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Specialized
FSR Extreme 98
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Submitted by
tim
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Chubb, DeClue | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Tullio's Big Dog Cyc | | Strengths: | Efficient rear suspension, good geometry, solid entry components, tank-like in its durability | | Weaknesses: | a few creaks here and there and I could have done without the mirror blue and red paint job (I call it the Captain America scheme) but that's all I've got! | | Similar Products Used: | Ross rigid | | Bike Setup: | Azonic riser bars, Specialized Body Geometry leather saddle, XT 8 speed shifters & brakes, race face crankset, Bontrager Asym wheelset, Specialized Fast Trak LK tires, Light & Motion Dual Logic lightset, Lizard skins all over the place | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike. It's pulled out some crazy landings that lesser bikes would have crumpled under. I've been riding this bike over technical terrain since 99 and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It climbs like a goat, sucks up big hits like a dirt bike, descends quickly and in a controlled fashion, and is still light enough to cover great distance without killing you. When I was shopping for a bike, I wanted one that could do everything. I couldn't afford a downhill bike, an XC bike, a free ride bike...like most people can't. The FSR can do it all. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brook
a Downhiller
from Fenton MO
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | castle wood | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | mesa | | Strengths: | Duribility | | Weaknesses: | bit noisy and soft fork | | Similar Products Used: | random hard tails | | Bike Setup: | all stock but the fork springs where replaced with stiffer ones | | Bottom Line: | great all mountain bike hadles climbs down hills and jumps. the bike has lasted me eight years going on nine. the bike makes some noise at times but keeps on rollin. Im sad to say though she is on her way out. you can bet my next bike is going to be a specialized. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Lazarski
a Weekend Warrior
from North Kingstown, RI, USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Arcadia State Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1678.00 | | Purchased At: | Caster's Cycling | | Strengths: | Durability! | | Weaknesses: | Creaking noise in the crankset somewhere | | Similar Products Used: | Not so similar, but a 1992 Rockhopper and a 1989 Stumpjumper. 1988 Bianchi (cool looking and expensive for the time, but not better than my $499 Rockhopper) Tested out many competitors at the time...but I felt this was the leader for the price. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Specialized Wireless Computer, waterbottle cage...the random normal add-ons like bar-ends.... | | Bottom Line: | I don't ride with groups of people or know the lingo of other cyclists. I have simply riddent this bike since I purchased it back in November of 1997. I thought the color was hideous, but it came recommended back then and a great buy and I am glad I did so. While I may not be able to speak intelligently about the individual parts of the bike, I can speak about the whole. I have only replaced the chain, tires and brake pads on this bike and have been faithful in getting a full-service tune-up each spring. On average I ride about 700-950 miles per year on either roadways, trails or off the beaten path!
The first two years, I had some fun bringing it to a couple of skate parks and used it regularly on a half pipe and many jumps. I weighed about 160lbs back then and I estimate that it handled 3-4ft drops very well. Today I weight 250lbs and while I don't do the stunts I did back then, I still find the suspension maintains the ride and traction in most conditions comfortably. In addition to the regular upkeep, I do tend to avoid puddles, sand and mud as I feel this must kill the suspension and other mechanisms over time....so, in summary, I obviously feel this has helped keep the bike in good shape!
I am very happy with Specialized and this particular bike. I am looking at their road bikes and will not sell this one...when I get sick of it I will hang it up on my wall in my den as it is too ugly to depart with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
colby
a Downhiller
from suffield, ct
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | jiminy peak | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | got it for free from a friend | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | frame started to crack after first ride of the season but i got it welded back together and it is a really gnarly bike. | | Similar Products Used: | iron horse sgs expert | | Bike Setup: | lime green fsr extreme with 5in psylo and 8in disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | its a sick ass bike, its good for downhill and it climbs really good because it is light and easy to throw around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from AK
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Still holding up fine after all these years! | | Weaknesses: | Those have already been addressed. I think my next mod will be BETD chain stays. | | Bottom Line: | I added SingleTrack disc wheels and Avid disc brakes over the winter. I had to drill out the lower non-drive side of the seat stay to make the Specialized disc brake mount work. It is made for '99 and up FSR models that already have a hole in the seatstay. The stock V brake mount had to be drilled & tapped since my brake post stripped out and didn't want to unscrew out of the seatstay boss.
The brakes are pretty nice but have required some set up time to get them right. I'm still working on it.
Why buy a new bike when this one can be modded so much? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Mills
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairchild AFB, WA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Vietnam, Riverside Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray's Cycle in Vacaville, CA | | Strengths: | Great all-mountain bike; good original parts spec; good suspension travel at the time; 4-bar suspension design the greatest; excellent bang-for-the-buck at the time | | Weaknesses: | Typical weaknesses for this bike - short top tube; heavy frame; stock rear suspension bushings; some Specialized house-brand parts pretty crappy | | Similar Products Used: | Bike history: Huffy 18-speed rigid (1988-1991); Miyata Elevation 400' rigid (1991-1993); Diamondback Axis Team front-suspension (1993-1998); Specialized FSR Extreme dual-suspension (1998-present) | | Bike Setup: | Original frame with over-the-time upgrades (see below) | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to the review I posted back in July 1998. This bike is definitely sweet with all the upgrades i've put into it. Bought it in 1998 for $1600 (thanks Ray's Cycle in Vacaville, CA - you guys rock), and it was definitely the most bang-for-the-buck bike at the time - 4" of travel front/rear and the 4-bar suspension design - still the way to go, to this day. Didn't like the Kermit-the-Frog green that much, but I was out for as much performance and fun as I could get for $1600. As for the stock components/suspension - definitely good for the time, but, obviously, as time goes on, so does better/lighter bike parts coming out. So, in the quest for a lighter/better performing bike, I have spent some cash over time (approx. $1782.00 in upgrades), and have customized it to the moon to my liking. The key is to find the stuff on sale - I was able to purchase all the upgrades with a savings of $577.00 over the original price. The way I see it, it comes out to $3382.00 total, which is just a little over the current 2003 Specialized Enduro Pro, which essentially the same as this bike is now. Anyway, here's the breakdown of the current bike:
Frame - 1998 FSR Extreme, med. frame, Mountainspeed 4-pivot
bearing kit
Shock - 2000 Fox Float RC ($199.00 - thanks, Supergo)
Fork - 2002 Rockshox Psylo SL w/soft-spring kit ($389)
Headset - FSA Orbit XL II ($45)
Stem - Specialized (switched from stock 135mm to 110mm)($15)
Handlebar - FSA XC190 riser ($59)
Grips - Yeti Hard-Core ($8)
Brake Levers/Shifters - Shimano XT, 9-speed ($69)
Cables - Shimano XTR sealed brake/gear teflon cableset ($36)
Saddle - SDG Bel-Air, kevlar sides, titanium rails ($79)
Seatpost - Thomson Elite, cut to 330mm ($69)
Seatpost Binder - Specialized alloy quick-release ($24)
Bottom Bracket - Shimano ES-70, octalink spindle ($23)
Crankset - Shimano XT, 9-speed, octalink, hollowtech ($89)
Pedals - Shimano 545 ($59)
Front Derailleur - Shimano XT, 9-speed ($21)
Rear Derailleur - Shimano XTR, 9-speed, medium-cage ($75)
Cassette - Shimano XT, 9-speed, 11-34 tooth ($38)
Chain - SRAM PC-99, 9-speed ($34)
Brakes - Hayes HMX-1, mechanical discs ($148)
Front Hub - Specialized Stout disc, cartridge bearings ($5)
Rear Hub - Specialized Stout disc, cartridge bearings ($8)
Front Skewer - Specialized alloy skraxle ($N/A)
Rear Skewer - Specialized chromoly ($N/A)
Spokes - DT Black Revolutions, 14/17/14 gauge ($77)
Nipples - DT alloy, red/green ($16)
Rims - Mavic X317 disc, black ($128)
Rim Strips - Velox Cloth ($5)
Tubes - Salsa Superlight presta ($10)
Tires - Panaracer Trailblaster K, 2.1, black/red ($54)
Headset Spacer - Winwood, 15mm, carbon fiber ($3)
Disc Adapter - Specialized FSR alloy disc adapter ($50)
Cable Guides - Problem Solvers, plastic, stick-on ($10)
Brake Boss Plugs - Problem Solvers, plastic, 8/10 mm ($8)
Chainstay Protector - Lizard Skins, neoprene ($7)
Bar Ends - Titec Micros ($19)
Computer - Specialized Speedzone Team, wireless ($60)
