It is a trail everyone raves about and this frame captures the essence of Laurel Mountain trail. There always seems to be downed trees to play on, rocky sections that will test skills, with rhythm sections to roll on, and, of course, downhill fun. The 5" travel, all mountain Laurel Mountain frame is designed to excel in all of these elements.
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Spartanburg, SC
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007
Strengths: Price, durability, built to my specs, great value
Weaknesses: Can't find any
Bottom Line:
For a comparable bike/ride by a larger frame manufacturer I would have paid over $3,000. I test rode the Laurel Mtn. and the difference in the ride versus a Motolite was basically unnoticeable. I didn't have to settle for a bike with some components I didn't want and have to immediately start spending more money to upgrade. Working with Harvey to spec out/setup the bike was great. Highly recommended.
Similar Products Used: Titus Motolite, Trek Fuel series, Giant Anthem, Giant Trance
Bike Setup: Marz AM 3 fork, BB7 discs, Sram X9 shifters & rear der., XT front der., Manitou Swinger 3-way rear shock
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Submitted by
Chris Eldridge
a Weekend Warrior
from Pumpkintown, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2007
Strengths: Quality at a reasonable price. Solid frame with top-notch components and the best service.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. I couldn't have done better without spending $3,000. Harvey does a great job standing behind his bikes. My buddy broke a bearing on the rear suspension last year while we were in Fruita Colorado for the Fat Tire Festival there. Harvey had the part overnighted to us. Who else does something like that?
Bike Setup: Manitou Black front shock with lockout. Shimano shifters and gears.
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Submitted by
SM
a Cross Country Rider
from Dayton, OH
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2007
Strengths: GREAT Value for a full-suspension bike; super strong yet light QUALITY frame; excellent ride; custom built to your specs.
Weaknesses: None that I've found. I've hammered this thing over nearly every rock and log on numerous tough trails in 3 different states and it's held up better than my body.
Bottom Line:
You won't find a better value anywhere, period. Harvey is a great guy to deal with and he knows his components. I spent nearly a year looking at various full-suspension bikes by various manufacturers and stumbled upon Harvey's cycles while I was visiting my brother-in-law. I usually build-up my own bikes but when I saw what Harvey offered for the money, I knew there was no way I could beat it even if I put it together myself. The thing that sold me were the frames. These are GREAT frames for the money, folks. Solid, well-constructed frames, NKB series precision sealed bearings, etc. Go ahead and buy a MUCH more expensive frame from the usual mfgrs......I guarantee it won't be built any better. Also, Harvey stands behind what he sells.
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Pisgah Forest, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2007
Strengths: Comfort and stability of ride on rough terrain Simplicity and ruggedness of frame design Ease and range of adjustments of suspension Reasonably light weight
Weaknesses: Can't think of any
Bottom Line:
By far the nicest mountain bike I have ever ridden. Perfectly meets my XC/AM riding needs. If there are comparable bikes at this price out there, I don’t know about them. Probably the biggest advantage in buying a HarveyCycle is that Harvey will customize the component package to meet individual needs whatever your riding style – XC, AM, FR, DH or a combination. If you aren’t sure what you need then Harvey will advise.
Strengths: solid bike that i cannot yet outperform
Weaknesses: maybe weight (but not for this price range)
Bottom Line:
i shopped around, did my research and for the price this is by far the best bang for your buck. Harvey is a joy to do business with too. i love the bike!
Similar Products Used: jamis dakar xlt specialized fsr
Bike Setup: manitou black platinum air120 fork, manitou swinger 3way rear, raceface evolve xc crank, candyC pedals, hayes nine hydrolic disc, sram x-9, kenda nevagals on bontrager wheels, easton cane creek and mtb parts
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Submitted by
Jason Parker
a Cross Country Rider
from Brevard NC U.S.
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2006
Strengths: The bike is lite and fast on the trails in Pisgah. The frame seems to be pretty strong. I like how simple the design is and the flat black finish.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I have enjoyed the bike thus far considering my style of riding. Harvey has always been very helpful and laid back in dealing with me as a customer.
Bike Setup: Manitou Black Platinum air shoock,xt rear derailer,lx front derailer,syncross big box rims,cane creek stem and headset,easton downhill bars and easton seatpost,hayes nine disc brakes with carbon levers,wtb speed seat,kenda john tomac series,truvativ crank set
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Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Brevard, NC
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2006
Strengths: Bike is fairly light-weight and Harvey will work with you to put parts on the bike that best suit your needs. You also can't find a better price for a quality bike like this. It has tackled everything I have thrown at it and then some. It does a good job when climbing as well. Just a great all-around bike.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
You can't find a bike with similar components for a better price, plain and simple. The bike is solid and well made. Harvey treats his customers right. He goes out of his way to make sure you have a great bike that is right for you. I highly recommend harvey cycles and especially the laurel mountain.
