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Submitted by
Richbert
a Weekend Warrior
from rwetmore@comcast.net
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Bidwell - Upper, Middle & Lower | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, Great Looking Graphics, decent enough peripherals. Decent weight. Easy to balance. | | Weaknesses: | Single walled wheels. No disc breaks. Not alot of stopping power and the plastic lever brackets flex under hard breaking. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose something something ........ | | Bike Setup: | Stock A2R except for Shimano Deone XT DBL walled wheels, Manitou FS, Bar extenders and a better seat. | | Bottom Line: | I have used this b!#ch off and on for about 14 years on road to commute and in one hulava tough park. Folded the stock front wheel traversing a down hill (my bad for not changing them out, and had a long sore walk). Bidwell is rocky with alot of drop offs. Never had a problem otherwise. On a kick lately to try and break it though. So far, bike one, me nothing. Smooth, easy to power up and over clefts and big rocky uphills. Fly's downhill. Fly's on smooth dirt. Being a hard tail, gotta get the butt off the seat cause you feel everything. I go 6' 215.......and I don't think I am good enough to do this thing in, I am only an average thrasher. Snapped a chain on a tough rocky uphill, but can hardly blame the bike for that. In the market for my first full suspension, but can't imagine getting rid of the Cuda as long on it still is in one piece. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave reichelt
a
from ottawa,canada
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | highway | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | stong frame,can abuse& keep in use. keeps on tickin | | Weaknesses: | rear brake cable pathway, needs front shocks if off road alot | | Similar Products Used: | GT tiquesta, giant rincon | | Bike Setup: | stx group, 24 spd-grip shift | | Bottom Line: | goes thru anything with little maintainance. 4 longevity and a good "commuter" and a good buy nothing will match. I'm going on 7.000 km and still original group/grip shift | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Elli
a Weekend Warrior
from Vegas by way of Coeur d'Alene, ID
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Canfield of course! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Vertical Earth | | Strengths: | Stiffer than a straight gin martini, reasonably light for a chromoly frame,low maintainance, can take what ever you throw at it,definitely built to last. | | Weaknesses: | It was fully rigid at time of purchase (not a real weakness since I learned descending lines). Stock plastic brake levers broke on second ride. Came stock with cantilever brakes (I don't think v's were around just yet) | | Similar Products Used: | Why? | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock (old school STX drive train) Manitou Mach 5 SX fork, Avid V brakes, Scott pedals (too worn to read model), Bontrager Race handlebar and with Titec bar ends (Thanks, Scott) Mavic CrossMax rim in front (Free, thanks to the guy who ripped off the rest of Scott's bike). LX rapidfire shifters. | | Bottom Line: | This is the first bike I've ever seriously ridden (the only, honestly). I have beaten this bike to heck and back all over North Idaho and recently southern Nevada. I have owned this bike for 7 years. The fork has held up very well with maintainence and so has everything else. I will be buying a new F/S bike soon, but I cannot part with this one. This bike is a cockroach. It will be around long after we are gone! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel P.
a
from Albuquerque, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | otero canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | stiff, strong, agile frame | | Weaknesses: | Paint comes off easily, heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper Comp, GT Karakoram, Diamondback Apex | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SX-R, LX throughout, Performance Topo Brakes | | Bottom Line: | This was the first bike I assembled myself, with proper maintenance it could last a lifetime. The frame is superstrong and soft on the rear. Has never given me any problems on rides or ultra races. The newer aluminum versions of the a2r can't be half as good as the original steel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Ratch
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Devil's Spine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | -Indestructable frame
-nice graphics
-handles well
-stiff | | Weaknesses: | -paint has continued to flake off
-annoying little squeak | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Giant Rincon SE
1995 DBR Topanga
1994 GT Outpost | | Bike Setup: | Totally Custom-
LX/XT/XTR drivetrain
Rock Shox Judy SL fork
Michelin XLS rubber | | Bottom Line: | ***This review is for the frame only***
I bought the frame from Cyclepath in Brantford after my Klein Mantra died and used some of its parts to build up this beutiful hardtail. Its a 1996 steel frame. It handles great, especially in thight technical situations. There is just a hint of flex in the frame but its not even noticeable unless your in a stationary trainer, but I'm also 200 lbs so this could be expected. The damn paint is crap, it flakes off and leaves the steel frame exposed to the elements, causing rust. Luckily I cought this before hand and did some touch ups. If you ever see a bike like this for sale buy it. These old steel hardtails kick ass like a pissed off WWE wrestler. You won't be dissapointed! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fire Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | -Super strong frame
