this bike has really been a problem for me. the fork got stuck in lockout, the rims bent easy, the rear hub died, the seatpost clamp broke, the brakes have always been horrible, the chain broke, the grips are crappy, and the paint got all cracked up after only a few rides. kinda heavy, bu that's ok, i guess. it's not like i abuse the bike, i take care of it.
this bike has really been a problem for me. the fork got stuck in lockout, the rims bent easy, the rear hub died, the seatpost clamp broke, the brakes have always been horrible, the chain broke, the grips are crappy, and the paint got all cracked up after only a few rides. kinda heavy, bu that's ok, i guess. it's not like i abuse the bike, i take care of it.
Bike Setup: xt rear derailleur, sr suntour xcr fork (not stock, that one broke), rhyno lite rims, other stuff
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2006
Strengths: Fantastic framework! Price!
Weaknesses: Brakes, Fork, and Grips if we want to get picky.
Bottom Line:
For and entry level racer, or someone looking into getting serious out mountain biking, this bike is the way to go. It has great parts stock, and is cheaper that most of the other brands out there. The frame is outstanding. It has a smidge on flex, but i've only noticed it while on the stationary trainer. It climbs like a mountain goat, goes where you point it, and flys on the downhills. The fork was a little too stiff for my liking (im a lightweight at 150lbs), so i upgraded. The brakes were awful from the get go, so they were replaced as well. Other than those two issues, it is a great bike for someone who's looking for a great bike to ride, or someone looking for a frame worthwhile of upgrading with later on down the road. 4 chilis for value due to the fork and brake inadequacies, and 5 chilis for overall value
Bike Setup: Upgrade to full 2006 LX groupo, 2005 manitou skareb elite fork, eggbeater sl pedals, easton carbon bars, easton carbon post, avid single digit 7 brake set, mavic crossride wheelset, xtr cassette, and a few more odds and ends
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Submitted by
Wayne Filmalter
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Of Spain, Trinidad
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2006
Strengths: Light and manoeverable. Forks are great (the reason I bought the bike instead of a Jamis), I like the adjustments from soft to locked out.
Weaknesses: The ProMax brakes were hopeless. Never worked properly from day one. Frame a litle flexible and took some getting used to.
Bottom Line:
The flex in the frame took some getting used to, and the ProMax disc brakes had to be changed for Tektro, but once that was overcome, I have enjoyed the bike. I changed the handlebar to a riser 'cos my back was squealing on long rides. I ride trails at least three times a week so this bike has seen some action and has performed well. In hindsight, I would have preferred the Jamis Durango Sport. I am now buying a Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0 but will keep the Fuji as a stand-by.
Submitted by
Tobias Nyman
a Weekend Warrior
from Denmark, Europe
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2004
Strengths: The price! Awesome framework, great equipment.
Weaknesses: None so far, i guess the discs need to wear to the pads before stopping power is satisfactory.
Bottom Line:
Great value for money! Compared to the Trek(550USD in Denmark) you get a better fork, better gears and an about 5 lbs lighter bike. The AE spokane is lighter than this Fuji, but they handle pretty much the same(my AE was 18", Fuji 17"). I simply love the looks of this bike, i get envious glances all the time. Hehe, they all think i paid loads for this bike, i don't intend to tell them the price(unless they read this....)
Similar Products Used: Trek 4300 disc American Eagle spokane '98 w/ Magura HS33
Bike Setup: fuji altair 2 alu frame white/black with red, Suntour xcp magnesium 75 mm LockOut, promax mechanical discs, shimano deore 27sp front and rear deraill., Truvativ fiveD crankset, fuji hubs and rims, WTB Velociraptor 2.1, BBB red barends, myself mounted on top