Submitted by
Paul Losordo
a Cross Country Rider
from Brookline, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2005
Bottom Line:
** UPDATE TO ORIGINAL POSTING 7/2/2004 *** After a year with the bike, I still think it was a great first time purchase. But, this bike is not setup for the kind of rocky terrain we have here in the Boston area. The Fox Float R rear shock and the front Fox Float 100 are superb. However, I think the rest of the components are junk and parts of the frame are either low end or made for feather weights (I am 200lb). The bike spends every week in the shop with something broken... * Specialized tires stink. Finally put a Python on the front, Mobster with downhill tube on the back. * Seat upgraded (can't recall make) * Thomson elite bent seat post after clamp snapped * Added Avid discs (not the juicy :-( * New Mavic 519 rear rim after stock caved in * Put XT rear cassette * Freehub (thingy inside cassette) was destroyed.. * Both rear bolts have snapped in half * Mounting bolt for rear shock snapped and now.... * Suspension linkage snapped in half last night!
I don't do drops but pretty much try everything else. I can't see why after one year the metal linkage should snap literally in half...Let's hope specialized does the right thing...Think I'll have to get an Enduro...
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004
Strengths: Lightweight, great suspension
Weaknesses: None really, some minor issues but nothing major
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike. The suspension seems to work flawlessly to me, it handles the XC riding I do just fine. I ride as much as time allows, rain or shine (but not cold). It has held up quite well in the time that I have owned it (almost two complete summers). I seem to break spokes in the rear wheel with alarming regularity, and thought it may be due to my beefy size (190lbs). However, a riding partner bought the exact same bike and he breaks his rear spokes as well (only 140lbs). I lost a bolt out of the rear pivot by the rear derailer once, and the rear derailer seems to contact the frame when shifting to the smallest sprocket for some reason. Adjustments to the fork and shock pressures make a dramatic difference in performance depending on the trail you are riding. I can't see how any other suspension could make a dramatic improvement over the Fox suspension supplied on this bike. Don't stick with recommended values, play with it. You may be pleasantly surprised at it's performance. Reaching down for the little blue lockout levers on the fork and especially the shock is hazardous. I don't even bother any longer. The bike came stock with Deore shifters, LX front derailer and XTR rear derailer. Shifting has been flawless, with minimal adjustments required over time. I would be interested to know what the higher end shifters would offer over the base Deores. Bottom line, excellent value, excellent ride. I don't know what the higher end bikes would offer me over this bike other than possibly a few less pounds. I am completely satisfied with my purchase.
Bike Setup: Changed front shock from duke to psylo stock otherwise
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Submitted by
Paul Losordo
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004
Strengths: Acceleration uphill, Foxtrot suspension is very smooth...
Weaknesses: Stock tires from specialized, stock brakes, lost suspension bolt 3rd ride (!)
Bottom Line:
My first full suspension bike after years off. Tried the Gary Fisher's, didn't like geometry for my body. Tried the 2004 model, like the disc brakes, hated the manitou suspension (mushy for me, maybe I should lose some weight :-p). I have been taking the 2003 all over Eastern Mass, through extremely rocky downhills, singletrack, and Cape Cod sandy stuff. Bike performs very well, especially after changing the tires. Changing the brakes is probably next (hubs are disc compatible)...Bottom line: excellent bike, makes you get out and ride. Buy this bike if you are going to ride off-road and seek to improve to a more serious level. Don't waste your money otherwise: the bike is nice but not suited to leisurely onroad pursuits!
Similar Products Used: 2004 model of this bike (demoed only- mushy Manitou suspension)
Bike Setup: Stock brakes, hubs, rims, Fox race front & rear, stock front, XTR rear, Hutchison Python&Scorpion tires, stock seat & post, stock handlerbars, shifters...
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Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Mckeesport, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004
Strengths: Front & Rear Suspension, Component Package
Weaknesses: Painful Saddle
Bottom Line:
Great cross country bike. Climbs like a hardtail and the suspension works as smooth as silk. If your looking for a good cross country full suspension bike, this is it.
Bike Setup: Stock, Plus new WTB Seat and Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes
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Submitted by
Robert Phillips
a Cross Country Rider
from Mckeesport, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004
Strengths: Front & rear suspension, Frame geometry, Component package
Weaknesses: Saddle is painful, Seat post does not tilt enough
Bottom Line:
I love the way this bike handles singletrack, it flies uphill and the suspension works very well on the rough stuff. This is the perfect full suspension bike for cross country riders.
Strengths: Rear & Front Suspension, Frame Geometry,Component Package
Weaknesses: Stock seat is painful, seatpost does not have enough angle adjustment
Bottom Line:
This is a very well designed bike with a great component package. It climbs as well as any hardtail and the suspension handles the rough stuff great.This is the perfect bike for crosscountry riders.
Bike Setup: Stock except for a new WTB Seat and added Avid mechanical disc brakes
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Submitted by
Walt
a Cross Country Rider
from West Bloomfield, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004
Strengths: Good Fork/shock spec Proven suspension design Disc ready wheelset
Weaknesses: Rear pivot bolts suck (come on Specialized - you've been producing this frame for many years, I know you can do better than this) Strongarm crank shifts horrendously
Bottom Line:
Just like many who have reviewed here - the first long ride caused one of the nuts on the rear pivot bolts to fall off. It is true that the bolts are not quite long enough. The whole setup here is cheezy. How about some nice recessed bolts like the ones on the Epic line. It looks like Specialized really cobbled the rear pivot setup together. I ended up getting locknuts from the local hardware and then using generous amounts of blue locktite. So far, so good.
I'm also having problems with the riding position. It feels like I am too far back when seated. I guess I have to experiment with seat positions, etc. It seems also that the stock post will not allow for a flat seat angle - it points slightly up making the problem worse. I hope to get a thompson post to alleviate that.
On the positive side, the suspension is awesome and the lockouts are appreciated when climbing longer sections of trail. For shorter climbs, no lockout is required.
I did a 24 hour race recently with much climbing and kinda wished that I had saved a bit more for the base Epic model. Reaching for that little blue lockout lever is an ass pain.
I'm giving the bike 3 flamers because I just can't get comfortable on it yet. On paper, the parts spec is an excellent value.
Buy this bike if the trails you ride do not include a ton of long climbs. It is a good overall trail bike.
Bike Setup: Stock except for an Easton Monkey Lite SL bar and Time ATAC pedals
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Submitted by
Robert Pearson
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, Cali., USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004
Strengths: Ahhh! Must be the suspension, hands down the best design.
Weaknesses: Rear derail design chokes. Stuck me in the backcountry due to a loose nut. Had to baby it back down the mountain causing my chain to constantly pop off. There is a mounting bracket for the derail that is very weak and will bend, I now carry an extra. Bike fixer told me it was made to bend so you don't break the derail or bend the frame. HIGH MAINTENANCE BI%$H! Should dump her but I'm in love.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike and can't get enough. Push it hard and the response is incredible. Definitely get the disc brakes. Don't know much about the seat, never on it. Suspension is da' bomb! Once you figure out her quirks she settles in and flies. I would go for five chilis but that whole high maintanence thing ruined it. I think I'll marry it! Great for first timers not for the rider looking for 30' drops.
Similar Products Used: Trek, Giant, and Gary Fisher
Bike Setup: Stock. Added Hayes Disc front and rear. Replaced the chain after a few months (weakness)due to losing the nut.
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Submitted by
Scrappy G
a Cross Country Rider
from Westminster
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004
Strengths: Low entrance fee, sweet suspension components, proven frame design, compliments from other riders.
Weaknesses: Quality of paint could be better. (I am a neat freak)
Bottom Line:
This bike is it!! For $1600 you get a quality frame, super plush suspension, and sweet platform to upgrade from. The Fox suspension does an excellent job of soaking up the big hits, but still being sensitive enough to smooth out the little stuff. I feel like I truly have an "all mountain machine." This baby is comfortable enough for all day epics, but light enough for some cross country races. Yeah, I may have gone a little overboard in upgrades, but I have a 26 lb machine that, in my opinion, is every bit as good as the Yeti ASR-SL(Would have had to spend over $3500 to get the Yeti w/ comprable suspension). The tubeless Roll-X's, together with the Mavic rims, feel like your tires are velcro. Another plus is the rims ceramic breaking surface, who needs disc breaks when I can go down steeep singletrack with one finger on the lever! When climbing, the active rear end keeps me moving up the hills, no matter how rough. I have found that I am able to ride the same terrain for two to three times as long as I could on any hardtail, without having my whole backside aching the next day. I highly recommend the service department at Wheatridge Cyclery. They are very patient and have helped me set-up one sweet rig. The only compliaint, the frame's paint. Mine has a few drips/runs. Look over yours real close if this is something that is important to you, but if you use your mountain bike as it was intended you'll never notice the flaws becasue they should be covered in dirt! Bottom line, thank you Specialized for such a well thought-out product! Sure, there are lighter rides out there, but for the money, this is the best you can buy!
Favorite Trail: Colorado Trail near Browns Campground
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At: Wheatridge Cyclery
Similar Products Used: Hardtails from Trek, Specialized, Yeti Kokopeli, ASR-SL, Trek Fuel 98
Bike Setup: Mavic Crossmax SL wheels, Avid Single Digit Ti brakes/levers, Chris King headset, Easton EC 90 handle bar, Easton EC 70 seat post, Easton EA 50 stem, Crankbros pedals, Selle Italia seat, XT cassette, Specialized Roll-x Pro tubeless tires ($1300)*26 lb* Total cost $2900
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Submitted by
Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004
Strengths: Component spec is great. Love that Fox fork.
Weaknesses: spokes......
Bottom Line:
I've been very happy with this bike. I even like the saddle. It took a while getting used the the lightness of the front end, but once I figured out my balance on it I could climb stuff the left me walking on my hard tail. I haven't had any of the loose suspension bolt problems. I have had 4 spokes break while riding along on easy terrain. It sounds like a recurring problem to me.... When it happens again, I'll get it relaced. Of course, for the money I've spent fixing spokes and then getting it relaced, I could have bought a better rear wheel setup. Even with the spoke problem, I'd recommend this bike to anyone.
Strengths: fox fork - plushest and stiffest fork ever rode, disk ready, active suspension rocks on downhills and flat bumps, XTR rear
Weaknesses: Pivot bolt fell out on rear derailer pivot while riding, had to replace those short (to short) with longer ones that were hard to find. Bike is heavy, with disks, weights probably 31 lbs, seat was built by the devil.
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks, once I fixed the loose pivot bolt problem. Been a die-hard hardtail rider until I bought this. Now can go downhill way faster and no more dodging rocks now I look for them. Bumpy flats are now done sitting in the saddle and climbing is great too. On the long dirt roads, the lock out is nice too. For the $1500 price tag, no other bike can compare in front suspension and frame design. Oh yah, I am a big rider 230 lbs and it handles my weight great
Similar Products Used: none, went with best in the price range
Bike Setup: added avid mech disc brakes - whoooaaa what a difference, thanks to specialized for making it a less expensive up-grade.
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Submitted by
Vince LaPaglia
a Cross Country Rider
from Centennial, CO
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2004
Strengths: Suspension, Geometry, value
Weaknesses: Seat, tires, brakes, rear frame bolts
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike. I am 5'6" 170lb intermediate rider, love technical single track and have always considered climbing my weakness; I have been riding for 4 years and ride 3-4 times a week. I was riding a Fisher hardtail for years and really struggled with going to full bounce...I researched, debated, hit all the bike shops then finally did it. It was the best move I have made. The bike is incredible and the geomitry & shocks are outstanding. My technical downhill has improved - I was woried that full suspension would make me a lazy rider, but it has not...the biggest problem is wiping the constant grin off of my face; this bike takes everything you can throw at it. One of my favorite rides is Dakota Ridge here Morrison, CO - this is a really technical ride that was always a challenge on my hardtail; my FSR eats this ride up! I initially kept the front & rear shock psi pretty high; after bringing the psi down to the recommended setting I was really pleased with the performance. My biggest surprise was my improved climbing. One item I really liked about this bike was the ability to lock out the rear shock; my first big ride (SlickRock) I did lock the rear out....that was the last time I did that. This bike climbs really well, it tracks great and there really is little bobbing (when I do notice bobbing it is more due to my form than anything else) - as a result I no longer worry about locking the rear. Last year my climbing improved significantly, I was eating climbs that I could not do on my Fisher. All in all I think this bike is a great value, I looked at the Trek & Yeti while shopping around and am sure I would have been happy with those as well, but dollar for dollar this bike was the best value in my opinion & it fit my frame (short legs)the best Although minor, I hated the stock seat and tires. I did have a rear frame bolt break after a couple of months, I just include checking bolts as part of my weekly maintenence now....I have to admit that I do not like the brakes, they just feel weak and they did go out on me during a ride - I am planning on converting to disk this winter.
Bike Setup: Thompson post, WTB LaserV Stealth Saddle, Panaracer Fire XC Pro
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Submitted by
Jack La Lane
a Weekend Warrior
from S. Cali
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2003
Strengths: Fork and rear shock frame
Weaknesses: Brakes are very weak. Switch to disc. Its worth the extra cash.
Bottom Line:
This bike is kicks a$$. Had chain suck problem on first ride , but a tune up fixed that. The Fox fork and rear shock take take practicaly anything you through at it. Im now much faster on the downhill because of the fork and faster uphill. Roll X tires hug the dirt like a bear. I highly recomend this bike. Dont know much about 2004 model. Next upgrade would be a better set of wheels. Dont realy need to but it would be nice.
Similar Products Used: Jamis Dakar, Tomac 98 special
Bike Setup: stock except for carbon Race Face Next riser bar and disc breaks
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Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Kennett Square, PA USA
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2003
Strengths: 2004 New Design - this is a different back end and shock from the 2003. Great descending, capable on techinical sections, good climber. Good value relative to Trek, Fisher, and building a bike from various frames. Jamis is competitive, but the 2004s were not available. Relatively light, I am coming from a steel hardtail and I actually beleive it's the same or slightly less in the 26-27lb range. Great performance on the trail, my descents that I normally slow down on due to bumps and ruts I could sail through probably 1.5X to 2X my past speed and still have good control. The bike feels dull on pavement, after all steel is real, but really shines on the trail. The fox Triad rear shock has 3 settings open(plush), pro-pedal(damped), and lockout. The pro-pedal worked really well, especially coming off a hard-tail. I couldn't find any loss of pedalling effeciency. Plush I tried on a long descent with great results. The Fox float up front is laterally stiff, I have been running with too much air. The stem is too short at 100mm on the med bike, I have my seat all the way back, too far for some climbing. The bike climbs like a cat up a tree. My first ride started with a 10 minute, rutted climb with dry and wet leaves hiding the rocks. The bike sailed right up, compared to my hardtail I normally get knocked off the bike once or twice on the way up. Component wise the '03 XT level ocatlink cranks work really well, stiff and light. The sealed headset and stem quality are surprisingly good. Most other components I changed.
Weaknesses: Bars, seatpost, shifters, wheels are ok, Mavic 225 on Specialized hubs. I don't think they will last long with the more agressive riding the frame and suspension allow. The paint does and will chip, anodized is available, but wasn't in the right component and price I was looking for. One area that could be a problem is the cable routing under the BB, the rear brake cable hangs down and can easily snag.
Bottom Line:
Works great for me, I am 190 pounds and the bike handles my weight without any problem, I can ride harder, faster, with more control than before right away. Good value, if you have a shop that will work with you can get a competitive mix of products to replace the cheap stuff that comes on the bike. I was looking for low maintenance, the bike with sealed bearing pivots and fox shocks should do it.
Similar Products Used: Demo of Trek Fuel 95 and 90, Steel Serotta hardtail (11 years old).
Bike Setup: Stock components: Fox Float RL, Fox Triad rear, Shimano/Specialized Octalink crank and BB, Specialized 2014 forged stem (nicely finished and good looking), Mavic 225 rims, Specialized hubs, LX front der., stock seatpost (will change), stock aheadset. Changed to: SRAM X.0 shifters, SRAM 2004 X-9 rear, LP Composite 24" Kevlar composite bars, Avid Ultimate V-Brakes (the best over any V or mechanical disk brake, lighter than hydraulic), and my 10 year old Flite saddle.