-Cool looking decals and paint | | Weaknesses: | -Paint flakes too easily | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rincon, GT Outpost, DBR Topanga | | Bike Setup: | Barracuda A2R frame, Shimano LX/XTR drivetrain, Judy SL fork, Mavic wheels, Titec stem/post, Radical Hy Rize bar | | Bottom Line: | I bought this frame about 2 weeks ago from my Cyclepath in Brantford. Built it up with the parts from my broken Klein, and now I can't stop riding it. The frame is stiff and there is no noticeable side to side flex while pedaling-ever (and I'm 210 lbs 6'). It corners well and is reasonably light weight for a steel hardtail. Mine weighs in at 24lbs. I had a FS bike (Klein Mantra Comp) but decided to go back to a hardtail after many costly repairs to the rear shock. The final nail in the coffin was when the Mantra cracked at the dropout. Coming from a FS bike back to a hardtail is difficult, I can't sit through the rough stuff anymore but thats ok because now I can feel what I'm riding over. After only 2 weeks I've put on 150 off road km, and I still can't get enough. I'm gonna ride this bike until I kill it. In a few months I will update my post. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Elena Gallegos | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay auction | | Strengths: | Agile, good strong welds, slick paint job | | Weaknesses: | tad heavy, rear brake cable routing tricky for v-brakes | | Similar Products Used: | gt karakoram, specialized rockhopper comp | | Bike Setup: | Manito SX-R, LX, Grip shift | | Bottom Line: | I put this bike together in the spring and can't stop riding it, The A2R has an aggressive frame geometry and tight wheelbase which makes it a joy to handle on the technical stuff. I like the teardrop shap, and did not hesitate to sacrifice weight for the stiffness and durability of chromoly. The best bike I will ever own! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Hefner
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Moraine St. Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Race Pace in Ellicott City, MD | | Strengths: | Great Entry Level bike that can upgraded easily as you get more into the sport. | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy, entry level components are pretty crappy | | Similar Products Used: | big name hardtails like trek and schwinn | | Bike Setup: | Manitou FS, LX/XT drive train, Titec, Schimano, Bontrager, parts | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for anyone trying to get into the sport. I bought mine at half off at the year end sale, but all stock. I had to buy a fork first of all because it comes w/ a rigid fork. I also needed to replace all the entry level parts when I got more into biking. Overall for just starting out it is a great bike that you can find at incredible prices. Give the little guys a chance, screw trek schwinn and specialized. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Bell
a
from Middlebury, CT
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | strong, looks good, rides smooth | | Weaknesses: | mine came with a rigid fork too which should be changed if you plan on using it off road a lot like me. | | Similar Products Used: | c'dales, trek 6000 and 8000, giant rincoln, raleigh m50, etc. | | Bike Setup: | 'cuda A2limited frame, lx components, Judy C fork | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fast and strong! Considering the price of this bike and that it is made out of steel, it is very light, has great control, and can take a beating. It also offers a ride so smooth that you'll never need a full suspension bike..well, if you take that awful rigid fork off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirthead
a Weekend Warrior
from TN
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali(ThomsonLoop) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | great ride,strong,and you don't see yourself at every intersection like canondale riders will | | Weaknesses: | those rigid forks!!!!Upgrade or die(Mine only bent, I crashed cause the pedal dug in after the landing) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Canondale, GT, Redline | | Bike Setup: | Manitou,747,STLXT,Gripshift | | Bottom Line: | Barracuda made some great frames. I've abused mine to the point I've distroyed many, many parts. The frame lives on. I have a 20" frame, and for my 6'3" body it fits perfect. I love the teardrop tubing and I think this contributes to the stability and SWEET ride. Use a short stem(120-130mm) and she flies like the wind. Steel IS real. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wolf River Bottoms | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Tough bike, wont break. | | Weaknesses: |
Little bit heavy. | | Similar Products Used: |
Marin, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: |
Zokes, RST 281 | | Bottom Line: | I've got the A2RS, it has been a really good bike. After years of abuse, 2 warped rims, a broken front shock, and a few dents, it is still for the most part in good condition. Can't break it (Tried), going to have to retire it. Ran the Tour De Wolf this year, think I had the only Barracuda in the Park. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wolf River Bottoms | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Tough bike, wont break. | | Weaknesses: |
Little bit heavy. | | Similar Products Used: |
Marin, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: |
Zokes, RST 281 | | Bottom Line: | I've got the A2RS, it has been a really good bike. After years of abuse, 2 warped rims, a broken front shock, and a few dents, it is still for the most part in good condition. Can't break it (Tried), going to have to retire it. Ran the Tour De Wolf this year, think I had the only Barracuda in the Park. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gettingridof MeCuda
