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Specialized
Enduro Comp FSR
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Submitted by
AC
a Downhiller
from California
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anonymous Local | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Police Auction | | Strengths: | Great starter bike for the price I paid. I loved the brakes and handle bars. Specialized's life time frame replacement policy | | Weaknesses: | Frame cracked at rear upper shock mount on both sides. I hit a three foot drop a few times and then after that I noticed my frame cracked. I rode it home and got a new bike two weeks later for free! | | Similar Products Used: | WalMart specials, Redline single X Bmx | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Well it was a great bike for the six months I rode it. The rear hub siezed but it was an easy fix for me because I changed it myself. It was awsome for XC but felt a little weak for dirt jumping and light downhill. I also loved the way this bike fit me. I'm 6'2 and weigh 225lbs and this bike just couldn't handle it. I did get a 2008 new FSR XC comp so I'm not complaining. I love Specialized's frame replacement policy! If you break a bike Specialized will fix it or just replace it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex franklin
a Downhiller
from el dorado hills, california
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | northstar | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$725.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | great trail and dirt jumping bike! very smooth and can do some moderate downhill. frame is fine, no cracks. | | Weaknesses: | no hard downhill or you bottom out. the marzocchi fork broke after i hit bottom to hard. also its a little on the heavy side. | | Similar Products Used: | big hit, demo 7, hardrock | | Bike Setup: | manitou nixon front forks, just about everything else is stock | | Bottom Line: | good bike for intermediate riders looking to go agressive on trails, but not ideal for just about anything else. I love it because thats what i do, and for a full suspension, its pretty cheap. many places to improve. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Downhiller
from Carver, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Killington | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | silver city cycles | | Strengths: | Everything about this bike is great, its light and still can handle big hits here and there. The components bring the bike together. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock comp and pro. | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Hydraulics Disc's front and rear, Marzocchi Bomber Front shock, Tioga Factory DH 2.30 tires, Thomson Cane Creek Head Set, Easton Crabon Fiber monkey lite bars, raceface cranks, Thomson elite seat post, black spire dual slalom chainring, Helix expert rear shock, Shiumano Deore Xt rear derailleur, lizard skin chain stay protector, eastern peddles. Basically set up for downhill. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike is awesome. It takes a beaten and keeps going. It can do anything from cross country to down hill and still get you home in one piece. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Manny
a Weekend Warrior
from Kanata
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Kanata Lakes | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Nice color..Comfortable geography,great braking system. | | Weaknesses: | Front Fork is way too spongy, cabling is
horrible, Chain slips and shifting was rough. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dogmatic, Head Silverado, giant | | Bike Setup: | Fully stock. | | Bottom Line: | I went down a small drop, the front suspension bottomed
out and I flipped over the bars and messed up my
knee real bad. The brake wire jammed in between the
rim and fork. Bottom Line.. Not nearly worth the $2,100cdn
they sell for.
I'll stick with Kona. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | glen major | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2068.00 | | Purchased At: | Canadian $ at Dukes (bike show deal) | | Strengths: | Takes my weight (230 lbs) and dosent cry about it. I can't seem to bottom the bombers or the fox float r out (fox at 300 psi). Good control on downhill twisties. Tires seem to perform well - no snakebytes yet and good grip for my tastes. Stable on jumps. Brakes enough to throw me over the bars - nice feel to them as well. | | Weaknesses: | Frame cracked at the same point as everyone elses. Front end way too light on uphills. I need to figure out how to correct this. Crank arm bolts constantly coming loose. Rear fender breaks way to easily. Nut on front quick release axle stripped with normal use. Fabric on seat has somehow worn out or torn on the underside at the front. Paint easily chips from frame. Creaking from headset on heavy uphill climbs (standing up, pumping hard).
Front lockout - yeah I went to use it the other day and it locks out jack squat. The shocks still work great otherwise. Ghost shifting as described in other reviews. Type of frame is not good for attaching air pump or water bottle. Front derailer ices up in winter (typical on all bikes). Brake squeal after 5 good rides - won't go away. | | Bike Setup: | Chopped all the indexing off the bars (i like to fit between trees). Swapped clipless for regular old pedals (more my taste). Gave up large front ring for bash ring (nice ground clearance now). | | Bottom Line: | Despite the frame breaking (new one on the way thanks to a lifetime warranty) and all the little gripes, I have a great time using this bike. It meets my needs and takes my punishment quite well, where other bikes would undoubtedly break apart (and have). Handels fast or twisty downhills quite well, and I was able to dial the suspension in to my weight and riding style with relative ease. Soaks up bumps, especially at speed and provides a confident and stable high speed run even on rough and uneven terrain. Stops on a dime.
Lifetime frame warranty is appealing for someone who tends to destroy equipment. I hope this company dosent go under for a long long time! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Coppetti
a Downhiller
from Olympia
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ALL | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | JoyRide Cycles | | Strengths: | Great Bike, Best suspension, only fully active design on the market, No brake Jack, no pedal feedback
| | Weaknesses: | Needs straight housing, 02 model had some warranty issues
I'd like to see an asymetrical rear end on this design | | Similar Products Used: | Big HIt DH, Epic, SC Bullit, all specialized models | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is not crap, the 02 frames had some warranty issues and specialized sent all the dealers replacement parts for this year and model. If yours breaks it is on the dealer who sold you the bike, they need to do their job and fix the problem.
Secondly, ANY bike can and will break if stressed enough, YOU need to learn to ride smoother.
The Fox air shock had some problems with SOME of the 02 models, once again the problem was addressed.
We've sold quite a few of these bikes and have had little complaints and all warranty issues were addressed.
Specialized puts out one hell of a bike for the $$$
All bikes have little quirks, and this is normal.
As far as a chain derailing, this is common on FS designs, especially ones with 5" of travel, if this happens, get OFF of the bike and remount the chain before you cause a problem that the bike shop won't fix for free.
Thank You
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim
a Cross Country Rider
from moorpark,ca.
