|
Specialized
Stumpjumper FSR
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
jefferson
a Weekend Warrior
from salt lake city ut USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | FRUITA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Brakes and looks | | Weaknesses: | Derailleur, stock manitou fork, rear fox shock | | Similar Products Used: | Hardtail GT avalanche | | Bike Setup: | Marz am3 up front to replace the defective stock manitou axel fork, some nice bridgestone tires, and an schwinn seat | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike about a year and a half ago for a reasonable price, I had been rockin a hardtail for 3 years and it was time to get a f/s. This bike was brand new condition the tires werent even broke in. The test ride revealed some grease leakage on the front fork...bought it anyway. Took it straight to Fruita CO. The bike was solid as hell the first day, minus the painful seat. Second day a bolt fell out of the rear pivot point..luckily found it and fixed it. To make a short story long after the first trip on the bike it has never shifted right tune after tune it will be alright for about 20 minutes then its back to mis shift and grind. Defective front fork was replaced by a Marz am3 it is a wonderful fork that I will keep long after I have pitched the stumpy off a cliff at the end of a great trail. The shimano disc brakes have actually been accurate and great to run even though Ive never seen or heard of anyone else riding them. The rear fox shock has been a pain, taking it in for the second rebuild. Sick of the bike buying a kona in a couple days. tired of complaining....happy trails | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alphafa
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, Va
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | PSP, Buttahmilk | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | FSR frame works and is far smoother than the Superlight in all conditions except climbing, where the Superlight fantastic. I am trying to decide if it worth upgrading the fork to a Reba or fox and adding Avid Juicy discs. I think I'll just buy a 2005 fsr 120 expert based on great reviews in this site. | | Weaknesses: | Strongarm crank, pivot bolts break and loosen, manitou Axel fork is a POS. Where do you get new pivots? My LBS made me wait 3 weeks to get them from Specialized! In 2003 the COMP was sold out, that Fox Fork would have made a huge difference. I learned one thing, don't settle. | | Similar Products Used: | Other Stumpy hardtails, SC Superlight | | Bike Setup: | XT Crank, Gripshift and some other stuff. Gripshift is great in our short steep climbs | | Bottom Line: | Spend a little more, get a lot more. A great design is limited with a crappy fork. Value is low beacuse of fork and pivot issues. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Tutt
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON Canada
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Frontenac Cycle in Kingston | | Strengths: | Great first F/S bike. I was happy with the design, there are so many full suspension styles out there you don't know what you're getting even if you test ride it in the store. This is a well-rounded bike, good in the technical gnarly sections, but also holds its own on the downhills. My tires are wicked, they're so fast! The bike came with specialized rockster pro's, which seem to have the perfect blend of knobs and speed. I tend to pass a lot of people on the downhills because of my tires. The rear shock is great, I was ready after a few years of pain on a HT. | | Weaknesses: | The stupid wide handlebar. Why does Specialized do this? I had to saw off 0.5 inches from each end. Also the brakes are sub-par. I was constantly adjusting the cable tension and never found that "sweet spot". | | Similar Products Used: | I owned a Gary Fisher X-Calibur for 2 years, ridden my brother-in-law's Suger 3+ a few times | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox Duke fork, XT rear/LX front derailleurs, Avid single digit 3R brakes | | Bottom Line: | For my first F/S bike, I am quite pleased. The guys I used to ride with have commented on this being a good first F/S bike to buy. This sport is really expensive, but you have to spend some coin if you want your steed to stay in one piece. Have to say, this bike is good value for the money. And I almost forgot my habits: I ride once/week at Albion Hills and do the 24 hr relay races every summer....I see myself having this bike for another 2 years, maybe put some disc brakes on and I'll be set! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Sullivan
a Racer
from Lancaster, NY
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Sherando Lake, VA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Shickaluna - Buffalo, ny | | Strengths: | Excellent stability on down hill, average for climbing, rear shock robs energy. Rear lockout is key for climbing. | | Weaknesses: | I lost or broke a bolt in the lower rear suspension during a weekend ride, and the bike was rendered useless (until the bolt was replaced). First full suspension bike that I have owned, and I am wondering if one with fewer moving parts would have been more mechanically sound. | | Similar Products Used: | Upgrade from a Giant Rincon. | | Bottom Line: | The price paid is consistent with a solid offroad performer, however, due to the recent experience, I am not quite sure of the overall quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dalle001
a Racer
from Southern Cal
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | price, front/rear lockout, disc ready | | Weaknesses: | weight, front suspension | | Bike Setup: | mods: sid team, avid mechanicals, weyless stem, mavic crossmax enduros, thompson seatpost | | Bottom Line: | Specialized has made yet another good looking, fast, reliable rig for all of us cross country racers who have to pay for our own bikes. It fit my starving college student budget and is highly upgradable (when extra money does appear). I have had no mechanical problems what-so-ever. A bunch of previous reviews gripe about loose bolts in rear suspension - not a problem if you bother to check how tight they are once or twice a year. I do have a bit of bottom bracket creaking, which is normal on any bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle world | | Strengths: | (New Review because I've ridden it quite a few times) Great Geometry, both suspensions work together very well. Rear shock is truely the best i've tried on a cross country bike. After its broken in, the bike is at its best which is pretty darn good. | | Weaknesses: | A bolt fell out the other day that connect the side of the wheel to the frame. Personally I don't think this is acceptable, but I've heared it happends anyway. Nothing other than that. | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 3, Sugar 4, sugar 3, | | Bike Setup: | Took out original front dearilleurs, switched in an XT. Put on avid mechanical disc breakes(awesome!) thats about it. | | Bottom Line: | Overall awesome full suspension bike. It can take alot more than what I give it, and that why I bought it. To step up my riding abilities. I am 15, 5'9, and this bike is perfect for my size. One hell of a climber and likes to be ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil S
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus Ohio
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Hope and Vulture's Knob | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Local Bike shop | | Strengths: | fox float rl, cartridge bearings, light frame | | Weaknesses: | component spec for this price range was a little crappy
but it's not stock anymore so it doesn't matter | | Similar Products Used: | 99 fsr stumpjumper (3 years) fuel 98 and fuel 100 I think I prefer the geometry of trek (longer tt) but I can't tell unless I'm switching bikes on the same day. | | Bike Setup: | skareb super, new xt hubs/x317 disc rims, xtr discs, xt derailers/casstette/hyd brake levers, thompson layback post michelin comp s light, ritchey wcs headset, stock crank w/new chainrings for now | | Bottom Line: | I have been very happy with this bike!!! Specialized replaced my 99 fsr (worn out rear-end but they discontinued the replacement frame parts) for employee purchase. I used my old parts at first but have been upgrading since so I never rode it stock. I have never experienced any loose bolts however I have replaced almost all of the cartridge bearings (Ohio was wet this summer) but it's ok too because I'd rather replace the bearings than order a bushing kit from speciallized every year. The bike handles singletrack very well. I switched my seatpost to a tompson layback from tompson straight post and I finally found what it was missing. I'm 6'3" and around 210 lbs and I feel quite comfortable with this bike. It's as light as my old stumpy (but with discs and cartridge bearings now). Overall it's a sweet bike to use, upgrade, race, ride whatever considering the price, if you can get a leftover, it's worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob George
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | LBA | | Strengths: | Beautiful ride -- ultra smooth on flat single track. | | Weaknesses: | Mystery shifts during hard efforts. Seat needs help. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 full suspension, hartail | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to XTR components, Mavic wheels, RaceFace Prodigy cranks, Thompson seatpost, Easton stem/handlebars, Selle seat. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike to race. The mystery shifts cost me a podium spot (got 4th). During hard acceleration the rear drivetrain would mis-shift and cause a loss in motion.
