The XLM is the definitive titanium hard tail racing bike. It boasts very light weight, but extremely quick acceleration due to the oversize tubing. The custom double butted MTS size specific titanium frame is the finest racing hard tail possible. Whether you are riding tight single track or open trail, the XLM is perfectly balanced.
Submitted by
Huckster41
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose Date Reviewed: November 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Demonstration Forest
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Strengths:
super strong, nothing rides like a ti frame. If you ever get a chance to ride one do it.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
GT zaskar, all other bike are full suspension
Bike Setup:
all xtr components, chris king hubs/mavic 717 rims,kenda small blocks,carbon bars, very custom bike
Bottom Line:
This bike is just plan out fast. I will never be happy on anything less than what this bike has to offer. I have five other bikes but this one gets to go out and ride more than the others. The way this bike rides is unbelievable, it almost feels like a full suspension bike. If you want the best bike money can buy don't worry about the cost because you will never be sorry, money well spent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dswilliamson2112
a Cross Country Rider
from Boynton Beach, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Yancees Ridge/ although Pisgah kicks butt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5450.00
Purchased At:
Purchased frame on l
Strengths:
This machine climbs like a nannygoat on crack. Buttery smooth ride. This bike is very resilent, and responds to rider input flawlessly. Power transfer is phenominal and direct. This machine gives you back everything you put into it, in a word "snappy" I have passed one legged riders with ease (Andish knows what that means) It is as if this machine was equipped with a laser guidance system, all you have to do is look where you want to go and the bike does the rest for you. Technical climbs- no problems there- just pick yer line. Downhills- this bike is by no means a dualie, but I find if you take your posterior off the saddle, especially when encountering baby head rocks and other rough stuff, she kind of does this dance over the tops of the rocks. This machine loves to fly- the harder you bunny hop (especially over water bars and the like) it is like this bike is spring loaded and it will take off like a jet so it is advisable to know a good landing strip. (no pun intended, but have you ridden Dupont?)
Weaknesses:
NAY
Similar Products Used:
First real MTB was the Black Voodoo Bokor, and after I seperated the frame the head tube descending down Hibriten mountain, the factory sent me their newer version, 20.5', Robin's Egg Blue. Very stiff frames. After a long days ride, my back cried MAAAMMAA. Tylenol would often be required.
Bike Setup:
Full 2008 Xtr. Thompson elite 5 deg rise stem, thompson masterpiece seatpost, Selle Flite gel saddle with ti rails, specialized grips, Chris king nothreadset (Chris kings signature cosmic green color) With spacers to match. Wheels: custom built by Dave at Daves speed dream wheels (please see mtbr reviews on his wheels) These wheels are very light, less than 1400 grams for the set. Custom optioned with the stainless steel goodies. I had the hubs matched (Chris King cosmic green) and had the spoke nipples matched the same color. Black synergy rims and black spokes. A very beautiful, a true eye catching wheelset. The gums that stick this machine to the dirt are compliments of Kenda Nevegal- Tubeless. I have had zero pinch flats to date. Boy those tires love to throw rocks, though. The fork I chose is the rock shock reba team with lockout. Infinite adjustabiliy, and I chose to run with 100mm travel. I believe with a service you can get even more travel. Pedals- Time ATAC Carbon, and they mate well with My 2008 SIDI Dominator 5 shoes. Lastly, I picked my handlebars as Race Face Next SL low rise. The guys at Jenson USA helped me with setting up this bike and they are very knowledgable about their products and ther prices are really competitive. I think I got a good setup. This bike is absolutely beautiful and one of a kind. The SILVER FOXX weighs in the 23 pound range....
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this machine, I have lovingly named the SILVER FOXX, I intend to keep till my riding days are over. Yes I will ride that bike into the sunset. After those long long all day rides, she is easier on your body and you dont feel as you would riding on an alum hardtail. I swear i will never forget my first ride on this bike in Pisgah. I began descending and i felt goosebumps come out from head to toe. I had the permasmile going. Every time I ride this bike I feel like I learn something a little different. I feel like the Silver FOXX and I are one with each when riding. If you ever get a chance to ride one of these bad boys, I don't think you will soon forget it. Titanium is a magical metal, and It should last you as long as you are able to pedal. This investment I made is worth more than my car, (Its even insured) but I would never have done anything different. Thanks for reading, and happy/safe riding to you, my friends.
David Williamson/ Boynton Beach, Florida
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mel
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley Date Reviewed: August 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
sinawik trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Mikes Bikes
Strengths:
This frame is the definite XC hardtail, the absolute best frame I have ridden. Surprisingly smooth on rough terrain, race inspired acceleration, on the dime turns on singletrack, all flawless. And oh yeah, if you scratch the frame, you can buff it right out with ti!
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
full xtr and fox rlt 100 fork
Bottom Line:
This frame still rock amid all this flurry of full ses folks. If you want THE absolute best hardtail, this is it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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