.j.usa
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | chimney rock only because i built it s 10 +.any and all trails accross the continent, just ride | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | jensen usa,closeout | | Strengths: | this is the 6th burner xce ive built up. several friends had me build them up for them after riding mine which is my 3rd since 95 they are definatly one of if not the best design for there time, ive logged well over 7000 miles on my bikes and they performed stellar all over north america from nj to maine to tsali n.c. to canada to moab to lake tahoe an everywhere inbetween only had 1 major problem and when i needed a new seat stay the boys at turner totally hooked me up with a complete tnt rearend 4 half price they were great the guy that complained about 20 bucks for a rear der. hanger thats the average price for most custom bikes and if thats all he had to do, he is whining over a couple bucks . | | Weaknesses: | none, maybe the rider? | | Similar Products Used: | many, but turners seem to be at the top . | | Bike Setup: | full custom ,raceface next lp ,hope brakes and hubs, titec ,monkeylite carbon bars,marzocci forks ive had z1bams, shiver1 100 mm which though a little heavy but plush an both forks were bomb proof an super adj. xtr shifters an precision billit ders. also sun singletrac rims 36 spoke.bike has been bomb proof even tnt rear came only afterthousands of miles of hard riding | | Bottom Line: | not much to say other than its one solid performer ,probably the best bike in its class.if you get a chance to own or ride one do it | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Brady
a Cross Country Rider
from Westford
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Turner | | Strengths: | Quality,performance,durability,It is still eye candy after all these years | | Weaknesses: | derailler hanger seems to bend easy | | Bike Setup: | Old stuff . A1 bomber, still works great, and xt shimano | | Bottom Line: | This has been a great bike. I still use it and beat the crap out of it and it keeps on going. Derailler hangers seem to bend easy , but I usually use a derailler hanger alignment tool and its good again. Mt biggest complaint though is some guy working at Turner. He has a major attitude. When I bought the Bike I had new Chris king hubs. None disc and back in 2002 v brakes were still the norm. I was told at the time this was not a problem, down the road I could purchase an adapter to convert to disc. When I decided last year to convert I called Turner and they told me I was out of luck. I had to spend $150.00 on a new rear end. I told the sales person about the adapter and he said "what do you expect, its from 2002, " He had a real nasty tone to his voice, Complete jerk. Certainly not the guys I was dealing with 6 years ago. I told him forget it, I'll put the bike on ebay and he said good luck and hung up. I have loved these bikes since I was able to rent a Burner in 1995 and swore I would never buy anything but a Turner. Almost 13 years latter I'm still riding one, but I am not sure i would buy another. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Flower Mound, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great all-around performer. Tough and comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | One year warranty (never needed it, but for a bike in this price range, seems skimpy); customer service (see below). | | Similar Products Used: | Treks, Cannondales, Specialized, Yetis, a bunch of friend's bikes | | Bike Setup: | SRAM XO shifters, 9.0SL derailleur on rear, LX up front, CK headset, Zoke 100mm fork, Romic rear, Mavic 317 wheels on XT hubs, Avid mechanical discs. | | Bottom Line: | This has been a wonderful bike, but recently I broke the rear derailleur hanger. When I went to turnerbikes.com to purchase a new one, I found they were $20 each. Okay, that's expensive, but so was the bike. But then they wanted $10 just to mail the stupid thing to me. Now that seems like highway robbery for sending something as small as a derailleur hanger, so I sent an email and complained about the shipping charge. Here's what I got back.
Martin
You should try http://www.derailleurhanger.com/ They might have a
better
price and shipping rates for you. If you base your bike purchase solely
on
the cost of replacement parts then riding a Huffy might be at the top
of the
list.
We wish you the best.
Jarett
Sales@Turnerbikes.com
www.Turnerbikes.com
ph.951.677.1711
fx.951.677.1373
Hmmm. How sweet. I appreciated the tip about the website. But I can live without the attitude. It really makes me questions this company's commitment to customer service (something I've come to value more and more over the years).
So, the bottom line is this. Regarding the bike, it performs really well. Uphill, downhill, rock gardens. It tracks very true and predictable and is very comfortable all at the same time. I've had many a crash without any major damage to the frame (a few nicks on the paint...and, of course, breaking the hanger, but that's what those things are for).
It's a five star bike, all right, but...well, my one and only experience with customer service causes me to knock a star off the overall rating and question whether this is a company that is worth spending so much of MY money on. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a
from Jax, Fl, USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Design, Strength | | Weaknesses: | Not a one | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Tomac, Specialized, Giant, Kona, Ellsworth... | | Bike Setup: | SRAM, Shimano, Sun Rhyno Lite, Hayes, Thompson, Marzocchi, Time, Easton, Avid | | Bottom Line: | Having Used this ride for 2 yrs., I now have a firm respect for TURNER. No matter the conditions of trail, conditioning of rider, or the unconditional falls, this frame is the best, for all-around trail riding. Heavier, but stronger, plush yet efficient, custom tubing at a price, but well worth it. I will never ever buy another FS frame from another manufacturer. Turner has a fan, rider, preacher, for life. I wont repeat other reviews, but I will let anyone who is looking for their last FS frame, to buy, not look at or try, but BUY a Turner. Your wife, GF or Parents may get mad at the $ you spent, but once you have put years of riding behind you, and you have the same frame....they, and you will forget how much you spent, for it will be a blur, no pun intended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tekin
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn,NY
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ringwood,NJ | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | Excellent handling on rough trails. It smoothes out rock gardens like a steamroller. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy compared to other 4" 4-bar frames. Logo stickers get damaged very fast. | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | Trail setup around 29 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | This was my 1st full suspension bike. I got sick and tired of getting beat up on a Klein Attitude hardtail in rock gardens. Hardtails do make you a better rider in terms of picking better lines but if you really want to enjoy mountain biking get a full susp. This bike made me a better climber due to fact that it has an active rear susp. that never leaves the ground. Just sit and spin. no more spin-outs. I run a 4" Marz. atom race fork. I lost some handling due to geometry change compared to a 3" bomber on the Klein but gained hellava lot confidence on the downhills. This frame would work nicely with anti-bob forks and shocks. If anyone has made these changes please leave a review.
Although it is no longer made I think this frame is a classic. I just bought a Truth and it does not feel solid as the XCE. I plan on using the Truth on races and fast smooth single track and XCE on harsh stuff that hurts your kidneys if you don't have an XCE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TubeFrog Greenhouse
a
from Steep, Deep, Westside
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | LongSteepNarrowSlick1's | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$7.00 | | Purchased At: | toys r us | | Strengths: | ability to dissapear underneath ones body...transport ones mind to planet bliss..inspires confidence. improves rider. makes you want to ride. | | Weaknesses: | inspires confidence. makes wife jeoulous. causes uncontrolable drooling friends. causesme to scare myself silly. time spent away from family on bike. | | Similar Products Used: | SC Superlight X2. Huffy bmx . schwinn cruisers. stingray lemonpeeler. Turner 5spot (current) | | Bike Setup: | XTR. King. Fox125R V. Romic #450. WTB. Thomson. Time. Mavic. Easton | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! Quicker than a 5spot and more evenly balanced. the two frames side by side XCE is 3/4 pound lighter than 5 spot. climbs good, decends like a dream, and loves tight, steep, lines. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gareth Rhodes
a
from Loughborough, UK
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in the Peak District | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Bomb proof durability, excelent handling up and downhill, customer service | | Weaknesses: | Can't afford a second frame to save on the cleaning. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense UZZI, Superlight, Blur, ETSX, Truth, Yeti ASR-SL + mass production rubbish from TREK, Spesh and Marin. Is anything "similar to a Turner?" | | Bike Setup: | Foxx Float 100RL, Thomson post and stem, Crossmax XL with Scorpian UST, Hope Mono Mini 180mm disks, Time ATAC pedals, XO mech/ shifters, Monkeylight bar, XTR front mech and new 03 chainset | | Bottom Line: | This bike climbs as well as a Yeti ASR-SL, but descends better than an UZZI Sl. The frame allows you to late brake into corners and keeps the rear hooked up on the steepest ascents. Best of all Chris at Roundal MTB and Cassey at Turner give you all the info you will ever need. When you do break a mech hanger, or loose a zerk due to careless maintainence the customer service has to seen to be belived (24hour response even over a weekend). If you just love riding anywhere anytime, buy the best, ring Chris at Roundal or Chris at Leisure Lakes 0870 800 3235. Now where is that spare £1500 for a FIVE SPOT? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
no hang
a
from laguna
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mentally | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs that screwed me | | Strengths: | built like a hammer, It's built to do a single purpose: to kick ass | | Weaknesses: | can't wheelie very easily. ( I have the longer rockers with the romic, this could be the cause) | | Similar Products Used: | First F/S | | Bike Setup: | single tracks with hugi fr hubs (thanks mike!),romic rear, marzzochi z1 fr w/qr20 2004, duce stem, avid mech f/r. Panaracer fire fr 2.4 up front (An amazing tire), Larson tt 2.3 rear
built burly and strong. slightly heavy at 32 lbs | | Bottom Line: | this is a follow up review. my XCE was purchased new in december 2002 with a 4" travel Marzocchi atom race fork. I thought the bike was great especially being my first dual ride. I then upgraded to the z1 fr. The front end of my bike was raised up about 2" and the geometry felt heavenly. Even though i loved the smaller fork and ride, this bike never shined until the Z1 FR was on it. The ride is less twitchy and steep technical rocky sections were much more handelable.
I think this bike was made for a 5" travel fork. The 4" was too cross country. The frame is way to burly for the smaller fork.
I didn't love my bike until the z1 was purchased.
If you get your hands on the panaracer fire fr 2.4 tires they are the best. they hook up on everything and only 800 grams.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Racer's Edge & Broward Bike | | Strengths: | Everything works like it should. Turner paid special attention to items like where the rear derailer makes contact with the frame (other Horstlink frames let the derailer hit on the link). The disc mounting, shifter/brake cable routing, and other touches were well thought out also. | | Weaknesses: | The derailer hanger is replaceable which is great, except that it’s too thin. Turner made an earlier one that was a little more durable. I've been through 3 of these. However, Turner is very good about selling you a replacement unit at a reasonable price when needed. | | Similar Products Used: | AMP B5. Not much of a comparison other than the fact that they are both 4-link suspension types. The Turner is on the opposite end of the durability scale from the AMP. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1 FR SL (130MM), XTR, Hopes, Chris Kings, and Azonic. Racer's Edge was the Turner dealer & Broward Bike built it up. | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent trail bike that may only be topped from the likes of the 5 Spot or Ellsworth ID. That topic is debatable. Mine has the Fox Vanilla (the Romic option wasn't available yet).
I've contacted Turner about the upgrade to the Romic, and its available. But it involves the purchase of replacement rockers to accommodate the difference in shock extension and travel plus the price of the Romic shock. The current setup still rocks!
