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Specialized
FSR Elite 1998
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Submitted by
Peluca Racing
a Downhiller
from Lima Peru
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Santo Domingo de Oyeros | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Willy Pro Lima Peru | | Strengths: | Light Weight, resists lots of banging, awesome four bar link rear suspension system. Customizable in many ways: 6.2 inches of rear wheel travel with mountain speed kit. Bearing inserts. Disk brake adaptor. Awesome design & materials. | | Weaknesses: | broke original: rims, tires, suspension (manitou x vert r), derailer hanger, seat. I guess they were designed for free ridn, or xc. | | Similar Products Used: | None, many not similar. | | Bike Setup: | Frame: Specialized FSR elite 98.
Fork: Manitou X Vert Carbon 2000. (7 inches)
Rear susp: Moutain Speed Kit, w/bearings, Fox Vanilla RX (6.2 inches)
Front Rim: Mavic D321 Disc 26"
Rear Rim set 1: Mavic D321 Disc 26"
Rear Rim set 2: Sun Double wide 24"
Brakes: Hayes hydraulic 8"
Chain Guide: Gizmo Mr.Dirt 42t
Fornt tire: 26" IDC Kujo 2.65 (awesome grip)
Rear tire set 1: IDC Kujo 2.25
Rear tire set 2: 24" Maxxis high roller 2.65 (awesome grip)
Handle Bar: Easton EA50 monkey bar | | Bottom Line: | This machine is the best. Light weight, awesome control in any terrain. Ive ridn this bike 90km in one day, I have descended over 3700 meters (over 12000 feet)in 60 km of trail in under 5 hours (Peruvian Andes where Incas used to live). The FSR system has proven to be super efficient and work like no other. Ive had it since 98 and still works pretty well after 6 years. I won't change this frame until it breaks in two, wich gives me a lot of time to save money for a new one. This bike gave me the advantage of being able to update it from 4.7" to 6.2", to change the bushings to needle bearings, and to be able to acomodate a disk brake (8"). It works in perfect harmony with the manitou carbon, both being light weight. The looks although it is not important are great, the red, mango and white leters in the frame match perfectly with the fork logos.
Ridn connects my mind to my body, the body to the bike and the bike to the trail.
PERU RULES!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jt
a Cross Country Rider
from austin tx
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | austin greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | austin bike shop near zilker | | Strengths: | uber stout frame. i used to hit the austin greenbelt 4-5 times a week, and im a big guy (~200) and an ex bmx rider, so i thrash the (bleep) out of it. lots of jumping and big drops. i replaced the front end w a palmer ti fork and put a heavier mountian speed rear spring on. also replaced the rims & hubs. this bike is still going strong and getting ridden even harder. | | Weaknesses: | weight as it came. a few mods and it was up to speed. | | Similar Products Used: | newer fs series, scott fs, yada yada yada. | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks mucho butt. great for a big person who lkes to ride hard and beat on it. also nice for long hell rides. i think my longest one day was about 35 miles of back country stuff s of austin. the 4 link rear is still the best all around set up, throw some new shocks and wheels on it and you have a fast light indestructable beast. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Downhiller
from Ct
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$875.00 | | Strengths: | good bike, everything. | | Weaknesses: | Minor little crap that can always be worked out. It pisses me off when people complain about dumb little "poop" (they wont let me swear) and rate it down because the "water bottle rack is in a bad spot" or because the "xtr is trendy." When you buy a bike like this you buy it for the major components. If certain things go wrong, you FIX THEM. If you dont like the stock handlebars, get some new ones. | | Similar Products Used: | super 8, fsr extreme, mostly all fsr's. | | Bike Setup: | z1 mcr, magura hydrualic rim brakes. nuke proof headset. club roost bars. Primo meat tenderizer pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is nice. When i buy a bike my investment is for the frame and key components, not the color of the seat and the position of the bottle mounts. I'm sick of reading reviews that mark down the bike for stupid crap like that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ed g
a Weekend Warrior
from LA Cal. usa
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | porc rim- moab/pollock bench-Fruita | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | RIGID frame!!! super solid excellent platform for hard/heavier riders, light weight can be built up REAL light if ya wanna!! timeless will prob last forever under me. | | Weaknesses: | rear swingarm is a too damn narrow for bigger tires than 2.1's!!!!.....I bought my frame, used... but i hear parts spec was a bit lukewarm on some models.
