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Specialized
S-Works Enduro
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Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange, CA, US
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Chutes | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3700.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Frame: perfect welds. Ano finish. Fox Forks & Shocks are flawless. Brakes are excellent. 26.7 lbs for size lg. Great Downhill capabilities. XTR shifter/brake pods always work flawlessy, and can take a beating. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes squeal under severe usage. Not a top notch climber. Pivot points need lube every trip or suffer the creak. Seat is a road bike model. Front end feels low, despite 5" travel. | | Similar Products Used: | '02 Turner XCE | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for a proper MTB seat and a set of eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | I tend to compare to the Turner, since its owner and I ride together and have similar skills. All things being equal, the Turner climbs better, and the S-Works Enduro descends better. Turner requires no adjustment, whereas the Enduro needs every lock-out / crank-down advantage to conquer the difficult climbs. Of course the Turner has no tricks that can make it an equal in the downhill sections. Some of the XTR parts can be difficult to find on short notice (chain rings, brake pads). Don't make the mistake of putting all metallic pads in. The squeal will be very loud. I used to think this was an expensive bike, but after looking at the '05's, I'd say it was good value. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
West
a
from Georgetown, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Georgetown | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Extremely light, XTR components, long-travel suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Some bob in rear suspension (may be taken care of in 2004 and newer models with the BRAIN - mine has the Fox Float). | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception of the hubs, which are Huji. | | Bottom Line: | The S-works is such a departure from what I had been used to with an old Univega hard-tail. This bike is so light I can pick it up off the ground at any speed to clear obstacles, and the long travel suspension, while it takes some getting used to, allows me to float over significant obstacles. The Fox shocks are great but take some trial and error to dial in properly (I can't tell you how many times I wiped out my first few rides!). The frame is hard-core anodized alloy, but the pinstriping and lettering are already coming off.
This bike is way expensive (mostly the light components and frame), so I can't suggest it for everyone, and if budget is a concern I can't really recommend it over the slightly heavier Enduro Pro, which has most of the same components and is a LOT cheaper. BUT ... you will notice the difference with this bike, and it WILL make you a better rider!
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Micke
a
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Versatility! | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing. I'm now running full length outer to the rear derailleur.
Interrupted seat tube frame. I would like to be able to lower my seat even further for the steepest descents. | | Similar Products Used: | 5-Spot (very nice), -04 Enduro S-Works with brain | | Bike Setup: | Size M S-Works Enduro frame with Manitou Swinger Coil 3-way shock, Marzocchi Z1, SRAM X7, FSA V-Drive Xtreme ISIS chainset/BB, Avid Juicy 7 185mm disc brakes, XT/Mavic XM321/DT wheels, Thomson/Titec/FSA cockpit parts, same old WTB seat (comfiest ever!). | | Bottom Line: | Follow up to my 6/19/2003 review.
Due to lack of Fox service in Sweden I've changed the rear shock to a Manitou Swinger coil shock. This has proved far more reliable than the Fox Float and SPV really works as advertised.
A fork change from Psylo to Z1 was also an eye opener. This is what a fork for people weighing more than 60kg should feel like!
I've used this bike for everything. From local flat 1 hour loops in -15C and snow to a week of chairlift assisted riding in the Swiss alps. It can do it all and has held up for it all despite my ready-to-ride weight of 90kg.
The only other bike I've tried that comes close is the Turner 5-Spot that also has the added advantage of a full length seat tube. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Durango, Colorado
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The Colorado Trail From Kennebac To Durango | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | MBS Durango | | Strengths: | Light, Fast, Cush | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | GT I drive | | Bike Setup: | 2003 xtr, fox float, fox rear | | Bottom Line: | This bike is unreal. Apart from a very high speed visit to the ER, i've had nothing but fun with it. Freeride-Lite describes it the best. Jumping it feels like a CR250 and the locking shocks and short travel mode are kickin for uphills. It is light too, I think anyone complaining about the weight should toughen up their legs and stop whining. Drop 2 pounds off your gut and then the bike will seem lighter.
Oh yeah, one more thing, I keep crushing the bushing between the rear shock and the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from Steamboat Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Sore Saddle Cyclery | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Still a bit hefty | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | This is a stock 2004 S-Works Enduro except for King Headset, Maxxim bars, laid back Elite seatpost, 959 pedals, and running Conti Vertical Pro Tubeless in 2.3's. | | Bottom Line: | Great improvements over the 2003 model - the bump threshold adjustment rear Brain is great and what this bike was missing for climbing last year - no bob.
Still a hefty beast - Large frame size with pedals weighs 28 lbs.
Also looks better in black ano vs. the grey matte from 2003.
