Submitted by
curtiff
a Cross Country Rider
from Pembroke, Ont. Canada
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2011
Strengths: (frame) very stiff for a single pivot frame, i enjoy riding it any where and fairly easy to jump considering the weight but very satisfied.
I'm very rough with it and nothing to complain about.
Weaknesses: I go through components like mad because i ride the sht out of it lol... so thats not a complaint but more of a warning to new owners lol... ;)
Bottom Line:
Fun to ride in town, trails, downhill and free riding, handles any thing you throw at it and very comfy to ride but can feel the drag when riding on pavement but i am running 3' tires and 9 gears so it can become a task getting to the fun spots lol.
Once your at the fun spots then well!!! the fun begins lol,
A great ride, handles 15 footers on the roll no problem and with an upgraded 350 lbs rear spring i would probably try 25 footers.
The frame is the sale for me really, i upgrade constantly so not worth talking about the components other then the rear shock. (should upgrade to 350 lb spring & better shock)
If you can pick one up for a good price put together you will have an awesome amateur downhill race bike, free ride or trail bike, but if your like me and love upgrades and to build your bike then this is the frame for you, it will take you any where with ease and a real head turner!!!
Bike Setup: all stock except for Truvativ box guide and new x-7 shifter.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ducati Dave
a Downhiller
from Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2009
Strengths: This is a great all around Freeride. This bike rocks on the downhills. I'm 200lbs and have taken six to eight footers with no problems. It really soaks em up! I don't know why Manatou gets such a bad rap, I think the winers are not adjusting their bikes properly for their weight and riding style. They got it right with the Travis TPC. Aggressive stance with a big footprint much like a motorcross bike without the engine, love it!! Feels a bit heavy when porting it, but light when on it. Mine is 42lbs. I would reccomend this bike to anyone bombing the hill.
Weaknesses: Some chain suck. At times I kind of wish it had a third chain ring for those super high speed runs, just personal preference thats all. I bottomed out the Travis on a ten footer but still had three clicks left in the compression.
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this bike to downhillers looking for lots of clearance and Bang for the buck! It will take most of everything you can throw at it, I guarentee it!
Bike Setup: Stock for now until I start trashing things.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Big Kahuna
a Weekend Warrior
from Central Valley
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2008
Strengths: Rock solid, even for the big guys. Components work well together. Bike does not feel as heavy as it actually is. Bike steps off of anything with zero problems!!!
Weaknesses: Fox DHX 4.0 is undersprung for anyone over 200lbs unless you are only downhilling, but can be easily changed.
Bottom Line:
This bike is bullet proof, great for "clydesdale" size riders. Pedals easily over and off of any obsticle. Uphills OK, but i'm used to a hardtail! Great price with great components........
Submitted by
ANDREW G
a Downhiller
from WARREN PA USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007
Strengths: Stout frame and single bearinged pivot design is simple yet functional great rear shock choice great component group 7" of very plush travel
Weaknesses: manitou fork surprised that manitou only had one spring in right leg of fork. Marzzochi is the only way to go
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike for downhill riding and racing. I have raced with this bike and it handles steep technical single track with ease. The king fisher also pedals very well for a single pivot design due to pro pedal in fox dhx shock. The Fisher and Trek team did well when they built this one.
Bike Setup: stock except thompson layback elite seatpost,heavy spring for fox dhx and for manitou fork, shimano clipless platform pedals
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Submitted by
Maya Neal
a Downhiller
from East Wenatchee
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2007
Strengths: Everything nothing is week on this bike good brakes, shocks, pedals, etc.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike just getting into freeride. I didnt want some beginner bike as I have been riding bikes since my BMX says in southern cali. Completely love it I have taken it off of everything from four to ten and a half feet with transitions and flat landings no shakes or dissapointments here. Deffinately would recommend this bike to anyone out there needing a bomber.
Submitted by
Ridefaster
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts - USA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2006
Strengths: Great components for the price, well known brand, good frame and you can get it cheap! In my opinion, GF speced the bike very well with X9, Fox, Hayes etc. The tires were awesome...but lasted only a few months. My bike weighs in at 42lbs but feels much lighter. Eversince I got this bike, I've used it on long XC rides, riding around town and have greatly improved my CLIMBING and decending skills. Oh, right, I'm flying off cliffs now because of this bad boy. Very nice bike. *LIFETIME FRAME WARRENTY* w/ one year for the components.
Weaknesses: Tires wear out fast and the fork was dead when I got the bike. Under warrenty, I got a Travis single. (perfect for the bike) Also, it seems that the rear chain/seat stay is a tad flexy. Who knows, maybe Fisher did this so it'll rail burms better or something. It's fine with me, but maybe not so for a clyde. Rear wheel is flexy too, and I'm only 116lbs. Broke the seat in a crash. (can't really complain) Some minor chain suck.