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything singletrack away from people | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy, to much in house componets, oem rims are way to heavy oem bomber frok sucks | | Similar Products Used: | 99'enduro fsr | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to full xtr, hayes mag discs,spinergy cyclone wheel set | | Bottom Line: | .i bought this enduro because i have had many spec. bikes in the past.but this is crap.... had bike for 3 months and broke the fraame above rear upper shock mount,on the weld. returned to supergo, 3 weeks lter recived replacement,had to wait because all spec. rep at trade show.......i was pissed.... after 6 months broke second frame at same location. once again returned to supergo and got frame replaced. this time the spec.rep. got me an 03' s-works enduro as replacement, m5 alum. is much stronger at welds. so the bottom line is if you are over 200lbs dont buy this bike,unless you throw down $3500 buck for the s-works.the only reason i still have this bike.............no insults to supergo they took care of me..........great shop | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Cottrell
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mendip, Cwm Carn | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans mail order | | Strengths: | Super smooth suspension, good brakes, excellent handling. All round good fun for a big boy (200lbs plus). Really really fast downhill and loves the rock gardens. If you know "babies heads" on Mendip then just think FAST.... | | Weaknesses: | Prone to wear, 3 chains, new chainrings, new cassette and endless brake pads, routing of cables gives a bit of ghost changing, might just be Mendip of course. Also wore out bushes on rear shox, easy to change, Thanks MOJO! needs a lock out on the rear shock so buy the pro or whatever | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first full bouncer | | Bike Setup: | Changed tyres to Conti Vertical Pros, changed chain rings to Raceface, in the summer dry I used Panaracer Trail blasters, they are fast tyres! | | Bottom Line: | Fanbloodytastic bike, My size 47's have rubbed the paint off the swinging arm as I've used it so much | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Sanford, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Franklin Street Cycles, Chapel Hill, NC | | Strengths: | It does what it advertises. It is a great all around bike, jack of all trades but master of none.
I have had more fun riding since I got this bike, and the weight is not even noticed. I can ride all day and still feel alive. | | Weaknesses: | Cheapo Specialized components!!!!
Also, I have had it for about 7 weeks and the rear shock is going into the shop for a second time. | | Similar Products Used: | none, really | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | It is a great bike if you want a do-everything bike and don't have $3k to lay down. If I had the money, I would have looked at a Santa Cruz, a Titus or any number of other bikes, but I was able to get a great bike within my budget.
I can upgrade components as soon as I break them. (Outer chainring missing two teeth 3 miles into my ride!!!!)
So far I have had several little problems, the shock did not hold air when I bought it, RockShox warranteed it and it works, now there is some play on the shock bushings, so it is going back into the shop. Hopefully they will take good care of that too.
Not only did I break teeth on the big ring, but the rivets holding the cranks were poorly machined, and caused a lot of problems with Chain Suck. My lbs fixed it, but it would have been a lot better if it just came with RaceFace or something.
Well, enough complaining, I otherwise love the bike. THe ride is great, and I can go up and down places that I could not do on my HT. When I go back to my HT I find I am a better rider too.
Bottom line: I wish Specialized paid more attn. to the details, but for the price it is a great deal. I'm happy (so far). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, Florida
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kitchen Sink @ Oleta River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | 1700 | | Strengths: | Versatility and "Fun Factor!" I like the Shiamao Deore Hydro Disc brakes-strong and reliable though a bit heavy. I really enjoy the ride of the Marzocchi MXC fork with ECC- it's a little stiff at very low speeds, but pick up the pace and it feels like butter. | | Weaknesses: | Frame weakness and some low-buck component spec. I don't like the Specialized Stong Arm II crankset-weak/flexy and imprecise shifting, it will be replaced soon with some 2003 XTs or RaceFace ISIS Turbine LPs. Look at my 6/6/02 review for more details on other weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V, Kona ManoMano, Kona King Kikapu, Jamis Dakar, Diamondback XLR Race, Schwinn S10 | | Bike Setup: | XTR rear & XT front Der., XTR Shifters, XT 756 disc rear hub handbuilt onto Mavic F219, Thomson Post & Stem, Weyless riser bar, WTB SST saddle, IRC Mythos XC tires, stock Deore Hydro disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to my review on 6/6/02.
I have more disappointments to report. I report these things as a heads-up. Watch for them when you inspect your bike, which I would do often.
The 2002 warranty replacement frame, after my original 2002 frame cracked at the top rear shock mount, cracked at the weld joining the seat-tube (where the seatpost is inserted) to the monocoque. This time it took THREE WEEKS before I got my replacement 2003 Pro frame from Specialized because most of the staff was at Interbike and they were also waiting on the 03 frames to arrive. The 2003 Pro frame is a boring white color but has more attactive decals in my opinion. At least they were kind enough to offer the 2003 Pro as the warranty frame. All my 2002 Comp parts were swapped to the new Pro frame at no cost to me by my dealer, but I hated the down time.
Then about a month ago the Fox Float rear shock blew it's air seal and would not hold more than 110psi during a ride. Fox sent me a retrofit seal at no cost and assured me I could install it myself. Either I'm stupid or this Float Itch Switch shock is weird but I was not successful at doing it myself and had to have the new seal installed at the bike shop. More down time and expense for me.
I still enjoy riding this bike even though I have had some major problems. Specialized was very helpful and accommodating, but I wish they would have spent a little more time on research and development and saved me the headaches. I have to knock down the rating from my previous 6/6/02 rating of 4 and 5. It's a fun bike but at a price.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Ford
a Weekend Warrior
from King , NC , USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Paul's Schwinn | | Strengths: | VERY WELL BALANCED BIKE,LOOKS AWESOME,TIRE SIZE,DEORE DISCS ARE NICE. | | Weaknesses: | THE ONLY PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH THE BIKE IS A CRACKED WELD AT THE RIGHT SIDE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT( LIKE SEVERAL OTHERS I'VE READ ABOUT).ALSO THE DECALS ON THE TOP OF FRAME ARE'NT CLEARED,THEY PEEL PRETTY EASY.THEY HANDLED THAT PROBLEM FOR 2003. | | Similar Products Used: | GT ZASKAR,TREK Y33. | | Bike Setup: | SETUP IS ALL ORIGINAL EXCEPT FOR THE SEAT AND GRIPS. | | Bottom Line: | I'VE RIDDEN MOUNTAIN BIKES FOR EIGHT YEARS.I'VE ALWAYS ADJUSTED TO WHATEVER BIKE I WAS RIDING AT THE TIME AND HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED IT.WELL,I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO AFFORD A NEW BIKE AND THE SPECIALIZED ENDURO WAS IT FROM THE START.THE HEAD,SEAT ANGLES,ETC.WHERE EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.LOOKS WAS SEMI CROSS-COUNTRY/DOWN HILL/TRAILBIKE/PERFECT.THE BIKE IS SWEET ON THE FLAT'S, THE DOWNHILL'S,EVEN THE UPHILL'S.THE BRAKES SEEM TO BE WORKING GREAT WITH HARDLY ANY SQUILLING AND NO FADE.AS FAR AS THE CRACKED FRAME,I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND A WEEK LATER I HAD A NEW 2003 PRO FRAME.IT LOOKS LIKE THE SPECIALIZED HAS RELOCATED THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT TO WHERE THE WELD IS IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION.BOTTOM LINE IS SWEET! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Levent Gosterisli
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomfield, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1570.00 | | Purchased At: | Vernon Cycle | | Strengths: | FOX Float with ITCH, disk brakes, frame | | Weaknesses: | Weight, cable routing | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Cannondale | | Bottom Line: | I looked for bikes for a long time. I have test riden a lot of bikes and this bike was the one fit me the best. I also had a great deal on the price. At this price range all the bikes pretty much have the same components and the best thing to do is to ride them and find the one that you like the most. I took this bike to some hairy places and got out with no problems. I am 6' 200lbs and the fox float works really well up hills. I took it to some DH action and passed the test. One thing for sure, it makes you a better biker. now go out and ride!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Cathcart
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wherever the front wheel is pointing | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Magic, Banff, Alberta | | Strengths: | Riding position, I'm 6'2" and 200lbs. Large frame with a couple of modifications, namely stem and bar, seems to fit well. Oh yeh, flipped the shock link for a more upright agressive riding position, spot on!!. | | Weaknesses: | Frame quality, I just cracked the weld on the right side just in front of the rear shock.