As you can see, the bike is nowhere close to the original I bought 5 years ago. The performance rivals the bikes today, to a degree. I'd have to spend about the same I did on this bike and upgrades to get a comparable machine today. I'd say the biggest upgrades to the bike in the order of importance in the performance area were: Mountainspeed bearing kit, Fox Float RC, Rockshox Psylo SL, conversion to disc brakes, the change-over to 9-speed, and a lighter wheelset. With all the upgrades, the bike went from 30.66 lbs to 29.47 lbs, despite the change-over to disc brakes - not bad for an all-mountain bike. My goal was achieved - when I initially started upgrading (discs and heavy disc wheelset), the bike jumped to 33 lbs - ouch. So, I lightened the wheelset, and put on lighter components here-and-there, and dropped 3.5 lbs - pretty good for and all-mountain bike. As for any future upgrades, I cannot think of any to increase the performance/weight factor, without switching the fork out to a Fox Float RLC - not willing to shell out 700 bucks to do that. Would be a nice upgrade, though. Definitely nice having the lockouts front/rear, although I only use them on the road. Greatest feature is the U-Turn on the Psylo SL - use that every ride I do with an extended climb or descent (lots of them here in the Spokane area). Nice having the adjustability of the head angle. Love the suspension performance of the Fox Float/Mountainspeed bearing kit combo in the back - added about an inch of travel, and performs loads better than the stock Rockshox Coupe Deluxe coil/plastic bushing combo. Will definitely have this bike for years to come. All-in-all, it would be hard to find a better bike at this pricepoint. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregory Cavanaugh
a Cross Country Rider
from Gallup, NM
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pete's Wicked | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Plush ride
Cool color scheme
Good suspension design
| | Weaknesses: | A bit heavey
Bearings creaky
high standover hieght | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Bought as a frameset. Converted my hardtail into a full-suspension! I have low end Shimano parts on it and cheap rims so it is heavey but I love to ride it! Once you go full suspension you will never go back! Swap the parts off your hartail onto a full suspension frame and see what everyone else is enjoying at a lower price!! | | Bottom Line: | This bike seems to climb well and it sucks up the bumbs. The rear-end does seem a little slopy when twisting down single tracks but I just came off of a hardtail! Overall I think this is a great frame if you can get it for a good price, there are lighter frames out there! Happy riding | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Lanham
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any where | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Swapped for a cfm 1 | | Strengths: | Very confidence boosting, comfortable | | Weaknesses: | linkages have a bit of flex | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Duke sl forks, deore components, v-brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is bike is awsome after riding a hardtail, it is an intermediate untill i can aford an enduro comp. Mmmmm, maybe i don't need the comp? this bike is very fun to ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Alaska
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | UPGRADEABLE! | | Weaknesses: | Judy XL fork, rear bushings, stock link, stock tires | | Bike Setup: | '02 Psylo SL. BETD link w/1050 lb Fox spring on a rebuilt Rock Shox Coupe Delux (how weird is that?) in 6" travel setting, BETD full bearing kit Mosh pedels, IRC back Country tires, new chain rings + chain, new front deraillure, bargain bin saddle, Profile bars, used parts shorty stem. | | Bottom Line: | Now into my 5th summer and I still like my bike. Teh new fork and link really made all the difference. These components made the old FSR feel lie a new bike. I read the previous reviews and can't really understand how people can say they enjoy the downhill geometery or never bottom out. I bottomed out everywhere and think the stock link is a worthless pile of crap. My bike now rolls over everything and is far more enjoyable to ride. To me it is a long travel cross country bike and nothing more. The suspension improvements allow me to take it into the local BMX jumping park and do small gap jumos but I plan to buy and build up a real Freeride bike in the future.
Presently with the upgrades the FSR Extreme lives more up to its name and now will stay with me for another 5 years. I still like it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
W. Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Helena Mt.
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | cave gulch, amasa back trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | great ride, the suspension is good, although the judy xl has some feirce rebounding. an awsome frame aswell. for 550 bucks this was a great buy. | | Weaknesses: | hmmm. well the color is a bit odd, you would think this bike belongs to kermit the frog. the front fork pings of things like a pogo stick. could uses some dampaning | | Bike Setup: | When i got the bike i bought of a friend of mine for $550. it came with all the stock items on it. from there i have done away with the mavic 221 rims(which were kinda weird to find on a full suspension bike and being 200lbs, i have been knowen to demolish rims)and have put on a mavic d521 rim with a shimano xt front hub and a sun rhynolite rear downhill rim whit a shimano deore hub. i have also outfitted the bike with shimano xt disc brakes. i did have to purchase a rear adapter for the caliper mount. bontranger jones tires up front. and a 2.4 motorapter tire on the rear. xt drive train is great with xt shifters as well. | | Bottom Line: | it is a great full suspesion bike if you are on a budget and don't mind the kawasaki green. after putting about 400 more dollars into the bike the overall cost is about $950. Great price for the fsr suspension desighn which is one of the best there is. great value and a great bike. and as much as i get bucked off of the green machine, it takes a licking, and still works great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mhop
a
from jersey
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Nice for downhill and XC riding. Rear shock provides enough travel for us that don't race them. I like the green paint. No creaks or problems with the frame at all. | | Weaknesses: | None. I built from the frame up the way I wanted it. | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose fs :-(
specialized rock hopper comp
schwinn homegrown | | Bike Setup: | XTR front and rear, Mavic 217 w/XTR hubs, Cook Bros crankset w/RaceFace Rings, Shimano 646 pedals, Yeti riser bar, XT brakes, XT shifter/levers, Marz bomber fork | | Bottom Line: | Feels nice jetting down the rocky and rooty trails here in jersey. It's awesome for this type of terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Graham
a Downhiller
from Greenville SC
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | awsome freeride geometry | | Weaknesses: | rims,seat | | Similar Products Used: | joshua,dbx2 | | Bike Setup: | 2.3 Tioga Factory DH,Coda competition dual piston disc brakes,titec berzerker dh seat,mavic x223 disc spec rims,shimano 535 platform spd,summit billet alum dh stem,gripshift plasma shifters,serfas grips,avid gritlock, xt f&r der,coda disc hubs | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the BOMB!! Had mine for 2 years and still love it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Boomerbiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Sarasota, FL
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hard Rock Ocala | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Sweet Suspension Design
Hard to miss green w/red components
Unlimited Upgrade Potential | | Weaknesses: | Weak Derailer Hanger.
New model colors and graphics. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fischer Joshua, Cannondale Raven, GT-LTS | | Bike Setup: | Full Custom, bought as frame only. Manitou FS-Ti w/heavy springs, XT brakes, bottom bracket, front derailer, ESP 9.0 Shifters and Rear Derailer, Race Face cranks, rings, stem and riser-bar, Syncros seat post, Cane-Creek Headset, DT-Hugi Hubs on Velocity Rims. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks, I'm a big guy 240 lbs, and couldn't find another bike that could keep up with me for the price. I've set it up with all killer parts and heavy springs front and rear and never bottom out. I love the lime green with red and black components and always get comments on how well this looks, but looks don't matter if the performance isn't there. I've got the best of both. No wonder this is the most copied suspension design out there. Specialized got it right with this bike. I've cooked my rear derailer and had to replace the hanger, not a big deal but the little screws that hold it in place are weak and strip out easily. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dude
a Cross Country Rider
from new jersey
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | bomb proof, supple ride | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | diamondback X6 cannondale | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | great trail bike. minimal maintenence. plush travel. I weigh 175 and i never bottom out. i've had it 2 years and only replaced the rings, cassette and chain and she rides great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D'arcy Finlan
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg,Manitoba
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any one I'm riding | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Nice ride ,great at speed down the hill and a fairly agile climber but must be a good spinner! | | Weaknesses: | seat wore out easily, rims very flexy, stock grips bite! | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS 1000, Pro-Flex 856 | | Bike Setup: | Disc brake up front( need extra power this baby likes to go fast), DH tires , upgrade of hubs,rims,cranks,bottom bracket,rear derail, she rides nice . | | Bottom Line: | The color is a head turner (Kermit the frog would be proud) Not a race bike but a good all-around trail bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Esempio
a Racer
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Snowshoe, WV | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Goes down fast!, XT components, Avid Brakes | | Weaknesses: |
Climbing, Weight | | Similar Products Used: |
GT XCR 2000 ('99) | | Bike Setup: |
Stock with RaceRings | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike used in '99, and while it is a great bike for technical terrain (like West Virginia), it does not climb as well as a hardtail, or the GT i-drive bikes for that matter. The triple crown fork ('98 Judy XL) is nice and stiff going down, but impedes handling on tight single track. With the advent of some new stiff single crown long travel forks, I believe this maybe my next upgrade for this bike. Other than that, this is a great bike...in it's element, it is pretty much unstoppable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross-Country Rider
from La Mirada, CA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Weaknesses: |
Ultra Steep Seat Angle. Non Standard size post. Ugly green paint job. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to the review below. I just couldn't get used to the super steep seat angle and the ugly green paint. (Mostly the seat angle). Also, the standover height was a bit tall even on the small size frame. Bottom line: I sold the frame and picked up a Specialized FSR Comp with the MAX BACKBONE Frame, normal geometry, a better shock, a lower standover height, and a way cool paint job that turns from dark green to purple depending on how the light hits it. This is what the Extreme should have been!!!! Since I found I could not live with the Extreme, will down grade my rating to 4 flaming dead horses. (That's what they look like to me). I'd give my new ride a 5 plus! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Will
a Cross-Country Rider
from La Mirada, CA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fullerton loop | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Price, suspension design, handeling, | | Weaknesses: |
75 degree seat tube sucks. 73 degree would be nice. | | Similar Products Used: |
fisher level betty, schwinn sweetspot. | | Bike Setup: |
All custom. Purchased as a frameset. Marzochii z-1 fork, GT hubs, Mavic 217s, xtr rear der and casset, xt brakes and front der, suntour 8 speed thumb shifters. | | Bottom Line: | Not real crazy about the lime green paint, but with over 20 years of mountainbiking experience one learns that the paint doesn't last that long anyway. Besides, at $299 for the frameset who's going to complain.I selected a Marzochii Z-1 bomber fork with 4 inches of travel. This is a much nicer fork than the stock fork, and sutes my riding style better. The wheels are GT hubs with Mavic 217 gold color rims and DT spokes. I selected a XTR rapid rise rear deraileur because I use one on my road bike and have gotten used to the reverse action shifting. I chose xt for the rest of the components (no expaination needed here). I found some 8 speed Suntour XC thumb shifters, and bought 2 pair (one for a spare). A wrist injury make using gripshift or rapid fire a real pain, literaly! My lowest gear combination is a 20 tooth up front with a 32 tooth cog in the rear. Yes, I can climb just about anything. So, how does the bike work? I swithced to the Specialized FSR Extreme from a Giant Team full Carbon Hardtail. This was a near perfect hard tail mountainbike. So, It is going to take a while to get an honest evaluation. My initial impresion is PLUSH! This is why I swithed to full suspension so I am very pleased. (I have numerous injuries from many years of extreme mountainbiking which has made riding my old hardtail less and less of an enjoyable experience). I was also pleased to notice very little unwanted suspension movement from the rear when sprinting. The bike feels almost like the most comfortable hard tail I ever road. This is much better than other designs I tried. While the bike is heavy, it is lighter than most other full suspension bikes I have looked at or tried.Over all this is an excellant bike for normal everyday mountainbiking. The average Joe or Jane could ride this puppy all day long in total comfort! I was afraid I would miss my old hardtail, but after one month I will never go back. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shaun
a Weekend Warrior
from portland, OR
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ski Bowl | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
great all around bike
sucks up all most anything | | Weaknesses: |
front shock | | Similar Products Used: |
gt
klein
cannondale | | Bike Setup: |
shimano 636 pedals
tomac brakes(magura)
xtr rapid rise rear derailler
tioga 2.1 dh tires
mrp cross speed chain tensioner | | Bottom Line: | this bike can be upgraded in all most any way you want. mrp makes a lot of great after market stuff for the fsr's. great handling and pretty good climbing.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NorCal Express
a Cross-Country Rider
from Granite Bay, CA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Salmon Falls - Folsom Lake | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
- Handling
- Price / Value for $
- Weight not bad at 27lbs considering
- Lots of room to adj. | | Weaknesses: |
- Triple crown frnt Judy XL heavy (6lbs)
- Downhiller's dream, uphiller's headache
- Chain slap rear derailer | | Similar Products Used: |
- '99 FSR xc
- GT -several models
- Schwinn S-30
- Cannondale Super V's | | Bike Setup: |
Pretty Much Stock
-Judy XL front with downhill setup)
- All XT compo
- | | Bottom Line: | X-hard tailer turned wanna be FS junkie...
After test riding several FS bikes for about 4 months I decided on Spec. FSR as I felt they
offered great value for the $. The new models
were very nice, but pricey. I was trying to stay under 1000 by looking at used. I finally picked my first almost new '98 for $850. Good price!I now have put about 140 miles on it and can say
that I have a love/hate relationship with the
bike due to the downhill setup- which it came with. Bike fits good, excellent downhill action feels almost like floating- but uphill has been a drag compared to my old hardtail. I believe this is due to my not being used to the extended Judy' triple crown and downhill bar setup, as I can't believe the frame geometry is the problem... I don't blame the bike- when you buy used, you get what you get. I'm now on a mission to change out the front suspension/bars as I believe this will give me what I want for cross country terrain.
So far I have beat the hell out of this bike and it's holding up very well. BB probably will require replacement soon, but for the price It's still a great deal & a hell of a ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pup
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Middle Fork!! | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Fits! Short enough top tube to fit a female!
Climbs well
Corners super
Sucks up EVERYTHING
Lightened up nicely | | Weaknesses: |
Sam-I-Am green
Rockshock rear is heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein Pulse hardtail
various rigid bikes | | Bike Setup: |
Z-2 Bam
Valiant wheels
Panaracer Fire XC 2.1s
Salsa Moto 80mm stem
Easton flat bar w/ends
Serfas ARC Pro DD saddle
flat pedals | | Bottom Line: | Oh, Beautiful.. This bike and I, we get along. I keep her in the living room to watch TV with me when we're home.. I took off those horrible Judy XLs and put some real forks on, added a flat bar and lighter wheels, and a girl-friendly stem and seat, now she corners like a rabbit, soaks up everything there is, gets me down over the big rocks safe as mom's arms. Rides light in my hands on the trail, light under my feet up the climbs, light on my back when we get lost for the 47th time and have to walk up another cliff face. And best of all, at the end of every day, both of my kidneys are each still in one piece, and all the fillings still in my teeth. You cant pay me to get back on a hardtail. EVER.Five of the best. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Alaska
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Performs well, great ride, doesn't noticeably bob. | | Weaknesses: |
Judy XL front fork, chainsuck | | Similar Products Used: |
'97 Trek Y-3, '97 Gary Fisher Joshua XO, '99 Trek VRX 300, '95 Cannondale Super V, '98 Cannondale Super V Active | | Bike Setup: |
Stock bike with Shimano 636 pedels | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my earlier reviews. I just sent my lower fork legs and cartridge off to Rock Shox for a warrenty claim. The bushings became sloppy after a year of use which I believe caused the 8 month old replacment cartridge to blow. The Judy XL has been the biggest problem with the bike. This is the second cartridge I've had go bad. I'm sure the sloppy bushings did it in but I noticed it was leaking during routine fork greasing maintenance I performed back in April. Other problems I've had is chainsuck which bends the teeth on the middle chainring, and my cables are starting to get gritty.
Overall I'm still happy with my bike but not the Judy fork. I've ridden the new Hydracoil Judy's and really like them. Unfortunitly there is no upgrade available for the old style Judy. Too bad, the cartridge system does not compair to the new Hydracoils in my opinion. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spidey
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | update to previous review...bottom brackt ruined
after maybe 20 hours hard riding, rims warp way too easy.too much flex in the cranks, rings are wearing fast. aside from that, still a great ride.