I've ridden this bike in Pisgah and Brianhead. It felt at home in both places. This is a bike you won't regret the purchase of 3 months later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dana
a
from N. of Boston
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Most of Lynn woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Looks, design, Customer service, It just rocks. | | Weaknesses: | None worth mentioning | | Similar Products Used: | My first FS | | Bike Setup: | 02 Med Frame. 03 Sherman Firefly. Rhyno lites. Avid Mechs. KIng. Thompson. Raceface. XTR. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I have ever riden. The 4 bar rear end is super smooth and efficiant. I am riding better than ever. The bike is set up for aggressive "trail" riding. I can do drops and hucks on Saturday then go XC race on it on Sunday. Casey at Turner is great to deal with (Had a problem with my GF's o2 which he fixed). My next FS will be a 5 Spot. Just go buy a Turner if you want the best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim schlereth
a Weekend Warrior
from california
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | steel canyon/loveland | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | works great in hard pack | | Weaknesses: | head angle to steep (70) | | Similar Products Used: | p-23, manitou ht, big hit elite | | Bike Setup: | xt,hugi/f519/irc,x-vert r,chris king | | Bottom Line: | this frame is a great trail bike. the rear suspension works without you even knowing it. run the front fork stiff and a lot of sag in the rear | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Knop
a Weekend Warrior
from Thousand Oaks, CA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Conejo Valley and Santa Monica Mtns. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Helens | | Strengths: | A very balanced bike. It does everything well. It climbs, handles, and descends like few bikes out there. | | Weaknesses: | Bushing maintenance every 100 miles is a pain since you have to remove the rear wheel and unhook the shock to get at the bottom swing arm zerk. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth id, Cannondale Super V, Giant NRS, DeKerf and Independent Fabrications hard tails, Santa Cruz Super light, and others. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla RLC up front (100mm) and Vanilla on the rear. I didn't have the Romic option available when I bought mine. The rest are just good parts. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. You can do it all on this bike. It is one of the best all purpose, all terrain bikes out there. It is predictable and confidence inspiring. If you want a bike that will make you a better rider and forgives when you are not, this is your bike. If you want a bike for long rides in the wilderness, one to take you there and back in one piece, this is it. The 5 Spot will probably be a bit closer to the Ellsworth id in ripping the downhill sections over the real rough stuff, although the 4" XCE is able to do a lot for a 4" travel bike. Also a good value nowadays on mail order. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glynn Palmer
a Cross Country Rider
from Malibu, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Cyn | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Brilliant all around. | | Weaknesses: | Having to put the brakes on for slower riders on the downhills. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Klein, Intense Uzzi SL etc. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 XTR, CK Hubs laced to 517's, Marzocchi MCR FF. | | Bottom Line: | I would have to say that this bike is probably the best full suspension bike I have ever ridden. It climbs like a goat and descends like an avalanche. It soaks up all the trails I ride on here in the Santa Monica Mtns. My advice, try to find one before they all disapear. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Weekend Warrior
from dallas
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr classifieds | | Strengths: | plush ride, great balance, freakin fun to ride! | | Weaknesses: | none that i can tell yet | | Similar Products Used: | sc blur, turner burner, titus racer x etc | | Bike Setup: | romic rear shock, vanilla 125 rlc, xt/xtr, magura marta sl, chris king..etc | | Bottom Line: | this bike is ridiculous!!! coming from a hard tail i wanted a bike that was more plush so that i could have more fun riding(my pals bought hecklers). i was nervous about buying an all mountain bike because i was afraid that i would sacrafice speed on climbs etc.
I have been looking for an xce for about 6 months and finally found one and took a chance and bought it....best thing i have ever done.
what a difference in ride! its so plush and balanced that I was ripping through the trails with no worries of anything in my way(except the copperhead i almost ran over) but most importantly i was able to climb as fast as if i were on my hardtail.....
truly amazing bike! highly recommend the romic upgrade...so much better than the airshocks on the other bikes i demo'd
i recommend to anyone who can find one that wants to have alot of fun on any trail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Weekend Warrior
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | a lot - but none that I would tell you | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | 2nd hand from a friend | | Strengths: | Craftmanship, faultless quality, and that perfect ride | | Weaknesses: | A bit pricey, but you get what you pay for | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale SuperV
Santa Cruz Heckler
Klein Mantra
Rocky Mountain Pipeline | | Bike Setup: | RS Psylo SL, Hope C2, Hope Hubs & Headset & QRs, XTR, Syntace, Conti Vertical Pro, etc. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks, it's the ultimate all-purpose bike. Not only is it a confident descender, but it's perfect for all-day epic rides. In fact, this is the first bike I've been riding for more than 1 year. I got mine from a friend, else I would have had to pay $2000+, but even then it would still be worth the price. It doesn't get any better than a Turner - 5 flamin' chilis all the way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Barnett
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma, Wa. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Baldy | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1990.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Buttler | | Strengths: | zero flex, very plush ride, no major problems after six years of heavy use and thousands of miles. | | Weaknesses: | rear derailer hanger snapped off with part of the brake stay still attached to it. this is not a problem any longer the new stay is beefed up in that area. | | Similar Products Used: | Park Pre Allumax, Specialized Fsr | | Bike Setup: | 18" xce W/ fox T.C. chris king W/ mavic 517's, Irc Back county(rear) & Trailbear(front), xt derailers, easton C2T post, XTR shiftres, Race Face Dues stem & crank set, Cris King headset, Avid Mag V-brakes, Azonic flat bar 22" 5 degree, Marzocchi MXR coil. 25.5 Lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I have logged many miles on this bike and it keeps coming back for more. I ordered it in april of 1996 & recieved it in August. It came from the very first batch of xce's. So far I have replaced the rear brake stay & 2 set's of bushings. The last bushing replacement was not needeed, the fox shock had slop in it's eyelet reducers, I needed to press in new bearing sleeves & get new reducers. Everything written in the other reviews is all true. I will post another review in a couple of years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trl Lvr
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale, CA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mammoth Mtn, Mt Pinos, Nature's Center | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Helen's Cycles in Santa Monica | | Strengths: | Outstanding craftsmanship, solid build, Balanced, Stable. | | Weaknesses: | None, Nada, Zilch. | | Similar Products Used: | Titus Racer-X. FSR Enduro Pro. | | Bike Setup: | 18" Turner XCE w/ Fox Vanilla RC, Fox Vanilla 100RL Fork, Easton Carbon Fiber Riser Bar, XTR Drivetrain, DT Hugi/Mavic F219 (nice), Thompson Seat post and Stem, Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes (nice), Time ATAC pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Unbelievable Ride Quality. Balanced. Poised. Refined. Stable. Confidence Inspiring. In a word – Extraordinary.
The craftsmanship is outstanding. The bike is rock solid and completely flex-free. Look at that bottom bracket! The whole bike is built to that level of strength and beauty. It is the result of sound engineering and faultless implementation. Dave Turner sweats the details.
I set up my Turner XCE as a trail bike. This is NOT a nervous handling, twitchy, cross country race bike. It is built to level real mountain biking trails and absolutely peg the needle on the fun meter.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts: This bike felt like it was carved out of a solid ingot of aluminum. No squeaks, no creaks, and no weird noises coming from the drivetrain or the rear derailleur. Turner bikes are the only Horst link bikes that don't have the rear derailleur constantly slamming into the frame. This bike wreaks of quality. It is obvious that years of refinement have been poured into this machine. (Kudos to Monty at Helen's Cycles for a great build and dialing it in.)
I just finished some incredible trails on Mammoth Mountain. Skidmarks, Off the Top, Big Ring, Paper Route, Shotgun, and sections of Bullet.
The best way I could describe how this bike handles rough, rocky terrain is that it glides over it and levels the trail. My old cross country bike with an air shock would take the edge off the bumps, but this bike does a much better job of flattening the trail. The ride is fluid-like.
Inexplicably flickable: Like several reviewers before me, I was concerned about the "slack" 70.0 deg headtube. I came off a 71.5 deg lightweight cross country racer. My concerns were completely unwarranted. The XCE improved my cornering ability tenfold. I honestly do not understand how it can be quick, nimble, and stable. The best way to describe how it carves singletrack is that it FLOWS through the turns like water down a river. I felt like an entirely different person through the curves. It increased my cornering skill level the moment I slung it into the first set of multiple turns. I can not overemphasize how much fun I had on the trail slicing through the corners like I have never been able to before.
Also, while on the subject of cornering, with this bike and my new disc brakes, the rear end no longer "skitters" about on stutter bumps leading into a corner. Braking into a corner was more controllable and confidence inspiring.
Catch some air: OK - I don't go big. But man can this thing jump! Sometimes my landings are slightly off, and the front tire would squirm and/or fold under in complaint. Not on the Turner XCE. The big, wide rims and great fork/shock made every landing feel picture perfect. I am soooo glad I went with wider rims. Screw those nasty, skinny, worthless, weight weenie XC rims. Only racers and roadies need apply! Every time I landed, it felt like the ground was cushioned. Very hard to describe, but it felt so good. This is a great jumping bike.
I'll have to reserve judgement and post an additional review once I have some more climbing time on the Turner. What little climbing time I do have points to the fact that it is efficient and swift.
If you are looking for a trail bike and not a racer or a free-ride machine, do yourself a favor and save time and the cost of buying and replacing inferior bikes by getting a Turner from the start. Life is too short. Order one and get out and start having more fun than should be legal.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas
a Weekend Warrior
from Prince George, BC, CAN
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 10 dollar/Thrash and Crash | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Fanatyk Co., Whistler | | Strengths: | Too many to include them all, but balance, handling, and stiffness really stand out. Dave and his staff at Turner bikes are great. | | Weaknesses: | It really is a stretch to come up with one, but the bottom bracket is a little on the low side for my riding, but I run a bash guard and no outer ring so it's not a big deal. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Element, Santa Cruz superlight, Intense Uzzi SL | | Bike Setup: | (always in evolution) Right now it's a Z3 coil - soon to be installed Psylo SL; "Dave's Wheels" Velocity VXC on American Classic disc hubs, Hope Mini hydraulics; XTR shifters, derailleurs, cassette. Easton Monkey Lite carbon bars and EA-70 post. Saddle, pedals and tires always changing. | | Bottom Line: | It's hard to review this bike without repeating what everyone else has already said. Until you ride this bike, it's hard to understand how good it is. It's very responsive whilst still remaining stable at slow speed. The bike just responds to very subtle changes from the rider. Friends I ride with mostly run 5 inch dually free-ride bikes, but when they have a chance to ride it, they almost always on how solid the bike feels despite it's much lighter weight.
I live in Northern BC and our trails are tight, rolling,very rough, root filled singletrack. It's as if this bike were specifically made for it. Even compared to other FS bikes I've owned and ridden, it absolutely erases the small roots, but it's never mushy when it's time to stomp the pedals.
Some important advice to others from my experience. After finally deciding on the Turner as my dream bike, I made what I thought was a reasonable decision and put on the Fox Float RL. This reduced the bikes weight a little and balanced the Marzocchi flylight 100 air fork I was going to put on the bike. With that set-up I thought the bike was great, but as we were riding bigger root drops and going faster, I decided this year to switch both the front and rear to coil. I changed the fork first which had only a mild impact, but once I mounted the Fox RC coil the difference was incredible. I was gushing like a kid to all my riding buddies about how great the bike rode. Even with the extra pound of weight, I was cleaning uphills in my middle ring that had beaten me before. Literally,the bike floats over the 3-4" roots which cover our gut-busting climbs. So unless you will be riding on mostly smooth trails, forget the extra weight and get the coil. It's what Dave intended when he designed the bike and he really does seem to have it dialed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Hacienda Heights
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Everything!! I've own a '98 model before getting this updated '02 frame. I thought the older climbs great and handled balanced. The new improved geometry (with lower top tube and BB height) mate with a 100mm fork made the frame truly all-around-bike. | | Weaknesses: | Just a bit heavy....(my current setup is about 28.5 lbs) I'd race this frame with air shocks front and back and v-brake which would shave a couple of lbs off. | | Similar Products Used: | '98 XCE, Proflex, SC Heckler, RFX | | Bike Setup: | XTR drivetrain. Avid Mech disc, Marz. MXR, Hayes SL hubs with Sun rims. | | Bottom Line: | I didn't want to post anything until I took this bike to a couple of mtn bike trips (Big Bear, Brian Head, Gooseberry Mesa)...and it kept me smilin'...(and out of trouble) I mainly spend my time on the road. Once a week (the most) I get to have fun on the dirt trail. this new frame has never let me down in any situation. Thanks, Dave.....for making the best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yetiboy
a
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to choose from | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1795.00 | | Purchased At: | direct | | Strengths: | All | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | a bunch | | Bike Setup: | same as original | | Bottom Line: | follow up to my review (2000 XCE frame) year and a half ago - had the bike almost two years now. The verdict is it is still the best. I have more than enough bikes (added an RFX along the way), and I have to say there is no other bike I would rather have if I could have just one - rode Tracers, S. Cruz's, etc., the XCE is thee steed. Some people bizattch about the weight (I believe Turner has lowered the weight a bit from the 2000 frame), but that is what contributes to the burliness and stiffness of the bike - straight gauge tubing, the machined bottom bracket piece all equals no flex. I'm approx. 185 lbs. and I beat on bikes and components. This rig has been bullit proof. The only small issue along the way was the front derailleur guide on the seat tube was welded 1/4" too low, so on big hits the tire would rub. I lagged on calling Turner for a long time, but when I did call, no hassles. Sent the frame in - guide re-welded and new paint..very nice..the renowned Turner customer service. I hope they never sell out to one of the big boys. As far as some people's concern about bushings over bearings, I wouldn't give it a second thought. I've ridden my XCE a ton, and all I need to do is give the grease ports a shot every so often.
