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Living
Extreme Team II Bike
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Submitted by
Traildawg
a Cross Country Rider
from Sarasota, FL
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Mail Order | | Strengths: | Light, cool frame design | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Judy XC, XTR front and rear, Xray smoke shifter, Mavic Super UB. | | Bottom Line: | The first bike I had was a very good bike for XC. I broke the frame in half going down hill and hit a tree pretty hard. This was not Living X's fault but they took care of me. They sent me a new frame which I've had since 1996 that has no cracks, breaks or any other problems to speak of. The bike has made it threw many sets of cranks, rims and even forks. The bike has been VERY good to me. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
grohna
a Weekend Warrior
from michigan
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | avalach | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | store out of businse | | Strengths: | very nice bike light weight i had it rebuild i ride it everyday | | Weaknesses: | it has broke at the bottom of the frame i had it put back together i love this biker any more info i would like to hear | | Bottom Line: | i like to hear stories about other living-x bikes because i cannot find them anywhere | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Leverenz
a Racer
from Palatine, IL USA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Mail Order | | Strengths: | Good components, but its because the frame is a piece of crap. I broke 4 frames and the company is out of business now. Do not buy this frame if you see it! | | Weaknesses: | Frame sucks, brittle in cold, which is when i broke the ones i rode. Four of them, count em! Company warrantied them, but eventually went out of business. Who could survive wit ha reputed 33% breakage rate? | | Bike Setup: | XT components and Manitou Pro Fork, good stuff, too bad the frame sucks! | | Bottom Line: | Stay away from this frame! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from DFW, TX
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | direct | | Strengths: | Light and quick handling | | Weaknesses: | No longer in business | | Bottom Line: | I am also interested in any Living X material ... stickers, magazine ads, etc.
I purchased my hard tail direct in '96. Not being a competitive mountain biker (I am more of a roadie), the bike collected more dust than single track mileage.
Anyway, this year it became a project bike for me. I had it totally stripped, powder coated and re-built. The bike is now completed with a 3.1 lb Marzocchi fork, new Mavic tubeless rims and full XTR (including the new hollow-tec crankset). The fellas at the local bike shop are nutty over this thing.
Please email me at TWNTBO@YAHOO.COM if you have any additional info. on Living Extreme Bicycles.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fluffy Bananachunks
a Racer
from Atl, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | direct from Living Extreme (Living-X) | | Bottom Line: | Loved that frame! Can't remember details, but it was a Team 16" Long or something. Was the greatest thing until the chainstay started to bend towards the crankside.
Also raced for them. on 05/06/1996 I had Crazyroo emblazoned across my back.
http://skholla.com/index.cfm?entryID=4A0853
http://skholla.com/index.cfm?entryID=4B0155
Not too long after Living-X went away, and became Plant for good, I called and had a batch of stickers sent out too me. Needless to say: I can't find them. The only pics of Crazyroo that I have are a few >small< electronic copies made back in the day...
Anyone have any Crazyroo stickers left over???
TIA
Geo | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noah
a
from huntington beach
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | living-x | | Bottom Line: | If somebody has a living x frame that is not broken, or hell even if it is please contact me: xcfisher@aol.com I would wish to purchase it. I used to race for living x back in the day, and it was my favorite frame of all time. I would be happy to take it off of your hands.
thank you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Alber
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tsali | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | Does anyone out there have the dual suspension Living-X ??? I'd like to talk about it. I'm old, big and overweight. The bike is too light for my size and after a year (after the rear shock seized, Stratos is JUNK) started showing cracks and bending!! above the crank. A friend (retired profesional welder) straightened, repaired and braced the frame under the seat post to bottom bracket. This was over a year ago. No problems yet. I love the bike, especially after replacing the Stratos (after three seizes, and four week rebuilding time each time!!)with a Cane-Creek.
Didn't need that lock out anyway. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Neckman
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
bear creek | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
It was great before the chainstay collapsed. | | Weaknesses: |
see strengths. | | Similar Products Used: |
I replaced the frame with an Ibis Mojo, no comparison. The Ibis rocks! | | Bike Setup: |
all XT with Zoom seat post, stem and bars. | | Bottom Line: | The company has a lifetime guarentee on the frame, which is of course WORTHLESS if the company is gone. My frame is now on a trash heap behind the Ibis dealer's shop. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Echtner
a cross-country rider
from Pensacola, FL
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
When I first saw the bike, I thought WHOA! It was a great deal. I ordered an Ozziroo, but unfortunately, the Manitou shock had been recalled. Bummer. I kept talking to Mark(customer service badass!), and he said he would upgrade me to the Team Frame. COOOOOLLL! Anyway, it took quite a while to get the bike. When it did come, I opened the box, and immediately I was glad I waited. This bike was awesome! I rode it and all my friends were curious. It was lighter than my friend's Mongoose IBOC SX and it cost half as much. The LivingX outclimbed, out singletracked, and just plain outran anything on the trails. And then came the fateful crash ( I stuffed the front wheel in a rut). Great. My frame's bent. It was only bent a little, near the headtube, effectively shortening my wheelbase, and other than handling REALLY quick, it seemed fine. I tried to contact LivingX to replace the frame, and... sorry! No contact here! It seems they went out of business. I sold it to a friend and bought a Proflex 856. But after only a couple of months, the chainstay broke! I know I wrecked the bike, but I think the chainstay would have broke anyway. Turns out a lot of people have had this problem. I'd have to give the bike four chilies for performance, one for durability, and I have no clue what to rate customer service. They were first-class..... when I could reach them. Overall, three chilies.(P.S. The Proflex 856 still works superbly. I'd give it five chilies) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a weekend warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i tried the living-x team bike (xtr, etc), and found it to be extremely fast. it climbed like no other, and really flew on tight single track. i never had any trouble with it. i forund, however, that it handled a bit too quick for me, so i took off the components and put them on another frame. anyone interested in the living-x frame? e- mail me... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michele Hörnmo
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Where in Europe can I buy myself an Living-X bikes? And if it`s not available
Sweden or Europe, how can I get One? The first and only time i saw it was in
the moutainbike magazine-Moutain Bike sep. 1996. I liked what I saw.Great
looking and good value. So please help me get one for myself, I need one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Burtenshaw
a downhiller
from Horsley in surrey
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A mate was out riding one day when he noticed a small crack in his ATX 990 this was one of several small cracks he had found on previousframes that had been replaced by the manufacturers he was given a knew rear swing arm but this was pointless really as a few days later he found a crack round his head tubeafter doing some 180 jumps giant said thats enough and siad they wouldnt replace any more parts so he had to spend loadsof money on a new bike out of his own pocket. SO my pun for the day is ATX990's arent all there CRACKED upto be | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
danny sullivan
a cross-country rider
from state college pa
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My living x bike is absolutely fabulous. Ditto most of the good stuff already written. I WOULD HOWEVER VERY MUCH APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION WHICH MIGHT HELP ME GET IN TOUCH WITH THE COMPANY. I have cracked my rear deraileur hanger. I have tried calling them with the phone number I used to order, it is out of service however. I no longer see any advertisements, nor am I able to access their web site. What is the deal? PLEASE HELP! Email me with any info. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jesiah metzker
a cross-country rider
from lake stevens wa
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own the team3 and it's the best climbing, single track, down hill bike I've ever ridin. I have rode it in every rocky, muddy, and single track conditions there is and it climbs like a mountain goat. Thanx for building me such a sweet bike! Everybody tells me that i've got the most epic hardtail bike they've ever seen. P.S. except the paint job sucks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am the designer of the original extreme frames and tubeset. Now most of the flaks stoped I'll speak up. Living X started right but went wrong. Thier ossie plant was set up to be the best frame factory on the planet and the original frames got rave reviews. LE released alot of frames with prototype tubing and this caused heaps of problems as expected. When my involvement with LE stopped QA went out the window and enough said. Thanks to all those riders out thier who gave my products heaps and enjoyed the trip. Sorry for those people who got the lemons but it was out of my control. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr.X