I like the Mavic Crossmax SL UST wheelset.
Went to Fruita and Moab last weekend (11/15/03) for test drive - love it. If you are going to buy an air-sprung FS bike, this is it; big fun.
I still have my S-Works Epic, too; going to add rear Brain upgrade kit to it and it will be the perfect 26 lb. cross country bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Versatility, ano finish, balance of light weight and durability | | Weaknesses: | HT angle a little steep in high BB setting | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro Comp, I-Horse Hollowpoint, GT LTS | | Bike Setup: | Romic coil over, Forx Vanilla 125 RL, King ISO on Mavic F219, XT, Easton, Thompson, Hayes | | Bottom Line: | This is an incredibly versatile bike. It climbs extremely well, particularly in technical areas. Its also a blast on downhills. There was a noticable improvement in stiffness from the regular Comp to the S-Works frame (warranty replacement, thanks Specialized). I use the bike for XC trail riding and light free riding and it has been rock solid for both. My only complain is that I wish the HT was a little bit slacker but at 70.5 degrees its pretty standard for this type of bike. I strongly recommend the Romic rear shock. It is night and day better than the Fox ITCH. The Fox works as promised with the adjustable travel but the Romic resists pedal bob better and is much plusher and has vastly superior rebound control. As its set up (with the Romic), I'm confident it is as good as or better than any of the "high end" trail bikes from Turner, Ellsworth, etc. Even the lower model Enduros would be as good as those other bikes with the Romic. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRIAN KERRIGAN
a Weekend Warrior
from SCOTLAND
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | glentress | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | EDINBURGH BIKE CO-OP | | Strengths: | GREAT LOOKS , ALL DAY RIDE ABILITY AND PRETTY SENSIBLE WEIGHT ,GREAT SUSPENSION ACTION | | Weaknesses: | IM ON MY THIRD SEATSTAY WISHBONE WHICH IS PRETTY CRAZY CONSIDERING I ONLY WEIGH ABOUT 180 POUNDS | | Similar Products Used: | STUMPY FSR | | Bike Setup: | SHIVER SC , FULL XTR , HOPE HEADSET , HOPE BULB HUBS ,EASTON CARBON BARS AND POST , HOPE M4S , M959S , FLITE TI SADDLE , RACE FACE SYSTEM STEM | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A GREAT BIKE I LOVE THE WAY IT RIDES AND I LOVE THE WAY IT LOOKS , IF U WANT MORE TRAVEL THAN A XC MACHINE BUT WANT TO CYCLE UPHILL SOMETIMES THEN THIS IS THE BIKE FOR U , I JUST HOPE THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SNAPPING SEATSTAYS AS I DO . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Peckham
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Northstar Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Off the Ramp, Santa Clara | | Strengths: | The flip-flop linkage lets you set the bike up in two very different riding possistions. This is nice when you decide to go for a full downhill ride. I found that I can't stand trying to climb with it in the downhill position, so I leave it in the climbing possition at all times. It still rides great downhill, but not as confidence inspiring as the laid back position. The bike fits me, not many off the shelf bikes fit, so this is huge! I'm 6'3". IT feels very sturdy under me, and I never fear bottoming out. | | Weaknesses: | The bob on the bike is pretty bad. It has a lockout which I use any time I'm climing. Even with the lockout I get about 1" of travel, but it's much stiffer. The frame is a little heavy at 7lbs (XL), but that's the price I pay for being 215lbs and 6'3". | | Similar Products Used: | I tried the Blur and I would have bought that if it was offered at the price I got this bike for. I had a crash replacement so I got the frame only and built it up with new components. | | Bike Setup: | 33lbs: Marzzochi Z1 Bomber, Mavic/XT disk wheels, Avid disk brakes, Panaracer 2.4" tires, XT/XTR components. | | Bottom Line: | A good compromise, but not the best bike on the market. If you don't mind using a lockout it's a great bike, although heavy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chamois
a Weekend Warrior
from thun, switzerland
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$5690.00 | | Purchased At: | acefactory ltd. | | Strengths: | lightweight (measured with pedals: 11.4kg)
many very good detail solutions
rugged design
relaxed sitting position
excuses driver lapses | | Weaknesses: | no usable position for bottle mount | | Similar Products Used: | klein mantra | | Bike Setup: | full xtr 2003 group(with xtr disk brakes), shimano pdm 959 pedals, dt swiss 240 hubs, mavix x317 rims, fox talas rlc fork, fox itch switch damper, specialized enduro 2.2" tires, specialized s-works sattle, specialized s-works carbon composite handlebars, stem and seat post thomson cnc 7000 series | | Bottom Line: | i've driven the klein mantra for five years and was only moderate happy with it. the suspension was just too hard coupled with the braking forces, the drivetrain forces and the position of riders center of gravity.