As far as my bizattch goes that the frame did take a long time to deliver - the problem has been corrected to my knowledge. Couple weeks to a month tops. Whatever the wait is, I would wait if you are considering, totally worth the time, so be patient and suck up a few extra rides on your old rig. Give your business to one of the small builders that actually gives a rip about customer satisfaction instead of just his/her's wallet (are you listening Ellsworth??)
Bottom line...Turner customer for life as long as they don't sell out, next up for me....DHR | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RT
a Racer
from PA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Amazing craftsmanship, feels rock solid with absolutely no flex what so ever. Rear is planted on climbs, get the right tire and you can scale walls with this frame. Welds and powdercoat are flawless. You can tell the frame design was very well thought out and has benefitted from Dave Turner's experience over the years. The greese ports were a genius design to use with the bushings. You get the stiffness of bushings with "could not be easier" maintenance. Anyone who would complain that bushings are a pain to service on this bike needs to stick with a simple hardtail.
There are so many strengths to mention about the frame but a huge strength is the company itself. Dave Turner has established a boutique frame company that stayed with true designs who's durability are synonymous with the Turner name. I have delt with a few high end frame companies over the years and was fairly loyal to a particular "very over rated frame company" in the past. Turner Bicycles hands down has the best customer service and interaction with their customers that I've come across in the high end bike industry. I've talked with the guys at Turner on many occasions and every time they have gone beyond what would be expected to make sure I was thrilled with my frames.
Even if there was another frame That I was considering as good as the XCE, Turner's attention to EVERY detail and unmatched customer service puts it head and shoulders above the rest. Dave was smart enough to have people working for him that are enthusiasts and are very knowledgeable about their product(Guy and Casey). Not phone call takers who do not know the product well and just respond to you with company procedure statements from the big book of "why it's not our problem". If you want faceless corporation type treatment it can be had for much cheaper at one of the big mass produced bike companies (it also can be had at more overpriced pseudo enthusiat companies just out for the buck). | | Weaknesses: | So far I can find no faults at all with the XCE. That's the great thing about Turner, when there are aspects of the frame design that can be improved, IT IS. That what's great about rolling revisions being applied to the most current batch of frames Turner puts out. Always improving.
Turner does take their time and the wait for a frame really depends on when you catch a production run. Sometimes they will have bare frames in stock ready for powdercoat and you can get it very quickly, or you might have caught the frame run right as it was ordered so you'll have to wait a bit. When things are executed this well from a frame company, you don't mind the wait and forget all about it as soon as you feel how well this bike handles on the trail. | | Similar Products Used: | 98' Truth, 01' Truth, 01' Sub 22, 01'/02' Id (I've owned all of these not just tested) | | Bike Setup: | Depends on what I want to do with it, fun or race. I race off road tri's and my Med powdercoated frame with Fox rc weighed 6.9lbs to start. 02' Marzocchi atom race 100mm, Thomson stem & post, XTR, SRAM, Avid, Chris King on Mavic(517's for vee's and 317's for disc set up) Just under 25lbs race, arould 28-29 lbs or so for trail. | | Bottom Line: | What else is there to say. Great bike, great company. There is no regret spending the money for a Turner frame when you get the quality and service like i've received. Could not be happier with my 02' XCE and I can't wait until my 02' RFX frame arrives. I am a customer for life. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Kelley
a
from Vail, Colorado
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Vail Bike Service | | Strengths: | Built with incredible attention to detail...immaculate welds, grease ports, perfect machine work, every frame is built as if its the only one their making this year. Built to last. The experience behind the design and the knowledge that what you get is better than anything else out there...PERIOD! | | Weaknesses: | None that I've discovered yet...after 750miles it still feels buttery smooth. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou X-Vert Super,Chris King front/rear disco hubs w/ Rhyno Lite wheel, Hayes hyd.6",Thomson post and stem, Chris King headset,Race Face Isis cranks and BB, XTR drivetrain, Selle Italia Trans Am MAX saddle, Easton Monkey Lite Bars, Conti rubber, Salsa skewers,ODI grips. | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike just about a year now and I can honestly say I've ridden more, and enjoyed riding more, since buying it... my only complaint is that the Colorado biking season is too damn short! I researched every possible bike I could before deciding on a Turner...if your like me and only want to invest in the best then look no further. The bikes truly speak for themselves...you can easily read any of the below reviews to see what I mean. BUT what really still amazes me is the loyalty to this company that everyone here and everyone that I've met who owns one has for this bike company. Its refreshing to know that there are companies w/in this country who take sincere pride in the product they make AND then step up further than is expected to deliver REAL customer service after you invest in their product. You really cant ask for more from any company...hands down the best bike I've ever ridden coupled w/ outstanding service make this a no brainer for those who want to step up their mountain biking experience for a long long time to come. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Racer
from Thousand Oaks,CA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Weaknesses: | Are you kidding? | | Bottom Line: | Just posting a follow up to my original now that i have alot more ride time in on this frame. I can without a doubt say that this is the best frame made. Just like the guy down a little ways below said...I will never buy another bike brand again. It all stops at Turner. The bike can handle any downhill abuse you throw at it and can still climb with the best of them. Even better is the service you recieve from Turner. I accidently punch a crack in the BB from hitting a large rock and i sent it back to them. Not only did they take care of that problem but made a few modifications i wanted to the bike for free. These guys rule!! I can't tell you how great the guys are that Turner has. So if your looking for a great trail bike...don't even bother looking any further than Turner | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael byrne
a Cross Country Rider
from birmingham,west midlands,uk
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | snowden | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | riverside | | Strengths: | grease ports,finish,attention to detail,lighter than what i expected,cable guides perfect for disc, | | Weaknesses: | can,t think of anythink | | Similar Products Used: | marin,whyte,santacruz,giant. | | Bike Setup: | marthon s 100m,fox float,xtr,middleburn rs8,easton carbon seat post,brooks swift,x-lite titanium flat bar,hope c2 brakes,bulb hubs,bb,halo freedom rims,25 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | 1.although riverside is a auto factors,there service has been excellent.