Pivot Bushings are freakin' stiff! no matter how much you 'service'& lube them!.. they effectively 'dampen" the travel like comp/reb damping on a shock!! i don't give a cr@p what Ben Capron says about bushings Vs. bearings when you SEE much less FEEL the diff in suspension action/performance with the bearings in the pivots you'll soon realize..who cares about the extra ounces..Bushings are for cheap sleds made in Taiwan!! any REAL susp. bike has bearing'd pivots!!! d@mmit | | Similar Products Used: | Supergo Max-link FS, my 1st fs bike! | | Bike Setup: | currently:
med. MAX bb frame w/BETD 5-6 in. trav. link (5in. trvl)
BETD Pivot bearing kit, Roller bearings in all pivots
Air Vanilla Float RC shock (upgrade)
Kore Stem w/Ti bolts/Ck Headset
Easton Carbon Monkeylight risebar/Bonty Mag. Barends
Altek levers (Da BEST!) Avid Arch Supreme(F)- XTR-V(R)
Flite Ti Seat/Easton CT2 Carbon Post/DKG Ti QR lever
Xray 800/XTR der's-F&R/Gore cables/rollamajig
Xvert Super '01(Prototype)105mm trvl, oil bath! AWESOME!!
CK/Mavic517/DT revo wheels/Action Tec Ti 12-32 cogset
FSA Carbon Cranks/RaceFace rings w/alloy bolts
World Class Ti BB w/alloy crankbolts
IRC mythos tires -2.1's Speclzd lightweight tubes
Ritchey WCS Ti spindle pedals
'Liken' Carbon Fiber Booster plate
ALL bolts on this bike including all susp. pivot bolts, stem, seatpost, barend, HScap, shock mount, der. mount, brake mount, h20, bolts are Titanium or Alloy, No Steel Allowed
Bike weight: 25.3 LBS!!!
BOOOOYAAAHHH
| | Bottom Line: | D@mn! I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!!
I Also have a Ti HT, and CHUCK HT and those two are tied EVEN behind the MAX BB FSR as my favorite...
I spent about $1,700 on building it, and it's retail value is at least $3,700 by now...
I was totally Jonesin' for an Intense Uzzi SL two years ago and figgered i'd snap one up.... eventually...after robbing a bank!! Then i began hearing all the good stuff about the MAX BB frames and i found a frame in Marketplace for $475 w/Shock & Seatpost, i worked a deal and waited for it to arrive.
I built it up over 3 months all with parts off the Mktplace
and it is the best bike i've ever owned...PERIOD. it feels so solid and tight that i feel, barring any catastrophe's i will be hammerin this ride 'til the cows, goats & anything else not home yet comes runnin in...
I have set it up about 6-10 different ways since with diff. forks, stems, seatposts, disc brakes, wheels, cranks, etc etc and i can't find any fault other than the narrow rear swingarm.
The bearing kit made the single biggest difference in the way the bike rides, the difference in Rr. Susp. Action is unreal! the BETD linkage also KICKS A$$ - 5 or 6 inches of travel using the stock shock!
My bike rides just like it is BRAND NEW, it's a '97 model actually, and 1st was sold in early '98, my bro's can't believe it is 3 years old.
If you want a bomb proof bike that can do it all!! XC riding with comfort, Freeride bombing with abandon, weekend DH runs at the local races or just a little urban assault riding this is it!! you can get a sweet used frame for $400-$600 and they are pretty hard to hurt so you have a winner!!
email me if you are curious as to the mod's on my bike
I'd give it 10 diff. chilis if i could! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | National in Arizona | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great frame...the extruded aluminum main frame is amazing. Goes where you point it with no flex whatsoever. The four bar linkage design works great going up and down. Like the Fox Vanilla R shock. I'm not a fan of air shocks after destroying a Fox Alps 5 R on my Klein during an Arizona trip. Like the reliability and plushness of coil/oil. | | Weaknesses: | Bushings instead of sealed bearings for the pivots. Limited on the length of the seat post. Cheesy bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra Race, Schwinn Homegrown Factory Suspension | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi z1 CR, Chris King headset, Thompson seatpost, xtr brakes, cassette, ft & R derailleurs, Ionic cranks, Time carbon pedals | | Bottom Line: | Specialized FSRs are great do everything well bikes. I wanted longer travel (more than 2 1/2 or 3 inches) and coil/oil so I went with a closeout sale on an Elite (1500.00). When I first bought the bike I used it for primative desert single track, short rides (less than 12 miles) and for a Moab or Arizona trip bike. This winter I sold my Klein, swapped some components, dropped the weight to less than 29 lbs, and now I use the FSR for everything but road rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Memorial Park's Ho Chi Mihn Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
The Best climbing full suspension bike I have ever ridden.
Light for a full suspension with double crown forks. | | Weaknesses: |
Stripped out the stem. I guess I over tightened the bolts. However I didn't feel like I was turning the allen wrench that hard.The stock front tire (Specialized Team something) doesn't do well for me on the terain around here. Replaced it with a Velociraptor. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS | | Bike Setup: |
Mostly stock.