Bottom Line:
Best AM/Light Freeride bike there is for the money.
Similar Products Used: Cheap @$$ 5 inch bike and Marin and Trek hardtails.
Bike Setup: Stock...but with Travis fork and Titec seat.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
ryan foster
a Downhiller
from bedford
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2006
Strengths: the fox dhx air 4.0 is a great shox its capabvle of big things but haven used it to its max yet the manitou stance's are good forks but you should upgrade if you are going to use the bike seriously
Weaknesses: i think the SRAM x-9 is decent but it is sketchy sometimes
Bottom Line:
i think for the price thta i got it at it was a great buy and is a god bike stock for the price...i will be upgrading it in certain places such as the fork and the bash gaurd for an ethirteen bash gaurd and chain guide but if it is used only for recrational use then it is a perfect bike as is....enjoy
Strengths: 1.5 inch headset, big single pivot/BB forging, no break seattube, very strong and laterally stiff.
Weaknesses: Mine came with pedals.
Bottom Line:
Very capable bike for any kind of riding other than pure race. I use this bike for xc riding. Yes, I said xc! The stock bike weighed in at a mere 41 lbs 11oz. The rolling resistance of the 2.5's was too much so I swapped them out for some IRC 2.1 kevlars. I put on my SPD's and a longer/lighter seatpost (I am 5'8" and have the 16.5" sm for proper standover height and the bottom bracket is high, hence the longer seatpost) New weight is 38lbs 3oz. So yes, the King is heavy, but it's because it is a heavy duty bike. I ride the embedded rock strewn trails of the northeast so a weak, light little multi-pivot repair prone queen is not an option. You can crank down any trail wide open with no care for this beast. I have the Fox 4.0 as light as it will go for max plushness and still very little pedal-bob. It actually helps the rear dig in on those harder ascents and compresses evenly with the front Stance Flow on those highspeed burms. Even though this is a freeride bike, with a few changes it can be a great all-mountain beater. As with everything, find one you like, make a few changes, adapt a little and ride it into the ground. If you can't climb with this bike, get one with a motor. Remember, Freddy Spencer became world champion by being the fastest rider...........on the slowest bike. Long live the "KING"!
Similar Products Used: Cannondale hard tail Mongoose FS
Bike Setup: Mostly stock except for 3.5lb. diet.
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Submitted by
a Downhiller
from Kalaheo, HI
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2006
Strengths: Single pivot design keeps things nice and simple. Strong frame with 1.5" headtube. Fox DHX 4.0 rear shock is very plush and absorbs big drops well. Bontrager and Sram components perform very well.
Weaknesses: Manitou Stance Flow front fork ('05 model bike). It leaked from the first day I had it but it worked pretty well for a low end fork. It also has no compression or preload adjustment. Not to much fork options but a Cane Creek conversion headset solves that problem.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike for the money. The only weakness is the stock fork. I upgraded to a Fox 40R and it handles everything I throw at it. 8 foot plus drops are no problem. Handles very well through single track as well.
Bike Setup: Fox 40R fork. Cane Creek 1.5" to 1 1/8" conversion headset. Truvativ Hussefelt 40mm stem.
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Submitted by
brian johnson
a Downhiller
from washougal WA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006
Strengths: The bike is asome great balance and corners like its on rails. I like that it has drop out rear so if you broke it you could just replace that insed of a new frame. good price.
Weaknesses: the dam fork it comes with. loss the stance and git a 66rc2x. and it helps a lot to git rid of the rear quick release and do the 12mm through.
Bottom Line:
the bike is under rated for what you are buying the bike for "freeride" it is great. its real stiff and flys on single track like a dh bike. Yeah it is single pivot so it dose have a greater chance of leaving you with out a chain but put a chain gide on it and its fine. I have herd some peaple say that single pivot it not as comfortable as something like a kona or ellsworth but it's #$^%!&^ FREERIDE if you cant hack it then dont do it!! if you are thinking of buying one I think its a great starting point. I drop anything from 10 to 20 foot drops and its still rollin. Live fast die young
Similar Products Used: yeti dh9 iron horse 7.7 demo 9
Bike Setup: marzocchi 66rc2x fork. raceface crank with mrp chain gide. deemax wheels with 12mm through in the rear. hayse mag brake that thay come with same 4.0 fox shock.
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Submitted by
Jose
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2006
Strengths: Everything. Beefy design, great geometry. Can handle anything you want to throw at it.
Weaknesses: Fork is weak. Spring the dough for some extra firm springs from Manitou.
Bottom Line:
Great Bike. I was riding a XC setup before and this new bike has already sped my progression along. From trail performance to looks, this bike is sweet. Can't beat the price either!!
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