Gear shifters, Deore on a bike of this price?? Come on Specialized, its one thing to cheap out on the front hub and your own cranks but please buy some good gear from Shimano, they know their stuff.
Road hard for two months in Rockies and ripped a number of tyre treads from the left side of the rear tyre. Another Specialized cheap product!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 and 100, MArin Mt. Vision, Canondale Raven, Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, | | Bike Setup: | Ditched Bombers straight away, Psylo SL work a treat, swapped bar and stem for Easton combo, higher riser bar works better than Specialized own, also Thompson seatpost with no layback.
Will change tyres soon for winter months, stock boots not up to Scottish mud. Probably use FireXC Pros. | | Bottom Line: | Beef the frame up Specialized we are not all 5'5" and 140 lbs. You are about two weeks more development time away from creating a market beating bike. We all know about the Epic but not all of us want it.
Buy your own parts to put on this rig. The frame setup with a good 5" fork, Psylo or Fox RLC, is excellent for a taller rider who rides aggresively. Buy better brakes, the rotors alone on the stock stoppers weigh about a kilo each.
Enjoy the super plush ride over the bumps and wizz past your mates on single pivot designs like Santa Cruz Superlights with only 3" travel.
Rest assured if the likes of GIANT and NORCO have to pay Specialized for the right to use a Horst link four bar design its going to work for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tibor Nagy
a Weekend Warrior
from Torokbalint, Hungary
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bicskei Erdo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Love Hurts / Regensburg - Germany | | Strengths: | Frame very stiff, excellent workmanship, rear suspension is very forgiving and the FOX shock with ITCH switch function is excellent.
The Marzocchi MXC air fork operates with very low pressures, is stiff, the damping is excellent and ECC is a real asset on climbs, much better than simple lockouts.
Stock S-works grips are very good.
The Specialised factory red color is a real eye catcher, too. | | Weaknesses: | Bottle holder and bottle underneath the frame is exposed to all mud coming from front wheel!
Marzocchi air forks small bump resolution at low speed is still a fertile ground for improvement, even after 100km break-in. To be fair it is a modestly priced fork as well.
Stock 'Strongarm II' cranks seem just ok, but not very strong.
| | Similar Products Used: | Univega Via Sportiva 2000 -FS trekking (product recalled worldwide due to front fork, worst customer service I faced) | | Bike Setup: | Mainly stock.
Tyres and disc brakes swapped to Schwalbe Jimmy 1.9" (+ XXLight Schlauch) and Magura Martha, respectively. The bike should be now slightly below the 13 kg mark.
Handlebar cut down to 63cm, stem replaced to Ritchey Pro (17 degree), because I am 186 cm tall. Casette also changed to XT 11-34.
Next year I might try to employ the new Maverick fork but no other mods foreseen. | | Bottom Line: | Though this is not a cheap bike, however it might be the most reasonable choice for those who want a real enduro today(XC, DH, FR please look elsewhere).
The level of performance and riding pleasure you potentially may get is enorm. I simply lack the words to explain. You just feel tempted to ride...
This is my best and most respected bike so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | The frame and the ride. Solid component spec. Very versatile. Durable so far. | | Weaknesses: | Stock fork. Specialized cranks | | Similar Products Used: | Couple of GT LTS, Ironhorse Hollowpoint | | Bike Setup: | Stock with LX crank and RF bash guard, Vanilla 125 RL fork, Hayes hydros (but the stock Shimanos were very good) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazingly versatile right out of the box. In stock trim, I think the stock Marz fork is a major weakness on this bike. It is only 4 inches of non-adjustable travel. A switch to a Psylo or adjustable Manitou really complements the rear shock. I opted to go with a free-ride light/long travel trail bike approach (see bike setup) and it is perfect for my local trails. This is another great example of this bikes versatility. With a few part swaps you can really change the character of the bike.
In addition to being versatile, it is fun. I find this whole trail bike (4 to 5 inches of travel with disc brakes) thing to be great for the typical mountain biker. You can climb without suffering, tear up the downhills, and ride reasonable stunts, drops, etc. This bike is ideal for anyone who considers themselves to be a "mountain biker" (i.e. not an xc racer, not a downhiller, not a Josh Bender)
My bottom line is this: I'm having more fun mountain biking since I bought the Enduro. Great job Specialized. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian davies
a Weekend Warrior
from wales
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | afanargoed | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Fantastic frame for the money. Was looking at Marin or santacruz but after testing a few the specialized was the best in my opinion. For the type of riding you would do on a full sus why do you need to lock the suspension? | | Weaknesses: | MXC fork is good but it required more air straightt away. They never seem to cater for slightly heavier riders and I am not that heavy, but this is easier to adjust than changing springs. Also ECC lever is crap. Don't use mine anymore after locking the forks down and rounding of the lever adjuster. Had to resort to alan keys to ride.Shifting is bad if you are in the middle ring front and try to go to the 2 smaller cogs at the back. Possibly down to the width of the rear end. Easy to get around by watching your gears. Chain suck is the biggest problem I have had. | | Similar Products Used: | Profelx 856 (my first full sus) Marin Attack trail, Santacruz superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock except uprated brakes to Hope enduro 4's | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. You will get little problems with all bikes and the problems with the specialized aren't that great. If you are looking for a do it all fully adjustable bike then you will not get any better performance or value than this. People have said you wont win races on this bike. How many people out there Race every weekend? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dee
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver,BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pipeline | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Dizzy's Cycle, North Van! | | Strengths: | This bike really rocks. I smoke past all my girlfriends on the climb up, and fly past me on the way down. That with a recently broken ankle. This bike never throws you any suprises and response so quickly to ever little nudge. After test riding the Big Hit the Enduro felt like,going from driving a escort to a Porsche in the handling and response. Big Hit just wanted to go down...straight down. | | Weaknesses: | The chain suck, really sucks. As well, the paint on the frame (the red coat) seems to chip if you look at it the wrong way. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode the Big Hit,
Rode a RockHopper Comp for 2 years.
