Submitted by
glorycoree
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasanton, CA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Eden Bicycles
Strengths:
Pro-Pedal is nice when climbing up the typical East Bay Fire Roads. It keeps the suspension from eating up all of your energy on the climb. Good Geometry. The bike fits like a glove after a few modifications.
Weaknesses:
RaceFace bars were pretty bad. Too much upsweap. I swapped them out with Titec Hell Bent Bars. Also, the bike was outfitted with Deore parts. Not the lightest parts. I destroyed my rear deraileur on my first ride along with bending my rotor on the disc brakes. This bike didn't come with a quick release seat post clamp either so I had to purchase one of those as well. Hayes disc brakes aren't the best but definitely better than rim brakes. Oh.. the grips were pretty bad as well. I changed them out with some lizzard skin grips.
Similar Products Used:
Ventana El Chamucho, Redline Flight Monocog 29er
Bike Setup:
Fox RL, Fox Float RP2, Hayes Disc Brakes, Titec Hell Bent bars, Shimano XT, Hope quick release seatpost clamps, DMR Mag pedals (REALLY NICE) WTB Diva saddle.
Bottom Line:
The suspension setup is great. I love it. The bike handles really well. I think this is a great bike and I can see myself enjoying it for many years to come. the 5" of travel is pretty cush and despite the slack geometry, the bike climbs up really well. I would suggest this bike to any female looking for a good all around mountain bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rebecca
a Cross Country Rider
from Rock Island, IL 61201 Date Reviewed: March 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bike N Hike, Rock Island, IL
Strengths:
Almost everything! The bike's geometry is what sold it for me. With the decreased headset angle (shorter rake), shorter cockpit length, and light weight (for a full suspension bike), handling and maneuverability is very responsive. The bike is well balanced. The bike is comfortable to ride and feels as though it sits more upright. The suspension is plush yet doesn't feel like pedal efficiency is compromised. The Hayes Stroker Ride brakes have a new piston design. While they look a little different, they work quite well. The Kenda Navegal tires are nice.
Weaknesses:
The Rapidfire shifting isn't a concept I care for. The shifting is reversed from what I am used to (it shifts to an easier gear with the forefinger, and shifts to higher gears with the thumb). I have other bikes and want them all to shift the same way. To me, it makes more sense to shift quickly to an easier gear versus to a more difficult gear as the Rapidfire does, but that is probably because that is what I am used to. I switched out the Shimano Deore rear derailleur with an XT to go back to comtemporary shifting. The grips aren't very soft and seem pretty cheap. I replaced them with a set of Oury grips. The handlebars were slightly wide for me, so I cut half an inch off of each side. Much better!
Similar Products Used:
Giant Anthem 2, Specialized Stumpjumper M4.
Bike Setup:
Aside from the XT rear derailleur, all stock.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! I had test ridden a variety of other full suspension bikes (Specialized, Trek, and Gary Fisher) and I also own a Giant Anthem 2. This bike blows them all away! Its handling is so superb to anything else I have ridden. It's is light, surprisingly quick for full suspension, and a blast to ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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