Submitted by
jdogdaddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2011
Strengths: solid & smooth. for having V-brakes, it brakes well. lockouts for front and rear suspension add great options and dimensions to the riding experience. wider handle bars enhance control, and the stock seat is ergo-comfy. dual suspension for well under $2k!
Weaknesses: not sure on that one...
Bottom Line:
This is a quite smooth bike. I have a '96 ground control which was a $1400 bike back in the day. The full suspension on it compared to the technology today is archaic. I still ride my hard tail a good 75 miles per week in town, but this FSR xc is really nice. I am much more than a weekend warrior, having logged almost 500 miles in the last 6 weeks, mostly on mountain trails. The widest I have been on would be considered forestry roads for shorter distances, and this bike handles it all well. I don't have a comparison to a true high end machine, but with the miles I ride, and the terrain I cover with the other bikes I have, I can truly say that the fatigue factor on your body with this FSR xc is SUBSTANTIALLY less. Less fatigue and beating means more fun and longer rides. I also would like to note its cornering as being quite good. The rear shock has a pretty good amount of coosh, without being too bouncy. The front lockouts and rear lockout add a good dimension/option for different conditions. Compared to the newer models starting at $3k, I am EXTREMELY stoked about this bike with an MSRP of $1200. I would highly recommend it, especially if you are looking for a true full suspension bike, without having to pay the price of a used car. Unless you are a semi-pro or pro competitor racing for $$$, I cant imagine being unhappy with this machine.
Strengths: Weight. Handling. Suspension. Tires. Brakes. Nice color.
Weaknesses: Gears were a little finicky until the bike was broken in. Back wheel has been trued several times.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I'm an intermediate mountain biker who took up riding in the Phoenix Valley about 3 1/2 years ago. As my skills advanced, it became obvious that I needed to get a new bike or I was going to kill myself. At first, going from a Trek 820 to my FSR was like trading in a 1974 Dodge Ram for a Lexus - quite the transition. And, one worth making. For a bike around $1,000, I don't think you could ask much more from a full-suspension set up. I weigh 190 lbs and ride some pretty rough trails on a weekly basis, but this bike has taken everything I could dish out.
After 1 1/2 years, I'm on my second set of Specialized Resolution tires (which I love by the way), and just replaced my chain and my middle chainring. I've needed to replace the brake pads too. These changes were too be expected as normal maintenance, however. I have had a little trouble with the back wheel coming out of true (which makes the back brakes rub sometimes), but otherwise the bike as a whole has performed very well.
The bike rides very well. Suspension is very comfortable and the steering is quite responsive.
The only upgrade I'd like to make soon is adding some mechanical disc brakes (though the V's work well, on steep, long descents, it can start to make your hands feel pretty tired). Disc's would help with the brake rub/back wheel truing problem.
Purchased the bike at Global Bike, which has been great, as they give me free tune-ups (this was a Godsend when I was having gearing problems when breaking in the bike).
Bike Setup: Just your normal run-of-the-mill set up for an entry level Specialized FSR. Base components. V Brakes. No discs. No clipless pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Nelson
a Cross Country Rider
from Lubbock
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2007
Strengths: Price, sturdy, my first full suspension bike, has been used regularly for a year in a 6 mile mix trial, comfortable rides good, adjustable rear shock allows to hard tail if needed.
Weaknesses: Rear wheel weak, broke spokes several times finally replaced under warranty no further issues. Chain keeps breaking up, but that maybe due to my gentle riding stile.
Bottom Line:
Good for the price you may need to replace some parts, I read about the same issue with spokes happening with other FSRs, not for the extreme rider, great for the beginner and intermediate raider.
Now before I get flamed, I need to preface this by saying a few quick things:
1. I've been out of riding for a number of years and am very excited about getting back into it. Th Read More »