| | Bike Setup: | Cut the bars down,put on a short stem. Removed the clipless pedals and put on flats. Rebuilt the wheels and added Kujos. I loved the smaller 24" wheel on the Big Hit, so I had a 24" put on the rear. I won't be the first down in Whistler , but that's fine by me. Got rid of the seat, apparently I bent the seat rails in less than 2 weeks (I am only 140lbs!). I also upgraded the front shock to a Bomber Z1 5", instead of the air shock that the bike comes with. I sold the air shock to a friend and she had problems with it. But the guys at Dizzy's took good care of her and now it's fine. Oppps :) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. My husband is very jealous so it must be nice. On the sections of trails that I walk he likes to ride the bike down for me. He never offered to do that before. I found the sm frame to be a great size for us girlies out there (5'4"). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Campain
a Weekend Warrior
from Timonium, MD
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dalles Ridge, WA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Chakra Cycles | | Strengths: | Reliable. Adjustable. Easy handling. Smooth, active suspension. Great brakes. Climbs well for a FS especially on loose, technical ground (if you use a smooth cadence, no hardtail stand and grind). Tires are good all-rounders. | | Weaknesses: | Small things that can be corrected, except no decent water bottle mount positions. Nothing more than everyone else mentioned already. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for tweaking. Moving the seat forward helps the tendency to wheelie on climbs. The frame is large and with the offset post the seat is way too far back. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. A capable all-rounder with no significant weakness.
It won't win any races up or down but it is a perfect bike for the way I want to ride. Climb as steep and technical as I can and then blast back down. No stopping to mess with suspension settings-just ride.
Has, so far, satisfied my desire for minimal maintenance and maximum riding time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1355.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Large fits me well. I am 6'2". ITch switch is a nice on- the-fly feature. Frame feels very strong, nice workmanship and front fender works well here in the real wet world. | | Weaknesses: | Weird rear brake hose routing....changed mine to along the left frame rail. If you get chain suck in the little ring it can rip paint off the chain stay right where it bows out.....simple fix with some velcro. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a Trek, Cannondale and a Giant. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla Fork, Rhyno Lite wheels, Hayes hydraulics, LX Shifters, chopped an inch off each end of handlebar. Left swing link in lower BB height and 250 psi in shock. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first dual suspension bike. Bought it on eBay, got a wicked deal. Upgraded it with parts from another bike. With delicious Fox Fork and big wheels, tubes and a complete spares bag (2 tubes, multi tool, pump ) on board it wieghs 34.2 lbs, I weigh 200 lbs. Many things people have mentioned in their reviews have popped up so no surprises and none of them are major concerns, such as chain suck/slap etc.
The secret to a smooth ride is to pedal it at a high cadence, even if that means a couple downshifts. The bobbing you feel is the bike telling you to downshift. That to me appears to be extent of the riding techique adjustment needed to ride this dual suspension bike.
This is the perfect trail bike. It is no xc racer for sure but for everything else it simply shines. Excellent tires that can be run at low pressure (25psi) that grip well in all conditions, confidence inspiring stability and when you can't make that pretty line well that's O.K. as you can ride over so much with this bike. Downhills are big fun.
While others have mentioned that nasty climbs are tough on this bike as the front end gets light I have found that this bike climbs just great. Move right up so your ass is just touching the front of the seat, bend into those bars and give 'er.......enjoy the feeling of the rear end digging in. I have made steep rooty off camber climbs on the first attmept with this bike that I never made on my '01 StumpJumper hardtail.
Bottom line: If your a trail rider this is a great bike. There are a few little things to watch out for such as the occasional (when your all mudded up) chain suck/slap and a cover for the rear shock is a must as is pedalling at a high cadence to not introduce big torgue pulses into the rear end. Aside from that it is a dream bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Cameron Park, CA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1519.00 | | Purchased At: | City Bycicle Works | | Strengths: | NEW UPDATE SINCE 9/15/02
I found out that the "GHOST" shifting is due to the shift cable length and routing. I had a new cable installed with an extra 4 to 5 inches loop to go under the Bottom Bracket frame housing. This cured all ghost shifting. The shifting is still hard and loud. I took the stock chain off and put a PC99 on. Still need to ride more and get used to it. We'll send another update then. | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Cameron Park, CA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any Technical Single Track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1519.00 | | Purchased At: | City Bicycle Works | | Strengths: | This is my first FS bike and I like the geometry and style if this bike. I'm 155 lbs. and it's not too heavy and not too light. It climbs good on reasonable uphills and only used the front fork lock once on a steep climb. It worked real good. Brakes work very well and response is sharp. Bike feels plush at higher rates of speed which is good. The Fox Float shock seems a little stiff now, but should feel more flexy the more I work it in. Still need to adjust the sag as well. I feel for the price, I could'nt beat it. | | Weaknesses: | The shifting seems to be pretty hard. Maybe it's because I haven't broke in the chain yet. Got rid of the tires and handlebar the day I bought it. Hopefully the shifting will get smoother the more I ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper A1 FS w/Disk brakes | | Bike Setup: | Azonic Risers, Thomson 5 degree stem, Maxxis High Roller 26X2.35(front and rear) | | Bottom Line: | I think for the price, you can't get a better bike. Still to new to tell. I'll submit another update in a month. I'll give it 4 Chilis for now.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JASON
a Cross Country Rider
from BEND, OREGON
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | HUTCHES | | Strengths: | The FSR Enduro Comp is good at uphills,downhills and,the flats.It's comfortable to ride and easy to handle.The lockout fork is nice for technical riding.The low travel rear shock work good in deep sand.I really like the disc brakes so you don't have to true your wheels every other ride to have good braking or no brake drag,because if you have full suspention your most likely harder on your wheels. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing that you can't fix.I had my fork oil change right away.I like them soft.I had some ghost shifting but, if you lengthen you rear derailer linkage below the bottom braket it doesn't put tension on the cable when you load the suspention.I also added a little rubber bumper to the top of the rear derailer to stop it from slaping the sub frame. | | Similar Products Used: | I had a 2000 FSR Enduro Comp.Loved it. | | Bike Setup: | Cut bars down an inch each side.No fenders needed in the high desert.I put the Bel Air SDG saddle fot added comfort.I will put on a different tire for the sand. | | Bottom Line: | I was never impressed with full suspention untill I rode a FSR.It's a super comfortable bike to ride.It maybe a little heavy for racing but, I think it's perfect for the free ride;jumps,drops,ripping downhills and cross country style of riding.I think you would have a hard time finding a better bike for the price.I have heard of people braking the rear linkage but, at a 130lbs I have never had any problems.I ride the small frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JASON