New stem - Profile Stiffy
Velociraptor front tire. | | Bottom Line: | I was die-hard Hard-Tail rider until I road this beast. This bike has it all. One thing I did get upset with is that for 1999, Specialized added disc brakes to the bike for the same price. If I could I'd give this one 6 chilli peppers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerome
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec City, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Montagne des roches | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Sturdy
Rigid
Indestructible (I know it's a little redundant, but it is, really !)
Waaaaay beautiful
Suspension efficient | | Weaknesses: |
A little on the heavy side, but you don't feel it so much | | Similar Products Used: |
FSR Extreme
Kona Sex Two | | Bike Setup: |
XT Gruppo
Race Face cranks (red)
Ritchey Pedals (red)
Mavic X 517 rims (red)
Michelin HOT S tires (red)
Flite kevlar saddle (red)
Syncros/Azonic control post | | Bottom Line: | When I bought this bike, I didn't know what to expect from it. I knew it would be a big change from my rigids (actually, this is my first Full Suspension bike). In fact, most of my riding buddies who got on the FS (or FSR, should I say) train told me that I would never go back to hardtails once I put my butt on an FSR, even though there were some —obvious — drawbacks to this kind of steed (weight being the main critic). How right they were. The same trails I did with my HT now seemed like pavement. Root and rock infested trackssuddenly became (kind of) a piece of cake. My security margin while downhilling get from 0 % to 20-25 %. Fun factor got up, I ended up less sore and tired... After — almost — one year of riding my FSR Elite, I can confidently say that this is not only ONE OF THE BEST FREERIDE BIKE FOR ITS PRICE (although I got it as a frameset w/fork), but also ONE OF THE BEST FS BIKE EVER, PERIOD. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from NYC, NY
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Salmon Falls, Auburn Ca | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Handles like it's on rails.
Indestructable
Feels lighter than it is. | | Weaknesses: |
Chainstays too narrow for BIG tires.
Seat tube not adjustment friendly. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS
MC San Andreas | | Bike Setup: |
'97 Stock except:
Mavic 571/XTR wheels
Intense Comp CC 2.1 tires
Gripshift Attack shifters
Odyssey Tristed Clip pedals
Nuke Proof riser stem
WB SST-K seat | | Bottom Line: | This is what a full suspension bike should be. I've ridden this bike everywhere; up and down mountains in Pa, the sweetest Cal singletrack, Ks flats, Mo deathdrops (they have a couple), golf courses in Ok and the trails and streets of NY. It has delivered in all conditions. I've made a few stupid decisions regarding jumps and have planted it at angles I've seen break other frames, without any more damage than scatching the paint. My weight being 185lbs that strong frame is most important. Like other reviewers I wish the seat had a wider adjustment range for insane downhills, but am willing to live with it in return for the performance the frame gives. Returning from Cal a few weeks ago I notice that I had shredded the IRC Mythos tires that were on it and swapped them out for the Intense tires, both sets are 2.1. I was disappointed that the more agressively knobbed Intense tires rubbed the drive side chainstay. It was not pronounced and after a few hours enough rubber was worn off to eliminate the problem. However one of the LBS guys just finished building and FSR for DH competition with 2.35's on it and found the rear tire was completely wedged between the chainstays. For me, I love this bike so much that I bought a '99 for my girlfriend and am really looking forward to the release of the new FSR DH, I had almost put money down on a M-1 when I saw the pictures of the FSR DH and now I'm holding back for it. Someone is going to have to come up with something very amazing to get me off these Specialized bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip
a Weekend Warrior
from Loma Linda, CA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anything Downhill | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
A lot of bike for the buck, Doesn't bob. | | Weaknesses: |
you cant lower the seat post with out cutting it | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Lobo | | Bike Setup: |
I bought it as a complete bike but I changed the rims to Mavic 321 DISC because the 221's that came with it were not beefy enough, I also changed the Cranks to Race Face LP and the seat to Body Geometry sport or Tiaoge DH depending on what type of riding i am doing | | Bottom Line: | If you like to go downhilling but you can't get a ride up then buy this bike. FREERIDING RULES!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Czamanske
a Weekend Warrior
from Glen Lake, Michigan
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Pere Marquette State Forest | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Very rideable for 29- 30 lbs.- excellent value in dual suspension design and package. Human powered Moto fun. | | Weaknesses: |
It takes awhile to adjust to a higher bottom bracket | | Similar Products Used: |
Santa Cruz Heckler
Klein Mantra
Cannondale V series | | Bike Setup: |
Set up is stock except Profile grips and Body Geometry seat, Cateye Enduro computer, two water cages. | | Bottom Line: | I reveiwed dual bikes for a year before buying this bike. I posted a reveiw in January. There was alot of hyperbole over duals and the weight, hard tail or dual. I find the transition from hardail
to this bike to be very enjoyable. If you are trying to decide whether or not to buy this bike or frame, if there are any left. I don't think you will be be disappointed. This bike is alot of fun. If you are fit and a good rider, any penalty that there may be weight is completly balanced out by the ride. I usually
ride 15 miles at a time off road, two and single tracks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob K.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Hatboro, PA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Blue Marsh Lake | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
M.A.X. Backbone Frame (STIFFY)
Four-Bar Linkage
Fox Shock
NO-BOB | | Weaknesses: |
Weight, it could lose a little, but so could I. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek VRX 300
Klien Mantra
Schwinn Homegrown FS | | Bike Setup: |
Bike is stock except for the following:
Marzoochi Bomber Z.2 BAM (PHAT)
Avid 50 Brakes
Time Carbon Pedals (Will never go back to Shimano) | | Bottom Line: | The bike is fun and fast. I do not race anymore so the extra bike weight does not bother me. I ride the suspension pretty tight for most of my rides but it is fun to soften it up and just blast down some hills. Great job Specialized. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benjamin Tan
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tampines Off-road Cycling Track | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
This bike is the Bomb!