4 chilis for now...5 after some purchases...anyone know where i can get some rhino lites in toronto? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arturo Navarro
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Las Llantas | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Great finish and look,nice on big hits,very silence on dh courses. | | Weaknesses: |
Hard to find seatpost on any brand,the rear brake flex a little even whit a brake booster,replaceable dropout to fragile,lot´s of mainteneance pivots,too narrow chainstain, sometimes the rear tire catch´s little rocks and scratchs the inerface of the chainstain | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized GC aim 97´ | | Bike Setup: |
ESPsl shifters,club roost xl handlebar,ESPsl brake levers,Chris King headset,Manitou x vert-r,Titec seat,Raceface crank. | | Bottom Line: | This bike exedes all my expectations. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TJM
a Weekend Warrior
from Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of them | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
This bike is tough as hell. It climbs well and is even better at speed. | | Weaknesses: |
The BB sucks (bent in about a week) and the chain rings suck hard, literally. Pivots have also started to squeek after 1 year of riding despite all efforts to oil. | | Similar Products Used: |
Proflex 856, 857, specialized's '94 and '95 stumpjumper and S-works FSRs, a 1997 GC AIM, gary fishers ect... | | Bike Setup: |
Cut off a few inches from bars and changed to Yeti grips, put evil twin tires and XT/217 wheels, hydraulic maguara's in the mail. | | Bottom Line: | This bike hasn't let me down yet. Blew the fork once but that was because i rebuilt it wrong. DH tires kick ass. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dylan winkler
a Downhiller
from paredise valley, az
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
trail 100 and pima and dynainite | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
very fun to ride. takes lots of crap and keeps going. | | Weaknesses: |
battom bracket, specilized thought that they could make a bottom bracket and they cant os i reccomend that u repace it before u need to when your on the trail | | Bike Setup: |
frame: Specilized fsr extreame
shock: Rock Shock Judyxl
bars:titec hell bent
grips: yette wild gripper
pedles: free agent platforms
tires: contineltal premolars | | Bottom Line: | get rid of the bars. get rid of the bottom bracket and you got your self a nice bike. i jump a lot and this bike takes the landing in the saspension. ive had other problems like i needed a new cartage and a new front draulier but i dont blame that on the bike i blame that on me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Alaska
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hillside | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Excellent performing rear suspension, good quality components, no major problems with the bike after a year of ownership. | | Weaknesses: |
The great rear suspension requires a great deal of maintenance. Not a big deal if you are into your bike but let it go for a while your next ride could be ruined by a squeaking pivot. I know! | | Similar Products Used: |
'99 Trek VRX 300, '97 Fisher Joshua, '97 Trek Y-3, '95 Cannondale Super V | | Bike Setup: |
'98 FSR Extreme | | Bottom Line: | Overall I am pretty pleased with my bike. The main things that bother me are the rear suspension pivots, require weekly maintenance, and the seat cannot be lowered down a significant amount when riding downhill trails. I have had my bottom bracket go out and the cartridge lost rebound dampening. All were replaced under warrenty. I truly like my bike but wish it were more friendly to regular maintenance chores. Great bike, especally at the prices I've seen it go for in some of the magazine. Makes me wish I would have waited before I purchased mine. :o( | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Angelo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow -up to my oringal review on March 19, I have been riding this bike 3-4 times a week for the last month on some pretty nasty trails I have been very impressed it has held up with no serious problems. A couple of hard crashes one hyperextened elbow but the bike never skipped a beat. The rims came out of true after about 4 rides but nothing major, the braking wall has developed some grooves but you try and stop my 230lb a**. The bike is in the shop right now getting a once over by a good friend who happens to own the shop. I am replacing the grips with odi because of some twisting that developed from white -knuckling it down hills. My oringal worry of the rims tacoing has not come true yet I don't think it wiil the suspension seems to take most of the abuse. I will keep you apprised PEACE! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chewbacca
a Cross-Country Rider
from bezerkley , killafornia
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
everything about the bike is nice. build, parts kit, suspension and fit. | | Weaknesses: |
fork brace digs into cable housing. hard to access front deraileur bolt. | | Bottom Line: | i bought my fsr extreme back in august. i replaced the brakes with maguras, grips with oury and the tires with missles right away. left it that way for months under heavy abuse. it's been to moab, colorado, tahoe, all over the bay area and hasn't let me down yet. i ride an XL frame and the 32 pounds(fitted with my parts) isn't too noticable while riding. the suspension keeps on working regardless of climbing or descending and i love that. i've since replaced the seat, put wipers on the judy xl (great fork, no probs yet), 44 tooth big ring, bullet bros chain tensioner, 636's and a 80mm stem. i have done zero maintenence to the pivots other than keep them relatively clean. and not a peep or play from them yet. i've rebuilt the fork twice since it didn't have any damn lube in it to begin with! the rear shock (rs coupe deluxe) i've taken apart once to clean. all in all a great performing bike that really takes abuse well. even the crappy rims have held up pretty well for me.bought mine for 1300 back in august. seen them for 800 now. what a deal. go get one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spidey
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, fast on the downhill, not to bad going up. Only been out 4 or 5 times and the front rim is already warped, also the frame protectors on the triple clamps does not do its job, the upper crown digs into the frame and cables. I used a lizard skin and some foam to fix it though. aside from the weak rims this bike was worth the money, ( Super-go $899 U.S.)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sigh-co
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto CAN
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | at high speed collision between me and a tree, the bike preformed flawlessly, the rim lost all shape, the front fork is leaking oil, the handlebrs now are useless, wich is good cuz' the shifter is missing. the beautiful frame has a gash down the head tube that looks dangerous. all in all 3 months of ownership was great. bike handeled well but i didnt. its a write off. i only broke a wrist
a collar bone and my nose. be aware that while the weather is looking better in canada, the ice is still out there, usually on a downhill burm, in front of a big ass maple. see ya in 6 weeks, on my old fisher. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eike Umlauf
a Weekend Warrior
from Krems/Austria
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Maehntalgraben / Deadman´s DH / Rehberger Hoehenweg | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The fantastic 4-link suspension system outperforms pretty much anything else on the market it´s got absolutely no kickback and works completely neutral on both asphalt and offroad-uphills, so your energy goes right into movin on up instead of pumping the suspension up and down. Plus, due to the 4 links the suspension is now much more durable than the GC aim 3-link system.
When screaming downhill, the FSR is simply awe-inspiring with very responsive handling and ironing out bumps and potholes like a true dh bike.
The weight´s pretty cool too, with a mere 12kg featuring an indy sl and mavic 517 wheels. | | Weaknesses: |
Although the plastic suspension bearings are very light they require a lot of service in rainy europe because dirt and water can easily enter the bearings and cause the suspension to become less responsive.
Unfortunately the rear shock spring is too hrad for a 60kg-rider like me so i´m gonna have that replaced too. | | Similar Products Used: |
I´ve had a Specialized Ground Control AIM ´97 (3 link suspension) before that was very neat too, but the FSR has a whole truckload of advantages over the old system. Only problem is: the FSR doesn´t look as wild as the AIM :-) | | Bike Setup: |
I´ve opted to equip the bike with a rock shox indy sl instead of the triple clamp-monster it came with. Together with a non-riser Coda bar it now´s changed from a freerider to a kickin´ cross country / marathon fully with excellent downhill capabilities. What´s more, i upgraded to mavic x517 / xt hubs / irc mythos wheels for faster uphiling and more cornering convenience at high velo :-) | | Bottom Line: | I can absolutely recommend the FSR to any biker out there no matter if you´re on freeriding, soulriding, touring or cross country-ing. It´s perfect for any purpose due to it´s superior suspension, the good components and the comfortbale frame geometry.Happy trails EIKZILLA
ICQ 25377398 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J. Angelo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Love the suspension so far had it out a few times not the best weather for riding in the northeast in Feb. The XL frame is nice for me seeing that I am 6'6 230 | | Weaknesses: |
A little scared of the rims don't know how they will hold up in the long run but I do plan to upgrade later this year any suggestions let me know. Also not real happy with the braking system hopefully it will come around. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line I really love the bike so far hopefully I will get a good number of years out of it. Can't beat the price $1000 out the door better than the k2 I was looking at. If anyone has any other comments feel free to e- mail me. I am not a big DH so I hope the rims will hold up. Peace and keep riding | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Krag
a Weekend Warrior
from S Wales
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Margam Park | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Plush, light, strong, cheap, good wheelset, 27inch dhbars, XT, dh clipless, etc - too much to list. | | Weaknesses: |
Interupted seat tube gives little adjustment.