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just read all of these reviews. It seems to be a mixture in favour of Living-x/PLANT bikes. I used to work at Living-x in Australia before some jerk who doesn't know a thing about bikes entered the scene and took over managing the production here. I worked there from 1995-96 and it seems to me that there were few problems with the early frames in comparison with 1996-97 models. This doesn't surprise me at all because I guess along with cheap prices comes cheap labour in the form of inexperienced and unlearned people. The original design of these early frames produced all of the 1995-96 models including the curved seat tube. We used an alloy (6351-T62) slightly different to the industry standard at the time (6061-T6) because it had a higher tensile strength after aging. This tube was milled at very high quality control standards which cost Living-X more per kg than a standard 6061-T6 tube. The ribwall tube as we called it was an inovative design at the time to try and reduce weight but mantain strength and reliability. I still think it was a good idea and most of the reviews confirm this. The major downfall of this new aggressive company was that they did not allow enough time for testing due to financial pressures. I think that with proper testing this company could have got off to a good start insead of back pedalling through warranty claims which cost them money and good will. I guess now that they seem to be producing frames with EASTON tubes (the best in the world in my opinion) they may now have success and past experience to fix other minor problems (eg. paint) with their PLANT name. It doesn't surprise me that they would want to change names after having idiots build their frames for the last 2 years.
If you want to talk further to me about this leave your review here with your email address and I will contact you. 5 stars for our efforts in 95-96. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan McRae
a racer
from Bountiful, Utah
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
When Living X came out I noticed that there prices were extremely low for what the bikes were built up with. Now it isn't any wonder to me why the bikes are somewhat cheaper than others. I've had a Team II for a little over a year and like everyone else, my chainstay has a nice crack. Not only does the crack piss me off but that it is impossible to get ahold of Living X or Plant. Before I noticed the crack the bike was awesome. It flies uphill and cruises on the singletrack. At least I have some nice components to switch onto some other rig. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Groves
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I originally had that funky looking Team frame a few years back. Then i had a problem i havent heard from anybody yet, I broke the head tube off completely!! Yes i did hit a tree but dam, give me a break ( no pun intended ) :) . They then sent me a new team frame after sending them back my old and even rebuilt it for free. I have not had any real problems with the new team frame ( not Plant ) so i cant complain too much. All in all i give it a 3 1/2 only cause i broke the first one. By the way can someone e-mail me their number now. thanx mike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Moursund
a cross-country rider
from Kingsville, Texas
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well I dont know what to say! It seems as though every one of the current ratings say that they suck and all the older ratings say that it is the best. I have the Ozzi Roo Team II, and have not experienced any problems with the frame other than the annoying creaking. It gets old quickly on a cross-country ride. Admitidly, I have not been able to ride it as much lately as I would like too. I also had problems at first with the assembly of the components, but I think that is a given. I mean you get a quality bike with an awesome groupo, and at a cheap price. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? All things considered, I still think that it is a good deal. As for the service, it sucks. It's great when you can get ahold of them, but thats a feat in itself. It climbs like a maddog and corners with the best of them. The paint job sucks. There is not much left of the red paint, so go with the polished aluminum. Changing the rear tire is a pain, but I have had bikes where it is worse. Well I cant think of anything else. Later | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My bike was a complete P.O.S. as well . . . Frame Break. Check out the following link (it shows the broken frame that is apparently commonplace among these bikes. Enjoy!http://members.tripod.com/~ChristmasCard/F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daryl Parks
a cross-country rider
from Louisville, Ky
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just like everybody else, I too had a nice size crack in my chainstay. How it got there, I don't know. This happen last May and I was able to get a replacement Plant frame for free. This was after I had to put up with the shitheads who kept telling me that I would have to pay $400 for a replacement frame even though my Living-X frame had a 5 year warranty. The customer service is horrendous. I have never been intentionally lied to by a company so much in my life. I could write a couple more paragraphs about this but I don't want to bore you. I can't wait until I save up enough money to buy a frame from a company that gives a shit. I'll give them 2 chilies because the frame hasn't broke yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin Fitzpatrick.
a downhiller
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My friend Ryan had one and he too snapped his rear chainstay. He then got a relly nice PLANT frame. It seems the must have a problem with weak Chainstays. I wouldn't buy one personally-to XC for me although they seem good value if you are not going to trash it about! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I originally loved this bike until one day SNAP. The Chainstay broke. Man was I dissappointed. Here I bought this bike because it was cheap but had an awsome gruppo, now I have to invest in a new frame.
