Submitted by
Peluca Racing
a Downhiller
from Lima Peru
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2004
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.
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.
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
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Submitted by
jt
a Cross Country Rider
from austin tx
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
ed g
a Weekend Warrior
from LA Cal. usa
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000
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
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!
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
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Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000
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.
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000
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.
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.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock. New stem - Profile Stiffy Velociraptor front tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerome
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec City, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999
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
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from NYC, NY
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999
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.
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Czamanske
a Weekend Warrior
from Glen Lake, Michigan
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
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
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.
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.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob K.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Hatboro, PA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999
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.
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.
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)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benjamin Tan
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