a weekend warrior
from SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my A2R in December '95 but bought a 19. As I'm 16 and into trials, jumping and some slalom my 19 frame is a 'little' big. Actually, the only original part of the bike is the frame. I'm not too sure but I think Barracuda have gone out of business (it wouldn't surprise me by the advertising they had) so I'm buying a small GIANT ATX 890 frame. All in all, after having my Barracuda frame for 3 years (almost) and not treating it the way it was supposed to be treated and yet still it has never had a problem I give it, well, the frame anyway, a 5 star rating is given from me!!! CYA... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gettingridof MeCuda
a weekend warrior
from SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my A2R in December '95 but bought a 19. As I'm 16 and into trials, jumping and some slalom my 19 frame is a 'little' big. Actually, the only original part of the bike is the frame. I'm not too sure but I think Barracuda have gone out of business (it wouldn't surprise me by the advertising they had) so I'm buying a small GIANT ATX 890 frame. All in all, after having my Barracuda frame for 3 years (almost) and not treating it the way it was supposed to be treated and yet still it has never had a problem I give it, well, the frame anyway, a 5 star rating is given from me!!! CYA... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The A2R is a great bike for the price. I got a 96 in 97 for half off and only ended up spending about 425. This is my first bike since I just started riding last year. Its a great bike to learn on and for the price its hard to argue against. Only disappointment is the weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The A2R is a great bike for the price. I got a 96 in 97 for half off and only ended up spending about 425. This is my first bike since I just started riding last year. Its a great bike to learn on and for the price its hard to argue against. Only disappointment is the weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C
a weekend warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A2R is one great bike. i bought mine in '95 for $600 (the color is black/silver) it came with a rigid fork, grip shift, & mostly shimano LX components. it's gone thru thousands of miles of rough terrains all these years, i've also taken it to the west coast & the mountain states to push it even further, it has yet to fail, & i'm still happy with it. the upgrades i've had incl. forks (first a RX Q21R, & now a Manitou FS-ti), clipless pedals, brakes, etc. Maybe later i'll get V-braks/XT components, possibly new sets of wheels (when spinergy becomes cheap). i plan on keeping it long term. i feel like i made a good choice over other bikes. The frame is what i liked the most, the geometry works really well with the rider (i'm 5'10 150 lbs on a 18 frame), construction is tough, & with a quality. I've only seen few Baracudas all this time & everyone i talk to was a happy rider. There really isn't anything i dislike about it, ...o.k., it's could be lighter. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C
a weekend warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A2R is one great bike. i bought mine in '95 for $600 (the color is black/silver) it came with a rigid fork, grip shift, & mostly shimano LX components. it's gone thru thousands of miles of rough terrains all these years, i've also taken it to the west coast & the mountain states to push it even further, it has yet to fail, & i'm still happy with it. the upgrades i've had incl. forks (first a RX Q21R, & now a Manitou FS-ti), clipless pedals, brakes, etc. Maybe later i'll get V-braks/XT components, possibly new sets of wheels (when spinergy becomes cheap). i plan on keeping it long term. i feel like i made a good choice over other bikes. The frame is what i liked the most, the geometry works really well with the rider (i'm 5'10 150 lbs on a 18 frame), construction is tough, & with a quality. I've only seen few Baracudas all this time & everyone i talk to was a happy rider. There really isn't anything i dislike about it, ...o.k., it's could be lighter. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P Avit
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got an A2RS for about five hundred, and it has the best components for the money by far. It came with lx and xt derailers. The cheapest other bike I found with similar components was over 900$. Unfortunally I have had only a little time to ride it, but it seems to be a great bikeeeeeee. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P Avit
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got an A2RS for about five hundred, and it has the best components for the money by far. It came with lx and xt derailers. The cheapest other bike I found with similar components was over 900$. Unfortunally I have had only a little time to ride it, but it seems to be a great bikeeeeeee. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a weekend warrior
from Boulder City, Nevada
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a '97 Cuda A2RS from GorillaTrading after thoroughly reviewing price and components of almost all MTB's. For the most part [Cannondale excluded] MTB manufacturers are assemblers of Shimano parts on a limited number of frames. Check the quality of the A2RS components for the money.....enough said. I'll get back if my riding experience differs from the enjoyment I've experienced so far. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a weekend warrior