2.i ordered my frame on nov 29th 2001 and received on jan 8th 2002.when riverside told me my frame was in the uk i thought they were taking the piss.i heard stories of 9 months-strange.
3.i ordered my xce with the air shock although not recommended
i have had no trouble so far.i wanted crud catcher bosses on the frame no problem,if you want anything special putting on the frame just ask,if it is possible they will do it.
4.i have been racing and trail riding for over 10 years,i always rode a hardtail,so far now i have the rear shock set up right for my weight 190lbs i can honstley say that this bike is quicker uphill,downhill and on the flat,is more comfortable.i can not fault it.i would recommend this frame to anybody who is serious about their mountain biking like i am.i have had two people asking me if i want to sell,i think you know the answer to this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
- - -
a Cross Country Rider
from Nowhereland
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | The man himself | | Strengths: | The best bike I have ever ridden hands-down. Rigidity, susp. performance, handling, ease of maint., build quality, everything.
Dave Turner is THE MAN!! Nowhere else have I received this level of customer service. Exceeds my wildest expectations. | | Weaknesses: | LOOOOONGG turnover rate. Maybe a little heavy compared to some other FS bikes, but if you're a weight weenie buy the 02. | | Similar Products Used: | Turner Stinger (bought a used one from classisfieds 3 years ago)
Aeon Isis
Santa Cruz Superlight
Trek Y-SL
Intense Tracer
Ventana El Saltamontes | | Bike Setup: | Z2 X-Fly, XT/XTR, 747's, Truvativ Stylo crank, ProTaper bars, Thompson stem/post, Alligators, Avid Mech. etc. | | Bottom Line: | This is what every trailbike should be. Uphill, this bike hooks up and climbs with bulldog tenacity. Downhill, it will hold a line through anything and soak up some really nasty hits. Rock solid rigidity. Handling is best described as perfect neutrality. No bad habits whatsoever. The Z2 matches the Fox Float rear end perfectly, I can pedal over things that would be no-go with my Stinger. The smooth bushings have grease ports and are easily serviced, no disassembly required. Quite simply this bike has elevated my skills to a higher plane. This bike gets more saddle time than the other 2 bikes I own, simply because it's such a joy to ride. @25 pounds it's not the lightest bike in my stable, but it's so fun I really don't care.
Dave stands behind his product like no one else as well. He answers your every question with straightfoward honesty, kindness, and 100% confidence and will not sleep until you get the bike you want. This, more than even the bikes themselves, will keep me coming back to Turner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Brown
a Racer
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ira's | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | The Bike Company | | Strengths: | Ride, fit, rigidity, suspension, looks, | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Uzzi-SL, Specialized FSR Elite, Rocky Mt. Slayer, Ellsworth Truth, Santa Cruz Superlite. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla Fork, XTR everything, Thomson Post and 100mm Stem, Easton EA70 2" rise bars, Maxxis Mobster 2.1 tires front and rear. | | Bottom Line: | Well, the guy below me said it all, so I'll just add a couple of things. First of all, it is, with out a doubt, the best XC/Trail bike I have ever ridden. It climbs as well or better than any 4-bar bike I have ever tried. The rear end was super stiff under hard cornering and out of the saddle climbs. The bike felt like it was made for me. I fit the bike with my own 100mm stem, which was the perfect balance between XC and Freeride length for me being 5'9". One thing I like about this frame over the Specialized and Intense 4-bar equivilant bikes, is that you can lower the seat post down when riding more technical sections of the trail. The bike feels much stiffer also. I believe it's due to the shock placement being in front of the seat tube. Dave Turner makes the most beautiful bikes I have ever seen. You couldn't make a better choice than the XCE. (or any bike Turner makes) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thom O'Neill
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Bear, Flagstaff, AZ | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Rage Cycles | | Strengths: | Read Below | | Weaknesses: | The 4 Week Wait!, But Well Worth It! | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth 01'(owned), Specialized FSR XC Pro (Owned), Specialized Stumpjumper (Owned), Bontrager Hardtail (Own), Manitou FS (Owned)Kona Kilauea (Owned)(Fisher Sugar, Titus Racer X\Switchblade,Trek Fuel,Yeti ASR,Demos) | | Bike Setup: | 2002 18" Turner XCE, Fox Float RLC Fork, Thomson Seatpost\Stem, King Hubs, Valiant Hoops, XTR\XT Derailleurs, XT Shifters,Cranks,BB,Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tires | | Bottom Line: | Following 2.5 months of riding almost every type of mountain bike terrain existing in Arizona, I can confidently state that this is the last full-suspension bike I will ever own or the last bike company I will ever deal with. In fact, I am trying to figure out how I can purchase a reserve frame without my wife ever knowing. The Turner XCE is unequivocally, the most balanced, neutral, forgiving, and fun bike I have ever had the pleasure of riding. The frameset instantly instills confidence in the rider, and there is virtually no adjustment period needed by the rider. Once you get the seat and stem dialed in, the bike disappears below you and the rider is permitted to exclusively focus on the single track, drop-off, chosen line, etc… Simply stated there is nothing quirky or distracting about this frameset.
