Submitted by
Carlos Marquez
a Cross Country Rider
from Guanajuato, Mexico
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2007
Strengths: No paint, enough light 1350gr, super fast, very strong, No flex, normal looking, oversize tubes, 31.6 seat tube, the epitome of design.
Weaknesses: I little bit nervous when you have 45 lbs of pressure on wheels at 35 lbs feels better, but you must be very technical if you do not want to bite the tube on the rookie terrains.
Bottom Line:
This is my favorite hardtail bike. I used for all day ride and is very comfortable. Is a very expensive bike but if you see different is a good price piece of art.
Similar Products Used: Trek 9000, Zaacar Lee, Airborne Landcaster, Trek Liquid, Scott Scale 10, Santa Cruz Chameleon, Epic, Stumpjumper, Nomad, Obed and a lot of BMX
Bike Setup: Marta SL, Syntace, Thompson Masterpeace, Selle XC Gel SLR, King hubs and headset, Mavic 717, DT Aerolite, XTR front, Rear Cassette and Crankset, Fox F100RLC,
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Youngsville, NC
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007
Strengths: Very Lightweight. Titanium has no fatigue life and will practically last forever. Highest quality components that money can buy. Will fly uphill (provided you supply the climbing legs). The brushed Ti finish is second to none. Welds are meticulously perfect. Geometrically enhaced tubes enhance overall strength.
Weaknesses: The price.
Bottom Line:
If you are a cross-country racer then this is the bike that you must have. It is capable of so much more than I am able to give it (and I have raced for a number of years). The full XTR group not only looks incredibly sexy, but its performance knows no equal. If you are a weekend warrior or just a casual cross-country rider then you should look elsewhere -- the bike is extremely expensive and not as forgiving as a quality full-suspension frame.
Bike Setup: Full XTR, except mine has XTR V-brakes, not disc.
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Submitted by
Matt Sali
a Cross Country Rider
from Escondido
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006
Strengths: Rigid yet comfortable, light, climbs extremely well and goes where you point it.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
I've been riding a Klein Attitude 94 (fully rigid) and switched to the Litespeed Tanasi. It's stiff in the bottom bracket yet the ride is extremely comfortable when compared to the Klein. Tracking is phenominal.
Purchased used, this was a great deal. Certainly $6K for a bike is well out of reach for my budget.
Similar Products Used: Klein Adroit 96, Klein Attitude 94, Kestrel CSX.
Bike Setup: XTR build kit. Crossmax SL.
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Submitted by
Ed van Rooyen
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006
Strengths: Strong and light - not something that usually goes together
Weaknesses: None - although quite pricy
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike!!!! I am not a light guy (22 stone) yet the ti frame shows no hint of any flex - might be expensive but peace of mind of full life time warranty makes up for it. Oh yes and climes like a mountain goat on steroids!!!!!
Favorite Trail: Any trail as long as I am out on the bike
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$5250.00
Purchased At: All terrain Cycles
Similar Products Used: Schwinn Moab LX, Gary Fisher Marlin, Gt Avalanche 1.0
Bike Setup: Full XT, Fox 100RLT, Hope minis, Thompson bar and stem and Easton carbon bars
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Submitted by
tim
a Cross Country Rider
from santa cruz
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2005
Strengths: Solid and stable in most technical situations, yet not rough.
Bottom Line:
I have riden hardtails for over ten years, this is my third ti -- and absolutely the best. The tanasi feels extremely solid, responsive, stiff and fast, yet still not rough. When I stand out of the saddle, it respinds like a road bike, yet when seated, the seat stays take enough of the shock / vibration. This bike is expensive and might not be for everyone. yet I love mine. it's stable at high speeds and rough terain, nimble on the singletrack, and always wants to go fast. Don't tell lightspeed but I would even pay more, as long as noone knew.
Similar Products Used: Merlin XLM (had the exact same build down to the tires and yet this tanasi feels like something completely different, and much better). The Merlin felt too "active" for me.
Bike Setup: My tanasi has Marta SL brakes, Hugi/mavic wheels with Bon Sealant-ready tires. fox fork, SRAM and XTR mix and weighs in at 22#s for a 19"
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Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Cliffside park, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2005
Strengths: Light, but not what was quoted (around 22.5 lbs). Climbs well after locking out front suspension. Handles well and comfortable on road.
Weaknesses: I was quoted around 22.5 lbs and found it around 1 lb heavier, after opting to change to lightest Kenda tires I can find.
Bottom Line:
Since I just started using this bike, my full reaction hasn't been determined. I like the bike, but question the cost. To me, a stable (full ti frame)and top of the line components justifies the expense. The lighter weight, even though I was hoping for a lb lighter, is worth it. However, I'm sure their are other hardtails worth considering for a $1000 or more less expensive, but for me, I'm pleased with this bike (so far).
Similar Products Used: Cannondale raven 4000sx (full suspension)
Bike Setup: full xtr
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Submitted by
Carlos Marquez Valdes
a Weekend Warrior
from Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2005
Strengths: La rigudez extraordinaria que tiene, ligereza y belleza del material.
Weaknesses: Lo unico es el precio, más de 2000 dolares el puro cuadro. Pero te aseguro que vale la pena el gasto. Es un cuadro para toda la vida.
Bottom Line:
El mejor cuadro que he tenido desde hace 24 años que ruedo en bici, el centro es impresionantemente riguido. Todos los tubos cambian de forma en sus extremos y sólo pesó el cuadro 1,350g reales.
El mejor cuadro de XC en el mercado.
No dudes en invertir en un cuadro de este nivel. Recuerden que no hay que quedarse con las ganas de nada en este mundo.