from Boulder City, Nevada
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a '97 Cuda A2RS from GorillaTrading after thoroughly reviewing price and components of almost all MTB's. For the most part [Cannondale excluded] MTB manufacturers are assemblers of Shimano parts on a limited number of frames. Check the quality of the A2RS components for the money.....enough said. I'll get back if my riding experience differs from the enjoyment I've experienced so far. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a cross-country rider
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
First real mountain bike I've had (step up from a Giant Rincon) and I've got to say this thing is bulletproof! I ride with guys who have full suspension rigs and this bike take everything I can give it and asks for seconds. Barracuda equipped this bike with some decent components and for the money it was one hell of a deal. So as far as the bike itself goes it is great and the tear drop tubing looks good too!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
anonymous
a weekend warrior
from South Carolina
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a brand new A2R for only $300 at a local shop. I've been moutain biking for about 9 years now and this is my 4th bike. It's super light and has way better equiptment than anything else for this price. After looking at a lot of bikes for the past few months I grabbed this one soon after I rode it. I recomment it to anyone spending under $500 on a bike. It feels great and rides awesome. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Northway
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have an A2RS. It's great apart from the rims they were crap. I do trials and its still in one piece. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Wilkins
a weekend warrior
from Utah
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It is a good bike. It does not weigh that much. It has nice components for a starter. Add Rock Shox and it is a perfect bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Although the picture doesn't really look like the A2R, it is a great bike. My buddy has one and it is great. Its nice and light, and its a ton 'o fun in the twisties! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Elwood
a cross-country rider
from Poland
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't have Barracuda but this is really good machine! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RYAN
a weekend warrior
from WILLIAMSTOWN ON CANADA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I DON'T OWN AN A2R I OWN AN A1R I REALY REALY LIKE IT.I HAVE ROCK SHOX 21R'S ,XTR-V BREAKS AND SHIFTERS SMOKE 2 AND DART 1 TIRES AND IT HANDELS GREAT I RECOMEND THIS BIKE TO ANYONE WHO IS JUST STARTING MTB. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amanda Benedict
a weekend warrior
from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I like it!
Awesome...best bike I ever had :-) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt kieser
a weekend warrior
from Eagan MN
Date Reviewed: February 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '93 A2R. One heck of a great deal for price and duribility. Only downside is the frame and rigid fork weigh nearly 10 lbs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Gada
a cross-country rider
from Sparta New Jersey
Date Reviewed: February 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the greatest bike you can find for the price. It is durable and handles incredible. It would not be a waste of money to upgrade this bargin. I can not say enough good things about the A2R. It is a lot of bike for the buck. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jorge Martinez Chapa
a cross-country rider
from Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The picture shown does not correspond to the bike mentioned above, but both of them are great. I own a A2Rs, and its simply the best option at a fair price.
It is a heavy duty bike, believe me. =) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Klaas Van Gelder
a cross-country rider
from Lynden, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike rocks! This bike has held up forever on my weekend rides. I plan on racing it this upcoming
season. Also this bike is a steal for the price. If your on a budget but would like to do some pretty hard
mountain biking and maybe even race this bike is for you! And when you get some more money you can
buy a suspension fork or some other awesome upgrade. kvg | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian wieber
a downhiller
from boise Id
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This frame can handle any abuse you give it I . I often choose to ride this
frame over my downhill bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Savage
a cross-country rider
from VT
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike has lasted me through a rough year of racing with only a couple very minor problems, the frame is one of the toughest frames I have rode. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Lucia
a cross-country rider
from ny
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
i have been riding this bike for almost 6 months now and i love it. it is extremely durable.
i have banged this bike around alot and it is still great. good value for the money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Mitchell
a cross-country rider
from Marietta, GA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This Bike Is awesome. It is Durable as hell and is only 400 dollars | | Overall Rating: |
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