Odd (and expensive) size seatpost | | Similar Products Used: |
All fs marins, including Dave Hemmings world cup bike (amazing bike)
Klein Mantras
Giant FS xc and dh
Pace FS race bike
All Trek VRX's | | Bottom Line: | The Best value bike in the price range, perfect for all day riding, the local jump spot, or thrashing it round town. The only bike that I have enjoyed riding more was Dave Hemming's ( silver World Cup Junior a few years back, and Marin Pro Rider) Factory wild cat trail, which was in a different league downhill, but then it doesnt go back up again. Top bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane Eckhart
a downhiller
from Honolulu, HI
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned my FSR since November and it has been the best investment I've made in a long time. I mainly am a DH rider and the Extreme takes all the abuse I can dish out. I have replaced several components for personal preference, I wen't with a RST HI-5 for a little more rigid travel up front, I switched to a DH handle bar and a stem with more rise. I chose the new wildgripper Hot S tires Odyssy pedels and Oury grips, I also added a brake booster for braking power. I intend to also go with Rhyno lite rims, Chris King headset, and I am currently looking for a way to add a couple inches of travel to the rear if any one knows of a company who manufactures a likage to do this please let me know. Over all this is a great bike for some hard core down hill riding. A+ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sierra Salin
a weekend warrior
from Fairfax, Californey
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
After checking out most of the full suspension bikes at around $1000, I jumped on the FSR Extreme for $850. The first thing I did was go to the hardware store and got 3-4 rolls of 3M black plastic tape and wraped the frame like wraping handlebars. It looks O.K. and I figgure its a little less likely to get swiped cause you can't see it from a half mile away anymore... Short of scraping the tape off on rocks it should hold up for a long time The seat and the pedals went right away too. Why is everyone into clipless pedals? Give me my tennis shoes anyday! Great bike, and especially for the $. Anybody know where I can find some extra thick handlebar grips that are not too soft? My hands go numb with the thin ones on long rides. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose M. Libunao
a weekend warrior
from Foster City California USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned my FSR Extreme for about 3 months now, and it is one of the best investments I've ever made. I got the bike for $1,000.00. You get allot of bike for that price.This bike is awesome, I upgraded from a schwinn Moab, will never go back to hardtails after riding this FSR. Bike absorbs anything you're brave enough to go over. I just moved to Tucson and the trails out here are VERY technical, allot of Big rocks with big drop off's this FSR laughs at the terrain here, I wish I could say the same for myself. This bike will definitely handle any trail your willing to ride. Front Rockshox XL has monster travel, saved me a couple of times from going over the handle bars!!!! Suspension geometry is perfect, no bobbing when going up steep inclines. If you can still find a 98 between $1,000.00 and $1,100.00 ont pass it up, You wont find a better bike for the Value. I rate this bike 10 Stars!!! Hooah!!! Nahoa | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kraig mccarthy
a
from south wales
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got an FSR Extreme for my 21st birthday, was going to get a FSR comp but the company I was buying one from (£700 on offer) forgot to reserve one whilst my cheque was in the post, so it got there and there was no bike for me. The shop were good and instead offered me an FSR extreme that was not on sale ( price £1500) with the Comp's T2s instead of the XLT's for £800, a damn good deal ! I haven't had much time to ride offroad yet as the weather has been shit, but when urban playbiking the bike is already making me do things that I wouldn't have tried before, bigger higher and faster! Top spec, plush ride, great bike, lighter than my hardtail, a great allrounder. The only complaints I have is that being short I am going to need two seatposts, as I have a great deal of difference in height between xc and play, but none of the shops around me stock 30.9mm posts and when I did find somewhere they wanted thirty quid! I only want a cheap one to cut down, does anyone know where I can get one cheap in the cardiff or leicester area. That is my only moan so I give it 4.75 out of 5. I will review it further as I ride more - JUST GET OUT AND RIDE! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Benda
a racer
from alaska
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Here are some observations I've made of the performance of the FSR during cold weather riding. Presently it has been from 0 to -10 in Anchorage. My stock bike works pretty well except for the following problems. Shifting is difficult and impercise due to the cold temps. The rear shock ceases to work properly unless the rebound dampening is adjusted to its lightest setting. Then it is easy to bottom out with an audible clinking noise. The front fork will still work although at a much slower rate even with the adjuster turned to the lightest setting. Overall the bike needs to be set up for the cold weather conditions. Not really that big of a deal but just wanted to post my findings of the stock performance at low tempertures. 4 chilis. I'd give it five but this is the first major problem I've had with the bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete TeKampe
a weekend warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
FSR Extreme in Grabber Green-great color, style and the name fits my personality. Got the desert protection package (thorn proof liners and heavy inner tubes) $1,150 price was a steal and this bike is better than the new one they are coming out with-Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. Dual suspension dialed in for my 5'10 230 lb frame soaks up the Sonoran single track like none other, saw a coyote last week wandering around and HE wants an FSR extreme. The more it gets ridden, the better it handles, shifts and feels-this bike is bulletproof! It gets to places previosly inaccessible with my old Trek 7000. Thanks Specialized! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a weekend warrior
from san jose ca
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After riding an M2 for several years this bike sure is plush! Soaks up everything you can imagine. Instead of looking for the smoothest line you start
to look for the biggest rut, just to hammer through. The riser bars put me in a comfortable riding position and I got rid of the evolution seat and put on a specialized body geometry. I've taken it through the roughest trails in the bay area and the only thing thats happened to the bike is a pinch flat. The pedals are also nice for popping out of on technical downhill. I picked it up for $999
and its well worth 5 big ones! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cary
a weekend warrior
from Laguna Beach CA
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike. Just upgraded from a GT hard tail. There is no comparison. This thing climb like a hard tail and, lets face it you have to climb them to ride down em. Only trouble so far is a broken center chain ring that is being replaced under warranty. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a racer
from valdez
Date Reviewed: December 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I did a little more research into my cartridge problem and found out some useful information I thought I'd share. First acording to my LBS the cartridges cost around $40. Second they said the new replacement cartridge installed in my fork under warrenty was in itself warrentied for another year. They said that is how Rock Shox does business. I found this very interesting since a lot of the Judy reviews slam Rock Shox and their products. With this new infomation I am real pleased with both my bike and fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Benda
a racer
from Valdez, Alaska
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an update to my review on 9-17-98. Last week I had the damping cartridge replaced in the front fork for free under warranty. The cartridge never completely blew out but slowly lost both compression and rebound dampening over time. The lack of rebound was the most noticeable. The fork couldn't handle any preload with out feeling like an Indy equipped with Speed Springs. I'm still very pleased with the bike as a whole but am bummed about the design of the Judy cartridge system. I've read in the Judy reviews that this is a very common problem. In fact one of the guys I know who has the same fork on a GT LTS bike had his cartridge blow out this past summer. I ride my bike pretty hard but don't abuse it. Six months of life out of a cartridge has me a little nervous since I believe they're around $70 to purchase as a part. Its too bad the new Hydracoil system won't adapt to the Judy's. Oh well it seems like they always come out with something better the next year. You've got to jump in sometime, eh? Five chili's for the bike only. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan L.
a weekend warrior
from Iowa
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I went down to North Carolina to ride the Tsali trails and rented this bike from the local bike shop. I'm use to riding a hardtail so this was my first time on a daul suspension bike, but some of my other family members rented other bike including the Cannondal V 1000, and GT LTS. I wanted to test out some different suspension designs to help me on decide on the next bike I might purchase, so I rode all of the bikes. The extreme was by far the best bike. I was pushing the bike faster and harder than the other bikes because I felt more confidents with this bike then any other. I would have to rate this ride in my top ten because of the great trail (if you haven't been there you should go!), and the awsome bike.
My only complaint is the color but that doesn't effect the performance so I give this bike a perfect five chiles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kai
a downhiller
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm updating my review from the last time I inserted it in here. AFter a few months of riding all over the place, jumping everything and even running over a raccoon once.... the bike is still holding up like new. The only problems I've had with the bike is that it has been cutting away at my shins because I'm not clipped in(wearing regular shoes). I haven't changed a component on the bike because I didn't see any point in doing so. I noticed how many others in here have said how they changed some of the componentry on the bike and I might eventually do so too.
I noticed how one reader commented on how he might decide to go with a 27 speed on the bike. I wouldn't really recommend that because the nine rings is basically the same as the 8 rings for the 24 speed. This means that as you are getting an extra 3 speeds, you will also increase the chances of your chain breaking because it will be narrower and the cassette is closer together which means you get more twigs, grass or small rocks stuck in it.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mel White
a weekend warrior
from mt.view ca.
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the FSR extreme a couple of months ago. This bike has proved to be quite rugged. I`m 6-2, and 200+ pounds and it has taken all I`ve dished out without a wimper. From 55+ downhill runs to tight loose technical it has performed better than I expected. I crashed at 30+ into a heavily bouldered section absolutely stuffing the bike and nothing happened to the bike , too bad I cant say the same for me! The only thing I would change would be the narrow rims. I keep getting flats from pinching. I do ride very hard and I dont think you could find a better bike for the price. I would give this bike five chilis especially for the price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ANDREW ROBSON
a racer
from Warwickshire
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
When I took delivery of my FSR about a year ago, I was delighted with the resplendent grabber green paintwork. When I was asked what size I wanted I immediately replied Why small of course, I much prefer to have a small one between my legs -more clearance you see. It wasn’t long before I was tricking it out with numerous anodised aluminium bolts. This not only saved me weight over the original items but gave the bike a real tricked out look. For those bolts which I could not get anodised replacements for, a permenant marker customised them a treat. I did in fact change a number of the components, for various reasons as I shall explain.
The forks had to go straight away. Not because I had a problem with the way they worked, but because I just couldn’t live without being able to do the full 90° and beyond cross up. So instead I selected some Bomber Z1 BAMs from the Marzocchi range. Jolly good they are too, with 4 ins up front just nicely complimenting the 4.3 at the back. I decided that the Specialized cranks weren’t satisfactory so I changed them for XT items. The avid brakes were good, but not good enough so I demanded the ultimate stopping power of XTR.
However I soon became restless and longed for a more extreme way to slow down. A riding buddy had recently got a Hope disc brake of the 155mm variety. Not wanting to be outdone in any component area I immediately put in an order for a 185mm disc brake. Initial teething trouble resulted in a warranty return but now it bites like a rabid Rottweiler on steroids.....that’s just been bitten on its butt by a large wasp.
The bike handles really well and the near perfect front and rear suspension balance soon had me pushing the envelope of grip along local trails. The nearby BMX track is on a bit of a hill, but once I get my shiny green machine up I immediately shoot off down the track. Of course that Shimano XTR parallel pull cantilever system (V-brake) at the back means that skids down the park are no problem! As for my favourite gear ratio, well it just has to be three-three. I mean, what a wonderful ratio; big ring at the front (makes me look rock-‘ard) with third largest gear at the back. However now that 27-speed is becoming available I have to question whether I can live with the shame of only 24 gears. I mean, picture this: I’m trackstanding at the start of the BMX track right and someone asks me How many gears you got mate?
