Submitted by
JoeSespn
a Downhiller
from Seattle, wa
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2009
Strengths: It is built like a tank. 9 foot drops, 7 foot table tops, and root strewn single track (downhill) are no problem for it. It rides nice and plush down everything at Whistler.
Weaknesses: I don't know if this is a weakness, but just be aware this is a DOWNHILL bike. Any cross country on this is not much fun, even between trails. Also it weighs 50 pounds, but it's a tank!
Bottom Line:
I'm a weekend warrior downhiller, and for me this is the perfect tool to use at Whistler. I'm not racing, I'm not looking to impress anyone, I AM looking to have as much fun as possible. This bikes give me total confidence in any situation on a downhill run. The suspension setup makes it so plush that I can ride back to back days downhill without being too banged up at work on Monday. It is pure fun.
Bike Setup: 2002 Monster T
Saint Hubs/Saint Rear derailleur
SRP Mini Me
Kona steel crank arms
Azonic A frames
Nokian Gazzilodi tires
RaceFace Bar/Stem 31.8
8" rear travel kit/w Fox shock.
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Submitted by
michael delaney
a Weekend Warrior
from sale,victoria,austrailia
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006
Strengths: everthing! this bike is great! smooth rear traval feels endless this bike is the FR's dream strong!! if going big is what you do this bike is for you
Weaknesses: found it a bit slow DH used to own a norco vps team which was more suited for DH.
Bottom Line:
I loved this bike makes you feel like you can do anything.. you can but!!!
Bike Setup: 02 shivers, race face cranks, mag 30's, fun head stem and bars
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Submitted by
tom everill
a Downhiller
from england
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2006
Strengths: Everything
Weaknesses: nothing yet
Bottom Line:
this bike is awsome, the other bikes i tried wer gd but this bike had something special about it when i rode it. Ive done a 10ft drop 2 flat on this bike and it didnt bottom out!!!!
Submitted by
abby
a Weekend Warrior
from jakarta , tangerang ,indonesia
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2005
Strengths: just like the names , it look like gonna hit everything and balance on all terrain...perfect for my freeriding style , need for speed to ride it , and it seems ready to abuse !
Weaknesses: its hard to find 24" tires especially in here , indonesia
Bottom Line:
just because i'd use to go for all mountain and adventure biking , i'm gonna try it pedaling uphill soon...maybe all of my buddies will left me away , but i believe i will kick their ass at downhill session ! pray for me laaah...
Bike Setup: o5 jrt's, hayes 9, double track, 729, novatec, manitou 4way, gazza's
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Submitted by
Francois Lefebvre
a Weekend Warrior
from Varennes Québec Canada
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005
Strengths: evrything this bike is amazing
Weaknesses: bit heavy I have not reached the bottom yet but I fear that I will have no problem on a good drop
Bottom Line:
This is any excellent bike THIS BIKE RULZ OVER ALL BIKES IVE EVER RIDDEN EVEN BIKES THAT ARE TWICE AS MUCH,YOU NEED TO GET THIS BIKE IF YOU WANT TO ACTUALLY WIN A RACE BEFOE YOU DIE, NOT JUST SHOW OF THE RED VERSACE PAINT ON AN M1
Similar Products Used: giant team dh comp, big hit sport, kona stinky, giant ac, norco a-line
Bike Setup: shiver forks and every thing else is stock
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Submitted by
Michael
a Downhiller
from Reno, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2004
Strengths: Super smooth suspension, easy to switch and set up. Nice fit. Really sweet looking without stickers, all black is always a good thing. Can't bottom it out. Not too heavy. FSR suspension is the best bar none!
Weaknesses: I wish the stock setup had a bit better components and I wish I could run a 26" in the rear just to have more choices in rims and tires. (but atomic trail pimps and intense dh fro tires are as good as it gets)
Bottom Line:
Sickest bike I have ever ridden. Bar None! I needed to customize a bit to get it the way I like it but it is well worth it. I am 6'3" and I ride a medium. That is great because it cuts weight and it is also much easier to throw this bike around on the trails. My old RM9 was a beast. There is no way I would stick with all the stock parts though. Marzocchi makes way better forks than Rock Shox and Avid brakes are by far a better brake than the Hayes and anything Truvativ makes kicks anus! Anyway, this bike is it. The real deal. It puts pretty much all other bikes I have ever ridden to shame. Nothing can even touch it. If you are serious about dh riding then get a big hit. You will never regret it. I know I don't!
Strengths: Plush suspension, sturdy reliable steering, smooth pivots and little pedal feedback. Very strong and tracks like a dream. The rear 24" wheel enables corners to be taken at speed and also means acceleration is very good.
Weaknesses: No weaknesses altho the rear end is pretty heavy. However, this is a minor fault and for DH it does not bother me at all.Rear 24" wheel may not suit everyone, but replacement seat stays can be bought to up the wheel size to 26".