M.A.X. Frame
FOX Vanilla R Coil-over Shock
Doesn't Bob! :^)
The Suspension Doesn't Affect The Pedalling And Vice Versa!
Four-bar Linkage Design Withstood The Test Of Time (In The Last 5-6 Years' Of MTB Full-Suspension World).
Climbs Great & Descends Even Greater! | | Weaknesses: |
To Be Fair, No Bike (Any Manufacturer) Is Flawless.
Seat Adjustability Rather Poor Due To The Interrupted Seat Tube Design (Cannot Have The Same Seat Post For X-Country And Dual Slalom/Downhill/Freeriding) I Know 'Cos I Saw Off My Seat Post To Accommodate My Height (5 Ft 7 In) And My Freeride Style Of Cycling. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS & STS ('96-'98)
Gary Fisher Joshua ('97-'98)
Specialized '97 GC AIM 3-Bar(Mac Strut) Series
Trek Y Bikes (URT)
Cannondale Super V Series | | Bike Setup: |
Azonic PDW 2 Riser Bar
Ringle Zooka Stem
Chris King Headset
SRAM Gripshifters (Will Upgrade To New '99 Dirt Series)
Avid 2.0L Brake Levers
Pre-'99 Shimano XT V-Brakes
Titec Berserkr DH Saddle
'99 Answer Manitou SX-R Fork
'99 Sun Rhyno Lite Rims
Son of Strongarm Cranks (Will Buy '99 Shimano XTR Crankset Soon!)
IG-90 Chain
GT Platform Pedals
'98 DT Hugi Rear Hub (Which UnFortunately I Broke While Jumping On Them On My Stumpy Hardtail = Will Upgrade to World Class, Chris King[Rules!] Or Shimano XTR or XT Depending On My Budget
Old Tires (Will Be Panaracer Fire XC Pro Or Specialized Evil Twins)
'99 Shimano XT Front Deraileur
Shimano XTR Rear Deraileur
Machine Tech Deraileur Pulley ala Avid Rollamagig | | Bottom Line: | This Bike Is Fun To Ride! Very Smooth & Plush! Might Have To Switch To Mountain Speed Rear Speed Coil Spring Soon 'Cos Stock Spring Has A Higher Spring Rate Than Is Advisable For Me!
Four-bar Linkage Is The Way To Go!
I Bought The Frame (Without The Manitou X-Vert R Fork) For A Very Good Price At SGD$1,880 From A LBS.
Built It Up With The Aid Of My Trusty Friend At The Bike Rendezvous Whom I Believe Is The Best Mechanic In Singapore! Just Ask The Local MTBers, They Know!Bottom Line Is: Just Get Out There & Ride Regardless Of Your Skills And Abilities!
Ride B4 U Go To Work & After Work. After School. If Your Boss Permits, Ride To Work!
Have Loads And Loads Of Fun! Short Preachy Note: A Lot Of Us, MTBers(All Around The World) Have The Tendency To Get Enmeshed In The Bike Brands' Rivalry & Start Dishing(disrespecting) Others' MTBs Forgetting How Much Fun We Get From Riding & Not To Mention The Bond, Camaraderie And Friendship We Developed Over The Course Of Time We Spent Together!Brands Like Ellsworth, Dean, Turner, Schwinn, GT, DiamondBack/DBR, Trek, Cannondale, Pyclewerks, KHS, Specialized, Giant, Chuck, Intense, Kona, Jamis, Rocky Mountain, Mountain Cycle, Yeti And The Rest That I Didn't Get To Mention, Please Forgive Me!...All Of Them Built Good Bikes...It Depends On The Bikers' Personal Preference, Prejudices, Bias And Riding Style To Select A Brand He Or She Likes!We Are Damned Fortunate Not To Be Handicapped/Disabled(My Apologies To Those Afflicted With Those Conditions)...Just Enjoy Riding!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OZZY
a weekend warrior
from roswell GA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
ive had the FSR Elite for a year now and has held up well
i have a marzocchi bomber Z1 up front stuck hayes hydroulic discs on the front
also. Verry sweet. I upgraded the rear suspension with a long travel
mountain speed kit with a fox vanilla rx shock now has 6.2 inches of travel in the rear and rides like a luxury car on steriods!!!!! Worth the money for the much more plush ride. going to be sticking bearings in the pivots soon too.
best bike ive ever ridden. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sherman
a weekend warrior
from British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike used and it was in excellent condition. It is actually a 1997 frame, which is the same as the 98, but it is speced out like a 98 with a few upgrades like maguras, gripshift and dh rims. I ride this bike as a general purpose bike. So far I like it, I do have a complaint about is the Specialized front hub. I did not like the quick release and Idid not like how the bearings are hard to change. Another complaint about the part selection is that the cranks are not very good. They are the S works cranks. I find them quite flexy.The ride is great. With 4.5 in the back and 4 up front this is a sweet and balanced ride. It is great for climbing hills for a full suspension but it is a little heavy. Decending with it is great. So far I have upgraded a few things to make the ride better but I think the stock bike itself is a good bike. It loses one point for having some poor components. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe Rockhead
a racer
from Honalulu Hawaii!!!!!
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the worst piece oshit bike I have ever ridden on in my life. What the hell does this FSR stand for anyway, fucing shitty ride.
Your trully,
Love:Joe Rockhead. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from Leelanau County, Michigan
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought 98-Elite from SuperGo in LA for $1500. I had demoed this bike along with the FSR comp for 2 hours last summer on familiar trails and fell in love with the Elite but couldn't handle the $2300 price. Good things come to those who wait. All I can say is that this bike rocks going downhill, and imparts a very stable feeling all around. I haven't had enough time with it to even learn
about the set up, notice date of this entry. More on my impressions later in the year. In the little bit of riding I was able to do in Arizona on my way home, I
did notice a slight knock in the right (standover) lower fork leg. After calling
Answer they said there were some early X-vert's with short inner sleeves, and they would fix it free by installing longer one. I should have had the mechcanic check it at Supergo, thinking it was a break in thing-wrong. Anyone had any experience with this? If any one reading this has this bike and you have developed specific modifications to reduce the weight I would love to hear from you, also if anyone has any knowledge of the parts offered from Mountain Speed and what they can do for you. My only concern with this bike is the weight, though it certainly rolls and rides lighter. When we weighed it last summer a large was 29 lbs.,the tested Pro in MBA last year was 28.5 lbs. (medium,probably). The only thing I swapped out so far has been the seat, I changed to the Body Geometry, heavy but very comfy.Would love to hear from other Elite owners on weight and modication ideas. I can live with the heavier type of all mountain bike, obviously I didn't buy this for x-country racing. So, much hype is given to racing when alot of us just go out for the 4 hour to all day epic, adventure, search and explore type of riding, but this bike if that is your style of riding, otherwise buy the FSR XC. Thanks for any input, will post more later. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Popp
a weekend warrior
from Ojai, Ca.
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just recently purchased the Elite frameset with Manitou xvert-r front fork. I completed the bike with all XT components and Gripshift Shark Attack shifters. I run Kujo DH tires, front and rear. All completed for under $1500.00.