I took it to two LBS's on four (4) separate occasions. Neither could fix the problem. Tried two (2) new rear cassettes, tried three (3) separate sets of wheels, of which one works fine on my K2. Adjusted the rear derailleur three (3) times. Installed new chain. Torqued rear suspension bolts. None of this worked.
I finally had mechanics from both bike shops tell me independently that this was Specialized FSR design defect and it happens frequently. They said to look at the new 2004 model and you'll see that the entire assembly is beefed up with more metal for improved stiffness because the previous model's rear suspension flexes under heavy load. This causes the mis-shift.
I weigh 178 lbs so I'm no clydesdale. This bike is race bike for light racers. I guess I'll buy another manufactures frame and start over. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
xcsur4
a Cross Country Rider
from ontario canada
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 stage | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | squire johns | | Strengths: | suspension (after i swapped out fork at purchase..manitou black comp.) the FOX FLOAT RL rox.Peddles work great drivetrain considering its mostly "deore" GOOD BIKE FOR XC RIDERS who want a smooth ride | | Weaknesses: | stock fork, rear tire in mud, brakes..loose and wobley brandnew,i agree with all others, the seat sux,hard as rock
A LIL TOO HEAVY | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 fsr xc for 3 yrs, trek y bike, gt rts | | Bike Setup: | stock bike, swapped out fork(manitou black comp.) and front tire specialized pro 2.0 fr.kore elite handlebars,concept barends,XTR V BRAKES | | Bottom Line: | this bike has takin alot of sh#!, after swapping out the fork and front tire, there isn't much to bit#! about, I took out three extra washers on the suspension pivots( one-where the shock mounts to main triangle, the other two from the dropout pivots.. remember to remove the ones on the bolt side, leave the one on the nut side) except the seat and wobbly brakes, the suspension worx great..buttery smooth( 180 lb aggressive xc rider)
great bike for the money DONT EVEN LEAVE THE SHOP UNTIL YOU SWAP OUT FORK THO. this bike climbs great when you lock out the rear and adjust the black comp. to 80 mm. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Berns
a
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The whoops | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle world | | Strengths: | Great Bike for money, disk ready, rear shock is a dream, very light, grips are awesome, seats good, lockout on both suspensions | | Weaknesses: | Some questions about the front fork, the manitou Axel, porbably should have paid 150 more bucks to get the gary fisher sugar 3, | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana, Sugar 3, sugar 4 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Still have to ride this baby more but its overall an awesome bike. Alot better than what i had before, an 01 iguana. The rear shock is excellent and same with the lockout on it. Very light. This bike is very good, but when i look back, the sugar 3 was a pretty large upgrade for only 150 bucks. The reason i chose this over the sugar 3 was the fact that it had lock out on both suspensions. The sugar 3 had the duke(lot better than the axel) but no lockout( Rear suspension is the foxfloat R, not RL) dealurres are good deeore front, xt rear. You should buy this bike for an overall awesome cross country ride. If you like to do some little jumps, this bike can take what you want but no more. Free riding this bike will fail you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J. Holt
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston, SC
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Marrington Plantation | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | private party sale | | Strengths: | Extremely lightweight frame, Great geometry for my height (6'2") | | Weaknesses: | Paint chips easily where bolts attach either to or through the frame (i.e. waterbottle boss, chainstay pivots, rear dropouts, etc.), where the rear shock mounts to the rear triangle (composit plastic piece) seems a bit weak, chainstay pivot bolt problem (listed in other reviews below) | | Similar Products Used: | Pacific Cycles Mongoose Solution | | Bike Setup: | Yeti grips, Bontrager Crowbar Comp handlebar, Mongoose stem, Avid SingleDigit 7 V-Brakes and Levers, Shimano SIS 8-Speed Rapidfire shifters, RockShox Pilot XC fork, Mavic 225 rims, Shimano LX hubs, Shimano XT front derailleur, Shiman Alivio rear derailleur, SRAM 8-speed cassette, Kenda Krusher tires, Thompson Elite set-back seatpost, RaceFace Prodigy DH crankset, RaceFace Evolve FR bottom bracket, Fox Float RL rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | As you can probably see from my bike setup, I don't have any of the standard equipment on this bike other than the Fox Float RL rear shock. I bought the frame from someone who used barely used it for $450.00 including the rear shock, the Thompson seatpost and the front derailleur. So far I've ridden the bike on some really rough trails and over some jumps that put me at 4-5 feet up in the air landing on flat ground (concrete or hardpack usually). I could say I've torture tested this bike for the first three months I've owned it and it has performed very well for a bike that was only designed for light XC riding. Yesterday the chainstay pivot bolt on the right side lost it's nut while on the trail. I never noticed until getting back to my Jeep but I must say this is the only real dissapointment I've had with this bike. I'll have to go to the hardware store today to see if I can find a new nut for the bolt and then I'm going to try mounting them without the washer on the allen wrench side of the bolt (as suggested below). I'm a lightweight rider (160lbs) who enjoys riding really aggressivly so I'm not sure this bike was made to handle me, but because of my light weight it seems to be holding up ok. If I weighed more I definately wouldn't trust this bike to handle the 3-5 foot jumps I like to do. Get this bike if you want something light for easy XC riding and if you are also a lightweight, otherwise I would go for the Specialized Enduro FSR | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Sack