Bottom Line:
For the money, i believe the Specialized Big Hit DH to be the very best. I race and this bike suits me fine. However, if you have a lot of money to spend and are after a very flashy DH race bike there may be others whioch would suit you better. On the other hand, the FSR suspension system is world renowned and other big name companies such as Norco have used this design for their bikes. I conclude by saying that this is a very good bike and what ever you do, however rich you are, you can not go wrong with this bike.
Similar Products Used: Giant AC, Kona stinky and coiler and big hit comp
Bike Setup: Boxxer team (TF tuned) 5th element (TF tuned) Hope M4's ODI grips Raceface diabolus bars and stem Raceface prodigy DH cranks Raceface evolve DH BB 24 seven saddle 88 delux FSA headset DMR V12 pedal Front wheel: Mavic 321 on hope bulb hub Rear wheel: Halo SAS with diatech hub XT drivetrain MRP WC chain device
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Submitted by
jamie slight
a Weekend Warrior
from lancashire
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2004
Strengths: very strong,looks super cool.and a great price
Weaknesses: a bit heavy,and i have a bike thats been fully upgreaded from stock.
Bottom Line:
great ride .takes the hits with ease.looks the part. if looked after will last for ever.get one if money is tight,and upgrade to get a excellent bike !!!!!!
Bike Setup: boxxer race .xtr mech and spds.hope m4s .hope bulb and chris king rear hub .mpr world cup chain device.middleburn crank.race face stem on azonic bars
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Submitted by
Dommaggi Gusto
a Downhiller
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2004
Strengths: Almost limitless travel. Powers through all types of obstacles, esp. plush over stutter rocks. Will get you chicks.
Weaknesses: a bit heavy, especially after applying some maccin' gold leaf.
Bottom Line:
Not a bad bike, took some decent hucks and spring action is very smooth. FSR is hard to beat. Got gold leaf applied, now it's about 2 lb. heavier, but man does it look DOPE. I plan to install a MR. T. starter kit near the head tube, 24K, not that lame 14K goldplated sh1t. I mostly drive it around town on top of my car, and man do the ladies respond positively.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi 888. XTR 180 disc brakes, Stratos El Jefe shock w/ piggyback
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Submitted by
Arnt Todnem
a Weekend Warrior
from Norway
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004
Strengths: Rock solid!! Quality in every corner. Gives you more guts. Gives you bigger balls!
Weaknesses: None. But it can cause you to harm yourself by doing things you are NOT ready for.
Bottom Line:
This frame is the best I've ever tried. And at the price it is the best there is!! I am a big guy, and have broken quite a few frames in my time. But this will do the trick. You will break before this one!
Strengths: it's biggest strength is it's "BIG-HIT" capability. with 8.1 inches travel, i have never come close to bottoming it out. it's a very smooth bike an soaks up tough terrain very well. it's not heavy, so it makes downhilling agile and easy. with the 24 inch wheel, it seems to pedal very easy, i.e, quick acceleration and also because of this, it corners much quicker than any other bike i've been on, great d.h and freeride bike, considering the price. best begginer/intermediate d.h'er bike.
Weaknesses: i have never found a problem with the bike but the shock could do with a softer spring, as i am 12 stone and i have never bottomed it out once, but this could be just me.
Bottom Line:
great downhill and free-ride bike, possibly, the greatest for it's price. for a begginer, buy a second-hand one, for intermediate, buy a new one.
Strengths: it still moves. but doing the aftermath i'm still stuck on the service issue and my experience with companies such as orange has been better than with big companies like specialized trying to cover not a niche market; but one that has been held a little out of the spotlight=it don't work boy's. oh yeah youre company is going for the chop as well or at least it looks that way.
however 4 bars are a smoother ride, but single pivot withe the likes of 5th ele take more of a beating in my opinion.
Bottom Line:
go for it if the budget is tight, but for not a lot more there are better rides (not intense or the likes) like a 223 or look at cortina's steel frame, haven't had my hands on one yet, but i'm going to...
Submitted by
Jordan
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003
Strengths: Everything, takes drops really really well. I can't bottom it out, niether can my friends.
Weaknesses: chain slap, but every bike has that!
Bottom Line:
This bike absolutely rocks! I'm fourteen and on my first drop of 8ft. with this bike went as smooth as any other bike I have ever tried, I'm actually buying one before the year is over, I suggest you do the same. ITS AWESOME!
Hey - what are your opinions on the slackness of the '03 Big Hit DH with '05 Marzocchi 888s? I'm considering buying some '05 888s but don't want sloppier handling.
Could I run Read More »
[FONT=Verdana]I'm installing a single ring DH guide on my '05 Big Hit shortly. I'll be pulling off the front derailleur and using the frame's guide mounts.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/ Read More »
[FONT=Verdana]This is a project I've been looking forward to for some time. The stock drivetrain on my new-old stock '05 Big Hit left a lot to be desired in the way of reliability Read More »
i'm looking for a more dedicated lift access bike (5-7inch trav) and i've seen these used for about $1000 which is around my price point. there are plenty of them out there used f Read More »
havnt seen any reviews online or here. i know its more of a free ride bike, but how does the bighit III handle the dh stuff. looks pretty burly wit that fork on it. is it a cheaper Read More »
