Submitted by
Lynn
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Charles, LA.
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003
Strengths: Light, fast, and agile.
Weaknesses: The Rockshox Judy SL sometimes has a bit of side to side flex in the turns. Other than that, I have not noticed any other weaknesses.
Bottom Line:
This bike is fun to ride. The handling and speed is far different from my old Motobecane. The more I ride it, the better I like it. I can't complain at all considering what I paid for it. This bike is my upgrade bike, my first one was the Motobecane listed above. I bought this one after I realized that I was going to continue trail riding until I am too old to get out of bed in the mornings, which is a long time. This bike is pretty much built to be a lightweight cross country bike, yet it seems to be well built for that purpose. I wouldn't recommend it for heavy duty downhill riding. It's too pretty to take it out and just beat it up. I'll give it a 5 for value, because I got a lot of bang for my buck, and a 4 overall because I know there are better bikes out there, I just can't afford them.
Bike Setup: Basicily stock with gore shift cables and thompson seatpost and stem with raceface handlebars
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
eitan nahshoni
a Cross Country Rider
from israel
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003
Strengths: light frame. Rear shok. At first sight, good package and value for the money (Rock Shox, Ritchey, Shimano, Truvativ, etc.) HOWEVER, see below !!! AND, yes, good service.
Weaknesses: First, I have to emphesize that I don't jump, dropout, etc. SO, from the start I had to go back to the dealer for repeated mechanical problrms!!! (The bike made only 600 km) Air was leaking from the front fork (It still does and knocks when pedaling in upright position). The brake system sucks (even after cleaning/oiling the wires and replacement. I was told that mud is to blame...). The crank was replaced (the dealer told me that it's the manufacturer...) . One pedal is shivering ! The chain really gave me trouble, untill I went back and almost threw the bike in the shop (shouting in front of the customers that i'm fed up with the rationalizations...). The result: the rear axel was replaced and the problem subsided.
Bottom Line:
I haven't encounter such problems before, and I ride for more than 15 years. I'm about to trade-in the bike and go back to the Giants, which gave me the best value for the money for years !!!
Submitted by
Don Campbell
a Cross Country Rider
from Dexter, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2002
Strengths: A really nice bike for the price. MSR @ $1299.00. Handles the downhills a lot nicer than my hardtail. I do not feel as beat up afterwards. Put 70 miles on it, all on the Potowatamie, which is pretty challenging. Seems to climb nice. If I had been riding this initially, I probably would not have eaten the prehistoric sand on the Poto.
Weaknesses: Rear shock does not lock out, but you can stiffen it with extra air. Found no problems with the toughest climbs on the Poto. Pedal bob does not seem to be a factor. 28.8 pound weight. Still lighter than my hardtail.
Bottom Line:
Excellent price for the money. If you want to upgrade your current bike, this is a good choice. Good components.
Similar Products Used: Only other experiance was a low-end Raleigh M-50 hardtail.
Bike Setup: Ritchey Crankset, Wheelset, Rear Hub, Zero Stack Com Headset, Richey Rock Rims, Z-Max Tires & Handlebar, Avid Brake Set, Shimano Deore Brake Levers, LX Front Derailleur, XT Rear, RockShox Air Judy SL Fork, Butted 7005 Aluminum Tube, 3.5" Rear Travel, Shimano Deore 9-Speed Shifters with 11-32T Cassette. Comes with Wellgo WPD-823 Clipless. Put on my Egg Beaters.