a Cross Country Rider
from Trabuco Canyon (orange County), CA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan Trail, Old Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock and Road Cyclery | | Strengths: | Very reliable, light weight, strong | | Weaknesses: | Plush, but heavy/noisy fork | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Uzzi SL, GT Zaskar LE(cracked the frame in Jan and GT won't honor warranty, Specialized Ground Control 1996(bent the frame 2 times- all fixed quickly under warranty) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I ride 3 days a week, I ride very technical terrain up and down the mountain, I'm 6'3" and 195 lbs. I'm pretty hard on bikes and this one can handle a long day of technical terrain with zero problems. The bike is light and you can lock out the front and back when you are really tired. The bike handles well,inspires confidence, and climbs well. I have had nothing break so far. The fork is very stiff and eats up everything, but it is a little heavy(4.3 lbs)and makes a clicking noise when the dampening is increased. Overall the bike is a great trail bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Julien
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal,Quebec,canada
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The frame baby and the fox float rl | | Weaknesses: | Bottom Bracket,Tires | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | none | | Bottom Line: | This bike is incredible.The only mistake I did starting to use it for Trials. That why the bottom brack is about to blow up cause it's not build drops even little 3 foot drop. I give it a perfect score cause I'm not using it for what it was made for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gnu Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pass Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Decent components for the price. Horst Link. Frame seems to be worthy of upgrading components. | | Weaknesses: | As an entry-level bike, the Stumpy FSR seems right on the mark. The matter of the short bolts on the rear chainstay pivot was solved prior to my purchase. | | Similar Products Used: | None, really. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a somewhat older (44) and light weight (160 lb) beginner. I settled on the Stumpy FSR as a bike that wasn't all that pricey and would allow me to prove to myself that I'd stick with the sport, plus would be sensible to upgrade as I got better. I've been very pleased with my choice.
Basically, there's nothing about or on this bike that limits my riding (yet). I figure the fork and wheelset are the first places I'll look to upgrade, but after over 200 miles on the standard AZ trails (S.Mtn, Hawes, Usery), nothing about the bike stands out to me as needing to be upgraded immediately.
I haven't had any breakdowns. The only problem I have is that the bike has developed a noisy creak (kind of comes and goes) and I can't tell where it's coming from. One bit of advice I got was to clean and lube the seatpost. This seems to have helped a lot. Other reviews have led me to think that the sealed bearings in the rear suspension linkage may be part of the problem. It isn't that bad, in fact, after cleaning and lubing the seatpost it's almost gone, so I'll probably try swapping those out later.
One bit of advice I'll pass along to others who may be novices like me; the Shimano 515 clipless pedals that come on the bike were *way* too tight when I received the bike. I fell hard and doofusly numerous times because of this in the first couple of weeks that I had the bike. Finally, I backed the tension way way off. That, coupled with me getting better at both riding and dismounting has made the 515s pretty much a non-issue, although this is another area where an upgrade seems likely.
Overall, I still don't see another bike out there that offers as good a combination of frame, components, and price for a novice to get their feet wet. When I shopped for my bike I narrowed my choices to the Stumpy FSR, the Giant NRS-3, and the Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ and 4+. The Stumpy just seemed to be the best bang for the buck.
As I said, I'm very pleased with my Stumpy FSR, but I'm going to only give it 4 flaming chilis overall because I ride with some guys who have Bullits... I can tell that my next bike is going to set me back a lot more $. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nash
a Cross Country Rider
from H-town
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | VIETNAM BABY! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Great bike.
Excellent components like axel super and fox float RL rear shock.
Excellent light frame for a full suspension bike.
Great light wheels. strong, but I only weigh 100 lbs so..
Disc compatable--great feature
Lockout is a great feature for the rear and the front
Great Climber
| | Weaknesses: | Pedals- not great during wet muddy rides
Seat- hardest seat ever
REAR BOLT PROBLEM- bolts come loose after about 5 hours of riding. problem is that that there are washers on either side. remove one and that should let the nylock will engage and stop the problem. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides great. Great standard components. I don't know why people are complaining about the axel super fork. It gives me a plush ride and soaks up everything i go over. This bike has a great rear shock. lockout especially helps when climbing. Almost all light components like the mavic rims. Only problem is the rear bolt issue. If you like tough cross country rides this is the ideal bike for the price. Not recommended for freeriding and dropping. May want to change the seat and pedals. I plan on adding disc brakes soon but its not a must. Good rear derailleur but i wish the front was Shimano XT like the rear. But overall great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | Excellent price/performance ratio with a good frame, nice mix of parts -- for the money.
Very light for a full-suspension.
Works well when "tuned in".
Neutral handling. | | Weaknesses: | Requires pampering; needs to be adjusted just right.
This bike is being totally re-designed for 2004 so you might want to wait.
| | Similar Products Used: | Various bikes from Specialized, Marin, Trek in the same price range. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | First, let me just rant by saying, boy, am I pissed off. I just got this bike and apparently Specialized has redesigned it for 2004 making this one somewhat obsolete. I could have save several hundreds of dollars and got a Rockhopper! I know companies have to innovate to stay competitive but I really object to needless cosmetic changes for marketing purposes.
The new 2004 SJ FSR -- according to the prototype (subject to change) -- will look sort of like a Fisher Sugar with a sloping top tube. The rear shock sits relatively in the same position but a seat tube support will surround it. Imagine a seat tube that wishbones with the shock in the arch.
Back to the review: This bike is like a German sportscar. If it is tuned in properly, it performs like a dream. It is quick, extremely comfortable, and the suspension system (even with the budget category Manitou Super Axel) works great.
If it is not tuned correctly for the rider, or if the rider takes the bike beyond what it is meant to do (remember this is a light XC bike; not for free-riding) then you will have problems.
There are a couple of irate reviews here but I question whether their LBS assembled the bike properly to begin with, whether they expect waaaaay too much from an entry level/intermediate XC bike, or whether they are taking the bike way beyond its limitations.
Only 3 Chilis because it's being totally redesigned for 2004.
4 Chilis overall since it's a great bike for the money.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Claus
a Cross Country Rider
from Va
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | poor farm | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | agees | | Strengths: | All around awesome bike plush ride great components easy upgradibility and great look | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Bike Setup: | stock with avid disc (awesome) | | Bottom Line: | outstanding bike for the price, light but not to fragile to take on any trail | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Destin, FL
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1040.00 | | Purchased At: | Sockeye's | | Strengths: | Value for the money, Disc brake ready, light for a full suspension bike in my opinion. Front and rear lockout on the shocks. Very responsive. Great climber | | Weaknesses: | The seat is extremely uncomfortable and the tires do not grip very well on the loose stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Trek Fuel 80 and a handful of hardtails | | Bike Setup: | So far stock. I will be replacing the seat as soon as possible and will eventually upgrade to disc brakes. Tires after i wear them out | | Bottom Line: | I was test riding hardtail after hardtail and ran across this bike. The price and the rear lockout sold me on it. And the upgradeability. Disc ready is a definate plus. Just an all around great feeling on this bike. I ride around just looking for hills to climb. You get to the top and you just want more. The bike is way too much for my abilities but hopefully i will grow into it very nicely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hank
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark, DE
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | middlerun | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | I really can't think of one thing since everything has had problems, wait the pedals have not broke on me yet. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano & Specialized | | Similar Products Used: | Bikes that work. | | Bottom Line: | Well I had written one review but that was removed, not sure why but probably because I had a review posted on the 02 review as well. I'm going to do another review though since I feel so strongly about this bike being complete crap. With the exception of the pedals, every moving part has failed on me. I'm currently at about 75% reliability, meaning the bike breaks almost every ride now. I ride 3 times a week maybe four on a good week. I'm told that since I'm a "active rider" that this bike wasn't for me. What kind of crap is that? I am about 160 lbs, so I'm no giant. I ride single track with a couple of obstacles and thats about it, no mountains, no freeriding boulder jumping, nothing of the sort. I dropped the bike off at the shop a week or two ago and haven't been back for it since, don't really want it back. Shame for the money I could have gotten something alot better. I belived all the Specialize hype and read numerous good reviews from magazines and this website so I bought it. Bottom line, the bike has cost me much trump and still does not ride right. I am now on a first name basis with every single person that works in the bike shop where before I didn't know a one except from seeing them on local trails. I welcome a specialize rep to email me to explain to me some of these problems but I guess $1600 gets you junk with no support. AS before I would give this bike a negative chili for all the B.S. its put me through.
Heres the original review from about a month and half ago. Since then I have completly given up on the bike.
I hate this bike! Ride after ride this bike fails me. Right now I'm at 50% reliability, every other ride something goes wrong. Granted it's not speacilizes fault if a shimano component breaks but they do bear some responsability. I have so much F***ing money tied up in this bike and it sits broken most of the time. I have never had properly working deraullers since day 1. The wheels have fallen apart. the rear swing arm had a bolt that got sheard off, probably manufacturer defect or somethin. I have been thru chains, cassettes, rings, bottom brackets, cables. I've even put on a bash guard for the rings and I still bent the middle ring a few days ago, how? I don't know. Those crappy tires are wothless and are paper thin. The handle bars are junk. The headset sucks. It used to be pretty light before I started putting on heavy duty components in a attempt to keep it reliable. I ride about 3 times a week and I would not consider myself "extreme" by any means. I bought the bike to extend my riding time and to do some light racing. I few months ago I bought a used bianchi single speed for $250 and now I barely touch the stumpjumper and when I do it breaks and leaves me walking miles back to the car. I should have never bought this bike. Maybe if I was only biking on paved pathway would this bike be acceptable, anything other than that forget it. As far as maitanance on the bike I clean it after every ride and lube the chain. I have never been a mait. freak but this bike has forced me to spend an additional 15-20 minutes cleaning it up after every ride, even with minimal dirt and grime I'm forced to clean it every time. Maybe it's just my bike but I have been cursed with non-stop problems. I will never buy another specialize! My single speed gives me about zero problems, is alot more fun to ride and I believe it may even be a faster bike. I'm pulling off the parts that I've put on and I'm selling it for probably a huge loss but I don't make alot of trump and I cannot afford to let that bike sit there doing nothing. I had some cheap $200 GT before this bike and it was 1000% more reliable, my friends would get tired of my bike breaking on a ride and they would get on me to ride my old GT, thats pathetic specialize! I would give this bike a negative chili for all the grief it's caused me. Yesterday the chain snapped with such force that it went flying into the woods never to be seen again, thus leaving me stranded 5 miles out with no chain. It was the first time I have ever picked up a bike over my head and heaved it, not very rational. So if I'm throwing a bike I'm defeating the purpose of going out there in the first place and that is to have fun. Oh yeah that was the first ride since it was overhauled AGAIN at my local shop. FU specialize! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scarecrow
a Cross Country Rider
from Gulf Shores, AL
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Eastern Shore Cycle | | Weaknesses: | Bolt Problem | | Bottom Line: | This is a continuation of a previous entry I made. The bolt problem reared its ugly head on me three miles in to the red trail at Oak Mt. State Park.