Living X no longer exists. It is now PLANT. The sold me a frame for half price. It is an EASTON tubed frame. I can honestly say it is way better than the Living X. I guess I really did not know a quality ride because I was so accustomed to my Living X. Anyway PLANT gets 5 Chillies living X gets 1. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAVE
a racer
from RICHMOND,VA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
THESE BIKES ARE SHIT.EVEN THE NAME SUCKS.I MYSELF WOULD NEVER OWN ONE BUT UNFORTUNATLY MY FRIEND DOES.HE WAS CLIMBING A HILL ON THE ROAD AND SNAPPED HIS CHAINSTAY IN HALF.
THEY DID WARRANTY IT.WHY HE EVEN GOT IT WARRANTIED I DON'T KNOW.ON HIS NEW BIKE THE WELDS HAVE HOLES IN THEM AND THE BEND ON THE SEAT TUBE HAS AN OVERLAP IN IT.THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE RIDING THESE PEICES OF CRAP ARE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT A REAL BIKE SHOULD FEEL LIKE.TOO BAD YOU DON'T HAVE THE OPTION TO PICK ZERO STARS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Tocco
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just wanted to let everyone know that since I changed over to thier new PLANT frame I have had no trouble with this frame what so ever. It rides better than the OZZI ROO and the geometry is excellent for X country riding. I've also raced this bike several times this summer and it's performed flawlesly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Borzych
a cross-country rider
from Ocala, FL
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Really liked my bike until the rear triangle began to show metal fatigue and then stress fractures appeared like flies on horse apples. Then try to exchange the bike. Plant will sell you one at manufacturers prices about $400. If you ride a 21 inch or a 15 inch then you can get a leftover model of the same type Living-X frame before Plant took over. How do I feel about the bike you ask? Great ride, one of the most nimble bikes I've ever riden, also a brittle piece of procelin made for the China cabinet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Dow
a weekend warrior
from Trabuco Canyon, CA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I was very interested in this product. Searched out every review in every mag. Was ready to buy, so I called the factory and ordered a catalog . . . 9 months later it came! It consisted of a crappy Xerox! . . . what kind of company is this??? I have long since purchased a 856 Proflex and have been extremely satisfied with it. Thanks Living Extreme for helping me see the light! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a cross-country rider
from Brew City
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just wanted to verify what one of the previous reviewers said: 99% of the frame noise DOES come from the seatpost. Instead of replacing it, I just cleaned the crud off of the post and tightened the living snot out of the post clamp and that seems to have done the trick. Run silent, run deep. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PIP
a cross-country rider
from ALASKA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I JUST HAVE SOME QUESTIONS HAS ANY BODY PURCHASED A FULL SUSPENSION BIKE YET . I ORDERED ONE AND ITS BEEN 3 MONTHS AND I THINK THERE GIVING ME A RUN AROUND. ALSO THEY HAVE CHANGED THE NAME OF THE CO TO PLANT BIKE WORKS. IF SOMEONE CAN GIVE ME SOME SCOOP I WOULD GREATLY APPREACITE IT. THANKS PIP FROM AK. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Rich
a
from Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My living-X is the greatest bike I have ever bought. I did have a small problem with my rear spokes coming loose but I tighened the spokes up a couple times and have had no problems since. No regrets with this bike. My bike is the Ozzi Roo Expert. Not the Team II. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Myers
a cross-country rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Hello I have already reviewed my xtr packaged bike once. Thought I help out with
the sqeak problems. Replace your seatpost. That was my problem. I recently broke
the replacement post but not the frame. Now I'm listening to the sqeaky zoom post again. Other than that I love this bike. Climbs great and has held up well.
