Submitted by
Michael rhoten
a Cross Country Rider
from abingdon, va, usa Date Reviewed: November 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Iron Mountain Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Boyd's Bicycles
Strengths:
Solid Frame, Great looks, Proven design, Highly upgradeable, great price, quiet
Weaknesses:
Heavy components, brand name has slipped in recent years, but is trying to make a comeback with the new mission series and supposedly some better XC bikes next year
Similar Products Used:
GT, trek, marin, gary fisher, other diamondback
Bike Setup:
Panaracer Fire XC pro 2.1, Cane Creek Terros Disc Wheels, Avid BB7 disc brakes, Ritchey pro stem and handlebar (I prefer a flat bar), titec bar ends (marzocchi rocco air on the way) otherwise stock
Bottom Line:
This is for the 06 model, the SRAM X-7 stuff works great, my old GT had all XT stuff, and I can barely tell a difference. I really like the way the bike handles, decends, and especially the way it climbs. I think moving to a flat handlebar and a longer stem really helps with the climbing. The rear can be set to 4.5 or 5 inches of travel. Because the only adjustment on the fox float is the air pressure (hece the marzocchi on order), I keep it in the 4.5 inch position. It seems a lot stiffer there, so I don't have to pump the shock up so much. The adjustable rear travel is really easy to switch. Two allen wrenches and two minutes and you're done, so it's easily done on the trail, and there are no small parts to lose. Compared to my ridding buddies various trail bikes, my XSL Trail is very quiet, with no squeeks from the rear suspension. Other than changing the handlebar to meet your personal preferences, I'd find some tires and wheels on sale, I took off a pound and a half with my cane creek/panaracer combo vs. stock Sun/WTB combo (but I am keeping the old wheels for down hill duty, those ryno lites, and 2.24 tires make a great combo, just heavy) Buy this bike, it's money well spent!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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