After hiking out and taking it to my LBS he researched it and found that Specialized put out a bulletin advising an assembly mistake which was causing the problem.
The bolts are being put in with a washer on both sides. The washer only needs to be on the side with the nut. If you do this the nylock nut will fully ingage and hopefully stay where it belongs.
I strongly advise you to fix this problem on your bike before you end up with a hike-a-bike or worse.
Love the bike except for that problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MARK
a Cross Country Rider
from Altoona, PA USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Rides great before the bolts fall off...handles well, stiff frame | | Weaknesses: | ***IMPORTANT*** There is a Customer Bulletin put out by Specialized about a problem with the rear bolts/bearings working there way loose. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned a TREK Y-Bike with updated components for years thought it was time to upgrade the whole bike. | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock except I placed a DUKE SL fork on inplace of the Axel. | | Bottom Line: | This bike does ride and handle great for a cross country rider like myself. I am just very upset about the problem with bolts coming loose. My bike has been in the shop for 2 1/2 weeks waiting on bushings to come in from California. I emailed Specialized they sent me a Customer bulletin on the situation. I would have never bought the bike if I knew about the problem. I am a person that likes to ride at least twice a week. I don't want a bike with mechanical/design problems. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND RESEARCH THEN BUY A MECHANICALLY SOUND BIKE. NOT THIS ONE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neville
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Handling, shock lock-outs, and plush ride | | Weaknesses: | Seat (ouch!) and tires. Roll-X tires wouldn't hold trail well and would get pinch flats every time I road. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Velociraptor Tire upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. You have to good frame and adequate components. My philosophy is upgrade as parts break. I love this bike and you won't be sorry if you buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | House to Mrazek to South Forks to Whoops to Phil's to House (preferrably multiple times)... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bicycles (Portland, OR) | | Strengths: | FSR: Fully Set-up to Rock. Value for the money! Full lockout that lets me ride hardtail to the trail or on fire roads, and then mobs down all squishy like. Best alternative to Stable Platform suspension if you're not ridiculously loaded. Bought this bike about a month ago and haven't stopped riding since. Best riding shape of my life and loving every second on the trail. A little heavier than my hardtail but it still rides fast and jumps way better. Disk brake hubs are key (hopefully to upgrade to front disc soon).
This bike is so fun I ride whenever I can, and although previously a neighboorhood-patrolling stud, I'm trying out the racing scene. | | Weaknesses: | The bike makes me ride so hard I know I'm due to stack myself up any day now.
Truthfully--my stupid friends don't even ride with me any more so you might want to consider how much better this bike will make you before you hop on one (maybe they'll read this and find some motivation). | | Similar Products Used: | Rode a constantly upgraded Raleigh M200 for 7 yrs or so. It's hurting now so it was time for a new ride--tried similar products (meaning full susp. w/ lockout or pedal bob control): Cannondale Jekyll 500 (heavy), GT I-drives all.0 (not convinced), Giant NRS stuff (really not convinced), and looked at some Konas in $1000-1300 price range. | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far, big upgrade available w/ front disc hub but don't really care for having it on the rear, stock avid v-brakes work well too but a front disc would be nice. | | Bottom Line: | My previous specialized purchases include a helmet bought on clearance sale and a pretty rad sticker I put on my raleigh hardtail frame to try and look cool. I thought Specialized products were always pretty overpriced--UNTIL THIS BIKE. I'll never doubt them again and I don't hate Ned Overend anymore, even though he's the sole reason Durango, CO was rated ahead of Bend, OR in MBAction for US Mtn Biking towns. If you ride hardtail and are sick of kicking your buddies' asses up the hill and getting laughed at down--this is at the least a comprehensive introduction to the wonderful world of full suspension riding, in my humblest opinion. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yep
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | light, responsive easy to handle, easy to manuver | | Weaknesses: | Front suspention (Munito excel) | | Similar Products Used: | Haro escape, Giant yukon, Wheeler 4000 czx race | | Bike Setup: | As per manufacturer specs | | Bottom Line: | Very good bikes, user friendly and fun to ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Lauderdale
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Wheels (Sunrise, FL.) | | Strengths: | Good Price, Great results so far. | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Tires, Mystery Shifting, Rear linkage Bolt (backed out while on trail-farthest point from parking lot) | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock (for now) except Panracer Fire XC pro. Will upgrade spring in front fork and install longer shifter cables ASAP. | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for Price, Trusted design/brand/manuf. This is my first experience with clipless so I'm still getting a feel for the bike. (Big Endo last weekend, broke front brake lever, scratched fork, bruised rider, bike is fixed and can't wait to get back out there) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan acker
a Cross Country Rider
from atlanta
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | carter's lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | fits well, light, handles well | | Weaknesses: | The thing is falling apart | | Similar Products Used: | last years FSR because the weld cracked and I am now on this year's FSR | | Bike Setup: | XTR, 519's, the usual XC rider set-ups. I can't afford all the aftermarket stuff. | | Bottom Line: | I love the fit and feel of this bike, but to my dismay, it is falling apart fast. I am 195 lbs and ride like any other sport class racer. The pivot bolt near the bottom bracket has backed out three times, and this time it crushed the 22T ring as I pedaled. The rear end is loose and I have been told to keep putting bushings in. The first couple times you pay $10 for something that would be worth 45 cents in Ace Hardware if they carried it, you dont do it again. I just have accepted the clunky rear end. It now mystery shifts, which I was told by Specialized that this has been I.D'ed as a problem. "Put on longer shifter cables". To be continued on that one...
The bottom line. I am now convinced that this bike is fun, handles well, but is not made for someone over 180lbs. If I were in the market for a new bike, I would look elsewhere, but I sure would continue to glance at the FSR's because it rides so well. Now if I could only keep it from falling apart... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graeme Healey
a Cross Country Rider
from Kingston, Ontario
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Colins Bay | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Frontenac Cycle (I work there) | | Strengths: | Great fork, pedals, Frame (m4 light as clouds), rear derailer, rims, pretty much all of the drive terrain. This bike has the light weight feel for climbing and the fork (judy SL) is perfect for gnarly decents as well as pounding the hard packed dirt. I placed 30th out of 180 against kids 1 year older than me and this was my very first race! It took me 27 minutes to do a 10 km race. The brakes stop you like a red light | | Weaknesses: | the only weakness that has occured to me is the chain broke and the rear derailer has bent. | | Similar Products Used: | never used a similar product because this bike is out of everyone elses league. | | Bike Setup: | Judy SL, XT rear and LX front, LX shifters, avid breaks, Time atac aluminum, M4 frame, Mavic rims (light and strong) and specialized cranks, stem, seat, seatpost, handelbars and tires. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that I have had this bike for a year and there is simply no other word for this bike other than god like. It has awsome components, weighs 19.5 pounds and can tear up any type of trail. I cannot fathom another bike better than this for the same amount of money it would be impossible to match evan with discounts and that is why I am going to give this bike a perfect score. I love this bike and I hope that when you get yours you will love it as much as I do now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scarecrow
a Weekend Warrior
from Gulf Shores, AL
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bartram Trail near Auburn | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1040.00 | | Purchased At: | Eastern Shore Cycles | | Strengths: | Great climber, she just begs to you keep pushing. The bike handles trails with confidence and takes turns quicker than I can push it. | | Weaknesses: | The seat, I use this bike of bike patrols. Just thinking about spending 8-10 hrs on it made my rear hurt. I changed it before I left the store. The bike seems to be nose heavy. Maybe she isn't made for jumping or maybe I am just not used to a FSR yet, but I have a hard time keeping the nose up when going off any type of ramp. When the rear tire hits the ramp, the rear suspension seems to absorb a lot of energy and throw the nose down. I am still limping. | | Similar Products Used: | 95' hardrock front susp. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Milano Seat, stiffer spring in front susp., 90mm/30 degree rise stem. | | Bottom Line: | Overall I am very pleased with the bike. One item of note is that the XL frame came with a front susp. spring rated for 150-170 lbs. I have never met a person who could ride that large of a frame that is that lightweight. That was poor planning on specialized's part. If you are over 170, go ahead and order the heavier spring, you will need it.
The bike is smooth and responsive on trails and is a pleasure to ride. She seems to beg to go farther and faster.
I gave her 4 chilis for overall rating because of the nose heaviness. Of course, that could just be me or the XL frame. The bike is a great ride for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a
from Brooklyn NY
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | none yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Roy's Sheepshead Cycle | | Strengths: | I don't know much about full suspension bikes, since this is my first and I just got it today, but I'd like to give a lot of credit to Allen at Roy's Sheepshead Cycle. Great price, great service and best of all, a bunch of parts were upgraded on the house. Will definately go there if I will ever need to upgrade something. Btw, this bike has a lockout for it's suspension, which is what made me take this one as opposed to a rockhopper. | | Weaknesses: | So far it's the rider ;)
Oh yeah, the rear suspension can either be locked or unlocked, nothing in the middle like in the front. Maybe it's just me again, since I have been told that it's adjustable. | | Similar Products Used: | Bike without full suspension... 10yrs ago | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Milano seat + new handles + diff pedals + pump | | Bottom Line: | I absolutely love this bike. Rides great... although since I race motorcycles, I tend to do stuff on this bike that is only meant to be done on motorcycles. I have seen other people say that tires and fork can be better, for me it probably wouldn't make much difference at this point in time, although it might change my mind in the future. All I can say is that if you are looking for a great first full suspension bike, this is definately it, maybe a bit of an overkill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Mazzaferri
a Cross Country Rider
from Trenton, Oh U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Harbin Park trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Montgometry Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great suspension. Not too heavy for a full suspension bike. Looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Tires. Pedals(when muddy)are hard to get into. Rear suspension bolts back out if not set up properly. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except tires. Panaracer fire xc pro. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for beginner or advanced. A little on the heavy side at 26.5 lbs, but it is a full suspension bike. On my third ride I lost the left side seat stay suspension bolt/nut. I agree with the last review, the bolt needs to be longer, or less washers used. I had to walk it out of the trail area. I used zip ties to get back to our campsite by riding the road out. I had to go to Sears tofind the hardware. The size should be m6 x 30mm with an m6 nylok nut. I replaced the bolt and didn't have any problems the rest of the weekend. The pedals suck in the mud. Can't get in or out. I will change these with some Time atac pedals asap. Stock tires wash out on turns. I replaced them with panaracer fire xc tires and all is well. I don't have that fuzzy feeling yet about the front fork. It works, but I will be changing it soon. Other then the few problems with the bolts, it is a great bike. If you want a great bike that can take the technical single track, buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stallworthy
a Cross Country Rider
from NewZealand
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Wensley's Invercargill | | Strengths: | Plush ride with lockout for uphill work. | | Weaknesses: | hey just a note about bolts joining seatstay to chainstay, that other dude is right, bolts to short to engage nylok, locktight let go on mine as well. i've removed a washer to get enough thread thru, seems to work. bolt is not a moving part anyway. | | Similar Products Used: | 02 rockhopper, several hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | duke Sl fork, eggbeaters, panaracer firemud tires (its winter here) xtr running gear, riser bars (forget brand). | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike. Rear lockout is good, especially when i commute to work on road. handling is smooth and predictable, not much kickback when landing. Need 2 seatposts to get enough adjustment for jumps/steep or long easy rides but at 6'2" i always seem to have a lot of post showing. But those bolts need sorting, could do serious damage to frame if one side came lose during ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Hamilton
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Veijo, CA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso/Wood Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Rock n Road | | Strengths: | Top rate suspension design.
Product quality and reputation. | | Weaknesses: | Roll X tires | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS3, Trek Fuel 80, GF Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Stumper- Hayes mech. disc, Avid SD5 levers, Shimano 536 pedals, Panaracer Fire XC/ Smoke tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike totally rocks.
The suspension on this bike is great. Between the design and the lock out Fox shock rear I can just about do anything on it. The only weakness is the Roll-X tires, but that was an easy issue to fix. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a
from indy
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | matthews bikes(pendleton pike) | | Strengths: | m4 frame,dreamsilver color,fox float rl rear shock,xt rear derailer | | Weaknesses: | roll x tires ,deore level componentry in the hubs, bottom bracket ,front derailer and shifters.
front derailer | | Bike Setup: | 2003 stumpjumper fsr with hayes hfx comp disc brakes. wtb weirwolf tires | | Bottom Line: | this is a beautiful bike. the shifting is smooth with the xt rear derailer. the rear shock is plush yet has a lockout feature. I bought this instead of the comp because of the frame color. i plan to upgrade the deore level componentry. I would also like to upgrade the fork. this way the componentry will be at the same level as the frame. For $1250, i feel the bike was a great value and starting point for customization. I would also like to say that the bike shop I purchased this from has the best service of any bikeshop I've ever went to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette, La.
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | See my earlier post. I'm logging a safety related heads up.. | | Weaknesses: | The aero nuts on the rear pivot joints come loose. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Stumpjumper FSR, got rid of the crappy roll x tires. WTBs Mutano raptor 2.24s ROCK.
Shimano hyd. disc brakes. The only way to stop...Saves the rims and works in the rain.. | | Bottom Line: | There are two pivot bolts in the rear next to the wheels quick release bolt. The bolts are not long enough to engage the plastic on the nut, which fails to hold the bolt which lets the nut back off until the bolt comes off. To get an idea of how much thread should poke out of the nut just look at the Fox bolt/aero nut which is close to the same size. Notice how the threads can be seen? this is the correct fit. I will contact Specialized myself about this as my LBS was not much help...If your FSR looks like it has the same problem at least locktite the nuts until this gets fixed right. Check all nuts and bolts before/after each ride. Be safe...Tony.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle works | | Strengths: | The fox float RL is excellent, it gives you the lock out if you want it and lots of rebound adjustment. This bike is speced very good for it's price. Save the extra money and get a new seat off the bat! | | Weaknesses: | Front shocks, I was not sold on the Axel so I got the LBS to throw in Rock shox Dukes XC. As it turns out it was a fantastic choice. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher 4+ , Kona Kikapu, Cannondale Jekyll 500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except, seat, and front forks | | Bottom Line: | This Bike rocks. I have only had it for a short while but to this point it does not have any flaws. For all of you first time FS buyers the pedal bob is not a problem on this bike. This bike is great for cross-country riders who like to jump a small <3ft bumps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a
from usa
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | the great escape | | Strengths: | smooth likes fine bike shock works great can be locked out good for price | | Weaknesses: | front shocks have already bottomed out tires break free in dirt seat is small killer on the but | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4800 "crap" | | Bottom Line: | good bike i use it mostly for a little jumping and trail riding replaced seat need to replace tires and front fork if i have enough money can easily be upgraded to disc brakes stands up well over all the jumps and trail riding i use for it wish i knew how to change it from 80mm to 100mm this is a small thing but it needs a guard for the rear shock front shocks have alredy rust a little dont no how good all around bike would recamend it to anyone 4 for the seat and tires | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette, La.
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Proven updated fsr frame. Good value for the buck. I like the silver/black color, looks like a serious machine. Lifetime frame warranty. | | Weaknesses: | Didn't come with a shock pump, lacks a place for a kickstand;just kiddin! The tires load up with mud, you can't go fast enough to shed it off, gotta use a spray gun and a stiff brush..Oh!! the seat kills da ass, will change it out.. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NSR 2, DiamondBack xlt or something like that. I was about to get the Rockhopper fsr disc but hated the red color, then i saw the Stumpjumper for the same money but no disc brakes. Well I got the Stumpy now and will upgrade to disc at a later time..The Stumpjumper is a better buy... | | Bike Setup: | Stock Large frame, except for beartrap pedals, hacked off 1.25" off each side of the handlebars,replaced the seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS bike it is super plush on the ruffest roads, My hard tail would really have a hard time on the rocky trails. There should be a rider spec' line here as there are many different body types and weights and rider experience. For my money this is one hell of a bike. The forks work well for my size. Brakes, I can live with till it rains then I'll try different pads if not its disc brakes for sure. Note; this is a disc brake ready bike if I want to go back to V brakes you have the option of doing so, not so with the disc only model they do not have the mounting pads for V-brakes. Bottom line get this bike if you want to start riding today what are you waiting for.
5 reds for value, 4 because of the tires and hardass seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light weight, proven technology. Fox Float RL. Wheels are disc ready. | | Weaknesses: | Wanted the Comp because of the Fox Fork. LBS said there was a two month wait. I should have waited. The Axel is more than one step down from the Fox, and getting the right springs has been a challenge. How can they spec the Fox Fork, Speed dial levers, XTR rear D, Mavic 221 for only a few hundred more? What is with this seat? Feels like I am sitting on the seatpost. | | Similar Products Used: | Stump hardtail, Titus Switchblade (sweet and light), Palamino (seat angle?, What about when I need a new shock?), Epic(wait a year or two). | | Bike Setup: | Going back to gripshift and adding Avid discs. When the crankset breaks bends, suffers I will replace with XT. | | Bottom Line: | $1199 for a proven technology, no gimmicks, worth upgrading as things fail or wear out. Chrome and black never go out of style. 3 for overall because the dealer doesn't have stiff springs in stock so a bad fork is now worse. Dealers not stocking springs is like buying a car where you can't adjust the seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Rogers
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas City, Mo, USA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Twisted Sister-Mesa, AZ. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Stop | | Strengths: | Race and cross-country proven quality frame, Fox front fork and Fox rear shock; price | | Weaknesses: | Nothing significant | | Similar Products Used: | 00' FSRxc, 01 Trek Fuel 80 | | Bike Setup: | Because I have the Fox fork with 80mm of travel, my bike is more similar to the Comp; however, I found the silver frame to appear much sharper. The Fox rear shock is set at 90mm of travel. Beginning with the handle bars, I upgraded to Easton Monkey Lite carbon riser bars; Avid Ti brakes; Thomson stem and seat post; Chris King headset; XT drive train with an XTR rear derail.; Mavic's Cross Max wheels and Conti. Explorer tubeless tires. I kept Specialized's seat. The bike, which is a large frame, weighs just under 27 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding a Kona Explosif hard tail for 10 years. This is an awesome bike that descends and climbs extremely well. Although the frame hasn't broken and is in relatively good condition, I am beginning to feel the hard tail's punishment in my lower back; therefore, I opted to purchase a full-suspension. Since most of my riding is done in the Midwest on cross-country moderate to very challenging single track, I couldn't justify the need for more than 3-4 inches of front or rear travel. But because I do some riding in the Southwest, I couldn't settle on a soft-tail either. I did a ton of research and learned more about today's current technology than I care to remember. There are a number of excellent bikes in production offering some very sophisticated suspensions, ie...Santa Cruz Blur (VPP tech.), Epic brain tech., Trek/Giant/Ellsworth/KHS/Moots (somewhat similar concepts), Fisher, Cannondale, Maverick, Intense etc...all producing great bikes. Let's be honest, we know the bike isn't what makes you a great rider. No, you make your bike look like it's the best bike to ride. That being said, I wanted a bike that was extremely dependable and predictable, who's technology had been proven over time. This standard combined with a somewhat limited budget made my decision for the FSR extremely easy and prevents any further dissertation as to why I didn't buy a bike other than the FSR. Fortunately, I purchased my bike and the components through a local shop (which in my opinion, even if you have to pay a little more, is the best decision to make-even if you can take care of your own maintenance-our local shops need our support because they help support our sport both environmentally and politically. It is often because of these guys that we get to enjoy mountain bike riding to the fullest and they need not be taken for granted-no I don't work at a shop, never have, and I don't own any either) Anyways, in terms of the bike's handling, descending, cornering or climbing ability, it out performs my expectations. I was really worried about the climbing more than anything and I have been very impressed with the FSR's fully active suspension. There doesn't seem to be any "bobbing" that affects difficult climbs. I haven't been missing my hard tail. Technically, especially with the tubeless tires, the bike handles great in very slow, rocky areas. Bottom line, this bike is excellent all around and is only improved with the aformentioned upgrades. Thanks to Curt "the bike geek, Jesus Freak" and Todd at the Bike Stop and Specialized for keeping awesome, yet affordable, bikes in the hands of customers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton CA. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any East Bay Regional Park ride. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Waranty Replacement from the Big S. | | Strengths: | Dream silver paint reminds me of my nickle plated Mongoose I had as a kid. The same basic ride as my old 2000 FSRxc just more ridged and much smoother initial travel thanks to the cartridge bearings.Pedals a little more efficiently than the old FSRxc did. It climbs great even with the rear shock "unlocked". Much better seat post than the old Richey post that came with my old 2000 FSRxc.
Much more tastfull graphics than the old FSRxc's.
Doesn't use the terrible E-Frame front derailer anymore.
Last but not least; I GOT IT FOR FREE!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | This is just a nit-pick, but I wish Specialized would put some kind of "protector" on the rear shock shaft to protect it from mud and sand. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX-970, which was a good bike, but you can't get any upgrade parts for them.
2000 FSRxc. My lifes love, I'll miss that bike. | | Bike Setup: | Not Stock!LOLs. 2003 FSRxc frame, Mavic F519 rims (the same weight, wider and stronger than 221s, gives you a better footprint for the tire.), DT hubs, Easton Monkey Lite riser bar and all XT drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | Its a noticable improvement over my 2000 FSRxc. I don't know if its a big enough improvement, to tell someone to buy it as an upgrade over an older FSRxc, but it is a better bike.
The rear end, is almost as smooth in the 75mm. travel position, as my old bike was with a MRP X-Rated link on it, which was 90mm travel.
I'm very happy with it and I got it for free.
Thank you to, Lou at Specialized.
I think it was great that they warranteed a bike that was already 3 years old and had 4000 miles on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donald Sims
a Weekend Warrior
from Longmont, Colorado, United States
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch, CO | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Suspension, components for price. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, no shock pump with purchase | | Similar Products Used: | Fuji Mt Fuji, Fuel 80. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, working on changing tires. | | Bottom Line: | The bike weighs ~27 pounds. The bike I came from was the same so no big deal.
Old bike was a hardtail with a Manitou 4 that used elastomer's. Elastomer's turn into rocks when it's cold and it is winter here, hence no suspension.
The front shock is the Manitou Axel Super (80mm - 100mm). Very smooth. I compared it to a Psylo race on another bike and it seemed smoother. You do have to do a little disassembly if you want to change from 80 to 100. It can be locked out and you can change the rebound rate. Haven't bottomed it out yet, very close though. I do hate the lawyer tabs, makes mounting on vehicle a pain.
The rear shock is the Fox R/L. Can be locked out and adjusted from 75mm to 90mm.
Tires are Specialized Roll-x. They break free in loose gravel, cornering on climbing on large rocks. Don't like them one bit. At earliest convenience I'll replace them.
The handlebar is a riser and is 26" wide. A bit wide but looks like 1" on either side could be whacked off without a problem. Still getting used to it.
Components are comparable to like models from other companies. No problems yet.
Overall I love it! The suspension is very plush but can be cranked down if you are into that. The are 3 locations for water bottles. Would be a little challenging to grab the one under the frame while you are riding. So far, except for the tires, I have zero complaints. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 1360.00