I have put on atleast 400 miles of average single track riding. By the way I fix my bike does that make me as much of a mechanic as the earlier reviewer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jody Thibidough
a weekend warrior
from Texas
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I luvs this bike more than the Dallas Cowboys. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from atlanta
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got so fed up with my local dealers I decided to get an expert frame. The first ride my xt-v brakes came apart. the second ride my headset was so loose I thought I was going to snap the fork off.The third ride my wheel came out alignment,wheelsmith built 217's.The fourth ride they did it again.The mechanic I
took it to pointed out a pinging in my rear hub.I would need to get it rebuilt.The Ritchey pedals required my whole body weight to clip in.Besides these troubles Living-X really took care of me.Fed-xing XTR-V brakes to me and helping me through set-up. The only real problem I have is the ride and the constant component problems. THIS BIKE IS MAJOR STIFF!!. I mean stiffer than a C'dale. I found it could climb like a bear,but was really sketchy on down hills,even scary. you can really manhandle the bike around corners,but beware the downhills-It's a white knuckle express. The paint job is also kinda cheap. It held up ok but I could feel the bare aluminum under the sealer..cheap. It's a great deal but be prepared to spend some money on fixing the stuff that's not set-up right. If you can do alot of the mechanical stuff yourself go for it. If you are a racer and will give up comfort and predictability for speed. this is your bike. If you have any back problems stay away!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jo Berg
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Awsome Bike. Mine does not creak or has it cracked it's just fast and furious. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Orjan
a racer
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
hi,
Just wonder how to contact the living-X guys in Australia, need to speed up
my replacement!
Thanks!
Örjan | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi everybody just here to tell you about my Ozzi Roo Pro. Love it. The only thing I have not enjoyed too much is the SX fork. My damping cartridge sprung a lead some how and now I have to go through all the shit of getting it prepared. Living X should look into getting some bombers on their bikes. I read review on the Z.2 and it sound like the fork of the future. Althogh little heavy the are rock solid. I have had no problems with my frame. I don't see anything but quality welds. I think it is natural for some frames to have some troubles nothing is perfect. Just look at how car manufactures have to recall cars. I myself have had to get a GIANT and a RITCHEY frame replaced because of a crack suffered from riding. Well got to go. This is an awsome deal don't be discouraged by some of the reviews below. Yes... procede with caution as you should with any product but with my experience on buying bikes I will tell you it does not get any better than this. Alot bike shops don't know what the hell they are doing and will sell you what ever they can. If you know what you want then buy it with out the hassels at LIVING X. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry Mil**r
a weekend warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My cousin works at Living Extreme and he says that the quality control sucks! They have gotten 17 frames back in the last two months. I'm staying away from them even though he gets an awesome deal on them. 'Nuf said! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darrell W. Perrelle
a racer
from CLINTON IN,USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i DONT REALLY HAVE A REVIEW BUT i TRIED TO GET A CATOLOG FROM THESE GUYS , I WAS INTERESTED IN BUYING A BIKE BUT.... IT HAS BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE THEY SAID THEY WOULD SEND ONE OUT, SO I WENT TO MY LOCAL SCHWINN AND BOUGHT A HOMEGROWN INSTEAD, THANKS FOR THE CATALOG GUYS..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
king Ritty
a downhiller
from Mt Buller,Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
MESSAGE FOR JOHN SIKER------------!
I too have had trouble trying to get in contact with this wicked bike co.
But it turns out that these wonderful machines are assembled here in Australia
in Nerang N.S.W......The only problem is i can't seem to be able to get in
contact with them.If you have better luck pleasa email me and let me know.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Company X3misten Name Ola Callander
a downhiller
from Norway
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
We are import/distributer company doing kayak, climbing, snowboarding and are interested in doing bikes.