a
from BEND,OREGON
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | RIVER TRAILS | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | HUTCHES | | Strengths: | EASY TO RIDE UP OR DOWN HILLS,IT'S A GOOD ALL ROUND RIDE.I LIKE THAT YOU CAN LOCK OUT THE FRONT FOR CLIMBS AND TECHNICAL RIDING. LOW TRAVEL ON THE REAR IS GOOD IN SAND.DISC BRAKES MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE TO TRUE YOUR WHEEL EVERY OTHER RIDE TO HAVE GOOD STOPING POWER OR NO BRAKE DRAG. | | Weaknesses: | NOTHING THAT YOU CAN'T FIX.I HAD MY FORK OIL CHANGED AND IT MADE A MAJOR DIFFERENCE.THE FRONT FORK LOCKOUT LEVER SEEMS A LITTLE CHEESEY.I HAD SOME GHOST SHIFTING WHEN I PEDALED HARD.THE SOLUTION WAS TO LENGTHEN THE LINKAGE UNDER THE BOTTOM BRAKET SO WHEN THE SUSPENTION WAS LOADED YOU DIDN'T PUT TENSION ON THE DERAILER CABLE. | | Similar Products Used: | I HAD THE 200O FSR ENDURO COMP. LOVED IT. | | Bike Setup: | CUT BARS DOWN AN INCH ON EACH SIDE.NO FENDERS NEEDED IN THE HIGH DESERT.I PUT ON A SDG SADDLE.CHAIN GAURD.MY LAST FSR I PUT A LITTLE BUMPER ON REAR DERAILER BECAUSE IT SLAPPED THE FRAME.BUT HAVE NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM ON 2002 YET. | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE RODE A LOT OF FS BIKES AND WAS NEVER THAT IMPRESSED UNTILL I RODE A FSR.IT'S COMFORTABLE,AND EASY TO RIDE.I'M NOT SURE IF IT'S A RACE BIKE. IT MAYBE A LITTLE HEAVY FOR THAT.BUT IF YOU GOAL IS TO HAVE FUN,HIT JUMPS,DO DROPS AND GO COOL PLACES.I HONESTLY DON'T THINK YOU COULD GET A BETTER BIKE FOR THE PRICE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from reno, nv usa
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | tahoe rim trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | reno cycle/fitness | | Strengths: | very tuneable, climbs well for the kind of travel, light weight for the type of bike, ecc lockout great on fireroad climbs, rear ITCH makes a noticeable difference | | Weaknesses: | drivetrain. Rear derailer bangs like crap agains rear swingarm on any bumps/drops. I have a nice groove working into the frame already. Chain has a bad habit of getting caught up on the rear swing arm forcing a half-stroke back pedal to drop it back out. If you don't catch it in time it jams up. BIG bike, be sure to seriously consider a frame size smaller than you normally ride. Lots of creaks, but no cracks yet and I ride 4-5 days a week mostly singletrack. | | Similar Products Used: | Santacruze superlight, specialized FSR, trek fuel 80/90 | | Bike Setup: | xt cranks, shimano downhill clipless pedals. Cut inch off handlebars on each side, lost the fenders, Rear pivot at tallest setting | | Bottom Line: | This bike has the travel and strength to ride the strong downhills, but at 31lbs stock, I outclimb my cross country buddies. However to feel secure on this bike requires a lot of customizing. I think this frame is too long, I normally ride 19" bikes, but I feel a lot more stable on my friends medium enduro. If you love riding trails, climbing and decending, and wish you could climb like a XC and still bomb down on a plush ride, this is a bike you should consider | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a satisfeid rider
a Downhiller
from springtown ca us
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Strengths: | good bang for the buck. The frame is stiff and the suspension works really good. my friend and i wear making our own trial out at the lake and handle 5 6 foot drops like its nothing. | | Weaknesses: | no to speak of yet the only compliant is that the seat post is really long so if your a shorter rider the seat post will hit the rear shock. but its a 5 minute fix | | Similar Products Used: | treks cannodale | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | the bikes strong the suspensions awsome good shifting and fun. basicly if you want a good down hill free rinding bike you can count on this bike to satisfie your needs | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DanTheMan
a Cross Country Rider
from Naperville, IL USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | where ever... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes, Wheaton IL | | Strengths: | Fun all around bike for light FR and jumps/drops, but | | Weaknesses: | i've been jumping and riding this bike for 2 weeks now and it has developed some issues. the cranks and BB creak and pop while just pedaling uphill on the pavement. it makes an awful noise when i land drops just down a set of steps. and now the ecc on the marzocchi fork doesn't work all the time. so i've less confident in this bikes performance now that i've ridden it a few more times. | | Similar Products Used: | doh | | Bike Setup: | not much upgraded yet. still working out the kinks | | Bottom Line: | Needs some work on the: BB, cranks, fork ecc before it will feel strong on the drops and jumps. i'm considering tranding it in for a BigHit instead. i've also heard of problems with that bike so i might just upgrade this bike.
still enjoy riding the Enduro in spite of the technical difficulties. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham
a
from Ellensburg wa usa
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Re-Cycle Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Price, adjustable rear shock is easy to use. stiff frame. Smooth on the downhills, pretty light for a 5 inch travel bike | | Weaknesses: | Chain rides on chainstayes when shifting down sometimes, Light front end is a little squirly on climbs but I like it for jumping
| | Bike Setup: | stock mainly, spec Ti pedals, Removed fenders (dry area) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, super smooth ride. It is my favorit bike I have ridden. If you like a great bike that is light enough for any climb and burly enough for any downhill this is the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Dalton
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the one I am on | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | 2003 frame replaced the 2002 frame that cracked at the upper shock mount. New frame is stiffer at the bottom bracket. No flex where previous frame flexed under hard efforts. | | Weaknesses: | Need to investigate more but the chain line seems to be off. Mechanics at The Bike Shop did not put the bike together well. Lots of shifting problems. I suspect this is the shop's fault and not the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Firts FS bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Axiom Tele seat post and cut down the bars by close to two inches on each side. Currently set up with the suspension link in the steeper position. | | Bottom Line: | I still love this bike. Rebuilt on the 2003 frame. New frame much stiffer. With the link in the steeper position the bike climbs much better. Down hill performance not significantly effected. Rode the 24hours of Adrenalin this past weekend and the bike performed well except for shifting. This deteriorated steadily over the course of the race. I will be swapping the chain for an Sram pc99 and checking the chainline at the BB. Could have had much better lap times in shifting problems not present. Only got the bike back from the warranty frame replacement on the Tuesday before the race and not enough time to sort out the bugs. My feeling is the mechanics did not check to make sure the BB was compatable with the new frame.