This bike makes what I ride on too easy up or down. A little heavier than my Giant ATX 990, but with the 4.5 in of suspension, it is unlike anything I have ever ridden. With the Kujo tires, this bike rails downhill and I don;t need to pick a line through rocky areas. I improved the front fork with the firm ride spring and mcu's. This bike is the bomb. I can't believe they could improve the design. THE BOMB....... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my FSR Elite for about 4 months now. I chose it over the Santa Cruz (Heckler or Tazmon) because it was a far better value for a solid riding FS bike. I had some initial misgivings about the control of the bike vs my hardtail, but I have since gotten more comfortable with it and now can handle it as well as if not better than my hardtail. This is a very solid all around bike. It's true the bike is a little heavier than my hardtail, but while the big climbs are a little slower, any time lost climbing is reclaimed on the screaming descents. Also, coming from a hardtail with a rigid fork, the full-suspension makes long (previously grueling rides) seem like a sunday drive (I used to feel like I was an 'internal organ smoothie' after a long ride).The only problems I've had from the bike appear to result from poor assembly at the LBS (good price, lousy service). Anyway, four chilis from me (One demerit for the high-rise bars and the single bottle/pump mount). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zark
a downhiller
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've Had my FSR Pro for one year now. It is great. Downhill and extreme riding is its main forte yet it can climb singletrack very well. It is a tank though. 28 pounds stock and now mines over 30 due to heavier tires and wheels and 636's. OK now heres my gripes:no disc brake mount, bushings instead of bearings and not enough tire clearance for anything bigger than 2.2's. These are small details though and excellent overall design more than makes up for it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jon mcmahon
a cross-country rider
from Stowe, VT
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Let me start off by saying that this bike is a sweet ride, that is when shit don't break. The balance of front and rear travel is perfect for the cross country rider that isn't afraid of speed. The bike carves amazing corners and can take a big hit without throwing you out of the saddle. Unfortunately, keeping the bike's components in one piece has been a challenge for me. After one year the repair list was as follows: bottom bracket, Judy cartridge, stem, handlebar, fox vanilla (rear), derailler hanger (twice), and wheels (front and rear). By the way, spinergies look and ride nice on the FSR, but I have already broke the rear twice. Thus I am on wheels 5 and 6. I am told that I am abusive to my equipment, so don't think that all of this shit will happen to you. My bike is nasty now. Slap a riser bar (azonic double wall), raceface BB, and a better wheelset, then you will be on cloud 9. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Hart
a cross-country rider
from park city, ut
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought the FSR LTD and this bike truly Rocks!!!!!! It (medium frame) weighs only 25 lbs which is much lighter than the 30lb Cannondale SV1000Fr that I bought at the beginning of the season. I am a XC rider but love the downhill as a reward for the climb. The FSR LTD climbs like a champ and though the downhill isn't as plush as the SV1000fr, it does swallow every bump and rut. I sold my Cannondale.
I have the privilege of riding the Norba trails at Deer Valley, UT and feel the FSR is the best all around bike for all types of riding. I have ridden hardtails and very plush full suspension bikes and have to say, if you are looking for one bike, the FSR LTD is it. The components are great, the look is great, and the ride is awesome!!!!!!! My LBS rocks, too. Thanks White Pine Touring in Park City, UT. Five chilis for both!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Goose
a weekend warrior
from Hawaii
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok, here's my 2 cent's worth on the bike. I bought the FSR LIMITED (you know the xc version of the FSR with the Judy SL, Fox Air Vanilla rear shock, MAX frame) to replace my Amp B3 with Manitou Mach 5SX. I wanted more travel but I actually got the bike because it's SO SEXY looking, kinda like the Mantis Flying V; it was love at first sight when they introduced the MAX frame in 97. But I waited until they lightened it and reduced the price. Then Zap told me to get the limited since it rode really nice.How does it perform? The rear end is really plush considering it has an air shock. Rode my friend's FSR comp (rock shox rear shock), and also the bike shop's FSR comp back to back with the ltd and found that the ltd was so much plusher. My friend with an LTS 97 also conceded that the ltd felt more plush than his lts. Must be the negative spring on the Fox shock. The XTR/XT drivetrain/brake mix is flawless. I didn't expect much from the Judy SL long travel (80mm) since I'm a Manitou fan but it's been performing quite nicely.My one complaint is that because of the longer wheelbase (2 more than the Amp) and the relatively low BB height (12), the pedals have a tendency to smack roots, rocks, dirt, etc. when they reach the 6 o'clock position. Kinda disconcerting and darnright dangerous. Other than that, I've been quite pleased with the ltd. It climbs the long, extended hills much better than the AMP and my hardtail, but it's not as good as the AMP on the short and steep stuff; also can't hammer out of the saddle as well because of the increased travel. Singletrack agiliity is almost as good as the AMP. But it's the downhills where the ltd really shines from anything else I've ridden. It feels really solid and plush at the same time. It's really confidence-inspiring!I have one more complaint, although it's about the LBS. They gave me a size small although they claimed it was a medium. Good thing I brought out my ruler and actually measured the top tube. Turns out they had mixed up the med and the small. I would've been REALLY BUMMED if I was stuck with an undersized frame. So 3 flames for the LBS, 5 meteors for the FSR Limited!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Christopher
