Submitted by
Foxman11
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2010
Strengths: Strong and light frame. Great design! Definitely a head turner!!!
Weaknesses: None yet. Maybe cheap components but I upgraded everything!
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike in immaculate condition from a guy that used it as a commuter bike. I know what your saying.... why FSR for commuting. Anyways, the first thing I did was changed every component on the frame to XTR, Thomson, and Ritchey with some Avid BB7's. I am in love with this thing and get alot of comments from other riders. The frame is solid and light, I haven't weighed it since the conversion but it feels alot lighter than stock. I have had no problems with it and it will last me for years or maybe til I drop it off a cliff! 10 chilli's for awesomeness!!!
Submitted by
jefferson
a Weekend Warrior
from salt lake city ut USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2008
Strengths: Brakes and looks
Weaknesses: Derailleur, stock manitou fork, rear fox shock
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
Bike Setup: Marz am3 up front to replace the defective stock manitou axel fork, some nice bridgestone tires, and an schwinn seat
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Alphafa
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, Va
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
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.
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
David Tutt
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON Canada
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2004
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".
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!
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.
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.
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.
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004
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.
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.
Bike Setup: Took out original front dearilleurs, switched in an XT. Put on avid mechanical disc breakes(awesome!) thats about it.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Phil S
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus Ohio
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2004
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
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rob George
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004
Strengths: Beautiful ride -- ultra smooth on flat single track.
Weaknesses: Mystery shifts during hard efforts. Seat needs help.
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.
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.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
xcsur4
a Cross Country Rider
from ontario canada
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003
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
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.
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,
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.
Similar Products Used: Giant Iguana, Sugar 3, sugar 4
Bike Setup: stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
J. Holt
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston, SC
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003
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)
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
Submitted by
Rich Sack
a Cross Country Rider
from Trabuco Canyon (orange County), CA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003
Strengths: Very reliable, light weight, strong
Weaknesses: Plush, but heavy/noisy fork
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Julien
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal,Quebec,canada
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003
Strengths: The frame baby and the fox float rl
Weaknesses: Bottom Bracket,Tires
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.
Submitted by
Gnu Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003
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.
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 $.
