Submitted by
Jrod Hanley
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, OR Date Reviewed: November 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Next One
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Life Cycle
Strengths:
Decent components for the mula. Light frame with plenty o' flex for aluminum. For me, nice geometry for endurance riding.
Weaknesses:
Handlebars were too narrow, but that is an easy fix. Rear cog is cheap - replaced with surly.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
New Monkey Lite H-bar and surly cog. Stock otherwise.
Bottom Line:
I don't know how much of this is simply attributable to 29 inch wheels or just the bike, but I am digging it. Things just feel silky smooth, corners seem banked, logs are smaller. All is well when I am on this thing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thubeav
a Cross Country Rider
from Decatur, GA Date Reviewed: September 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pinhoti Snake Creek Gap TT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
A Trail of Wheels, S
Strengths:
BIG wheels. Tight frame. Good parts. Solid all around. Big frame. 21.5 in. Now you're talking.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the saddle. I'll tell you how long the chain holds up later. Definitely saving for a better cog.
Similar Products Used:
None. Loads of 26 inchers.
Bike Setup:
Spec. Avid 5s. Felt stem, seatpost and bars. Basic wheels.
Bottom Line:
On a swoopy down hill yesterday, I rode away from two guys on their 6 in. travel bikes. They couldn't cut the little up hill interruptions. No pedaling. While I was able to hammer a few strokes and be gone. The bike seemed to pull me over the top. It is sooo much faster than my 26 in. "Custom Shop Name" bike.
With a frame that fits right and a roomy cockpit I can actually breath better and my day was so much better than ever. I'm 6' 2" and 216 lbs. My breathing was better, my back didn't hurt and I rode somewhat further than usual. I definitely rode faster than usual.
I think it will take several weeks to train up to riding at this new level. We'll update you then.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
7iron
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida Date Reviewed: August 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
San Antonio Cyclery
Strengths:
handles awesome,very responsive
Weaknesses:
stock bars
Bike Setup:
2008 17.5 Felt Nine Solo,stock except I changed the wheels and tires to American Classics and Continental Mountain kings,Funn Fatboy bars,different Felt stem to fit the 31.8 bars,Steve Peaty grips
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike in Feb.`08 and my `06 Giant Trance1 has been hanging on the wall since. I think if you were looking for something a little different this is an awesome bike.Did I say how great it handles? It is a blast to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D Houston
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, Ca, US Date Reviewed: June 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Foresthill Divide Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Victory Velo
Strengths:
Excellent value for dollar. Well equipped and the frame while light and supple is stiff and durable.
Weaknesses:
Juicy Fives are a bit undersized and a underwhelming in performance compared to other Avid products. Stock handle bars were a bit squat.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Unit 2-9
Bike Setup:
Avid Juicy Fives, Tru vativ crank, wtb wheel set other Felt components (Saddle,stem, etc.)REBA 29ers shock.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It has turned me into a true convert. I have a Moots 26' YBB collecting dust ($5,500 invested) because it does not compare in comfort or ride. I have my eyes on an Orbea Alma 29er for gears.
$
Overall Rating:
