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Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bent Creek/Hardtimes Trailhead | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Universalcycles.com (in Portland, OR) | | Strengths: | COMFORTABLE -- great handling, soaks up small bumps; fast and agile, quick acceleration, and stable on downhills | | Weaknesses: | None so far; would have preferred disk brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Comp and FSR XC Comp; Fisher Supercal 29er | | Bike Setup: | Chris King hubs, headset, aeroheat rims, Marz. bomber shock, Sram 9.0 rear der., XT front, raceface bars, stem, Salsa post, Mythos tires, Truvativ Stylo with Black Spire rings, Avid brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is a custom build by Universalcycles.com, recommended by Dean. Their work is excellent, they always answer the phone, and their service and prices are much better than most LBS.
I ride mostly hardpack (Bent Creek) and pavement (Blue Ridge Parkway). Compared to aluminum bikes, it's at least as quick, easier to handle, and less fatiguing on the small bumps. The tires hook up well in the loose stuff, and the bike always feels under control.
I regret not getting this bike sooner; I've spent a lot on several aluminum hardtails, and none can match the Dean's combination of control, comfort, and quickness. The Dean is a bit longer than Litespeed, which (I think) increases it's stability.
I strongly recommend this bike for XC riders under 190 lbs.; heavier than that, select the Dean Colonel | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bent Creek (Hard Times) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | universalcycles.com | | Strengths: | The ride --- uphill, downhill, trails or pavement. Fantastic, easy to control, nimble, quick. Can't beat titanium. | | Weaknesses: | If I had more $$$, I'd prefer disk brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Specialized Comp (hardtail) and FSR Comp (full susp.), Breezer Lightening, and Fisher Supercal 29er | | Bike Setup: | Chris King headset, hubs, velocity aeroheat rims, Sram 9.0 rear derail., XT front, Truvative Stylo with Blackspire rims, RaceFace stem (prius) and bars, Marzocchi Bomber shock | | Bottom Line: | Called Dean to order the bike, and for the custom build I want they recommended universalcycles.com. OK, I was a bit nervous. But they were great. No phone menu --- each call was answered by Mike or his partner. They match prices, and the bike was built RIGHT --- no loose parts, etc., custom wheels perfectly true, everything as ordered. So, five "chilis" for Universalcycles.
I ride about 4000 miles per year, on hardpack, pavement (Blue Ridge Parkway), and trails), and I have about 100 miles on the Dean. It's ideal for a cross country rider who does not really need full suspension. It's very secure in the turns and at speed, and is fantastic for climbing. I know this because my times on rides are better then on the Fisher (which was a more expensive bike). Titanium absorbs small bumps, which really reduces fatigue, yet I have not noticed any flex in the drive train. And, it looks great! For a heavy rider, I'd suggest the Deal Colonel; for folks under 190 lbs. the Scout is perfect | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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