Best Regards
Ola Callander | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wyzel
a cross-country rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i have heard alot about these bikes and i am really impresses but my only problem is the exchange rate for canadian funds into american. if i were to order the expert (listed at $1,299) it would cost me almost $1,800!!!
this surprised the hell out of me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erick S.
a cross-country rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Excellent bike...it is quick, fast, and a real climber. The bent seat post is no
joke, it does provide better traction. Overall, great service, great bike, great
service....BUT IT! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Orjan
a racer
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'd say that the bike is awesome to ride, when it rides. It's fast and stiff and is a great climber. Unfortunately the frame has a tendency to not stay apart. I bought a team-bike in december-95 and it didn't take more than a few months til the head tube got ovalized. I had it replaced to an L-X Ozzy Roo frame in May-96 and in november-96 I had a crack in the new Ozzy-frame. Since then I've tried to speed up Dan at Living-X to send a new frame to me in Sweden. It's now been 4 months since the frame broke and Dan says that it will take at least another month for me to get my frame. I'll give NO star for the service at Living-X but 5 stars for the riding experience. That gives an average at about 3 stars!
Have Fun, | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lepricon
a racer
from Mass
Date Reviewed: March 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been recently very interested in purchasing a Living Extreme Frame for some Cross X racing. What would bee the best buy? And whats up with the frames creaking? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty J
a cross-country rider
from CAnada
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
For those of you Livin -X owners who are haveing problems with creaking here is some advice. One take out the bottom bracket clean it and grease it then put it back in. This should take the majority of the noise away. I also found that alot of the noise comes from not the frame but the Fork. The new 97 Manitou's creak for some reason. I guess there is a cure for this (so I have heard) but I just have to find it. Any way do this and hopefully your creaky bike will be creakless once again I know mine is. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul F.
a cross-country rider
from georgia
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Gee?.....who do I believe? The mechanic from KS or the people who own and ride the bikes. My only experience with people in bike stores(I assume that's where a mechanic would work) is that they'll say anything to get you to buy their product. I actually get shit if I go into my local shop with mail order parts. Every industry has had to deal with mail-order competition,it's your turn,grow up and take it like a man. I looked for a bicycle for almost a moth and I looked very intensely. By the time I finished I realized that no one cared about me,they just wanted my money,and NO-ONE CAN SIZE YOU RIGHT!!! So I got the expert and am waiting patiently for it. It's such a good deal you could buy a new frame one close out from a name vendor and still be ahead of the game. P.S. the impartial reviewers in MOUNTAIN BIKING and MOUNTAIN BIKER both loved the bike. The geometry is very inteligently put together. It's also very close to a (gasp) KLEIN. five chilis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aj
a cross-country rider
from cali
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't have the exact bike pictured but I do have a 97 living x pro. Alls I can say it that i love it and the company was a delight to deal with. Best deal I ever got on a bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirt K
a racer
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just read many of the reviews about the Living X bikes and now I will tell you about my experience. The reviews are all true. Yes the old team frames are crap but the newly desinged frames are so far what I can tell exellent. I have had no problems with mine nor have my friend who owns one. And about the bend frame being nothing but a gimmick that some annoyed mechanic from ks thinks it is. It is not a gimmick, the bend in the seat tube is to bring the back wheel under the rider. This aids in climbing big time, gives more grip. A mechanic should know better than to think a major difference in frame geometry is goint to do nothing. My bikes climbs better than any other I have ever had and I have had alot of bikes.It is also fast. I would not recommend this bike to any one who is looking for a allday cush machine this is a racing bike. Stiff and fast. You will not find a better deal anywhere. The 97 frame is tons better than the old that it replaces. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
an annoyed mechanic
a
from ks
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
after working on a few of these: nice parts, crap frames. i guess it depends on your priorities. for the money, you get a really nice parts pick BUT (and what a big but it is) you also get a truly mediocre frame.for my money, i'd much rather have a nice frame and mid level parts than cherry parts and a junk frame. a few reveiwers mentioned the oddly designed frame as looking cool and distinctive. here's another take: it's gimmicky and lame. there's a reason why few other companies design bikes like living x: the design is superfluous, it does nothing to add to the ride quality of the frame.2 star rating, just because the parts are nice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James William
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Hello every one. I own the ozzi roo pro. This bike is very quick and very light. It is also a very sharp looking bike. Alot of people always like to check my bike out because they have never seen a LIVING X before and they have always wondered about it. Well you cannot beat this bike one for the price and two for the quality. XTR is practically the best you can get... right. I am considering looking into the new full suspension bike that Living X now offers because owners of Living X bikes get a new frame for half the price. Now Will GT or CAnnondale or Giant or any body offer you that. I Think not. This company rules and I only hope the Full suspension is as awsome as the hard tail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam smith
a downhiller
from United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i just like you bikes!
very good value and they look really good.