If you like the 2002 you are really going to like the 2003. If your frame breaks, be glad. The new frame is much better | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan TheMan
a Cross Country Rider
from Naperville, IL USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos Gets me wet Lately | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes, Wheaton IL | | Strengths: | Great all-around bike for XC, urban freeridin etc. I'm a big guy but this bike feels like it can handle the abuse. Great suspension options. Big Beefy tires are great for drops. | | Weaknesses: | None to speak of yet since I've only had the bike for 3 days. woohoo | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first FS and my first Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Dealer replaced Shiet-mano Discs for Hayes Hydros(of course)
I replaced cranks w/RaceFace & MRP chainguide for more of a DH/Freeride setup.
Swapped out crappy seat for a Terry Fly Titanium. comfy
Still looking for the upgrade rear suspension linkage plate to increase the rear travel, if anyone has seen this item let me know. | | Bottom Line: | Bad Mamojammin Bike and ya gotta love the Mustard Yellow ;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Dalton
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | which ever one I am on | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Good handling especially in the rough. Great brakes. Very stable at speed. Gives you lots of confidence. Itch switch.
Enduro tires | | Weaknesses: | Frame cracked at the upper shock mount. Rear shifter cable housing to short. ECC lever broke. Bars way to wide. Stock seat post has too much offset and is too short. Seat post clamp. Not a great climber on steeper hills. | | Similar Products Used: | First FS bike | | Bike Setup: | Axiom tele seat post, Time carbon pedals, Home made ECC lever, Nervze rear shifter cable and housing. | | Bottom Line: | I love riding this bike. Stock seatpost has too much offset and was too short for efficiant pedaling. Swapped it for the Axiom tele post which has no offset and allows for lots of height adjustment. Cut the bars down by an inch on each side and will probably cut them again. Had to change the rear shifter cable and housing to cure a ghost shifting problem caused by the housing being too short. The ECC lever is a joke. Mine wouldn't activate the ECC because it just spun on the shaft. When I tightened the screw it broke. Made my own metal one because the LBS wanted $60.00 for the replacement.
The front end gets light and squirrly on seriously steep climbs, which hampers its climbing performance. I may try a lower rise stem. Climbs really well on lesser hills. Downhills are a dream. Very confidence inspiring.
The frame cracked at the upper shock mount. This is a known problem. Make sure you check yours regularly. Still waiting for a replacement but I should have it by the end of the week.
Overall I love this bike. I can't wait to get back on it. It rides really well and has increased my confidence and improved my overall riding ability. Despite not liking certain specific points I really like the bike over all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seth Petro
a Cross Country Rider
from Ramsey, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hillside Park, Elk River, MN | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ramsey Bicycle | | Strengths: | efficient rear suspension design, easily tune-able, light, but strong frame. great component group | | Weaknesses: | crank sprockets, paint | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky deluxe, GT I-drive, Giants, Treks | | Bike Setup: | mainly stock, Z1 from fork, THE fenders, True Vativ crank sprockets, WTB Mutano Rapter front tire on the way. | | Bottom Line: | Well, this is my second post, the first one I had only ridden it twice. I've got 3 months on it with a somewhat rough start. My 4th actual trail ride ended up with a broken rear derailiur hanger. Stick got kicked up into my wheel. 5th time out ended up in a taco'd crankset sprocket. Must have been defective material. Other than that its been a great bike. Very efficient design, very stable on the downhills, yet tight and precise on the technical sections. I'm replacing the front tire as the stock Specialized Enduro tire doesn't like gripping on a hard turn. Repalced the stock fenders with quality THE fenders, no more fender hitting the rear tire on the hard landings. Chain has a tendency to get sucked up between the crank and rear swing arm, easily fixed by a new chain with a couple fewer links. I also changed the rear shock link, it came set at the lower height, but when I put the 5" Z1 I raised it up to the higher bottom bracket height, rides over almost anything. Well, there you have it, a few problems to get ironed out, but a great bike and a definit value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike K
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford, NS, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bungay's in Moncton, NB | | Strengths: | I've had the bike about a month and so far I'm very pleased. My old bike was a '94 FS stumpjumper so its a big step up. The ECC fork is worth the money if you do any climbing, and its still great on the downhills. Its almost like having two different bikes for climbing and downhills. I'm 6 feet tall and riding a medium, but I'm a lot happier with the setup than a lot of people seem to be. No complaints on the seat or bar. I loved the feel the first time I got on. The brakes are also great, but my last bike had cantilevers, so not a real fair comparison. | | Weaknesses: | The front derailleur doesnt seem to have quite enough range. The chain rubs a bit in the granny and the highest gear, even with the limit screws loosened off. Very minor thing though, other than that I've had no problems. The hydraulic brakes aren't the maintenance headache I thought they might be. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing else I priced could offer the options for the price of the enduro. looked at a kona and rocky mountain bikes, but just too much money. | | Bottom Line: | No regrets with the money I paid for this bike. Actually paid $2300 cdn. seemed like a lot of dough at the time for a bike, but its been worth it. I'm happy with the setup and dont plan on making any changes any time soon. I think the extra money for the comp is well worth it. I had to wait a few weeks for the bike which was frustrating, but I never really new if it was the bike shop or specialized who screwed up. Anyways, it was worth the wait and I highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Oakville Cycle and Sports | | Strengths: | This bike is visually astounding. You can't help but be noticed riding this thing. The paint is excellent and the finishing is quite good. The ITCH switch lock out on the front Bomber Shock is an excellent feature. The rear shock has two options, long and short displacement and there isn't really that much difference between the two, but it might just need to adjust this to fit my size. Unlike some of the reviews, I find the handlebar positioning and size quite comfortable. I think this bike fits "big" as the large was too big for me (I'm 6'0). The medium frame was much more comfortable. The acceleration and shifting are smooth and reliable. The braking is quite good. | | Weaknesses: | The chain has come off once due to unfamiliarity with the system on my part. It quickly seemed to fix itself, however, it took off a bit of paint on the chainstay area. I would recommend a lizard skin or something to protect this area. The braking is much superior to the Stumpjumper Comp, but inferior to the Sugar 4 I tried. | | Similar Products Used: | I rode a number of excellent bikes in quick succession before settling on this including the Cannondale Jekyl 800, the Gary Fischer Surgar 4 (2001), and the Specialized Stumpjumper Comp FSR. Each of those bikes had some excellent attributes, but the Enduro had the best all around package. | | Bike Setup: | Stock- no modifications. I will add lizard skin and insurance! | | Bottom Line: | The ride on this bike is sheer bliss. I'm not a racer or extremely adventuresome xc rider, but I like to get out a few times a week for a good workout, and to save my joints from heavy jarring along the way. This bike just begs you to push the envelope of your ability. I could bore the reader with examples, but suffice it to say that I doubt that my ability as a cyclist will ever eclipse the limits of this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Maimi, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kitchen Sink at Oleta River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Wheel Cycle | | Strengths: | Versatility, Looks, Price? | | Weaknesses: | Some of the components are a little cheap and not very durable, A little heavy but not a problem for how much it can do (My large Comp weighed 31 lbs. stock with the fenders). Front end feels a little light in stock form. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V, Kona ManoMano, Diamondback XCR Race | | Bike Setup: | Thomson post and stem, Weyless riser bar, WTB SST X Saddle, Shimano 747 Pedals, IRC Mythos XC 2.1 tires. | | Bottom Line: | This may be long...