it tooks me a long time to search for a new bike which can satisfy my wishes: lightweight, controllable for an only moderate rider, 100mm+ spring travel, suitable for the one hour quickie after work and for the big Alps crossing, potential to be serviceable over a time of five or six years, balanced qualities in up- and downhill (because the swiss Alps are very steep).
on my experience, the 2003 specialized s-works enduro satisfies all of my wishes. i'm very happy to have it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aych
a Weekend Warrior
from england
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | light frame, 6lb adjustable shock 4-5", handling. | | Weaknesses: | poor lower shock eye bushing (replaced 4 but its still worth the trouble) graphics wear off and never stood out much. maybe not the best frame alignment. | | Similar Products Used: | have an s works fsr and have had numerous other frs bikes but this is the best. | | Bike Setup: | fox 100rl, hugi 240 disc, marta, middleburn xt/xtr | | Bottom Line: | a few minor gripes barely detract from a top frame ideally suited to trail rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Downhiller
from exeter
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | conyd e bryan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Richards bikes | | Strengths: | S-Works freeride enduro looks great
The frame is great, very light, stiff, responsive, the forwards chainstay and cable routing keeps em away from the mud, the anodised finish does'nt scratch, the shock is super plush and has great features i.e lock out, the BB height is adjustable. | | Weaknesses: | None, i dont know what the guys are on about with the rear mech knocking, ive had absolutly no problems | | Similar Products Used: | Cannodale raven, giant ATX, Specialized FS, GT four bar linkage, Coyote DHS etc..... riden most full sus bikes at some point! | | Bike Setup: | S-works freeride frame
XTR groupset
Hope pro dsics
Hope bulb hubs
Profile bars and stem
Ti leather seat
DMR V12 peddles
Mavic 512 rims
DT plain guage spokes
Ritchey seatpost (2 of them, one sawn down)
Marrazochi Z1 dropoffs
Pananracer Fire DH pro 2.3 tyres (kevlar) | | Bottom Line: | Although the frame is lightweight, it can still be abused on downhill runs, in fact its often faster than some longer travel full sussers thanks to the shorter travel in the mud
my advice - get one ;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John GoFaster
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent England
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | North Downs, Surrey | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles | | Strengths: | Beautiful looking, great control, comfortable ride with minimal pedal bob, lightweight
| | Weaknesses: | Rear mech knocks on Horst Link | | Similar Products Used: | None really | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Marathon S Forks with ETA, Mavic 317 on Hope XC Hubs, XT Chainset,rear mech,front mech and shifters, Race Face everything else. | | Bottom Line: | I think i may have fallen in love with this bike. Everything about it feels great. The idea of being able to go out on a cross country ride, you decide to take a detour, end up finding yourself in the Alps and not having to worry if your bike is up to it is a great feeling. The knocking of the rear mech is a little annoying but i have managed to solve the problem by wrapping a piece of the chainstay protector around the top part of the mech reducing the noise quite considerably. I must say i did have a problem with the first frame in that the headtube was apparently manufactured slightly oversize and caused a strange sound after about 7 or 8 rides but both Evans and Specialized were exellent and changed the frame for a new one. I would definately recommend getting an adjustabe fork for this bike as it significantly helps when climbing. Anyone who is contemplating getting one of these bikes should get one without delay before they are all sold out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Micke
a
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Versatility. Great all day/allround ride. 5 plush inches, minimal pedal bob, adjustable geometry/travel. Grey anodizing looks stunning imho. | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing (under BB) seems vulnerable, but no problems so far. Fox ITch air spring leaks a bit, about 10 PSI / 4 days. Seatpost collar is weak but will do for now. Some form of protection needed on rear shock / bushing since it is placed where ALL crud from the rear tire goes. Rear derailleur knocks on Horst-link (yes, I AM picky). | | Similar Products Used: | None really. | | Bike Setup: | Size M S-Works Enduro frame, RS Psylo SL, LX gears, Truvativ ISIS chainset/BB and PC-69 chain, Shimano 555 discs with XT rotors, XT/Mavic 317/DT wheels, various Ritchey and Pazzaz cockpit parts, WTB seat (comfiest ever!).
More heavy-duty wheelset for playing around is on the horizon. | | Bottom Line: | Review is for S-Works frameset built up according to Bike Setup above.
Personal profile:
I'm 6 foot and 185 pounds, have been riding BMX/MTB for 18 years + (am 28 now).
I mostly ride hard/technical xc with some jumping thrown in ("freeride light"), no huge hucks.
The ride:
I've had the bike for 3 weeks and have done about 250 miles of mostly singletrack on it, I will check back later with further comments. So far this bike is all it's cracked up to be. Efficient in 4" mode, plush but not spongy in 5". Really comfortable and adjustable ride. I ride the bike in the high BB mode for sharper handling, that might change if/when I go to the alps though.
If you are custom building like I did, do yourself a favour and get an adjustable-travel fork with this bike. It will significantly help climbing, I reduce fork travel to 80mm for any extended climb.
Some measurements and settings:
Frame size is M, 100mm stem and layback seatpost, perfect blend between freeride and xc for my riding and size. Have settled on a shock pressure of about 175PSI, rebound 4 clicks from full slow. Flip-flop link run in 70.5 head angle setting.
Regarding the rating:
4 flamin turds because, seriosly, is anything perfect? If it were out of a 100 I'd give it 95.
Bottom bottom line:
I simply have more fun on this bike! Overall I'm very happy and totally recommend the bike for anyone who is looking for one bike that can handle (almost) everything. Now I'm just hoping that all frame issues from -02 really are fixed...but I guess it will show. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, CA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World | | Strengths: | Light weight / goes everywhere. It weighs just a hair under 27 lbs stock with shimano 959 peddles, and is a great technical trail handler. Begs to go faster on downhills and laughs at rocks and roots but is still light enough to go uphill and on long rides.Love the adjustable travel. From a design standpoint it is stunning: love the anodized grey finish and tastefully subtle laser etched logos. Photos don't do it justice, it has to be seen in person. There is a sense that everything is well integrated and belongs together. Some people might find this a weakness if they care more about making a personal statement with their bike and the choices they make to accesorize it but the bottom line is that is that everything looks and works together as if it were milled from the same hunk of aluminum. | | Weaknesses: | As mentioned below the stock seat is truly cruel. It may be me, but it seems a tad more difficult to peddle smooth strokes at higher rpms, almost as if the cranks were shorter than usual. Also as mentioned in other reviews the bottom braket in the slack setting is a bit low but dealable. As far as I am concerened these are basically nitpicks. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized S-Works FSR upgraded with BETD long travel link and bearings and psylo Race fork | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Shimano 959 peddles and new WTB Laser V seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike does pretty much exactly what it is supposed to do. It is a bridge between a XC bike and a Long travel bigger hit bike. In other words its a FUN bike. It takes a litle getting used to transitioning from a more XC oriented geometry: you have to pay more attention to body positioning on technical uphills due to the shorter stem and slacker head angle but I feel this is a small price to pay for the go anywhere hit anything personality this bike has. Love the concept of the itch switch on the shock, but am completelty puzzled why it isn't spec'd with the 3 way adjustable Fox talas rear shock. It is a better shock and would offer more adjustability than the itch shock from Fox. I know the talas rear shock's travel adjust alters geometry (the stock shock never affects geometry, it only prevents access to the last inch of travel in 4"mode) coudn't specialized have figured out a way to incorporate that into the design? Unfortunately, even though you can buy the Talas rear shock as an aftermarket upgrade, Fox says it won't work with this frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kent
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Table Mountain & Tokai | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Genesis, Jo'burg | | Strengths: | finishing, horst link suspension, bomb proof material, XC travel adjustment (short travel) | | Weaknesses: | weird noise from the monocoque frame, could have 1" more rear travel , low bottom bracket | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll, Kona Primo | | Bike Setup: | Shermann firefly, Magura Gustav (not the perfect choice, from my old bike),XTR | | Bottom Line: | drives very nice, particular uphill (don't have many shuttle services in SA). Could use one inch more rear travel for downhill. Guess, Ihave to get used to it. Stopped downhilling because of injuries. Otherwise it is a beautyfull crafted frame with great handling.Just have to get used to the low bottom bracket. Travel adjustment of the frame and the fork is excellent. Haven't used much the flip flop thingens.Perfect All rounder with a preference to freeride. Hope the quality is as good as the looks. Overall rating is 4,5 chillies | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lloyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | El Prieto | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo, Santa Monica | | Strengths: | Design, component configuration, light weight. It's a beautiful bike with the gray anodized finish along with the XTR cranks and Fox fork. Hate to scratch it. | | Weaknesses: | need more traction, better shock in the rear. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz bullit. Previous Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Chris King headset added and a shorter Thomson stem. The rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | Beautiful bike, rides quick up and down the hills. I would like more plushness on the rear though. Buying a bike fully spec'd with XTR at this price was my deciding factor. I can ride with more confidence and have stepped up on my riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest, Bonneville Shoreline, Goosebury Mesa | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | bingham | | Strengths: | 2003 xtr, fox forx and suspension, fsr | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | trek liquid 30, ellsworth id | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike climbs well, corners well, and rolls downhill like butter. if you are looking for a good, all purpose bike, check this one out. i use it primarily as an xc bike, but i love the fact that i can feel good about airing it out too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a
from The Dalles, OR
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Wizrard, The Other One, and Cortez the Killer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500000.00 | | Purchased At: | Life Cycles | | Strengths: | This bike is, hands down, the coolest bike on the planet. It is stout enough to handle drops, nimble enough to master the logs, and quick enough for blazing fast xc rides. The Fox forx, Fox shock, and the 2003 XTR group is awesome. It has worked flawlessly so far. Totally built as a complete bike (small) it weighs a scant 26.0 pounds (note: I am not crazy. I weighed the bike on my team's digital wrestling scale at my high school). Not bad for a bike with 125/130mm travel front and rear. | | Weaknesses: | I think that the setup of the XTR discs is a little annoying. I have a small rub sometimes that I need to shim out. | | Bike Setup: | As spec'd by specialized. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike. I would recommend it to anyone. Especially all of you who think that you must have a "custom" bike. Part of why I love this bike is how well it matches with previous FSR's. I went from my old S-works FSR Pro to this and was comfortable in minutes.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Walmsley
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Bomb proof frame, top engineering and the best sus design going. | | Weaknesses: | Not the lightest frame around. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 100 (Trek) | | Bike Setup: | vanilla 125 forks, Hayes, easton, club roost, hope xc on sun rims and other juicy gear | | Bottom Line: | strong, reasonably light (for a do it all bike), looks cool and the best suspension performance of any bike i've ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Newport, CA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan/ Noble canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO | | Strengths: | XTR GROUPO, FOX SHOCKS sooo adjustable | | Weaknesses: | A LITTLE ON THE HEAVY SIDE | | Similar Products Used: | ELLSWORTH TRUTH(TEST), TURNER XCE TEST, Fuel 98 test, PROFLEX 857 FOR 6 YEARS | | Bike Setup: | STOCK except seat.. WTB laser. Also changing the tires soon | | Bottom Line: | This is a great all around bike. Every time I ride I adjust the bike and find the ride outstanding. This is the strength of this bike. You can tune it to what you want and the trail you are riding. I have riden a bunch of my usual trails and find the down hill much better, but I must say the technical up hills have not been as easy as I thought with the bike. I think this is totally rider dependant.The increased travel in the suspension makes the approach to the technical stuff differant than what I am used to doing. I also have been riding it rather soft in the rear. If you are looking for a XC bike this may be a bit to heavy. If you want a bike to ride everything then this is the bike to get. Definitely worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a
from Freeland
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | STUBWAY!!!!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Ray's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I purchased this as a frameset only, and built it up w/the parts below. Everthing about this frame is a strength, it's an amazing ride. | | Weaknesses: | not one. none. zero. nada. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Tracer, Intense Uzzi SL, Specialized S-Works FSR | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talas R (don't need the lockout), Avid mechanical discs, King disc hubs, Sun DSII rims, Truvativ Stylo SL cranks/BB, 2003 XTR f and r derailleurs, Thomsen stem/post, Answer carbon riser bars, Kooka levers, SLR trans am saddle, crank bros. eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the by far the best handling, fastest, funnest bikes I've ever ridden. Period. The ITCH switch for adjusting the travel on the fly is awesome, and since it has the lockout, you can ride it as a hardtail. So, you can have a near-6 inch travel bike going down, and a hardtail going up!! I've had hardtails that weigh more than this, I've got it built up just under 25lbs!!!!! The adjustable bottom bracket height and head tube angle is another bonus; I am going to race this on the sport-level dh course on Saturday with the travel set all the way out front and rear, and crank the forks down to 80mm and the rear in short travel position for the XC race on Sunday (I'm switching wheelsets, obviously). ONE BIKE FOR BOTH RACES!!!!!! I can't believe how well this bike handles in the singletrack and on descents, it's flawless. And no, I don't work for Specialized, I am just blown away at how nice this bike performs. AND it's the best-looking frame out there right now, in my opinion. If I could give more Flamin' Chilis I would. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Thompson
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Junction
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kokopelli | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ruby Canyon | | Strengths: | 2003 XTR Groupo with disc brakes, what could be better than this? Anodized frame, lazer etched graphics...means no more scratches. Adjustable travel, lock out both ends, 24 lbs.
Did I say 2003 XTR Groupo? | | Weaknesses: | Front Skewer, its called a skraxel skewer, and its larger than your average skewer. I lost mine right after I purchased the bike & I went to just about every bike shop in Colorado, and to my dismay, no one had one. Even Specialized could not send one. Finally I took a trip to Las Vegas, went to Mcghies Bike shop...which did not have one either, but sold me one off of one of the floor bikes for $15.00. I paid $3800.00 for a bike that I could not ride because of a $15.00 part. You would think Specialized would have thought about this part a little better, since they put it on all of their top drawer rides!
Also, The big S hired Hugi to manufactuer their hubs, so that they could put the S logo on them...I have no complaints with the hubs, but the only hub compatible with the 2003 XTR rotors is the XTR Hub, so they spec'd the bike with XT Rotors instead, but still sell the bike as a complete XTR Groupo Bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro, FSR Stump Jumper. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talas Float RLC fork, Fox Float RL Rear shock, both have adjustable travel & Lock outs. 2003 XTR Groupo - rotors & hubs, Mavic 317 Disc rims. Thomson seat post & stem, S-Works carbonriser bar, S-Works Enduro Tires, Selle Italia Pro Link Gel saddle with carbon rails. | | Bottom Line: | Huge difference between the S-Works Enduro, & anything else I have ridden...this bike performs great, handles like a dream. Fox has done a great service to us mountain bikers this year.
Shimano has Excelled with the 2003 XTR Groupo, the crank set is beautiful, (I would buy one, have it framed and hang it on my wall.) The integrated brake levers / shifters work flawless, Even though they do look like they came straight from the Shimano fishing tackle box, crisp shifts every time, brakes modulate well...water has no ill effects, they don't howl like a Japanese snow monkey when the going gets ruff.
First thing I did after buying this bike, was get rid of the S-Works seat,it felt more like some mid-evil torture device than a epic saddle, and I opted for the Selle Italia Pro Link, great seat, a little heavier than the S-Works, but a thousand times more comfortable (isnt that what its all about anyway?).
Get it if A.) your willing to part with this kind of doe, B.) you want a ride that has a great feel, and performs like an Indy car.
Dot get it if A.) your not willing to part with this kind of doe.
B.) If your holding out to see what next year brings.
Bottom line....RIDE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Bruce
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, Oregon USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Central Oregon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3149.00 | | Purchased At: | Hutch's Bike Shop- Bend, OR | | Bottom Line: | I have another month and about another 300 miles on the bike, so I thought an update was in order. I have not had one problem. Did the 75-100 mile tune to address the cable break-in and that has been it. Everything is working flawlessly. I could not be happier with the bike or its components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
STEPHEN HUTCHINSON
a Weekend Warrior
from NORTHERN IRELAND
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | SPERRIN MOUNTIANS | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$825.00 | | Purchased At: | CICLISPORT,MONEYMORE | | Strengths: | LOTS OF TRAVEL+ADJUSTMENT,COOL COLOUR,QUITE LITE,GREAT PRICE £825 AND THAT INCLUDES THOMSON SEATPOST | | Weaknesses: | THE 1ST FRAME CAME WITH A FAULTY HEADSET.THE HEADSET SLID INTO THE FRAME, IT SHOULD BE A PRESS FIT.WHEN THE REPLACEMENT FRAME ARRIVED IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.3RD TIME LUCKY IT WAS OK :-) | | Similar Products Used: | CANNONDALE F700 AND F800 BOTH VERY GOOD HARDTAILS | | Bike Setup: | FOX TALAS RLC,FOX FLOAT RL SHOCK,HOPE MINI'S,HOPE HUBS,CHRIS KING HEADSET,THOMSON SEATPOST AND STEM,MONKEYLITE CARBON BARS,TITEC SEAT,NOKIAN NBX TYRES,MAVIC 317,FULL XT. | | Bottom Line: | GREAT BIKE ,THE FLIP LINK IS CRAP IN LOW SETTING,YOU HIT THE PEDALS ALL THE TIME,FLIP IT AROUND AND ITS AMAZING.THIS BIKE CLIMBS BRILLIANT UP HILL AND COMES DOWN LIKE A ROCKET.EVERYTHING IS ADJUSTABLE WITH LOCKOUTS FRONT+REAR.ITS WEIGHTS 27.5 POUNDS WHICH IS OK FOR A 5 INCH TRAIL MACHINE.IF YOU WANT TO BEAT YOUR FRIENDS IN STYLE BUY ONE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Water, Surrey, UK
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Leith Hill's single tack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleopedia, Surbition, London | | Strengths: | Adjustable on the fly front and rear suspension makes technical single track a dream. The XTR combined levers and shifters are now second nature, only taking one ride to get use to them. Fairly light for a full suspension bike with loads of travel for the fun stuff yet climbs well. | | Weaknesses: | Low bottom bracket height but I plan to swap over the rear flip-flop bracket to raise the height. With a Medium size frame I thought the bike would come in at under 25lbs but it didn't quite. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Custom Build: Full XTC 03, Mavic 317 rims, Panaracer Trail Blaster Tyres, Chris King Headset, Thompson Stem, Marzocchi Marathon SL Forks, Easton Monkey Lite Carbon Bars, S-Works Saddle, Thompson Seat Post. | | Bottom Line: | The bike looks superb, and rides even better! As a custom build the frame price inc Thompson Seat Post is tremendous value. Other less capable frames could have easilly added $600 to the build cost. The Marathon SL forks are the best I've ridden. XTR 03 simply amazing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles,CA , USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Backbone | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Climbs surprisingly well. Super-plush ride. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet except maybe needing to find new trials to challenge myself. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight, Giant NRS, Specialized Epic | | Bike Setup: | stock - it comes loaded with all the goodies | | Bottom Line: | Believe all the good things you read here about this bike. I upgraded from a 98 Stumpjumper hardtail and cannot believe how much better of rider it makes me feel. It bombs down hills like a Motorcycle, feels light on the climbs, and has all the components you would ever want. Thanks to Gabe at Supergo for hooking me up and for convincing me to go with Large frame. This is a great all around bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Bruce
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, Oregon
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All Central Oregon Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3149.00 | | Purchased At: | Hutch's Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | This bike RULES! It is doing everything well. Super Stable. Super Efficient. Climbs well, descends incredibly, shifts superb. Works extremely well in technical rock sections, moves through snow and mud with precision. Lots of suspension travel to soak up big hits, very solid, yet plush. Thumb shifter very useful for getting into higher gears and preferred over upshifting with the brake lever (from an ergonomic standpoint)- brake shifter works very well for downshifts to lower gears. The 03 XTR brakes are sweet, better by far than anything else I have used and super light and trick looking. | | Weaknesses: | I have yet to encounter any. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic, Giant NRS Air, EPX Terrashark, Kona Bear Deluxe | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for: Tires (Michelin comp s lite)- Tire change shaved nearly 1 lb of weight. Chris King headset. | | Bottom Line: | If you can get one, buy one. You will not be disappointed. You will have a well built, light weight, full suspension (5.25 inches front and back), top notch disc brakes, latest adn greatest XTR package all at 25 lbs (with tire change).
Can't go wrong!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LARRY
a Cross Country Rider
from VENTURA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Proven 4 bar suspension, Talas Fork, Adjustable travel in back. 03 XTR | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | enduro expert, stumpjumper fsr, epic demoed, Sugar, Santa Cruz superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ Time Pedals | | Bottom Line: | I've got about 100 miles on the bike so far and it rocks! I wanted a long travel bike that I could do epic rides, 24 hr races and xc races on that wasn't too heavy. Weight isnt a issue with me since I could lose 40lbs first before worrying about bike weight. I've ridden fireroads, singletrack rockgardens, little drop offs and this bike just eats it up. The Talas fork is stiff w/ multiple adjustments possible and a lockout, its the best fork I have used. The XTR shifters had me worried at first, but they work flawlessly, the front shifter takes more effort than the old style handlebar shifters, I didnt have any accidental shifts bouncing down trails or drop offs. The brake are powerful, not grabby and don't rub like my old Hayes did. The wheels are pretty light but sturdy, the freehub is very quiet and engages quickly. The only thing limiting this bike is my lack of ability. Its not cheap but its such a great overall package its worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicol
a
from Edinburgh, Scotland
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Edinburgh Bicycle | | Strengths: | Massive traction
Adjustable travel
Adjustable geometry
Lockout
Low weight
Anodised frame
Thomson post | | Weaknesses: | Low bottom bracket, even in "high" bb geometry setting | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 957 (a classic!), Marin DH FRS, Kona King Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | Psylo Race (match the later, darker anodising perfectly), XTR, Hope, Hugi, Race Face bits and bobs | | Bottom Line: | Very nice frame. The low bottom bracket height is quite annoying. I ground a couple of teeth off from my outer chainring on my last ride. It has a reversible plate that adjusts height and head/ seat angles. A bit pointless tho as using it in the lower/slacker setting is a nightmare. Im sure ill get used to it tho, and i am running 175mm cranks which doesnt help things.
The anodised finninsh looks sweet and matches Psylo raw perfectly, high pimp factor. Its darker than the ones we had in the shop before, dont know if its a permanent change or not.
The adjustable travel, geometry, lockout are all nice touches. Bike rides sweet as a nut. Never used 4 bar for any long period. It rides very neutral, whatever the situation, higly chuckable, very stable too. All in a very nice bike, simple as that. For £540 (staff) you cant argue | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Hill
a Weekend Warrior
from Bangor, North Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Betws Y Coed | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Four-Bar Ride
Travel Adjustment
Weight
Rarity value | | Weaknesses: | None as of yet | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid Fuel
Orange Sub 5
Specialized Enduro Expert | | Bike Setup: | Specialized S-Works Frame (Large), Thomson Seatpost and stem, Magura CP125 fork, Magura X319 Wheelset, Magura Louise FR Brakeset, XT drivetrain, Easton bars, Intense Tyres and grips. | | Bottom Line: | The setup of this bike appears to be the ideal compromise for me. The relatively light weight (sub 28Ibs)and lockout facility mean ascending is simple, whilst the four-bar linkage tracks the ground beautifully. The suspension is adjustable front and rear for all conditions. The drivetrain is flawless (as one has come to expect of XT).
All in all this bike is a truly multi-talented machine (just a shame the same cannot be said about the rider!)If you want a bike for all occasions you may have found the answer to your prayers.
Try it then buy it!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adamant
a
from denver, co
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | *** | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Turin Bicycles Denver | | Strengths: | Super plush ride
Full XTR with disc brakes
Full suspension at 26 pounds (size medium)
Fox Talis 125 mm front shock
On-the-fly rear 100 mm to 132 mm rear shock
Flip-flop link to change head-tube angle | | Weaknesses: | came with old style XTR rear derailleur | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Attitude
Giant NRS f/s | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for taking off the old-style XTR rear derailleur and putting on the new "reverse-spring", which works MUCH better | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks!! I wanted to get a Specialized Marathon "brain shock" after demoing one October 2002 in Moab on Slickrock (also rode a Giant NRS on Gold Bar - Poison Spider). Going from a 23# Klein, I was worried about the extra weight of full suspension. HA! The S-works Enduro climbs better, and now instead of having to crash or dismount for technical drops (like i use to do on my Klein), I just fly over stuff. Beats walking. Also, I compared the weight of this bike to the S-works "brain" shock, and the Enduro is only 1 more pound. Not bad for the extra travel.
The full 2003 XTR is amazing. Reverse-spring rear derailleur works great with the new dual-control shifting system. XTR disc brakes have awesome power and modulation.
At $3500 the bike was a lot of money, but for full XTR and a Fox 80-125 mm Talis, seems like a good value. The S-works frame has a lighter/stronger downtube, as compared to the other Enduro bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Worcestershire, England
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Local bike shop | | Strengths: | Lightweight frame with lockout and travel adjust. Anodised finish. Adjustable bottom bracket height. Adjusts between 4 and 5.2". All round trail/do anything bike | | Weaknesses: | Trying to find one... | | Similar Products Used: | Superlight, Giant ac2, Stumpjumper xc. | | Bike Setup: | Z1 freerides, Raceface cranks+stem, Chris King headset, Thompson post, Hope hubs+C2 discs, Mavic x317 rims | | Bottom Line: | This bike is perfect for all day trail riding, cross country or light freeriding. With adjustable travel, bottom bracket height and lock out it will go anywhere. BUY ONE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | CYB | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Weight, Strength, Looks, Price, Thomson SP | | Weaknesses: | BB height | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Sub 5, Trek Liquid | | Bike Setup: | Hope brakes/hubs/headset, Mavic Rims,XT transmission, RaceFace Rings, Easton Bars/Stem, Fox Vanilla fork | | Bottom Line: | Great all day Bike, have a go at anything. Hate to use the phrase but it really is a 'freeride lite' bike. Adjustability and lock out work well. 4" travel is great for xc/trail. 5"+ travel is extremely plush and works a treat. This bike inspires you to descend fast, and get back up the other side. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Puttock
a Weekend Warrior
from Bexley, Kent, England
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bromley Bike Co | | Strengths: | M5 tubing is a lot better. Thomson post in the price. Anodidizing looks very good. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom Bracket height | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Enduro Expert Frame | | Bike Setup: | '02 Psylo SL, RF Next cranks, FSA Ti BB, Thomson post and Stem, Easton CT2 bars, Hope Minis, CK Headset, SRAM X0 Shifter and derailuer, SRAM 9.0 cassette, XT Front derailuer, Koobi Silver saddle, Shimano 959 pedals, Mavic 3.1 UST rims with Hope Ti hubs. | | Bottom Line: | A lot better fram than last years. have found the front end to be less nervous at speed and a lot more responsive and flowing singletrack. Love the grey anodizing and eteched graphics. The anodizing and M5 tubing save on my scales a near 3/4 of a pound. A excellent all rounder as last years frame. Excellent price as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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