Top work. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a cross-country rider
from Milwaukee, WI
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've just read some of the other reviews and I must agree with two of main comments about the bike: 1.) you can't beat it for the price, 2.) It's Noisy. It really does have distinctive looks. I have an Expert frame with some lesser components (LX with XT front & rear derailleur) but I have no complaints other than the noise. I'm a bigger rider (6'3 - 210 lbs) and the bike seems to take all of the abuse I dish out (ie. crashes). I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who is a smart shopper and appreciates a killer looking bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Jimerson
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a Living X expert. The new frame is awsome with the replaceble rear dropouts. The only big complaint I have with the bike is that it creaks. Why I don't know. It feels incredibly stiff but it creaks. If any body know why please write to me. Any way the bike is light and comes with awsome parts. Mine has all XT and I upgraded to a kore stem. The company itself is great to deal with as long as you do it over the phone. They never seem to read there E-mail much. But overall If your looking for a sweet ride at a good price LIVING x is where you should go. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Athoe
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi Martin. I ride with a guy who has the same Expert bike you have. He really seems to kick ass on that bike. I don't know what they put in the metal, but it sure is fast. Anyways, talk to ya later. William. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Siker
a weekend warrior
from Sydney AUSTRALIA (Very far away)
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
||||||||||||||||||| W A N T E D ||||||||||||||||||||||
If anyone has one these bikes going relatively cheap, then please lemme know. Must be polished alloy and with shocks.......Tri-spoke wheels would be a bonus.
I know I live pretty far away, but Shipping is not that expensive these days..heheheh
Please email me at enjoy@sydney.net | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike GRoves
a weekend warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Well i like the NEW Team model. I havent rhode it very much yet but it feels tight and responsive. I had allot of problems with the OLD TEAM frame. It woulndt shift and i ended up breaking the frame in half!!!! I personally think that the frame had a major design flaw. After talking to LivingX about what happened and the problems i was having i was returned a new frame completely rebuilt and all i paid was shipping. Now with dual replaceable rear dropouts this bike is the cats meow. Would i recommend their bikes, HELL YEAH! Great customer service and they stand behind what they build! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Tocco
a cross-country rider
from Gloucester, Ma
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Ozzi Roo Pro for about 6 months and I really like this bike. It came with XTR groupo and it works very well. This bike is great for climbing, downhills and is very tight thru the turns. The overall quality is very good and the people at the factory are nice to deal with. For about $1.800 you can't beat the quality and performance of this unique looking bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Aside from creaks, this bike RULES!!! I'm 210 lbs and ride a 16 and haven't had any problems with the frame (gone through a few rims, though). The looks are great and the bike performs like none other. I got a Zaskar LE equivalent for about $1000 less. If you can't afford the name, but want the quality -- ride a LIVING X. My next purchase is their road edition. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Brown
a racer
from Richardson, TX (but I ride in Omaha NE)
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my bike when I was in Korea (USAF). I did a lot of research on different bikes and set-ups, but couldn't find much on the Living X I was interested in. Price was definitely a major factor in my looking at (and choosing) Living X. That and the 15 day trial convinced me to go for it, but I didn't need the trial! I loved this bike from the minute I got it. It handles and performs like a dream and is one of the toughest looking bikes around. I am always stopped by curious people on the trails and at races. They ask how I like it and give compliments on it's looks. Anyway, I don't have any major complaints about the bike, but it can be very loud and creaky at times. I have the polished aluminum and highly recommend it. I have a buddy who got the custom paint job, and it is definitely sub par compared to the overall