a racer
from California
Date Reviewed: August 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Being a MTB racer I have ridden many high profile bicycles, Trek Y-5-0, Y-SL, Cannondale Super V 3000, 4000, Intese M1-SL's etc...I currently own a prototype 1999 SL-300, I bought the YSR Elite as a training bike as I did not want to ruin my SL-300. It climbs great, excellent DH speed, and is very durable. Throw some spinergy wheels on and you've got one great bike. It handles great on speedy DH's, trails, and jumps. I recommend this bike to anyone who wants a top quality bike for a very good price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vic the butcher
a cross-country rider
from bronx, ny usa
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
first, i must tell you - i described myself as a cross country rider. be informed that i also street ride, downhill bomb and use this bike everyday. i ride it about 8 - 10 miles to work and then from work. i can't stay off this bike. i jump curbs, sidewalks, do battle with cars for road superiority, and just ride as hard as i can. except for the lack of an engine this bike handles so precise that it makes me feel as if i were on a motorcycle. i must admit that i did change the tires to some Vittoria kevlar evolution series so i can ride faster on and off road. the other day some idiot daydreaming sonofabvtch ran right into me head on while i tried to pass him ( i gave that sucker about 5 feet distance between us ) and he just cut into my line. let me tell you that while his cheap rig sustained tacos in the front rim and a bent fork ( slightly ), my rig was just fine. except for a scratch on the fork. i really am impressed with the design of the Elite. overall i really love this flippin bike. i can't put it down. with all the adjustments you can give it's suspension this is a very versatile bike. money well spent. i give it 5 burning body bags but i wish i could give it more! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from New Mexico
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought one of these bikes for $2100 last month and have put at least 50
hours of hard cross-country riding on it. It is an excellent bike for the
money. I didn't swap out anything. It handles beautifully, takes downhills
with gusto, and it appears to be impossible to hurt it. The components are
excellent, front and rear derailleurs shift when asked 100% of the time (I
am used to cheaper bikes, so maybe I'm a little too easy to please).My only complaint is the weight, about 29 pounds I am told. My riding times
are off about 2-3% compared with a cheap hardtail that is a little lighter.
But since I don't race (too chicken)that is OK. I'm out for the fun and
the workout. This bike is REALLY fun to ride. I would highly recommend it.
I'd like suggestions as to how to drop a couple pounds from the weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a downhiller
from Mass.
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a sweet bike for the privateer downhiller that does'nt have a
ton of money.The components are a good mix for the money and the Manitou soakes fork soakes up most hits and the rear works well with it,with about even travel
travel,only bobs in hard all out sprints.But if you are going to use this for downhilling there are some changes to make,I should know I just finished a race
season on it.First change out the bottom bracket for one that is sealed
better,can the head set its crap,dump the XTR for a sram 9.0, put Rhyno lites
in place of the cheap Mavic rims,they will not last long.switch out the Ritchey
pedals for Shimano 636.The tires that come on it are O.K.,but I ran a Kujo 2.35
up front and a Fear Master 2.2 out back (it may rub a little w/stock rims)
this may sound like a lot to change, but a good shop should do most of this(B.B.,Headset,pedals,derailier)for little or no money,besides that its a sweet ride that can hold its own against much more exspensive rides, Buy it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey
a downhiller
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Elite as a frameset with the X-vert up front and put on some nice stuff from Roox, Magura and Shimano.My other bike was a Schwinn so this was my first time on a FS bike and it rocks.
The bike really follows you and it goes were you want it to go. The rear shock works without any problems and you don't need to stiff it up when riding uphill.
The X-vert works great after I bought a rebuilding kit and got the fork a bit softer because I thought it was too stiff so I rebulid it wiht softer spring and elastomers.
With the FSR Specialized have made a wonderful bike
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Carpentieri
a weekend warrior
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All I can cay is WOW! I was intending to keep my old Killer V 900 HT and buy the FSR Elite as a second bike, but after riding the FSR Elite on the trail, I sold my Cannondale!
Amazing!!! This bike climbs like a dream, handles incredibly, descends like lightning!!! Specialized really put together a winner with this one!
The XTR reverse action rear derailleur shifts quietly amd imperceptibly. The StrongArm crankset is stiff (got some bad reviews for flex, but I didn't notice any), and the suspension (both front and rear) is amazing!GET THIS BIKE!!! RIDE THIS BIKE!!! NEVER OWN ANOTHER!!!
I'd give it six stars if I could! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mad Miguel
a racer
from Manchester, U.K.
