Submitted by
Lee Crowell
a Cross Country Rider
from Bartonsville PA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Camelback Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight for steel. Disc brake compatible. Cheap.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailleur hanger needs periodic realignment. This is easily accomplished with a Park alignment tool. (cost about $50), water bottle mounting bolts rusted quickly and had to replace with stainless steel bolts.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper '97 hardtail
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi z2 xfly fork (it's a great fork), Ritchey OCR disc wheels, Michelin Comp S tires, Hayes disc brakes (they're awesome), Thompson seatpost, Selle flite saddle, xtr front and rear derailleurs, xtr shifters, race face crankset, race face bottom bracket, Time ATAC pedals, race face stem, cane creek headset, Easton EA70 handlebar.
Bottom Line:
I had it custom built by Kalo Mtn bikes in California, they have a web site, and they're very reasonable. I wanted a lightweight hardtail for 24 hour racing, but I didn't want to sacrifice riding comfort, so I chose steel for the frame, Marzocchi for a comfortable, dependable fork, Hayes discs for the best stopping available, Time pedals for their dependability, and Selle flite seat because it's the most comfortable I've ridden (and also happens to be very light). Calling this my "dream bike" would be an understatement, it's the best piece of equipment I've ever owned. If I had to do it again I wouldn't change anything.
$ 1350.00
Overall Rating:
