Introduced in 2002 as the much evolved successor to the famed Foes LTS frames, the Fly broke new ground in the tough arena of freeriding. Torture tested by pro freeriders Kris 'Krispy' Baughman and Dave Watson in 2002, the Fly has been honed further for 2003 with their input. Travel settings up to 8", floating disc brake mount, and Curnutt XTD shock put the Fly at the top of the class. The Fly features a massive 4 bearing main pivot, a Foes Swing Link™ for even further rigidity, Easton™ down tube, and of course, world famous Foes construction.
Submitted by
Brendan Berry
a Weekend Warrior
from Berkshire Date Reviewed: November 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Glentress forrest Scotland
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
built self/Hotlines uk (ex mechanic)
Strengths:
Pedals and climbs (when seated)pretty damn good and decends like a rocket I find it stable at high speed and technical terain and riding swoopy switchbacks you can pump it and rail it like a shorter travel bike with little pedalling, all the angles are spot on for me with a rock solid main pivot, no slop there just solid construction and handling.
Weaknesses:
Had issues with the Kurnut shock doesnt like small repetative hits like roots n rocks and small bus stops sometimes it misses bumps not quite sensitive enough on rocky /roots technical terain. shock can be a bit noisy and clunky as if the Ifp can't keep up. now fitted a Romic and problem solved
Similar Products Used:
Turner DHR, Specialized big hit/Demo 9 Kona Stinky Primo,Club roost Dh9,Mountain Cycle Sin Santa cruz bullitt
Bike Setup:
Finishing kit RaceFace Diabalous everything,saint hubs rearmech,brakes,Marzocchi 888R forks DT spokes Sun MTX rims, Azonic Xtension pedals Maxxis Minion ST 26 x 2.5 tyres mitchelin tubes. giro fizik ti rail saddle raceface loc on grips, xt ll-32 cassette, xtr front mech,sram rocket shifters, avid flack jacket cables x-lite bar bungs MRP LRP chain device sram hollow pin chain dmr chainstay protector.
Bottom Line:
What more can I say, its taken me 2 years to build it and it rocks! like my old Turner in ride but bit more versatile! like it so much I bought a FXR in January! Aint cheap but worth every penny! :)It rocked in the afan forrest on the decents. awsome well worth the push up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FrameBreaker
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnwood, WA, US Date Reviewed: April 29, 2004
Trick. Super T, Hayes 8 w/rear floater, Saint cranks + rings, Mavic 729 wheels, Curnutt w/Ti spring, Hadley hubs
Bottom Line:
Inspires confidence. I've broken two I-Drives, a Trek hardtail and others in my youth so I decided to get the best and quit screwing around.
The thing you've got to understand about the Fly is that it is a working piece of art. Some bikes like the Specialized BigHit have got just as much travel but don't have the finesse of the Fly. Other bikes like the Rocky Mountain 7, have got some finesse but don't reach the level of strength, balance and performance of the Fly.
Bought my rig at the Downhill Zone in Seattle. Darren and Scott really know their stuff and helped pick components
Look at the frame and you'll see the shock is an integral part of the design and placed right in the middle of the bike's core. This placement allows suspension to fling off rocks, bumps, logs, whatever without creating a ride like a bucking horse. The Fly flows.
The Fly pedals awesome. Yes, it does. It initially accelerates faster than many other rigs but does have a weight penalty, especially going uphill. My rig is set up heavy at 45 lbs but could be set up to be in the high 30's.
On climbs, the Curnutt/Ti combo keeps the rear seated over roots, rocks actually helping going up the hill.
Point this thoroughbred downhill and you're in for the ride of your life. Pick your line and let the bike do the work.
Buy this rig if you've had a dual suspension bike and want to upgrade to the real thing. Seriously, the Fly takes the experience to a new, fresh level where creaking frames, puny, squeeky shocks, rattling four-bar linkages become distant memories and you can just ride and enjoy what we all love so much about mountain biking.
Got a great deal from Scott and Darren at the Downhill Zone in Seattle. They really know their stuff and helped pick out the best components for my rig, like the Hadley hubs. The Internet sites would have been cheaper, but not by much and I'm sure I got the right set up with local knowledge and support around the corner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Purdiddy
a Weekend Warrior
from CT Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Plattekill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Foes reliability. Beautifully designed, gotta be one of the toughest frames out there. The Curnutt. Adjustable travel, zero noticeable flex even a 200+lbs, front derailleur compatible. Floating brake. Good standover.
Weaknesses:
It's not cheap. So pretty you won't wan't to scratch it.
Similar Products Used:
Uzzi SLX,Iron Horse SGS.
Bike Setup:
Large red,JrT, full '02 XTR, Thomson stem and layback post,Hayes 8's,Hadley front and rear on D321's shod with Intense FRO's
Bottom Line:
Killer Freeride DH rig. I run it mostly at Plattekill and this bike is more than enough. Front derailleur is a nice touch, but not for me, even with the Curnutt. Sticks to the ground with the Curnutt,combined with a floating rear brake. Bottomless adjustable travel. Doesn't feel as lively on the ground with the stable platform, but is much more efficient, especially short burst of out of saddle pedaling. 5 flamin burritos for value because it will last and Foes will back it up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH Date Reviewed: December 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Great Seal State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
123bikes.com
Strengths:
3 rings. Floating disc brake. 8" travel. Awesome to just look at!
Weaknesses:
None that I have seen yet.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar to this. Went from a 21lb hard-tail Cannondale to this. Big difference!
Bike Setup:
Curnutt Ti spring, Super T 03, XT drive-train, Shimano 646 pedals, Hayes Mag 8" rotors, Race Face Air Alloy bar, Thomson Elite seatpost, WTB Laser V Ti saddle, Mavic D3.1 rims, Mich DH comp 2.5 tires, ODI lock-ons
Bottom Line:
The ride is awesome. I was concerned about the weight at first because I was going from a 21lb hard-tail Cannondale to this. I couldn't see the bike built first and test it out, but I'm glad I took the plunge. I figures the more weight, the better the workout, and a hell of a lot more fun on the downhill. Ended up weighing exactly 41lbs. But with the 3 rings, you really can climb. A little pricy, but like everyone else has said about this frame, if you want the best, it's worth it. No regrets here!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Downhiller
from Pottsville, PA Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Boondocks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2573.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bicycle Emporium
Strengths:
Do Anything Frame, Great Customer Service, Great Cable Routing
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
RM7, Stinky 9
Bike Setup:
Super T Pro, XTR, Raceface Crank, King headset, Stealth Hubs, Currnut TI
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike! Foes is not afraid to stand behind there product one bit. The first frame I got the shock spring was rubbing on the insid of the frame. I sent it back to Foes and they replaced the front Triangle within a month. Put the bike all back together and it had not fixed the problem the spring was still hiting. Sent it back to Foes a second time and they replaced the whole frame no questions asked. The guys at Cambria played a big role in getting me a new frame but it was well worth it...Thanks Charlie!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curt
a Weekend Warrior
from Midway City Date Reviewed: November 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Downeyville Downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1068.00
Purchased At:
Crash replacement
Strengths:
See the last review. Plus GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!! Very versital.
Weaknesses:
This is a new frame so none that I know of. Foes says that they have addressed the weakness and revised the tunnell area.
Similar Products Used:
Bullet, Uzzi DH, Foes Weasel,Mc Mahon Buff.
Bike Setup:
45 lb DH only with triple chainrings.
Bottom Line:
FOES IS THE BEST BIKE COMPANY AROUND PERIOD. I found three cracks on my 1st generation frame, stripped it down and delivered it to my L.B.S. on Tuesday the 28th, submitted my other review seen below and sat back for a long drawn out wait like I had herd can happen with these frame builders. Out of the blue on Friday the 31st at 2pm I get a call from my L.B.S. telling me that my new frame is allready in. And I have owned the bike since april 02. You can count on Foes backing there product. 3 day turnarround including shipping! Damn good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curt
a Weekend Warrior
from Midway City Ca. Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Downeyville Downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1068.00
Purchased At:
Crash replacement
Strengths:
Looks great, pedals well. very plush and active pivot point makes it feel like a 4 bar only stiffer. Floating kit eliminates break jack.
Weaknesses:
HEAVY!!! Foes says 9.5 lb frame but my small weighs 10.9 lbs. A little steep in the head angle for this type of bike, Interupted seat tube looks well reenforced but mine cracked in the tunnell area in 3 places despite the nearly 11 lb weight and the fact that I've never done a drop bigger than 5 or 6 feet.
Similar Products Used:
Foes weasle, Mcmahon Buff,Bullit, Intense Uzzi DH. All 6 inch bikes.
Bike Setup:
W,B, 7 inch fork, Race face cranks,BB,Stem,Sun Ringle Singletrack wheels, Sram 9.0 trans,Romic 11x3 shock.
Bottom Line:
I dug this bike while it lasted because it does everything well despite the weight, head angle and seat tube adjustment problem. I hope Foes makes good on there reputation and my past dealings with them. I aquired this frame through a frame replacement deal on a broken out of warrenty frame so I have high hopes. I was told shortly after I bought the frame that due to some frame breakage at the bottle mounts that I would get a 2 yr warrante, I hope that applies to this problem. Either way I will post again after I get this resolved. I gave this bike 5 chili's before it broke, I think a bike this heavy and expensive should last for many years so only 3 chili's due to durability issues.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricky Montelibano
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: October 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Tagaytay
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Bike has great geometry, very plush rear travel and the bike handles and steers well.
Weaknesses:
My frame developed tiny cracks at the circular section that wraps around the rear shock.
Similar Products Used:
Yeti Lawill 7, Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
Junior-T, XTR, Avid cable brakes
Bottom Line:
I loved this bike. It brought me down the mountains with ease and the ride was plush and fast. It allowed me to climb up the ascents and gave me confidence to ride back down again.
BUT, it cracked on me just after 6 months of riding. I thought I finally found a bike that would last. Multiple cracks around the circular support at the rear shock has left high and dry. I've had to stick to xc trails on my Yeti kokopelli without my freeride steed. THE BAD THING ABOUT IT IS - AS OF NOW, FOES WILL NOT FULLY WARRANTY MY FRAME. I'm being asked to pay 25% of the frames price on top of airfreight charges. I've asked Foes to stand by their warranty claim and I'm still waiting for their decision.
I've had no nad falls and I don't do jumps above 4'. The cracks developed from ordinary wear and tear after just 6 months of use.
Will post again after I finally resolve this issue with Foes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Downhiller
from Park City, UT Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Thieves Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
123bikes.com
Strengths:
Design and Construction! Very well thought out rig. A bench mark for all other companies to strive for!
Weaknesses:
Absolutely None
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, Stinky, RM7
Bike Setup:
Super T, Thomson, King, Hadley Hubs, Mavic D3.1 Tubeless Hoops, Michelin, Race Face, Hayes (MAG only) Hydros, Azonic
Bottom Line:
I'm a big rider who likes gear that doesn't break on its own, I do a good enough job of that. I researched a ton of DH and Freeride bikes and talked with many riders around the country and the Fly just kept getting rave reviews. Now I own one and can't rave enough on how awesome this bike is. Bottomless rear travel thanks to the Curnutt shock, incredible ride quality, durable as a tank, can pedal great when needed, and brakes great due to the floating disk brake. The versatility of having a front derailuer is an awesome option to have if your moving from XC trail riding to downhill. Basically this is a full bore DH frame with XC convienences. Not a bad combo. Hats off to Foes for developing the Fly and David at 123bikes.com for awesome service!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rolfe
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lewis and Clark
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very solid bike, the curnutt shock is firm, yet forgiving, the floating brake is great for the skid sections, there is no lateral flex in the frame. Oh yeah, It can run a front derailleur. It's great, twice the workout on the way up, 4X the fun on the way down....
Weaknesses:
The tire will bottom against the seat tube on the biggest drops or hardest landings.
Similar Products Used:
Foes LTS, Kona Stinky primo, Intense M1
Bike Setup:
Medium Fly, Foes F1 XL fork, Hayes 8" disc, curnutt w/450lb Ti spring, King, Thompson, Raceface, etc. I like the Tamer Gripper telescoping seatpost because I can raise the seat for pedaling and dump the seat or the way down.
Bottom Line:
This is a very stable bike. The faster I go, the smoother the trail becomes. I can push my mind to the limits of speed and overcome the block of riding off a small cliff. The bike can handle whatever I dish out. If you are looking for an all mountain bike, this is it... It may be heavy, but I am happy to pedal it anywhere, and get the most out of my downhill! I recently got a Heckler for a 'lightweight' trailbike (it is so flexy- not at all confident inspiring), and it was then that I realized how well Brent Foes builds his bike. I have since ordered an FXR for my lightweight rig. If you are like me, one who enjoys the workout of a 40 pound bike, and likes to be safe on the way down, all the while maintaining maximum adrenaline, choose the Fly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a
from Regina, Sask. Canada Date Reviewed: September 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anyone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Blocks saw and Cycle
Strengths:
Balance, Craftsmanship, Finish, Ride,
Weaknesses:
A couple of bolts loosened up on swinglink and main pivot bolt but problem was easy to solve
The absolute best bike I've owned to date. It's balanced unbelievable and the weight is not noticeable while pedaling or hucking it around. You can feel that Foes put an unbelievable amount of time and effort into building this machine. Not knocking the bullit, but the ride compared is far better. I would highly recommend this bike. I am a heavy rider and have never owned a bike without serious noises. Not one to date with the Foes. This machine is indestructable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gofast O. Gohome
a
from Uranus Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything less traveled
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
universalcycles.com
Strengths:
Everything. Coming off of a bike I was fixing after every ride, I can't believe how much abuse this thing can take.
Weaknesses:
Hayes "new" hx-9 hd brakes. These aren't the frames fault, but run don't walk for the old Hayes.
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, Stinky, RM7
Bike Setup:
XT, Ti Curnutt, Raceface, Thompson, Risse Trixxxy fork 7"
Bottom Line:
This bike rules, and I'm past the new-bike-love-it phase. It will probably be my last bike. I keep flogging it, and it just gets better the harder you ride. No bobbing while pedalling, I've never felt it bottom since I got the appropriate weight Ti spring, no weird noises, even the paint is awesome. The stickers suck, but then again, who freaking cares?!! This thing is sooo balanced in the air, and the faster you go, the better the suspension feels. I know I'm due for a big getoff, because I can ride waaaay over my head on this thing. Drops? No problem. Tech? No problem. Speed? Just keeps getting better. Worth the $$, end of story.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shorerider
a
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
quality of manufacture, sizing, fit, cable placements, component pick, travel
Weaknesses:
other than cost, but you get what you pay for
Similar Products Used:
ellsworth dare, MC Shockwave, Uzzi DH
Bike Setup:
Full Raceface, XTR, hope, mavic
Bottom Line:
I cannot believe how good this bike is. Live and ride the North Shore my entire life and nothing compares to it. I have the FLY with the Curnutt/ti spring option and NOTHING is remotely close to the quality and bottomless travel it has. Properly set up, I cannot see how anyone can find it repulsive. Has replaceable hanger, standard QR, and plenty of room to move around and maneouver. I cannot rate it as the 5 chilis cannot do it justice. You simply have to ride one set up for you to fully comprehend how good it is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Truckee, CA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
north*
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
super stiff and burly, curnutt shock works great, doesn't bob or wallow, roomy cockpit, plenty of seat extension, climbs really well, can run 2 or 3 rings, well balanced, great handling, **UNLIMITED DESCENDING CAPABILITIES**
Weaknesses:
none.
Bike Setup:
super t pro, curnutt shock, xtr, raceface, chris king, xt brakes.
Bottom Line:
this bike is great for someone wishing to upgrade from a XC bike to a highly capable big bike for DH, but wants something more versatile than a 9 or 10" travel dedicated DH rig. this bike can freeride or trailride or whatever you want it to do. at ~40 lbs, it's really light for a DH bike. also makes a great trailbike for hardcore DHers, or anyone whose not uptight about the weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago IL Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5700.00
Purchased At:
Richardsbicycles.com
Strengths:
*Pedals awsome very, little pedal bob "I am running the Curnut shock" *Very well built, headtube area beefy *Very adjustable travel, 6-8" depending on shock *Very versatile bike, trails riding, freeride/huck, and dh
Weaknesses:
*Its is a bit heavy, but o'well *Price is not the lowest, but you pay for what you get
Similar Products Used:
Not much
Bike Setup:
White Foes with curnut shock and Ti spring Boxxer * Mavic D3.1 laced on chris king hubs with DT spokes *Easton Dh carbon fiber handle bars *Azonic shorty stem * hayes brakes *Michlin ties * and all the other stuff *here is a link of a pic of my bike http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?s=eb4e952569583d48324c2d47c9e009ac&threadid=48464&highlight=fly
Bottom Line:
If you want a do it all bike, that you can put it through hard abuse, this is the bike.
If you have any questions about the bike in anyway drop me an email.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Perrin
a Downhiller
from Co Date Reviewed: April 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Vail DH
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5500.00
Purchased At:
Denver Spoke
Strengths:
Amazing Design, Great frame finish, Very good all around DH bike, and 8in of travel that accepts triple chainring!!!
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy but otherwise NO WEAKNESS!!!! Definitely get the Curnutt though
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stab primo, Ellsworth Dare, Intense M1, Any good DH bike
Bike Setup:
Super T with full XTR and Hadley hubs, Hayes Mag very nice ALL THE GOODS!
Bottom Line:
If you want a bike that has a DH type ride definitely buy this Bike. Worth every penny and I haven't had any problems yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Robson
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: March 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Thetford Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
High quality build, beautiful finish and design, rides like a dream.
Weaknesses:
Expensive frame - but if you want the best...
Bike Setup:
Boxxers, Fox Vanilla RC, Raceface cranks, BB,stem and bars, XTR shifters and derailliers, King hubs on Sun Rhyno lites, Hayes on 8" rotors, Thompson stem and WTB saddle.
Bottom Line:
Bike nirvana. I went over to California specially for this bike and bought from Beyond Bikes. The guys at Beyond were recommended and they lived up to their reputation. Their service and advice was awesome. If you're serious about bikes buy from them. I was told this bike would do anything from downhill, freeride to hardcore trail riding and it does! Weight's no problem (37lbs). I can ride all day and it eats anything you throw at it. The balance is perfect. The rear end is very strong with no lateral movement. If you want a do anything bike buy this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mo O
a Racer
from Golden,Co Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All trails at Beaver Creek and Vail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Green Mtn Sports
Strengths:
detail to finish,quality ,ride,durability-I have been riding Foes since Brent Foes started building bikes.He can build trucks and motorcycles to win Baja, so why not mountain bikes!
Weaknesses:
Not for the poor, but worth every penny. availabilty was a problem at first but worth the wait.
Similar Products Used:
You name it...except Trek.
Bike Setup:
Dh parts with 3 chainrings so I can get up the hills. Xt and xtr with Manitou super nova fork. Answer bars, Avid mechanical brakes with metal jacket lines and 8" rotors and 2.7 tires
Bottom Line:
If you are a serious rider this is the bike. I challenge anyone to find a weak point on this bike. It will break you before you can break it. It manages to get up the hills but you wont win any XC races on it..If you do you should go after Roland Green or the Tour de France. Super smooth. Probably the last bike Ill ever need.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: January 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Behind the Rocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4800.00
Purchased At:
BeyondBikes.com
Strengths:
This bike ;edals like a XC bike but give me the ability to pull huge drops and jumps. Floating disk brake mount is great. It totally stops the ridged feeling that you get while braking under compresion.
Weaknesses:
It is a little heavy. But not really compared to other 8" travel bikes.
Similar Products Used:
Spec Big hit, Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
I set the bike up with a Super T in the front to keep the weight down. All XT drive train because I don't really know what's up with the new XTR, plus it is $$$$$$$$$$$ :(. I had the guys at Beyond build me some hand laced Chris King Iso hubs on Mavic 321. These wheels are the best I have ever had. Also the new 20mm Chris king is worth the money. Thompson seat post, Race Face Diablus stem.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line! This is the best bike I have ever had. It has made me faster in the turns and has given me the ability to do drops that I would have never attemped on my Bullit. The design of the floating disk is killer, I don't know why more frame designers don't do this. Also, a plug for Beyond Bikes. These guys were great! They really know their Sh-t! They had the frame built in 1 week from the time that I ordered it. I also got to sit in front of my computer for 3 hours and watch my bike being built on their web cam. I would recommend this bike and shop to anyone!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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