How can I possibly answer 24 with everyone fully aware that proper mountain bikers have 27 gears?
The FSR does let me accomplish stuff I might otherwise hesitate from doing. This includes some jumps plus any other manoeuvres in extreme urban localities. However I never shy away from the chance of riding somebody’s hardtail if they make the offer. Another component I decided to change is the rear Derailleur; it might have been XT but anything less than XTR to change the rear gears is socially unacceptable. I swapped the original saddle for a Flite, if only to contribute to the mad colour scheme that I like my bikes to feature. As far as I’m concerned, the more it stands out on the starting line of the BMX track the better.
I do have a hardtail too, an Orange P7. At the weekend I often get it out for a change. It is quite a small one but still attracts a fair bit of attention, its shiny red tubing drawing admiring glances. Its nice to have both full suspension and a hardtail, variety is the spice of life after all . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simply Grateful
a cross-country rider
from Santa Clara, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
On Oct. 19 1998, what I posted was more of a request than a review. I then proceeded to email many of the individuals who responded to this review to learn more about the bike and possibly what upgrades if any would be
suggested. I wanted to learn & benefit from the experience of others.Many of the reviews listed on this web page are from people who are very
experienced and knowledgable: mountain bikers, downhhill racers, cross-country
riders, etc...I'm a newbie to mountain biking. The purpose for posting a review this
time is to lessen, if not eliminate any concerns, fears or apprehensions
one may have if you are new to mountain biking and/or full suspension bikes
and are considering purchasing a Specialized FSR Extreme.I am very pleased & satisfied with the 1998 FSR Extreme.
I am very pleased with the email responses I received from many of the
individuals who posted reviews on this web page. I emailed pracitcally
everyone one on this web page who had an email address with various
questions and concerns and the responses were genuine, professional,
friendly, courteous and extremely helpful.
I am truly pleased with the Service I have received from the bike dealership.
I'll explain later in detail.
I am very pleased with the price / performance / component ratio. If you
can still get a 1998 Specialized FSR Extreme, ( cost about $1000 US )then
do it, don't hesitate. The bike originally cost between $1600 & $1800 US.
The reason the price has dropped so dramtically is because 1999 versions
are coming out.If you are considering buying a FSR Extreme and have questions, then email
some of the individuals on this page who have posted reviews. I emailed
practically everyone on this web page, and everyone still enjoys / loves
their FSR Extreme and were very helpful in giving me suggestions / advice
on how to make my experience better or more enjoyable...I'm a big guy: 6'3 and weight approximately 290 lbs. Prior to purchasing
the FSR Extreme, I had not rode a bike in possibly 7 years. I just wanted a bike that would be good for exercise ( fast commutes to and from work and
occassional off-road riding ie. fire trails ). The bike shop sold me a
hybrid bike ( Trek 7300 ) which I was told could be used for both paved
and unpaved rodes. The Trek is great for streets. Don't have to worry
about pot holes, railroad crossings, jumping on or off curbs, etc...;
however, once I took the bike off-road onto a dirt path that had ruts,
grooves, small and numerous pot-holes from horse huffs, rocks, etc....
the Trek 7300 didn't perform very well, if at all. So two weeks after
purchasing my Trek 7300, I decided to get another bike, a mountain bike.In choosing a mountain bike, I wanted a bike that could be rode anywhere
comfortably ( street, dirt, mud, sand, rocks etc... ). I fell in love
when I saw the 1998 FSR Extreme Lime / Flourecent Green. However, my
number one concern was my weight. 1. I orginally chose a 1998 FSR Extreme, large frame with: a. Avocet 45tt cyclometer for training Can monitor:
* distance, cadence & time; replaces need for stair-master at gym
* performance on hill climbs, cross-country rides, etc..
* maximum & average speeds and time to complete a downhill run Cyclometer features:
* Cadence ( number of revolutions of pedals per minute )
* Speed: Current, Maximum & Average
* Distance: Maximum, Trip Distance
* Time: Stop / Watch, Riding Time, Total Time b. To reduce bobbing ( bouncing up and down while riding )
* replaced springs in front shock with extra firm from rock shox
* replaced springs in rear shock with 850 x 1.5 from rock shox c. For commuting, purchased spare set of Slick tires ( smooth no nobbies ) 2. Turns out that after riding the FSR Extreme for a few days, I
discovered that the bike really didn't fit. ( was too small ).
The frame was a large and I could not adjust the seat post
( extend it any further ). 3. I took the bike back to the bike shop and explained the situation
to the manager. a. Without any hesitation or resistance, the manager agreed to
replace the whole bike for a new one with an extra large frame. b. The manager also agreed to transfer all the parts and upgrades
from the original bike to the new one free of charge. And to
refund the money for the 850 x 1.5 rear spring and extra long
seat post I purchased because the extra large frame comes with
the 850 x 1.5 spring and the seat tube height is taller. c. Aside from great service this is another reason to purchase
the FSR Extreme. The dealers ( at least this one www.waltscycle.com ) believe
in the bike enough to guarantee it's fit, comfort & performance... d. I was totally amazed and surprised because I had rode the bike
through water, mud, etc..., not to mention all the upgrades
that I had performed. 4. Finally, for those of you who are heavy... a. if you are over 220 lbs, then these bikes aren't really
designed to handle our weight ( I'm 290 lbs !!! ). b. but to accommodate the extra poundage, I would like to suggest
looking at the Mountain Speed web site: www.mountainspeed.com. I purchased a 1000 lb x 38mm spring for the rear shock and
although I haven't installed it yet. I'm confident this will
eliminate much of the bobbing and also help with the shock
sag.... ( I was preloading the shocks with 7 to 8 turns !!! )
with the 850 lbs spring.Well, this has been a lengthy discourse... I sincerely hope you will
benefit from the information I have provided. Should you have any
questions ( no question too dumb to ask ), please feel free to email
me.By the way, I lost 10 lbs in the first week of riding... and expect
to lose another 40 before the first of the year. ( I plan to ride
every day and work out at the gym also... )I love the FSR Extreme and if you can still get a 1998 model then you'll
save a bundle too....:^))))))))))))))))))) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a racer
from littleton,co,usa
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
alright heres the deal, i posted an earlier review and this is the update. im still riding and still loving my fsr and you cannot hurt this bike i have crashed downhilling at 45 you cannot hurt this bike, i race this bike and im sponsored by a bike chain. the handeling is unbelievable, the balance amazing, and you will want to ride it all the time. the bike msrps for between 1000-1300 but trust me its worth it all bike in the same price range only have lx and dont come close in quality and i remind you that the fork alone is worth at least 500 so youre paying almost nothing for this amazing bike trust me when i say you will not think twice after you get it. you will love it i know i do. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simply Grateful
a weekend warrior
from Santa Clara, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased the 1998 Specialized FSR Extreme for $1000.I purchased the bike mostly for exercise purposes.I'm 6'3 and weight 290 lbs....I am having the rear spring replaced with an 850 and the front suspension
( spring ) replaced with an extra firm.I've taken the bike for a test ride only... and should be getting
it from the shop in three days...I've heard that there are rear shocks that permit lock out; however,
I'm not sure how much they cost.From reading the comments on this page, it looks like 99.9% of the
responses are positive...I sincerely hope that I made a good deal on a good bike...I've never spent this much money on a bicycle before.Thanks in advance for any and all responses....Simply Grateful | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kai
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike absolutely rocks! Just got the bike a week ago and thrashed it all over the birthplace of mountain biking. It's my first full suspension bike and I have to say I'm going to toss my old rigid framed bike off a high rise building soon. The XL forks absorb everything and jumping this bike is like an airplane taking off... awesome elevation! The lightweight on this FS bike makes passing others on uphill climbs easy and you get everyone looking at your bike if you ride into a crowd. The only complaint was Specialized only has one color(pea green) on this bike... would've killed to have a black one to match my car but I guess I'll have to just stand out with this bright colored monster. The riser bars look a bit funky but that can easily be replaced. Five Chili's isn't enough for a bike like this! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zeek
a weekend warrior
from san diego
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
great bike, except for the rock shox equipment on it ...after replacing the rear with a stratos helix pro with the on the fly lock out and putting a set of white bros. dc118-dh forx in front this bike works very well in just about any condition and terrain. even if it is up or down this is a very responsive and comfortable bike in or out of the saddle. a lot of fun to ride ..have only owned it for about two months and have put roughly 230 miles in the dirt with it (IIIIIIIIIII LIKE IT!!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Graham
a weekend warrior
from Greenville SC
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my FSR Extreme for about two months and I am beyond impressed with the performance of the suspension! I have always been a GT freak and never even thought about buying anything else until it was time to buy a new bike. I test rode the GTs,Cannondales,DBRs,GaryFishers,Voodoos,K2s, and everything else and the FSR was clearly above and beyond these bikes. Twist the dampening knob up and you can climb almost like a hardtail but with much more comfort and a lot less lower back pain! Turn the dampening knob down and its like driving a Cadillac, soaking up everything in its way with the 4.5 of plush travel.I ride about four times a week and this bike needs little servicing. The Judy XL fork is awsome!!! I notice no flex in the four-bar linkage and I'm a larger rider( 6'3 210lbs).My friend had bought a Cannondale SuperV700 a couple of weeks before I got my FSR and the first time we rode together I looesened up the suspension and let my friend ride it on the downhill and when I got to the bottom his jaw was on the ground. The FSR Ground Control four-bar linkage is the best designed rear suspension for all around riding(cross country,downhill). Hats off to the Specialized R&D Mafia for producing such an awsome bike!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a cross-country rider
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Paid $899 for it! Bought an FSR (blue one) a couple of months ago. Was not happy with the suspension at all. This suspension on this Extreme is MUCH better. I ride between 20-30 miles a week. Mostly cross-country, some downhill. It's a STEAL at $899, it was priced at $1375 just a week ago. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Benda
a racer
from Valdez, Alaska
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'd like to update my review from July. Today I had my first real problem with my bike. The bottom bracket bearings started going out making a clicking noise while pedaling. I took the offending part back to my shop (R.E.I.) and was prepared for a big hassle. I was plesantly surprised with the service I received. They ordered a new replacement part and gave me new parts to use in the meantime so I wouldn't lose any riding time. This was great! Evidently mine wasn't the first time they've seen this problem on the Specialized bikes.Overall I'm very happy with the FSR and with R.E.I. for taking care of the problem. 5 chili's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Weaver
a cross-country rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my second review of the Extreme, and I must concur with the majority of other respondents. The bike, overall, is fantastic, with two exceptions:
1) The Mavic rims. Rear rim bent on a fairly tame ride. Go ahead and set aside replacement money
2) Riser bars. Good on long downhills and nowhere else. Anybody cross country/single track riders considering the Extreme should negotiate a bar swap (5 degree bend works fine). The bike's handling characteristics changed dramtically for the better. Also, single trackers will appreciate the more narrow profile in the tight sections (the risers are about 26 wide).