Bike Setup: Laurel Mountain Frame, Manitou Black front fork, Manitou Radium rear shock, Shimano XT
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Submitted by
PF
a Cross Country Rider
from Hendersonville,North Carolina
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2006
Strengths: The bike handles great,tight switchbacks no problem.Stable platform,no bobbing on seated climbs.Well balanced, not much finesse needed to keep from popping wheelies or loosing traction on steep climbs.Down hill just aim and go.Overall a very comfortable ride.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
This is a good bike at a great price.Back Country Outdoors was a pleasure to do business with. Harvey knows his products and his prices are about as good as it gets.
Bike Setup: Manitou Black Super 120 mm Front Fork w/ remote lockout Manitou Radium RL Rear Shock w/ lockout LX Front Derailleur and Shifters XT Rear Derailleur Race Face Ride XC Crankset Magura Julie Hydraulic Disc Brakes Deore Disc Hubs/Sun DS2-XC Rims
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Submitted by
Jackson Amburn
a Cross Country Rider
from Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2006
Strengths: Frame strength, suspension setup, components, and value. You get what you pay for.
Weaknesses: Paint job. Rims and hubs came loose. However, those are component issues not the bike itself.
Bottom Line:
Okay, Harvey has been bugging me for months about putting a review up here, but I needed a while to really test the bike and put it through its trials. It has passed with flying colors. Now, the bottom line: great bike for the money and you pay for what you get. The bike rides very well over bumps, ruts, and jumps extremely well and has very plush suspension. Trust me I have downhilled on it. It takes punishment. With 5 inches of rear travel, one would think that this bike is heavy, its not at all. Mine weighs in at around 28 lbs. The bike also climbs very well, and locking out the rear shock helps a lot! Okay, now with the downfalls. The rims on the first day got loose, whatever, Harvey tightened them no problem. Second, rear hub became loose, simple tightening job did it well. Third, I broke one of the bolts for my rear shock. However, Harvey being the bike God that he is, sent me one in the mail for free. I was down for two days. Handling, very good. It corners very well, however I noticed the bike is slightly top heavy and you have to make sure that you corner it correctly or the front tire may lose grip. Thats a user error issue though. Trails: Wayhehutta- pure downhill with water bars, rock gardens and super fast berms. The laurel mountain stomps this trail. I'm clipped in the whole time on 20% grades and im confident this bike wont let me down, it hasnt yet. Tsali- great trail bike for tsali. Not much I can say. It handles technical stuff very well. Moses Creek- rocky and muddy. Great bike for it. Mud is mud, but the rocks, outrunning hardtails is a nice feeling and feeling your butt at the end is even better. Okay, so it's a great bike and a great value, so who should really buy this bike? If you like pure climbing speed and xc racing, this isn't your bike. Get an epic, or an anthem. Now, someone who wants to dabble in a little bit of everything? Yes. All mountain? Yes. Some downhill? Yes. XC? You bet. If you are looking for a good value with awesome people backing their products go to brevard at backcountry. Ask for harvey. One more thing, I will be racing this rig with some upgrades in the fall for the WCU bike team. Ill be doing DH and xc with the bike.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Hardrock, Giant NRS 1, and Specialized P-1
Bike Setup: 16" frame, Manitou super air black front fork 130mm. Manitou Radium Lockout, Race Face Evolve stem and bar, Race Face Ride XC cranks, Hayes 9 hydros, Sram chain and cassette, Shimano XT rear, Lx front derailers. Bontrager seat and post. Crank Brothers Candy C pedals.
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Submitted by
Meyrick Camilosa
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006
Strengths: Excellent price, Bike is well balanced, light for a full suspension bike.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I've put on 50 miles of mountain riding with this baby in a week. The bike just plain awesome. It's very comfortable and tackles rocky obstacles with ease. My downhills are more faster now compared to my hardtail. I have more confident with faster cornering. For the price of what you get, you can't ask for a better deal. Also talking to Harvey was the best bike buying experience I've ever had.
Bike Setup: 5" travel. 2006 Manitou Black front w/lockout, 2006 Manitou Radium rear shock w/lockout, Hayes HFX-9 Carbon brakes( 7 inch front rotor, 6 inch rear rotor ), Bontrager Select wheels, Kenda DTC Nevegal 2.1 kevlar tires. SRAM 9.0 shorty 9 speed shifters, SRAM X-9 rear D, Shimano XT front D, Easton EA 50 stem & seatpost; Cane Creek S2 headset, WTB speed V comp saddle.
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Submitted by
Tom Ruark
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2006
Strengths: Bought as a complete bike. For the money, I think it's wonderfully rideable. Lot's of very plush suspension. My wife (it was purchased for her) simply refuses to ride her hard-tail anymore. The frame looks to be very nicely welded. The finish looks sharp (all black and no stickers!). I have ridden the bike at speed and can ride it as fast as my 21 pound hardtail pure xc bike. It grabs corners with gusto, and rolls over roots (major obstacle in FL) very easily, but without killing momentum. It's a great setup and Harvey is very cool to deal with (knowledgeable and a good communicator).
Weaknesses: The manual for the rear shock answers very few questions. Not really a problem if you have half a brain and internet service. Actually, Harvey provided the info I needed!
Bottom Line:
It's pretty much like Harvey says, for the money it's a no-brainer. Nice components, great frame, great ride, damn fast, able to do reasonable drops without a hitch (it's not made for hucking off of houses and that's OK, because we ride our bikes up-hill too. You won't see us pushing a bike ever! Yes, we have hills in Florida).
Similar Products Used: Too many to list! Motobecane HT and DS with Manitou and SID forks etc.....
Bike Setup: Manitou 3-way Swinger Air shock, Hayes Hydraulics, Manitou fork, XT Rhyno-Lite rear....
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Submitted by
Rusty Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from Norcross, Ga. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2006
Strengths: GREAT dollar value. Never get tired of riding it.
Weaknesses: Had to have a few things tightened and adjusted after my first ride but I guess that is natural after the pounding I gave it.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a blast to ride. It can take a pounding and it just keeps on going. Every time I ride I don't want to stop. Climbs great and the down hills are as smooth as silk.
Harvey at BackCountry Outdoors is GREAT to deal with. How often do you get a bike built to order by its namesake? EVERYTIME at BackCountry Outdoors.
Bike Setup: 5" of travel. Manitou Black front, Manitou Radium rear shocks. Sunrise DS-XC rims. TrailBear tires. XT rear D and LX front D. Cane Creek SS head set, Syncros stem and RaceFace low riser handlebars. Magura Julie juicey disc brakes.
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Submitted by
Michael Murphy
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC USA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2005
Strengths: Excellent price/value equation. Fun and comfortable; great for all day epic rides.
Weaknesses: Factory built Sun DS2-XC wheelset.
Bottom Line:
A lot of bang for the buck; at $1500, this Harvey model delivers a great ride without breaking the bank. Very robust frameset is plush without being too heavy. Climbs well and is more nimble than I expected. Performance is comparable to peer bike at twice the cost.
The nice folks at Back Country Outfitters are a pleasure to work with. They quickly and courteously replaced a rear wheel that blew up with less than 100 miles on it. And how often can one deal directly with namesake of a bike? Looking for a great value? Look no futher than Harvey Bicycles. Visit Backcountry Outdoors 18 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 828-884-4262 sales@backcountryoutdoors.com MM
Purchased At: Back Country Outdoors, Pisgah Forest, NC
Similar Products Used: Sanat Cruz Blur, Specialized FXR, Trek Fuel
Bike Setup: 5" travel. Manitou Black front; Manitou Radium rear shock. Avid mechanical disc brakes. Sun DS2-XC wheels, Deore hubs,Kenda Cortez rubber. LX shifters, XT rear D; LX front D; RaceFace stem & handlebars; Cane Creek S5 headset; Bontrager seat post; Selle Italia Nitrox saddle.
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Submitted by
Matt DeOrsey
a Cross Country Rider
from Cashiers, NC
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Strengths: I feel like I am riding the Cadillac of mountain bikes. This bike is light, fast, firm going up hill and as forgiving as you would like heading down.
Weaknesses: NONE
Bottom Line:
I spent two months researching and riding demo bikes and after I rode this bike my search was over. First off there is no way you can find a better value out there as far as cost goes. Harvey Cycles will win everytime. Second the buying experience is the way buying something should be all the time. Most likely you will deal with Harvey himself, who is super knowledgeable and very laid back. Harvey took lots of time with me to explain all the features and options I could choose from. I got the exact bike that was perfect for not only my mountain biking experience level but for the way I like to ride. In addition since I have purchased the bike, Harvey and his team have been great about educating me on how to dial in the bike to fit me even more than when I bought it. Bottom line for me is the bike is awesome, the experience was awesome and I would do it again tomorow. I have even bought my son a bike since I got mine and he had never rode before. We are both having a BLAST!!!!