THE FRAME/RIDE: The front and rear triangles are equally stiff and confidence inspiring and the geometry is perfectly dialed. I was particularly concerned that the 70-degree head tube would result in a slow and floppy handling bike. This concern was immediately extinguished during my first ride; the bike handles effortlessly and confidently when piloting tight and hairy single track as well as technical rocky ascents and descents. The bottom bracket is truly like a solid chunk of steel, with no discernable flex. I have ridden Turner copies or “the competition”, with similarly designed bottom brackets and they look solid and cool, but they just don’t deliver the solid feel of the Turner. Lastly, this bike is ultra solid and quiet, as I mentioned previously “the competition” and “walking beam” copies with lots of sealed bearings just don’t deliver the advanced rock-solid, and quiet ride of the Turner.
THE COMPANY: There are very few bike companies that offer articulate people to talk with, where you can ask tough, candid questions and get logical and reasoned answers. The team at Turner understand how superior their product is and they are enthusiastically prepared to convince their prospective clients that they have a product that will fit your needs. Too many times all of us have spoken with someone at the bigger and smaller companies and all too often you get someone with no people or phone skills that cannot intelligently articulate the technical features and benefits of the bike, or you get the arrogant tech that spews completely illogical and canned marketing “B.S.” that 90% of the public consumes. Unfortunately when you question “the competition’s” logic\design or their “too good to be true” warranty, they are quickly hustling you off the phone and looking to sell to the next sheep.
THE BOTTOM LINE: If you weigh more than 175 lbs and like to ride terrain that is technically more challenging than your run of the mill NORBA X-Country course, the Turner XCE is your answer. This bike and the company will deliver a return on your investment like no other in the industry… BAR NONE!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | local | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Eddy's Bike Shop in Ohio | | Strengths: | Very smooooth travel. I try to bottom out, however i have never felt it. very nice welds. great customer service! excellant on the downs, excellent in the singletrack, excellent climber. This bike makes me want to stay out all day and ride. Hell with work!!! | | Weaknesses: | the "R" sticker in "TURNER" on the drive side is peeling a little bit. other than that, NONE! | | Similar Products Used: | stinky dee-lux, fsr, xr4 | | Bike Setup: | xtr, king headset, race face stem, easton bar, thompson post, kenda tires that stick to the dirt better than most, even on the climbs. | | Bottom Line: | On my first ride, my bottom bracket threads sheered off. (bike was cooked) I called Dave, I had a new bike witin a week. I sucked that it broke on my first ride, but the short time it took to have a new bike was so fast that memory is mostly faded. The year and a half I have been riding the replacement, no problems. Well, mabey one. I feel more confident on this bike than any other bike i have ridden, which in turn means faster downhills, bigger jumps. Much harder crashs. To bad I cant blame that on TURNER that one is on me. KUDOS to Dave and the rest of the people at TURNER. They have a great thing going. If i could give 10 chilis I definatly would. What company can you call and get the owner of the buisness to awnser. Well, Dave does. All you have to do is ride, so get a kick-ass bike, with the TURNER name on the side. You won't be disapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
k
a
from il.
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | mtbr(used)98 | | Strengths: | a very well thought out design, solid frame(strength and weight) plush ride, climbs and handles singletrack very well. I don't feel as beat up after a ride. tired? you bet. | | Weaknesses: | at 28 lbs. it could be a turn off. not me. for you? hell, if you can afford a turner then you can afford xtr and chris king hubs and other trinkets to crack under 27 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | I looked at all of them but......the turner suited my needs the best. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 x-fly 100, xt 96' 8 speed, between fox vanilla coil and the air vanilla float r. 2.2 specialized tires. a strong and reliable set-up | | Bottom Line: | on my old hardtail with 2.5 travel fork i would get blurred vision going down hill, now a big goofy smile. this is THE x.c. trail bike for strong and big riders(under 200) me? 160. call dave now!!!!!! ask for his opinion. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Malcolm
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Everything in Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | All Turner frames are made with absolute attention to detail. The XCE is the best cross country bike I've ever ridden. It is great at everything - climbing, descending, obstacles. Built in grease ports are a great idea. These bikes take a lot of abuse and come back looking for more. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth, Yeti ASR, Specialized FSR, Cannondale Jeckyll, etc. | | Bike Setup: | King hubs & headset, Avid mechanical disks and Ultimate levers, Manitou XVert Super fork, Shimano XTR/XT drivetrain, Easton Monkeylite bars, Thomson seatpost and stem. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a great all around cross country bike you should try an XCE. Always ride a bunch of bikes before you buy. My custom frame took only 2 months so I think the order times have improved. In any case a Turner frame is worth the wait. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo,CA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Everything! I just got this bike a few weeks ago and it is the only thing I will ever ride again. beautiful cratsmanship and attention to detail. | | Weaknesses: | NONE!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn 4 Banger, Cannondale Jekyll, Mountain Cycle San Andreas | | Bike Setup: | Z.1 fork, Chris King headset and discotech hubs, Hope C2 brakes, Thomson post and stem, etc... | | Bottom Line: | Bar none the best! this thing amazed me at how it handles everything so well. It just does it all so well. Up! Down! can take it all and come back for more. It's all true about it's climbing prowess and yet it's plush and active to where it will take anything i throw at it. If your looking for an awesome all around bike than look no further. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
YetiBoy
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Haflin Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1795.00 | | Purchased At: | Factory Direct | | Strengths: | Attention to detail, product quality, excellent pre & post customer service, plush on the downs & a worthy climber as well (i.e. great balance) | | Weaknesses: | Be prepared to wait - 9 months in my case. In the end, it may be a positive. Dave wants to make sure the end product is totally dialed | | Similar Products Used: | Yetis and Santa Cruz Bullit | | Bike Setup: | Zokes Z1, Hope DH4's, Velocity wheels, XTR drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | Balanced......The bike really does do everything well. I was somewhat skeptical of the claimed climbing prowess of this bike, but the claims are no BS. It was a given that this bike was going to be plush on the downs, but the climbing ability is what really suprised me, especially, since I've really been a hardtail rider up until now. While riding out in Durango, CO this bike really shined on some the steep & rocky technical ascents you get out that way. Not a lot of wasted energy here - Zero to minimal bobbing. The attention to detail is crazy - perfect welds, the grease fittings, etc. This bike should last a long time. As far as the long wait that I mentioned above, yes, I was pissed off. Did I consider canceling my order, yes. But after getting the bike and riding it, I can appreciate why it took so long. I truely believe that Dave Turner wants to make sure the products that he ships to his customers are the best that they can possibly can be. As Dave put it to me in one of the numerous e-mails back and forth, "you won't be bummed once you get it." Bummed I'm not - Five Chilis here | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bilbo