I fell in love with the bike for its flexibility, looks, and price. The Fox Itch switch was very interesting and offers you options, which I really like. I received what was supposedly one of the last large '02 Comps available in the Southeastern US, so I had to wait two weeks to receive my bike. Not very happy... I finally got the bike and after only two weeks of riding the frame cracked along the weld that attaches the shock mounting plate to the front section! Not very happy... I took it to the shop where I bought it and received a new frame within three days. Pleasantly surprised...
OK, How does it ride?
Awesome! Soooo smooth. On this bike I can make climbs (small but technical in South Florida) I used to struggle through on my Super V. Downhills (again small but technical down here) are a balst. I drop my riding buddies on every downhill chute. As others stress and pick a perfect line, I bomb and let the bike sort it all out. This bike will make you look good and erase most mistakes. The itch switch makes a difference. If I want a little tighter feel I run the 4 inch position. As things get ugly I flip it to the 5 inch mode and go for it.
Component Problems...
The rear hub (Deore shell with LX internals) almost immediately developed tightness in the bearings which did not let the wheel roll freely. I had the bearings repacked and rebuilt the hub but it has happened a second time. I am going to replace it with an 02 XT disc Hub next week. I hope this fixes that problem.
The stock Specialized seatpost has a set-back of almost an inch. This threw me off the center of the bike and helped make the front end feel light. The change to the straight-block Thomsom has helped fix this.
The stock Specialized handlebar sucks. It was way wide, too low and the sweep didn't work for me. I could never get comfortable on it and replaced it immediately.
The stock Specialized stem had a 10° rise which I found to be too much and part of the reason the front end felt so light. I replaced it with a 5° Thomson and it has helped.
The stock Specialized seat was not comfortable. But I've never liked Body Geometry sadddles.
The stock 2.2 Specialized Enduro tires were a bit too much and too heavy for my rides down here.
Adding in all the component fixes and replacements make the price just OK. But remember this is a do-almost-everything bike so the price looks a little better when you consider that. You have to negotiate with the bike shop to bring the price down, or make some showroom parts swaps at reduced cost.
Bottom Line...
Even with the problems and the component replacements I still recommend this bike. Buy it, you'll have fun.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a Weekend Warrior
from Prineville, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any at Smith Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Hutch's Bike shop | | Strengths: | Plush bike that begs to go downhill fast but guess what? You can still get back to the top. | | Weaknesses: | The seal on the Fox shock blew the 1st ride. Shop fixed the problem right away very quickly. The stock seat made me feel like a passed out at an all night gay party and everyong had a turn! | | Similar Products Used: | It seams like I rode everything in the $1500-2000 range. Liked the Gary Fisher Sugar but not enough travel and too long top tube. Last bike was a Diamond Back X-2. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for replacing the saddle with a Specialized Milano Ti I'm a sissy sadle. | | Bottom Line: | The first time out this bike amazed me. I was coming down a steep little hill and there where these huge ruts carved out by 4-wheelers in front of me. No time to stop so I braced for the worse. Went through the ruts as smooth as butter. I couln't believe that I wasn't pickin dirt from my teeth. This bike makes a bad rider look good.
It also just feels right, like I've been on it my whole life. The brakes are increadable. It's one finger joy. If your wondering about what bike to get next, this is the one. Unless you race XC or DH this is the only bike you will need from now on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seth Petro
a Weekend Warrior
from Ramsey, MN
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Milaca City Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1860.00 | | Purchased At: | Ramsey Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great style, well-tuned suspension. Easy handling and very forgiving. | | Weaknesses: | none found so far | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, GT I-drive, Rocky Mountain bikes | | Bike Setup: | all stock setup except for the fork, swapped the MCR for an '01 Z1 | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, wonderfully priced. Sweet smooth ride, forgiving, yet tough, able to pound the sharp drops 2nd ride out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Monica, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | toom many to mention | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Fantastic at going down fast. Rugged | | Weaknesses: | Bobs on climbs ... a little bit heavy ... longer wheelbase makes switchbacks trickier | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Uzzi & Uzzi SL, Santa Cruz Bullit, Giant NRS, Intense Tracer, Kona Bear & Stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I've demo'd this bike a couple of times for the "Wednesday night rides" from Supergo. The first ride was too short to leave a strong impression, but the last one was about good 3+ hour loop with over 2700 ft of vertical, some awesome downhill and a good share of climbing.
This bike is just plain "fun". I've demo'd a ton of freeride bikes (uzzi, bullit, stinky)and never fallen in love with any of them. For some reason this bike just works for me. It manages to suck up tons of crap and allows the rider to get pretty "sloppy" without paying a price. The handling is fantastic on high speed descents, but feels a little sluggish on switchbacks (low bottom bracket). The components work together nicely.
I did miss my NRS on the climbs, since this bike definitely requires the rider to ride with a smooth pedal stroke or it penalizes you with bobbing. The ipswitch does make a slight difference here, but if I were to buy one of these, I'd by the pricier model with the lockout.
If you're looking for a freeride bike and don't want to spend a small fortune, I can't imagine finding a much better deal out there. I've ridden other freeride bikes that cost twice this, yet they still don't make my heart race and face smile as much as this one does. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a
from Adelaide Australia
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3650.00 | | Purchased At: | Trak Cycles | | Strengths: | Fantastic do-it-all bike. Perfect for agressive XC-downhill. Fox Float R with ITCH switch is awesome for on-the-fly travel adjustment. Seems to weigh the same as my old hardtail (Trek 7000ZX with 98 Bomber Z3's)! Makes climbing rocky technical trails so much easier (first dualie for me). Jumping this beast is so easy! | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing is a mess. Everything goes under the BB, and after only 3 two hour rides (I've had it a week) the rear derailleur cable casing has already been eaten through to the cable by the rear tyre. The rear hydraulic brake line is similarly vunerable; Specialised should almost include a packet of zip ties (like 12 at least) with each bike. Then of course there's all the mud and crap that will end up in the cable housings in this area (especially with winter riding). Admittedley, have had limited discussions with others, and the alternative options aren't great; lots of side mounted cables.