Overall, a great bike, especially for the under-180lb riders. One other recommendation: Upgrate the the rapid-rise XTR. It's a winner. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Campbell
a racer
from Australia
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike sucks. I put a front disk brake on it and on the first ride it got a twig through it, tearing of the disk mount brake and half the fork leg. then proceeded to wrap the bike around the tree, after jumping off and spliitng my $500 DH helmet.
I generally tear bikes apart on the first ride but this one survived for a while. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a downhiller
from
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Specialized FSR Extreme,
Available only in Kawasaki green.
Available only with Judy XL,
A pathetic fork that should be damned to hell.Riding on Mavic rims as thin as a rail,
They are the first things that will fail.
Closely followed by the cranks and the chain,
At least Sachs will share part of the blame. The next thing to go are those Special Rise bars,
They twist and deform like those invaders from Mars.
Tom Ritcheys headset and seatpost are the next to go,
And the head tube ovalizes and the rear shock blows.
As I am sure that you can now see,
The FSR Extreme was not really for me.
Despite its name and DH look,
On a decent descent it can't really cook. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a weekend warrior
from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I think the FSR Extreme is a great bike for the money. I also, beleive it or not like the the Neo Green paint. The bike handles a wide variety of riding very well. It comes with a very good selection of components for a $1500 bike. My only complaints are the crappy set of wheels and the STUPID name. I turned the rear wheel into a potato chip on my first run in Big Bear. I realy feel this is by far the best deal in its price range. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
grandpa
a downhiller
from KS
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I really like this bike because it is so smooth. If I hit a pothole or rough pavement it smooths the bumbs out wonderfully. I like to ride but have a bad back so all the jarring that my old un-suspended bike caused made it hard to ride much. This bike has allowed me to once again ride every day without being sore or injuring my back or neck. No fancy riding, just fabulous smooth commutes and exercise. Mostly on road, occasional dirt paths. No sudden bangs or harsh bumps, I recommend it highly for folks seeking a comfortable, smooth and enjoyable ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Bomb
a racer
from Anchorage, Alaska
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike! I've had no problems with it. The bike preforms well with no
bio-pacing. It has plush suspension, great tires and ergonomics, and isn't
too heavy. Test rode a Cannondale Super V active before I bought the cheaper
and better FSR. Cannondales are a joke! Nice suspension, did someone at the factory have a real hard on for the old Yamaha Monoshocks? The FSR is the
best suspension bike out. Five chili's
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TONY CASEY
a weekend warrior
from WANGANUI, NEW ZEALAND
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
AWESOME BIKE,,,I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF THIS BIKE FOR ALMOST A YEAR , I HAVE DONE A FEW CHANGES NOT BECAUSE THEY REALLY NEEDED THEM BUT TO REFINE IT FOR ME I AM 6 FT AND 96 KG AND FOUND THE LARGE FRAME NEEDED LIFTING A LITTLE SO HAVE PUT ZZYZX FORKS ON IT(LOVE THEM)& SHORTENED THE HEAD STEM . HAD TO REPLACE CHAIN AND FRONT SPOCKETS AS BIG PROBLEM WITH CHAIN SUCK I HATE CHAIN SUCK!!!!! IN REFLECTION WE HAD PURCHASED A CHAIN CLEANING AND BELIEVE CLEANED CHAIN TO MUCH NOT ALLOWING CHAIN LUB TO DO ITS JOB...WE CLOCK ALOT OF KM'S IN ALL SORT OF TRACKS....THE BIKE ROCKS AND SO DO THE NZ TRACKS WE RIDE...JUST AS EVERYONE ELSE IS SAYING HARD TO WIPE THE SMILE OFF YOUR DIAL....THE ONLY COMMENTS I WOULD LIKE SO FAR AS IMPROVING DESIGN WOULD BE MORE CLEARANCE FOR BACK TYRE . SPECIALISED FEAR TYRES OLNY JUST FIT....BOTTLE HOLDER DOESN'T HOLD BOTTLE WITHOUT BACK TYRE HITTING..THE BIKE GETS A HARD TIME AND IT STANDS UP TO EVERYTHING WET , DRY , UPHILL , DOWNHILL ESPECIALLY DOWNHILL , MORE FUN THAN BEING A PORN STAR!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a downhiller
from littleton, co, usa
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ive had this bike now for near two weeks and ive gone downhilling at almost all the resorts in colorado and this is the best bike ive ever seen. if your looking at a bike for under 2000 this is it and in most cases the best in a little over 2000. if you compare it to any other bike its comps are better as is the bike overall. it is highly thrashable, i have fallen many times and never under 25 miles per hour and it has held up great with no repairs needed, ive ridden it on fast blues and technical black trails and man can it handle. so trust me if you want a good bike get this one, im starting to race and get sponsored in downhilling and this is the bike that stood out and performed i give it five because its great, any questions mail me sammyt4@hotmail.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MuadDib
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Every time I ride this bike I smile. From the narliest downhill to the smoothest tarmac this bike completely rocks! It just goes through anything and everything! The suspension soaks up every bump, big or small, and I've never ridden anything that is so responsive to tuning. The Avid brake set performs like XTR and the XT groupset shifts sweetly. The beefy Strongarm cranks are absolutely bomb proof and the VP clippers completely put Shimano DXs to shame. What I still can't believe is that the bike is exactly the same weight as my hardtail bike. Only 28 pounds! Not bad for a full bouncer. I also love the fact that so many of the components like the tires, bar, stem, seat, grips and front hub are all made by Specialized. It makes all of my friends GT's and Trek's look like kit bikes with their bits and pieces parts. As for its looks? Well, its almost caused crashes because so many other bikers and car drivers are turning their heads to look at it. Only complaints are that the rear end pivots need regular oiling and the 221 rims are just a little weedy but overall I have to give five hot one's for this big green monster. PS I don't work for Specialized! Really! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Benda
a racer
from valdez, alaska
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Lime green! That is my only major complaint with the bike. I wish it would have come in yellow like the Comp so it would match my Ski-Doo. I really like the rear suspension, active and plush. The Judy XL works well being both stiff and plush. I havn't had any problems with it.
I test rode both the GT LTS and Cannondale Super V. I feel the Cannondale is over hyped as the suspension bio-paced a lot as well as being more expensive. The GT's I've seen in town don't seem to hold together very well.
The rear suspension linkage requires a lot of maintenance. I oil the pivot after every ride like the manual recommends and after 400 miles it is getting a little sticky. I ride a lot in the rain so the maintenance seems justified for the performance. I don't have too much of a problem with that since the linkage is still tight.
I'm curious to see how the Judy performs this winter. After screwing around with an Indy C on my old Trek Y-3, I'm tried of elastomers and Speed springs with no rebound damping. I havn't had any trouble with the Judy so far.
For the person who appreciates four bar linkage suspension and doesn't mind doing maintenance I would recommend the FSR without hesitation. 5 chilis! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MiketheBikeMan
a cross-country rider
from Vacaville, California
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the FSR Extreme back in March of 1998, and I would have to say that it definitely rocks. Bought my wife the FSR (lowest model), and she loves it - tripled her riding time with me, just 'cause she loves it so much. I upgraded to XTR in the shifter/brake levers, brakes, and rear derailleur, added rollamajig, and replaced the brake noodles with pulleys - it is flawless. The suspension is definitely plush, although this is my first full suspension. I am only 125 pounds, and it handles even the little bumps no problem with my light weight. The ride is great - good control in tracking the corners, and the XL just bangs right over the roots and rocks. Color is alright, but I like the good clear coat on it. Switched the riser bar for a 5 degree bend Control Tech, and added Topo bar ends - definitely rides a lot better. Crankset flexes a little with body weight, but what can you say, it's Specialized. Never had to oil the pivots yet, and still works quietly, although going to oil soon, just in case. Absolutely no bobbing going uphill, if you stay seated. Weight is of no concern - weighs about a pound less than my old hardtail, and don't even notice the weight on the climbs. All in all, this bike is the bomb. I would recommend it to anyone. Happy riding, and Rockville Park rules. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darryl Carnochan
a cross-country rider
from Sudbury, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been eyeing up the Fsr Extreme for weeks now but need some more info about it before buying. Some shop guys say it's not worth buying because it's too hard to maintain it. They said specialized sucked because they are using 4 pivot points for a suspension instead of one like the K2 bikes. Please Email me at 721296@ican.net | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kumar Sichel
a weekend warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Summer of '97 I bought a Cannondale Super V 700, which I was happy with at first. I just sold that bike in May of '98 and in June I just bought a Specialized FSR Extreme. I am amazed by the difference in rear suspension. Unified Rear Triangle (URT) suspension on Cannondale's really sucks, especially when compared to Active Rear Suspension like on the Sepcialized. URT suspension sucks because it doesn't work as well when turning and when your moving slow or not at all. Also, URT suspension moves in a curve as it moves up and down, but active linkage suspension lets the rear wheel move in a straight line (like the front shock).
I also like the rear suspension damping on the Specialized, when going up hill I turn the damping on and it's like riding a hard tail. And when going down a hill I turn the damping off and on a rocky fire road it's like smooth road riding!******************************
The Mountain Biking Page
http://www.slowtrain.placo.com
****************************** | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Canadian Bacon
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was at Bromont a few weeks ago and they were renting out Fsr Extreems, so me and my buddy scraped together a few bucks and we rented it. It was sweet. It was my first time really riding a fs bike but I can saftly say it was plush. The Judy XL wasn't too bad but I would Like to slap a Jr. T on that baby. Anyways, it was a sweet bike and I plan to purchase one in the next year. Ride untill it hurts baby! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a racer
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Here is my bike at least its close. I have only had the bike for a short while but I love climbs like a hard tail (heavy hard tail) Handles grate on single track. I will be using this bike in an Adventure race on the 13th of June, and I will give my review of this bike after the race but for now its grate. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LT
a cross-country rider
from Calgary, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had set my sights on the S-Works but when I was unable to get one in my size (they sold out really quickly), I was forced to look at alternatives and thought I'd take the FSR out for a boot. When I got back you couldn't wipe the grin off my face! While there's alot to be said for light weight, just as much can and should be said about a bike that can blast/power/slam through anything!I've had mine for two weeks now and can't say enough great things about it! At the time of purchase, I upgraded the wheels to 517's with XT hubs but otherwise have left well enough alone. The triple clamp fork is worth it's weight in gold and the Rock Shox Deluxe on the back's not too shabby though the thought of adding a Cane Creek unit and losing half a pound is very appealing...The pedals aren't too fond of mud (the axle deep variety encountered when one takes their bike out to Kananaskis during a rain storm because they just can't wait for the weather to improve to take it out) but otherwise nothing but unendinf praise. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zaron Gibson
a cross-country rider
from Red Deer Alberta
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A BLAST, this is the best bike i have ridden in my life, super plush suspension makes the bike so fun to ride, what a rush going off the jumps, it lands good too.I usually detest Rok Shox, but i'm keeping these shocks on this bike. As you may be able to tell, i won't have anything bad to say, so i'm just going to say five chilis for this go-go girl | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Captain Adventure
a cross-country rider
from Ottawa Canada
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride almost every day up and down the gatineau park trails (I'm pretty good at finding new ones hehe) here. I just got the bike after my ancient Maxam Override (ever hear of it?) got swiped from my garage. My first full suspension bike. I found the wider handlebar a little getting used to as it made the steering more sensitive. I was also not used to the newer brakes. Overall the bike rules though. With all the ice storm damage, there's a good number of trees across the trails to ride or jump over up here. Excellent bike !! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Guimont
a cross-country rider
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I want to buy want but I need some comments about it. Please e-mail me if you have one and tell me your comments. I tried it 5 min. and I give him 5 stars.The suspension is very very plush . I was thinking buying a GT LTS-2000. Any suggestions on the 2 bikes???Thanks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fenton
a cross-country rider
from Hudson
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I also just recantly got this exqusitve bike and it is soo much funn for every thing i can hop the ting almost 2 ft already and the only thing stoping me from going higher is my seat i was riding down the trail the other day when i decided that i wanted to ride a wheele and i was going about 12 to 15 miles an hour and i fliped my bike over that is mad crazzy i shouldn't be able to do that my only complaint is the riser bar and the 3 spacers i took all that off and even put a 0 deg stem on and a lp b5 bar and it is better now there is also that little problem of the placement of the front deraler cable by the linkedge the bike is soo funn thought if will go where ever u want it to go and it will go there realy quickly5 for me at least for now even thought there was that bar thing | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a weekend warrior
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got it last week and so far it's real nice.
I was a bit worried about the lateral stiffness since this bike as a four-bar linkage, but it's just as strong as my old hardtail.
The rear-suspension is super good, when you climb the tire stays glued to the ground, when you pedal hard the suspension stays neutral and when you downhill, whoa baby this bike rocks!
The judy XL is real nice. At 205lbs and 6'3, i like the added stiffness of the double triple clamp. I thought it would'of been cumbersome in singletrack trails because of the limited stearing radius but no, it's just great.
My only complaint is the f%@*#ng ugly color, and the rear cable routing, you can hear the cables wack when you compress the suspension, but it might just my picky hear. All in all kick ass bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bashn
a cross-country rider
from Boulder,CO
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my FSR Extreme in November and have about 1200 miles on it so far. I use this bike for downhill, cross-country, and commuting. It replaced my rigid framed StumpJumper. As an avid dirt biker, I wanted plush, long-travel suspension and I got it with this bike. I'm very pleased with on and off-road performance. The suspension is very tunable and has required no service for 6 months and 1200 miles of riding. I wish the shifting was more precise and it does make a few weird creaking noises on occasion, but it is an absolute blast to ride every day. I power wash this bike almost once a week and have not ruined any bearings or bushings so far. It's worth every penny of the $1,440 I paid for it. I can't stand to ride rigid frame bikes any more! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Turner
a downhiller
from u.k.
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First i would like to say that this is my first full suspenion so I can only compare it to my old hardtail, secondly I would like to say that this bike rules! The super plush rear end gives me the confidence to tackle at speed rocks and roots that would have me slowing on my hardtail, and because of the progressive design it never bottom's out, nice. full suspension will not make you a better rider but it will make you go faster! My only gripes are that it has crap rims for a bike that is going to be hammered downhill and there is sod all seat height adjustment. My verdict: a great bike spoilt by bad wheels and bad design, the judy XL forks are great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GonZo
a weekend warrior
from The land up over
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got one of these bikes like 1 month ago. Its pretty darn awesome. I been cruising down the
roughest of tracks and it holds up fine and has very plush travel. The Judy XL triple clamp forks on
the front are a very nice match for the coupe deluxe on the back. It has an overall of 4.3 inches
travel on the back and 4 inches on the front. Most of the components are great and my only
complaint are the Mavic 221's on the front which like are pretty good so far however but I dunno,
they just don't seem to anywhere near as good compared to my Rhino's on my other bike. But well I
guess when you buy a bike you can't get exactly 100% the best bike for you, ya gotta upgrade over
time. | | Overall Rating: |
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