Submitted by
Reagan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, Texas, US Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
OP Schnabel/Leon Creek--Flatrock Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
The frame overall is light and very strong. It can be upgraded to be a very competitive hardtail.
Weaknesses:
All original parts outside of the frame. Problems with the frame: no replaceable Rear Derailleur Hanger but it is beefy.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback Sorrento Sport
Bike Setup:
Manitou Super Xvert, Cane Creek Headset, XT V-brakes Front/Rear, LX Brake levers, LX Trigger Shifters, LX Hollowtech Splined cranks, XT Front Derailleur, Deore R. Derailleur, Rockshox Suspension Seatpost, Selle Italia Flight Gel Saddle w/titanium rails, XT Rear Hub, XT 8-Speed Cassette, Rear Bontrager Mustang Asym Rear Rim, Standard Front Rim and Hub
Bottom Line:
It is a good frame and can be built to race quality if you invest in the proper accessories.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kingwood, TX Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Willow City Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
easy to upgrade. No strange sizes for headsets, seatposts, etc. For the money, it is really nice.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
Other bikes in same price range: $400 - $500
Bike Setup:
added a thudbuster seatpost, which I really like.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike after over 20 years of not riding a bike at all. I've ridden it a lot (lost 20 lbs.), and it has worked very well. A very good bike for someone who looking for a good way to start exercising after years of inactivity.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laura
a Cross-Country Rider
from CT Date Reviewed: August 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
- I felt comfortable on the bike ~ good control - the breaks
Weaknesses:
Weight pedals ?shifting? (could just be the bike shop didn't adjust the cabels right the first time)
Similar Products Used:
this bike reminded me of my OLD UNIVEGA.
Bike Setup:
we changed the tires and pedals. then for my husband we had to get a longer seat post.
Bottom Line:
I had this bike for about a month and then my husband started riding it. The frame ended out being a little big for me. I'd gotten a really good deal on it and thought that I could just deal with the frame being a tad large. I did find the bike pretty heavy. Because of that weight I felt very stable on the downhills but was huffing and puffing on the up hills. For a while we were having trouble getting it to go into the lowest gear, but with THREE tune ups, it's finally working right.I felt like I had pretty good control over the technical stuff on this bike.I'd still be riding it if the frame wasn't so big. I'd say it's an ok bike for the money. I got mine for less than $300 from someone who won it in a contest ~ so we can't really complain.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted Backherms
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
N/A
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very stable at slow speed on trails. Comfortable upright position. Adjustable stem
Weaknesses:
Shifting less than perfect due to grip shift. Prefer rapid-fire.
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Stock configuration, with the addition of better pedals/toe cage and flat bar.
Bottom Line:
A good entry level bike for light to medium trails. Comfortable for us older riders with less calloused rear-ends (seat post shock). Wouldn't suit agressive riders/racers.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TampaMike
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, FL Date Reviewed: August 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
none yet
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Adjustable stem and handle bar.
Weaknesses:
stock drivetrain a bit heavy for an aluminum bike
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher... Giant Sedona Giant Iguana
Bike Setup:
added ESP 9.0 rear derailer. computer.
Bottom Line:
I test drove several bikes but, this one felt best for my riding style. I really like the adjustable handle bars. I can move them up and back for causal riding with the wife and child, then down for off-road trail riding with the guys. The RST 281 fork is a decent entry level model but, a little on the heavy side. The seat is not too comfortable but, maybe it will get better with some use. I did some research before the purchase and liked what people said about the esp de-railers. I got a great deal on a ESP 9.0 shifter and rear derailer and the bike shop upgraded it. Wow! Really ups my confidence on shifting during aggressive rides. Just got the bike but, I think I'll enjoy it for many years.
Overall Rating:
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