Relatively light for the price/travel. It handles really well, and my first ride I just couldn't stop smiling. The adjustable travel is great, and does make a difference in ride characteristics. The L/M goes though rock gardens extremely well, and its very stable at higher speeds. It is a great trail bike.

I'm not sure this is a product weakness, but riders might want to watch out for it: the bolt fastening the rear shock to the main triangle, may "loose" some of its threads if the nut is not tightened enough, once that happens it will become impossible to tighten the nut any more, and the resulting play may damage the frame. Those who play with their travel set up a lot will have to watch this especially closely.

As compared to the Hardtail Loco Moto is heavier and climbs less efficiently (suspension compresses when in seated position), at the same time the rear tire hooks up better on the uphills, its much smoother/quicker down the hill, and is excellent on technical terrain. I was worried about the move from H/T to F/S, but with the proper set up my transition has proves to be smooth. I can now say that I love full suspension.
I think this bike will be a great purchase for someone who wants a "do it all" bike, that good for cross country riding as well as a weekend of trail riding. Its not a D/H bike, or a cross country racer, but it is a lot of fun

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Moved from a hardtail ('99 Schwinn Homegrown Team Factory), never used any other full suspension bikes

low maintenance, low graphics, matte powdercoat, metal where it counts -- very unique and efficient design

none yet

More is less. If you can create something great with the least amount of overhead, that's art. It rides smooth, firm and quiet - there's none of the slop or "creakiness" I expected coming straight from an AL Fisher. Different shock positions actually make a difference (4in is true XC, 4.75 feels medium huck gushy). You can lean over the front end on slow technical stuff, or lean back and float over the big fast stuff. Uphill switchbacks in the mud are up to your balance, not the bikes shortcomings. Climbs are limited by strength. Descents...put it this way, I'm ordering discs before I fly off the end of the trail. This bike does that groovy "float" thing over obstacles. BUT the key here is ONE HUGE PIVOT, not 8 with bushings and thin rockers and judy butter and headaches. The Loco rides like a 4-bar anyway (really). No chatter, no chain jerk, no stinkbug. Good choice for a rider who wants a competition worthy trailbike. No buyer's remorse here. To be real, the only reservation I can post is, if you huck off 10ft drops (sure you do)then go with a tubby bike. One last thing -- spend the money before you settle on a production bike. (I actually considered a Sugar! Crazy,man.) The Titus is deceptively different.

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strictly hardtail, but, this purchase was FULLY researched with the highest level of paranoia. I talked with Titus, Ellsworth, Hammerhead, Rage, online reviews, mechanics, OG freeriders, Cops, pets, et al.

A little slower on twisty singletrack, accelleration isn't as quick as on a hardtail. The problem with the bolt (I've mentioned that as a weakness previously)securing the rear shock to the frame, has not reoccured.

After using the bike for close to a year, I'm perfectly satisfied with my choice. I have experienced some premature chain wear, but I believe the bike is bomb-proof. It rides well everywhere, generous travel is perfect for cross-country riding on rocky terrain - especially North Eastern trails. I purchased this bike as a "winter - or off season" bike, however it was my bike of choice throughout the summer. The bike is well ballanced with a 100 mm travel Manitou X-vert Air, and the Avid Disc brakes are necessary for any wet/muddy riding. Higher BB means that you can go over stuff easier, and yet the bike feels stable at speed. Panaracer PYRO is also an excellent rear tire for this bike - it hooks up in all conditions. Drifting is predictable with the Panaracer Fire up front.
I am definitely glad I got this bike, superior traction makes up for its heavier weight up the hills.

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None, moved directly from hardtail

Hand built right here in Tempe AZ (30 minute drive). Rides excellent for a single pivot (on par with many of the multi pivot bikes).

Broke in a year!!

I had nothing but great things to say about this bike right up until it broke in two spots (down tube and head tube right behind the welds). It handled well in all types of terrain. It did not climb as well as some multi pivot bikes, but I would not and did not expect it to. I thought I had a bike that would last until I wanted to try something new.

I was wrong. 12 months later I find myself walking back to the car with a broken frame. I was glad to hear Titus was going to warranty this frame. However the attitude they took toward this was disappointing. The first thing out of their mouth was accusing me of abusing the bike and free riding it (far from the truth). They were essentially stating "you did not get hurt, therefore what is the big deal". I would expect a little more in the customer service area. I was lucky enough I did not get hurt, but could easily be missing some teeth right now. So for the bike breaking in half and poor concern for their customers, I give only 1 star.

However, there is another side to this. The customer service I received from SMC cycles was excellent as always. Scott went to bat for me here. He was on the phone to Titus less than an hour after the incident and had a new frame for me the next day. In fact he talked Titus letting me upgrade to the Swithblade at a very reasonable price which at first they were unwilling to do at all. I will add this into the equation and bump up the rating.

I am still staying with the Titus brand and giving them another chance with the Switchblade. However I did learn some lessons.

Lesson one: Stay away from the LocoMoto (at least the ones before the 2003 redesign). It was a great bike other than the fact it broke!
Lesson two: Buy from a local dealer like SMC. Good prices and excellent customer service.

Take a look at the broken Titus
http://members.cox.net/~cemorris/Titus/images.html

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Specialized FSR, GT LTS, GT I-Drive

Light, Quick, Plush, Price

None yet, front derailer not too easy attach to frame.

I got a 2002 at a nice price. Just built it and took my first ride yesterday. It rocks. The bike is light, fast, and plush. It climbed like a rock star. For the money you really cant beat the Loco Moto.

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Santa Cruz Superlight, Gary Fisher Sugar

quality, weight and simplicity of design. travel adjustments add great versatility.

none to date.

coming off the wildhare, i think the L.M. climbs much better. it is very light and still stiff. impressed with the quality of workmanship and the frame fit. will review again after more time in the saddle. for now, i'd recomend it to anyone.

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P.W. wildhare, Jamis Dakar, 4-banger and Y-33.

very smooth riding, lightest bike i could find with 4.75 inches of travel at 6.0 (measured) lbs. high quality, no shortcuts taken on the frame.climbs are amazing with minimal pogo (i dont even notice)and takes all the hits u can dish out

none so far, except i scratched it like an idiot during a ride :(

i love this bike so far. i dont know how it will hold up to wear and tear, bc i havent had it long enough. but it climbs great, decends great, and rides great! the '03 design is amazing, i wouldnt have gotten this bike if it was still the old style. the new design is unbelievable stiff torsionally. buy this bike!

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superlight, catamount

Quality, Simplicity, Durability, Performance, Looks

Initially weak top tube gusset (since been fixed)

Since I got my bike back from being recalled, I have put about 1000 miles on it. This is one seriously sweet ride! The unique comment that I can make is that the wonderboys may ride Trek, Gary fisher, Specialized, etc. BUT, they are paid to ride them and are more likely than not 1 off customs, NOT the bike you buy at LBS. Bikes like Titus, Santa Cruz, Ellsworth, etc., are a whole new level. They might be "off the shelf" but the quality is custom. Do yourself a favor and get a Titus and enjoy a quality ride that all the others on "McBikes" will never know. No bushings, no links, no cheap OEM knockoff parts or OEM spec frauds (OEM forks!) You call the company and the phone is answered by a person who can answer your question and offer a better alternative.

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Santa Cruz Heckler, Superlight.