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | boulder city | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | good design, strong frame, good tech support, great handling | | Weaknesses: | price, weight | | Similar Products Used: | ellsworth truth | | Bike Setup: | 99 z-2 bam, fox air r/c shock, 98 frame | | Bottom Line: | this bike deserves a review. i bought the 98 xce frame (used) and built it up as a backup bike. but i can't see selling it now. you can write all you want about a bike, but it is hard to put to words, some of the intangible things this frame does well. with the fox air shock out back with the big link in (i have the 3" xc link also), it only feels like 3 true inches of travel, not 4. but with the z-2 it is a perfect match. this frame feels solid and handles great. it is like a slot car in corners. it is lively when climbing and does not feel like it is losing power in monkey motion. my confidence gained with this frame and i started to clean a couple sections that i had never before. so i started riding it more than i would a backup bike. i dont race it or anything but really do pile on the miles. when i did start timing myself on loops vs. my main ride i noticed that i was faster on this frame. none of this i expected at all, since my primary ride is an ellsworth. i thought this would just by my thrasher frame. but this frame really puts out. my only complaint is some deraileur slap on the stay. i think it is because i run the full length arm on the derailer, and am not willing to try the rapid rise setup. all in all, i cannot see getting rid of this frame. it works too well. and until i kill it, i will still put as much time/money in it as my high dollar ride. it is a real well thought out design. a lot of fun to ride in all kinds of terrain, and one that i would probably buy again in a second. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Layton
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Elsinore CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | WOW! This is my 2nd Turner and they just keep getting better! I have never in my life ridden a better fitting, better pedalling, plusher bike. I can climb for 2 hours, turn around and descend like a maniac and not deal with any compromises! This bike ROCKS! Up, down or saideways, this is the best. | | Weaknesses: | None...zero...de nada. All other bikes (intense, foes,or ellsworth) are a study in compromise. They all need to take a lesson from David "five finger" Turner. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, Y-bike, Homegrown, LTS, Super V Active, Truth, Marble Peak...you name it, I've tried them all | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Easton carbon risers, Race Lite Wheels, X-VERT Air fork Hutchison Python tires and Thompson Post. 21 inches and only 26.5 lbs of pure fast. | | Bottom Line: | This is it...the last bike I will ever own. The 1st one was great but this one, with the new style dropouts and all the love that goes into its creation, is the ultimate in all around trail bike fun. Only buy this bike if you are prepared to never want to ride anything else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from santa fe
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | to many to name!! | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1995.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson usa | | Strengths: | durability, light weight, plushness | | Weaknesses: | front derailler compatibility | | Similar Products Used: | canandale super v, rocky mtn altitude | | Bike Setup: | full xtr | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks!! had it for over 2 yrs now and never had a problem with it. the pivots never wore out and i have over 4500 mi on it. bike can really eat a trail up, i've ridden some of the craziest trails in the east and west and this bike can take all i have to give! i use this bike to race alot of 24hr races, i find that since i switched to ridding the turner instead of my race hardtail i feel alot more refreshed and can ride longer. the one draw back to this bike is the bottom bracket area. it's made from a solid piece of cnc'd aluminum, it's big and 99% of todays bottom brackets wont fit it. it was desighned to use the shimano bottom bracket mounted deraller but i found a bottom swing 96' lx derailler that works, just hope it never breaks!
love this bike!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Carroll
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin TX
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
South Mountain (AZ) | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great build quality, best I've seen.
Great, balanced handling for a 4 travel bike. Standard shock size to allow playing with different rear shocks. | | Weaknesses: |
Not a lightweight, but if it's too heavy I need to get a little stronger. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS/STS, McMahon Moonshot, SC Heckler, GT RTS
Ridden just about everything else... | | Bike Setup: |
Z1, XTR/Race Face, Spox front wheel, Bontrager/King rear. McMahon seatpost, Profile CF riserbar. Fox TC coil rear shock and CC AD-10 | | Bottom Line: | Had to add an XCE section, there are a lot of XCE reviews in the Burner section, enough to more than justify a new section.
I don't normally gush about a bike but man this sucker rips. The rear end is actually cushier AND climbs better than my old LTS which is a pretty hard suspsension to beat. Construction is top notch, perhaps Titus, Ellsworth, and Ventana are in the same ballpark, but some of the touches on the Turner make it really nice. The grease ports on the bushings were a big selling point, they allow the feel of bearings without the weight and improve long-term reliability.
With 4 front and rear the bike still makes an admirable singletracker. Not as quick as the Moonshot, not as slow as the LTS, but a nice balance. I wish I could get the handling of the Moonshot, but the longer travel precludes that, and I think the Turner gets pretty darn close.
Rear end stiffness is the best I've seen. I got the bike with the Fox TC shock, and have ridden it with that a little. Definitely a nice shock, with very good damping. I'm experimenting with an AD-10 that I finally got a ride on yesterday. Damping isn't as good as the Fox, but the air/oil feel makes the bike an outstanding climber. I'll continue to experiment with both, and perhaps get my Risse adapted to the bike as well. My gut tells me that the Risse's combination of the air/oil feel of the AD-10 (yeah, I know it's an air/air shock, but it feels like air/oil...) and the good Risse damping might be the hot setup for XC riding....but then the cushiness of the Fox is tempting...
A lot of people may scoff, but I'd have no problem racing this bike with the air/oil rear. I think with the Fox rear it might not be efficient enough on the climbs, but with the CC or Risse it would be racable for rougher courses. I regularly beat SID racer wannabe's at races on my FS bikes so I'm kinda biased though...James
| | Overall Rating: |
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