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was fortunate to test both the FSR Elite and FSR Expert recently at a test day organised by my local bike dealer (Harry Hall Cycles - Sorry for the blatant plug)in the beautiful Peak District. What can I say? Well first off I guess I should point out that I've been pretty lucky having always been heavily involved with bikes and working in several bike shops, so I've tried a few different Full suspension (FS) bikes.Unfortunately I'm still a student and although I have a rather Tasty S-Works, an Orange P7 and a Giant CFR road bike, I can't bring myself to sell any of the above and buy an FS rig. Well that was until I rode the FSR Elite. This bike (and the cheaper Expert) both climb exceptionally. I have this unfortunate lust for big hills so a bikes got to climb. The Elite FSR let me clean uphill sections my hardtails can't handle. The big difference is the quality of the suspension, you really notice the jump up from the cheaper model as the Elite setup is SO plush!On the climbs and the flats it rides like a hardtail, no noticeable pedal induced 'bob' or such problems. The only comment would be that at first it feels like you're riding with flat tyres! No 'bob' is great as I often climb out of the saddle and find designs like that of the Marin very tiring. I know you're supposed to stay in the saddle more on a FS rig, but... It was however on the downs this bike exceled. I've riden an STS Downhill but I'd swear this bike was faster and it feels soooo much more stable than a Cannondale Raven. This bike cries out to be pointed downhill and launched. AWESOME descending. There are still a few more bikes I would like to test ride before I come to a final decision on an FS rig but at the moment this bike has my vote. I also find the prospect of turning this into a race-worthy XC beast interesting, a pair of PACE Pro Class 90mm Forks upfront and my set of Hope hubs, Ti spokes and Mavics and this bike would be breathtaking... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
billy
a weekend warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got back from a week in Moab and the surrounding area, and I must say that this bike is excellent. I was able to climb as well as my old hardtail, and the long rides were much more comfortable due to the suspension. I did make some modifications from the factory spec bike; I swapped the downhill image fork and riser bars for a single crown X-VERT and Titec flat bars, and I built a new lightweight wheelset (the stock wheelset belongs on a $800 bike). I also put on Kooka cranks and a titaniaum bottom bracket. The end result was a sub 25lb full suspension trail bike. Now I find out that Specialized is offering a version of this frame similar to the one I put together, called the FSR LTD. Oh, well; at least I used a better component pick. I still can't get over the performance, I had saved my old frame for more technical rides and singletrack, but I won't be using it anymore. Some criticism; the FSR doesn't have very much tire clearance for the fatties needed for sand flotation (2.1 max on rear), also by the very nature of rear suspension it is not very good for trials type moves (if needed). I also needed to strap my pump to the seatstay, as there was no better place to put it. All in all, the best full sus trail bike going that I've ridden. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a weekend warrior
from joppa,md.
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I can't say enough about this bike. If you are looking for a great trail bike then this is the one. This bike is perfect for tight and technical singletrack. This bike is a perfect balance between crosscountry and downhill. It handles nice at speed and goes where you point it. It also is a great climber and with a few minor component changes it could be brought down under 25lbs. Specialized has set the standard again!! Buy this bike if you either wanna blast singletrack on the weekends; be competative at downhill; or ride x-country. This bike feels way lighter than it is. It is very comfortable yet very quick. Like I said in the beginning; I can't say enough. I have to give this bike 5 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce
a cross-country rider
from Tempe, AZ
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Elite at the end of Dec 97, so I have had some time on it. Specialized did a great job with the rear suspension on this bike, no need for a shock lockout on this bike. If you are worried about the linkage rear-end, just put a drop of oil on the pivot points once in a while and grease the shock eye bolts for a great ride. It is not that hard. I did replace my stock fox spring with a heavier one (hey, not everyone riding a small is under 160lbs), and the Vanilla R performs wonderfully. It also has meaningful external rebound adustments. The X-vert R is also a great spec. I read about another person losing the rebound adustment knob on theirs, but I have had no problems with mine and in AZ I ride mainly on rocks so it gets a beating. The bike is heavy, but it rides way lighter than it actually is. In other words, the fun value is extremely high.One negative was the front tire, which shed its knobs like crazy; but Specialized's policy allowed me to trade it at my LBS for any other tire I wanted-bad tire, good warranty. The Elite is perfect for the trail riding here in AZ, the feel is inbetween a XC and DH rig, in other words it is quite versatile. It would be a challenge to cut the weight to acceptable XC racing standards (but then again I am no lightweight either). If you are looking for a high-spec trail bike that could be used for some amature racing, then this is the bike for you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris dh
a downhiller
from western, NC USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i bought this great bike around the middle of Feb of 1998. This is a great bike, the cost is good for the quality of components. I modified mine for DH use and the suspension(f and r) are great for east coast downhill racing. The X-Vert R is a great plush front fork, and the Vanilla R is also great. The rear end never bobs when pedaling. So if u are thinking of getting a full-suspension bike THIS is the one. Specialized rules. See ya at the races! | | Overall Rating: |
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