quality of the bike. I dig the dropouts and the rear end styling, but changing a rear tire is hampered a bit. If your looking to buy, I would also steer clear of the Kooka stem.....although it looks sweet, it's very loud and easy to break. The White Industries/Sugino cranks turn many a head, but the bottom bracket is a pain in the a** to remove/install. The Maguras kick butt, but make sure you get thin rims, because clearance is tough to come by, especially if you tweak the rim even slightly (until you wear your pads down). I don't like the way the hydro tubing bows out of the top tube cable routing. The tubing also tends to make quite a bit of noise when it beats against the alum frame, so I have to wrap certain sections or tape 'em down. I replaced the small chain ring with a Real 20 tooth....granny gear kicked big butt on the Korean terrain astounding many locals with superior climbing prowess, but perfectly adjusting the derailleur throw was next to impossible. My Manitou EFC fork rules and has kept my arms from falling off many, many times. The IRC PirahnaPro tires are a highly recommended sub-in as well....never ever lost my grip. Overall, depending on your choice of components (being able to choose was a very big plus when purchasing, I might add), this bike is the best deal around and performs better than bikes twice it's price. I just hope the full suspension model is as good as my Team......I also hope you can lock out the rear suspension for climbing, too (hint, hint, Mr. Living X designer) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chad christopher cheeney
a racer
from bend oregon usa
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Living X makes dang good bikes. I would have given them a 5 Star but my first Living X snapped. I race downhill and cross country on the same bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a cross-country rider
from Crystal Lake, IL
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the Living X team frame with XTR. This bike works great. The ride is awesome. The bike is fast and responsive and less punishing than my old steel bike (Bridgestone). Quality is excellent, assembly professional. The new XTR components work perfectly. I would definately recommend this bike. My only complaints are the wheels and tires. They use Sun rims which do not appear to be as high quality as Mavics that I have ridden in the past. Also, my bike came with wire bead Panaracer smoke/dart which do not work as well as my old vraptors. Minor complaints. Another plus is that the bike looks pretty cool and people stop to ask about it on the trails, in gas stations, etc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly Fisher
a cross-country rider
from Wichita, Ks
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
For all of you out there questioning the Living-X brand of bike, don't.. This bike is incredible. The frame is made of externally ribbed (looks cool!) 6351 Al tubing that has been ovalized and butted. The top tube is shaped like an I-beam, allowing the cables to be routed out of the way, eliminating those nasty flesh eating cable stops. The stays on the team frame are bent, as well as the seat tube, which gives this bike a VERY distinctive look and ride. The ride, by the way, is stiff without being punishing. And it handles like a dream, with the *very* short stays the bike corners like it's on rails and climbs like a goat. Plus the bike came VERY well equipped:
Manitou Mach V SX fork
XT F/R derailleurs
XT V Brakes with XT levers and rapidfire SL shifters
White Industries cranks, BB, and hubs
Ritchey Cro-Mo clipless pedals
Kore Ahead stem
Dia-Comp Crane Creek headset (sealed bearings top and bottom)
Zoom Micro-adjust seatpost (light and well designed)
Selle San Marco Ti saddle
Sun CR17A rims and 15/14 DB spokes on Wheelsmith built wheels
Salsa Flip-off skewers
Panaracer Greenlite tubes
Panaracer Smoke Lite (1.9) and Dart HC (2.1) tires (both wire bead)
Zoom 170gm bar
Gore shift cables
Custom paint
All for just under $1800.. Where else can you get a bike like this for anywhere near that price? And no, I dont work for Living-X, Im just one incredibly happy customer. A couple of my friends are dumping their GT's (a Pantera and a Zaskar) for bikes just like mine. If that isn't a good testament, I dont know what is. Plus they have a 3 year warrantee on the frame, and a $150 crash replacement policy. In addition to this, they offer a one time upgrade policy that allows a previous buyer to get a new frameset from them for 50% off the retail price. In other words, get a hardtail now, when they release their full-boinger, buy it for half off. Good idea! If you cant tell already, I give this bike a wholehearted 5 stars!!
| | Overall Rating: |
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