Also, not a lot of clearance between chainrings and chainstay- this has already been chewed up pretty badly by the chain. Whatever you do, get some kind of chainstay guard ASAP. Just watch the derailleur cable running along it.
Last little problem; rear derailleur smashes into chainstay quite frighteningly when bunny hoping (almost sounds like the rear shock is bottoming out, thankfully not). Again, both components have suffered badly in just 3 rides, but a serious session of protective work today should have rectified this.
| | Similar Products Used: | Tested Kona Bear (top tube too short for my comfort); Giant NRS2 (not enough rear travel, though liked rear stiffness for climbing); Raceline Expert (X-Fusion rear shock-never heard of it). None with adjustable rear shock. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with LX shifters, Manitou Black Elite 100/120 forks, Shimano M545 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Damn fine bike, it's made riding so much fun. I've never been so keen to jump on a bike almost every day. Naturally makes the downhills so much smoother and faster (thankgod for hydraulic brakes), but as mentioned above, technical rocky climbs are so much easier as I can now keep more momentum through the really rough stuff. As everyone says, these beasts are a great lack-of-skills compensator! Had originally wanted the Enduro with rim, fork, BB, FD and shifter upgrades for $3600AUS (in Oz $1000 differnce between Enduro and Comp, which is crap, actually only $600 max in difference), but due to lack of stcok, my excellent LTB got the comp in for same price (with upgrades as above). Awesome. Manitou forks seem nice, though compression adjuster seems to have minimal effect really wanted Atom Race or X-Fly with Compression lockout, but LTB not a Bomber man!
Oh, never been a big jumper, really just a very aggressive XC rider, but this baby makes you want to jump, and the landings are so soft!
The cable routing and other problems mentioned above are not fatal- all can be protected against with a serious session of zip ties, various protective materials (foam mat, thick plastic, tape). Fantastic value, marred ever so slightly by some poor routing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason McMillen
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom, CA USA
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Foresthill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1595.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus | | Strengths: | I upgraded from the previous Enduro and this one is much stiffer and has less monkey motion in the rear. They moved up the bottom bracket without sacrificing its great handling. Specialized also fixed the hokey rear disc mount so the discs won't howl. It is forgiving and saves my backside regularly. | | Weaknesses: | Stock headset is just OK. As soon as I knock off the XT derailler on a rock, I will upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro Comp FSR 2000, Cannondale Jeckyll | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black 4-5" Front fork, Hayes Discs, Time ATEC, Spec. Kevlar26X2.2 on rear 26X1.9 on front. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a do-everything bike to get the hell beat out of it every time out, this one will do. The bike looks like someone from an Indy car team designed it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclery Northside | | Strengths: | This a brilliant bike having 4 inches on the front and 5 on the rear and being so light this has to be the most versitile bike out there with the new fox ITCH it is great flick a switch fro the climb then flick again for a plush descent it is to easy | | Weaknesses: | There has not been a single thing wrong with this bike | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 1 and 2 | | Bike Setup: | As stock | | Bottom Line: | If you ant a bike that you can ride any where this is for you you can rock up to a XC race one day then a DH the the next it is great | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Holtgrewe
a Weekend Warrior
from Easton CT, USA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Indain Ledge(Trumbull Valley), and Huntington State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Fitness in Monroe CT | | Strengths: | Nice smooth front fork once the seals break in; good travel in the rear; sturdy set up | | Weaknesses: | the itch switch is crap, my seal blew out in the first few weeks, my boss called specialized because it's happended to nearly all of them(so watch out). but once i the put the new seal kit in, everything was fine. oh yeah, and you need an adapter to pump air into the front fork b/c it doesn't fit a standard shock pump. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX 200 with Marzocchi Z5 in front, and fox coil in rear. | | Bike Setup: | (i basically built it from frame and suspension up) - Enduro 2002 frame with original Marzocchi MXC front fork and original fox float in back(with new seal kit though); XT cranks; race face low riser handelbar; hayes hydraulic disc brakes; WTB(wilderness trail bikes) moto raptor tires(b/c the enduro pro tires suck); rhyno sun lite rims with XT hubs; LX shifters(hopeing to upgrade eventually); XT rear derailuer; LX front derailuer; but i put 8 speed instead of the 9 it comes with b/c with 8 speed components, everything is a little thicker and sturdier. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike, i got a kick ass deal on it. this thing is a beast, it takes anything - i launched off of a 5 1/2 foot drop with no problem... the landing area was sketchy, but the bike handled it. if you can afford to drop over 2 grand into a bike with some upgrades most likely, this is the bike to get.
But keep in mind, all the awsome things i'm saying about it are with all my upgrades included, but still, it's sweet - b/c with all my upgrades though, i'd say it retails for about $2,600.
I mean i'm a pretty big guy, about 6'1", 180 Lbs. - so if you're a big guy, you need a big brute bike... and this one is the best in my opinion for the value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Chisholm
a Weekend Warrior
from N.W. Indiana
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ft. Custer, Michigan | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | bikepros schererville | | Strengths: | killer lookin frame, good geometry, dig the fox itch shock, an excellent allrounder! | | Weaknesses: | rear shifting sub-par...especially in the smaller gears. tires don't hook up well on the climbs. be nice to have a remote on the travel adjustment lever. | | Similar Products Used: | multiple i drives, super v's, and a schwinn sweetspot | | Bike Setup: | stock except for some primo pedals | | Bottom Line: | perfect for those of us who can't get to the trails and like to do some urban assault. gots lots of travel and is stiff as heck! can be used for just about any riding situation! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ZUZIE
a
from KOBE JAPAN
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt.Rokko | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2070.00 | | Purchased At: | TSUCHIYA CYCLE | | Strengths: | Beautiful frame work.Light weight.Wide adjustability.
Total color coordinate(mine is team red) is nice!
Disk works well in spite of bad reputation. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are easy to slip but easy to recover.
Stickers on frame are east to come off at the edge.
There is some friction on Bomber. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | TIOGA flat pedal | | Bottom Line: | I've long waited full suspension bike to be matured.
And I think the time is now.I'm enjoying cross country
and downhill at the weekend.It's so fun to ride.I suffer
few stress however the trail is hard.This is the mountain bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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