Submitted by
g-hed
a Cross Country Rider
from Gisborne, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2010
Strengths: Great light weight frame.
Weaknesses: Some fairly cheap parts (power tool hubs etc)
Bottom Line:
This bike is very great value for money. The frame is very light weight and is great for XC race one you replace the cheapo parts for more high quality ones. It gives a very good ride and I find it great for cross country racing. All round a great entry to mid level bike.
Similar Products Used: Raleigh M50, Ironhorse Warrior
Bike Setup: Egg beater pedals, SID Race fork, Sun UFO/XT wheelset, Ritchey WCS tires, Answer Carbon Fiber riser bars, Selle SLR saddle.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Weaver
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002
Strengths: Great entry level bike,, - comfortable enough for some road work as well as trails, - Deore drivetrain is excellent. Also appreciate that the frame is a non-garish color!
Weaknesses: None yet!
Bottom Line:
Great entry level bike, for mix of trail & road, for a non-technical biker.
Submitted by
Noah Bronstein
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002
Strengths: cheap! good frame. withstands some abuse.
Weaknesses: powertools parts are worthless. brakes have a ton of flex. fork isn't very good. doesn't steer too well in rocky techinical situations due to flexy fork.
Bottom Line:
This bike provides a great value if you get it on sale like i did. However, i managed to taco the front wheel, break the handlebars, snap the rear derailer in a bad place, and put a dent in the frame (unfriendly lava-rock). The bike climbs very well for its cost, but its a little longer than is useful on tight, technical sections. The stock tires wore out really fast, but they worked ok before that. Overall, this bike is a great entry level bike for those without padded wallets, but you will end up breaking or replacing the parts.
Similar Products Used: custom built Access frame w/ SID shock and Xt/avid parts with Rhyno lites. Titanium mongoose w/ Z1MCR and xt parts.
Bike Setup: Stock except for: Titec Hellbent XC handlebars, Manituou SX-R fork, Avid SD7 levers, LX rear derailer, Bontrager Clyde wheel (im not a clydesdale, just got a beefy wheel), and Continental tires.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
PETER RICHARDS
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth Western Australia
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2002
Strengths: Bomb proof,I'v used the bike for downhill races,good flex in frame.
Weaknesses: Could do with disc brake mounts. Dose not withstand being hit by a car.
Bottom Line:
If you want a top line bike at a low line price, then this bike is a must! It's that lite, on the road i keep up with the roadies, witch Pee's them off.
Bike Setup: replaced pedals with time a.t.a.c clipless,Manitou Black forks.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dutch
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
Strengths: The frames light weight is great - the front end is that light that the backend feels heavy! Also the frame has plenty of flex in it, which while it lasts (i.e., doesn't warp or break), is great. I am impressed with the Sun Rims - they appear to be a great wheel. They hold my slicks well, and the whole bike seems to spin nicely.
Weaknesses: Components: it really depends upon your budget... for the price a reasonable purchase, but those who have ridden better will probably look at up-grades. The seat - I didn't find it very comfortable hense the swap.
Bottom Line:
I know I shouldn't compare it with a FSR but already I am certain I'll get a FSR next time around. The 'stock' bike would appear to be a good investment frame-wise, but upgrades would generally be in order if you were thinking of anything beyond city riding. I'd imagine that the bike I ride now is a good compromise vs. the Alite 4000. I am extremely happy with the machine I now ride, but that is probably due to the amount of changes I have had done to it. If you are in the Melbourne area I recommend seeing the Melbourne Bike Centre team on High St - they have been very helpful pre and post purchase.
Bike Setup: Upgraded all components to Delore LX, upgraded the forks to Pyslo SL, tossed the pedals and swapped the seat with a Specialized seat I had spare. Because I ride primarily in urban areas, I have fitted some slicks.
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